LIVE Magazine #233 April 22 -May 6 2016

Sean Borg
I have to say, as the season is almost at its end, what fun-filled bunch
of months this has been… Lots of new friends have come into my life
and I have attended some brilliant parties since the birth of Scene-by-
Sean last November. My feet have hardly touched the ground. A long
break and a liver cleanse are definitely in the cards for me! Most of
the events attended this season were first timers for me, such as The
Steve Chase Awards and Modernism Week.
This past couple of weeks I had the pleasure of experiencing the annual
National Center of Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Palm Springs Garden
Party. The fantastic fundraiser was held at the Las Palmas Estate of
philanthropist James R. Houston. My longtime friend and former client,
ex-supermodel Catalina Guirado popped into town for that one and she
even had the pleasure of meeting Mayor Robert Moon!
There were exceptional honorees in attendance - California Lieutenant
Governor Gavin Newsom and Salt Lake City’s first openly LGBT Mayor
Jackie Biskupski. At the event we heard from the honorees and from
the incredible leaders who work to advance full equality for the entire
LGBT community. NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell and Legislative
Policy Director Geoff Kors took to the stage and spoke to the crowd
about their groundbreaking work. What this organization achieves is
incredible! Guests included Mark Anton and Scott Histed, Gordon and
Sally Atkinson, Jim Carroll and Scott Romesburg, Harold Matzner, Kathryn
Stebner, Brian Rix, Carl Baker, Chuck Leachman & Mickey Feigelson,
sponsors Juli Ragsdale and Levvy Carriker, David Rothmiller and
L.D. Thompson, and Palm Springs City Manager David Ready.
El Paseo was next up on my list of things to do… Leaving Palm
Springs isn’t easy, even if it’s only popping to Rancho Mirage! But I
loved this event and rubbed shoulders with some colorful personalities
including Donna MacMillan, KMIR’s Dan Ball, skin care guru Sabastian
Reich, and of course no event would be complete without Larry and
Laurie Weitz and interior designer Richard Read and Prada store manage,
Adam Bellar.
Ten Project Runway stars including Michael Costello hit the runway
to showcase their Spring/Summer 2016 collections highlighting the
versatility of their incredible talents. Costello’s brand with its soft draping,
massive sex appeal, and celebrity clientele, has secured its place
in the fashion industry as one of the decade’s most sought-after red
carpet labels.
The week came to an end with a rather colorful event - Meet the
Museum - The Art of Justice, chaired and presented by Palm Springs
powerhouse, Mr. Harold Matzner. The party, now in its eleventh year,
saw excited guests dressed as their favorite superhero raise more than
$70,000 in just one night. The event was a huge success. The membership
drive gala benefits museum operations, exhibitions and education
programs.
Guests included Gary Soto, Geoff Kors and James Williamson, Pjetur
Sigurdson, Jordana Loren, sponsors Juli Ragsdale and Levvy Carriker.
And of course no chiccy Palm Springs event would be complete without
our very own Mayor Robert Moon and his husband Bob Hammack.
It was a hugely successful event and the food catered by Lulu gets
5 stars too. I’m sorry I didn’t go as Superman. That was my original
plan...Though I did wear of my own designs - a floral blazer by yours
truly!....Until next time “Sceners”!
Janie Hughes
Viga Dean
William Dey
Helen Galen
Elizabeth Scarcella & Amyn Nasser
Cooper and Michael Hinkle
Valerie Powers Smith & Mark Smith
Laurie Weitz, Lori Zamel