HD Living,Summer 2012

wine trends | inseparable treasures | local lit | hd health | summer concerts summer 2012

Sizzlin’ Summer Fashions Tattoo You: Getting inked in the HD

20

things to do this summer

V I C T O R V I L L E • S P R I N G VA L L E Y L A K E • A P P L E VA L L E Y • H E S P E R I A • O A K H I L L S

Tehrani Plastic Surgery

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www.tehraniplasticsurgery.com Newport Beach

A New Look for the New You

Fashion Island

Beverly Hills The Triangle

Apple Valley Jess Ranch

Luxury, Style and Economy....

All In One Up to 40MPG

2012 Optima Hybrid

Yours for Only $21,995 New 2012 KIA Optima Hybrid CD/MP3, Tilt, USB Jack, Sirius Satellite Radio & more

MSRP ....................................... $26620 Valley Hi KIA Discount .............. $3125 Sales Price .............................. $23495 Competitive Bonus or Owner Loyalty .... $1000 Military Rebate ............................. $500

Net Cost: $21,995

14673 Civic Drive Victorville, CA 92394 888.388.5089 www.valleyhikia.com

*All discounted pricing shown is net of dealer discount and factory rebates, military rebates, returning lessee rebate, Competitive rebates, credit union affiliates rewards, and West Business Center additional rebates, and owner loyalty rebate if applicable. Dealer installed options and accessories are extra. Purchase of these items is not required. They may be purchased at your option for an extra charge. Must be current Kia Owner/Lessee and qualify for the above rebates and incentives to get entire discount. Rebates are to be assigned to dealer. No other dealers or brokers. Retail customers only. All prices plus tax, license fee, $8.75 CA Tire Fee and $55 Doc Fee. While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this data, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with a dealership sales representative. Prices exclude government fees and taxes, and finance charges, any document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. To qualify for College Grad Rebate you must be within 6 months of graduating. Certain financial restrictions apply. **To qualify for Competitive Owner Rebate you must currently own a qualifying competitive vehicle. *Eligible customers must present their valid Military I.D. reflecting their eligibility status. See dealer for details and see if you qualify. Not everyone will qualify for all rebates. Offers expire close of business July 31, 2012.

E L E G A N T

S E N I O R

L I V I N G

SKYLINE VILLA

in the High Desert

•P r i v a t e R o o m s w i t h P r i v a t e B a t h s

Our dedicated

•B e a u t i f u l l y A p p o i n t e d

staff cares for you

•G r a c e f u l l y F u r n i s h e d

or your loved one

•F u l l - s i z e B e d s i n a l l R o o m s

as though they

•2 4 / 7 C a r e

are part of our

•T h r e e m e a l s a n d S n a c k s D a i l y

family. We know

•S u p e r v i s e d M e d i c a t i o n s

how important

•D a i l y H e a l t h C a r e M o n i t o r i n g •T r a n s p o r t a t i o n t o D o c t o r s •A c t i v i t i e s P r o g r a m •F r e e L o c a l P h o n e S e r v i c e •F r e e C a b l e S e r v i c e i n a l l R o o m s •A l l U t i l i t i e s I n c l u d e d

quality care is, that is why we maintain a high level of service and care to all of our guests.

•L a u n d r y S e r v i c e

Please make

•H o u s e k e e p i n g S e r v i c e s

an appointment

•H a n d i c a p p e d E q u i p p e d

to tour our

•M a s s a g e R o o m

exceptional home and meet with our staff!

4 High Desert Living magazine

CA S t ate L i c e n s e #3 6 6 41 3 0 8 2

20276 Majestic Drive Apple Valley, CA 92308 760-240-0730 • Fax: 760-247-3519

sUMMER 2012

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 5

SOUND

2 CITY

Special & Custom Installation

Alarm Systems • Custom Sound Systems • Speakers • Body Kits Flip Down TV’s • HD LED Kits • Subwoofers Pioneer • Alpine • Viper • Kenwood

20% Discounts for Return Customers Ask for Mike for Great Service and Deals!!!!

We Will beat Anybody’s Prices!

12180 Ridgecrest Ave. Unit #E 526 Victorville, CA 92395 760-241-3951 Under New Ownership...H. Mikaelian

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sUMMER 2012

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 7

H.D. Living H.D. Living Magazine Volume 5, Issue 3, Summer 2012 PUBLISHER/CEO Frank A. Castillo frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com ad coordinator/CFO Tiffany Santee tiffanys@hdlivingmagazine.com MARKETING/CIRCULATION DIRECTOR James Piar : jamesp@hdlivingmagazine.com copy editor Susan Landers susanl@hdlivingmagazine.com DESIGN and LAYOUT Everard Strong www.Big-E-Productions.com ADVERTISING DESIGN Kari Martinez, Chris Ackerman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tere Kidd-Darnell, Katie Chavez, Krystal Carrillo, Stephanie Morris, Elisa Urmston, Dr. Brad Hannon PHOTOGRAPHERS George Sillas | GeorgeSillas.com Susan Whitney | SusanWhitney.com ADVERTISING sales Sal Torres sales@hdlivingmagazine.com

Editorial/Advertising Inquiries H.D. LIVING MAGAZINE INC. 6630 SVL Box Victorville, CA 92395 (760) 241-8475 editor@hdlivingmagazine.com HD Living Magazine is a bi-monthly magazine published by HD Living Magazine, Inc.

2012 HD Living Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from this publisher. Photographs, graphics, and artwork are the property of HD Living magazine.

HD Living magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers contained herein. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or its owners. HD Living is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are $9.95 per year domestically only. To subscribe, please mail payment to address above, or subscribe online at HDlivingmagazine.com.

8 High Desert Living magazine

sUMMER 2012

Let a SoCal Solar Energy System

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www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 9

table of contents

44

Hot Fun in the Summertime 20 Tips for Fun - indoor and out - in the HD

52

Tattoo You Getting Inked in the HD

departments 12 PUBLISHERS LETTER 17 upfront

Calendar of Events, Happenings Local Lit, Summer Fun Concert Series

22 28 local personality M Cupcakes N Pastries

special section

34 health matters Sugar Vs. The Human Body,

Round 2

56 restaurant spotlight Los Domingos

58 hd Dining Guide

24 business spotlight

60 wine trends Punch Drunk Summer Fun

26 good deeds

62 susan’s corner Summertime in the HD and

Huny Do

Inseparable Treasures

36

page 36

the Livin’s Hot!

Hot Summer Fashions

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sUMMER 2012

Fashion Jewelry & Accessory Boutique

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 11

scan

publisher’s letter

New Season, New Look

health plan

& easy Choice

health plan hMO Medicare Plans Now Accepted at

Alliance Desert Physicians Alliance Desert Physicians also accept the following health plans: • AARP Medicare Complete

by United (Secure Horizons) • Aetna • Anthem Blue Cross • Blue Shield • Cigna • Citizens Choice

• Health Net • Inter Valley • MD Care • United Health • Tri-Care • Many PPO Plans

• Large network of quality specialists • Affiliated with St. Mary Medical Center • Same-day appointments available • Free classes at our Wellness Center Om Sood, MD

Vivek Gill, MD

Arvind Salwan, MD

T

he summer season is upon us and with it comes change; if you haven’t noticed by now we’re going through some changes ourselves. From an updated look to the launch of our new website, we’re growing in our fourth year as the High Desert’s Premier Regional Lifestyle Magazine. Make sure to like us on facebook and follow us on twitter to get updates and info on what’s going on locally along with our new website, which presents stories and blogs from around the Victor Valley.

While some may choose to leave the area for a week’s vacation, others may be looking to save a buck or two with rising gas prices. That’s why we compiled a list of 20 things to do in the H.D. in the summertime! We also have some hot summertime fashion picks, and Katie Chavez brings us Tattoo You: a guide to getting inked in the H.D. This issue also brings our special section Medical Profiles; here we profile some of the top medical professionals and groups in the High Desert. These professionals are at the top of their class in the particular fields in which they specialize.

Our Upfront section has some great info on things to do, places to go, and more. We also bring you H.D. Lit, local writers and authors abound in the H.D., and here Susan Landers profiles a local offering. We also have a great story on a local pastry boutique as Elisa Urmston tells why this local stop puts the Mmmmm in M, while Tere Kidd tells of a local artificial grass company that makes it easy being green!

So, enjoy the summer and all that it brings, and make sure to enjoy all of the offerings we have here in the H.D.

Ramesh Bambhania, MD

Follow us online

Anupama Sharma, MD Aparna Sharma, MD

Archna Sood, MD

Kelly Ahmed, MD

www.alliancedesertphysicians.com

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sUMMER 2012

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 13

Come in and see the brand new 2013

Malibu

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sUMMER 2012

CADILL AC CT S COUPE

RANCHO MOTOR COMPANY

15425 Dos Palm as Road

• Victorville, California

Conveniently Located Off the 15 Fwy at the Palmdale Exit

866-618-7670 • www.RanchoMotorCo.com

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 15

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UpFront 18 CALENDAR

20 happenings

22 hd personality

24 concert series

26 hd health

26 hd health

Get your bridal on Page 18

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 17

upfront

Weddings and Events. The fair will feature local vendors such as caterers, photographers, florists, coordinators, bakeries, hair & make-up and much more. This one day event will be your one stop shop for all your special events needs. Enter drawing and talk to vendors about planning your special day.

9-12

2012 Route 66 International Festival

Classic Cars will be on display at the 2012 Route 66 International Festival

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 6–15

Into the Woods High Desert Center for the Arts, 15615 8th St., Victorville highdesertcenterforthearts.com An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood thirsty Little Red Riding hood? Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch…who raps?

They’re all among the cockeyed characters in this fractured fairy tale. When a Baker and his Wife learn they’ve been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red Riding hood, Rapunzel and Jack!

(760) 245-4271 ext. TIX, www. vvc.edu/tix The boys next door reside in a communal residence in a New England city under the supervision of an earnest, but increasingly “burned out” young social worker named Jack.

Mingled with scenes from the daily lives of Norman, Lucien P. Smith, Arnold, and Barry, where “little things” sometimes become momentous (and often very funny), are moments of great poignancy when, with touching effectiveness, we are reminded that the disabled, like the rest of us, want only to love and laugh and find some meaning and purpose in the brief time that they are allotted on this earth.

12-Aug 9

12-21

Sixth Annual Sunset Concert Series

Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center Black Box Theatre,

Apple Valley Civic Center Park Amphitheatre, Apple Valley, (760 ) 240-7000 ext 7071,

The Boys Next Door

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www.applevalley.org Dance the night away to live entertainment at the concert series voted “Best in the High Desert” by Daily Press readers.

Bring your blanket or chair for lawn seating and join friends, family and neighbors for free concerts featuring a mouth watering array of food, a beer garden and live music at the Civic Center Park Amphitheatre on Thursday nights from 6 - 9p.m.

Parking and Admission are free!

August 4

Special Events Fair Grand Ball Room at the Hesperia Courtyard by Marriott, Hesperia www.hdweddingsite.com Planning a Wedding? How about an Anniversary or Quinceanera?

Then don’t miss this special events fair put on by HD

San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Victorville, www.route66festival2012.com The Route 66 International Festival 2012 will be held at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville.

With the theme “California Dreamin’ on Route 66”, the Route 66 International Festival will attract thousands of Route 66 enthusiasts, historians, fans and custodians of the “Mother Road” from across the country; including international visitors from 17 different countries, as well as local residents. This event is produced by the California Historic Route 66 Association.

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Rockin’ the Desert Mud Horseman’s Center, Apple Valley rockinthedesertmudrun.com Come out and support the VVC Foundation and the Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation at the Rockin the Desert Mud Run!!! The event includes an obstacle course that will be sure to rock your world. Proceeds go to benefit the community in very special ways.

Our partners receive 100% of the net proceeds.

sUMMER 2012

FREE TO ATTEND! 4Th ANNUAL

P r o m o t i n g How To ACHIEVE

Your Best Life PossiBLe!

W E D N E s DAy

Oc t O b e r

3

RD 2 0 1 2

sAvE ThE

DATE

This year’s entertainment features the era of the 50’s & 60’s with a special 75 min. performance by Chubby Checker - celebrating his birthday with you!

Festivities include: • • • • • •

Receive new & updated medical info Doctor Panel with Q&A session Community Vendor Booths Massage Therapy Presentations on several health issues Health Screenings...& More!

At Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group, we’ve worked hard to build a name for ourself. Our goal? To help you live your Best Life Possible!

Your Best Life Possible!

Reserve your vendor Booth Today!

Need a ticket to attend

Text the word “Bandaid” to 57682 to receive HVVMG updates. For more information about our Primary Care Physicians or to join Heritage, call 760.245.4747 or visit www.hvvmg.com

Wear your favorite 50’s & 60’s attire!

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

Call 760.261.1496

High Desert Living magazine 19

hd happenings

Hollywood hits the HD The first annual Desert Rocks and Music Festival took place May 4-6 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Victorville, the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, and the Jess Ranch Cinemark, attracting an array of stars and locals who were treated to a gala reception, film screenings and a music festival.

Photos courtesy of Anthony Wong and Dina Boyd

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sUMMER 2012

hd OF NOTE

Local lit Adultery is Universal: But I’m Getting Married Anyway According to H.D. writer Rica Gold, Ph.D, the ways we understand and relate to marriage and fidelity are changing due to myriad influences including “… the Internet, same-sex rights, a lack of effective communication, sexual revolutions, the ever increasing status of women, their power and influence” in addition to other aspects of modern life. She goes on to say that,” …nearly half of our population in census reporting surveys, believes that marriage is obsolete. For more than half, making that belief untrue is the challenge.”

Adultery is Universal; But I’m Getting Married Anyway is an interactive text with “thought-provoking self-help questions and exercises at the end of each chapter.”

Look for Dr. Gold’s new book online at the website (adulteryisuniversal.com), Barnes and Noble, Amazon, as well as electronically on NOOK, Kindle, and the iPad. Frederica Gold writes under the pen name Rica Gold, Ph.D. She is the owner of Clear Transitions, Life and Wellness Coaching, an established practice offering services to clients internationally via tele-conferences, and online audiovisual communication. She previously practiced for more than twenty years as a licensed Marriage Family Therapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist.

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

Summer Fun and Free Music

Concert Series in the Park

T

he Town of Apple Valley has put on the very popular Concerts in the Park series for years, now. This year Hesperia joins in the fun. It began its first concert June 8th featuring Midnight Ride, a group who specializes in music from the ‘40s to ‘60s.

And, of course, once again, Apple Valley celebrates the lazy days of summer with evenings under the stars and music you can rock to, listen to, and sing to.

The events in both cities are free and open to the public; they are a great way to get to know the community and your

neighbors. The entertainment is lively and enjoyable, and it is not unusual to see more than a few people kick off their shoes and dance. It’s great entertainment for the whole family.

Both Hesperia and Apple Valley urge you to bring blankets and low-back lawn chairs. Both will have food vendors, but Hesperia does not permit alcohol in the park. Apple Valley will feature a beer garden. Please leave pets at home. All performances begin at 6 p.m. – by Tere Kidd

Hesperia’s Line up June 22 Charlie Ray (country) July 13 The Roaries (oldies but goodies) July 27 Blue Henry’s (classic rock) Aug. 10 Working Poets (rock and country) Aug. 24 Mike Sullivan (easy listening) All concerts take place at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, 15833 Smoke Tree. If there is a possibility of inclement weather, a concert may be cancelled. Call (760) 244-7518, ext. 123, at least one hour before the event to verify the concert will take place.

apple valley’s Line up June 21 Stevie Wright (top 40) June 28 The Answer (classic rock) July 12 Phat Cat Swingers (swing) July 19 Four Shadow Fall (alternative) July 26 The Gypsy Dolls (pop/variety) Aug. 2 Silverados (country) Aug. 9 Cold Duck (oldies/R&B) All concerts take place at the Civic Center Park amphitheater, Dale Evans Parkway. For information on these and other upcoming events, call (760) 240-7000, ext. 7071.

High Desert Living magazine 21

hd personality

putting the M in “mmmmm” m cupcakes n pastries

T

he Venoyas came From Northern California to the Victor Valley in 2000, lured by starlit desert nights and a desire to add their own special ingredient to this desert: M Cupcakes n Pastries, an elegant, serene place for friends to gather and enjoy something beautiful, affordable and delicious. As Mr. Venoya poured a green jasmine tea into delicate floral china cups, he wove a tale of affection and dedication, and most importantly, Love.

He reminisced about how he and his wife, Margarita, have been married 27 years; how he worked at a job that took them from California to Australia and back again in order to save up so she could pursue her love of baking.

About how she still amazes him after all these years. As we sipped the tea, his affectionate gaze followed her as she gracefully moved about the delicacies she was creating that day.

She: a Cordon Bleu chef who graduated from the culinary school with honors, including perfect attendance, making that long drive from the desert to Los Angeles every week without fail.

Dedication, diligence, love. He runs the business aspect of M so she is free to practice her art.

In the pastry shop, more evidence of that love: a mural of Margarita and the Venoyas’ granddaughter, painted by the couple’s son. The room is decorated with chandeliers and orchids, warm, earth-toned walls, gleaming, iridescent glass tiles and equipment carefully gathered the way a good cook gathers all her ingredients before creating a masterpiece. He spoke of how they combed the state, attending auctions from San Diego to San Francisco,

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collecting each perfect piece until there was no room in their garage for their cars…and of a guardian angel realtor, who went beyond the call of duty to help them find the perfect atelier for his wife to practice her art of flour, butter, sugar, eggs and love.

Her creations—from her specialty macaroons, bursting with flavor from the first succulent crunch—salted caramel, mint, mango—and whatever new flavor idea captures her fancy, to scrumptious, elegant, unique cupcakes like the Elvis—a peanut butter and banana confection—that are so light and delicate they surely should float. A customer from France once told them, after biting into a

macaroon, “this tastes like a memory.”

Luckily for all of us, Margarita shares her love by creating event cakes for graduations, Quinceañeras, and other special events, so that we in the H.D. can taste memories too.

When asked the one thing she wants the readers to know, Margarita’s response was as elegant as her surroundings: “How was it?” she asks. – by Elisa Urmston

M Cupcakes n Pastries 15617 Roy Rodgers Drive, Ste. 102 Victorville, (760) 843-5988 www.mcupcakesnpastries.com Facebook: M Cupcakes n Pastries

sUMMER 2012

Presented by:

FREE ● THURSDAYS ● 6 - 9 PM

Civic Center Amphitheater

Bring a Chair or Blanket ● Concessions July 12

Phat Cat Swinger (Swing)

July 19

Four Shadows Fall (Positive Alt)

July 26

The Gypsy Dolls (Pop/Variety)

Aug. 2

Silverados (Country)

Aug. 9

Cold Duck (Oldies/R&B)

Also supported by:

Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group Parkway Dental/Apple Valley Smiles Paul Ahluwalia, M.D., Inc. Roberta L. Taylor Assoc.Shear Realty

www.AppleValleyEvents.org (760) 240-7000 X7071

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 23

hd business spotlight

it is easy being green hunny do

W

ith water prices increasing at an ever alarming rate, payment of the water bill has become a big consideration when going over the family budget. It used to be a nominal expense, not a take-out-a-loan-at-thebank expense. As a result a growing number of homeowners and businesses are looking for a substitute. The one that gives the closest semblance to the green stuff is synthetic grass.

Frank Bieda and Brian Pierce quickly saw the need for artificial grass, here, in Southern California. Though based here in the Victor Valley, they serve all of thirsty Southern California, installing artificial grass for businesses and homes throughout the area.

Bieda and Pierce have an incredibly successful business that evolved really, as most successful businesses do, by finding a niche that needed to be filled.

When new construction waned, Bieda and Pierce formed a company known as Hunny Do Handyman Service, doing remodeling jobs. The named evolved into Hunny Do Artificial Grass, when the economy lagged and water prices skyrocketed.

Consummate entrepreneurs, Bieda and Pierce have taken their business acumen even further by adding yet another company, Zeofill. Zeofill distributes the mineral zeolite, a very absorbent mineral used for many different purposes. Besides being used in the installation of artificial grass as an absorbent material, among other things,

24 High Desert Living magazine

it absorbs urine so there is no problem with keeping pets.

Zeolite is also used at fish hatcheries, as live stock feed, in nurseries and greenhouses, in water filtering systems and even in some cancer treatments.

Hunny Do has over ten years experience working with customers to get exactly the look they want. They have over 30 kinds of synthetic grass from which to choose, and the positives are very enticing. Obviously, there is no mowing, however, when you think about it, there is no watering, no fertilizers, nor chemicals, no pests, no muddy paw prints, and best of all, possible relief from allergies.

“It’s all green,” says Brian Pierce.

“We use recycled road base whenever possible, and we were declared the ‘Go Green Business’ of the month by the state of California. In 2011, we received Angie’s List’s Super Service Award.”

Hunny Do is also certified by the Association of Synthetic Grass Installers, known as ASGI. To learn more about Hunny Do artificial grass, go to hunnydograss.com.

Also, you may contact them by phone at (760) 949-7939. – by Tere Kidd

sUMMER 2012

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 25

hd good deeds

take a piece of my heart inseparable treasures

I

magine getting the phone call you hoped you never would. Your spouse, son or daughter, mom or dad, a family member serving in the military has just passed. The feeling of devastation, you can’t breathe, loss of air overcomes you. Shocked and wishing you could say “I love you” one last time, but now it’s too late. It’s hard to think about but no one is guaranteed tomorrow. That is why sharing your love today is so important. The following story became one of the inspirations for the “A Piece of Me” Exchange Heart.

A single mom dying from cancer with weeks to live was painful enough.

Leaving her fourteen year old daughter behind was even harder than you can

26 High Desert Living magazine

imagine. This mom struggled with the thought of their separation. She shared this thought with Kathy Farace, a counselor for Odyssey Hospice in Victorville, “I just want her to remember how much I love her… always.”

The “A Piece of Me” Exchange Heart was created by Kathy as a way to stay connected to her granddaughter who lived states away. This would have been the perfect gift for this mom to have given her daughter, expressing her eternal love. Having two sons and a son in law, in the military, Kathy and her family have also experienced firsthand the value of the Exchange Heart to those who are deployed.

Inseparable Treasures LLC, was

formed by Kathy’s partner who realized the public’s demand for this valued gift and has made the Exchange Heart as well as complimenting books and poem cards available online. To purchase an Exchange Heart in a wide variety of patterns or to join us in donating Exchange Hearts to patients on hospice care or those currently serving our country visit them online at www.inseparabletreasures.com.

Don’t wait! Tomorrow may be too late! Today is the day to give a piece of your heart to the ones you love.

Inseparable Treasures LLC Kathy Farace, Owner/Partner www.inseparabletreasures.com info@inseparabletreasures.com Business: (760) 561-2088 Cell: (760) 995-0955

sUMMER 2012

MudFest 2012

Horsemen's Center

24320 Highway 18 • Apple Valley, California

A Benefit Run for

Register Today

www.rockinthedesertmudrun.com www.active.com

Proceeds to Benefit: The Victor Valley College Foundation and Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation

and

5K Team Run Obstacle Course Mini Rockin Run (8-12 yrs) Food, Drink & Beer Garden Vendor Booths Sponsorships Available Family Fun

The VVC Foundation is a non-profit 501-(c)(3).

Tax ID #51-0141667 Your donation is

100% tax deductible www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 27

hd summer fashion

“Bold colors not only look good, they exude confidence.�

Nicole Stewart, a self proclaimed shopaholic, has turned her obsession for shopping into a local boutique that is her passion and her daily inspiration. She has collaborated with H.D. Living Magazine to bring you some of her favorite summer fashion picks!

All items listed are available at Indulgence Boutique, 18343 Outer Hwy, 18 Ste. 2, Apple Valley.

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“Screaming orange and floral, complete seasonal sensation. Creates the perfect summer look.�

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 29

“You can never go wrong with a black dress and amazing accessories, easily transforms from day to evening. Keeping it simple is the key.�

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sUMMER 2012

“What a way to take your date night up a notch. Fun, Flirty, Sexy! Enough said.”

www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 31

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www.hdlivingmagazine.com

High Desert Living magazine 33

hd health matters

Sugar vs. the Human Body Round 2

I

t should not surprise the readers of my last column on sugar that it is only appropriate to follow up with a column on diabetes; these topics really go hand in hand. Diabetes is typically defined as too much sugar in the blood either by an inability for the body to produce insulin, a resistance to insulin by our cells, or a combination of both. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are 79 million Americans who are “pre diabetic,” meaning they have elevated levels of blood sugar but not high enough to be diagnosed a diabetic. There are approximately 18.8 million children and adults diagnosed with diabetes in the United States and an estimated 7

34 High Desert Living magazine

this type. More common is the type 2 diabetes, which used to be called adult onset diabetes or non-insulin dependant diabetes, but due to the increase in children with type 2 diabetes the name has changed. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin to handle the blood sugar load or the body’s cells become insulin resistant.

There are many smaller classifications of diabetes, two of them being gestational diabetes and “brain type” diabetes.

Probably the most common of the smaller group of diabetics is gestational diabetes, which is when diabetes occurs only while a woman is pregnant; however, this seems to increase a woman’s risk for diabetes later in life. Most recently, a 2005 discovery suggests that the brain can also produce insulin and when problems arise in that process, there is a link to Alzheimer’s disease. These researchers also state that typically these patients also have type 1 or 2 diabetes in addition to this “brain type” diabetes. million undiagnosed. In 2007, diabetes contributed to a total of 230,000 deaths in the US; that is more deaths than breast cancer. Diabetes in 2007cost the United States an estimated $218 billion between medical costs, disability, work loss, and premature deaths. About 1 in 4 Americans are either diabetic or pre-diabetic.

Types of Diabetes Diabetes is broken down into 2 most common types and a few other less common types. Diabetes type 1, or what used to be called juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes, occurs when someone cannot produce insulin; it is estimated that about 5% of diabetics have

what is insulin?

First off, complete text books can be written about insulin and its bodily functions, so for the simple purpose of this article we will look at one function of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in an organ called the pancreas, which is located behind your stomach; insulin in particular is produced in cells of the pancreas called beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. When we eat, our body breaks down some of our food into basic sugar molecules, which our body eventually uses to produce energy inside of cells. Insulin takes the sugar, from the blood, into cells, like a key unlocking

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a door to the inside of a cell. However, some people have cells that are resistant to insulin, or the insulin key doesn’t work every time; some experts suggest giving these people more insulin while others suggest a healthy lifestyle while avoiding all sugar (like soda and refined carbohydrates) is best. most common tests for diabetes When insulin takes the sugar out of the blood, this reduces the amount of sugar in the blood, and this is what we are checking when we check the blood for glucose/sugar levels. Another simple test is a urinalysis, checking for sugar in the urine. Hemoglobin A1c is also a common test that is used to calculate the percentage of red blood cells that sugar is sticking to; because red blood cells live for 3 months, this test gives us an idea as to the amount of sugar in the blood for the past 3 months. When sugar does not get into the cells, it can cause damage to our bodies. Often some of the first signs are visualized by ophthalmologists on our eyes’ retinas.

by the time you have been diagnosed.

However, there is great news: living a healthy lifestyle is one of the many things that is in your control. Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through a healthy lifestyle. The term healthy lifestyle can be fairly vague, so here is a brief summary of lifestyle modifications that currently appear to reduce the risk of diabetes and complications with type 1 diabetes: avoid all sugar and sweeteners, eat little to no grains like breads/rice/cereal, avoid starchy foods like potatoes, exercise 30 minutes daily, take vitamin D, get rid of excess weight, eat low glycemic load food (glycemic load is a scale of the foods we eat, in correlation to portion size, that shows how much and how fast sugar from food will enter the blood often called a blood sugar spike following a meal) allowing our body an easier time to deal with the sugar, and sprinkling cinnamon on food seems to help your body deal with sugar better. For those already diagnosed as being diabetic, you should probably be following a similar lifestyle; but as

Symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes frequent urination unusual weight loss extreme fatigue irritability frequent infections blurred vision extreme hunger pregnancy complications dental disease

slow healing cuts/bruises unusual thirst numbness in hands/feet nausea kidney disease blindness ketoacidosis skin sores/infection nerve damage

my opinion For those who have read my article on stress, I like to boil things down to small parts. Generally, this topic can be boiled down to two thoughts. Simply put there are things that are in our control and there are things that are out of our control. Unfortunately, for the estimated 5% of diabetics, or type 1 diabetic Americans, there is not much they can do as far as being able to produce their own insulin; some research suggests what a mother eats or doesn’t eat during pregnancy can reduce risk of type 1 diabetes but that ship has already sailed

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heart disease stroke high blood pressure cancer obesity diabetic coma Alzheimer’s disease

always consult with your healthcare provider, nutritionist, or dietitian prior to making any lifestyle modifications. Also, understand that just because you can take insulin to lower blood sugar does not mean it is okay to eat sugar, and just because you use an artificial sweetener, or indigestible sugar, this does not make it okay to eat a pie. The bottom line here is that for the most part it seems that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable.

This should be the goal of any individual just to avoid negative health issues, but this should be a goal on a wider scale to begin to reduce healthcare costs.

Dr. Hannon graduated from the Southern California University of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Chiropractic program. Now, in private practice Dr. Hannon dedicates his time to his passion of health, exercise, and nutrition.

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MEDICAL PROFILES : SPECIAL SECTION

Top Docs in the H.D. Where to Go for Great Care

When it comes to your health care, choosing a doctor or dentist is one of most important decisions you must make. The High Desert is full of medical and dental professionals practicing numerous specialties, and deciding on who will best suit your needs can be a daunting task, so H.D. Living magazine is here to help. Following is a selection of some of the best medical and dental professionals the H.D. has to offer.

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SPECIAL SECTION : MEDICAL PROFILES

www.hdpcmg.com (760) 241-6666 | (760) 381-7700

High Desert Primary Care (HDPC) Medical Group “Our Family Caring for Your Family,” is not just a tag line at HDPC; it’s the way each and every patient is treated when they visit the office at HDPC. What that means to HDPC staff is that every time anyone walks through their door, “it’s as if a member of your own family is standing right in front of you.” HDPC staff makes sure that when a member leaves, everything was done to make their visit as pleasant and as convenient as possible. It is ensuring simple things, like a follow up appointment is scheduled, lab instructions are given or x-rays, if needed, are done prior to you leaving the office; that’s what it means.

HDPC has a Call Center that was put in place last year with the idea that all the calls could be routed to one place to make it easier and more convenient to talk with HDPC. The highly trained call center staff can address most of the day to day situations that come along, and they can, if need be, forward your call directly to your provider’s office staff. This eases the call traffic to the providers and frees them up to be able to spend a bit more time caring for you or your family. Another way to communicate with HDPC is through the Patient Portal ”Connect to Us.” This allows patients to view completed lab work, and request appointments and medication refills. This is a secured network and can only be accessed with a PIN that is unique to each patient. HDPC also

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provides access to Urgent Care offices that are available seven days a week in Victorville and five days a week in Hesperia, again to make access to care more convenient. The Urgent Care is staffed by caring professionals that know you are in a situation that you don’t really want to be in, so they do whatever it takes to get you in and out as quickly as possible. From stitches to sprains, HDPC Urgent Care is here to care for you and your family.

HDPC was formed in 1996 by four local physicians who had a vision to provide caring quality healthcare in the High Desert.

Since then, HDPC has been a proud and active member of this community, supporting numerous local events and charities as a part of their goal of Caring. They are also affiliated with St. Mary Medical Center providing support of the hospital to help raise awareness and funding for much needed improvements in medical care and equipment for the community.

In this era of constantly changing healthcare, it’s nice to have one thing that doesn’t change. HDPC and the message of “Our Family, Caring for Your Family” really means something. No matter if it is a “routine” office visit, an Urgent Care visit, or a visit to a specialist, caring is the focus. At High Desert Primary Care Medical Group, “Our Family is still Caring for Your Family.”

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MEDICAL PROFILES : SPECIAL SECTION

Dr. Glenn L. Ong-Veloso

Glenn Dental Dr. Glenn and his staff are proud of their state-of-the-art dental facility, which has been designed to offer patients a relaxed, spa-like experience, private rooms in which to discuss treatment, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere; the building is solar powered and uses “smart technology and green construction concepts,” which demonstrates Glenn Dental’s forward thinking and puts them firmly on the cutting edge. The beautiful and ultra-modern décor of Glenn Dental’s offices reflects the latest in dental treatments available to patients.

Glenn Dental uses advanced technology and creates individual patient treatment plans that offer everything from veneers to implants. If you need a root canal and crown or a simple filling, the professionals at Glenn Dental have treatment options. If orthodontia is necessary, Glenn Dental offers choices from full orthodontics to discreet Invisalign®. Drs. Glenn L. Ong-Veloso and Joy Marie Helou bring the education, skills, and experience necessary to make your visit comfortable and professional. With qualified and skilled staff, the doctors bring you treatment options designed specifically for you. With the health of your teeth and gums as the foundation of its practice, Glenn Dental provides you with care that ensures a healthy, bright smile for life. Always on the cusp of future techniques and skills, “Glenn Dental is not just a dental office but also a teaching facility. Dr. Glenn Ong-Veloso is a clinical professor for Western University School of Dentistry in Pomona.”

Glenn Dental’s website is a great place to start your road to good dental health and hygiene. The website offers everything from photos of the office and treatment rooms to a tutorial on what to expect on your first visit. You can even book your appointment online. For a healthy, beautiful smile you can be proud of, call, click, or visit the professionals at Glenn Dental.

www.glenndental.com (760) 242-2620 16096 Kamana Rd., Apple Valley glenndental@gmail.com

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SPECIAL SECTION : MEDICAL PROFILES

Dr. Ali Tehrani

Tehrani Plastic Surgery Dr. Ali Tehrani, founder of Tehrani Plastic Surgery, has quickly established a reputation as a leading plastic surgeon in Southern California. His compassion for patient care and impeccable surgical outcomes have led patients throughout Southern California to seek out his services.

His comprehensive practice offers a full spectrum of body contouring and facial rejuvenation procedures providing a luxurious one stop shop for his patients. Blending an array of options from minimally invasive SlimLipo laser assisted liposuction, brow lifts and face lifts along with Botox and injectable fillers such as Juvederm and Prevelle, Dr. Tehrani is able to deliver natural looking results with minimal downtime.

He says, “Without erasing my patients’ defining features I am able to provide visibly rejuvenated results. My goal is to achieve a perpetual, timeless beauty that reflects the essence of my patients and how young they feel.”

Beyond the aesthetics of beauty, Dr. Tehrani is making a difference in the lives of women who have breast cancer.

By utilizing state of the art techniques, Dr. Tehrani is able to reconstruct a women’s breast after her mastectomy with much less down time. Allowing his patients to realize the possibility of a cancer-free life: balancing of form and function is an art for which Dr. Tehrani has become well renowned. “I make every effort to help my patients make the most of their newfound feelings of confidence.”

Dr. Tehrani’s passion for surgery extends beyond his local practices. He is actively involved with the Paul Chester Children’s Hope Foundation which does annual medical mission trips to Kenya. There, with a team of specialists, comprehensive surgical care is provided to adults and children in the most remote areas of Western Africa. “I feel that everyone should strive to leave a memory behind that embodies their purpose.”

Dr. Tehrani has three conveniently located offices in Apple Valley, Newport Beach, and Beverly Hills. Please call for your personalized consultation.

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www.tehraniplasticsurgery.com (760) 240-2444 18064 Wika Rd., Sute 103, Apple Valley

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MEDICAL PROFILES : SPECIAL SECTION

Dr. Nicholas Crismali www.drcrismali.com (760) 948-7400 18151 Bear Valley Rd., Hesperia Your feet support you in so many ways—they get you where you need to go, they let you dance the night away, and they keep you standing tall. We often don’t think about just how important our feet are or how much we depend upon them until they start to hurt. Dr. Crismali, podiatrist and foot surgeon, can treat all kinds of foot problems, “from bunions to ingrown nails, sports injuries to orthotics, dislocations to fractures,” and more.

Dr. Crismali is board certified and has more than twenty years of experience as a podiatrist; he and his staff offer many choices in treatment to relieve painful foot conditions. Utilizing the latest in diagnostic and treatment techniques, Dr. Crismali also makes sure that his patients have the information they need to take good care of their feet. Patient education is an important part of the care you can count on from Dr. Crismali and his staff. With personalized attention to care for you every “step” of the way, you can be assured that your feet will keep you moving through all of life’s journeys.

A growing number of people suffer from plantar fasciitis, which can be mild or debilitating. A treatment offered by Dr. Crismali is Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT@), “a fast, gentle, non-surgical method of reducing heel pain.” Patients often get relief after the very first treatment.

Dr. Crismali’s office provides in-office x-rays, extended hours, and accepts most insurance plans. No matter the foot problem, Dr. Crismali can offer you many and various treatment options. Call or stop by Dr. Crismali’s website for more information.

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SPECIAL SECTION : MEDICAL PROFILES

Dr. Stine & Associates of Stine Injury Institute www.stinechiropractic.com (760) 245-8182 17330 Bear Valley Rd., Ste 105, Victorville When you have suffered any kind of injury, you need specialized care to get you back to your life; you need a team. At Stine Injury Institute, you get a team of professionals ready to help you overcome the obstacles that occur with a physical injury. This outstanding team consists of four Doctors of Chiropractic, one Medical Doctor, one Board Certified Pain Management Physician, eight Massage Therapists, four Physical Therapy Assistants, three Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons, an Internist, a Neurologist, and many other staff members to help you including a Medical Legal Liaison. At Stine Injury Institute, the goal of every staff member is to ease your pain and get you back to living your life. With access to direct referral, patients may benefit from advanced imaging technology such as MRI, CAT scan, and Fluoroscopy.

Dr. Stine, a graduate of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (now known as Southern California University of Health

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Sciences), believes that it takes more than one approach to get patients back to health following a physical injury. People are injured every day, and not just in cars or with machinery. Every injury is different and requires a different approach. At Stine Injury Institute, chiropractic and physical therapy play a large part in treatment, but Dr. Stine says, “We wanted the public to know that we will utilize everything at our disposal to relieve them of the effects of their injury, whether it’s a home injury, lifting that bag of dog food or chopping wood. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, we have what you need to recover quickly from whatever injury you have.”

Dr. Stine himself is familiar with the trauma and pain involved in recovering from an injury. Following a car accident, Dr. Stine had difficulty with one approach to healing and was finally referred to a Doctor of Chiropractic. Already a premed student, Dr. Stine was impressed with the benefits of chiropractic and switched specialties. But he also saw what could happen when professionals of many specialties come together in the art of healing. Stine Injury Institute is a unique place that Dr. Stine has worked hard to create. He says, “The culmination of where my practice is now was a work in progress to find the right doctors with a shared vision to work as a team with no egos for the betterment of our patients.”

This philosophy permeates all aspects of Stine Injury Institute where the doctors do what is best for the patients. With so many specialists all working for the patients’ renewed health, the H.D. is fortunate to have such a facility. Before Stine Injury Institute, patients often had to visit several doctors at different locations, often down the hill, but now there is a team that is ready to help.

The inclusion of massage therapy has been a part of Dr. Stine’s practice for a while, but as we learn more of the benefits of massage therapy, many insurance companies will now pay for massage therapy and patients may make one stop for an adjustment and receive a massage, too.

Because of the prevalence of automobile injury patients in the practice, the doctors and staff at Stine Injury Institute were often inundated with legal questions in the midst of their treatment, so adding a medical legal liaison is a great benefit to patients who need help and advice when they are navigating insurance claims and dealing with adjusters. Such an inclusive approach to patient care, Dr. Stine says “is unparalleled.”

Dr. Stine’s best advice for good health care? “Cardio four times a week and no RED BULLS. For you that know me, you know I had an affinity for Red Bulls. After a heart attack at the age of 46, 8 months ago, I was told to exercise 30-45 minutes a day, 4 days a week, and NO RED BULLS. That’s the best advice I can give my patients.” He also believes in being grateful and “…treat[ing] others the way you would want to be treated. That has been my philosophy in life and in practice.”

Sounds like Doc knows best!

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MEDICAL PROFILES : SPECIAL SECTION

Dr. Brian Judelson & Associates www.vistadental-ca.com (760) 241-7084 | 12587 Hesperia Rd., Ste B., Victorville With more than forty years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Brian Judelson leads an experienced, professional, and caring group of dentists and hygienists. The atmosphere at Dr. Judelson’s practice offers a homey, comfortable feel combined with the benefits of the latest in dental equipment and highly skilled practitioners.

Associates, Doctors Robert Rohmer and Mervyn Moya both graduated from Loma Linda’s prestigious school of dentistry, and along with Dr. Kiet Tran, who specializes in implants and oral surgery, assure that patients receive high quality care.

The office of Dr. Judelson & Associates is a general dental practice serving adults of all ages as well as children.

Patients are offered a full range of dental services from cleaning and periodontal care to root canals, extractions, veneers, dentures, and more. Dr. Judelson’s practice offers the newest advances in dental treatments and methods of diagnosis, such as the Identify 3000, Trimera’s device for screening oral cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in Americans. The use of digital X-Rays and digital impressions for crowns means less discomfort for patients and better diagnostic tools for the dentists. According to Dr. Judelson, “Digital X-Rays cut patient exposure to radiation by upwards of 90 percent.”

Office manager Terri Polehonki has served patients for more than fifteen years with hygienists Joyce Moore for eighteen years, Shelley Mathews for more than eight years, Elvia Mariani for more than five years, and part-timer Mical Martin for more than three years. The best advice Dr. Judelson offers patients? “Floss every day. Visit the dentist regularly! Prevention is always better than cure.

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Dr. James Sweeney/ Hometown Dental www.ourhometowndental.com (760) 947-6905 | 16385 Walnut St., Hesperia The name Hometown Dental really suits Dr. James Sweeney’s practice. With his wife Kara, whom he met at their church in Victorville, Dr. Sweeney runs Hometown Dental, a general dental practice serving patients of all ages. Hometown Dental is a warm and inviting place where patients receive “as much personal attention and time as they need.” The most up to date dental technology is available at Hometown Dental including laser dentistry and low-emission digital x-rays.

Dr. Sweeney takes great pleasure is helping patients overcome their fears of the dentist and to achieve their best smile. Though he especially enjoys working with children and getting them off to lifelong dental health, Dr. Sweeney treats patients of all ages. Five years into his H.D. dental practice, Dr. Sweeney continues to enjoy helping people. Led by his faith, he says, “…we are placed on this earth for a reason.

I believe we are Christ’s hands and feet and we have the privilege to reach out to others with love and compassion on a daily basis. If we strive to treat others as well as we attempt to treat ourselves, this world would be a much happier place.”

Dr. Sweeney’s compassion is evident in the time he spends with patients and the genuine care he gives beyond the dental chair. Care, compassion, and concern, Dr. Sweeney gives his patients just what the doctor ordered!

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Dr. Michael Jacobsen www.drjsbraceplace.com (760) 951-7752 12587 Hesperia Rd., Ste A., Victorville

Specializing in orthodontics, Dr. Jacobsen’s practice needs to be fun, and it is! Though he has patients in all age groups, children constitute a large percentage of those he sees in his office. A graduate of Loma Linda University, Dr. Jacobsen is also a member of many professional organizations, which allows him to stay on top of the latest in dental and orthodontic care. Dr. Jacobsen’s practice is committed to professional patient care, but one look at the murals of whales, manatees, and other sea creatures gracing his office walls denotes a lively environment. Dr. Jacobsen says, “We offer an exciting atmosphere with excellent customer service where people truly enjoy being here. We provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment in a setting that is friendly, professional and fun. The team is dedicated to the practice and supportive of one another.” That team spirit means that the patient is at the center of all they do.

Dr. Jacobsen offers braces in multiple styles and colors, including translucent and transparent aligners like Invisilign and the new Incognito, so adults can feel as comfortable getting a great smile as kids. Incognito braces are placed on the insides of the teeth so that they are completely invisible from the front. They’re created using state-of-the-art technology that fully customizes the braces to fit the shape of each patient’s teeth and dental situation. The benefits of a beautiful smile cannot be underestimated either. Often, one of the first aspects people notice is our smile, so if you’re not proud of yours, Dr. Jacobsen can rectify that.

Healthy teeth and gums provide numerous benefits beyond the surface aesthetics. Many health problems including head-

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aches or jaw pain may be eliminated by proper tooth alignment. Treatments vary, and Dr. Jacobsen and his staff treat patients as individuals. An initial consultation can determine the best course of treatment. Children should have their first orthodontic consultation and examination by the age of seven.

Treatment may not be necessary at that age, but a baseline exam will offer indicators of which treatments will be of most benefit and when treatment should begin.

Dr. Jacobsen and his family have lived in the H.D. for many years, and because he enjoys an active lifestyle, it’s no surprise why he enjoys it here; he says, “I have the best of everything. I have the convenience of the mountains for skiing, beaches for water sports, lakes for water skiing. I can go biking almost any time of the year. Clean fresh air is a plus. People are so friendly in the high desert and also the potential for cultural growth is outstanding.” The love of an outdoor life keeps the doctor vibrant for his many family, church, and youth activities, and of course, his patients.

Dr. Jacobsen’s own bright smile greets his patients, young and old, and assures them of a pleasant and comfortable visit.

The doctor says that “Our practice is dedicated to providing the best patient experience possible. We are creating smiles for the future in a stress free, comfortable and caring environment.” The entire staff at Dr. Jacobsen’s office is interested in providing the best in care and staying up to date with the latest treatment options. Their website assures patients that, “Each member of our treatment team is a registered assistant, and our office staff has years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care.

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the mavericks 44 High Desert Living magazine

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Hot Fun in the Summertime In and Out of the Sun: 20 Tips to H.D. Fun

By Stephanie Morris Summertime in the H.D.—it’s just gorgeous. Our mornings are clear and bright, we have very little smog to endure, our sunsets are breathtaking, and we have a stunning, 3600 view of picturesque rock and mountain ranges to enjoy at our leisure. Okay, so it’s pretty... But, what is there to do in H.D. in the summer? A lot! From recreation and sports to the arts and entertainment, the H.D. offers much to do, see, and experience. So, sit back and enjoy the tour. “Hot fun in the summertime…” Everybody sing!

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CONCERTS IN THE PARK Concerts in the Park

Get Muddy

Fantastic live music, for free—really? Yes, really! Just fetch your favorite people, a blanket, maybe some folding chairs, a few munchies, and your dancing shoes, and head out to the Civic Center Park Amphitheater, located at 14955 Dale Evans Parkway, to enjoy the Apple Valley Sunset Concert Series.

When? The concerts will run from 6-9 pm on June 21st & 28th, July 12th, 19th, & 26th, and August 2nd & 9th. Oh, and please leave Fido at home; these are “human only” events.

Now, if you live a little closer to Hesperia, you may want to check out the Hesperia Summer Concert Series, which will be held at the Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, 15833 Smoke Tree St. Also free to the public, the concerts will take place on Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and August and will run from 6:30-9 pm.

So, what’s more fun than a 5K run? A 5K run with more than eighteen muddy obstacles! Rockin’ the Desert Mud Run happens on August 25th at Horsemen’s Center in Apple Valley, and if you have never participated, get ready to get dirty!

The fun begins early—the beer garden opens at 6:30 am, and the run starts in waves between 7:30 to 9 am. Runners can register and get training tips, clothing advice, and other information at the Rockin’ the Desert Mud Run website: www. rockinthedesertmudrun.com. Net proceeds from the event benefit the Victor Valley College Foundation and Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation, so go play in the mud for a good cause.

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Go Golf We all know H.D. summer mornings are glorious, especially on a golf course! If you love to golf or want to take a lesson or two, there are a few public courses in the area you may want to

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check out. Once a tour stop for the PGA, the Hesperia Golf & Country Club, located at 17970 Bangor Ave, is well-known for its challenging course and beautiful tree-lined fairways.

Another H.D. favorite, Green Tree Golf Course, found at 14144 Green Tree Blvd in Victorville, is a well maintained 18-hole course that is not only easy on the eyes, but also easy on the pocketbook.

Jess Ranch Golf Course, sited at 10885 Apple Valley Rd in gorgeous Apple Valley, is famous for its rolling hills, sand bunkers, and water challenges. However, if you’re looking for a smaller course, West Winds Golf Course, located at 18003 West Winds Rd in Victorville, is a very popular 9-hole course.

Zoo Zone Have you checked out the Hesperia Zoo yet? Did you even know there was one? Yep, hidden away on ten acres in Hesperia is the residence of numerous exotic mammals and birds from six continents. They offer an interactive guided tour to educate their guests about the beautiful wild creatures that call this zoo home.

They also offer an amazing summer Zoo Camp for kids 6-10. You can find it at 19038 Willow St (off of Peach). “No passport required.”

To get your taste buds wet, or for more information, check out www. thehesperiazoo. com or call (760) 948-9430. Very cool indeed! wine tasting

be therapeutic, a bonding experience—a great time, and, fortunately for us, we don’t need to drive far to find fish! Some of our hottest local fishing holes can be found at Hesperia Lake Park, 7500 Arrowhead Lake Rd in Hesperia , Mojave Narrows Regional Park, located at 18000 Yates Rd in Victorville, Silverwood Lake, found at 14901 Cedar St, Hesperia, and Jess Ranch Lakes, at 11495 Apple Valley Rd in Apple Valley. For other hotspots, tips, tricks, and fishing reports, pay http:// fishingnetwork.net a visit.

Grangé Motor Circuit Grangé Motor Circuit has made it a goal to bring excitement to the H.D., and they have done just that! Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of race car driving? Well, now is your chance! Grangé Motor Circuit offers rentals and schooling to get you started in the sport of racing SuperMoto and/or karting.

They also offer track rentals for private events. Get your rush on at 20455 Central Ave in Apple Valley. You can check it all out at http:// grangeracetrack. com.

Water Works

Wine tasting—definitely a good time! D’vine Wine & Jazz Bar, located at 14845 Monarch Blvd in Victorville, is a hotspot for tasting and live music. With a kick back, yet classy, atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to learn wine appreciation, while enjoying delicious appetizers and listening to cool tunes.

Another popular wine tasting locale is The Wine Seller, found at 19341 Bear Valley Rd #201 in Apple Valley. Along with fine wine, The Wine Seller provides a fun ambience and a certified sommelier to educate and answer questions. What?

You don’t like wine? Well, The Wine Seller also offers daily microbrew flights.

When it’s this hot, there’s no better remedy than a refreshing dip in a pool. If you don’t have the luxury of having a pool gracing your own yard, we have listed a few public alternatives to help you out. If you live in the Victorville area, you may want to cool down at the Pebble Beach Pool in Doris Davies Park, located at 16300 Pebble Beach Dr. Or, if you prefer, check out the Village Pool, found at 15730 Eto Camino Rd, also in Victorville. Hesperia provides a splash at the Lime Street Park Pool, found at 16292 Lime St. If you’re closer to Apple Valley, the Apple Valley Aquatics Center, located at 14999 Dale Evans Pkwy may be the cool hotspot for you.

However, if you have little ones, the Mojave Narrows Regional Park Zero Depth Water Play Park is a refreshing and safe alternative to pool play. And, if you didn’t already know, Mojave Narrows also offers row boats and pedal boats for a fun tour of Horseshoe Lake. Both are found at 18000 Yates Rd in Victorville.

Fishing Holes

Movie Mania

Get out and enjoy a little nature this summer! Fishing can

Who doesn’t like to go to the movies? Movies are always a good

Wine Tasting

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time and a way to get out of the heat, but if you’re looking for something a little different, we have a couple of suggestions for you. Grab the kids, the popcorn, some lounge chairs and a few blankets and head out for some free Movies in the Park fun at the Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, located at 15833 Smoke Tree St. That’s right; they show movies in the open park, under the beautiful H.D. stars. Just make sure you get there by dusk, or you may get pelted with popcorn. Visit http://www. hesperiaparks.com/special-events/ to verify movie dates.

Another movie experience you’ve just got to check out this summer is the hot new Cinemark 16 XD Extreme Digital Cinema Theater, located in the Mall of Victor Valley. It’s the first state of the art, large screen theater in the H.D., and it’s amazing! The larger than life screen and surround sound is so all-encompassing that you’ll almost forget that you’re in a theater and not really part of the action.

at 14845 Monarch Blvd #N in Victorville. They also supply a rockin’ arcade, pool tables, and...Mmm… PJ’s Ice Cream! For more information, search http://www.monarchfunzone.com/ attractions.html.

Picnic Places There are multiple first-rate parks in the H.D., but for ultimate picnic fun, there are a few that really stand out. For an allencompassing good time, Mojave Narrows Regional Park is a premium picnic site. Located at 18000 Yates Rd in Victorville, it’s the place to go for top of the line picnic shelters and a widerange of recreational opportunities—including boating, fishing, horseback riding, camping, playgrounds, water fun, and so much more.

Doris Davies Park (formerly known as Pebble Beach Park), found at 16305 Hughes Rd, is the homeland of the Pebble Beach Pool and Racquetball Center. Along with large picnic areas with barbeques, it also provides a 9-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and much more.

Another local favorite is Hesperia Lake Park. Bring your guests, your barbeque (heck, even your camp gear if you plan to stay awhile), and settle in for a good time with a beautiful lake view. Horses are welcome too! Located at 7500 Arrowhead Lake Rd, it’s a great place to unwind.

Apple Valley is home to many nice picnic areas, and Horsemen’s Center is definitely among the favorites. It’s known for its picturesque rock formations, grassy picnic area, horse show areas, BMX park, and a great scenic hiking trail. You can find it at 24320 Highway 18, in Apple Valley.

Muse Museums

Horseback Riding There are plenty of places to horseback ride in the H.D., if you own your own horse; but, if you don’t have that pleasure and would love to give it a shot, Mojave Narrows Riding Stables, located in Mojave Narrows Regional Park, offers just what you’re looking for. They provide scenic trail and pony rides along the Mojave River and Mormon Trail, with 550 acres to explore. For prices or more information, go to http://www.horserentals.com/ mojavenarrows.html, or give them a call at 760-955-1913.

Arcades and Amusement The Scandia Family Fun Center—what a blast! Along with a grand arcade, they provide other rousing attractions such as the Scandia Skyscreamer, Stockholm Raceway, Baltic Sea Bumper Boats, Baseball Batting Cages, and/or the Scandia Miniature Golf. Scandia Family Fun Center is located at 12627 Mariposa Rd in Victorville. Visit them at www.scandiavv.com/Attractions.html.

If you enjoy laser tag and indoor black light mini golf, you may want to pay a visit to Monarch Family Fun Zone, found

48 High Desert Living magazine

Take a trip back in time as you explore the history of the H.D. at our local museums! Some local favorites are the Victor Valley Museum and Gallery, located at 11873 Apple Valley Rd in Apple Valley, the Hesperia Old Town Museum, at 16367 Main St in Hesperia, and…of course…the California Route 66 Museum, which can be found at 16825 D St in Victorville. Little kids and big kids alike may enjoy browsing the history of our local heroes at the Victorville Fire Museum, located at 15620 8th St in Victorville. Enjoy the educational journey; after all, exploration of indigenous culture is a good time!

Take a Hike Walk this way… Okay, so you may not want to take a hike in the high heat of an H.D. summer day, but early morning and dusk hikes in our beautiful desert are breathtaking. Where?

Well, you can visit the hot springs while hiking Deep Creek Trail, found right off of Bowen Ranch Rd. in Apple Valley. Or, hike to the Apple Valley Water Fall—a creek which winds through striking rock formations, creating glorious waterfalls.

You’ll find it snaking its way down the mountains just above Apple Valley.

Another fun hike is Hesperia’s Pacific Crest Trail—a trail that actually starts at the Mexican border town of Campo

sUMMER 2012

live theatre

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High Desert Living magazine 49

and ends in British Columbia, Canada. And, Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail, located on Hwy 138, just west of I-15, is another “must hike.” The historic and geologically fascinating trail bestows striking sandstone formations, perforated with small holes and caves. These cavities are homes to many of our local wildlife. To find out other local hiking hotspots, just go to: www.everytrail.com.

Take Me Out to a Ballgame Join Wooly Bully for some peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and some great Mavericks baseball this season. The High Desert Mavericks Baseball Club is located at 12000 Stadium Way in Adelanto. For their schedule and upcoming events, just visit http://www.milb.com/schedule, or call 760-246-6287. And, remember to root, root, root for the Mavericks…because…after all, if they don’t win it’s a shame!

Treat Yourself Are you burning up? Well, luckily we have just the right medicine. What better way to cool down than with a tasty treat? If you don’t know where to go, here’s a listing of the H.D.’s favorite yogurt and gelato havens to help you out. After all, it’s those little things that make you go, “Mmmmmm!” that make life fun.

Rainbow Yogurt 14898 Dale Evans Ave in Apple Valley Tutti Frutti 17080 Bear Valley Rd in Victorville Nubi Yogurt 19201-H Bear Valley Rd in Apple Valley The Big Swirl 14135 Main St #104 in Hesperia Mama Carpino’s Italian Restaurant now offers 12 flavors of gelato! – 22010 Hwy 18 in Apple Valley Sammy’s Gelato 12353 Mariposa Rd in Victorville

Encounter Live Theater Want an inexpensive vacation from reality? Live theater opens minds and takes us away to other realities and far away lands.

This summer you can escape to the world of Winnie the Pooh at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center, from July 13th through July 22nd. Then, from July 27th through August 5th, The Boys Next Door (this one is for Adults only) will reign the theater. Both plays are under the direction of Ed Heaberlin.

Victor Valley College is located at 18422 Bear Valley Rd. For tickets and information, go to https://www.ticketturtle.com.

Another hotspot for great local theater is the High Desert Center for the Arts, located at 15615 8th St in Victorville. To find out what’s in store, inquire about acting classes, or auditions, just pay a visit to www.highdesertcenterforthearts.com.

Roll With It, Baby Whether you prefer in-line skating, skate boarding, or roller skating, 3-Diamond Skate Park enables you take it up a notch with ramps, ledges, stairs, a bowl, and a huge quarter pipe to get your adrenaline pumping and challenge your skills. BMX riders are welcome as well. You can find it at 13467 Navajo Rd in Apple Valley. A good time for all, Power Play Center, located at 10770 I Ave in Hesperia and Holiday Skate World, found at 14950 Palmdale Rd in Victorville, offer family friendly fun at reasonable prices. Don’t have any skates of your own, you say?

That’s no excuse; skate rentals are available!

Go Bowling Bowling is inexpensive family fun, out of the hot sun! Gold Strike Lanes, found at 20410 Hwy 18 in Apple Valley, provides 16 lanes of bowling, a snack bar, video games, and a cocktail lounge. If you’re closer to Victorville, Victor Bowl may be your spot. It’s a little larger—a 40 lane center, with pool tables, video games, a snack bar, a cocktail bar, and karaoke bowling. It’s located at 12277 Mariposa Rd. Good times!

Get Smart Many people don’t know it, but Victor Valley College offers a plethora of “edu-tainment” courses and workshops for personal enrichment and…well, fun. If you have ever wanted to explore hypnosis, poetry, art, and/or fitness, now is your chance. If you’ve ever longed to develop skills such as basic plumbing, Photoshopping, how to “get funny,” or maybe become more assertive, they can teach you all that too. The classes are not offered for credit, but they do provide a good time and an expanded mind. So, why not enrich your mind this summer and maybe meet a few new friends in the process? “Edu-tainment” is lot of fun! For more information, just check out their VVC for Me web page, located at http://www.vvcforme.com/personal_ edutainment/.

bowling

50 High Desert Living magazine

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

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Photo by Dusdin Condren, www.dusdincondren.com (creative commons/flickr)

52 High Desert Living magazine

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Tattoo You Getting Inked in the HD

By Katie Chavez

T

attoos are nothing new to the world. The ancient Egyptians, Vikings, Greco-Romans, and American Indians are among the world’s cultures that tattooed their bodies as signs of decoration, art, social status, criminal conviction, medicinal use, and countless other reasons long before it became the pop culture icon it is today.

Time has shifted attitudes, and tattoos in America are more popular than ever— especially, surprisingly enough, among middle-class women. No longer is this branding of the flesh a sign of rebellion or social outcast—it’s common practice.

Tattooing is one of the fastest growing retail businesses in the country, and as a result, so is tattoo removal. With that in mind, there are a lot of reasons for people to commit or not commit to getting inked.

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High Desert Living magazine 53

An Abbreviated History In 1991, a mummified human dating from about 3300 B.C. was found in the mountains between Austria and Italy. That iceman was so well preserved that his bronze ax, bow and arrows, and clothes were retained along with his skin that showcased several tattoos. This is the earliest evidence of human tattooing.

In the 1800s United States, tattoos became popular among sailors as they collected them at ports around the world.

Tattoos were also popular with carnival, circus, and side show performers who advertised people like Irene Woodward, “the original tattooed lady.” By 1900, just after Samuel O’Reilly developed the first electric tattooing machine based on Thomas Edison’s electric pen, the tattoo was easily obtainable by the average person and New York City became the birthplace of the American tattoo. Consequently, tattoos were losing cultural credibility while gaining in popularity. Associated with societal delinquents, tattoos lost even more respect in American culture after World War II. In 1961, a hepatitis outbreak left people even more hesitant to get a tattoo and the New York City Health Department banned tattooing until 1997.

research

Artist’s Previous Works: Make sure to see the artist’s previous work, not only to insure quality, but also to insure that they work in a style that you desire.

Lastly: Just keep in mind Jimmy Buffet’s song “Permanent reminder of a temporary feeling” before you make the final decision.

health

Getting a tattoo is considered a minor medical procedure, so it isn’t a bad idea to keep that in mind even before you step into a tattoo shop. It is recommended that people get a tetanus shot if they have not had one in the last ten years before getting a tattoo. Also consider allergies you already have to things like previous tattoos, hair dyes, or henna used in temporary tattoos—and because tattoo pigment compounds are all different, ask the tattoo artist what ingredients are in the ink they use. Though relatively rare, take into account the possible complications of getting an MRI with a tattoo. Tattoo inks, generally composed of metal salts and plastics, can interfere with the quality of the MRI image and can cause swelling or burning in the tattooed areas. As with any procedure involving blood, there is the risk of contracting any number of blood-borne diseases such as * hepatitis C. Despite possible health risks, there are health care advantages. A new trend in tattooing is to tattoo medical information million American have tattoos on the body. This has allowed, for instance, people with diabetes to no longer need to wear medical bracelets. Though this practice tattooed Americans who regret it is not recognized by The American Medical Association and it does not yet carry much legal weight, it is something that people plus tattoo parlors in America are taking into serious consideration and creating peace of mind. annual profit

By the Numbers 45

Don’t put more effort into researching a new Smartphone than getting a new tattoo. Do tattoo research. It goes without saying that this is a lifelong commitment that should be considered carefully. If you are at all unsure, perhaps the best thing to do is talk to people with and without tattoos and listen to their logic for wanting and not wanting ink. But once you commit, the most important decision is where to get your tattoo done and who the tattoo artist will be.

Don’t just let anyone draw all over you. Ask questions. Your tattoo can only removal be as good as the artist’s skill, and if they Just as people are jumping to get tattooed, are good and reputable, they can and will people are jumping to get them removed. tattoo shops in the H.D. answer any questions you have. Here are a The tattoo removal business is booming and * few things you should know and ask: just as women ages 25 to 35 are most eager Statistics gathered from the New York Certificate of Registration: In to get tattoos, they are also most likely to Times and msnbc.com California, a tattoo artist must be shed the ink. It is, however, more costly and registered with the LEA to perform tattooing. time consuming to get the tattoos removed than it was to get Cleanliness of the Shop: First impressions mean a lot. Is the them in the first place—and not always completely successful. facility clean? This could be your first indication whether to According to the New York Times, it will take several laser stay or go. treatments and thousands of dollars to remove a tattoo that Cleanliness of the Artist: Does the artist scrub in like a took only one session and a few hundred dollars to get. There surgeon? They should. are countless motives for why people choose to remove tattoos, Sterilization: Ask about their sterilization methods and even but some of the more popular reasons are to get rid of names ask to see the tattooing equipment being used. and faces of former relationships or to remove mistranslations Needles: Make sure that new and sterile needles are taken out (don’t assume that every tattoo artist is keenly aware of the of an autoclave bag in front of you.

Chinese symbol for strength or hope). Though, an emerging Ink: Insist that the artist use fresh inks. reason to get tattoos removed is to clear space for more ink.

17%

15,000

$2.3 billion 20+

54 High Desert Living magazine

Spring/sUMMER 2012

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High Desert Living magazine 55

restaurant spotlight

Fresh, Flavorful, and Family Owned Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant

I

f you’re looking for that special place in Apple Valley to take your friends for fine Mexican dining, you need look no further than Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant. Nestled in the corner of the shopping center on the corner of Apple Valley and Wika roads, you’ll find an atmosphere that is refined, yet festive; Mexican folk art adorns the walls that are painted a warm, glowing golden-amber color. The glistening cantina is well-stocked with an array of premium tequilas, as well as other liquors. They also offer a variety of beers. The food menu is wide-ranging and surprising, offering everything from customary Mexican fare to salmon and steak. The chips are light and crispy, the salsa fresh and just-right spicy.

The night my friends and I visited, the steak was mouthwatering, and the fajitas featured big, juicy, succulent shrimp that arrived sizzling in the pan on a bed of tangy peppers and sweet, caramelized onions. Both dishes came with generous servings of guacamole. A pleasant surprise was the asparagus, cooked to perfection, with just a hint of crunch. But perhaps--and this is saying a lot, when everything else was so scrumptious--best of all was the rice, which seems to be impossible for most restaurants to get right--here it was fluffy and flavorful, like home-made, almost as good as my Abuela’s (but don’t tell her). The margaritas are perhaps the best I’ve had in the High Desert, served in beautiful, hand-blown

56 High Desert Living magazine

colorful stemware, with plenty of fresh-squeezed citrus adding that extra-special dash of flavor.

The restaurant is owned and run by two brothers--Claude and Maxim Atalla--who came to the High Desert in 1985 with nothing but the American Dream in their pockets. Maxim, the more outgoing of the two, worked hard to learn every aspect of the restaurant business, while the reserved and elegant Claude helped run other family businesses until Los Domingos opened its Apple Valley location in 2008, right as the nation’s economy began its frightening free-fall. The brothers admit they were scared, but had faith that if they worked hard and offered something special, the customers would come, and they have.

The Atallas have tried to repay the community’s loyalty by supporting Little League teams and other local charitable organizations. They are thrilled to be living the American Dream by providing some of the best Mexican food in the High Desert. They can also cater your special event. Claude says most of his customers are repeat visitors. After experiencing the luscious fajitas and rice, as well as their citrusy, tangy margaritas, I know I’ll be back! – by Elisa Urmston

Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant 17790 Wika Rd., Apple Valley (760) 946-5344

sUMMER 2012

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dining guide

Oggi’s

Poncho Villa’s Fresh Grill & Tequila 11620 Amargosa Rd., (760) 981-1958

Carmen’s Ponderosa Restaurant 9544 Kiowa Rd. (760) 247-7727

Grumpy Golfer 14144 Green Tree Blvd, (760) 955-6017

Ninja Sushi 15850 Apple Valley Rd., (760) 242-3913

Apple Valley Angel’s Roadhouse 2 13685 John Glenn Rd, (760) 240-6923

The following is a listing of select High Desert Restaurants.

These listings are a free service provided by H.D. Living Magazine and are subject to change. This guide also includes wine tasting venues. If you would like your dining establishment considered, send information to frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com, include your name, the name of the establishment, address, and contact information.

Victorville Thai Dawn Bistro 14317 Bear Valley Rd Ste 2 Victorville, (760) 244-7600 Paulina’s Mexican Grill 14845 Monarch Blvd, (760) 955-2661 Tokyo Steak 14317 Bear Valley Rd., Ste 2 (760) 780-1499 Yoshi Sushi 14177 Kentwood Blvd, (760) 241-1960 Chateau Chang Restaurant 15425 Anacapa Rd, (760) 241-3040 Divine Wine Bar 14845 Monarch Blvd. suite C, (760) 843-3888 La Casita Mexican Restaurant 14977 Palmdale Rd, (760) 241-0119 La Casita at the Lake 12170 Spring Valley Pkwy, (760) 843-0440 Rinconsito Del Mar 14678 7th St, (760) 951-0344

58 High Desert Living magazine

Tokyo Sushi & BBQ 14741 7th St, (760) 955-7123 Golden Gate Restaurant 15208 Bear Valley Rd # B, (760) 245-6189 Steer ‘n Stein Restaurant 12224 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-0775 Marie Callenders 12180 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-6973 Outback Steakhouse 12400 Amargosa Rd # B, (760) 962-1003 Mimi’s Cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, (760) 244-6888 Original Roadhouse Grill 11940 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2308

Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant 21919 US Highway 18, (760) 240-1051 Go Bangkok Thai Cuisine 20783 Bear Valley Rd, Ste H (760) 240-3888 Di Napoli’s Fire House 17856 US Highway 18, (760) 242-5802 Amy’s Mexican Restaurant 18768 US Highway 18, Ste 170, (760) 242-1474 The Wine Seller Apple Bear Center, (760) 961-2500 Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant 17790 Wika Rd., (760) 946-5344 Oggis Pizza & Brewing Co 19201 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 240-8977 Mama Carpino’s 22010 Highway 18 (760) 240-9664 Viva Maria 20162 Highway 18 #D (760) 946-2087

Carino’s 11970 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2248

Marcelinos Mexican Restaurant 21510 Bear Valley Rd. (760) 240-4344

Crown and Sword Restaurant 14173 Green Tree Blvd., (760) 513-6046

Linko Sushi 12115 Apple Valley Rd. (760) 240-1125

Mama Carpino’s 22010 Highway 18 (760) 240-0664 Siam Thai Cuisine 18564 Outer Hwy 18, Ste. 203 (760) 242-5093 The Flame Broiler 18975 Bear Valley Rd. Ste. 301 Apple Valley Golf Course Grill 15200 Rancherias Rd, 760-242-3653 Hesperia Miyako Sushi 14073 Main St., Ste 109 (760) 956-7817 Juliano’s Italian Restaurant 12052 Hesperia Rd. (760) 949-0595 Go Bangkok Thai Cuisine 15800 Main St Ste 200 (760) 947-9029 Cancun Mexican & Seafood 15550 Main St. (760) 956-7720 Italian Kitchen 16409 Yucca St. (760) 244-7757 Thai-Lotus Restaurant 12027 Hesperia Rd. (760) 949-9362 Wood Grill Buffet 14135 Main St. (760) 981-4418 Los Domingos Restaurant 15885 Main St. (760) 948-6161 Oasis Sushi Restaurant 12719 Main St. (760) 244-9608

sUMMER 2012

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

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High Desert Living magazine 59

“Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young, makes weariness forget his toil.”

– Lord Byron

Tasting Notes

Reader Recommendation

Il Conte d’Alba Moscato d’Asti

Punch Drunk Summer Fun!

I

’m an aficionado of robust Cabs and lush Pinot Noirs, but in the heat of summer, I can be easily swayed with a nice icy glass of fruit decked sangria or a sparkling white wine cocktail. Without a doubt, summertime swelter urges us to alter our standard selections and gravitate toward all things cool and light—scantier attire, less filling meals, and chilled wine.

If you already enjoy whites, you know how refreshing a cold glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can be. Sweet wine devotees may delight in sipping a chilled Riesling, a Pinot Grigio, or maybe a sparkling flute of fruity Moscato. Ah … what a perfect poolside pairing! And, hey, since we’re hanging out by the pool, pairing and all, why not complement that fine white with some spinach artichoke dip and some barbequed chicken/veggie kabobs? If you have a little time to plan ahead, try marinating mixed berries in your favorite sweet fruit wine and ladle the chilled fusion over angel food cake

60 High Desert Living magazine

Laurie Saige, a longtime friend and schoolmate, would like to recommend her latest favorite: Il Conte d’Alba Moscato d’Asti. A 100-percent moscato wine from the north of Italy, this sparkling wine is favored for its sweet essence of peaches and apricots and its floral zest. “It’s good with roasted chicken and red potatoes or filet of sole and asparagus.” It’s her preferred “relax and unwind” wine, and you can unwind with it yourself for approximately $10.00.

for a heavenly dessert. Add some cool tunes to this mix and, by George (who’s George?), I think we may have ourselves a party!

Now, if you’re a bit of a wine novice, and you’re not sure what your favorite is just yet, for Lord Byron’s sake, do some research! Get out and visit your local wine bar or winery and do a little tasting. And, trust me, there’s absolutely no reason to feel intimidated; Wine Stewards love to share what they know. If you haven’t yet had Pomegranate Cranberry Moscato Punch Courtesy of: Divas Can Cook the pleasure, D’vine Wine Bar in Victorville Ingredients and The Wine Seller 16 oz Pomegranate Juice in Apple Valley are 46 oz Pineapple Juice (do not use unsweetened) excellent places to start.

1 (750 ml) Bottle Moscato 3 1/2 Cups Cranberry Cocktail Juice And once you start…oh, 1/2 – 1 Cup Triple Sec (optional) it’s on! Stay cool (not Frozen fruit (for garnish and to keep punch cold) thirsty), my friends.

Cheers! – Stephanie Instructions Morris Add all ingredients (except for the fruit) in a large pitcher. Stir and chill. Cut fruit and freeze. When ready, garnish with frozen fruit and serve.

sUMMER 2012

Photo courtesy Divas Can Cook

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High Desert Living magazine 61

Susan’s corner

Summertime in the HD and the Livin’s Hot!

by Susan Landers

If you would like to see something special featured in Susan’s Corner, or if you have a special recipe, drop me a line and let me know about it at: Susan Landers at H.D. Living Magazine 6630 SLV Box Victorville, Ca. 92395, or e-mail me at susanl@hdlivingmagazine.com.

62 High Desert Living magazine

T

he next warm day we have, try this little experiment: take off your shoes and socks and go walk on asphalt or go stand in the metal bed of a pickup truck that’s been sitting outside.

Gets pretty unbearable pretty quickly, huh? Now imagine your dog with his/ her four little doggie feet walking on that same asphalt or tethered in the back of a pickup truck with the unrelenting sun. Imagine being chained to a tree in a backyard without access to shade and your water bowl has run dry or has been knocked over. Imagine being completely dependent yet utterly devoted to someone who thoughtlessly endangers you every day. Many companion animals don’t have to imagine because there are too many thoughtless animal owners who make this a reality for them every day.

Our companion animals, much like children, depend upon us to make good decisions for their care and because we live in a climate with seasonal extremes, we need to be vigilant with pet care. I remember as a child the joy of riding in the back of an open pickup truck; this is now against the law for children but not for pets. Though riding in the open air was a lot of fun as a child, my father did not have to worry that I would jump out at a stop light or behave recklessly because he would remind me that if I or my friends did anything foolish, we would end up inside the cab and our fun would be over. Even well trained dogs can be easily distracted by the noise and activity around them, and unless they are tethered or kenneled in an open truck bed, there is potential for tragedy.

Too many times, I have seen people driving through the H.D. and on the freeways with an animal, not always properly tethered in an open pickup truck through all kinds of weather. More infuriating is seeing the drivers with plenty of room in the cab for the animal, yet keeping him/her out in the elements.

If a dog is not properly tethered and falls or jumps out of the truck bed, the animal could be hurt or killed, and others could be harmed as well; accidents could occur as people try not to hit the dog or if improperly tethered, the dog could hang

or be dragged, a situation that happened a number of years ago to someone I knew who was just not thinking of what could happen. Until such a time as we make it unlawful for animals to ride in the backs of pickups, it is vital that animal lovers speak up and/or call the authorities whenever we see dangerous situations.

It may take courage and we may be told to mind our own business, but if we see an animal in the back of a truck, subject to too much sun and too little shade, it is just as important to speak up as if the animal were in a hot car.

And speaking of hot cars: in the summer, the temperature inside a car, even with windows cracked, can become deadly in minutes. Please remember to care for your companion animals as though they were dependent children who deserve the best care you can give.

If they stay outside, ensure that they have a place to get out of the elements, a doghouse to get out of the rain/snow/ wind or someplace shady they can reach in the summer; ensure that they have access to clean fresh cool water all year round, and be sure to give them attention, affection, and play. Be sure they are spayed/neutered to avoid unwanted litters and for their better health. Be sure they are up to date on their vaccinations.

Our companion animals are just that, our companions, our friends, so let’s be sure we treat them as friends and not property.

Companion animals cannot speak for themselves, so those of us who love them must be their voice. Too often humans view animal ownership, like childbearing, to be some kind of universal human right, but we must remind people that with rights come responsibilities. If you are going to take an animal under your care, remember that this is a sentient creature, bred through the centuries to want to be beside us always, to be faithful even when we do not treat them with the care they deserve. Dogs and cats have unique personalities and emotions—like people, they are really not interchangeable. They deserve the best care we can give them in any kind of weather.

sUMMER 2012

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