Category: Newsletters

I come from a mix of hospitality, events, and community-focused work. I started my career in Bentonville, Arkansas, producing events and building experiences that brought people together, then moved into the Chamber world—where I saw firsthand how economic and community development really happens: by connecting the right people at the right time. That’s been the through-line for me: creating spaces people actually want to be in, where something real can come out of it.

I moved to Palm Springs in 2022. I was in Los Angeles at the time, my lease was ending, my partner was here, and my current role opened up. It felt like one of those right place, right time moments and I’m really glad I trusted it.

I had been working at the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce for about five years, so I already understood the role Chambers can play in a community. When this position opened up, it felt like a rare opportunity to bring together strategy, creativity, and community-building in a place that already has a strong sense of identity. Palm Springs has a creative edge that you don’t always see and that was a big draw for me.

My official title is Director of Programs + Creative Strategy, which is a pretty accurate description. I oversee Leadership Coachella Valley, EMERGE Palm Springs, and the Walk of the Stars, while also leading marketing across the organization. So it ranges from big-picture strategy to very hands-on work—campaigns, content, events, partnerships. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure what we create in terms of programming and marketing feels intentional, relevant, and actually worth people’s time.

When I moved here, I noticed a gap—especially for younger, modern professionals. A lot of networking spaces felt transactional or forced, and that’s just not how I think people connect anymore. I wanted to create something that felt more natural, more genuine, and more reflective of the people who are actually building things here now. It really came down to this: if you put the right people in the right environment, you don’t have to force anything.

It’s not traditional networking. It’s a well-designed environment where conversations happen naturally. Good space, interesting people, something thoughtful woven in, and you leave having actually met people, not just exchanged names.

SOCIAL HOUR is the entry point. It’s more open, a little larger, and easy to walk into, whether you know people or not.

COMMON GROUND is smaller and more intentional. It’s built around shared interests, so conversations tend to go a little deeper and people find alignment faster.

IN CONVERSATION is a monthly morning series where we bring together a mix of emerging and established voices from different industries for conversations that feel grounded and real — not overly polished panels or rehearsed talking points.

People can expect honest perspective, practical insight, and conversations that actually stay with you after you leave. The goal is to walk away with a new way of thinking about something, whether that’s leadership, mentorship, creativity, business, or personal growth. It’s designed to feel approachable, welcoming, and worth showing up early for.

Windmill City stands out. We had live screen printing happening all night, people designing and walking out in pieces they just made, music going, drinks flowing. It felt interactive in a way that most networking events just aren’t. Hosting our first birthday on the rooftop of the Rowan was also special, since that’s where it all started. Honestly, I’ve been lucky to work with so many great spaces—it’s hard to pick favorites.

I keep a running list of “dream” locations, but a lot of it also happens organically. I look for places that already have a point of view: spaces with character, intention, and a vibe people want to be in. When the setting feels right, it naturally shapes how people show up.

I’ve definitely learned it. I don’t love traditional networking because it can feel forced, but I understand that’s part of the game in this industry. Over time, I realized the best connections come from just being present and curious. I still love meeting people, but I think of it more as building relationships than “networking.”

Honestly, watching what happens after the event. People meeting and then going on to collaborate, become friends, start businesses together—that’s the real impact. When something shifts from surface-level to something meaningful, you can feel it. That’s what makes it worth it.

Don’t overcomplicate it. Start with something real, something people actually care about, and stay consistent. You don’t need everything figured out, but you do need to keep showing up. And who you surround yourself with matters more than almost anything else.

The pace. There’s space here to think, build, and connect without constant noise, but there’s still a strong creative and entrepreneurial energy. It’s a rare balance.

Outside somewhere—drink in hand, probably near a pool or with a good view. Or checking out a new spot, or at something happening around town. There’s always something going on.

It depends on the mood.

• For a working lunch, the Cobb Salad at Spencer’s Restaurantnever misses.
• For something more relaxed, the Carne Asada Fries at Luchador Brewing Company are always in rotation.
• And honestly, I could make a full meal out of the Squash Blossoms at Clandestino.

• Right now, I keep sending people to Mentosa Coffee—it’s low-key, dialed in, and doesn’t try too hard. Get the “Tonic Glow”—lychee, ginger, lemon, and espresso. Trust me.
• For restaurants, I rotate between Boozehounds, La Tablita, Townie Bagels, The Sandwich Spot, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, The Heyday, and lately SoCal Sunset.
• If I have time to wander, I’ll start at Mojave Flea Trading Post,then make my way to Discount Beepers and Jean & James for vintage. Just Fabulous is my go-to for anything design-forward, and when it’s in season, the Palm Springs Vintage Market is always worth it.
• Lately, I’ve also been trying to be a little more balanced—getting back into yoga and pilates, mostly at Pharos Athletic Club(pictured)—which has been a good reset.
• And when I’m not trying to be productive, I’ll end up at the Palm Springs Surf Club. It’s the kind of place where you go for a couple hours and somehow stay all day—you never really know who you’re going to run into.
• Also, slightly niche, but Vanity’s DollHaus at One Eleven Bar on Friday nights is chaotic in the best way and always a guaranteed good time.

I was asked this question by a friend from church who was headed to the Palm Springs Art Museum with a group and needed some last-minute breakfast/brunch recommendations — and I was only too happy to oblige.

Liv’s – There’s no spot closer than Liv’s, located right on the museum’s lower level. Helmed by Chef Gabriel Woo — the mastermind behind Bar Cecil — the eatery serves excellent food in a bright, cheerful setting. Full disclosure: I’ve only ever been for lunch, but I imagine the breakfasts are equally tasty.

Juniper Table (pictured) – This place offers delicious breakfast in a beautiful setting just steps from the museum — though I’m still not entirely over the fact that they removed the homemade scones from the menu a few years back. They were a definite favorite of mine and I’m still just a wee bit bitter about it.

Farm – If you can snag a table — and that can be a big if — this is one of the most beloved breakfast joints in town.

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge – I love everything about this place, especially the egg white frittata — easily one of my favorite breakfast dishes in the entire Valley.

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery – A desert staple, you really can’t go wrong with a meal here.

A little farther out of the way, but definitely worth the walk, Boozehounds and Billy Reed’s (those cinnamon rolls!) are two of my breakfast favorites.

And while I haven’t personally been, I hear great things about both Hunny’s Restaurant & Bar and John’s Restaurant.

A friend who hosts a regular trivia night at her club recently reached out to see if I had any fun locally themed questions for an upcoming game. She didn’t have to ask twice! Random Coachella Valley tidbits are kind of my specialty. Here are a few I came up with.

HOLLYWOOD & CELEBRITY TRIVIA

Why are dimes often scattered at Frank Sinatra’s grave?
Following his son’s 1963 kidnapping — during which ransom demands were made via payphone — Sinatra began carrying 10 dimes at all times. The practice became so commonplace that he was even buried with 10 dimes in his pocket. As a nod to that lifelong habit, visitors leave coins at his gravesite at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, as pictured above.

What local resort did Frank Capra call his “Shangri-La for script-writing”?
La Quinta Resort & Club. Capra wrote many of his famous scripts there, and his typewriter still remains on display in his favorite room — the San Anselmo Casita (Room 136).

President Kennedy famously snubbed Frank Sinatra by not staying at his Rancho Mirage home during a 1962 visit. Which celebrity’s home did he stay at instead?
Singer Bing Crosby’s. Fearing bad press surrounding Sinatra’s alleged mob ties, the president reportedly changed plans at the last minute and instead stayed at Crosby’s estate in Silver Spur Ranch (now Ironwood Country Club).

What famous singer had a piano-shaped mailbox outside his Palm Springs home?
Liberace. The mailbox still stands in front of the property, located at 1441 North Kaweah Road, today.

What actor once owned the Palm Springs home known on Instagram as “That Pink Door”?
Telly Savalas.

ONLY IN THE DESERT

What is Indio’s nickname?
“The City of Festivals.”

The award-winning Spa at Séc-he opened in 2023. What does “Séc-he” mean in Cahuilla?
“The sound of boiling water.”

What is the name of the movie that has played continuously at Shields Date Garden since 1951?
“The Romance & Sex Life of the Date.”

The pool at the historic Ocotillo Lodge is shaped like what object?
A champagne cork.

What famous televangelist became embroiled in scandal after being pulled over near Clark’s Travel Center in Indio in 1991?
 Jimmy Swaggart – and there’s a plaque to prove it!

SPORTS & POP CULTURE

What band’s 1993 concert at the Empire Polo Club is widely credited with helping inspire the creation of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival?
Pearl Jam.

Where is baseball great Dorothy Kamenshek — the inspiration for Dottie in A League of Their Own — buried?
Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cathedral City.

Indian Wells Tennis Garden is home to the second-largest tennis stadium in the world. What’s the largest?
Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

This question came from a local desert Facebook group I’m part of, and I immediately knew the answer — it was a spot I absolutely loved and had visited even before moving to the desert.

Known as The Homestead, the eatery was indeed located inside a ranch home and featured a sprawling back patio with a fire pit where guests could head after dinner to make complimentary s’mores well into the night. Cozy and inviting, the restaurant even handed out blankets to keep diners warm on chilly evenings.

The Homestead closed in 2012 and today houses Old Town Artisan Studios.

The property itself has a fascinating history. Designed by architect Cliff May, it was originally built as a private home in 1948 for photographer Mary Mead-Maddick, who is said to have hosted such luminaries as Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Wayne during her tenure.

In the 1970s, the residence was purchased by Bob and Dolly Cunard, founders of La Quinta’s popular Cunard’s Sandbar. After their daughter left for college, the empty-nesters decided to transform the 16,000-square-foot estate and its 3.5-acre grounds into an elegant second restaurant called simply “Cunard’s,” which opened in 1987. An article from that year noted, “The old ranch house seemed destined for social gatherings . . . “

Throughout the ensuing years, the space housed several different restaurant concepts, including La Quinta Grill and Uli’s Bistro, before reopening as The Homestead in 2009. The name was fitting—dining there felt far more like being in a friend’s home than in a restaurant. 

Following the eatery’s closure, the property sat vacant for several years before reopening in 2016 as Old Town Artisan Studios, which still retains much of The Homestead’s original charm — though, sadly, no more complimentary s’mores.

That said, I highly recommend checking out their paint-your-own pottery studio, one of my favorite summer activities in the desert. Though I still can’t walk past that old firepit (pictured) without feeling a pang of nostalgia.

If you’re now craving a desert s’mores experience of your own, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage offers s’mores kits for guests to enjoy around the resort’s many fire pits.

Yes — absolutely apply!

I honestly cannot say enough good things about Leadership Coachella Valley. Joining the program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I’ve sung LCV’s praises in a previous Ask Lindsay issue, but I’ll say it again: I’ve met people whose paths I likely never would have crossed otherwise, many of whom have become dear friends. I’ve been introduced to industries, organizations, and perspectives I never would have encountered on my own. I’ve grown exponentially and picked up invaluable life skills. And perhaps most surprisingly, I’ve learned more about this Valley than I ever thought possible — and I went in already knowing a lot. In many ways, it’s made the desert feel smaller in the very best way.

As for what the program entails, each class includes roughly 45 participants who gather once a month for full-day sessions over the course of 10 months beginning in September. Each session centers around a different topic — Economic Drivers, Education, Philanthropy, Arts & Culture, Government & Justice, and more — offering an intensive deep dive into the people, organizations, and systems shaping the Coachella Valley.

And when I say intensive, I mean intensive.

Our recent Government & Justice session included a tour of the Cathedral City fire station, a K9 demonstration, a city leaders panel featuring seven local mayors and two mayors pro tem, a discussion on tribal government led by the director of public relations for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, a Riverside County justice panel with judges and attorneys, presentations from city managers and clerks on how local government functions, a lesson on mosquito and vector control, and, finally, a “Connect & Reflect” happy hour at Luchador Brewing Company. Each session also includes lunch from a fantastic local restaurant, along with invaluable leadership training and team-building exercises.

They’re immersive, fascinating, and genuinely fun — kind of like the world’s most interesting field trips. And honestly, the behind-the-scenes access alone is worth the price of admission.

Each class is also tasked with completing a class project benefiting a local nonprofit, though the scope and direction are entirely up to the class itself. Past projects have included hosting a prom for special needs students, organizing an education fair, and purchasing a commemorative plaque at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.

In honor of LCV’s 25th anniversary this year, our class decided to go big by hosting a fundraiser benefiting ABC Recovery Center’s campus expansion — a cause that’s made many an appearance in this newsletter as of late. To date, we’ve raised more than $23,000 — and donations are still coming in.

For anyone wondering about the time commitment: there’s no homework, and the only required commitment is the one full-day session per month for 10 months. Involvement in the class project can be tailored to your schedule and bandwidth. Some classmates dive in heavily, while others participate in smaller ways depending on work and life commitments. I personally went all in and loved every second!

And the experience doesn’t end at graduation. LCV has an extensive alumni network, with plenty of ways to stay connected long after the formal program wraps. In many ways, joining LCV feels less like completing a course and more like becoming part of a deeply connected Valley-wide community.

Tuition for the program is $1,500, and scholarships are available, so don’t let the cost keep you from applying if you’re interested.

In short (or not so short): do not pass go, do not collect $200 — just apply (but do it quickly – applications close May 31). The experience truly is life-changing.

One of my closest friends from LCV recently asked me this after my many Instagram posts about the Palm Desert Civic Academy (a program I just completed) sparked her curiosity about other similar opportunities in the Valley. Thankfully, there are quite a few — broken down by category below.

NETWORKING & COMMUNITY

• Emerge Palm Springs
  Not all networking events are created equal and the meet-ups put on by Emerge are truly next level. Typically hosted in unique spaces (like Windmill City Screen Printing — pictured above) and featuring great food from local vendors, walking into an Emerge event feels a bit like stepping into a warm hug. I honestly can’t think of a single one I’ve attended where I didn’t leave with at least one new friend. Founded by Evan Gray (whom I met through Emerge and now consider a friend — and who will be featured in my next Spotlight On newsletter issue!), the organization has quickly become one of my favorite ways to connect with people in the desert.
• GPS Ambassador Training
  I actually just signed up for this program, facilitated by the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, which trains locals to become “destination champions” for our desert community. Offered as either a short online or in-person course lasting about 2.5 hours, ambassadors are granted access to exclusive local experiences, events and continuing education opportunities throughout the valley.
• Shine Social/Rise 2 Shine Collective
  If you’re craving something a bit deeper than traditional networking, Shine Social and the broader Rise 2 Shine Collective — founded by LCV alum Noelle Kustas — do a beautiful job of fostering genuine friendships, support, and community among women in the desert. In fact, I recently hosted a small give-back night at The Local on 50th benefiting our LCV fundraiser, and Noelle turned the evening into her monthly “Girls Night Out,” bringing more than a dozen collective members to support our class project. If you’re looking for a group that shows up every single time, that’s Rise 2 Shine.

LEADERSHIP & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

• Leadership Coachella Valley
  As I mentioned above, if you’re seeking an opportunity to learn more about the desert and become more deeply connected to the community, this would absolutely be my first stop!
• Palm Desert Civic Academy
  Created by current LCV vice-president Ryland Penta, this program is like a mini-LCV focused on Palm Desert specifically (though participants need not be PD residents). Facilitated over five Monday evenings from 5–7:30 p.m., the course offers a fascinating dive into the city’s government, culture, planning and development through tours, panels and behind-the-scenes looks at civic processes.

BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center (PDERC)
  This hub for students, entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Coachella Valley fosters business establishment and growth by providing training, education, and services through various programs. The facility also features office space and conference rooms available for locals to utilize.
• Mini MBA Program
  One of the many offerings through the PDERC is a Mini MBA course, a six-session series designed to help early-stage and startup entrepreneurs by “covering the greatest hits of an MBA.” Best of all? It’s free!
• Coachella Valley Innovation Alliance
  Sponsored by Caravanserai Alliance for Entrepreneurs, this new initiative aims to connect civic leaders, business owners and residents across all nine desert cities. Its first event, an “Innovation Across the Valley” meet-up, takes place May 26 at Studio 4707 and will feature speakers including SunLine Transit Agency CEO Mona Babauta and The Best Bookstore owner Sarah Lacy.

Named in honor of a longtime Palm Desert mayor and city council member, this picturesque waterway meanders along the park’s southern edge. Home to a plethora of ducks, turtles, herons, and fish, the lagoon makes for a perfect spot to sit, ponder, and take in the wildlife. And while fishing isn’t actually allowed, there is one lone figure forever trying his luck. The bronze sculpture Midstream (pictured), by J. Seward Johnson, Jr.—the artist behind downtown Palm Springs’ Forever Marilyn—stands along the shoreline, fishing pole in hand . . . or at least he originally did. The pole was stolen long ago, but the joke remains: he’s positioned just steps from a “No Fishing” sign.

This gorgeous installation traces its origins to an essay written by second grader Bernice Gonzalez in 1997, which won the city’s annual Student Art & Essay Contest. That year’s theme: “If I Could Design Public Art.” Her vision? A metal mother and daughter holding hands, surrounded by sunflowers. The city council loved her idea so much that four years later, they commissioned artist Lisa Reinertson to bring it to life. The result (pictured) is a bronze mother and child encircled by a sea of lush golden florals and playful terrazzo animals—a piece that took my breath away the first time I saw it. Other not-to-miss artworks at the park include a set of coyote benches designed by third grader Ben Watling and The Dreamerstatue. 

Designed by Dee Clements, this memorial offers a powerful look at the Holocaust. Thoughtfully laid out, it guides visitors through the timeline, geography, and human impact of this history in a way that is as educational as it is sobering. Framed by poles modeled after those that held electrified barbed wire at the concentration camps, the space is anchored by cobblestone paving reminiscent of the grounds at Auschwitz. Bronze bas-reliefs, drawn from real historical photographs, encircle a 20-foot Star of David carved from black granite. Five sculpted figures stand atop the star, continuing the visual narrative. It’s not an easy stop, but it’s an important one—and one that stays with you long after you leave.

Prior to my recent visit, I had no idea this place even existed! Although it’s currently closed for renovations through May 23 (hence the cones in my photo), even from the outside, it’s incredibly impressive. Featuring two pools, water slides, a rope swing, a climbing wall, an obstacle course, a splash playground, a café (yes, they serve chicken strips!), and plenty of chaises and shady spots, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular spot to cool off—despite somehow flying under my radar all this time. With regular offerings like swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and lap swims, the Valley is lucky to have such a state-of-the-art place to beat the heat. I, for one, can’t wait to check it out this summer. (Day passes range from $7.75 to $12, with monthly options available.)

At the north end of the park, the entrance to Legends Field is marked by a tribute to a handful of baseball greats. While sports have never been my thing, the words etched on the ten columns lining the walkway immediately caught my eye. Each of the legendary athletes honored boasts a connection to the Valley, and reading through the plaques felt like a local history lesson. Among those recognized are Hall of Famer Don Drysdale, who called the desert home for two decades, and Dorothy Kamenshek—the inspiration for the character of Dottie in A League of Their Own—who lived (and is now buried) in Cathedral City. It’s a subtle but meaningful nod to the area’s history—and one that’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.

My husband is a huge fan of rice bowls, so when I heard about a new build-your-own bibimbap spot in La Quinta, the two of us rushed right over. And it did not disappoint! With a nice selection of base options (rice, noodles, or greens), proteins (chicken, pork, beef, or tofu), veggie toppings, and your pick of sauces, the meals are fully customizable—which this picky eater wholeheartedly appreciated—and absolutely delicious. My choice? A rice and tofu bowl topped with edamame, zucchini, shiitake mushrooms, and broccoli. No notes. I would happily eat there again—and again.

I just graduated from the Palm Desert Civic Academy after signing up on the recommendation of a Leadership Coachella Valleyboard member—and I genuinely loved every minute! Taking place over five consecutive Monday evenings, the sessions dive into everything from budget planning to beautification to public works, offering a concise and engaging introduction to how city government operates. Open to everyone (you do not need to be a Palm Desert resident), the free course feels like a mini LCV experience and is honestly one of the best things I’ve done this year. Bonus: Each session includes a free dinner from a stellar local eatery.

As a self-described coffee fiend, I am always up for visiting new local coffee shops and have been eagerly awaiting the opening of this specialty roaster (founded by two CV natives!) ever since first seeing it announced on Instagram late last year. The verdict? Definitely worth the wait. Bright, open, and airy, Desert Kid Coffee has a chic industrial feel, with cement flooring, sleek wood accents, and a garage door that opens to the sprawling front patio. I grabbed an iced latte and knocked out a couple of emails from one of the tables, fully enjoying the relaxed, design-forward vibe. And the latte itself? Utter perfection.

My friend and Leadership Coachella Valley president Nicole Trigg—the artist behind Botanical Verbiage—is hosting a series of floral design workshops over the next couple of months at the Coachella Valley History Museum. My bestie Heidi and I signed up for the ikebana session, the first in the series, and not only learned the intricacies of the Japanese art of intentional floral arranging, but also walked away with truly gorgeous creations (mine is pictured). Nicole breaks down the entire process with ease, crafting an evening of art, beauty, and inspiration.

I am a sucker for cute totes and graphic tees (especially of the desert-themed variety), not to mention a total child of the ’80s—so when I saw Raised in the Sun’s new Coachella Valley Girlmerch, I was instantly obsessed. Created by Cathedral City native Denise Rodriguez Bowman—whom I met at a recent Rise 2 Shine Collective gathering, where I was lucky enough to winthe pictured tote—the line is playful, pastel-coded, and absolutely adorable. Currently available at Hot Lips Coffee Shop, I’m already eyeing the pink version—it’s basically my entire personality in bag form.

I was born in Mississippi, but moved with my mom and two sisters to Tennessee, where I spent most of my childhood and youth. It’s funny, while living in the south, most people asked where my accent was from — they thought we were from the Midwest or California. But since moving to CA, I can definitely hear my southern accent. LOL!

This could be a long answer — I really just pursued anything that intrigued me or pulled me towards it, which was a lot. Followed curiosity wherever it led and I’m just really into being alive. My academic journey spanned 15 years at university and it was wide-ranging and philosophically formative. It was a devotion of mind, body, and soul, really, but creativity and music have always been steadfast anchors of growth and inward exploration in my life. My family is largely creative and musically-oriented. I did study fashion design, but left to pursue philosophy because it felt like it was stemming from a deeper, more valuable or meaningful current. Best decision of my life, really, was pursuing philosophy as a path. I began a doctoral program (consciousness studies), but opted for the path of a master’s degree instead. After graduation, I decided to move back to Nashville. Found myself working in tech but eventually resigned, then out of left-field, began working as a wardrobe stylist in the music industry assisting an established stylist there. That was the most fun and fruitful gig, connecting with so many talented and humble people, everyone making their own dreams come to life. That’s when I started making jewelry — learned how to work with metal, metalsmithing. Happy to be here in the beautiful Coachella Valley now! Just completely in awe of the desert and everything about it. It feels as if I’ve come alive here in some sort of way that is directly related to the sun and stars. Can’t put my finger on it yet, but I’m here for it.

This is a crazy story, actually, one that I’ve been trying to flesh out since moving here, but I’ve been so busy with jewelry and life. Basically, during my first semester in grad school, I had a powerful dream that took place in the desert. But I didn’t experience the desert until a vacation in 2021 — eight years after the dream.

My family lives along the coast of California, so the desert was a completely new/different place to me. I decided to book a month-long trip to get away from the COVID situation, so I could breathe and write. I had some kind of yearning for solitude, reflection, and to just write something. I recalled the dream from grad school and booked the trip. Thirty minutes later, I saw a snake (deceased) in the parking lot but it looked like it was trying to eat its own tail. Like an Ouroboros. I thought that was interesting and strange timing. 

Shortly after arriving in La Quinta, I knew I was supposed to live here. It was like my insides finally matched my outsides. Some kind of instant harmony or resonance occurred. I knew almost immediately, and it changed the tone and intention of the trip — from devoting myself to writing, to simply being here in this place.

The trip ended with me signing a lease on the house I live in now, which just happens to have the same rock mound I was sitting on in my dream, gazing at the colorful skies in amazement, which is what I do now. It’s truly crazy. So, I guess you could say a dream brought me here.

Since a young age, yes. I would get lost in my grandmother’s wardrobe. She had beautiful garments from Italy, tons of furs, pearls, jewels, hats, gloves. She taught me how to sew when I was 5-6 years old and the love of wardrobe stayed with me. I was constantly sketching ideas through middle school & high school. I applied to FIT in NYC when I was a senior in high school and was accepted on scholarship, but my dad took me to visit the campus, and while we were there, he told me I wasn’t ready to live in a big city. I went to design school in Nashville instead, but dropped out to pursue philosophy. Back again, full circle.

There were many things about tech that I loved and thrived in, but I’m creative to the core and that aspect of myself was largely ignored and neglected, therefore always calling out to me — so I resigned. Even though the job offered financial security and stability, I just couldn’t do it another day. I resigned without a plan and while I was on my bed journaling and crying about what I had just done, my old roommate called and asked if I could help her friend, a celebrity stylist in the music industry who was growing fast and needed an assistant stylist. I dried my eyes and said yes. This is when my creative spark rekindled and I subsequently started a jewelry line.

Lots of reading, experimenting, and YouTube videos of professionals. I watched, listened, learned, and then gave it a go. The more mistakes I made, the better I got at it. Working with metal is very challenging — it will cut you, burn you, make you scream — but it is how I’ve learned to be more patient, gentle, and intentional. I have a lot of respect for metal and metalworkers.

Ooooh, I like this question because I don’t have an immediate answer! When I’ve incorporated desert symbolism into a piece, that feels especially Sunhawk, because I renamed the jewelry line to reflect the move here and the transition to creating desert-vibed jewelry. I do love making sculptural pieces and would like to make more. I’m recently working with gorgeous gemstones that catch the sunlight in incredibly beautiful ways, and that excites me, to see where this takes my work and how I can infuse metal. My creative urges, though, bend towards pieces that look like ancient artifacts or gallery pieces. Basic stuff bores me to death. I like a challenge, some mystery, some weirdness, some edge.

I’m absolutely obsessed with colorful and sparkly gemstones and diamonds. And alchemical symbols! And I’m dying to cross the rainbow bridge into gold. Working with brass and bronze has been all I’ve had access to for nearly a decade, I’m beyond ready to work with gold but I’m self-funded and self-operating, which has made it so difficult. I’m working on my first ever rose gold custom piece right now and it has given me so much hope and excitement. It’s symbolic and huge for me.

I don’t have a structured process, but everything begins in my imagination — playing with shapes and lines and colors in my head and how they will be framed on the body. I let the stone speak and tell me all the ways it could potentially be worked with. Sometimes a piece will completely change in the middle of the process. I stay open to the process and let it happen through me.

The beauty of this place shows up and comes through all the time. I can’t believe my eyes when I look at this landscape and every detail about it. It blows me away and keeps me endlessly inspired. The energy is immaculate, the wildlife is abundant and sacred, the plants are shocking and surreal, the entire ecosystem amazes me and I hope to infuse that into everything I make while living here.

Beauty, confidence, and elegance — all of the natural sort.

My website is the main hub, but also Instagram (I try to stay present but my hands are busy!) — and locally at It Refills in Palm Desert, the weekly Sunday market in Old Town La Quinta, as well as Late Sunday Afternoon in Venice Beach.

That is a huge part of my business. It’s fully collaborative, an exchange of open dialogue, which takes place via emails. Someone lets me know their idea or need/desire in a piece, I then send sketches and ideas, then we go from there. I love the custom process and clients do, too. It’s quite special.

This excites me! Building the pond was a bit on the easy side, since I grew up working on farms. The first time I held a shovel, I was four years old. After I moved in to my current house, I saw how abundant the wildlife was, so I installed several water stations, but found myself constantly refilling them. The sun evaporates the water rapidly, but also the animals stay thirsty. I realized I needed a bigger water source and decided to get the ole shovel out. I decided on a spot underneath a gorgeous pinyon pine tree, where the animals love finding shade, and then sketched shapes to fit the space. Once the shape was decided upon, I did some research, made a plan, then started digging. I ended up making it twice the size I initially planned, and once I saw how much the hummingbirds loved bathing in the waterfall, I installed another one. I did all the labor myself and every day the love blesses me — it stays busy with animals and is how Dahsha found me. The pond turned out to be a pot of gold in this rainbow land. I’ve never seen so many rainbows in my life as I’ve seen living here. Something about the atmosphere. I can’t live without wildlife, at this point. In fact, I feel myself becoming more wild being here amongst them.

Dahsha is unreal — she gets better each day and now that she’s coming out of survival mode, her personality is starting to beam and she is such a beacon of love, innocence, playfulness, and joy. I’m still in shock from the rescue. I truly cannot believe she is alive, much less, my new best friend, roommate, and love of my life. I’m trying to wrap my head around all the layers of the rescue and the unforeseen timing of events which unfolded. I had very little control or power over the situation, and all I could do was stay as present as possible, dedicate my mind/body/soul to ensuring the safety of the two puppies, and exhausting every ounce of myself until they were safe and secure. We will miss Salami Mami forever and honor her. Dahsha is now safe, secure, and absolutely spoiled.

Bringing Angelo in a few weeks ago was unexpected, but he’s a sweet ball of sunshine and just wants peace and friends. He came from the same dog-hoarding house Dahsha and Salami Mami ran away from. When I got the phone call that Salami Mami’s sibling was just mauled nearly to death, and then I went over and saw his condition, it was clear if he didn’t go to the emergency room he would die in a matter of hours. His injuries were extreme and severe. Totally starved and dehydrated. At intake, they asked the name and “Angel” immediately popped into my mind. Then they asked the sex, but I had just met him and didn’t know, so we lifted the leg and saw it was a boy. So, I say, “We’ll call him Angelo.” And that he is. A total sweetheart, so gentle, tolerant, patient, and a beautiful little boy. And to think he was so tortured by other dogs for simply wanting to eat and be here. From what I know of him so far, he doesn’t have it in him to fight, especially for a meal. It’s a trauma rehab center right now in my studio, very chill and nourishing. Lotta love, lotta food, lotta snuggles, and a lotta walks outside.

[Editor’s note – you can read more about Angelo’s rescue and donate to his recovery here.]

I feel as a business owner here, that it is easy to connect with other business owners. The spirit of entrepreneurship is alive here! I was surprised how much potential exists in the Valley as a business-minded person. I would love to keep building here. The community is solid and fluid, also completely open to the arts. What a reward that is for us all.

Stay open, let ideas evolve, get connected. I feel weird offering others advice, but those three things will certainly lead to somewhere good.

The air! The sun! The energy! The life growing here! Everything — every cell of my body is in love with this place.

Handel’s Ice Cream — I joke, but I haven’t eaten at many places yet, and am open to recommendations. If I’m down in the Valley, I usually stop at Chef Tanya’s Kitchen to grab something. I like Mastro’s steakhouse on El Paseo, The Daily Grill, Baby’s Marché, The Venuesushi, some spots in Palm Springs. Would love to know any good spots to eat.

I really don’t leave home much, but It Refills (pictured) is a special shop and feels like the future. Sustainable everything — I love it. it feels like a bright, happy, and clean hug in there. El Paseo and Old Town La Quinta are wonderful and where I take people when they visit. Elizabeth & Prince is a gorgeously curated store. As a lifelong tennis player, the BNP Paribas Open feels like Disney World to me. I look forward to it every year and can’t wait to join a tennis club at some point. I would love to start a line of stylish tennis wear — I’m already cooking something up in the jewelry kitchen for the tennis ladies in the Valley. Stay tuned!

This one comes from the daughter of my bestie Heidi (of Lucky Linqs), who was recently on the hunt for a good WFC (work-from-café) situation on the east side of the Valley. And since I’m nothing if not a coffee fiend, I didn’t have to think twice about where to send her.

Here are my go-to spots for getting some work done, latte in hand—think quiet vibes, plenty of space to spread out, and excellent espresso to keep you going:

The Vintage Coffee House (Indio, pictured) – One of the only places in the desert to offer bulletproof coffee, alongside plenty of seating, a spacious patio, and consistently great drinks. Bonus: it’s a favorite WFC spot for Justin Bieber!

Rutina (Palm Desert) – A newer addition to the desert’s coffee scene with a clean, minimalist vibe and plenty of room to post up and power through that inbox.

Saguaro Coffee (Indio) – Another newer spot that’s quickly become a favorite option for a productive coffee session. Bright, welcoming, and easy to settle into for a cup or two.

Everbloom Coffee (Indio) – Great coffee, chic environment, and lots of table space make this a stellar work spot. Pro tip: be sure to hit up the Smurr Street café—the sister location on Highway 111 is a bit tight on space.

Cali Rosina (La Quinta) – Not coffee, but still worth including. This Old Town tea house recently added a serene anteroom that’s quiet, cozy, and perfect for a low-key work session.

Considering our gorgeous winters, it’s no surprise the desert is teeming with stunning restaurant patios. Read on for a curated list of some standouts.

Adobe Grill (pictured) – Hands down my favorite restaurant and patio in the entire Valley. Strung with twinkle lights and overlooking the beautiful grounds of La Quinta Resort, it’s simply magical. And the enchiladas verdes are not to be missed!

Azúcar Restaurant & Rooftop Bar – Perched above downtown Palm Springs under a canopy of Edison bulbs with mountain views, this eatery is stunning! The craft cocktails and bites are just as swoon-worthy.

Spencer’s Restaurant – A true Palm Springs institution with one of the prettiest patios in town.

Le Vallauris – Fine dining at its finest, with a sprawling, tree-strewn patio framed by a gorgeous backdrop.

Escena Grill – Overlooking the sweeping course at Escena Golf Club, this patio is especially beautiful during breakfast and lunch hours when the sunlight dapples the vast greenery.

Sunnylands Café – My go-to lunch spot, I love grabbing a coffee and salad here and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere on the serene, fountain-flanked patio.

SilverRock Grill – Another favorite breakfast/lunch option, with a lovely shaded terrace overlooking the lush fairways of SilverRock Resort.

Grapefruit Basil – Set amongst a picturesque olive grove with a roaring double-sided fireplace, this is one of the desert’s prettiest spots to dine al fresco.

Copley’s Restaurant – Once Cary Grant’s off-site guest quarters, the patio here is lush and intimate, so it’s no wonder it was named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America.

Bar Cecil – Twinkle lights, colorful pillows, and cozy couches set the scene for what will no doubt be one of the best meals you’ll find in the desert.

Palm Springs Surf Club – Soak up a vacation-like vibe while enjoying signature cocktails and California-fresh fare, plus a front-row seat to the lazy river and surf pool.

Lavender Bistro – A dreamy oasis of trees strung with hundreds upon hundreds of sparkling lights—this La Quinta patio is pure magic.

Mélange – The only lakeside dining experience in the Valley, overlooking serene Lake La Quinta, complete with docks, boats, and gently lapping water.

The Tropicale – Warm, vibrant, and perfectly pink, this lush patio is a full-on tropical escape.

La Quinta Cliffhouse – Literally built into the mountainside above Highway 111, the patio here is dramatic in all the best ways.

The Sandbar – The retro interior here gets all the attention, but don’t sleep on the back patio—intimate, romantic, and anchored by a cozy fireplace.

La Brasserie – Last but certainly not least, the expansive terrace at this elegant French bistro boasts a fountain, twinkle lights, and stunning mountain views.

While I never thought I’d say this, the answer is . . . no.

Before I moved here in January 2013, I’d spent nearly 15 years in Los Angeles, where I covered filming locations for various media outlets and publications—and there was pretty much no place else I ever thought I’d want to be. L.A. had everything: world-class shopping, incredible restaurants, iconic venues, and, best of all, movie star sightings on the regular. I felt like I was in the center of it all.

So, relocating to the desert definitely came with a bit of reverse culture shock. I’ll never forget my first week here, running to the Sephora on El Paseo just after six on a Friday night, only to find it closed. I quickly realized I was stepping into a much slower way of life—and it took some getting used to.

But now, well over a decade later, I truly can’t imagine living anywhere else. The landscape is beautiful, the pace is relaxed, the small businesses are next-level, and the people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered.

The Coachella Valley may be made up of nine cities, but it has a verysmall-town feel—and that’s one of the things I’ve grown to love most. I run into people I know almost everywhere I go and the sense of community here is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. People genuinely show up for each other—supporting local businesses, celebrating wins, and lifting one another up. The Coachella Valley is a genuinely special place and I feel so lucky to call it home. And yes—I’ve even managed to squeeze in quite a few celebrity sightings along the way.

That said, there are two things I do miss about L.A.: the temperate summers and Zara. The day we get a Zara out here, this Valley will truly have it all.

A neighbor reached out with this question on behalf of a friend looking to transform a patio wall with a realistic jungle motif. 

I had one artist in mind right away—Randi Elise Wilson, the Joshua Tree-based tattooist and muralist who created the gorgeous blooms wrapping the side wall of Gabino’s Creperie in downtown Indio (pictured).

I also tapped my network for a few additional recommendations. My local artist friend (and Leadership Coachella Valley alum) Debra Ann Mumm pointed me to Zachary J.F. Boyles, a painter who specializes in foliage designs—and the artist behind the mountainous mural that serves as the vibrant backdrop for the Colossal Cacti exhibit on Smurr Street in downtown Indio.

And yet another friend suggested Molly Keen of Molly Keen Art, a nomadic muralist who “lives and works off-grid” in a 40-foot converted school bus, traveling the country and creating site-specific work along the way. Her murals are deeply inspired by place—often incorporating local plants, animals, and history into each design. To date, she’s completed 95 murals across 34 countries.

Safe to say, there’s no shortage of incredible mural talent to choose from.

Another neighbor posted this question on Facebook, and I was only too happy to chime in.

For what feels like ages now, I’ve been following local midcentury lover and expert DIYer Krys Melo (aka @melodrama) on all the things. Her style is so adorably Palm Springs, I challenge you not to get immediately sucked into her Instagram feed!

Krys’ father, Fernando Gonzalez, just so happens to be the founder of Mariachi Coachella. Enmeshed in the mariachi world since childhood, he was already performing professionally by the age of 12—and he’s still at it today!

Following casino residencies, a collaboration with Ringo Starr, and the release of three studio albums, Fernando now serves as director of Mariachi Coachella, bringing the vibrant sounds of mariachi to the Valley and beyond alongside celebrated harpist Ernesto Franco. He also founded Armonía Music Center, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching mariachi to both children and adults throughout Southern California.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better group to play your next event.

Join us at ABC Recovery Center on April 30 as we celebrate their campus expansion with an evening of community, food, music, and inspiring speakers. Attendees will get an up-close-and-personal look at what makes ABC such a standout recovery program and learn more about the important work they do. Bonus: Guests will also be granted a sneak peek at portions of the soon-to-be-completed campus. Tickets can be purchased here or by scanning the pictured QR code.

From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to unforgettable outings, our silent auction has something for everyone—and you don’t need to attend our event to bid! Highlights include a private tour of Acrisure Arena, a private tour of The Living Desert, a round of golf for four at BIGHORN, a live news experience at NBC Palm Springs, a 3-session financial planning package with Cole Ruth, CFP®, and more! Browse all of the fabulous items and place your bids here or by scanning the pictured QR code. Don’t miss your chance to snag these unique experiences while supporting ABC!

From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to unforgettable outings, our silent auction has something for everyone—and you don’t need to attend our event to bid! Highlights include a private tour of Acrisure Arena, a private tour of The Living Desert, a round of golf for four at BIGHORN, a live news experience at NBC Palm Springs, a 3-session financial planning package with Cole Ruth, CFP®, and more! Browse all of the fabulous items and place your bids here or by scanning the pictured QR code. Don’t miss your chance to snag these unique experiences while supporting ABC!

If you have a friend or loved one in recovery, what better way to honor them than with a name on the Leadership Coachella Valley Class of 2026 digital tribute wall? This inspiring recognition will be displayed in ABC’s new welcome center, where those beginning their recovery journey will first enter the campus. It serves as a poignant reminder that no one in recovery walks alone and that every journey is supported by those who came before. Scan the QR code or click here to purchase a name.

Sing your heart out every Tuesday night in April at Hunters Palm Springs with Karaoke for a Kause, a month-long campaign to raise $2,500 and sponsor a Named Recovery Bed in one of ABC Recovery Center’s new residential bedrooms. Hunters has already kicked things off with a $500 donation, and now it’s up to the community to help reach the rest of the goal. Come on out from 8 PM  to midnight each Tuesday, sing your greatest hits, and enjoy a night with no cover – all for a great “kause!”

Everybody’s gotta eat, right? So why not head to The Local on 50th in Indio on May 6 from 5 to 9 pm and dine out for a cause! That evening, a portion of all food and drink proceeds will benefit our fundraiser. Bonus: The Local serves the best chicken strips in the Valley (as I’ve mentioned several times in my newsletter!)—so May 6 is the perfect night to sample them while raising funds for ABC! Let’s eat, drink, and do some good!