By Valerie Milano
Photos by THT/Ana Maria Gill & Hunters
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/20/25 – This Sunday, Hunter’s transformed from a lively bar into a bastion of brunch and bureaucracy, thanks to the clever and charismatic Shann Carr, who hosted the first edition of “Barstools, Bureaucracy, and Brunch Today.” The Hollywood Times was on-site to soak in the scene, and we can confidently say: civic engagement has never been this entertaining.
Set against the sunny, inclusive backdrop of one of Palm Springs’ most iconic LGBTQ+ venues, the event blended grassroots political discussion with stand-up-worthy social commentary—an art that Carr has clearly mastered. With her signature comedic timing and a razor-sharp grasp of local affairs, Carr turned complex topics—like city planning, upcoming ballots, and public funding—into a lively dialogue that kept the audience laughing, learning, and leaning in.
What makes this series stand out is not just its irreverent tone, but its impact. Community members, local officials, and out-of-town guests gathered over eggs and espresso martinis to engage in what felt more like a spirited living room conversation than a political panel. And that’s the magic: information is shared, awareness is raised, but no one feels lectured—just welcomed.
Hunters provided the perfect ambiance, with a brunch menu that was hearty and unpretentious, drinks flowing, and a crowd that clearly came not just to eat, but to connect.
Standout moments:
- Shann Carr’s quick-fire breakdown of bureaucratic red tape had the room roaring.
- A surprise drop-in by a city councilmember and local candidates Oscar Ortiz and Jason Byors added real-time relevance to the conversation.
- The open Q&A revealed just how hungry Palm Springs residents are for transparency—and a good laugh.
As Palm Springs continues to grow and evolve, events like this remind us that civic participation doesn’t have to be dry or daunting. Thanks to Shann Carr, Lex Ortega from The Center and the team behind Barstools, Bureaucracy, and Brunch today, it can be smart, spirited, and yes—even delicious.
The Hollywood Times applauds this innovative format and looks forward to the next helping.
Check out: The Tea with Sugar and Shade video which went live today at 5pm PST.
