By Joseph S. Amster

The lowering temperatures, morning drizzle, and the donning of sweaters and jackets leaves little doubt: Autumn is upon us in the L.A. basin. Let's face it, you need an escape to the desert, and what better way to start than with the official kick-off to Palm Springs' season: the 19th Annual Greater Palm Springs Pride, Nov. 5-6?

The big weekend is here

With 30,000-40,000 people expected for Palm Springs Pride, this event has grown from its beginnings as a picnic for the women's community to a small lot on Arenas Road to its current location at Angel Stadium in Sunrise Park at the corner of Barristo Road and Sunrise Way. The festival runs from Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and admission is $10 each day. With over 200 booths of community organizations, businesses, and food vendors, the festival grounds offer plenty of room to relax and take in the festivities. But there's more to Palm Springs Pride than relaxation -- there's entertainment galore. Main Stage entertainment offerings feature a diverse range of artists, including Mona Caywood, Sebastian Sedi, Miss Fern, Sonora Del Caribe, Culture Shock, S.D. Drag Kings, and more. What would a Pride festival be without dancing? For those who prefer moving their feet with a country flavor, you can two-step and clog all day at the Country Dance Tent. Those seeking a more disco dance experience should drop by the Entrance Dance Tent, sponsored by Hunter's Video Bar. One of the unique features of Palm Springs Pride is their Author's Village, featuring the top writers in the world of LGBT literature. This year will be no exception, with such scribes as Christopher Rice (Density of Souls), David Stukas (Biceps of Death), Judy Artunian and Mike Oldhammer (Palm Springs in Vintage Post Cards), and more in attendance. The weekend's big event is the Pride Parade, snaking down N. Palm Canyon Drive between Alejo Road to Ramon Road beginning at 10 a.m. Greater Palm Springs Pride President Jack Schloeder promises this year's parade to be better than ever, with more elaborate floats than in past years. Thousands are expected to line the route to take in the festivities, as well as applaud this year's honorees: Community Grand Marshal Wayne Fleisher, Woman of the Year Elizabeth Baker, and Man of the Year Jack Ellison. This year's entire Pride Program is available on Palm Springs Pride's Web site. To download a copy, or for more information, go to www.pspride.org.

Around town

You could spend all of your time at Pride, but there's so much more to do while you're visiting. Entertainment over the weekend includes a full weekend of big names at Heaven Nightclub (611 S. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 416-1950, www.heavenpalmsprings.com). On Friday, Nov. 4 at 10 p.m., drop by for Acension -- a dance and after-hours party where DJ Kimberly S will be spinning and celebrating the release of her new CD. On Saturday, Nov. 5, Heaven welcomes DJ Joe Gauthreaux from 10 p.m.-4 a.m., and DJ Nineteen69 from 4-8 p.m. The weekend climaxes on Sunday, Nov. 6, with Ascension afternoon dancing featuring DJ Phil B beginning at 4 p.m. and a special performance by the legendary songstress Amber brings Pride Weekend at Heaven to a thrilling close where she'll be singing her hits "This is Your Night" and "Above the Clouds," as well as selections from her new CD My Kind of World. For those looking for more erotic fare, drop by CCBC (68-369 Sunair Rd., Cathedral City, (760) 324-1350, www.ccbcps.com) for their annual Mr. Palm Springs Pride Contest on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m. If eyes could get cavities, this would be the place for it to happen. If you're more of a politico, the Human Rights Campaign is having their Palm Springs Garden Party on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 2-4 p.m. at the Las Palmas estate of David Lee and Mark Nichols. For more information, call (877) 472-3836, or go to www.hrc.org/oclbps. For a tikilicious time, hosts Jason and Eddie suggest you drop by Toucan's Tiki Lounge (2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 416-7584, www.toucanstikilounge.com), where they'll have their Pink Flamingos Party with a locals buffet from 5-7 p.m., as well as live entertainment and DJs until 2 a.m. All weekend long, they'll feature go-go boys and girls, with DJ Galaxy and DJ Mixie on two dance floors, wrapping up on Sunday, Nov. 6, with a barbecue and beer bust and the Playgirls Drag Revue at 8 and 10 p.m. -- better get there early, this one always sells out. You can bet that the area's bars and clubs will be packed over Pride weekend. Be sure to check out some of our favorites further down. A popular Pride event for the early risers is the Palm Springs Frontrunners 5K Pride Run and Walk on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 8 a.m. For more information, go to www.psfr.org. The glitz and glamour of the Palm Springs Follies (128 S. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 327-0225, www.psfollies.com) returns in its 15th incarnation, and for the first time, they're going to be in the Pride Parade. Remember what I said earlier about more floats this year? Theirs should be a doozie! Matinees for the Follies start Pride weekend, with regular performances continuing throughout the season.

Charge it!

Some shop for pleasure, some for necessity, and others for sport. Palm Springs offers some world-class shopping, with stores to fit every taste -- from fine china to leather. Art galleries abound in the valley, and photography continues to rise as a collectible medium. If you're well acquainted with the photographic arts or a neophyte, drop by Imageville (128 La Plaza, (760) 416-9825) to catch owner Gary Dorothy's photography. Q Trading (600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., (760) 416-7150, www.qtrading.com) has been a long time community favorite with their extensive collection of books, clothing, and accessories. Located across the street is Sugar Daddies (577 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., (760) Suite 8, (760) 323-0276), with their distinctive collection of upscale gifts. If Radko ornaments or Steiff toys are what you're looking for, you've found the right place. With its uptown location and its wide array of gifts, skin care products, and more, Sublime (402 N. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 322-3286, www.sublimepalmsprings.com) is a unique shopping experience for the world-class shopper. If you're a bargain hunter, much of their inventory is now on sale. For the leather set, a stop at Gear (650 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., Suite 1, (760) 322-3363. www.gearleather.com) is required for an addition to your collection or something you may have forgotten for your weekend's play. If you want to look your best with the desert set, drop by Vanity for Men (123 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 133) and check out their upscale men's wear. You can also add some bling to your ensemble with a stop at Hephaestus (132 La Plaza, (760) 325-5392, www.hephaestusps.com). With the works of over 20 artists in their display cases, this would also be a great place to by the perfect ring when you propose to your domestic partner (how romantic!). You're going to need a bottle of wine to celebrate proposing, so pick one up (or at least learn a little about wine tasting) at Palm Springs Wine and Art (242 N. Palm Canyon Dr.). In addition to wine, they also feature various beers and art exhibitions.

Thirsty?

Bars and clubs for the community abound in the Coachella Valley, and you can bet they'll be packed during Pride weekend. Space doesn't permit covering them all, but here are a few recommendations -- depending on what you're looking for. As you enter town, one of the most festive locations is Toucan's Tiki Lounge (2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 416-7584, www.toucanstikilounge.com), an ultra-friendly spot with plenty of libations and great entertainment. A top spot on Arenas Road (gay central) is Hunters Video Bar (290 E. Arenas Rd., (760) 323-0700, www.huntersnightclubs.com), with plenty of room to dance, as well as great music and videos. Two bars popular with the leather set are the Tool Shed (600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., (760) 320-3299, www.toolshed-ps.com) and The Barracks Bar (67625 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Cathedral City, (760) 321-9688, www.thebarracksbar.com).

Hungry?

During a weekend of partying, dancing, shopping, and cavorting, you can work up quite an appetite -- and man does not live by Pride festival grub alone. This is especially true when the Palm Springs area has so much fine dining to offer. In the Arenas Road area, the Rainbow Cactus Bar and Grill (212 S. Indian Canyon Dr. (760) 325-3868) remains a popular choice. Also a long-time community favorite is Blame it on Midnight Bar and Grill (777 E. Tahquitz Way, (760) 323-1200). Pan Asian fans can't go wrong at Wang's in the Desert (424 S. Indian Canyon Dr. (760) 325-9264), and Italian aficionados will love their sister restaurant Boscoso (707 N. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 325-4002). The Cedar Creek Inn (1555 S. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 325-7300) is under new ownership, so check them out. For home cooking, drop by Patrick's Roadhouse (611 S. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 325-1551. Look Palm Springs (139 E. Arenas Rd., (760) 778-3520) offers a bistro-style menu with their cuisine served under the stars. If you're looking for upscale comfort food, check out More Than a Mouthful Café (134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, (760) 322-3776). Perhaps the best Mexican cuisine in the area can be found at Edgardo's Café Veracruz (494 N. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 320-3558). Speaking of the best, if ribs tickle your fancy, a must stop is Tootie's Texas Barbecue (68-703 Perez Rd. Suite 301, Cathedral City, (760) 202-6963). Finally, if you want a spectacular view with your meal, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and dine at their Top of the Tram Restaurant (888-515-TRAM).

Local politics

In addition to the Nov. 8 special election on the propositions, Palm Springs will also fill two vacancies on their city council. Two openly gay candidates are vying for votes in this election cycle, and if successful, four of the five seats on the Palm Springs City Council will be held by community members -- thereby pushing out the "good old boy" network that had previously run the city. Incumbent Ginny Foat is hoping for re-election to a full term after winning a two-year term to fill Ron Oden's seat after he was elected mayor in 2003. Also in the running is INNdulge resort owner John Williams. If elected, Foat and Williams will join Oden and Councilmember Steve Pougnet in the gay majority.

Although independent in their politics, both Foat and Williams have identified similar issues as central to their campaigns: encouraging responsible growth, making city government more responsive to citizens' needs, and fiscal responsibility. "The issues in my campaign first and foremost are to bring a tourism focus to the city and to our council. I'm passionate about revitalizing downtown -- downtown Palm Springs is in a state of crisis," says Williams. "I recognized that there were also things that needed to be changed in how the city was run, because it was not run, as far as I was concerned, as a business," says Foat. "Having been involved in Los Angeles in the early days of the formation of the neighborhood organizations, I felt strongly that there needed to be some sort of strong neighborhood involvement. I was able to create a subcommittee that worked with the neighborhoods and now created an office of neighborhood involvement. Citizens in this city were finding out about things after they were all finished. Now they'll know about it when the developer comes into town to begin with." Both candidates have also voiced a commitment in stemming the tide of crystal meth addiction in not only the gay community, but in Palm Springs overall.

Stick around-there's more

Now that the season is underway, there will be plenty of reasons to return to Palm Springs over the next few months. You may want to stick around for the week after Pride though -- especially if you're part of the bear and leather scene. Palm Springs Leather Pride Weekend takes place from Nov. 10-13, with the Desert Bear (who are hosting a party for Christopher Street West), La Posada, and Chaps Inn all serving as sponsors, and Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (www.aeustudios.com/pslod/) organizing the event.

Look for us

While you're out there for Palm Springs Pride, be sure to drop by the booth at 304 Hillcrest and say hi! Many of our staff (including yours truly) will be there, and we're looking forward to meeting you.