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By Steven Biller

Each January offers us a lineup of events that have come to define the essence of our dynamic desert lifestyle. From the Hollywood glitz and glamour of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (Jan. 4-15) to the quirky Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade (Jan. 14) to the legendary Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (Jan. 15-21), we never lose sight of the special nature of our desert community.

In addition to world-class sports and entertainment, first-class social events — galas, fundraisers, luncheons, and golf tournaments — this month will benefit Desert Paws, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert, Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, City of Hope, and Stroke Recovery Center.

Our cover story about Patti LaBelle reveals much about the singer’s giving spirit on the eve of the popular Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala to benefit Desert AIDS Project. “I’m a yes girl,” she told Palm Springs Life Associate Editor Joan Page McKenna. “I will fight until the end for the underdog. I’m that girl.” Don’t miss LaBelle of the Ball.

This issue also reveals the 20 Best New Restaurants of 2006. Food writer Pamela Bieri selected the fresh and fine additions to the valley cuisine scene. Our annual Dine Out! (with a pullout menu highlights guide) rounds out our coverage.

Golf aficionados will appreciate The Pro Circuit, Tod Goldberg’s feature about desert golf courses designed by the sport’s best and brightest — Amy Alcott, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. We encourage golfers to visit www.palmspringslife.com for a comprehensive guide to public and semiprivate golf courses throughout the Coachella Valley.

The Web site also offers a wealth of information about upcoming events, as well as back issues of Palm Springs Life — and a look at our next issue. Enjoy!

Department of Corrections
Our December issue misidentified George Cameron Jr. as a former Palm Springs mayor (The New Look of Live/Work Spaces, page 50) and misspelled the name of photographer Susan Werner in Readers’ Choice 2006, page 68. We regret the errors.