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Mark Miller playing pickleball at Sommerset in Palm Desert, California

Mark Miller

Retired from pickleball. Mark Miller is a Coachella Valley local, photographer, and writer whose playing years were shaped by friendship, purposefu...

 The cross on a rocky ridge above Palm Desert, beneath a blue sky.

The Palm Desert Cross Hike

The Palm Desert Cross is a hillside destination reached by more than one route. Our comparison uses the direct 2.2-mile return outing from Homme-Ad...

 Empty stadium seating around a blue and green court at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is one of the Coachella Valley’s defining landmarks and one of the premier tennis destinations in the world. Opened ...

 A Joshua tree standing in a dry desert landscape.

Joshua Tree

An iconic species native to the Mojave Desert, including the high desert edges of the Coachella Valley. Botanical Profile: Family: Asparagaceae (...

 Wide aerial view of Citrus Plaza and the adjoining Canopy at Citrus retail area along Jefferson Street in Indio. Photograph by Mark Miller, October 27, 2026.

Citrus Plaza Shopping Center, Indio

Citrus Plaza is the Ralphs- and CVS-anchored shopping center on Jefferson Street near Avenue 50 in Indio. It combines everyday errands with restaur...

 Mark Miller holding a paddle on an outdoor pickleball court.

Mark Boden

A fun day playing a Round Robin event hosted by Jesse Talamantez. Fritz Burns Park Palm Desert Civic Center Park Palm Desert Resort Country Club ...

 Close-up of blue-green Engelmann prickly pear pads and spines at The Living Desert

Engelmann’s Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii | Cactus Apple | Desert Prickly Pear Native Engelmann’s Prickly Pear is one of the great architectural plants of the North Amer...

 Panoramic view of Whitehawk and the surrounding Palm Desert neighborhoods

Whitehawk

New buyer research: Read the Whitehawk Home Buying Study Guide for the two-year MLS study, HOA questions, private pool and solar checks, and seven ...

 Harpo the Clown giving a thumbs-up in front of a crowd

Harpo the Clown

With a bright green wig, sequined vest, and a horn that speaks volumes, Harpo the Clown has spent decades bringing laughter and connection to every...

 Potted desert plants beneath shade cloth at a plant conservation center.

Desert Plant Conservation Center

The Living Desert tackles key threats to desert environments—like climate change, land development, invasive species, and unlawful plant traffickin...

 A close-up image of bright yellow flowers, brittlebush, with silvery-gray foliage against a backdrop of rocky desert terrain.

Brittlebush

One of the most recognizable and widespread shrubs in the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert landscapes. Known for its brilliant yellow flower...

 A player holding a paddle between games at Palm Desert Civic Center Park.

Brandon Donovan

Brandon Donovan brings snowboarder energy to a pickleball court—and once you see it, you can’t unsee it. He competed at the semi-pro level in snowb...