SunnyLands, The Annenberg Estate that sits behind the Pink Wall in Rancho Mirage held its grand opening on Sunday Feb. 12th. This event was by Invitation only and brought high level political figures, local leaders, friends and family of the Annenbergs to the huge tent that was situated on the grounds of the Annenberg home. The tent had one end open so guests could see the magnificent grounds.

Entertainment was provided by the Cathedral City High School Band, 29 Palms Marines Color Guard, The Lion’s Pride Chamber Choir and the finale was given by the U of Southern California’s Trojan Band. A very dignified affair done to perfection. Guests were bussed to the Home from the Sunnylands Welcome Center.

The President of the Annenberg Foundation Trust,Geoffrey Cowan, told the history of the home where 7 US presidents have visited. Famous entertainers, Royalty, patrons of the Arts and Top US and Foreign political-leaders have graced the grounds and played golf on the pristine nine hole golf course that plays like 18. Rancho Mirage Mayor Dana Hobart said he was so proud to see this historic site opened to the public. He hopes it will become a tourist attraction and a Camp David of the West. Treaties were signed here and countless meetings from world leaders trying to work out peaceful solutions to world problems.

Other speakers included Justice Anthony Kennedy and Secretary George Schultz. They reiterated the importance of a place where non-partisan leaders can come and talk in the beauty and warmth of this fabulous area. The Annenbergs left a legacy of beauty, History, Art and the commitment to try to bring peace to the world thru meetings by world leaders that will be held here in the privacy of the Estate. They noted the Annenbergs believed in Personal Freedoms, Liberties and Rights and each person is a Trustee for generations to follow.

The tours to the home will open on March 1st. This is a Must See for the Art Collections, Memorabilia, Mid Century Architecture, Immaculate Gardens and to feel the History that changed the world that was created here.

All Photos by Pat Krause Copyright 2012

Sunnylands held a Media Day holding tours of the whole estate. Media was given the same tour that the public will get to take starting in March. The tour started at the main entrance facility. They used 4 large golf carts to accommodate all the media present. Janice Lyle, Sunnylands Director spoke to all about what they would see and what they could photograph.

We stopped at the driving range where Janice Lyle said there are 200 acres in the complex and 6000 trees They have tried to make it all ecologically friendly by conserving on water consumption. Tree trimmings are put in a compost for further use. The golf course has used less grass so it doesn’t require so much water as the course is only used for dignitaries or guests on retreat. Retreats will be limited to those highly recognized individuals in Politics, education and the Arts.

The Annenbergs bedroom will be used for the President of the US as it is the only bedroom in the main house. There are 5 bedrooms in the Retreat building and several cottages to accommodate more people. The Annenbergs played golf every day they were here as this was their winter home. This is a 9 hole course played as 18. Presidents, Foreign leaders, Royalty and some of the top entertainers in the business like Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra have played golf there. The history of the estate is all over the compound. Pictures of dignitaries and friends adorn the walls along with the most fabulous art collections. There is a memory room that has photos of those guests that stayed here along with many autographed photos. One wall has the Christmas cards sent to them by the Queen Mom in England. Memorabilia is everywhere.

The Annenberg foundation has brought the estate back to the way it was in its glory days of the 80’s. Original pieces of furniture, statues, art works, and glassware show the elegance of the Annenberg’s taste.Even the bedspreads etc are still original pieces. Glass Chandeliers are thru-out the home with gilded paintings on all the walls. The furniture is Ca decor and the designer of the home was A.Quincy Jones. The use of Pink is also used thru out the main house with the walls a pale green and the roof Pink. There is a spectacular view from every room with glass walls. An outdoor pool is central to both houses while a huge patio on the main house overlooks the pool and the mountains.

There is a lot of history in this house as many important treaties and documents were signed here. Dignitaries from many countries came here to meet with our president, Vice President and congressmen to work out high level problems in the hopes of finding peaceful solutions. Frank Sinatra was married in the main house. Seven presidents have visited at this estate, signed important documents and held many meetings with both foreign and US officials.

The Center is open to the public on weekends to view a movie or find out more about the Arts and Politics. There is a back yard garden that is breathtaking. The center uses Solar energy for electricity and Geo Thermo engineering thru out. Modern creativity is used where ever possible to make it friendly to the environment and the desert and still maintain the dignity of the property. Tours of the Estate will be open to the public on March 1st.

All Photos by Pat Krause Copyright 2012

Palm Springs Convention Center was the Host of the Steve Chase 18th Annual Awards Gala on Feb. 11th. This Black Tie star-studded event is one of the biggest nights in the Desert with over 1500 guests attending. A large selection of almost 200 items were part of the Silent auction held during the cocktail hour.

Actress and Comedienne Joan Rivers hosted the event. This lady has many accomplishments such as Talk Show Host, Author and Columnist. Joan is noted for her use of the F-word, SHUT UP and off-color jokes that kept the audience laughing all thru the show.

Entertainment was provided by fantastic singers. Queen Latifah was in tears after hearing about the death of Whitney Houston but still sang a moving song dedicated to Whitney. Wynonna Judd sang ,I Want To Know What Love Is, in a way that only she can sing that song. Megan Mullally from Will and Grace was a surprise vocalist to many and David Burnham sang the final song with a host of back up singers.

Awards were given all thru dinner. Matt Bomer got the New Generation Arts and Activism Award. Actor Peter Gallagher was given the Pioneer Arts and Activism Award. Young Hydeia Broadbent was given the Partners in Activism Award. Local honorees were Fr.Andrew Green, the Partners for Life award and Karolee Sowle the 100 Women Award.

Barbara Keller and Jim Casey co-chaired this fabulous event. They spoke about the strides being made in HIV/AIDS. There is still so much to be done. 1.5 Million dollars were raised for Desert AIDS Project that helps those afflicted with HIV/AIDS in the Valley

Jim Casey brought Annette Bloch on stage to announce her gift of One Million dollars for the Annette Bloch Research and Cancer Care Ctr. at DAP. Guests were asked to donate even more money to get this project underway as HIV/AIDS clients get cancer are a higher rate.

The evening brought out many stars to support this worthy cause. Donna Mills, Lindsay Wagner, Morgan Fairchild George Eads, Jurnee Smollett, Diahann Carroll and Ruta Lee to name just a few. DAP leaders David Brinkman and Curt Ringness along with DAP supporters filled the VIP room prior to dinner.

All Photos by Pat Krause Copyright 2012