Coachella Valley Independent April 2020

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT | APRIL 2020

VOL. 8 | NO. 4

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APRIL 2020

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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3

APRIL 2020

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Mailing address: 31855 Date Palm Drive, No. 3-263 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 904-4208 www.cvindependent.com

Editor/Publisher Jimmy Boegle staff writer Kevin Fitzgerald coveR and feature design Beth Allen Contributors Kevin Allman, Max Cannon, Kevin Carlow, Katie Finn, Bill Frost, Bonnie Gilgallon, Andrea Gomez, Bob Grimm, Michael Grimm, Valerie-Jean (VJ) Hume, Matt Jones, Matt King, Keith Knight, Carlynne McDonnell, Brett Newton, Dan Perkins, Guillermo Prieto, Anita Rufus, Jen Sorenson, Robert Victor The Coachella Valley Independent print edition is published every month.

All content is ©2020 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. The Independent is available free of charge throughout the Coachella Valley, limited to one copy per reader.

Additional copies may be purchased for $5 by calling (760) 904-4208. The Independent may be distributed only by the Independent’s authorized distributors.

The Independent is a proud member and/or supporter of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, CalMatters, Get Tested Coachella Valley, the Local Independent Online News Publishers, the Desert Business Association, the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, and the Desert Ad Fed.

I’ve been an anxious mess in recent weeks. There’s a good chance you have been as well.

What we’re all going through right now is completely unprecedented. There hasn’t been a pandemic like this since the Spanish flu ravaged the planet a century ago—and that pandemic happened in a time without significant commercial air travel, the Internet and so on.

As we endure the pandemic and all of the disruption that it’s bringing, we here at the Independent will keep doing what we’ve been doing for our sevenplus years of existence—telling the Coachella Valley’s stories. In fact, we’re going to do our best to do even more.

First, we’ve launched a new series of pieces called Pandemic Stories. These pieces will tell slice-of-life stories on how the community is being affected by and coping with the coronavirus and all of the societal changes taking place as a result. The first three pieces can be found starting on Page 10; we’ll be posting a whole lot more at CVIndependent.com.

Second, we’ve launched a new daily feature (though we may take an occasional weekend day off) at CVIndependent.com—you can also sign up to have it emailed to you via the website—that rounds up reliable, vetted news related to COVID19 and the accompanying societal changes.

There’s too much unreliable information floating around on social media (and even coming out of some elected officials’ mouths)—and we will help sort through it all to get to truthfulness and sanity. In addition to news updates, we’ll also highlight good things happening—specials from local businesses (that REALLY need your support right now), enlightening comments from members of the community, and so on. Please email me at jboegle@cvindependent.com if you have anything you think should be included.

As we at the Independent strive to do more, however, I need to be frank: This pandemic poses an existential threat to the Independent.

(The same can be said for all sorts of other local businesses, as well as virtually every independent news source around the country.) Our advertising base is made up largely of local businesses— the very same businesses getting their asses kicked right now. We lost three-quarters of our advertising revenue virtually overnight.

So … that’s where we really need your help: If you value the work the Independent is doing, and you can afford it, please send us a few bucks to help us keep the news coming. Learn more at www.cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/ supporters; call 760-904-4208; mail us at 31855 Date Palm Drive #3-263, Cathedral City, CA, 92234; or email us. Please consider becoming a supporter, either with a one-time payment, or if you can, by sending us a little each month. The strength of the support we get from readers who can afford it may very well determine whether the Independent makes it or not.

Finally, given the fact that we’re all supposed to be staying at home as much as possible for now, we’re looking into different ways to get our monthly print edition to people who want or need it. Starting with this issue, we’ll offer mail delivery, at least for the time being. Either go to the website or call 760-904-4208 to get that set up; we’re asking you to pay $5 (or more, if possible) per month to cover our expenses and help us keep doing the journalism we’re doing. If you can’t afford it, and still want a print edition, no worries; just call or email us, and let us know.

We will be mailing them in “self-seal” envelopes in a disinfected-as-possible environment, by the way.

Thanks for reading. Tough days are ahead, but we’re going to get through this, Coachella Valley, as long as we continue to support each other.

—Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com

CVIndependent.com

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APRIL 2020

OPINION OPINION

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS A

BY ANITA RUFUS

lthough I had been following the development of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, it still seemed somewhat remote from the life we live in the Coachella Valley. It was in that state of mind that I decided to go see a comedy show at a local theater.

It all started on Monday, March 9, when six of us—Carol and Denny, Casi and Tom, and Rupert and me—got tickets for the afternoon performance of Old Jews Telling Jokes on Saturday, March 14, at the Indian Wells Theater on Cal State’s Palm Desert campus. Afterward, we planned to go to Carol and Denny’s for a light supper.

Then, increasingly, the reality of the coronavirus unfolded.

I am, unbelievably (to me), heading toward my 79th birthday in May. I had a heart “incident” a plane drop my friend’s ashes into the Pacific. last Thanksgiving that forestalled a heart I had even been asked to say a few words. Then, attack and resulted in a stent being placed in I was planning to spend Tuesday night with one of my arteries that was blocked up after my daughter and two of my grandchildren. a lifetime of smoking. I could go on, but in My grandson, who lives with his dad in Texas, other words, based on age and underlying was flying in to spend his spring break with his conditions, I’m one of the vulnerable. mom and sister; I was staying over to see them.

An email on Monday suggested that maybe Finally, on Wednesday, I had an appointment to we should see about getting a refund on the audition for a game show, after which I was to tickets. We’re all of a certain age, and perhaps going to a theater with a crowd of people wasn’t return the desert.

My daughter was concerned about her son such a good idea, with the virus news getting more disturbing every day. I said I’d look into it. taking a flight with all the coronavirus news, so she cancelled his visit. She also expressed her I called the ticket broker through whom concern about me attending an event where the tickets were purchased—and was told many of the people there would have flown in they were nonrefundable. In spite of my pleas from around the country. about being a senior on a fixed income who Monday afternoon, I made the responsible couldn’t afford to either simply forfeit the price decision, and I sent my regrets. I felt badly of the tickets or take the chance on going to about not attending, but felt as if I had the theater, the broker (who was very polite ultimately made a decision in the best interest and understanding through it all) said— of my own health. preposterously, it seemed at the time—that Tuesday involved more emails about whether unless a national emergency was called, the my friends and I would still go to Saturday’s show would go on. performance; finally, I made it clear that it was I did manage to joke with the broker that up to each of us individually whether to attend. given the virus’ circumstances and the older Clearly, eating the cost of the tickets would local population for such a show, perhaps not destroy any of our lives. I indicated that I our group attending would be no problem, probably would go, but Rupert might not, given since nobody else would be in the theater. He his underlying physical conditions. Casi and laughed politely … but held his ground.

Carol said they would probably go, but their I then called the theater box office, but a spouses probably would not. It’s interesting voice message made it clear their season was that the women, not the men, seemed willing over, and therefore, they were not able to to chance it. respond. Next, I sent an email to Cal State On Thursday, I had scheduled an interview and asked if they planned to close down the with one of the next subjects for this column. campus, including the theater—after all, I called on Wednesday to cancel—and the they are local, and I assumed they would act subject was actually thankful, given that the responsibly in the best interest of the public, news was getting more and more alarming with to say nothing of their students. They did each passing hour. respond, but only to say the show had been My high school group that gets together for contracted as a theater rental, and the campus lunch annually was supposed to meet on St. had not closed down—so I had to work it out Patrick’s Day in Los Angeles. On Thursday, I with the ticket broker.

Next, I had planned to drive into Los Angeles begged off that as well. Of course, they ended up cancelling until later in the year.

Tuesday morning to attend the memorial for a Despite all of this, on Thursday night, it dear friend who had passed after three years in seemed all of us had decided the hell with it: We a nursing facility. It would be at a hotel on the were all going to throw caution to the wind and beach in Santa Monica; after lunch, we’d watch CVIndependent.com

A look at the week when the pandemic reality set in, through the eyes of one of your at-risk senior neighbors—me

Anita Rufus.

attend Saturday’s show, hoping it would at least provide some laughs and lighten up the angst we were all feeling.

Then, on Friday the 13th, President Trump declared a national emergency.

True to their word, we received emails indicating the show had been cancelled, and our ticket price was being fully refunded. It was honestly the first time in more than three years I felt good about something coming out of the Oval Office.

I got my nails done on Friday, while the manicurist downplayed the threat of the virus based on her belief that it was all being hyped to damage Trump. It was an oddly lucky visit, however: The beauty-supply rep was there, and I ordered a box of 100 plastic gloves, the type stylists use to apply hair dye. At least I may be able to avoid trying to find hand sanitizer for now.

My regular weekly shopping trip to the pharmacy and the market on Saturday was definitely “a trip”: Why is everyone going crazy over toilet paper? Why aren’t all stores limiting purchases of certain items? Is it really true that

people are physically fighting over cleaning supplies? Yikes.

The six of us met for dinner at Carol and Denny’s Saturday evening. We were glad to be together, partly because we’d all been avoiding public contact as much as possible, and it was lovely to have some relaxed, friendly time.

We hugged before we said good night. Yeah, I know, social distancing, but sometimes you have to be willing to die to have good friends and love in your life.

The best news of the week was learning that quarantined Italians are singing and making music on their balconies… and that public health workers are risking their lives to help wherever needed.

What a week it was. And who knows what the future holds?

Anita Rufus is also known as “The Lovable Liberal.” Her show That’s Life airs weekdays on iHubradio, while The Lovable Liberal airs from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays. Email her at Anita@ LovableLiberal.com. Know Your Neighbors appears every other Wednesday at CVIndependent.com.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5

APRIL 2020

OPINION PETS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

JUST IN CASE ...

I

Take steps to project your pets in case of illness, hospitalization or other life disruptions

BY CARLYNNE MCDONNELL

t’s so hard to know what to believe when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. So much misinformation is being posted and spread around. State, county and local governments have been forced to figure this out on their own—and that has left us hanging.

I don’t want to get sick, and I really don’t want to have my friends and loved ones ill because we didn’t take things seriously enough. People need to take precautions—if not for themselves, out of care for others—and that includes the need to provide a plan for our best friends, our beloved companions: the animals that rely on us for safety and care.

One bit of good news: According to World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Veterinary Community, there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected by that’s not possible, make sure they have COVID-19. But we humans can, and we identification—such as an up-to-date tag should always—not just in a crisis—have with a current phone number on a collar or plans in place that address what happens to harness. our pets if something happens to us. This I asked Dr. Allison Bradshaw, Mobile Pet is not the time to overload shelters from Vet in the Coachella Valley (mobilepet.vet), carelessness or panic. what advice she could provide to help people So, what do we need to do in the event we get sick or are hospitalized? Animalsheltering. feel more prepared.

“As we face possible supply-chain org lists five key points to be prepared. (Given interruptions or quarantine, it will be wise that we live in earthquake country, being to have a two-week supply of pet food and prepared is even more necessary. Consider any medications that your pet may rely on,” Salt Lake City’s earthquake on March 18; it she said. can happen at any time.)

She also reiterated that there’s no evidence • Identify a family member or friend who your pet can have, spread or get ill from can care for pets if someone in the household COVID-19. becomes ill.

“The American Veterinary Animal • Have crates, food and extra supplies on Association has released the following hand for quick movement of pets. statement: ‘Infectious disease experts and • Keep all animal vaccines up to date in the multiple international and domestic human event that boarding becomes necessary. and animal health organizations agree there • Ensure that all of your pets’ medications is no evidence at this point to indicate that are documented, with dosages and pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they administering directions. Including the actual spread it to other animals, including people,’” prescriptions from your veterinarian, if she said. possible, is also helpful, as is including your I asked her what she thought about going veterinarian’s contact information. to a dog park. She said that people should • Microchip your beloved animals. If

be aware and take the precautions to avoid human exposure (stay six feet apart; don’t go out if you’re sick, etc.), but not because of exposure between dogs.

Don’t be in a vacuum, and don’t isolate to the point that your animal needs help. There are many resources to help. Start by calling your veterinarian for advice.

With so much uncertainty in our lives, our highly sensitive animals can sense the frustration, concern, fear and confusion we are feeling—and that might cause anxiety in

them. However, it is more important than ever to protect your animals from getting loose. We cannot rely on the system to do our work for us—because those who work to protect our animals at the shelters may need to protect themselves.

Carlynne McDonnell is the founder and CEO of Barkee LaRoux’s House of Love Animal Sanctuary, a senior animal sanctuary and hospice in the Coachella Valley. She has been rescuing animals since she was 4 years old.

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APRIL 2020

NEWS REDISTRICTING INTERRUPTED? A

Palm Desert attempts to move ahead with new election districts as the pandemic reality sets in

by kevin fitzgerald

t noon on March 17, the city of Palm Desert’s public information officer, David Hermann, issued a statement with the headline “Palm Desert Declares Local Emergency—Temporarily Closes City Hall.”

“In response to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly evolving public health guidelines, City Manager Lauri Aylaian on Tuesday announced the declaration of a local emergency in Palm Desert,” the statement read. “Palm Desert City Hall and other municipal facilities are closed, effective at noon on March 17, and will remain closed pending a public health risk re-evaluation on April 3.” preliminary settlement at the end of 2019— On this crazy day, Hermann—displaying an launching a public-participatory process. impressive degree of professionalism—also That process began with an open-house took the time to respond to a few inquiries presentation on Jan. 15, including a the Independent made regarding the status of somewhat-misleading characterization: The the Palm Desert district-creation process for city presented the creation of a system with upcoming elections. just two districts as pretty much a done deal, To recap: Palm Desert residents Karina which was not the case.

Quintanilla and Lorraine Salas sued the city, There was another, more-candid open-house accusing Palm Desert of not complying with presentation in February, followed by a public the 2001 California Voting Rights Act. Similar hearing in City Council chambers on March 12. lawsuits have forced cities across the state, Then the pandemic reality arrived. including several in the Coachella Valley, to After one more public hearing, scheduled switch from at-large to district-based election for March 26—during which remote input systems. Quintanilla and Salas reached a

CVIndependent.com

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

One of the city’s preferred proposed redistricting maps, cropped.

is allowed via cityofpalmdesert.org—the city has scheduled its final public hearing for April 16, when the City Council is slated to select the district map that could define the structure of electoral representation for the foreseeable future. (It is worth mentioning the plaintiffs have approval rights over the district boundaries in order for the lawsuit to be settled.)

The Independent reached out to Hermann to ask if the city has considered postponing the rest of this process until the COVID-19 threat has subsided.

“A postponement is not feasible given deadlines for the November election and the settlement agreement’s requirement that districts be in place for that election,” Hermann replied.

Of course, things are changing by the day, and it’s possible the city and plaintiffs could indeed agree to delay implementation of the district system, given the unprecedented circumstances. But as of this writing, the process is racing ahead toward that April 16 due date.

As of the March 12 public hearing, 10 maps had been submitted for consideration.

Seven of them came from five different residents, while three were created by the National Demographics Corporation—a third-party vendor experienced in electoral district-map creation hired by the city—to reflect the city’s input.

At that next-to-last public hearing scheduled for March 26, at least two more map submissions were to be considered as well.

All of the maps so far call for the creation of just two districts: One encompassing 20 percent of the city’s population in a

majority-Latino area, with the other district encompassing the other 80 percent of the city’s population. The first district would be represented on the City Council by one member, while the second district will elect four members. No maps have yet been submitted illustrating three, four or five districts.

During the public-comment period of the March 12 meeting, Quintanilla expressed concerns that the online map-creation tool provided by the city was not intuitive or easy to utilize, even for someone as digitally savvy as she considers herself to be; as a result, she had not been able to submit the five-district option she would like to see implemented.

Councilmember Kathleen Kelly suggested that instructional support be provided to residents if possible.

The Independent asked Hermann if map submissions could still be made. He replied: “Maps for City Council consideration have to be submitted prior to the March 26th hearing.”

So that left residents, including Quintanilla, without much time—all while dealing with the uncertainty and distress of the pandemic threat.

On multiple occasions, Douglas Johnson, president of the National Demographics Corporation, has mentioned at public sessions that whatever district boundaries are adopted by the city will likely need to be redrawn next year based on the results of the 2020 Census.

However, Hermann said this is not by any means a certainty.

“The districting map will only be adjusted in 2021 if it proves to lack the requisite population balance,” Hermann clarified.

What happens next? Stay tuned.

APRIL 2020

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7

CVIndependent.com

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APRIL 2020

NEWS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

CANDIDATE Q&A I

by kevin fitzgerald

t’s been a turbulent year for Rancho Mirage’s city government. In October 2019, the city received a letter accusing the city of violating the California Voting Rights Act with its current at-large election system.

Then, in November 2019, a group of residents sued the city after the council had approved an In-N-Out Burger restaurant, with a drive-through, on Highway 111. In January, that suit prompted In-N-Out to withdraw from the development agreement.

It is against this backdrop that the voters of Rancho Mirage are voting by mail to select two members of the City Council. Ballots, which are being sent out to all registered city voters, must be shocked. I was emotionally traumatized, and I returned by April 14.

The Independent interviewed three of the four thought, “What country do I live in?” candidates. Both challengers, Maggie Lockridge Like many other cities in the state, the and Stephen Jaffe, agreed to phone interviews. city of Rancho Mirage has received a Incumbent Ted Weill agreed to respond via letter from the law firm of Shenkman and email, while incumbent Richard Kite asked for a list of questions, which we sent. After indicating Hughes putting the city on notice that it is not in compliance with the California he would “respond accordingly” by our deadline Voting Rights Act of 2001. What should the for this story, he did not.

The Independent asked each of them the same city’s next steps be?

I certainly would vote for districting. I’d do set of questions, on topics ranging from the whatever needed to be done to put it on the most-pressing issues in Rancho Mirage to their ballot. It shouldn’t even need to go on a ballot. favorite leisure activities. To read the complete It’s a state law. answers, edited only for style and clarity, visit Both Stephen Jaffe and I met with Isaiah CVIndependent.com; here, you’ll find their Hagerman, who is the city manager, many edited (in some cases, heavily) answers to two weeks ago in late October or early November, questions. when we first became candidates. We asked if the council had replied to this letter. He said, Maggie Lockridge “Not to my knowledge.” And then we asked Nurse, United States Air if (the council) had discussed this at a council Force Nurse Corps veteran meeting, and he said, “No.” And I said have they What are your most important reasons for discussed this otherwise, and he said, “Yes.” And becoming a candidate?

I said where? He said, “In closed chambers.” You I really haven’t been in politics before, and know, they’ve discussed it amongst themselves, I didn’t have any plans really until last fall. and evidently, they’ve decided not to reply. … I attended the In-N-Out Burger Planning This one affects them being re-elected. … Right Commission meeting of Sept. 12 of last year, now, there are five of them up there, and I don’t I believe. … (An In-N-Out representative) think that any of them are really keying in on stated that the presence of the In-N-Out the specific problems and certain aspects of the Burger would have no impact on (surrounding) town. neighborhoods. At that point, everybody became quite upset, because obviously 1,500 Stephen Jaffe to 2,000 cars going by in your neighborhood is Attorney and mediator; animal-rights going to have an impact. And, if you walk out of advocate and mental-health-awareness your home and come face-to-face with an In-NWhat are your most important reasons for Out Burger sign, it will affect the value of your becoming a candidate? property.

My wife and I are relatively new here. We moved (The council) had not discussed any aspect down here last summer, about 6 or 7 months of this development with (anyone) in the ago. A few months after we got here, we were surrounding neighborhood. But, instead, they contacted by one person … who told us about went straight to a vote and it was yes, yes, yes and yes, because Mr. (Dana) Hobart had recused (the plans) for an In-N-Out Burger coming into the city. … I was absolutely struck by the way himself from the vote. that this body of legislative elected officials ran Then, on Oct. 3, I went to the City Council their business. It was incredible that there was (meeting) where they would do final approval. no discussion or debate on the record—and that In the very beginning, the mayor, Iris Smotrich, was for the whole two-hour meeting. They just said quite arrogantly, “Anyone who speaks out read agendas and voted. The more I learned, the of turn will be arrested and taken to jail.” I was CVIndependent.com

We talked to three of the four candidates for two Rancho Mirage City Council seats more alarmed I got about the way the city is run in general. Apparently, Mr. Hobart is kind of an old-school political boss. Everyone I talked to said that he runs the city, and everybody (else) does what he wants.

It’s very important for me to say that my candidacy has absolutely nothing to do with hamburgers, even though my incumbent opponents are trying to spin me as a singleissue candidate. … It’s really about much-deeper flaws in the governmental process that I perceive and I think need to be fixed.

Like many other cities in the state, the city of Rancho Mirage has received a letter from the law firm of Shenkman and Hughes putting the city on notice that it is not in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act of 2001. What should the city’s next steps be?

I’m strongly in favor of district elections. I have actually spoken to Mr. Shenkman about this. I don’t know how I could put it more strongly or bluntly other than to say that I’m for district elections.

Using my 49 years of law practice experience, (I believe) if the city were to be sued, it would lose. … I’m for it on political, legal and moral grounds. … I discussed this with the city attorney briefly. I said to him at a meeting, “I saw that (the city) got this letter; what are you going to do about it?” He just smiled at me.

Apparently, they’re doing nothing, because they haven’t responded. That’s really bad form. But, politically, people will do what they think they can get away with. A quote from Justice Louis Brandeis, that I use often, is … sunshine is the best disinfectant. If I were to characterize the role I hope to play if elected to the City Council, I want to be the sunshine here, and shine some light into the dark corners of what goes on.

Ted Weill Incumbent, real estate developer What are your most important reasons for becoming a candidate?

Before I got on the council, I served on the City’s Planning Commission and witnessed a tremendous amount of rapid growth. I was first appointed to the council in 2012 to fill the late Councilmember Gordon Moller’s seat, and then ran and won in 2014 and 2016. Serving the city for so many years has been a very rewarding experience for me. I find the work both emotionally and intellectually rewarding because of the challenges presented to the council that allow me to contribute and utilize my business expertise and problem-solving

skills to city issues. Although the work can be very demanding and sometimes unappreciated, it provides me with a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement knowing I am doing my part in furthering the public good in a real and tangible way for the city overall.

Like many other cities in the state, the city of Rancho Mirage has received a letter from the law firm of Shenkman and Hughes putting the city on notice that it is not in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act of 2001. What should the city’s next steps be?

Without disclosing any confidential attorneyclient privileged information, I can say that based on empirical evidence, the city of Rancho Mirage does not meet the criteria for being forced to revert back to district elections.

Rancho Mirage had a district-based election system in place a while ago. While I think it is critical that minorities, such as my wife, should and must be given a real voice and a real opportunity at all levels of our local, state and national political forums and venues such as Congress, state legislatures, county boards of supervisors and city councils, particularly where minorities have been historically shut out of the system, Rancho Mirage is not one of those jurisdictions where the issue is an issue. There is simply no evidence that there has been any racially polarized voting in any of our elections in the city. … Also, the city does not have a significant population of any under-represented group of persons that would be sufficient to make them a majority in a city-created district.

While I truly believe in the benefits of diversity and representation of the under-represented on elected bodies, I don’t believe converting back to district elections will solve an issue that is not an issue in the city of Rancho Mirage.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9

APRIL 2020

NEWS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

APRIL ASTRONOMY

In these isolated, scary times, take Planets and Brightby Stars in Evening solace going outsideMid-Twilight and looking For April, 2020 of the universe Thisat skythe chart wonders is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north,

I

but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico.

N

By Robert Victor

n the western sky at dusk, Venus in April attains its greatest brilliance of this year. Before dawn, the three bright outer planets—Mars, Jupiter and Saturn—are visible in the southeast before dawn.

In the evening: Going eastward against the background stars of Taurus at a decreasing pace, Venus loses altitude late in the month. This occurs as Venus comes around to the near side of its orbit, slowing its progress among the zodiac constellations to less than the sun’s rate of one degree per day. Venus attains peak brilliance in its crescent phase in late April.

Winter’s bright stars have moved into the western sky, most of them poised to depart in May. These include Orion’s red supergiant star Betelgeuse, now recovering from its record fade of January and February. Regulus, heart of Leo, been canceled through at least the end of climbs high in the south, and golden Arcturus May, as an action to help prevent the spread ascends in the east to east-northeast. To of COVID-19. For updates on the resumption Arcturus’ lower right at dusk, blue-white Spica of activities, check the club’s website at www. stands at opposition to the sun on April 13 astrorx.org. The Rancho Mirage Library’s and is visible almost all night.

Observatory is currently closed as well; watch Binoculars give stunning nightly views! On www.ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory.

April 1, two days before the very close pairing html for updates. of Venus with third-magnitude Alcyone, or In the meantime, schedule your own skyEta Tauri, the brightest star of the Pleiades, watching routines! Every spring, in nightly they’re within 1.8 degrees. They’ll be less than outings during the first hour after sunset— 0.3 degrees apart on April 3. Binoculars will perhaps while walking your dog—you can certainly come in handy for observing the close enjoy following the seasonal departure of conjunction! bright stars into the western twilight glow. In Venus will be moving east against order of date, they are Rigel, Aldebaran, the background stars by about 0.9 degrees per day, Dog Star Sirius, Betelgeuse and, in 2020 before pulling away from the Pleiades. On April 5, the end of May, Venus. A close conjunction of Venus and Alcyone are 1.9 degrees apart. departing Venus with emerging Mercury will Mornings: The gap between Jupiter and take place on May 21. By the start of June, of Saturn is 6 degrees on April 6, closing to winter’s luminaries, only an arch of four bright 5 degrees by April 28. Mars moves rapidly stars remains: from left to right, Procyon, the east against background stars, increasing “Twins” Pollux and Castor, and Capella. its distance east of Saturn from 1 degree on Using binoculars or a telescope during April 1, to 20 degrees on May 1. Stars on bright twilight, follow the changing crescent April mornings are in locations similar to phases of Venus, just after sunset in April and where we’ll find them in late August and early May, and just before sunrise in June and July.

September at dusk: The Summer Triangle You can also follow the moon nightly at dusk, of Vega, Altair and Deneb is approaching as it waxes from a thin crescent in the west to overhead, with Arcturus in the west, Antares full in the east. Then, you can switch to predawn in the southwest, and Spica setting in the viewing to follow the moon waning from full in west-southwest. From April 14-16, the moon the west to a thin crescent in the east. visits the three bright outer planets, while the Early risers in spring 2020 can follow the moon goes from 6 degrees west of Jupiter to three bright outer planets in the southeast to nearly 5 degrees east of Mars. southern sky: Bright Jupiter pauses within 5 Venus-moon conjunction in the degrees west of Saturn from late April through evening: At sunset on April 26, find Venus early June, while red, brightening Mars pulls about 7 degrees to the right of the 15-percent away to their east. crescent moon and a little lower. Venus is itself Beautiful gatherings of the moon, planets a crescent, 28 percent full and 37 arcseconds and stars are illustrated In the Abrams across—large enough to detect its shape with Planetarium Sky Calendar. For subscription a steadily held pair of binoculars. The most information and a sample copy, visit www. fascinating views of Venus, both in daytime abramsplanetarium.org/SkyCalendar. Before and at dusk, are yet to come, in May. the end of April, the sample will be replaced by The star parties and lectures hosted by the May 2020 issue. the Astronomical Society of the Desert have Stay safe! Here’s wishing you clear skies!

April's evening sky chart.

ROBERT D. MILLER

Arcturus

Capella

E

Castor Pollux

Venus

29 22 15 8 1

W

Aldebaran

Regulus Betelgeuse Spica Procyon

Rigel Sirius

Canopus

Evening mid-twilight occurs when Sun is 9O below horizon.

Robert C. Victor was a staff astronomer at Abrams Apr. 1: 40 minutes after sunset.

Planetarium at Michigan Now 15: 41 " State " University. " 43 " "with" John S. French retired, he often 30: collaborates

S

Stereographic Projection

by Robert D. Miller on the Sky Calendar, andMap enjoys providing skywatching opportunities for a variety of groups, mostly in the California desert and in Michigan.

CVIndependent.com

10 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

GONE DARK

APRIL 2020

As the COVID-19 news intensified, local theaters struggled with the decision on whether or not to remain open. Then the decision was made for them.

By Valerie-Jean (V.J.) Hume and Jimmy Boegle Ron Celona looked weary as patrons entered the CVRep Playhouse in Cathedral City for the Saturday, March 14, matinee performance of The City of Conversation.

This was supposed to be a bustling, packed weekend of theater in the Coachella Valley.

At least four theaters were opening new productions, while two more companies continued successful shows.

Josh Odsess-Rubin and Martha Hackett in CVRep’s The City of Conversation.

But as of that Saturday afternoon, The City of Conversation was the only show still open.

Before we entered the theater—not even one-third full—Celona confided that after the Sunday “You’re not given a class on how to do this. Nobody knows how to handle this, so we are show, CVRep, too, would be going dark. learning as we go,” he said. “I’m trying to be as informed as possible about this—everyone’s Barring a miracle, we were watching the last play to be performed in the Coachella Valley by trying to figure it out. We haven’t had a large number of refund requests, but we are trying to our fantastic theater companies in quite some time. figure out how to do this—it’s a dilemma. We don’t want it to be about the money, but that has The production of The City of Conversation was a fantastic. Thanks to a great cast, led by to be taken into consideration for the venue. As of right now, we are removing snacks; we offer Martha Hackett as old-school liberal activist/socialite Hester Ferris, hand sanitizers; we are scrubbing the place down; and we are telling the play showed how political differences can rip a family apart. It was people stay home if you don’t feel well. But we also want to keep some compelling and riveting—so much so that it managed to make at least normalcy in our lives. some theater-goers temporarily forget the unprecedented weirdness “We want to be responsible for helping to curb this outbreak … It’s going on outside. a hard place to be in. I have the TV on all the time. I go with whatever That is, until one of the characters made a joke about an expired toiletmy gut tells me at the end of the day, because 24 hours can change paper coupon. everything. It is minute by minute now, because there is so much to Celona’s angst over whether or not to let the show go on encapsulates consider.” the dilemma our valley’s producers faced heading into the weekend: On Wayne’s words were spot-on: The next day, he made the decision to one hand, out of an abundance of caution, they could do societal good by suspend the weekend’s shows. closing the theater doors and having people staying home. On the other, “We have staff members and patrons with compromised immune they could take precautions and let the amazing, expensive work they’d systems, so I went with my conscience. There are no winners in a rehearsed, built sets for and toiled over for weeks and months be seen situation like this, unfortunately,” Wayne said. and enjoyed by people who badly needed a distraction from the outside Over at Desert Ensemble Theatre Company, the same dilemma world. played out: After announcing on Wednesday that the “curtain will As of Thursday, March 12, when the Independent started reaching go up!” on the weekend’s opening of—yes, really—How to Survive an out to local theater professionals, all six shows were slated to go on as Apocalypse, the next day, executive director Shawn Abramowitz and scheduled—with the aforementioned precautions. artistic director Jerome Elliott announced the show would not go on, “We are offering hand sanitizer to people who have bought tickets,” — Robbie Wayne, at least for opening weekend. said Chuck Yates, whose Coyote StageWorks was set to open The Velocity “We are so proud of our team for their magnificent work on this producing artistic play,” of Autumn the next night in the company’s new home at the Palm Springs they said. “This was a hard decision, but we feel it is the right Cultural Center. “For those who haven’t bought tickets yet, we don’t call during this unsettled and confusing time. director at the know if they will come.

That meant that as of Friday night, three of the six shows were still “It’s a huge financial impact. Theater is never easy, and this is Desert Rose Playhouse open: Palm Canyon Theatre’s The Pajama Game, and the opening night particularly hard. … There are a lot of people who don’t know what to do. for Desert Theatreworks’ The Producers went on as scheduled, along All of the small theaters here, like us—nobody is in a financial situation with CVRep’s The City of Conversation. to handle this, so we are opening The Velocity of Autumn. … It’s got heart; “We have scrubbed the theater down,” Celona said on Thursday, it’s funny; it’s beautifully written. It’s perfect for our community.”

March 12. “We have a cleaning crew coming in after every The play—about an 80-year-old artist who’s barricaded herself in her performance. We have purchased professional wall-mounted sanitizing dispensers for the lobby Brooklyn brownstone with Molotov cocktails (!) to keep her family from removing her—would and the theater area. Our theater is 208 seats, so we are less than the 250-seat gatherings that have been a lovely distraction for people who needed it. But these are unprecedented times. are being cancelled, and we are about 50 to 60 percent of capacity. The bottom line is, when our Yates called back later in the day on Thursday to let us know he’d changed his mind. accountants say we have to close, we close, and when the county of Riverside says we have to “Of course I’m disappointed,” he said. “But we will try to figure out alternative dates. Right close, we close.” now, we’re biding time, waiting to see what the news brings. Maybe we can do it in a few weeks The morning after those Friday-night shows, both Palm Canyon Theatre and Desert or months, or maybe next season.”

Theatreworks announced they would go dark. CVRep followed two days later.

Robbie Wayne, the producing artistic director at the LGBT-themed Desert Rose Playhouse, “I hope if someone has a ticket to a live theater event, and the show is closed due to the virus, told us on Thursday he intended to continue the run of Beautiful Thing, which had opened to that they would consider donating the money to the theater instead of asking for a refund,” rave reviews the weekend before.

Coyote StageWorks’ Yates said. “This is the kind of thing that kills arts organizations.”

“You’re not given a class on how to do this. Nobody knows how to handle this, so we are learning as we go.”

CVIndependent.com

APRIL 2020

CANCELLED

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11

THE NIGHT BEFORE The owner of Piero’s PizzaVino adjusts after the sudden postponement of the tennis tournament

By Kevin Fitzgerald It was less than a week before the best tennis players in the world were to gather for the start of the 2020 BNP Paribas Open on Monday, March 9. I’d connected with Sheri Pierattoni, owner of Piero’s PizzaVino in Palm Desert, to hear about the challenges she and her team faced as Sheri Pierattoni, owner of Piero’s PizzaVino and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden satellite location during they prepared, for the seventh year, to operate a satellite restaurant at Indian Wells Tennis the annual BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, poses outside of the El Paseo location. Kevin Fitzgerald Garden—alongside world-famous eateries like Spago’s and Nobu.

As of our post-cancellation chat, Pierattoni had not heard much from BNP Paribas Open “People come from all over the world to watch this tennis tournament,” Pierattoni me. “It’s staffers regarding any help they may provide to the disenfranchised vendors. one of the biggest events in tennis in the world—and it’s a beautiful place with the best dining “It’s too early for them,” she said. “Look, they’re still licking their wounds, too. Trust me: options anywhere. It’s what sets this event apart from all others. (Tourney owner Larry Ellison) They’re still in their decision-making process. When I got the phone call, they said I should has brought a ton of money into this valley, and everybody is grateful to him for that. A lot of send them an email with all my questions, and they’d get back to me as soon as they can. local businesses are sustained by this event.”

“Everybody is overwhelmed, and honestly, everybody is still trying to wrap their heads Then came the pandemic, and the cancellation of the tournament on the eve of its start. around this and unwind, and hopefully, they’re thinking about how to make it right. Personally, Pierattoni was stunned.

“At 7 p.m. (on Sunday, March 8), I got a call from Jeff Dunn,” the director of operations for I can’t imagine that we’re all going to take this hit. Maybe we won’t be reimbursed for Levy Restaurants at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, “to say they cancelled it. It was devastating— everything we’ve lost, but hopefully something.

“My biggest heartache in all of this is the money that my employees are going to lose. They pretty devastating,” Pierattoni told me during a talk the day after. count on this money. It helps get them through their summer. We How did she handle this terrible turn of events? “Well, you go into had people who came from outside the state and had taken time away shock,” Pierattoni said. “But I had planned a fun night for friends and from their regular employment to come here and work the tennis neighbors to come over, and—because it was kind of a cool night, and weeks. They do that because they love working for us; they love the I have a fire pit at my house—we drank nice wine and ate s’mores. We tennis tournament, and they know they make good money. … I’m sat around talking about (the cancellation), and there was a collective really hoping that there’s some compensation for my employees.” agreement that this (coronavirus threat) is blown way out of proportion.

Pierattoni emphasized that it’s her employees—her team, as she So why everybody is panicking so much is just crazy. But that’s what calls them—who have made this annual opportunity a reality for the people do. It’s going to cost the desert economy millions and millions and local favorite. millions of dollars.”

“I’d like to emphasize that it’s a huge team effort,” she said. “I According to a variety of sources, the cost to the local economy of the couldn’t do it without my staff, and I have an incredible staff. Here’s tennis-tournament cancellation alone could be more than $300 million. an example: Last year, we lost one of our main cooks who comes With the cancellation or postponement of Coachella, Stagecoach and all in (from out of town) just to work this event. He couldn’t make it of the other festivals and events, and the subsequent closures and socialhis daughter became seriously ill. But it was amazing that, isolation orders, the financial pain in our communities will be devastating.

— Sheri Pierattoni, because within 24 hours, we had a solution, because the rest of the staff just “The desert business owners make the bulk of their money in just together and said, ‘We’re going to make it happen.’ four months out of the year,” Pierattoni said, before further restaurant owner of Piero’s PizzaVino pulled “I don’t want to be cocky, but we’re in a class of our own,” restrictions were announced. “Then you have the shoulder season where Pierattoni added. “You know that we were the only all-girl team you won’t lose money, and you might make a little money. But now is when out there. We’re a mother-daughter team, and I did take a lot of you make the big money, and that’s what carries you through the summer.

Now, with PizzaVino, I’m very lucky, because we have a great local following, so we don’t lose money satisfaction and pride from that.”

Pierattoni’s daughter, Lea Tubberville, is an integral part of the family business operations. in the summer. We don’t make money, but we don’t lose money. We’re going to be OK.” Her husband, Piero, passed away less than two years ago.

Since the postponement, the Piero’s PizzaVino team had been focused on recovery and “I run my restaurant with heart,” she said. “Even though I think we run a great business, the damage control. people I hire have heart, and everybody who works (with us) loves it.”

“We can’t just turn the key and walk away,” Pierattoni said. “We’re in the process of getting Before the tournament’s cancellation, Pierattoni expressed joy about her restaurant’s all of our wine vendors out there. They’ve all been extremely gracious in this situation, and they’re taking back our wine and liquor. And the BNP has said that we can use the restaurant to participation in the BNP Paribas Open.

“We serve like 10,000 people in the two weeks. It’s nuts!” Pierattoni said. “There’s a vibe out store our frozen and refrigerated goods as long as we need to. We’ll assimilate gradually what there that’s contagious. It’s exciting. It’s like being in a circus tent. I’ve never put on a circus, (frozen-food items) we can use at our El Paseo restaurant. Also, we’ve been calling some of our but I bet it’s kind of like the same thing, where everybody’s working together to make the show friendly restaurateurs to see if they want to purchase some of the perishables from us, just to happen. I feel very honored and proud that we can be a part of it. We make good money out help out and cut down on the loss we could have. there, and not all places do. I think (the tournament) is happy to partner with us, and we’re “It’s been amazing how many people have come out of nowhere to give us support. And that happy to make it happen.” part of it has been beautiful, just beautiful. People ask if I need help, and what they can do.

Here’s hoping Pierattoni and her team are allowed to make it happen again next year.

These are restaurateurs and fellow valley people in general doing this.”

“The desert business owners make the bulk of their money in just four months out of the year.”

CVIndependent.com

12 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

APRIL 2020

OUT OF THE BARS,

ONTO THE INTERNET Cancellations and sheltering-in-place have left musicians reeling—but some are turning to social media to keep rattled fans engaged

By Matt King

It all started—or, well, seemed to start—with Goldenvoice’s cancellation of Coachella and Stagecoach.

“I completely understand the stance of Goldenvoice in postponing Stagecoach in light of the Giselle Woo and the Night Owls were disappointed about the postponement of Coachella—but the band virus threat right now,” said Alice Wallace, who was slated to play in Nikki Lane’s Stage Stop is making the most of a bad situation. “We are excited to play, and now we have more time to prepare a Marketplace at the festival. I had an interview scheduled with her, and she was kind enough to better show,” said drummer Jose Ceja. BRIAN BLUESKYE give me a statement after the postponement was announced. “From everything I’m reading, the right thing to do,” he said. “It’s a really powerful message to get people to take this seriously, postponements and cancellations of this festival and others are warranted and necessary, and I and in turn, do our real job—which is make people happy and use our voice for truth and certainly want all of my fans to remain safe and healthy.

“But as a musician who makes her living playing music on stages across the country—as so positive influence on the world.”

“This kind of lifestyle change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, either. Trust me: I can’t sit still many do—the next few months could prove to be pretty devastating. I think we are only seeing for five minutes, and I’m enjoying it. … The time is NOW, and there is a the beginning of cancellations, and I worry about the impact it could lot of positive in slowing down, being with loved ones, and returning to have on the music industry as a whole.” simplicity and pausing the chase for a minute.”

Of course, we now know that Wallace’s fear of more cancellations was He said he came up with the Instagram idea when the show correct. cancellations started.

Giselle Woo and the Night Owls were selected to bring their Latin “My brain started racing to figure out how to get creative with this rock to this year’s Coachella festival. Before the cancellation, I spent a situation,” Gallo said. “So I got some necessary gear and we … broadcast few hours talking with them about the upcoming performance—and I two shows from my house on Instagram live (one for the U.S., and one could see how excited they were for the show. for Europe). This gives people what they need right now while also Then the news broke about the cancellation. being in the safest place we can all be—home. Not to mention, there’s “It was a shock to us all, but I’m glad that it was postponed rather more freedom in this way to be conversational directly with people in than canceled,” said drummer Jose Ceja. “We’re all in good spirits. We the audience—from afar! We can offer comfort, play new songs, etc. are excited to play, and now we have more time to prepare a better Feels like everybody wins. show. For some of our friends, it has affected their shows, and it has “Until this looming crisis, I never even considered something like unfortunately canceled a lot of really important events, but our hope is this, but now that I have, I do see a future in it. I kind of want to find that all safety precautions are being taken, and that it will help prevent a way to do the first online world tour, or even the first world virtualthe spread of this virus.” reality tour. … Possibilities are endless, and I think artists just have to When the governor of California directed that all bars be closed, a get super-creative with it right now. Hit me up. I’m ready.” shock wave went though both the bar and music scenes.

Ron is setting an example for what could be the (at least temporary) “It’s hitting the local economy pretty hard,” said Josiah Gonzalez, future of live performances. If we need to stay inside for longer than of Little Street Studio and local band Avenida Music; he’s in a unique anticipated, we could very well see many bands turning to live-stream position, being both a gigging musician and a talent-booker. “Multiple shows. Along with those shows, Gallo is hoping the kindness of others hotels have suspended music programs and residencies until further can help substitute for the money being lost due to the inability of notice. Events are either moving to the fall or being cancelled altogether. musicians to play in-person gigs.

Enquiries about new events have slowed to almost a halt.”

“I’ve been telling people to Venmo or PayPal me if they can or want,” I, too, am a musician, and I’ve seen all my gigs pushed back or flathe said. “It’s not exactly covering the money lost on cancellations yet, out cancelled. Not surprisingly, morale among local musicians is very — musician Ron Gallo but even one day after announcing (the first show, contributions by low—but if there’s one thing I know about music, it’s that it will never fans) at least covered the flights to get my drummer, Josh, here for the die. People aren’t letting the fear of the virus take over; they are taking show. That’s a positive, and I will give and take any and all of that I can precautionary measures to combat spread of the virus and “flatten the get right now.” curve”—to ensure music is still able to be enjoyed by all.

Other artists have followed suit. The Purple Room broadcast a show by Michael One of my favorite musicians—also a friend—helped pioneer an idea that is now being Holmes and Keisha D live on March 16 (which you can watch at www.facebook.com/ used by other performers during this shelter-at-home stage. Garage-rocker Ron Gallo, out of purpleroomrestaurantstage), and there are talks among various local bands to begin liveNashville, Tenn., as of this writing has so far hosted two Instagram live shows, during which he streaming shows. I’ll be posting updates on the Independent’s Facebook page as these develop, and his band performed a set to anyone watching—from the safety of home. He is encouraging so please follow along, and feel free to message us. everyone to #StayTheFuckHome, while throwing up a Venmo so people can support the band.

The Coachella Valley is one of the world’s music epicenters. The current situation is less than Check out his Instagram, @rongallo, for more info. favorable—yes, that’s a gross understatement—but it’s up to all local musicians and music“As artists, our livelihood depends on traveling around and cramming as many people as lovers to band together, and make sure that music continues to thrive. possible in not-always-big spaces, so if we all sacrifice that right now, it’s 1,000 percent the

“As artists, our livelihood depends on traveling around, cramming as many people as possible in not-always-big spaces, so if we all sacrifice that right now, it’s 1,000 percent the right thing to do.”

CVIndependent.com

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 13

APRIL 2020

John de Dios Tony Gangloff Lea Goodsell Jeffrey Norman Marsha Pare Deidre Pike David Ponsar Beth Wexler

Thank you for being Supporters of the Independent!

PERCEPTIONS AND SECRET ALTERNATIVES TO AN AUTHENTIC APPEARANCE AND INCREASED CONFIDENCE

By Shonda Chase, FNP Nurse Practitioner, Co-owner, Artistic Director and Advanced Aesethetic Injector at Revive Wellness Centers in Palm Springs and Torrance, and Medweight, Lasers and Wellness Center in Irvine hile the world is looking for solu�ons to the coronavirus crisis, let me share some solu�ons to pa�ents’ percep�ons.

W

Percep�on No. 1: “Botox doesn’t work on me.” The reality is that sta�s�cally, just 1 to 3 percent of all pa�ents report that neuromodulators like Botox either never worked for them or have quit relaxing their fine lines.

Secret Solu�on No. 1: O�en, inexperienced or untrained injectors under-dose pa�ents. When this happens, pa�ents won’t see hoped-for results. This doesn’t mean the amount injected didn’t work; it means that there wasn’t enough to produce the desired results.

One solu�on is to know how much of the neuromodulator was injected and where it was injected. Take that informa�on to an experienced injector, and get a second opinion. Advanced injectors are usually glad to assess you and provide you with the amount they know you would need for an adequate outcome. This level of provider knows exactly how much they injected into each area of your upper face, because they chart their work.

If the provider who did your injec�ons that didn’t produce enough results can’t provide that informa�on, you might have been under-dosed. Before you blame your results on a resistance to Botox, try ge�ng the amount recommended by an advanced provider, and assess those results.

Secret Solu�on No 2: Let’s assume that you one of those one to three people out of 100 that are resistant to neuromodulators. What else can be done to prevent lines from deepening?

My providers and I have had great success in reducing fine lines with laser-energy-based devices.

The Secret RF (radio frequency) does a wonderful job of reversing fine lines without the addi�on of Botox or another neuromodulator.

Radio-frequency energy accomplishes a tremendous amount of collagen and elas�n rejuvena�on—and everyone responds to radio frequency energy.

Two to three years ago, we didn’t have the variety of advanced energy/laser devices we are enjoying now. These new devices have proven to improve tough condi�ons that we’ve never be able to improve before.

If you want more results with or without injec�ons, talk to an advanced provider that has some of these devices in their prac�ce, and inquire about what they might achieve for you.

You can email your individual ques�ons to Shonda Chase FNP, or Allan Y. Wu MD, Revive’s cosme�c surgeon, at info@revivecenter.com.

CVIndependent.com

14 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

APRIL 2020

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SMALL PLATES, TOO! CARRY OUT CALL 760-322-4422 CVIndependent.com

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15

APRIL 2020

FOOD & DRINK

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK

CAESAR CERVISIA I

By brett newton

have avoided them successfully for so long, but they have found a way into my home. Now I must brace myself, confront them—and hope for the best.

No, I am not talking about Jehovah’s Witnesses. I am talking about the trend known as hard seltzer.

Last year, we saw the apotheosis of these low/no-carb alcoholic beverages marketed toward people with an “active lifestyle,” which—and I must apologize for this beforehand—I always took as meaning “upper middle-class yuppies.” The brewery for which I work gave in and made one, so I felt like the time was right for me of their local liquor or grocery stores, I was to delve into subject. But before we do so, forced to take notice due to the viral videos of we need to take a look at what these drinks (let’s just call them) intellectuals with pistols actually are. point-blank shooting off the top of their cans First: They are not seltzers. “Seltzer” is a of White Claw or Truly seltzer and chugging term I heard on the East Coast (or from one the remains. An internet denizen who goes of its transplants) as a term for carbonated by the name of Worst Beer Blog documented water, aka club soda. My great-grandmother this in a thread showcasing these videos that (RIP Bubbe Celia!) in the Bronx used to have you can see here. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all a bottle of it in her fridge that she would for people who strive to create a whole new flavor with grenadine for the little ones. But category for the prestigious Darwin Awards, I digress. Most of these hard seltzers are but this meme got out of hand really quickly. variants of beverages made with grains—often (See what I did there?) Comedian Trevor gluten-free ones like millet—which can be Wallace seemingly launched his career by flavored and sweetened, then fermented to creating a series of videos depicting himself as create something around 5 percent alcohol by man who magically morphs into a douchebag volume that you would swear is almost healthy after just one hard-seltzer sip, proclaiming if you believed much of the advertising. things like, “Ain’t no laws when you’re Cheaper versions are often made using corn drinking Claws!” and, “It’s basically just a sugar and/or rice, and one line of seltzers vegan Four Loko.” made by Crook and Marker boasts of including By the way, Four Loko has a Seltzer Sour “organic alcohol derived from ancient grains line that weighs in at a classy 14 percent ABV, and tropical roots.” Never before have I felt just in case you thought they wouldn’t get in like shotgunning a can and summarily burping on this act. out the word namaste.

My absolute favorite thing that has Second: These drinks are not really new. emerged from this has been the series of Zima existed in the mid-’90s. It was made commercials for Bud Light Seltzer in which

by Coors and aggressively marketed toward the spokesman makes certain, almost women—which was ultimately its downfall. (It pleading, that it contains no actual Bud Light. finally stopped getting made in 2008, believe I am sure the marketing ploy used here was it or not, before having a brief comeback in intended to be ironic, but it comes across as 2017-2018.) Zima became ubiquitous virtually an acknowledgement by its makers that Bud overnight, and you felt as though you had to Light tastes terrible. So … why did they use try it. Unlike hard seltzers now, they weren’t Bud Light in the name? Did they want to have flavored outside of the strange, malty taste their cake (positive brand recognition) and that was the result of the process of making eat it, too? I’d like to suggest an alternative them. I wish I had more of a description, but angle for them, free of charge: “A forgettable they were wholly unremarkable to drink. beverage that you’ll probably regret buying, After all, why would they have bombarded but is DEFINITELY NOT like another beverage the public with marketing if the taste could we make with the same name. Now in blue sell you on its own? That marketing mostly raspberry flavor!” consisted of replacing the “s” in words with You may have realized by now that I chose a “z.” If they had bullshitted us at the right this topic mostly so I can cram in as many moment in time, to everyone, like they’re jokes as possible. And you would be absolutely doing with seltzers now, that reality might correct. But I also want to convey my have been totally unrecognizable from our frustrations with the beverage itself: At their current one.While many people may have first best, they are OK, but even then, the finish noticed these drinks in the beverage aisles bores me and leaves little to no impression

Our resident beer expert examines the hardseltzer craze … and doesn’t understand it

on my palate or my mind. At the taproom, we have a coconut-lime seltzer, and it’s well-made.

The first thing I thought upon trying some was, “This would have made a great beer.”

But I get it … you might not find beer palatable, or you may have some physical ailment that prevents you from enjoying anything with gluten. Might I do something that my Independent wine counterpart, Katie Finn, would almost certainly approve of, and suggest a dry wine? There’s no gluten; they’re lower in calories than most beers; and they’re definitely miles above any seltzer you will ever encounter when it comes to flavor.

You are worth it. Unless you shoot the top of a wine bottle off and chug it. Then you aren’t at all worth it, and you deserve what you get.

Brett Newton is a certified cicerone (like a sommelier for beer) and homebrewer who has mostly lived in the Coachella Valley since 1988.

He currently works at the Coachella Valley

Brewing Co. taproom in Thousand Palms. He can be reached at caesarcervisia@gmail.com.

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A view from the frontlines as Palm Springs’ bar and restaurant scene came to a (temporary?) end

BY kevin carlow

t’s not very often a cocktail columnist for a desert newspaper gets to pretend to be an “in the trenches” correspondent. It’s pretty chill here, and I write about drinks.

Now here we are.

It’s Sunday, March 15. I am sitting in an empty hotel bar with my computer, practicing social distancing, conversing about the situation with my buddy the bartender, as well as a tattooed stranger from L.A. We’re all at least six feet apart. The pool outside hasn’t slowed, however.

Dozens of half-naked people still touch, breathe all over each other and swim in the communal water.

I just found out I am unemployed. took the situation very seriously and parsed I was planning on writing a little piece about every possible vector of transmission. Do we how moving Coachella to October would affect toss the pens after each use? Do we sanitize them? the bars and restaurants in this town. I was What about the menus … do we recycle them after excited about that for a couple of reasons. each use?

Through some informal polling, I got some I went over to help next door at the bar. good takes on why that could, in the long run, A wedding party of 40 had walked in, taking be a good thing for the local economy. over a whole side of the room—hugging, Now I am being told, in real time, that I sharing drinks, sneezing and coughing all over need to move from the empty bar to the pool the place. To a co-worker, I referred to them area, which is crawling with people. It’s not the as “plague rats” and “zombies,” and finally manager’s fault. They’re following the letter “plague zombies,” which felt the most accurate. of the law, and I completely understand that.

Regulars were trying to shake hands with me Nobody knows what to do. and hug me; a couple of drinks makes the Let’s flashback a few days. I had taken pandemic go away, after all.

Wednesday off as a precautionary measure—I On Saturday, there was a slight dip in wasn’t feeling great, and though I had no the number of covers at the restaurant, and COVID-19 symptoms, one can’t be too careful. frankly, we three bartenders were beginning to I felt great Thursday, but due to slow business get bored—but once 9 o’clock hit, the zombies at work, I left around 8 p.m. and walked most were back. People were three-deep at the bar, of the way home to get a feel for things. breathing on each other, up close and personal.

There was no VillageFest. A few people Regulars were sick of watching the news and were walking around; a couple of the local coming in for a friendly face and a bite to eat— dives were half-busy. It wasn’t eerily quiet or all jockeying for those precious seats. anything; I am used to Palm Springs being I had mixed feelings. Not knowing how quiet at night. It’s part of the reason I like many shifts I would have left, the way things it here. It felt like a Tuesday instead of a were going—or even if people would leave the Thursday—otherwise, not too jarring. house for two months—I felt fortunate that On Friday, I rode my bike into work. It’s a we were still busy. There are no easy answers 25-minute ride, slightly uphill, and it was into here. A medical crisis or an economic one … a strong headwind, just in case anyone wanted who is right, and who is wrong? How the hell to question my being healthy. (That sounds am I going to make money for the next month, petty, but I didn’t want anyone at work to or two, or year? Is it right to choose to save question that I would ever put their health in a small percentage from death only to put jeopardy over a shift or two.) I was scheduled millions upon millions out of work? I started at the restaurant, but the bar had two staff thinking of my college political-philosophy 101 members stay home as a precaution, so we classes and John Stuart Mill for the first time were a little short-handed overall. Only a few in decades. parties cancelled, and we stayed busy most of I had a guest sarcastically tell me my the night. People still fought over the limited expensive undergrad degree was “doing me a seating at the bar—standing two deep behind hell of a lot of good” as a bartender recently. the chairs, breathing and leaning all over each Well, pal, when you’re right, you’re right. other. We can only do so much; if the guests Coachella … who the hell cares right now? wish to be unsafe, that’s their prerogative.

Now it’s Sunday. I went for a ride on my Behind the bar, we used the strongest bike to this hotel, to write in the dark and sanitizers, washing hands in between even the have a burger. Now it’s hard to write by this slightest possible contaminations. Our hands pool, although I am 20 feet from anyone. All of were chapped from the soap and hot water. We these skinny people here are from Los Angeles, CVIndependent.com

escaping the grim realities of that city for a day or two. It’s hard to blame them. I am imagining them in six months, smashing store windows in Silver Lake for toilet paper and White Claws.

It’s hard to write this; I am worried for myself. I’m worried for my parents back in Massachusetts. Worried for the local economy.

For my friends who work at bars, or own bars, or just work with the public at all.

My mind keeps going back to almost 10 years ago, when I was working at an outdoor bar in downtown Boston when the marathon bombing happened. Restaurant and bar managers were trying to make decisions on the fly as to whether they should close on the spot, or not. Everyone was looking suspiciously at strangers. Soon after, the governor and mayor told everyone to effectively to shelter in place. We sat at home glued to the news, police scanners and social media.

That only ended up lasting a couple of days, and things got better. With California’s tourism-based economy, and this little desert realizing it has lost a desperately needed season, it’s hard to stay hopeful. We’d already lost a new bar, Glitch, in town before this

hit, and many more are teetering as it is. I fear the landscape here is going to be bleak this summer. The labor crunch will be over, if there is a silver lining, as places go out of business and lay off workers. The corporate hospitality groups will feast on the remains, and I fear fast-casual brands will slide like hermit crabs into the dead shells of mom-andpop places. Perhaps I am being too gloomy; a friend commented the other day that New Englanders panic better than anyone. Maybe this will all just blow over, and I will look like a Chicken Little. I certainly hope so.

Riding home, I have the Talking Heads’ “Life During Wartime” in my head. I’ve got some groceries, some peanut butter, to last a couple of days.

Now it’s late Sunday night, and we’re with a small group of friends saying goodbye to a local bar that fills a lovely niche space in this town.

It didn’t take long for the fallout to start.

I’ll see you on the other side. Cocktail of the month, straight shot of whiskey.

Kevin Carlow can be reached at CrypticCocktails@gmail.com.

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VINE SOCIAL JASON DAVID

Try to fill this turbulent time with joy— including, perhaps, some amazing rosé wine

HAIR STUDIO

T

By KatieLOVE finn YOUR

HAIR

he sun is shining. The weather is getting warm. The patio furniture has been brought out of hibernation. For wine lovers, this means one thing … rosé season has arrived.

As I began to write this piece, I was all set to recommend my favorite pink beauties and perhaps touch on the strange new mindset in which some refuseStreet to drink rosé that’s Country Clubpeople and Cook more than a year old. But … instead of celebrating the arrival of the newest, freshest wines, Palm De sert and the arrival of springtime in the valley—with all the amazing events, and parties, and social gatherings—life has been put on hold. We are Like all things that become popular, 760-340-5959 being told to isolate ourselves while COVIDeveryone in the wine industry was eager to 19 takes its toll on society. jump on the pink bandwagon and get a piece www.jasondavidhairstudio.net Writing about wine in light of everything of the pie. So, with every region on the globe, that is going on seems, well, trite. and every red grape imaginable, offering a But the more I thought about it, the more pink counterpart, how do you choose?

I realized the notion of keeping calm and For me, I always love going directly to the carrying on might be exactly the thing to do. source. In France, specifically the southern After all, I’m no expert on the coronavirus or Mediterranean region, these wines were economics, so writing about how all of this created around the sixth century. Called vins will affect the wine industry, or our health, is de soif or “wines to quench thirst,” these way out of my area of expertise. wines were always meant to be deliciously What I do know is wine. And I know that drinkable and, at the same time, sophisticated even though, right now, things are uncertain, and every bit as serious as the other wines we can’t stop living life (even if we’re living created across the rest of France. it at home), and we should not stop doing The two names synonymous with the things we can to that bring us joy. And exceptional Provencal rosé are Domaine drinking rosé brings me great joy. So, in the Tempier and Domaine du Gros’ Noré. These spirit of moving forward, let’s talk about pink are the crème de la crème of French rosé and wine, shall we? worth every penny: If you want to experience It wasn’t all that long ago that the sight of the most sophisticated incarnations of pink someone drinking a glass of something pink wine, look no further. Of course, names like meant that they were wine novices, and their Domaines Ott and Chateau Miraval are wellblushing beverage had to be sweet, cheap, known and elegant wines in their own right, white zinfandel. Fast-forward a decade or if not a little over-exposed. so, and there is such a glut of bone-dry rosé If drinking esoteric wines is your thing, on the market that you’d be hard pressed to then you and I probably already know each find anything even remotely resembling the other and drink wine on the reg. But if, by Boone’s Farm or Sutter Home of days gone by. chance, we haven’t met, I’ll share with you my But even with this increase in popularity of favorite rosé’s that are off the beaten path. rosé and dry pink wine, I’m still amazed at the The Massaya rosé of cinsault from the amount of confusion and the misconceptions Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, is a truly special wine. regarding just what this wine is.

It’s owned and operated by Lebanese brothers If you’ve ever wondered why there are so who returned to their homeland after the many different hues and varying shades of civil war and revitalized their family’s winery, pink—from pale salmon to deep magenta—it which had been ravaged by the war. They will help to understand just how rosé is made. partnered with three of the greatest French In the simplest possible explanation, rosé is houses—Cheval Blanc, Vieux Telegraphe and created with any red-wine grape that ferments Chateau Angélus—and create stunning wines. on the skins for a very short period of time.

The rosé has beautiful flavors of sour cherry, It’s the skins of the grapes that provide the fresh strawberries and cracked pepper. color in a wine, so the darkness and thickness The wines of Corsica are also making a big of the grape’s skin, and the length of time you splash, and Clos Alivu is presenting itself as leave the skins in with the fermenting juice, one of the best producers on the island. They will dictate how pigmented the final product create a rosé from the region of Patrimonio is. Even white zinfandel is really just red using an indigenous grape called nielluccio. zinfandel—the big, hearty wine you know and Turns out nielluccio is what the Corsicans call love—that was taken off the skins early. sangiovese, so perhaps it’s not that strange

after all. With flavors of sweet cranberry, honeydew melon and raspberries, you’ll wonder why you’ve never heard of it!

California remains a source of beautiful rosé, but finding a style that fits a specific palate can be a little more challenging. The rosés made from pinot noir coming from the cool Sonoma Coast appellation are crisp and vibrant. I adore the Jax Vineyards Y3 rosé, with its low alcohol, bright acidity and layers of fresh strawberries, rosé petals and watermelon.

The Bedrock “Ode to Lulu” rosé is a blend from historic plantings of mourvedre, grenache and carignan, from heritage vineyards all across California. Peaches,

cantaloupes, fresh herbs and a touch of salinity make this rosé incredibly thoughtprovoking and unique.

Maybe this time of solitude can be used to learn more about ourselves. Maybe we’ll connect with our families, or maybe we’ll finally fix that broken drawer, or leaky faucet.

Maybe we can sip wine from far-off places and imagine ourselves in a beautiful wine landscape. However you choose to use your time, please always try to fill it with joy.

Katie Finn is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine with two decades in the wine industry. She can be reached at katiefinnwine@ gmail.com.

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COACHELLA VALLEY QUARANTINE

W

Get to know your local musicians better—and support them—by putting your mind at ease with their music

By matt king

e’re under an emergency shelter-at-home order in California, with a lot of businesses closed down—meaning many people are now without a steady income, including the Coachella Valley’s hard-working, talented musicians.

Many of us also now have a lot of time on our hands … so why not use that time to get to know the local music scene better—while supporting these musicians in the process?

Also, remember that music can be a healer for an epic 3 1/2-minute track; sleazycortez. of wounds! For me, music can turn a terrible bandcamp.com. day into a great day—so I hope that this list can bring you joy in this uncertain time.

“Alone,” Black Water Gospel Because of all this, I’ve compiled a “This is how it feels to be alone,” sings Lance “Coachella Valley Quarantine” playlist of Riebsomer in the chorus of this song. The some of my favorite songs by valley bands. desperation in his voice echoes many people’s By streaming their songs on Spotify, Apple uncertainties in this time of isolation—yet this Music, YouTube or any other service, you will song has one of those guitar solos will help also assist them financially … not much, but you feel amazing. It’s hard to describe, so just every little bit helps! listen. I challenge you to not bob your head at Check out the online version of this story at least once throughout the entire track; it may CVIndependent.com for links to the playlist. be impossible; facebook.com/BlackWaterGospel.

“Last Day,” Captain Ghost I started the playlist off with this one, because the only way to transition into the apocalypse is with roars and sick guitar riffs. This song is as heavy as it is funky—dare I say, with perhaps a hint of ska? The screamed-out chorus lines of “set forth your hands / like it’s the last day on Earth” make this song a perfect soundtrack for the end times; facebook.com/ CaptainGhostBand.

“Back on Track,” Brightener Whenever I listen to Brightener, I can’t help but smile. Will Sturgeon has a voice that just makes you happy, and any track from his band will lift your spirit. It’s no wonder the band has played many top-notch gigs in Los Angeles, not to mention Coachella in 2016. “Back on Track” is one of Sturgeon’s funkier songs, and will make your stay-cation a lot dancier; brightener. bandcamp.com.

“Coachella Gold,” Giselle Woo and the Night Owls After being announced as part of the 2020 Coachella lineup, Giselle Woo and the Night Owls’ profile in the music scene became bigger than ever. Alas, the postponement of the festival means the world will have to wait to experience in person the greatness we’ve seen evolving over the past few years. “Coachella Gold” makes you proud to live here—and a sense of community is definitely something we all need during this time; facebook.com/ GiselleWooandTheNightOwls.

“Gallium,” Calico Wonderstone Calico Wonderstone dominated the backyard music scene, but has only played a few shows at local venues, so the band’s name is unknown to many. The band dropped a five-song EP, but has not played a show since releasing it, meaning it has been severely underappreciated.

“Gallium” is an indie-rock jam, and lead singer Ramses Lopez’s unique vocal style adds an edgier tone to the groove; soundcloud.com/ calicowndrstne.

“Beat Up Your Mom (Sides One and Two),” Sleazy Cortez In these times of mass hysteria and paranoia, you really could use a good laugh. Sleazy Cortez’s comedy stoner-punk jams are a perfect 20-second hand wash to take your worries away. You don’t even have to worry about too many lyrics, because the only words to this song are: “Beat up your mom.”

Side One’s fast punk transitions beautifully into Side Two’s slow-burning blues groove CVIndependent.com

“Mainframe,” Fever Dog Fever Dog has brought full effort into each of the genres the band has pursued. The group’s first two albums were heavy stoner rock, and then in 2017, Fever Dog released the Mainframe EP—three tracks of psychedelic jams. The title track sounds like something straight out of Pink Floyd, and is the perfect track to let your mind wander away from the negativity; feverdog.bandcamp.com.

“Elevator Dance,” The Flusters The Flusters offer a perfect mix of dreamy

The Flusters. Alec Ferguson

grooves and rockin’ choruses. Take “Elevator Dance,” for example; the verses are very Doors-esque, with lead singer Doug VanSant’s reverbed voice haunting the listener’s ear. But then, the guitar turns up for the choruses— and turns the slow groove to a full-on jumparound-and-dance vibe; theflusters.com.

“Wao Wao,” Ocho Ojos Ocho Ojos’ catalogue features the best of the best when it comes to psychedelic cumbia.

The band has played Coachella twice, and has performed at pretty much every venue in the valley—a handful of times—while sprinkling some out-of-town shows in between. The Latin rhythms shine bright on “Wao Wao,” and the 4 1/2-minute banger features synth player Danny Torres and guitarist Cesar Flores trading off solos in epic fashion; facebook.com/ ochoojoscv.

“Funk Jam,” Desert Rhythm Project This is a pretty self-explanatory track from Joshua Tree favorites Desert Rhythm Project.

Funk is a healer of many things; in fact, I’ve been told there’s nothing a little groove can’t fix. Lead singer Mikey Reyes’ soothing voice guides listeners through this song; it’s almost as if he’s checking in with us after every extended groove to make sure we’re OK. And this track is packed tight with groove, as it’s a six-minute song that features every essential funk instrument—horns, bass and, of course, a talk-box solo; desertrhythmproject.com.

“Sand Dune,” FrankEatsTheFloor Shameless self-promotion: This is my band, and a song I wrote—of which I’m particularly proud. I used our desert landscape to represent how lonely you can feel in a situation of unreciprocated love. I wrote it when I felt lonely; I was sitting inside all day staring at the sand dunes, but now that I have to stay inside, I truly understand how lonely it can be living in a sandy jungle. The bassline is prominent, primarily because I wrote the song around the riff—but also because it sounds cool; facebook. com/FrankEatsTheFloor.

“Tied Up,” Instigator We’re all tied up at home, so why not throw on this aptly named metal tune from local rockers Instigator? The intro riff has been stuck in my head ever since I first heard it; about 40 seconds into the song, the headbanging begins in full effect. Leader Mark Wadlund just posted on Facebook: “‘Coronavirus’ is a great name for a song on a heavy-metal concept album about disease,” so maybe something good will come out of this situation; facebook.com/ instigatorofficial.

“Isolated,” Israel’s Arcade Speaking of aptly named songs, this indie-rock track from Israel’s Arcade is the perfect song for your isolation blues. “Don’t come find me … let me rot,” sings Israel Pinedo over a melancholy instrumental—featuring some sweet saxophone backup. The standout part of this track is the lead guitar, as its back-and-

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forth rhythm, while extremely catchy, elicits a true sense of loneliness; instagram.com/ israelsarcade.

psychedelic-blues track that is as groovy as it is bluesy. The three-minute-long jam would not be complete without the organ solo, however—as everybody knows that you can’t have psychedelic jams without an organ; plasticruby.com.

“Strange,” Ormus Ormus’ first album was a collection of hardhitting metal-punk tracks, complete with frontman Martin Posada’s death growls. But “Strange” sounds like something straight from the ’70s, with Posada and bass-player Serene Noell sharing vocal duties on a rock track that’s very Black Sabbath-esque. However, Ormus’ signature sound comes back in the middle of a song, for a minute-long metal-punk deathgrowl interlude; facebook.com/ormusband.

“King Street,” Pescaterritory “King Street” is one of those songs that makes you feel cool. The pounding rock beat of the song may just lead you to strut around your isolation chamber. Halfway through the song, guitarist Jason Zembo steals the show with what may be one of my favorite guitar solos of all time. The best way to beat the virus is with rock ’n’ roll!; facebook.com/pescaterritory.

“Bad Conscience Blues,” Plastic Ruby Plastic Ruby’s unique “Desert Jangle” sound slows down a bit on “Bad Conscience Blues.” Lead singer John Marek’s reverbcaked voice sings over a slow-burning

“Ppl Like U,” Throw the Goat The first release from Throw the Goat after a recent lineup change proves that the same ol’ Goat is still there. It’s a punk outcry against

YIP YOPS. ZB images

hypocrites and the current state of the world—a perfect song for letting out your rage.

The band is setting up for a full album about the political nonsense, appropriately titled Vote Goat 2020; facebook.com/throwthegoat.

“The Death of a Gentleman,” YIP YOPS The Yip Yops’ recent lineup departures left the group as a two-piece—but the boys are determined to not change the sound that much. “The Death of a Gentleman” is an ’80s-style synth-rock gem that sounds so much like Depeche Mode. It’s groovy; it’s danceable; it even has somber moments. A lot of ground is covered in three minutes, and will cover many of the moods you are feeling during this time; yipyops.com.

“Baby’s Breath,” Koka Another notable band in the backyard-show

Throw the Goat. Keleigh Black

scene in the valley is Koka, an indie-rock group with soothing melodies that offer a bedroom-pop vibe. Their sounds have brought them Internet attention, with “Baby’s Breath” nabbing more than 37,000 listens on Soundcloud alone. Lead singer Edith Aldaz’s vocal lines are catchy; singing the oohs of this song’s chorus will definitely help alleviate some stress; instagram.com/koka.wav.

“I Wanna Be Over You,” The Hive Minds The last song on this playlist ends things on a high note. A happy instrumental is met by lead singer Derek Jordan Gregg reminiscing about the good times: “Remember the way that I fell when I held you, December.” Gregg wants to go back to “feeling himself”—don’t we all? This song is cheery and proves that music can be a source of joy, even in times like these; www. facebook.com/thehiveminds.

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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21

APRIL 2020

MUSIC

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC

the

LUCKY 13 Meet the frontwoman of Koka and local rapper Kurlzzz by matt king

What was the first album you owned?

One of the first albums I bought physically was Vampire Weekend’s Contra.

What bands are you listening to right now?

SIN 34, Willie Bobo, Astrud Gilberto and Sharon Van Etten.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?

Hobo Johnson. No explanation. Just Hobo Johnson.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

I’d like to see Tame Impala, The Strokes and Astrud Gilberto. The Strokes, because they are my first favorite band, ever since middle school. I found out about Astrud a few months before leaving to college in Pasadena, and I still haven’t been able to put her music down. Usually, I go through phases with artists and stop listening to them after a couple of months, but not with Astrud. Tame Impala doesn’t really need an explanation.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

Singing in an “operatic” voice. I love seeing how high and clear I can hit notes. I definitely

What song would you like played at your funeral?

“India” by Luiz Bonfá.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

One of my favorite albums of all time is Portamento by The Drums.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

“Enchanted Mirror” by Luiz Bonfá.

NAME Edith Aldaz GROUP Koka MORE INFO If you’ve been to one of the backyard shows that take place behind the scenes in our valley, you may have come across Koka. In the likely event that you have not … the band’s unique brand of indie music has garnered the group tens of thousands of streams on SoundCloud (soundcloud.com/ koka10), and Koka has made every show a packed-house sing-along. At the microphone is Edith Aldaz, whose great voice and catchy melodies have taken the band to the next level. Here are her answers to The Lucky 13.

What was the first concert you attended?

The first-ever concert I went to was a One Direction concert my freshman year. After that, I stopped going to those types of concerts, and started going to more shows/ festivals with multiple random artists.

You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?

I would probably just say hi to Astrud Gilberto.

NAME Kurlzzz MORE INFO Local rapper Kurlzzz, aka Justin Roos, is a part of the huge hip hop scene in the Coachella Valley. I recently saw him perform at The Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert, and was amazed at how he was able to combine tight beats with a flow that was both funny and serious. Check out his song “Ice Cream” on all streaming platforms. (Warning: explicit lyrics.) Roos is the latest to take The Lucky 13; here are his (rather brief) answers.

What was the first concert you attended?

Kurupt.

What was the first album you owned?

YelaWolf. annoy my parents when doing this randomly around the house.

What’s your favorite music venue?

The Smell in Los Angeles. I feel like I have some sort of connection with that venue and the people who go there. When I lived in Pasadena, I would go every other weekend to make friends, and I did! It is so easy there: There’s a whole community of kids who come together to share something that they love and forget anything that was bothering them before. Everyone is so kind there. If someone falls in the pit, everyone stops and reaches out to help them. Everyone knows everyone there, and they love bringing in new people.

What bands are you listening to right now?

Twenty One Pilots.

What’s your favorite music venue?

Bart Lounge in Cathedral City.

What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?

“Bop bop gimme top top on the low low,” “Bop,” by Kurlzzz, featuring Chardonnay, Shane Francis and bennubyrd.

What band or artist changed your life?

Wiz Khalifa. I saw what he did, and knew I wanted to be 10 times better than him.

You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?

Nipsey Hussle: “Looking back at your life, would you do anything differently?”

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?

BTS (the Bangtan Boys).

What song would you like played at your funeral?

“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy featuring Faith Evans.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

Hamilton.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

E-40, Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

Rap.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

“Ice Cream” by Kurlzzz.

What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?

“I don’t think you understand! There’s nowhere left to turn. The walls keep breaking.

Time is like a leaf in the wind. Either it’s time well spent, or time I’ve wasted,” “Telescope,” Cage the Elephant.

What band or artist changed your life?

The most recent artist that has affected me is Astrud Gilberto. She’s affected me vocally, because I love the little melodies that she is able to come up with. Because of Astrud, I found other artists that I love like Stan Getz, Luiz Bonfá and João Gilberto.

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22 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

APRIL 2020

OPINION SAVAGE LOVE

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

SEX AS A DISTRACTION D

BY DAN SAVAGE

EAR READERS: I live in Seattle, the first U.S. epicenter of the novel coronavirus epidemic, with my family. A lot of my readers wrote this week to wish us well. We are fine—scared, but fine—washing our hands compulsively and staying close to home.

I’m going to keep churning out the column and recording my podcast, while being careful to maintain a safe social distance from the tech-savvy, at-risk youth. I’m hoping the column and podcast are welcome distractions.

Please take care of yourselves; take care of the people around you; and wash your damn hands.

I’m wondering if you know of a word that describes the fetish of getting off from talking dirty. I’ve searched a lot, and I can’t find a label for this kink or fetish. While googling around, I did learn some new terms, like “katoptronophilia” (being aroused by having sex in front of mirrors) and “pubephilia” (being aroused by pubic hair), but I can’t seem to find one that describes my kink.

Dirty Talker I’m old enough to remember when people who needed to feel a strong emotional connection before they wanted to fuck someone got by without a word or a pride flag of their very own.

They just said, “I’m someone who needs to feel a strong emotional connection before wanting to fuck someone.” But now they can say, “I’m a demisexual,” a five-syllable, vaguely scientificsounding term that first popped up in an online

forum in 2006. Unfortunately, when someone says, “I’m a demisexual,” the usual response is, “What’s that?” And then the demisexual has to say, “I’m someone who needs to feel a strong emotional connection before wanting to fuck someone.” So leading with “I’m a demisexual” seems like a waste of time to me. But it does extend the amount of time the speaker gets to talk about him/her/themselves … and who doesn’t love talking about themselves?

Anyway, DT, you’re someone who enjoys dirty talk. There isn’t a special term (or pride flag) for you that I could find—I did a little half-hearted googling myself—and I don’t think you need one. You can get by with: “I’m someone who enjoys dirty talk.”

My wife and I have been married for a little more than two years. We both have demanding jobs, but she admits to being a workaholic and spends almost

We’re Doing Business with PRIDE in the Coachella Valley.

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Affiliate Chamber

Quick questions and answers about sex and relationships during the pandemic

every night on the couch answering e-mails and binge-watching Bravo. I’ve resorted to getting high most nights to cover up for the fact that I’m very unhappy. Despite being overworked, she’s started a side hustle selling skin-care products to her friends, most of whom she rarely sees in person.

Bottom line: I didn’t sign up for this. I’m beyond bored and want to travel and explore. But she refuses to give up the side hustle and dial back her work or her drinking. We both earn comfortable salaries, and we don’t need the extra income.

Would I be justified in leaving because of her newfound hobby?

Basically Over Redundant Enrichment Side hustle or no, BORE, you aren’t happy, and that’s reason enough to leave. And while you won’t (or shouldn’t) be doing much traveling anytime soon, you can find a lawyer; search for a new apartment; and initiate divorce proceedings while your wife sits on the couch answering work e-mails and pushing skincare products to her friends. I would typically encourage someone in your shoes to risk telling the truth before walking out—you’re unhappy; you’re bored; you don’t want to live like this anymore—but it sounds like your mind is made up. So use your time at home over the next couple of weeks to make your escape plan.

I’m a 35-year-old woman in a long-term cohabitating relationship with a man. We opened our relationship about six months ago, and it’s going very well; we both have FWBs. My primary partner and I are going to be getting engaged soon, and I’m wondering what my responsibility is to my FWB of five months.

Do I make a special effort to tell him about the engagement—on the phone or in person, like I plan to tell family members and close friends? Or is it OK if he finds out via social media like other people I’ve known for only five months or less would? My getting engaged (or married) won’t prevent me from remaining his FWB. Wanna Be Ethical Golden rule this shit, WBE: If your FWB got engaged, would you want to find out via social media, or would you want him to tell you personally? I’m guessing you’d rather hear it from him.

I’m a young white woman, and my last boyfriend, a black man, left me two weeks ago. Ever since, I have been masturbating only while thinking about black guys.

My question is: Do I have a “thing” for black guys now? I’ve accepted that our relationship is over, but it was really intense. I feel disgusting after I masturbate, because it feels gross and not respectful toward my ex somehow. What do you think?

I used to live in a college town. I’m a guy, and while there, I hooked up with a gorgeous guy. He had an amazing smile, a nice body, and the most perfect natural dick I’ve ever seen. (Can we please stop saying “uncut”? It’s so disgustingly plastic surgeryish.) We hooked up a couple of times, and he was so much fun. A couple of years later, in another town, he showed up out of the blue at my new job. It was awkward at first, but it got better over the couple of years we worked together. I always wanted to just sneak him into the bathroom and give him another blowjob.

He still lives in the same town, and I want to message him to see if he’s up for some more fun.

We haven’t spoken in years—and last I heard, he was still not out. I want to message him, but I’m wondering whether there’s a time limit.

Desperately Horny For Black Men

Big Ol’ Dick

Masturbate about whatever the fuck turns you on, DHFBM, and if you’re worried someone would find your masturbatory fantasies disrespectful … don’t tell that person about your masturbatory fantasies.

I suppose it’s possible you have a “thing” for black guys now. (What’s that thing they say? Actually, let’s not say it.) Unless you are treating black guys as objects and not people, or you fetishize blackness in a way that makes black sex partners feel degraded (in unsexy, nonconsensual ways) or used (in ways they don’t wish to be used), don’t waste your time worrying about your fantasies. Worry about your actions.

Seeing as you haven’t spoken to this man in years, BOD, I’m going to assume you no longer work together. And seeing as you hooked up more than once back in that college town, I’m going to assume he liked your blowjobs. And seeing as there’s a worldwide pandemic on, and seeing as life is short, and seeing as dick is delicious, I’m going to give you the OK to send this guy a message.

On the Lovecast, love drugs! How therapeutic are they? Listen at savagelovecast.com.

Read Savage Love every Wednesday at CVIndependent.com; mail@savagelove.net; @ fakedansavage on Twitter.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23

APRIL 2020

OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

“Freeducation”—a freestyle puzzle for now

By Matt Jones

33 Most sound 35 They may have chains and locks 37 Pic off a monitor?

Across 39 1960s TV spy thriller 1 Rotary phone parts with a 1997 movie 8 Whip holders? remake 15 Hoppy “New 42 Site for ants or England-style” brew bumps?

16 System that includes 46 Slick stuff emoji 47 Dreadlocked one, 17 Invited up maybe 18 Compliment after 49 Like some fast-food getting out of bed? chicken sandwiches 19 ___ Bhabie (rapper 50 Returning grad first known as the 52 Flashlight battery “Cash Me Outside” 54 Alternate spelling girl from Dr. Phil) abbr.

20 Precipice 55 Anwar who shared a 22 Indian curry dish Nobel Peace Prize 23 ___ Dems (U.K. 57 Deep-sea killer political party, 58 Sister of Poseidon informally) 59 Secure firmly 24 Fictional Marner 61 Dazed 26 Achievement 63 Not consistent 27 Neighbor of British 64 The “devil’s interval” Columbia in music (heard in 30 Like birthday The Simpsons theme) celebrants 65 Took once more, like 32 Letters in some a white elephant gift Baptist church names 66 Pieces of Sanskrit

31 ___ Hope (1980s ABC soap) Down 34 Three-note chord 1 Dry white wine 36 Machine that helps 2 Jones who played with sleep apnea Angie Tribeca 38 Fix firmly in place 3 Keep showing up in a 39 “Wide slot” device book and film series? 40 Cautionary Tales 4 Turned from white to for Children author pink, maybe Belloc 5 Pot top 41 Evasive sorts 6 Big pictures?

43 Enjoy immensely 7 Company behind 44 Instrument in a Hello Kitty Legend of Zelda title 8 “You’re a better man 45 Spins around than I am” poem 48 Little Women author 9 “Allergic to Water” 51 Furious with singer DiFranco 53 Actress Linney of 10 Travel expert Steves Kinsey 11 Words before Base or 56 “Africa” band spades 58 “So ___” (Kid Rock 12 Quit messing around song) 13 Japanese appetizer 60 Wheaton of The Big 14 Advisory councils Bang Theory 21 Healed up 62 Malleable metal 25 Dry, as Italian wine 28 Former New York © 2020 Matt Jones Jets owner Leon 29 Muppet whose Find the answers in tweets often end with the “About” section of “Scram!”

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