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June 28, 2024
Season 6, Episode 8
For our June episode of Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America, we’re highlighting Pride Month. In our Impact Story, learn how Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, spearheads groundbreaking legislation. Meet Temecula Valley Pride founder Jaimee Flores and Community Outreach Director Justin Daley as they share how the first-of-its-kind center came to be. Dive into the fascinating history of drag shows with our Did You Know segment as acclaimed Dionne Warwick impersonator and drag historian Tim Dunn shares interesting facts on drag’s background and addresses some common misconceptions. The Good-to-Know highlights events and happenings across Riverside County and beyond. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive interview with former Temecula mayor Jeff Comechero and barber Eli Radford, whose chance meeting in Eli’s barber shop resulted in their book “The Old Man and the Queer.” Corina’s Corner also rounds out the show with some fun summer concert events.
Impact Story – LGBTQ+ Pride
California is seen as one of the most liberal states in the U.S. regarding LGBTQ+ rights. This achievement is in no small part due to Equality , the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. This nonprofit works closely with California’s LGBTQ+ Caucus , whose groundbreaking efforts have affected a great deal of change in California — and across the U.S.
Spotlight – Temecula Valley Pride
A first of its kind for the valley, the Temecula Valley Pride Center aims to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages. An idea that was seven years in the making, the center hopes to stimulate change. Their grand opening was a massive success, drawing over 300 attendees.
Need To Know – Juneteenth
Juneteenth is the longest-running African-American holiday. It became an official federal holiday in 2021. To learn more about the history of Juneteenth, go here.
Did You Know – History of Drag Shows
The history of drag shows is extensive. From Ancient Greece to speakeasies, to drag balls and mainstream television, renowned Dionne Warwick impersonator and drag historian Tim Dunn dives into drag’s past, present, and future. In addition, Dunn also discusses some of the common misconceptions surrounding the drag community.
Community Roundtable – Pride Month
Meet our guests joining us at the Community Roundtable this month:
Carla Yriqui is a public relations representative at Picasso Dental . Yriqui was the 2023 Citizen of the Year Nominee and Valley Young Professional for the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Michael Crawford is a realtor at Golden Eagle Properties and ambassador for the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce .
Good to Know
RivcoParks is partnering with local libraries to introduce the RivcoParks Library Pass . Aiming to provide greater inclusion and access to the outdoors, the program will offer free admission to RivcoParks and access to special events, and other programs.
The LGBTQ+ History and Archives of the Desert is celebrating Pride Month in an exciting way. They will be displaying one of their collections at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library. The exhibit will run through June 30th. Their mission is to preserve the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Palm Springs and Coachella Valley.
The Inland Empire Prism Collective is hosting their I.E. LGBTQ Plus Conference 2024 at the Norman F. Feldheym Public Library on July 20th in San Bernardino. The conference will feature networking opportunities, engaging discussions, and workshops.
In Old Town Temecula, the 4th of July Extravaganza will feature a jam-packed day full of fun festivities including a parade, live music, food vendors, and more. The event will conclude with a fireworks show at Ronald Reagan Sports Park.
Good to Know — “The Old Man and the Queer”
Discover the story of how two people from different walks of life built an enduring bond and friendship. Brought together by a chance meeting in a barbershop, former Temecula mayor and city council member Jeff Comechero and non-binary barber Eli Radford wrote their book, “The Old Man and the Queer” which details how their friendship began and what they’ve both learned along the way.
Corina’s Corner
See what fun summer events are happening in Riverside County:
YNOT Tribute to Rush — Treat yourself to a night of rock music with a live tribute concert at Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula on Saturday, July 13.
Catch country music artist Miranda Lambert performing at Yaamava’ Resort and Casino on Sunday, July 21.
Head over to Fairmount Park in Riverside to catch the free 24K Tribute to Bruno Mars on Thursday, July 24.
https://riversideca.gov/calendar/event/summer-fun-concerts-park-1
