Last month, I took my family on a vacation to Palm Springs, Calif.
We stayed in a home formerly owned by Darryl Zanuck, the legendary movie producer of the 1940s and 1950s. Debbie Reynolds had a house up the hill and Liberace’s place, which has just undergone an extensive renovation, was just around the corner.
It’s easy to be wooed by the Coachella Valley’s retro-chic charms: the mid-century modern architecture, piano bars and boutique hotels with vintage decor and kidney-shaped pools. And given that Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine a year, you can leave your vitamin D pills at home.
What the residents of the valley don’t have is an abundance of water and access to universal health care. California is under a severe drought and the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as ObamaCare, is still a controversial issue.
This is the land of the gated community. In the older neighbourhoods, homes are behind walls, hedges and security cameras. “Armed response” warning signs are posted everywhere.
The ultimate “armed response” comes from the state of Utah, which recently declared its intention to execute criminals using a firing squad. “Unfortunate,” said the governor. I’ll say. Especially for the convict.
We’re used to being disappointed by the behaviour of some of our elected representatives. In the United States, at least, the foibles of politicians bring a smile.
Representative Aaron Schock, from Illinois, a controversial figure at the best of times, got in hot water for decorating his office to resemble the set of the PBS series Downton Abbey. Schock has since vacated his seat. I wonder if he took his furniture with him?
For reasons that escape me, American politicians often get their start in the entertainment industry. There’s Ronald Reagan and Sonny Bono and then there’s former Texas congressman Ben Jones.
Jones, who played Cooter on The Dukes of Hazzard, now represents the 30,000-member Sons of Confederate Veterans. They’re taking the case to allow speciality licence plates commemorating confederate soldiers all the way to the Supreme Court. It’s a free speech issue apparently.
Like a lot of places in California, the population of Palm Springs is a bit of an eclectic group. Take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and you’ll rub shoulders with retirees, weekenders from Los Angeles, movie stars, snowbirds, hikers, skateboarders and festival-goers.
There’s money here too. Over in the tony El Paseo shopping district you can scoop up a pair of diamond earrings for $139,000. That’s the sale price in U.S. dollars.
Here you’re an environmentalist or you’re not. The vehicle of choice in the desert is either a Prius or a Porsche. And finally, for all my tech-savvy readers, a retailer in Palm Desert features the Miracle-Ear hearing aids with Genius technology that wirelessly connects your Genius hearing aids with your smartphone, tablet, MP3 player or other Bluetooth-enabled device. Trade-ins accepted.
Like a lot of communities that cater to seniors, Palm Springs is trying to reinvent itself. I like it just the way it is. If you’re looking for a vacation spot with lots of sun, a stunning landscape, and a variety of outdoor activities, Palm Springs is worth a look.
Tom Carney is the former executive director of the Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. Ideas for future columns are welcome. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
