Coachella Valley Weekly - January 12 to January 18, 2017 Vol. 5 No. 43

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coachellavalleyweekly.com • January 12, to January 18, 2017 Vol. 5 No. 43

El Gato Classic

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P.S.I.F.F.

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Tony Orlando The Four Tops pg 8

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The Brosquitos

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Taste of LQ

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE DESERT WOMAN’S SHOW

Coachella Valley Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Morgan James Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Judith Salkin Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Janet McAfee, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Lola Rossi, Laura Hunt Little, Flint Wheeler, Jack St. Clair, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Janet Newcomb, Rebecca Pikus, Angela Romeo, Esther Sanchez, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Lani Garfield, Esther Sanchez, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

Desert Woman's Show 2017................. 3 El Gato Classic - Legends Weekend.... 5 Eddie "El Gato" Elguera....................... 6 Lance Mountain................................... 7 Steve Caballero.................................... 7 Valley Rhythms - Tony Orlando.......... 8 LGBTQ at PSIFF..................................... 8 PSIFF Q&A - Michael Lerman.............. 9 CV Open Mic Competition................ 10 Backstage Jazz - Michael Paulo.........10 The Four Tops..................................... 11 The Brosquitos................................... 11 Consider This - Hope Sandoval......... 12 Art Scene - Kevin Nierman................ 13 CV Music Showcase Round 3.............13 Pet Place............................................. 14 The Vino Voice ................................... 15 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 16 Taste Of La Quinta............................. 18 Screeners............................................ 20 Book Review....................................... 21 Safety Tips.......................................... 21 Haddon Libby.................................... 23 Dale Gribow....................................... 23 Real Estate.......................................... 24 Improv at Fantasy Springs................ 24 Sports Scene ...................................... 25 Sand Storm Lacrosse Festival .......... 25 Health & Fitness ................................ 26 Community - Desert Aids Project .... 26 Careerbuilder Challenge .................. 26 Free Will Astrology............................ 27 Mind, Body & Spirit ........................... 27 Beauty with Dr. Maria Lombardo..... 28 Life & Career Coach ........................... 28

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he Desert Woman’s Show is celebrating its fabulous diamond anniversary on January 14 & 15 at Agua Caliente Casino, Resort & Spa and promises to be bigger & better than ever.

Every attendee will have the opportunity to win a 1.00 ct. round diamond from El Paseo Jewelers! Guests must enter to win at the event and 105 names will be drawn,100 ladies will win a beautiful cubic zirconia BUT 1 special winner will receive a beautiful 1.00 ct. round DIAMOND, and 4 others will win additional diamonds under 1.00 ct. total weight from El Paseo Jewelers. YES 5 diamonds in all!

Expected to draw more than 2,500 attendees, the Expo will shine the spotlight on today’s hottest topics including The Heartbreak of Addiction, A Diet You Can Live With and Secrets to Mistake Proof Beauty with Gabriel De Santino of Gabriel Cosmetics. A dynamic cast of female physicians from Desert Regional Medical Center will discuss ‘Top Tests That Can Save Your Life’.

Ladies get ready to do some shopping in the fashion boutique, indulge in the brow and lash bar from Lancome, or elvitamin B shots from The Vein Doctor Medical Group, home products, massage, wellness experts and much more. Experience A Taste of the Valley daily from 11:00 am to 3:00pm with live jazz featuring local restaurants including delicious sampling from The Steakhouse, Water’s Café, Rio

Azul, Balisage Bistro, Backstreet Bistro, Woody’s Palm House, TRIO, paired with Quintessential Wines, Crater Lake Vodka and La Quinta Brewing Company. Tasting wristbands are available for $15 per person per day and guests must be 21 years of age for this area where wine and spirits are served.

Saturday afternoon offers fashions galore under the Desert Sun Fashion Tent, featuring MACY’S at 1:30 pm with a Spring selection from Eileen Fisher and Vince Camuto followed by Jordon Animal Art Couture at 3:00 pm from Venus do Fido.

Get ready as Loving All Animals has your new best friend at the Pet Adoption at 3:30 pm under the Desert Sun Fashion Tent.

The Show continues on Sunday, January 15th with a variety of new speakers, fashion show and Charity Bingo for Parkinson’s Organization. Join Dr. Nicole Ortiz and learn about stem cell and growth factor therapy and The Latest Secrets to Longevity.

Additional lectures continue throughout the day with Dr. Sanford Greenberg, the

longest running vein specialist in the Desert. Cynthia Cruz, from Clark’s Nutrition talks about Anti-Aging & Super Nutrients, while models prepare to hit the runway wearing the latest in Joseph Ribkoff and Alberto Makali from Gaby L’s Boutique at 1:30 pm.

There is SOMETHING FOR EVERY WOMAN, at the 10th annual Desert Woman’s Show!

The 2017 Desert Woman’s Show sponsors include Desert Regional Medical Center, Clark’s Nutrition, The Vein Doctor Medical Group, Hightower Advisors, Macy’s and El Paseo Jewelers.

Tickets are available online at: www.desertwomansshow.com/tickets Courtesy of Desert Regional Medical Center while supplies last and at the door for $15.00 per person per day.

For more information on the 10th annual Desert Woman’s Show contact: Diana Marlo 1-800-374-6952 or email Diana@MarloProductions.com. continue to page 4

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

DESERT WOMAN’S SHOW

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SATURDAY Palm A Salon • 11:00am Cynthia Cruz, Clarks Nutrition A DIET YOU CAN LIVE WITH • 12:30pm Chef Herve, Parker Palm Springs COOKING RAW & FRESH DEMO • 2:30pm Gabriel De Santino, Gabriel Cosmetics SECRETS TO MISTAKE PROOF BEAUTY Palm B Salon • 10:30am Dr. Sanford Greenberg, The Vein Doctor Medical Group SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF VEIN DISEASE • 3:00pm Dr. Steven Nelsen, Synergy Wellness DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH Star B • 9:30am VIP Lounge for THUNDER PASS Holders with fresh juice mimosa and pampering Desert Sun Fashion Tent • 10:00am Josie Herndon, Addiction Therapeutic Services THE HEARTBREAK OF ADDICTION • 11:45am Desert Regional Medical Center TOP TESTS THAT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE • 1:30pm Macy’s Fashion Show EILEEN FISHER & VINCE CAMUTO SPRING LINES

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• 3:00pm VENUS & FIDO FASHION SHOW • 3:30pm PET ADOPTION, Loving All Animals • 11am – 3pm TASTE OF THE VALLEY SUNDAY Palm A Salon • 11:00am Cynthia Cruz, Clarks Nutrition ANTI-AGING & SUPER NUTRIENTS • 12:30pm Kae Hammond YOUR FINANCIAL CHECKLIST • 2:00pm Chef Daniel, Balisage Bistro CREATE FRESH EASY MEALS AT HOME Palm B Salon • 11:00am Dennis Lacy, Hellerwork TURN BACK THE CLOCK • 12:30pm Dr. Sanford Greenberg, The Vein Doctor Medical Group SYMPTOMS & SIGNS OF VEIN DISEASE Star B • 9:30am VIP Lounge with Fresh Juice Mimosa and pampering Desert Sun Fashion Tent • 11:30am Dr. Nicole Ortiz, THE LATEST SECRETS TO YOUR LONGEVITY • 1:30pm Gaby L’s Fashion Show, JOSEPH RIBKOFF & ALBERTO MAKALI Fashions • 3:00pm CHARITY BINGO (and Bubbly) for Parkinson’s Organization

JOSIE HERNDON

KAE HAMMOND

DR. NICOLE ORTIZ

DR. STEVEN NELSON

DR. SANFORD GREENBERG

DENNIS LACY

DIANA MARLO

CYNTHIA CRUZ

BRONWYN ISON

GABRIEL DE SANTINO

CHEF DANIEL VILLANUEVA

CHEF HERVE GLIN

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THE EL GATO CLASSIC LEGENDS WEEKEND RETURNS TO PALM SPRINGS JANUARY 13-17

January 12 to January 18, 2017

EL GATO CLASSIC

THE POPULAR MUSIC, ART, AND SKATEBOARDING EVENT PLANS EVEN MORE EXCITING SURPRISES FOR FANS.

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he El Gato Classic Legends Weekend returns to Palm Springs for the third time, January 13 - 15, 2017.

The wildly popular event brings together art, music, and skateboarding as a complete weekend experience that will be enjoyed by fans, industry professionals and the top pros and legends of skateboarding.

“The El Gato Classic is about honoring skateboard legends of the past and championing the future of skateboarding, generation to generation,” Eddie “El Gato” Elguera, founder of the event, says.

Scheduled events include the following: Friday, January 13 7pm: Lance Mountain “On My Wall” Art Exhibit – FREE

Skateboarding legend and former Bones Brigade member Lance Mountain has found new fame in recent years as a respected artist. He recently unleashed a

special collection of his paintings in Japan, all of which were inspired by photos that were posted on his walls of his bedroom as a teen. He will be displaying this collection for the first time in the U.S. at the El Gato Classic. Rock Church, 75400 Gerald Ford Dr., Palm Desert SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 10am: Legends Expression Session Limited Tickets Available See the legends of skateboarding carve up Palm Springs Skate Park.

Palm Springs Skate Park & Sunrise Park at Sunrise and Ramon in Palm Springs 2pm: Generations Vert Skateboard Contest (featuring Tony Hawk) - FREE

The Generations Vert Skateboard Contest will feature the top amateurs, girls, pros and legends in the industry today, performing death-defying tricks on the massive vert ramp.

Palm Springs Skate Park / Palm Springs High 7pm: Legends Meet & Greet – Private Ticketed Event Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, 150 S Indian Canyon Drive 8pm: The Faction Concert – Limited Tickets Available The Faction is a hardcore punk rock band from San Jose, California, wh pioneered the skate punk era during the early 1980’s.

Labeled as “music by skaters for skaters,” the band features bass and guitar player Steve Caballero, lead singer Gavin O’Brien, and drummer Craig Bosch.

Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, 150 S Indian Canyon Drive SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 9 & 11am: Chapel: Q&A with Skateboard Legend Lance Mountain – FREE Rock Church, 75400 Gerald Ford Dr., Palm Desert Tickets on sale now at elgatoclassic.com.

Sponsors of the El Gato Classic Legends Weekend include PS Resorts, Buzz Factory, Palm Springs Skate Park with the City of Palm Springs, The Rock Church, S1 Helmets, and Vans.

For more information please contact Eddie Elguera, mail@elgatoclassic.com or 760-832-3388.

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

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EL GATO: INTERVIEW WITH SKATING LEGEND EDDIE “EL GATO” ELGUERA

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V Weekly: You are a legend and innovator in vert. What got you into skating?

Eddie “El Gato” Elguera: “I started back in 1970. My brother used to surf. When there were no waves, they would skate. Back then they were little boards with clay wheels. I would borrow their boards and ride them on my knees, and I really liked it. I would look in the surfer magazines. The surfer magazines would have advertisements of new wheels that were coming out. I want to say this was in ‘73. The wheels were urethane wheels.

That was a cool thing, and then Skateboarder Magazine came out, and I started to mimic them. I lived in Arrowhead at the time and really got into it. I had no idea skateboarding would be a part of my life forever.”

CVW: Very early on in your career, you were World Champion twice. How did that change your life?

El Gato: “As the magazines started to come out, I started progressing. I saw the skating pools and started looking for empty pools to skate. Then a skate park opened in Colton. At the grand opening, The Hobie skate team was there and saw me skateboarding and asked me to join the team. I had some shop sponsors before, but they were my first real sponsor.

From there, they asked me to compete. I had no idea if I was good, and how I would compete against the guys in the magazines. In February, 1979 I started entering amateur contests and in April, 1979 I became the national champion in bowl riding. After I won that, they wanted me to turn pro. I turned pro in the summer of 1979. I started inventing tricks. I had a coach, Dale Smith, who told me if I wanted to win, I had to come up with tricks nobody had done.

Back then, inverts were innovative. Bobby Valdez invented the invert in the Hester Series in 1978. So he said, ‘We’re going to do a 360 invert.’ At first it was called the ‘fakey flip.’

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BY GILBERT WARD KANE

I learned it in a day. Nobody was able to do a 360 in a bowl before. Eventually, we called it the ‘Elguerial.’ a combination of my name Elguera and arial. So I brought that out in my first contest and started winning contests.

Then I invented the ‘front side rock ‘n roll,’ ‘rock fakies,’ ‘board slide fakies,’ and ‘fakie ollies.’

Within that first year, I won 2nd overall in The Hester Series. The thing was, I didn’t enter the first contest of the series. If I would have, I may have won 1st overall. By the end of the year, I won Skateboarder Of The Year, and Most Spectacular New Maneuver. From February to the end of the year, I’d accomplished so much. In 1980, they had The Gold Cup Series.

After inventing some new maneuvers and honing my other maneuvers, I won The Gold Cup Series by the end of 1980. Two years in a row I won. I got sponsors, travelled the world, and got money. By this time, I was 18 years old and quit skating. It gave me opportunities to travel, and make money doing what I love, and be in magazines and music videos. I had my own board out and had my own shorts. The ‘El Gato’ shorts by Mad Rats.”

CVW: DEVO is my favorite band ever. How did the chance to skate in their extremely weird video for “Freedom Of Choice” come about?

El Gato: “When DEVO first came out, they had weird music and were embraced by skateboarders. They would wear Rector Pads and wear helmets on stage. They got ahold of Rector Pads and told them they wanted to do a music video with skaters. Mike Rector contacted a bunch of legendary skaters like Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, Steve Olson, myself and a bunch of others. In one scene Dave Andrecht and myself jump the double canyons in the bowl at Marina. Some of the video was filmed at the park in Marina Del Rey. It’s neat to look back and know I was a part of it.”

CVW: You fell into a dark hole with your substance abuse. How did you find your way out of it?

El Gato: “In 1980 I stopped skating. Even though I won, it wasn’t fulfilling. I felt there had to be more to life. Through that time I started drinking, and smoking and doing a little drugs for a few years. I lost everything I had. I still didn’t have the desire to skateboard.

During that time, I worked in my brother’s restaurant in Arrowhead. There was this lady that came in, and we started talking, and thanks to her, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I realized that fulfillment wasn’t going to come through skateboarding, being in magazines, money, nor fame. It was going to be through Jesus Christ. God created me for a reason and purpose. I started going to church and got a bible and starting seeking what my purpose was. After I started doing that in 1983, I met my wife in church. In 1986, God began speaking to my heart about skateboarding again. He told me, ‘I gave you this talent for a reason. Before, you weren’t using it for that purpose, but now you can find fulfilment.’”

CVW: How has your skateboarding career helped you get your message across? Did you

EL GATO CLASSIC

face any resistance being the skateboarding world is often looked at in a negative light?

El Gato: “I definitely got back into because I felt God wanted me to get back out there as a gift and talent to be a light and to be a witness to people who are going through the same thing. The purpose wasn’t to go out there and bash them and be a Bible basher. It was to love on them and show them I’m back. I may not be on top again, but it’s not about being on top.

It’s about going out there and doing what I’m created to do. It opened doors for me to go to different places and share my story. I started going to youth groups. I wasn’t a speaker. I never thought about being a Pastor or speaker.

It just worked out. A world champion skater is going to come and share his story. ‘This is where I was. I was at the top. I lost everything.

But when I gave my life to Christ, all of a sudden my life changed.’ During that time, I would do some crusades and events. In 1989 my wife and I ended up with an opportunity to be the director of a skateboard camp in Wisconsin called Lake Owen. It was a sister camp back in the day to Woodward. In 1993, my wife and I moved to San Bernardino and I became a youth Pastor at The Rock Church. In 2006, I was able to plant my own Rock Church here in the Coachella Valley.”

CVW: What drew you to the desert and made you decide to bring The Rock Church out here?

El Gato: “Well, you know, I came out here a bunch of times to skate. I had some friends out here in skating. Our Pastor asked, ‘Where would you like to go to plant a church?’ The right answer for a lot of people would probably be, ‘I want to go to the beach.’ Nobody says, ‘I want to go to the desert.’ But I don’t know, it just had a drawing. My wife felt God was speaking to her, and I felt God was speaking to me. We came out here not realizing that I was a part of the history of skating here - being the first skater to skate the nude bowl. The Nude Bowl became legendary world-wide in skating.”

CVW: Can you tell me more about The Rock Church Of Coachella Valley?

El Gato: “It’s a non-denominational Christian church. We have a saying, ‘We’re loving people to life.’ I think a lot of people have this idea that God is condemning and points finger, ‘I know what you’ve done.’ God is not about pointing out how bad you are.

God came to love. If you look at the Bible from beginning to end, it’s about His love for humanity, not condemning them. The Bible says, ‘For God so loved the World.’ So, we’re learning to try not to be religious. Religious is man trying to get to god, but Christianity is that relationship. We’re trying to say God loved us to life, he didn’t love us to death. As I share with the congregation, I’m not going out to skaters to tell them how bad they are.

I’m there to say, ‘You know what? God loves you. God Cares about you.’ It’s not my job to point out sin. It’s my job to love. The Bibles says we are called to love. We have some contemporary music. Our son is our worship leader and we use progressive music. We use a lot of the arts and we use social media to get things out. We have a SnapChat and Instagram, @therockcv. If people go there, they’ll see our stories. We stream our services on facebook. We just want to get the message of God’s love out to the valley.”

CVW: What inspired you to create the El Gato Classic?

El Gato: “A few years ago, I noticed that I wanted to keep history alive. Stacy Peralta has put together a documentary about Dogtown and Z-Boys’ story about skating empty swimming pools. He did a documentary on The Bones Brigade. But there’s an era in between that I think is forgotten. It’s the era of forgotten bowl riders. I didn’t want that left out of history. I wanted to gather all the guys that took history from where The Z-boys left it to the new place where it became progressive, and taking to a new level of tricks and styles.

So I wanted to bring together the guys from the first Hester Series up to The Gold Cup Series. That was kind of the era where a lot of the foundations of what skateboarding became in vertical and bowl riding. Skaters like Tony Hawk were inspired by that era. I want to honor the past but champion the future. I want to let everybody know if you honor the people who came before you, and champion the future, skateboarding will always continue on. It’s never going to die. A lot of the guys who pioneered the sport, never got the recognition. There was no internet, there were no videos. You would get shots in a magazine. I wanted to bring them and say, ‘Thank you for everything you’ve done.’ It’s a reunion. A lot of them think it’s better than any high school reunion because we were all kind of family when we competed. This is our third year. This year we’re doing our ‘Generations’ contest.

It’s six teams. They consist of a legend, a pro, a female, and an amateur. The teams are drawn from a hat. It’s a random thing. That will be on Saturday.”

CVW: In closing, I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for our community.

Your life story and accomplishments are truly inspiring.

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LANCE MOUNTAIN

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oachella Valley Weekly: What was it about skateboarding that interested you?

Lance Mountain: I was about 10, so you’re trying to find things you’re interested in. I had four or five friends who were 4 years older than me. We played a bunch of games. Everything was established and judged. All the rules were set to let you know if you were going to be good at something.

If you could run fast, you’re a good runner. If you could jump high, you could dunk a basketball. If you could fake someone out, you were a good receiver.

Skateboarding was completely wide open. There was nothing to say you were good or bad. It was like a little adventure. You had this toy and you could do whatever you want on them. We played tag on them, we played basketball on them, some guys tried to do 360s on them, and other guys tried to go as fast as they could on them.

CVW: You were part of possibly the most influential team of skaters ever. Can you tell me a bit about your time with The Bones Brigade? How did it come together and how was your time with them?

LM: “The most interesting thing for me about that whole thing was I was a little bit older than the other kids who got sponsored. At that point they were looking for the next generation who might be good. Stacy (Peralta) sponsored kids at 13, 14, and 15. I didn’t get sponsored until I was 18 by them. I was sponsored by somebody else first and then came on board. He didn’t every pull people from other teams.

The team I was on, which is the same one Eddie (“El Gato” Elguera) was on, Variflex, faded away and the people in charge went on to other things. The people on that team had to find other things to do, and a lot of the guys quit skateboarding. I was in a place when Stacy could put my on Powell-Peralta. It was a real blessing that I was put on the team coming from another team. I feel blessed for the opportunity Stacy gave me. That team was run by somebody who was

STEVE CABALLERO

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oachella Valley Weekly: What got you interested in skating?

Steve Caballero: “Probably the fact that it was pretty popular in the mid-1970s.

Pretty much all my friends had a skateboard. I’d go to the market and see skateboard magazines on the rack. I would sort through them and see there was a huge skate scene down in Southern California, and there were a bunch of skateboard parks being built down there. It was a dream to me to go down there and ride one of those parks one day. Then I heard Northern California was going to get a couple parks built. The first one was Winchester Skate Park. As soon as it was built, I got my membership around 1977. I fell in love with it.

I was building my own little ramps before I got to a skate park because I was trying to mimic what I saw in the magazines. After I rode my first park, I got hooked. I thought it was a really fun activity.”

CVW: You were a member of arguably the best team of skaters ever, The Bones Brigade. Can you tell me a little bit about the early days and how you came to join?

Cab: “I was discovered by Stacy Peralta in 1979 at a world champion amateur contest in Escondido near San Diego. I was part of a skateboard team called Campbell Skate Park, which is one of the skate parks I mentioned early built in Northern California. We had a Nor Cal series and we were one of the best skateboard teams in Northern California and wanted to come to Southern California and see how we measured up to the guys in So Cal. One of my teammates ended up getting first in the division, and I got fifth in my.

last five years. There’s this resurgence of “30 years ago.” It’s hard to realize I can’t do what I could 30 years ago. I work hard on doing new things and push myself harder than I probably should. It stinks being hurt. The pain doesn’t really matter. It’s the time away. When we were growing up, if you came back off of a six month industry, a lot of times the industry changed so much, your career couldn’t recover.

That’s always in the back of my mind. I trust in the Lord. He gives me the strength to make it happen.

When I don’t want to do this anymore, I won’t. The pain never scares me away. A lot of guys can’t handle the pain, but pain goes away. Everything we do has consequences. I have to check myself all the time.”

CVW: If you don’t mind, I’d like to change direction a bit and talk about your art career. When did you first start creating art? Was it always a big part of your life, or did it come later?

LM: “I always burst everybody’s bubble when it comes to art. My dad was always creative. He moved here from England and did window displays. It was a very creative household. I don’t remember a time when we weren’t drawing, creating silk screens, building models, building rockwalls, or building Japanese gardens. It was normal to do creative things in my household. It wasn’t until later when we were compared to The Addams Family, that I realized we were different. ‘These guys have a museum in their house and a crazy garden.’ Then I started skateboarding and had to do a book report.

I drew a picture of (Tony) Alva and had a poem. I

pretended I was doing school work, but really I was skateboarding in my brain. It was hard to get product back then. We painted our own skateboards. We wanted our own logos. We wanted the product back then, but we didn’t know where to get it, so we started making copies of the shirts. I slowly ended up getting sponsored by a skate park. They had me do a magazine advertisement when I was 16 or 17.

I drew my first board for Variflex then somebody else redrew it. Then I met Neil Blender who was an inspiration to us all. My friends wanted me to come up with ideas for their boards. When my son was 4, I took a lot of his drawings and reworked him. That came to be my style. This is where I burst everybody’s bubble. I don’t think of myself as an artist. I’m a skateboarder. I couldn’t function in the art world without skateboarding. I like creating stuff.

I would have done that privately if somebody didn’t approach me and tell me they wanted my stuff. I never went to art school, and my technique is wrong.

I have a good friend who teaches art, and he tells me sometime I’m doing things wrong. ‘You put acrylic over oil. That won’t last.’ I know plenty of great artists who can’t make a living. In the art world I feel like just some dude who came into skateboarding who can’t even kick flip and is making a living. I almost feel embarrassed. Art is just an extension of skateboarding.”

CVW: Do you get a lot of fans of your art who have no idea how influential in the skate scene you are?

LM: “I don’t think anybody outside of skateboarding knows my art. There are some guys like Templeton who have done that. People find out he’s a skateboarder, and are totally surprised. I think you have to approach art separately to get that. I’ve never even tried to separate art and skateboarding.

It’s one thing. I’ve always recreated something; a skateboarder or a skateboard. My son is an artist.

His mind is into the art. He’s creating things I’ve never seen. The Suicidal Tendencies thing I did is the only thing I’ve done to reach people outside of skateboarding, but it’s a drawing of a skateboarder.”

act of skating because it’s not an easy thing to pick up. It takes a lot of hard work, time, and practice.

You really have to focus and dedicate yourself.

The majority of the skill is the mental part of it.

You know, being confident, and believing you can do this and that. 90% of it is mental. If you doubt yourself, it’s really hard to progress. When you can adapt the skillset to life, you can accomplish a bunch. That’s for sure.”

CVW: Skating and punk music have always gone hand and hand. What came first for you, skating or punk?

Cab: “Skateboarding definitely came first.

The area I grew up in was black and Hispanic, so we were listening to R & B, soul, and disco in the 70s. I wasn’t really much into rock ‘n roll. As soon as I started really getting into skating, and going to skate parks, I began to hear rock ‘n roll and the music skateboarders listened to: AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Cheap Trick. I started buying rock ‘n roll cassettes which formed into New Wave, then shortly after it was Punk Rock. I fell in love with

the music; the energy behind it and the rawness. It kind of reminded me of skating. It was something that gave me an inspiration to start my own band.

In punk rock, you don’t really need to know how to play an instrument that well. You’re just making a bunch of noise. Playing power chords, and playing superfast. That’s what we were into back then.”

CVW: You are a member of The Faction. Do you feel their success can be attributed to your skate career? Are there fans that have no idea that you are an innovator in skating?

Cab: “I think my fame and popularity helped boost the band up to where it was. My name connected to the band definitely attracted people.

I’m sure there are a few people who have heard the band that didn’t know there was a professional skater in the band, but I’d say the majority of the popularity of it is because of who I am in skating. I took advantage of that. I used my name to get us to play a lot of skateboard events, and we still do today. Because of my popularity, we’ve got a lot of opportunities for the band.”

CVW: Do you get more satisfaction from performing as a musician or skating? Or is it the same?

Cab: “I think I get the same satisfaction.

There’s nothing like writing a tune that people are super into. The movement of the crowd, and seeing them super stoked, and the applause after you’re done playing is amazing. Playing a song all the way through without messing up is like doing a run without falling. I guess I get the same feeling, and appreciation. When I’m with the band, I’m on a stage with four guys, when I’m on a ramp, I’m on a stage with just me. It’s a group effort with the band, but I enjoy it just as much. They definitely feed off each other for sure!”

BY GILBERT WARD KANE already a professional who knew how the industry worked. It has been proven when you have good graphics, you have good product, you have good advertisement ideas, you have good stories, and you have plenty of great skateboarders who are driven in different ways - driven to win contests, driven to come up with new tricks, and driven to rewrite the ways to be a pro- you’re going to have success. That time never existed before and will never exist again, and it feels really good to be a piece of that. I feel super stoked I was given that opportunity. I feel I was groundbreaking in the way you get sponsored, the way you get popular, and the way you make money.

It was different than the guys who came before me.”

CVW: After leaving Bones Brigade you founded The Firm and later went on to skate for Flip. Was it an easy split, or was there animosity with Bones Brigade?

LM: No. I don’t think there was animosity. That doesn’t mean there weren’t hard times. We were the result of the split between Stacy and George.

The industry was changing again. It was our time to step aside for the next generation and go get jobs somewhere else in the industry to survive. We were taught so well. It was hard and a battle to reinvent yourself and try to make a living. I think it was hardest for Stacy because Stacy kind of had to leave the industry and maybe didn’t want to. I mean, it’s hard to say because ultimately that’s up to Stacy how he felt. His absence from skateboarding drove us to work harder to stay in skateboarding. We didn’t want to leave. I feel like maybe we were mocked since we were the older guys. ‘Why won’t these guys leave?’”

CVW: I’m in my mid 30’s, and I’m so afraid of falling and breaking myself now, how do you get over the fear of a big wipeout? Is skating as easy as walking to you at this point?

LM: “I’m sitting here with a broken ankle in three places at the age of 52. My last major injury, I was out for a year and a half. I’ve been hurt a lot in the

BY GILBERT WARD KANE Stacy was one of the judges and really enjoyed seeing me and my buddy, Clay Townsend, skate and saw something in us. He was forming a new company, Powell Peralta and wanted to have an amazing amateur team of skaters from all over the U.S. He didn’t have anybody from Northern California, so we ended up being the two guys picked to represent the team.”

CVW: Did your early success impact your everyday life at such a young age?

Cab: “It did. I went from skating at a skate park maybe once a week to getting sponsored by Powell Peralta. They paid for my time to skate at the parks. Back then there was no such thing as a free skateboard park. They were all privately owned and you had to pay. Since they paid, I was able to skate more. Then I ended up travelling with Powell Peralta and come down to L.A. more for photo shoots and competitions. I was asked to do summer camps, and it snow balled from there. I got busier and busier. It changed my whole thought process of what I was going to do for a living. When I was 15, is when it all started. I turned pro in 1980, two years before I graduated.

As a freshman in high school, I was already thinking about going to college. By the time I was a junior, I didn’t even have time to think about college. I was already making a lot of money and felt I already had a career forming in skateboarding.”

CVW: How has skating changed your life?

Cab: “Being a skateboarder really teaches you a lot of lessons about life. It teaches you about commitment, determination, and getting over your fears. There’s a lot to be learned through the

January 12 to January 18, 2017

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

VALLEY RHYTHMS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY LOLA ROSSI

GET READY FOR THE “TONY ORLANDO EXPERIENCE” AT SPOTLIGHT 29

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ith over 55 years in the entertainment business, superstar Tony Orlando takes the stage at 8 p.m. this Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place in Coachella. (760) 775-5566.

Born and raised in Manhattan, New York, Tony Orlando grew up in a musical family. “My grand-father, Leon Stanley, was the head of the Local 802 Latin Musicians Union and played first trumpet in the Desi Arnaz Orchestra,” said Orlando. “He was one of the performers who opened the Coconut Grove. My mother’s sisters were all talented and my Uncle Orlando Estanislau sang with Kate Smith.”

Producer-Promoter, Don Kirshner, was instrumental in launching the careers of many singers and songwriters such as Bobby Darin; Neil Diamond; Connie Francis; Paul Simon and Neil Sedaka. “I signed with Don when I was 15 years old. We were all teenagers hoping to make it in the music business. He got me the deal with Columbia Records.” Orlando had his first hit recording in 1961, “Halfway To Paradise” when he was 16 years old. “Carol King wrote the song with Gerry Goffin, it was also her first hit record.” A song called “Bless You” was also recorded by him as well as several others from 1961 to 1964.

In 1963, the British Invasion ended his early singing career. A few years later, he went to work for Clive Davis at Columbia Records and ran the April-Blackwood Music Division when he was 23 years old. He worked his way up to Vice President. “I signed Barry Manilow and produced his first records. I had The Yardbirds; Blood, Sweat and Tears, a great Canadian group I represented in those days; and James Taylor. It was a great experience for me to sit behind the desk.”

A friend approached him with the song, “Candida” and he recorded it in 1970 as a favor under the name of the group, Dawn. The song quickly became a worldwide hit reaching #1 in five Countries, and in the top ten in many others. This was followed by another #1 hit, “Knock Three Times.” It was finally time for him to leave his prestigious “day job” and pursue his dream as a recording artist, Tony Orlando and Dawn, with Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson.

In 1973, they recorded another #1 hit, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree.” Two weeks after the song was released, Bob Hope called Tony Orlando and personally invited him to sing the song for 70,000 people at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas to welcome home 580 POWs from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. “I was honored to be there. When it came to the chorus of the song, everyone sang the song, I was moved. This song has become a wonderful tool to raise money for Veterans.”

He has been working on military ventures since then, 43 years.

Three years ago during the 40th Anniversary

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POW Homecoming Ceremony at the Nixon Library and Museum, Orlando donated his Gold Record of this Anthem Song. It is now proudly displayed at the Smithsonian Institute as part of the Nixon display for bringing our POWs home. He hosts and performs at the Medal of Honor Dinner in Dallas every year.

In Branson, Missouri, he opened a Theatre and owned it for eight years. “During the week of November 11, we now have over 175,000 Veterans who come to Branson for Veteran’s Day. I chair Snowball Express, which is a Veterans organization underwritten by American Airlines. I am also chairman for the Eisenhower Foundation. This song created a tremendous opportunity for me to do something for my Country.” The yellow ribbon has become a symbol of homecoming and hope for many different causes.

In 1993, Orlando produced a Christmas Show that is now the longest running show by any single Recording Artist. He just finished performing the show in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and other parts of the Country.

The script is now being considered for a television movie. He also recorded “A Christmas Reunion” CD with Hopkins and Wilson.

He met his wife, Francine Amormino, with her parents and brother, when she was 13 years old during a performance at Disneyland.

She was a big fan and followed his career.

They had dinner together when she was in her thirties, and have been married since 1991.

Orlando’s first home was in Palm Desert on Fiddleneck Lane, part of the Firestone Estates and later he lived at The Lakes Country Club.

“I started a little business while I lived there, Penguins Yogurt, on Highway 111 at the Palms To Pines Shopping Center. All of my show business friends would come in with their families. The last time I was there, I performed with Don Rickles, who is a very dear friend.

Coming back to the Desert is a joy for me and also in a way, like coming home.”

LGBTQ AT PSIFF T

he Palm Springs International Film Festival consistently presents and celebrates a line-up of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer films.

Over the years, the LGBTQ themed movies have reflected political and social concerns while making audiences laugh, cry and sometimes scream at the screen.

Listed in the current PSIFF program under LGBTQ are thirteen movies. Three are documentaries and the rest are narrative films showcasing the lives and culture of the LGBTQ community.

“LGBTQ films are part of the incredible diversity that makes up the Festival. It is so important for people, especially minority communities, to see their lives and experiences reflected on film. These films are also important for the broader community as the stories of LGBTQ individuals, and our struggle to overcome centuries of discrimination, provide hope to anyone who feels alone or disenfranchised,” said Palm Springs Councilmember Geoff Kors.

Writer/director Tom Brown has a film in the Festival called “Pushing Dead: An AIDS Comedy.” It’s about a man, Dan, who has been living with HIV for over two decades.

Depressed, feeling alone and unlovable after the death of his long-term partner, Dan works as a sympathetic but incompetent club bouncer and part-time slam poet.

When his mother sends him a check for $100 to help lift his spirits on his birthday, his government-subsidized health insurance is canceled because his bank statement reflects an increase in his monthly revenue.

Now, he can no longer afford his HIV medicines that have been keeping him alive and relatively healthy. Faced with a $3000

Writer/Director Tom Brown

PSIFF

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

co-pay, Dan must go without his drugs.

Not wanting to burden anyone with his dilemma, Dan does his best to cope until he can somehow resolve the matter.

“We showed the film in Middle America and I wasn’t sure how they would react,” said Brown. “After the screening, people came up to hug me and tell me about their own similar situation whether it was their son or daughter, cancer or a problem with the healthcare system. I don’t think they saw it just as an LGBTQ film. You can substitute the word AIDS with almost any other disease.”

Filmmaker Brown says that unlike so many LGBTQ films, “Pushing Dead” is a humorous film about living life with HIV, rather than someone dying of AIDS. The title reflects the inevitable landmarks of life as in pushing 40, 50 or 60 years old.

The character Dan is “Pushing Dead” with humor and as much grace as he can muster, considering his circumstances.

The “Pushing Dead” cast includes James Roday, Robin Weigert, Danny Glover, Khandi Alexander and Tom Riley. Brown’s debut feature was filmed in his hometown of San Francisco.

So far “Pushing Dead” has been in screened 20 film festivals with 12 more festival invitations. The film took Brown 16 years to get to the screen. “Pushing Dead” screens Friday, January 13, 4:00 pm at the Camelot Theater.

“LGBTQ themed movies should reflect an accurate picture of the world,” said PSIFF Artistic Director Michael Lerman. “Until this country comes to a place of acceptance of all cultures, genders, sexes, and orientations, then you can’t go wrong with continuing to expose audiences to the humanity behind all sorts of people.”

“The City of Palm Springs is proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Film Festival which puts a global spotlight on Palm Springs and provides our residents and visitors a truly unique and amazing experience,” said Kors. “The LGBTQ films are stories of our common humanity which are sorely needed at this time.”

Check the PSIFF schedule (www. psfilmfest.org) for other LGBTQ films.

James Roday Danny Glover

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Q&A WITH PSIFF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL LERMAN

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he Palm Springs International Film Festival is at full-speed with screenings throughout the day at six venues. Filmmakers from around the world have come to share their films with the eager community of world cinema lovers. The PSIFF is an astonishing event and a major achievement for those behind the scenes.

This year welcomes Michael Lerman as the new Artistic Director for PSIFF. A film buff and filmmaker, Lerman is energetic and enthusiastic about creating a fun and meaningful festival experience.

He is not only involved with PSIFF, but with the Philadelphia Film Festival. He is also a programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival, and the co-director of the newly formed Overlook Film Festival.

Lerman’s love for all things movies is apparent. He is knowledgeable, has a wide appreciation for the art of film and values the communal experience that movies can bring. For Lerman, sharing good films with as many people as possible is a service which gives him great pleasure and a sense of satisfaction.

Between his myriad festival obligations, CVW caught up with Lerman to find out why he enjoys his work and what makes PSIFF special.

CVW: Welcome to the Coachella Valley.

Please tells us what is the role of the PSIFF Artistic Director?

ML: The role is to look over all the artistic decisions for the festival. I’m managing the programming department, all the writing for the publications, the presentations, the attending guests. It’s all about how we present ourselves.

A festival is a very collaborative effort.

We have a very talented staff and it’s my job to oversee them. Together we do the best of our ability to execute the PSIFF vision.

CVW: What is your most exciting discovery as Artistic Director of the PSIFF? ML: The audience. I introduced the movie “Boundaries” – a well-respected, female-centric film that may not get a lot of attention, but the film does really well at film festivals. The screening was packed. It’s an incredible feeling seeing the audience engage on a very deep level with the film and director. That’s very rewarding.

CVW: You have programmed for Hot Docs, the Stanley, Woodstock, Montclair and Fantastic Films festivals. What’s the significance of film festivals and why are they important?

ML: In this day and age, festivals can often be the theatrical platform. With films only being released in VOD, Netflix, and other digital platforms, having a theatrical and communal setting, where we can watch things together is important.

Also, I think there is something significant about the idea of putting films next to each other and making that a conversation. It can be very fulfilling and educational to see movies grouped together.

One part of my job in scheduling, and the schedule can dictate what you’re saying and how people feel. It’s like making a great mix-tape. The order of films, the time of day, these things are part of what you get from a film festival and wouldn’t necessarily get just going to a the movies.

There’s also films that make sense for a festival setting, but don’t get distribution.

You can see films that may never get seen anywhere else. Festivals also allow for interaction with filmmakers.

CVW: What makes PSIFF unique?

ML: PSIFF has an emphasis on the Foreign Language Oscars. Between the Awards Gala and the Foreign Language Oscars submissions, we are pitched to be a major piece of that conversation.

Being near L.A. people can bring filmmakers to the festival and take them to L.A. for interviews.

We are positioned to have the “Best of 2016” films. Countries are submitting to the Oscars. But we go beyond that and say, “What are your other great films?” as well.

Because of that, we also have the ability to look at what’s coming next with film premieres. We focus on the “Best.”

CVW: What are some of your favorite films in the festival?

ML: There are 190 movies in the festival I think people should be seeing. The films showing are the favorites of the thousands and thousands of films we saw last year.

CVW: Your bio says you co-run Tiger Industry Films, a production company, where you produce, direct, write and edit. In fact, you were nominated for an Independent Spirit Award in 2015. What is your passion?

ML: Film. I’m passionate about making stuff, finding stuff and sharing it with people. Those are the things that really get me excited.

January 12 to January 18, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

CVW: Clearly, you love movies. Do you remember the moment movies became important to you?

ML: When I was five years old, my parents took me to see “Fantasia” and since, I don’t think there’s a day I haven’t watched three movies. There is not a day I haven’t thought deeply about cinema. Deep down I knew I wanted to make movies.

CVW: Why do movies matter?

ML: Because art matters. Films give us a way to talk about the world in ways that can connect people. It’s a form of communication. Film is so great because it is so many of the other art forms put into one.

It is theater, music, narrative, composition.

The topper is that there is a multidimensional space of camera movement.

You are in the hands of the director who is deciding where you are going to look, allowing full control of the piece of art.

Film is a form of art that is humanizing, relatable, thought-provoking. And that level of communication is really important.

CVW: What are some of your all-time favorite movies?

ML: This list could go on forever. But, I love Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch-Drunk Love.” “A Separation” by Asghar Farhadi.

His film “The Salesman” is in the festival this year. Stylistically, I like “Barton Fink” by the

PSIFF

Coen brothers.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. My favorite from last year was “O.J.: Made in America” by Ezra Edelman. It’s a fivehour documentary and I think it might be the most important piece of cinema made about race in America.

CVW: Where do you live?

ML: That’s the most complicated question so far. I live in Toronto for six months of the year. I live here four months of the year. My partner and I will be moving to Los Angeles in between. I go where the work is. I’m American and my partner is Polish-Canadian. She has a duel citizenship.

It’s a wonderful thing sharing cultures.

CVW: Outside of PSIFF, what is your favorite thing about the Coachella Valley?

ML: There is a lot of things I like. My partner and I love driving around from town to town and exploring landscapes like the Salton Sea. It’s so dramatically different. I’ve spent time in Palm Springs before, but with the festival I haven’t had that much time.

But I love the pace of life here, riding bikes through town, going to the restaurants and basking in the calm.

CVW: It’s always wonderful to welcome another movie lover to town. Thank you for making the film festival great!

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY MORGAN JAMES

CV OPEN MIC COMPETITION: THE SEMI-FINALS

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he Semi Finals of The CV Open Mic Competition at The Block Sports Bar & Grill in Cathedral City brought well over one hundred fans clamoring to see the talent that we had grace the stage. Incredible performances inspired fans to get up and dance as they cheered on our musicians, representing a multitude of genres from jazz to rock, rap to reggae. Live videos filled social media pages as the night went on and audience giveaways from Brutal Bee Music Group kept the crowd pumped.

Thirteen acts gave it their all for our panel of judges, yet only eight of those thirteen will be moving on to the Grand Finals next Wednesday, January 11th. All eight acts will be competing for an MTV Quality Music Video Production from Desert C.A.M. Studios/ Winmill Films and award winning Director Chip Miller, plus a $500 trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Spirits, as well as an Artist Development Session from Grammy nominated Producer Ronnie King, a Promotional Photo Shoot from Rav Holly, a Boss RC-1 Loop Station Pedal from Guitar Center Palm Desert, and an Artist Merchandise Package from Brutal Bee Music Group including logo design and 25 t-shirts, stickers and more! Winner takes all!

Our well-deserved grand finalists are: Blackwater Gospel, Porsia & Josiah, Razor J & The Blades, System D, Will of Brightener, Zech B, Kate London, Higher Heights.

THANK YOU to ALL our performers at the CV Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND making the environment so supportive for all of the artists involved: Will of Brightener, The Burning Example, Razor J & The Blades, Kate London, 5 Acre Dream, Zech B, Daniel Zee, System D, Rod Van Buren, L Boogie Da Mann, Blackwater Gospel, Porsia & Josiah, and Higher Heights. THANK YOU also to our judges: Ed Cellucci, Moe Cheez, Jay Badger, Shawn Don, and Don Larson.

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I hope to see you all next WEDNESDAY at THE BLOCK SPORTS BAR & GRILL in Cathedral City for our GRAND FINALS! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films & Chip Miller, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Spirits, Rav Holly, Guitar Center, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, Brutal Bee Music Group, and The Block Sports Bar & Grill. Be sure to “LIKE” Facebook. com/CVOpenMicCompetition for updates!

For inquiries contact creator and host, Morgan Alise James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 651-1911

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

BY PATTE PURCELL

MICHAEL PAULO

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had a great interview with one of the most successful jazz promoters/ musicians in the desert and also one of the nicest, Michael Paulo (and boy can he dance). His signature series “Grooves at the Westin” is starting again with a powerhouse lineup. I bought the first two tickets for their first headliners, Greg Adams and East Bay Soul, LA Collective with special guest Eric Darius on Saturday Feb. 18, at 7:00 pm. East Bay Soul is my #1 favorite band. Greg Adams, the original Tower of Power trumpet player, has put together a top notch 10 piece band with 6 horns. Darryl Fitzgerald Walker kills it on vocals. Funk and groove all the way, they are not to be missed!

The incredible LA Collective features Adam Hawley on guitar (5 weeks on Billboard with his last song and in the top 10 again with his second release, can you say ‘Superstar’? The incredibly talented Greg Manning on keys is again an uber successful recording artist and his latest hit is also climbing the charts. The A list bass player for everyone from Euge Groove to Peter White is Darryl Williams, the third member of this killer quartet and on drums is Tony Moore.

This is a stellar group of young movers and shakers in the smooth jazz genre. Eric Darius a sax player extraordinaire rounds out the line-up.

The concert in March has yet to be finalized, but the A List, Rick Braun will be performing March 18 and Peter White Saturday April 1st.

You would think that would be enough work to keep the man busy, but of course, it’s not. Michael is a super successful sax player who got his first job in LA touring with Al Jarreau for years.

He just returned from playing with Peter White and Greg Manning at Jazz Alley in Seattle last weekend. Next he gets on a plane for Japan with smooth jazz superstar Paul Brown. In addition to this jazz series

he’s been producing smooth jazz events in Hawaii, where he’s from, for the last 8 years. He also produces the very successful Temecula Wine and Music Festival in September.

This year he’s also producing the Asian American Jazz Festival in LA. He’ll be appearing and helping to produce the Ocean Institute Jazz Festival in Dana Point this year on March 24 and 25 and will be bringing in Ray Parker Jr. (This is a non-profit).

In addition to all of that, he is finishing up another CD, which he hopes to release this year. He’s one busy guy!

When I asked him for a statement to give his fans he said “Come on down to the Grooves at the Westin.” You can visit his website at michaelpaulo.com or contact him at saxhawaii@aol.com. For tickets to Grooves at the Westin, visit westinmissionhills.com/grooves.

See you there!

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

THE FOUR TOPS

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is the last remaining member of the Four Tops. I often think about that. I have to put it in my mind how long will Duke be doing this. He’s been at it for quite a long time now. He had his first hit at Motown in 1964. What can we do to keep the legacy turning? We’ve got some irons in the fire.

We have this live recording at the Roostertail that we’ll release. The significance of that is the Four Tops did a live recording there fifty years ago! No other artist has ever done that 50 years later!”

“During our show we will continue to pay tribute to the fallen members of the Four Tops and Duke will lead the song, ‘My Way’. He changes the title to ‘Our Way’. That’s his way of saying thank you to the fans for all of the years of support. In his words, ‘I’m just gonna do this till I can’t anymore.’

He’s not just up there as a figurehead, this guy can move, he can sing and his voice is impeccable. He’s still good at what he does. He still has what it takes to be on the road, the energy and all of that. He’s a remarkable man to be doing what he’s doing.”

CVW: Your participation in The Four Tops is a great tribute to your father. He left a living legacy that you continue to carry. What would you like your legacy to be?

Payton, Jr.: “First I see myself as a father. I have five children aged 22 to 29. Both of my daughters are very prolific songwriters and they sing. My 24 year old daughter just graduated from St. John’s with a degree in journalism. My youngest daughter is attending Wayne State University in Michigan now. I feel I’ve been very successful being a father.

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017 AT FANTASY SPRINGS CASINO SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER, TWO OF THE BEST MOTOWN GROUPS TO COME OUT OF DETROIT WILL BE PERFORMING LIVE. YOU CAN STILL PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE EVENTS CENTER BOX OFFICE.

he Four Tops & The Temptations are forever emblazoned in music history. The Temptations had hits like “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “My Girl,” “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” and “Papa Was A Rolling Stone.” The Four Tops have the classics, “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “It’s the Same Old Song” and “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got.” The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990. Lawrence Albert Payton, Sr. passed away in 1997. In 2005, Renaldo “Obie” Benson died of lung cancer & Levi Stubbs died in 2008. The only original remaining member is Abdul “Duke” Fakir. Coachella Valley Weekly had the opportunity to speak with Lawrence Payton, Jr., son of original member Payton, Sr., by phone as he and The Four Tops prepped for a live recording at The Roostertail, where they recorded their first live album 50 years ago!

CVW: How was your Christmas season?

Payton, Jr.: “Christmas was really wonderful. It was really cold in this part of the country for a few days. It lightened up around Christmas and it was absolutely beautiful. I spent it with my mother, my children my grandchildren. I know your weather in the desert is not Christmas weather it’s paradise.”

CVW: What are your plans for The Four Tops in 2017?

Payton, Jr.: “As you know Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir

THE BROSQUITOS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

he BrosQuitos are the All-American band that we can all be proud of. Four young men who have developed an indie/pop sound unique to the desert, intently moving away from any preexisting desert rock sound. A 2016 Tachevah finalist, Max Powell, John Anthony Clark, James Johnson and Hugo Chavez are garnering steam towards their musical goals.

Coachella Valley Weekly had the opportunity to gather a brief history of the quartet and discuss their musical beginnings, thoughts, inspirations and plans.

Powell was born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and moved to California when he was eight years old. Listening to music and going to concerts at an early age, he picked up his first bass guitar when he was 12 and played throughout middle and high school. Clark was born on January 11, 1996 in Hemet, California. He first played guitar in his church’s worship band before forming his own band in high school. John is influenced by guitarists such as Mateus Asato and Chuck Berry.

Johnson was born April 30, 1997 in Palm Springs, CA. He started playing music in 2008 on a single upright piano in middle school. He eventually began writing poetry that ultimately transformed into music. Chavez was born in Baja California.

Michael Jackson was his inspiration. He began playing drums in school. His drumming technique is inspired by rhythmic beats and groove patterns that make you move.

The band shared their mission statement: “Indie-pop-alt with driven lead, bass hooks with intense dynamics & over-all fizzy pop with massive

potential.”

The name ‘BrosQuitos’ has a good hook and seems to allude to a fraternal bond between the four bandmates. The significance behind the band name has not changed but forged.

“The meaning has remained the same, but has of course increased in its worth. The longer we are together the more we learn about each other and our abilities within our music. We’re sure that time will only create more memories and are promised for some-sort of self-fulfillment and success.” Their music alone is an accomplishment, an achievement that has been influenced by some of their favored artists.

For Johnson, Paul McCartney has always been a motivator of his. “He is a songwriter, man, and sensation that is my ultimate influence. His career is endless and he’s a huge superstar even as an old dude!”

Once Two Door Cinema Club announced that they would be playing Coachella, The BrosQuitos chimed in on their cumulative favorite band.

“Awesome! We had the chance to see them this past November at the Shrine in Los Angeles and we have to say, as far as music right now, these guys should be the powerhouse of it all for alternative.

They should definitely be a bigger name on the Coachella line-up. They are a ‘do-not-miss’ band and I hope everyone takes the chance to check them out. They’re a huge inspiration to us,” shared Johnson. The BrosQuitos play a similar style.

Their music is up-tempo, colorful and their melodies are well-developed. They share how they reach an end result to songs.

“Most of our writing comes pretty naturally.

A simple rehearsal can make some of our best produced songs. Our songs are created in the sense

Second, I’m a songwriter. I’ve been writing songs for years. Third, I see myself as a vocalist. God has blessed me with a talent to sing. My performance is spirited and sober.”

CVW: What is your favorite song to perform live?

Payton, Jr.: “My favorite song to perform live is not a Four Tops song. It’s ‘Mack The Knife’ by Bobby Darrin. We’ll be singing that in Indio. That and ‘Still of the Night.’ I like the progressive jazztype songs too. My favorite Four Tops song to sing is ‘Feelings.’”

CVW: What was the favorite song your father performed live?

Payton, Jr.: “His favorite song to perform was ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ by the Rolling Stones. They would use that and ‘Satisfaction’ as encores. It was his idea to do them and he rocked out to them.

He loved it. His favorite Four Tops album was Four Tops on Broadway and ‘Maria’ was a favorite song for him to sing.”

CVW: Please share with us your perceptions of The Four Tops.

Payton, Jr.: “If I had to sum ‘em all up, I would have to say that Levi Stubbs was the face and consummate professional of The Four Tops. He wouldn’t put his voice on a song if he thought he couldn’t do it justice. I would say Lawrence Payton, Sr. was the harmony for The Four Tops. My father was a perfectionist and drove them towards perfection and to be a cut above the rest. Obie was a prolific songwriter. He wrote ‘What’s Goin’ On’ with Marvin Gaye. He was also very jovial and loving. I would say Duke Fakir was the sound of The Four Tops. He is kind, compassionate and fair.

They were as individual as people could be.”

CVW: What can fans expect from The Four Tops?

Lawrence Payton, Jr.: “With the Four Tops & The Temptations, it’s the perfect contrast in styles and in music. You’re gonna get your favorite Motown hits. You’re gonna hear things that you haven’t heard in a while and you’re gonna hear some new tunes.”

“I want everyone to know that we’re coming to Indio and whatever we bring we’re gonna leave it right there on the stage. We love what we’re doing. We love to perform. We love to put smiles on peoples’ faces. That’s the beauty of it all. It’s about the memories that we help people remember and smile about. It’s the joy that they receive when they hear what we’re doing. It’s about being the best we can be while we’re doing it. That’s how we want to be remembered.”

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

of what we feel like our playlists are missing. There is a quote a famous band once said, not sure which band, but they said that they write what they wish they could hear. We write what we feel music needs; in one way to refresh.” The BrosQuitos have undeniably reinvigorated the desert music scene.

With the Coachella Valley continuing to become a Mecca for music fans from around the world, we asked The BrosQuitos what it’s like to be a part of that rich history.

“We hope that everything bands and artists are making in this area will be held and preserved.

Every artist out here is individually eccentric and we could see a Hollywood Star for each act out here.

It is a huge honor considering the standing history we have in this area,” shared Johnson. Despite their respect for what has come before them, The BrosQuitos feel more can be accomplished to serve desert artists.

It is the belief of The BrosQuitos that there must be more of an opening for artists during the festival season for the Coachella Valley music scene to reach a new level.

“Giving artists the ability to perform at Coachella and other desert festivals is adding something phenomenal and productive to not only the bands emotional connection to seeing growth, but an effective audience to help them achieve success. More opportunities like that would increase their drive.”

The BrosQuitos remain connected to many local bands/artists.

“We have been keeping up with The Yip Yops.

We started at each of our first shows together and they have a tight kinship similar to ours. The Hive Minds have always been in our book. They have awesome driven hooks, guitar solos to groove to and are overall good dudes. The Flusters have been keeping us going also. They’ve got this awesome Interpol vibe with awesome harmonies and visionary structures.” The sincere support The BrosQuitos provide their counterparts is honorable and secures their longevity.

CV Weekly asked where the band will be in five years.

“We will still be recording, grooving and releasing music. This machine won’t stop. We just hope to see the crowds double in five years. We love what we do and won’t give it up for anything.”

The BrosQuitos are actively considering their legacy. “We hope to leave behind an exciting career of a simple dream and some music! Genuine music is being taken advantage of. It needs to be shown off within history again.”

What’s next for The BrosQuitos? “We are in progression to release our album. It’s taken quite some time, but we’ve been pushing for a release in 2017. Right now you can find a single of ours on almost any streaming site.” soundcloud.com/The-BrosQuitos

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

THE HUNTER” HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS “UNTIL (TENDRIL TALES RECORDS)

H

ope Sandoval never seems to be in a hurry. That works within the confines of her music, which can be languid, seductive and mesmerizing. But it’s wildly frustrating for her fans. Over a nearly 30 year career, she has basically released only six albums. Born in 1966, Hope grew up in East Los Angeles, the youngest of 10 children. Raised in an eclectic household, she was exposed to disparate musical styles; everything from Jazz, to Spanish to Country.

Hope gravitated toward the city’s nascent Punk scene. She was especially influenced by homegrown bands like the X and the Dream Syndicate.

Both of those groups had a strong female presence. X’s lead singer Exene, and Dream Syndicate bassist Kendra Smith inspired Hope and her friend Sylvia Gomez to form their own duo, Going Home. Although their music was acoustic, and largely Folk based, they still found a home within the tight-knit Punk Rock community.

Going Home recorded some demos and somehow passed them on to Kendra Smith.

She, in turn, gave them to Dave Roback, founder and front-man of Rain Parade. Along with the Bangles, Dream Syndicate and the Three O’Clock, Rain Parade were ground zero for L.A.’s Paisley Underground scene.

Wedding classic ‘60s sounds like Garage, Baroque, Folk Rock and Psychedelia to the DIY Punk ethos, the Paisley Underground was equal parts fetishistic and authentic.

The movement never really broke ground nationally, but it did attract some ardent followers. Prince named his recording compound and label Paisley Park, and later signed the Three O’Clock for their final album.

Although he produced several songs with Hope and Sylvia, Going Home recordings have never seen the light of day. Dave had quit Rain Parade, not long after they released their excellent first record. Coincidently, Kendra Smith did the same, leaving Dream Syndicate after their transcendent debut LP. The pair joined forces as Opal. Their debut, Happy Nightmare Baby arrived in 1987. Everquixotic, Kendra abruptly quit in the midst of

WESTFIELD MALL 72840 Hwy 111 #171 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-2017 www.recordalley.com

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an Opal tour. Dave drafted Hope to step in for Kendra and finish the tour. Not long after, they became Mazzy Star.

Mazzy Star’s inaugural effort, She Hangs Brightly, was released through the British label, Rough Trade in 1990. The record was a sharp distillation of ‘60s Psychedelia coupled with the decadent ennui of the Velvet Underground. Their videos went into heavy rotation on MTV’s “120 Minutes,” and Indie Rock connoisseurs immediately embraced the duo. Although Rough Trade Records folded, Mazzy Star were picked up by a major label, Capitol, and their sophomore album, So Tonight That I Might See, contained the break-out hit “Fade Into Me.” Not only did the song catapult the band into the Top 40 in early 1994, but it continues to resonate, scoring crucial scenes in TV shows like “CSI” and “Desperate Housewives.”

Two years later they returned with their third album, Among My Swan, and then nothing…Mazzy Star didn’t exactly break up, or even announce a hiatus, they just stopped.

In 2001, Hope teamed with Colm O’Ciosoig, drummer from My Bloody Valentine and became Hope Sandoval And The Warm Inventions. Their debut, Bavarian Fruit Bread arrived in 2002. Reviews were mixed and sales were unimpressive. It was another seven years before they returned with their sophomore effort, Through The Devil Softly.

In 2011, Mazzy Star released a two-sided single, a year later they played some select live shows, (including two Coachella dates).

Finally, in 2013, their fourth LP, Seasons Of Your Day was released. Critical acclaim was immediate and the album peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart. A tour followed, but currently, Mazzy Star is once again in hibernation mode: A perfect time to reconvene the Warm Inventions project.

Reconnecting with Colm, inspiration came rather quickly. They opted to record in Ireland, (Hope splits her time between Berkeley and the Emerald Isle). The resulting album, Until The Hunter has just been released. A sustained organ note plays for more than a minute before Hope’s vocals appear on the opener, “Into The Woods.”

Spooky and sepulchral, the song slowly unfolds, stretching nearly 10 minutes in length. Hope seems typically elusive, over a wash of keys, rainbow-tinged vibes and brushstroke drums, she will only admit “I miss you.”

Several tracks return Hope to her Folky roots. On “A Wonderful Seed,” finger-picked acoustic notes pluck out a simple, circular melody. Hope’s demeanor shapeshifts from wily seductress to impossibly fey, (think Maleficent meets Rima The Bird Girl), as she spins a labyrinthine yarn that includes Miss Sylvia, the Devil, the ocean and even tinkers, tailors and soldiers.

There’s an Elizabethan elegance to “The Hiking Song.” Strumming acoustic filigrees cluster and repeat, colliding with sawing cello notes that cloak the entire tune in melancholy. Hope’s vocals, suffused with heartbreak, echoes this single refrain... “You keep comin’ around.”

Buttressed by soothing keys, twinkling vibes and a tick-tock rhythm, the mood is close and intime on “Treasure.” The listener nearly feels the acoustic guitar strings connect with the frets. Languid and ethereal, the track is saved from musical narcolepsy, by gauzy guitar licks that snake through the arrangement. Non-sequitur lyrics like: “Secret sleep until the hunter loves you different, because tonight you will still be treasure,” gives the album its title.

The best tracks here are “The Peasant,” “Let Me Get There,” “Isn’t It True” and “I Took A Ship.” Blending lap steel guitar, a loping rhythm and dusty acoustic guitar,

“The Peasant” is an unlikely intersection between rustic Country-Western and tropical Hawaiina. “How did I get here?” Hope trills.

The stream-of-conscious lyrics don’t offer any clues.

On “Let Me Get There,” thudding percussion kicks into a slide-y synth/ guitar fusion that recalls the intro to Paul McCartney’s “Band On The Run.” A laconic duet between Hope and Indie Rock stalwart Kurt Vile, the pair play off each other like a 21st century Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood.

The sunshiny guitar solo on the instrumental break sparks and pinwheels echoing another ‘70s antecedent, “Midnight At The Oasis.”

Powered by sleigh bells, strummy acoustic guitars and a hiccough-y back beat, “Isn’t It True” is a buoyant minor key waltz that is impossible to resist. Ebbing and flowing under “shh-shh-shh” vocalese, modal electric riffs pulsate through the mix.

Meanwhile, handclap percussion and Punky Flamenco guitar anchor the more aggressive “I Took A Ship.” The lyrics play out like a tipsy travelogue as woozy synths and shards of electric guitar magnify the moments of malaise.

Other interesting tracks include the stately “Day Disguise” and the slow-cooked Soul of “Salt Of The Sea.” The album closes with a bang on “Liquid Lady.” This song pulls out all the stops, as swirly Psychedelia meets Spaghetti Western grit. Hope’s ghostly vocals ride roughshod over reverb-drenched riffs, it all coalesces around a wash of keys, walking bass lines and a stop-start rhythm. Clocking in at over six minutes, it’s a stunning finish to an amazingly great record.

Until The Hunter was recorded in Ireland’s infamous Martello Towers. Historical, 19th century forts, they were used for shelter during the French Revolutionary Wars. The cylindrical shape of each, were surprisingly beneficial to the recording process. While Hope handled vocals, keys and vibes, Colm played guitar and drums. The sessions also included additional keys from Mick Whelan, more guitar from Charles Cullen, Dave Brennan and Jim Putnam. Al Browne played bass, Ji Young Moon was on cello and Mariee Sioux supplied backing vocals.

While they were in the Bay Area, Hope and Colm discovered a musician named Michael Masley playing at the BART station in Berkeley. Transported by his idiosyncratic music, they invited him to record. Michael joined them in Ireland, and played a prominent role on the album, adding gong and nickleharp.

At one point on the record, Hope Sandoval asserts, “I’m gonna do what I wanna do in my days.” Until The Hunter is by turns bewitching, enigmatic, ethereal, wistful and whimsical. So yeah, no rush, she has earned the right to take her time and do whatever she wants.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

ART SCENE

January 12 to January 18, 2017

BY ANGELA ROMEO each and every one of the dwellings on this planet holds untold stories of survival, love and of their inhabitants is humbling,” said Kevin.

It is from this trajectory that Vertimo claims its roots. Mastery of the simple and depth of complexity – welcome to the art of Kevin Nierman. For more about Kevin visit www.kidsnclay.com.

KEVIN NIERMAN AND THE COMPLEXITY OF SIMPLE

T

he beauty of simplicity lies in its complexities. Such is the case with Artist Kevin Nierman’s work, Vertimo.

Vertimo, a named derived from the kinetic energy, vertical with motion, that responds to external influence, is a series of hollow clay spheres infused with permanent stain, not a ceramic glaze. Strung on a steel wire each sphere creates a rung, Each rung provides symmetry and balance that, relying on opposing forces, causes each rung to work in sync to create a multi-tiered sculpture of a singular nature. Complex?

Yes. Simple? Yes. But Vertimo did not just spring to life. It is part of the journey of Kevin’s creativity.

Kevin was a child of the 60’s. His mother, a recognized artist in her own right, encouraged him to paint and repaint the walls of his bedroom, build sculptures throughout the house and experiment with all kinds of wall decorations. He pursued his studies at the Colson School of Art in 1977.

Kevin is also an artist, teacher, and in

1998, founded Kids ‘n Clay Pottery Studio in Berkeley. He created Kids ‘n Clay as am environment for children to explore their creativity while learning the craft of ceramics. Kids ‘n Clay has been recognized for its innovative approach to learning and the arts. Kevin recently sold Kids ‘n Clay when he moved full time to Palm Springs.

Kevin’s approach to his work was not always traditional. His work has incorporated demolition and rebuilding of his pieces. Purposeful destruction is reminiscent of the Persian rug weavers who always left a purposeful “error.” Kevin’s cracked pots follow in that tradition only in as much as the imperfection is part of the art. His pots were not seen as imperfect but as part of the journey of life. Rising above the destruction is a symbolic represented of the imperfection of life. The ability to rise against the challenges that would suppress one’s spirit is represented in the strength and beauty that exists in Nierman’s restructured pieces.

Kevin’s mastery of the complex simplicity

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

is also seen in his dwelling or hut series. “I believe that these creations reflect how all of the peoples of the world are truly one, and that we all have one key commonality – that our dwellings and basic utensils are both important to our daily existence, but also that they represent who we are as inhabitants of this earth. Knowing that

BY TRACY DIETLIN

PHOTOS BY ROBERT CHANCE

CV MUSIC SHOWCASE: ROUND 3: RAP/HIP HOP NIGHT

I

t was another great night at The Hood this past Sunday when the CV Music Showcase had four rap/hip hop artists competing. Marco Thoma, Stevieraps, The Bermuda and Cali Elijah, all gave passionate performances. But at the end of the night it was The Bermuda who won the $200.00 cash and the opportunity to move on to The Finals on Saturday, April 8, also at The Hood Bar & Pizza.

They will join Drop Mob and Sunday Funeral, who won the last two Showcases, along with the winners of the upcoming Showcases on February 5 and March 5.

The winner of the Finals will be awarded $1500.00 in cash and one track produced by famous producer Ronnie King (Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Offspring, Rancid).

King was one of the judges for the night along with Julie Montante, Amy Donnegan and Arthur Seay.

While all the artists offered up strong performances the judges all agreed that The Bermuda’s was the most solid. Ivy The Giant, Bunks and The Madhatter were

THE BERMUDA definitely in it to win it with a fluid and flawless set while all wearing matching jerseys with their names on them. They also came prepared with lots of merch, which judge Arthur Seay is always insisting that if bands want to make money and make it in this business they need to have merch and The Bermuda delivered.

Thank you to all four artists that performed, our four judges, Robert Chance for taking photos, DJ Smoke 1 for keeping things going, Nigel Dettelbach for doing sound, Phil Lacombe for hosting and as always, Brad and Eddie from The hood for hosting our event.

MARCO THOMA

CALI ELIJAH

STEVIERAPS

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JANET McAFEE

JULIE KENDALL, FOSTER MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE B

ennett was never allowed inside a house before, and I shudder to think how he suffered through the scorching Coachella Valley summer. The young couple who owned him already had their moving van packed for their new home when they relinquished Bennett to Loving All Animals.

In a sadly familiar story to animal rescuers, their new home did not allow pets. The dog was horribly matted, neglected though not appearing abused as he wagged his tail and happily jumped into my arms.

This 1-yr-old Maltipoo got a second chance because Loving All Animals’ foster mom, Julie Kendall, agreed to take him into her home. Bennett thrived in Julie’s loving care, and her dog Max happily helped him learn the potty training routine required to be indoors. Without an available foster home, the fate of this wonderful young dog was uncertain.

Julie Kendall has fostered 17 dogs thus far for Loving All Animals, caring for them lovingly in her home. She specializes in helping dogs that may be a bit frightened just coming out of a shelter. Julie participated in a class offered by dog trainer Sandy Miller for Loving All Animals where she learned

advanced training techniques.

Julie is a unique foster parent who actively networks to help her animals find homes. She has a vast network of friends and contacts in the Pacific Northwest who seek her assistance to adopt small rescue dogs. She has placed 7 dogs in homes in Washington and Oregon. Her contacts know that she provides reliable information about the dogs.

Julie arranged for Bennett to be adopted by her good friend Rachel Purcell in Oregon.

Rachel was thrilled when Bennett arrived, “I love him! He’s so sweet. Bennett is my jogging buddy every morning. Julie would send me daily updates on how he was doing.”

What motivates Julie to take in these homeless dogs and prepare them for their adoptive homes? Julie explains, “I was looking for a worthwhile project to work on while I’m in the desert when I met Janet and Lynne (Lockwood) at an adoption event on El Paseo one evening. It brings me great joy to work with these dogs. I’m making a difference in a dog’s life one dog at a time.

Loving All Animals provides the vehicle for me to do this, and I love working with this

organization.”

Sometimes others tell Julie they don’t see how she can handle it when her foster dogs leave for adoptive homes. She is quick to respond, “My purpose is to help rescue as many homeless dogs as I can help. If I were to keep them, I could not help the next dog. I tell people ‘Just do it!’ There is no risk, because if a dog does not work out in your home or you go on vacation, they will find another foster. Fostering is perfect for snowbirds who want to travel and can’t have a dog of their own.”

MEET GHILI Gorgeous “Chili” is a gem of a dog, sweet, athletic, and well trained. This 3-yr-old female Husky waits for a home at the Humane Society of the Desert at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, N. Palm Springs. Call for appointment (760) 329-0203. www.orphanpet.com.

SWEET SAFFRON Sweet & soft 2-yr-old Saffron dreams of a stable home where she will get lots of attention. Contact ForeverMeow.org at (760) 335-6767.

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Think fostering would make you feel sad when the dog leaves? Imagine how sad that dog feels abandoned in the shelter.

When you foster, you often save the life of a dog. Fostering “expands the walls” of our overcrowded public shelters where many adoptable animals end up euthanized due to the lack of space. In the world of animal welfare, “foster failure” is a term of endearment when the wonderful foster parents decide to make it permanent.

What is required to foster? The most important ingredient is having room in your heart and a place in your home. The length of time is up to you. Most of the dogs are quickly adopted within a few weeks. Even if you can only provide a home for a few days, that still helps a homeless dog until a long term home can be located.

Join Julie Kendall and the life-saving team of foster parents at Loving All Animals. They provide all vet care, food, supplies, training help, and adoption assistance. Foster homes for cats are also needed. Contact their Palm Desert office at (760) 834-7000, www. lovingallanimals.org. Be a part of a happy ending, and help precious animals like Bennett get their second chance.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE VINO VOICE

January 12 to January 18, 2017

BY RICK RIOZZA

THE WORLD’S BEST WINES?

E

ach year since 1988, Wine Spectator has released its Top 100 list, where their editors select the most exciting wines from the thousands they reviewed during the course of the year.

They write, “These wines are a diverse group—ranging from emerging labels and regions to traditional estates exploring new directions—and all generate the excitement we call the “X-factor.”

In addition, their selection also prioritizes quality, value, and availability. These criteria are applied to the wines that rated outstanding (90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale) each year to determine the Top 100. They add, “This is not a ‘shopping list’, but rather a guide to wineries to watch in the future—a reflection of the producers and wines our editors become particularly passionate about in each new year.”

The really nice thing about this year’s selection is the variety of varietals. #1 and #7 are California Cabs and Cab blends, with #2 and #3 Oregon Pinot Noirs; it would be a fun speculation to imagine if the voting editors were European. Ultimately, when all is said and done—it’s really an agreed combination of learned subjective opinions. The rest of the top ten line-up are interestingly different. Some perhaps, you may not know about, so let’s talk about them. (The descriptions in quotes are Wine Spectator’s.)

Of course we should comment on the #1 wine which is the Lewis Cab Sauv Napa Valle, $90. The Lewis wines are always very big on fruit, flavor and body. It exemplifies those enthusiasts that enjoy the full-throttle cab energy of the grape. “Remarkably, this Lewis is elegant and refined for a wine of this size and depth, with tiers of plum, blackberry and currant flavors, as well as subtle touches of black licorice that remain pure and graceful on the long, lingering aftertaste.” #4 Château Climens Barsac--For the

longest time, I’ve been clamoring for you wine enthusiasts who’ve yet to enjoy a Sauternes, to at least try it once. Barsac is its neighbor and also produces that sweet nectar of a wine from shriveled grapes that have become “rotten” due to a sporal fungus. The desiccated grapes provide great concentration of sugars, acids, and extract which ultimately go on to make a one-of-a-kind wine.

“There’s loads here, with apricot, nectarine and clementine flavors stitched with a racy orange zest note to give energy, while tropical papaya and mango flavors add a sublimely creamy edge. The finish sails on and on, coating the palate with a porcelain feel, while an echo of bitter almond lingers effortlessly, like a lace curtain hanging on an endless breeze. Stunning.” #5 Produttori del Barbaresco, Asili Riserva—This wine is made from the grand Nebbiolo grape. Barolo, produced from the same grape, is sort of Barbaresco’s bigger and older brother. Barolo was produced for aristocratic and upper class circles; Barbaresco didn’t get the attention and inspiration it deserved. Fortunately times are a-changing.

“Intense aromas of cherry, rose, licorice and tar pick up tobacco, spice and mineral elements on the palate. Concentrated, yet elegant and expressive, with more to give. Ends with a long aftertaste of fruit, underbrush and mineral.” #6 Orin Swift Machete. This is another wine from the now enfant terrible, David Phinney, who can certainly make a hell of a wine with everything going on—most importantly, a great balance of fruit and acidity. “Here, generous and expressive, big and brawny, the wine offers a mouthful of tannins but also brims with flavors and aromas, including Earl Grey tea, dark chocolate, dried violet and toasted gingerbread. Rich notes of plum and black cherry are balanced by forest floor and earth accents, which linger on the long finish.” It’s

a blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. #7 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains—Stanford Professor and famed Vintner Paul Draper has been producing this wonderful Cab for the last 50 years! He is now retiring; a great California wine history career.

“A beautifully structured wine, with firm acidity and tannins that show grip and grit amid a core of dense, tense currant and blackberry fruit, turning juicy. Those seeking classic old-school Cabernet will embrace this. Cellaring for five to seven years is the right approach. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.” #8 Antinori Toscana Tignanello—This is what a Super-Tuscan wine is all about.

“Aromas of graphite, smoke and tobacco introduce the cherry flavor in this

expressive, focused red. Firm tannins and lively acidity balance the fruit and purity, while herbal, spice and mineral elements all gather steam as this plays out on the long finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.” #9 Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte Pessac Leognan—A white Bordeaux. “This has a gorgeous feel, with opulent fruit offset by racy herb notes and acidity, showing lemon sherbet, shortbread and white peach flavors backed by a salted butter – and tarragonlaced finish, with hints of talc and fennel skittering in the background. Seriously long and still a touch youthful on the finish, this is one for the cellar. Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon.” #10 Hartford Family Zinfandel Russian River Valley Old Vine—The Russian River Valley is one of the state’s cooler vineyard areas. As opposed to the warmer areas that Zin flourishes with big brooding flavors, the Zin in Russian River is toned down and more complex. “Plump and fleshy, with a dense core of focused tannins and lively acidity.

Aromas of ripe black raspberry, anise and licorice open to layered, slightly jammy flavors of black cherry, blueberry pie and smoky cracked pepper.”

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

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THUR JANUARY 12

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ Addemup and Friends 9pm THE BLOCK; CC; 760-832-7767 Reggae Thursdays 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 Symara Stone 6:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Karaoke 7pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 TBA 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Country Nation 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Creosote Serenaders w/ TK Smith, Bobby Furgo and more 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Intimate Acoustics w/ Rob Lawrence, Josh Heinz, Marco Thoma, Buz BLVD, Johnny Elsewhere and Mike “Sickboy” Payan 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Grady James 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm STUFT PIZZA; PD; 760-777-9989 Acoustic Live w/ TBA 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am

WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Linda Peterson Jazz 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI JANUARY 13

19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Michael Lowe 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Full House Band ft. Nena Anderson 8pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Carmens 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 InColor w/ DJ Sets and Performances by Curtiss King, Yung Koop, Young Lads, Elijah, Trey Day, DXSKO and Skywalker Mike 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Bohemio 9pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 7pm CLUB 5 BAR; IND; 760-625-1719 TBA 8pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Guzman Jr. 7pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay & Friends Acoustic Sessions w/ Danny Zee and Lance Riebsomer 8pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Throwback Friday 80’s Night w/ California Celts and DJ Ray 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Soul Priestess 8pm

LA QUINTA BREWERY; PD; 760-200-2597 The Hive Minds 6pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Champagne Band 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Agave Bluesmasters 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Country Lips 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Ryan and Yo’s 70’s Show 8pm RANCHO LAS PALMAS; RM TBA 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Rockaholics 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Stereoflux 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 TBA 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Music 10pm The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm Jack Ruvio 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 3560 TBA 6pm Meet the Corwins 5:30pm, The John Stanley King TBA 8:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Show 8pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; Bonethumpers 9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar THE HARD ROCK; PS; 760-325-9676 Global Dennis Michael 6:30pm Hines 9-2am Lounge Sessions w/ Porque Si and David TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 Macias 8pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm Karaoke 8:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 30 Miles Out TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 9pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755Michael Keeth 7-11pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; 5391 DJ Hektik 10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm Rose Mallett & Barney McClure 5pm, Kal David, Weselis 5-8:30pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345- Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose 6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & Mallett 6:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm Teddy Quinn 5pm Hines 9-2am KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 LA QUINTA BREWERY;pd; 760-200-2597 Abie Perkins and Bert Vela 7pm Black Water Gospel 5pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 TBA 9pm TBA 7-11pm & Bill 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Dublab the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ Bigster 9pm Presents: Dayclubbing 11am poolside, LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Stronghold Reggae 10pm Entertainment 5:30pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm Champagne Band 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888Garcia 6pm Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm 999-1995 Bump Town 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760- ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sunset Sunsets w/ DJ Jimi Hey 4pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 CIVX, 325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm continue to page 22 Tribesmen, Mind Mongram, The Voxes and NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke Phovea 9pm 8-1:15am BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 212 Band 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm 9pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 TBA 9pm 4080 Hotwyre 9pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345DJ 9pm 0222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The 6-10pm Shadow Mountain band 5pm, Rose’s Pawn CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; Shop 8pm PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick 7:30pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar CLUB 5 BAR; IND; 760-625-1719 TBA 9pm Karaoke 9pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Charles Guzman Jr. 7pm Herrera 8pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Gutter Candy Bill Baker Show 6pm 9pm DATE SHED; IND; DJ Dance Party w/ Jae RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth Rawkwell 7pm 7-10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm 8pm DILLON’S BURGERS & BEER; DHS; 760-774SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S 7131 TBA 8pm MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228Blues 8-11pm 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm 8-11pm

SAT JANUARY 14

SUN JANUARY 15

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

EVENTS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

TASTE OF LA QUINTA RETURNS TO OLD TOWN POPULAR EVENT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE LARGEST TASTE EVENTS IN THE VALLEY

T

he Annual Taste of La Quinta will again return to Old Town on January 14th, 2017. The unique event blends culinary and wine tasting into a can’t miss celebration for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike.

The 2016 taste event drew almost a thousand guests to Old Town La Quinta to enjoy sample portions of food from around the east valley. “We work really hard to bring our guests a large and diverse food lineup from around the area” says Katie Stice, Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce VP & La Quinta Chamber President.

“We had over twenty restaurants participate last year, for the price it is one of the best values you will find all year.”

The event is held on Main Street in popular Old Town La Quinta. Old Town’s enchanted Main Street is in one of the most idyllic locations in the valley. Surrounded by sunny mountain vistas, this picturesque village beckons residents and tourists alike as it embraces the creativity of culture, style and cuisine. Surrounded by artisans and boutique shops, the ambiance of Taste of La Quinta creates a world-class entertainment experience.

Confirmed restaurants for this year’s event include local favorite Stuft Pizza, Minus30, the La Quinta Brewing Co., and the culinary team from

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Augustine Casino, Mario’s Italian Café, Shields Date Garden and more! Attendees will be able to sample generous portions from each of the participating restaurants.

For wine lovers, the Taste of La Quinta hosts a special wine tasting experience as well. Ticket holders will be treated to unlimited wine tasting from a variety of local wineries (while supplies last). Wilson Creek Winery is one of the featured Southern California vineyards that will be on hand offering samples.

The Taste of La Quinta will be held January 14th, starting at 1:00 PM. Old Town La Quinta is located at 78100 Main St, in La Quinta. Admission to the event is $30 per person for wine tasting, $40 per person for food tasting. There are a variety of combo passes available. For more details or to purchase tickets in advance, visit evenbrite.com or call the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce at 760-347-0676.

To receive regular updates, follow the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, or visit gcvcc.org.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 12 to January 18, 2017

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

SCREENERS DO THE MATH

NOW PLAYING: Last week at the PSIFF someone asked me, “Do movies matter?” I said, “Yes, absolutely. We need stories to understand who we are, our relationship to the planet and each other.” I thought of that question again when I watched “Hidden Figures,” following film. It’s perfect example of a movie that matters.

HIDDEN FIGURES When Katherine Johnson – a NASA mathematician and a black woman – asked

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 247

to join a high level briefing regarding the setting up of John Glenn’s historic 1962 flight another engineer tries to stop the request.

“There is no protocol for women attending these briefings,” he says. That scene, taken from a real incident recounted in Margot Lee Shatterly’s true life best seller Hidden Figures is recreated in the eponymous movie.

Numbers exist in a dimension where math is blind and race and gender are neutral. But that was not so in the 1960’s NASA engineered space race.

I loved director Ted Melfi’s wonderful film based on real events, namely: the incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), three brilliant African-American women working at NASA. These math whizzes were nick-named “computers” but they were the real brains behind the stunning launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit and history. This singular event electrified the world and helped restore America’s confidence, pride and sense of greatness. It was certainly one of our greatest historical operations and achievements, thanks to this visionary trio crossed gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.

This fine film about three strong black women who force a racist, sexist government agency to eat a crow named Jim and help America reach for the stars is among the

better films I’ve seen recently and certainly is a viable and likely “Best Film” contender come awards time. Don’t miss this heart warming, inspiring and intermittently funny.

The understated performances across the board well serve this revealing and satisfying mix of space race and civil rights drama.

The terrific cast includes: Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Taraji P. Henson, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parson and Kevin Costner.

As the tag line on the poster says: “Come meet the women you don’t know behind the mission you do.” I say, yes, it’s definitely worth getting to know this trio of brilliant black women who performed mission critical calculations for the Gemini program but who still had to walk a half-mile to use the “colored only” bathrooms. Highest recommendation. Now Playing at The Mary Pickford Theatre.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: GOAT Praised as “unexpected and wildly compelling (Collider) and “brutal and harrowing” (Vanity Fair), director Andrew Neel’s gripping drama, based on Brad land’s memoir with a screenplay by David Gordon green, Neel and Mike Roberts, the film follows 19-year-old Brad (Ben Schnetzer), newly arrived to college and desperate to belong, he takes a cue from his older brother Brett (Nick Jonas) and enters into the final stretch of the pledging ritual known as “hell week.”

Things take a violent, humiliating turn when events occur in the name of “brotherhood” that tests both boys and their blood relationship in brutal ways. This film had it’s world premier at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival where it was an immediate critical success. Note: This important, eyeopening film about hazing has strong sexual content, nudity, pervasive, coarse language, violence, alcohol and drug use. Paramount.

DVD. Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 12 to January 18, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

A MAN OF SPIRIT: HUSTON SMITH 1919 – 2016

S

o much of the world’s most serious troubles are centered around differing religious beliefs.

Unfortunately, there are religious extremists and fanatics in every religion thinking their way is the only way.

We are a country that vehemently believes in freedom of religion. There are more and more people changing their faiths.

This has created first-hand opportunities to understand or misunderstand “the other.”

Author and religious scholar Huston Smith brought to life the beauty, intensity and commonality of the world’s religions.

Smith’s most widely read book, The World’s Religions (HarperOne, 448 pages) was first published in 1959 as The Religions of Man. The title was changed in 1991 as it became more widely used as a supplemental textbook in Comparative Religion and other college courses.

The World’s Religions sold more than two million copies. Author Smith wrote in an easy and personal manner. He shared what he learned and observed rather than lecturing in a judgmental or academic voice.

Smith was the son of Methodist missionaries and was born in Suzhou, China.

He lived there 17 years before going to the United States for college. He attended

SAFETY TIPS

Central Methodist University and then the Universities of Berkeley and Chicago.

Dr. Smith wrote more than a dozen books. In 2009, he wrote his memoir Tales of Wisdom: Adventures Chasing the Divine (HarperOne, 240 pages). Smith shares that his years in China shaped his interest in culture and religion.

In the late 40s, Smith met Aldous Huxley who helped Smith expand his thinking. Smith studied Vedantic philosophy (an Indian tradition from ancient Sanskit scriptures), traveling to Japan, Burma and India.

Huxley introduced Smith to Timothy Leary who hooked Smith up with mescaline. Smith said the drug helped him realize the power of the Bible’s central mystery that no one may see God and live. Smith wrote that he stopped taking the drug because, well, “After you get the message, hang up.”

Why Religion Matters: The Fate of the Human Spirit in an Age of Disbelief (HarperOne, 304 pages) Smith shared the idea that insatiable materialism is crushing the human spirit and replacing religion. He defends religion as a way for society to gain wisdom and compassion. Smith believed a religious tradition was an “Essential part of spiritual practice.”

In a discussion with journalist and pastor

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

“FLU SEASON AND FIRE SEASON”

T

hough fire season is pretty much over, during this time of year we remind families the importance to change their smoke detector batteries, advise them how to be safe while cooking, or driving in the rain and, for those of us in wildland fire-prone communities, encourage them to follow the “Ready, Set, Go” model to properly prepare for the upcoming fire season.

But there’s another dangerous “season” out there we need to be aware of.

Flu season is among us and, as with fire, it’s important to take preventive measures and prepare your resources (you!). When it comes to being exposed to airborne and bloodborne pathogenic germs, firefighters are among the most at risk.

And this is not just a little inconvenience that one or two sick days can cure. Emergency rooms become saturated this time of year with people suffering from the flu, which generally peaks between December and April. Harvard Medical School estimates that 36,000 people die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized each year in the U.S. due to flu.

So, how’s your personal “Prevention Bureau” doing? Are you taking preventive measures to mitigate your risk for flu? Have you and your family received the flu vaccine?

How about those you work with? Are you

Bill Moyers, Smith’s answer about conflicting beliefs was: “We listen. We listen as alertly to the other person’s description of reality as we hope they listen to us.”

Often to the ire of some conservative Christian theologians, Smith pointed to what the world religions had in common. Having practiced many different faiths himself, Smith saw that there was consistently a reality of the divine, an existence of a soul and call for compassion. Religious scholars considered Smith a Universalist who posited generalities.

But after the decades and faced with more religious global conflicts, Smith’s writings and voice became accepted by religious scholars.

Indeed, Smith’s main observation was that people all over the globe in similar ways have the same questions: Is there a God? Why do we die? Is there something after this life? Smith said, “If we take the world’s enduring religions at their best, we discover the distilled wisdom of the human race.”

I had the good fortune to hear Smith talk. I treasure my old copy of The Religions of Man with his signature. I could feel his passion for life. He exuded a quiet joy and peace, which captivated -- and annoyed -- some of the audience. He tugged at the strict religious doors of the exclusive, hardcore, dogmatic, Christian fundamentalists in the auditorium.

With gentle kindness, he was able to open some of their hearts to other religions and a grander reality.

Smith never stopped embracing Christianity.

I like to think I heard the following quote from Smith’s lecture, but I can’t be sure because it was a long time ago: “The goal of spiritual life is not altered states, but altered traits.” Rest in Peace Huston Smith.

stocked up on over-the-counter medications?

If you think about it, firefighting and “flu fighting” are very similar. Both start out small, but if not rapidly attacked, they develop into a much worse situation. Let’s look at this similarity a little more closely.

Incipient Fire— This first stage begins when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine and have a chemical reaction resulting in fire.

This is also known as “ignition” and is usually represented by a very small fire that hopefully goes out on its own before severe stages are reached. Recognizing a fire in this stage provides your best chance at suppression or escape.

Cold/Flu— The incipient stage is the incubation period, or the time it takes for a person who has been exposed to the virus to become infected (think of infection as ignition).

The Merck Manual’s Online Medical Library section on influenza reports the incubation period may be from one to four days (first stage), averaging about 48 hours from exposure.

Free Burning Fire— As the fire grows, the structure’s fire load and available oxygen are used as fuel for the fire. The fire starts rapidly spreading to other parts of the building, creating more damage. It is during this shortest of the four stages when a deadly “flashover”

can occur, potentially trapping, injuring or killing firefighters.

Cold/Flu— The U.S. Library of Medicine defines communicability as the time it takes an infectious agent to be transmitted from an infected person to another person (spreading rapidly). Once infected with influenza-type illnesses, the affected person may begin shedding the virus to others one day before signs and symptoms occur and continue to be contagious after symptoms begin. Prevention is all but impossible at this stage of the disease.

Fully Developed Fire— When all combustible materials have been ignited, a fire is considered fully developed. This is the hottest phase of a fire and the most dangerous for anybody trapped within it. At this point our efforts are generally focused on protecting endangered structures. We surround the fire, apply massive amounts of water and let the contents burn themselves out.

Cold/Flu— Fighting a fully developed flu virus is not much different. You position yourself in a safe place (usually your bed!) and “surround and drown” with fluids/rest.

You generally cannot do much except protect exposures (others) by limiting your contact with them.

Flu Prevention Bureau— If fighting the flu has similarities with fighting fire, we can extend the metaphor a little further. In the fire service we rely on our Fire Prevention Bureau

to educate the public as to the common causes of residential fires. We understand that a little education goes a long way in preventing fires.

Well, the flu is no different, except this time we’re educating ourselves! So, following are a few tips from your friendly Flu Prevention Bureau: • Wash your hands. The most important prevention measure for preventing colds and flu is frequent hand washing. Rub your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds to slough germs off the skin.

• Get a flu vaccine. Within two weeks of getting a flu vaccine, antibodies develop in the body and provide protection against flu.

Children receiving the vaccine for the first time need two doses delivered one month apart.

• If you get exposed or get sick, take action.

Give yourself time to recover, with plenty of fluids and lots of rest. Seek medical help if your symptoms don’t improve. Antiviral medicine may also help prevent flu if you have been exposed to someone with flu symptoms.

In this flu season, take steps to protect your health and the health of those around you. Check with your NFPA—or Nearest Family Physician Available—for additional preventive measures on reducing this risk!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

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CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 17 AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Brunch w/ Mark Kahny 11am Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6-8pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 7:30pm Smooth Brothers 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Latin Night w/ DJ LF and Richie Rich 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888Luminators 6pm 999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi Marx 6:30pm 5:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am 60 3-6pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 5:30pm Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm CATHEDRAL CANYON GOLF CLUB;C.C.; INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345- 760-328-6571 Coachella Valley All Stars 6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm 5-8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760Open Jam 6pm 345-6466 Larry Capeloto 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, 2794 Hot Rox Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760Karaoke 8pm-1:15am 325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden 7pm Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke PAPPY & HARRIET›S; PT; 760-365-5956 8pm-1:15am Open Mic 7pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND 7:30pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close Sunday Band 7:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy 3560 T.B.A. 6pm Show 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Mike Costley’s Showcase 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi The Myx 6pm Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 The 9-2am Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Hatley and Barney McClure Jazz 6pm John Stanley King and Trio 6:30pm

MON JANUARY 16

TUE JANUARY 17

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bill & Bob Duo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Linda Peterson 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm-2am THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson

7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Two Step Tuesdays w/ Cinch 6-10pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Boliver Jazz 6pm

WED JANUARY 18

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Shelley Yoelin Group 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 CV Open Mic Competition Hosted By Morgan James 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Jimmy Street 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping Sewer & Drain Cleaning Odor Control

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760-404-6325

TBA 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Andy Cahan 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Roger Lemieux 5pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz Trio 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deanna Bogart 6:30pm

HADDON LIBBY

RETAIL STRUGGLES

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he Limited is closing all of its stores, while Macy’s is cutting more than 100 of their 700 stores in a move followed by other retailers like Staples, Men’s Wearhouse/Jos A Bank, The Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch and Wal-Mart. Sears and K-Mart are likely to go bankrupt in the next 18 months while Sports Authority’s 460 stores have already failed.

Green Street Advisors estimate that 20% of all anchor tenants in shopping malls will go away over the next ten years and that 15% of malls across the United States could close. The real estate information firm CoStar states that these closures equates to 1 billion square feet of retail space.

Cushman and Wakefield report that mall traffic has declined by 50% over the last six years yet rents for retailers have continued

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to increase. One local example where rents nearly preclude a business’ success would be The River in Rancho Mirage. Given that the Coachella Valley is a seasonal market, rents that are over $4.50 per square foot are just not affordable. For comparison, the national average for retail space is $2.50 per square foot.

It should be no surprise that the intersection of high rent costs and lower foot traffic results in fewer stores…and fewer jobs.

As an aside, the highest prices for retail rent in the world are on upper Fifth Avenue in New York City at nearly $300 per square foot per month! Causeway Bay in Hong Kong is second at $227/square foot while Times Square is third at $200/square foot.

Here in California, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is the most expensive retail area at $56/square foot followed by Union Square in San Francisco at $54/square foot.

Because of a combination of lower

prices and convenience, it is expected that shoppers will move half of their purchases to online channels over the next 12 years.

The probable losers due of these changing consumer patterns are Kohl’s, JC Penney, Macy’s, Wal-Mart and Sears/Kmart.

Wal-Mart is attempting to combat this business challenge by evolving from the big box behemoth that it is to an e-commerce innovator. While Wal-Mart opens fewer stores, they will also be increasing their online presence. As part of this shift, WalMart acquired Jet.com for $3 billion in cash and $300 million in stock in 2016 while shuttering nearly 270 of their 5,800 stores.

With stores that are within twenty minutes of 96% of all Americans, Wal-Mart intends on using this physical presence in conjunction with a strong e-commerce strategy to take on Amazon. At present, Amazon has $80 billion in annual sales versus Wal-Mart’s $350 billion in sales. When looking at online sales only, Wal-Mart is far behind Amazon at approximately $9 billion.

To give you an idea at how quickly Amazon has grown, they are the fourth

January 12 to January 18, 2017

largest retailer in the United States. While Wal-Mart remains the leader at $350 billion in sales, Kroger (known locally as Ralphs and Food 4 Less) is second at $104 billion followed by Costco at $83 billion and then Amazon and The Home Depot at $80 billion each.

Other notables include Walgreens ($77 billion), Target ($73 billion), CVS ($72 billion), Albertson’s ($60 billion) and Lowe’s ($58 billion), McDonald’s ($36 billion), Apple ($35 billion), Macy’s ($27 billion), TJ Maxx ($24 billion and owns Marshall’s and Home Goods), Sears ($22 billion) and Starbucks ($14 billion).

While some store closures in retail are due to the expansion of e-retailers like Amazon, poor management is also a factor.

As an example, Sports Authority failed while Dicks Sporting Goods was expanding.

Too heavy a debt level is another problem threatening retailers like Sears/Kmart, Claire’s, True Religion and the 99 Cents Only Stores.

Haddon Libby is an Investment Advisor and Managing Partner at Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at HLibby@WinslowDrake.com or 760.449.6349.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

WHEN I CAN’T ACCEPT AN ACCIDENT CASE.. I WANT TO CRY.

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ontrary to popular opinion, many lawyers do have a heart. I truly feel like crying every time I reject a victim’s case with big injuries. Unfortunately most victims focus on the injury, especially when they are rear ended and clearly not at fault. A good lawyer must evaluate any harmful negative factors like: admitting partial liability at the scene; no immediate medical treatment; treating with a family doctor who does not know how to write a medical legal report; low property damage; prior accidents; not having auto insurance; not contacting a lawyer right away; social media showing the victim playing sports for months while complaining of an injury. One of the biggest problems is when the potential client talks to the adjuster. It is not what the client told the insurance company but what the adjuster THOUGHT was said.

During my weekly “Accidentally Yours” radio show, for years I advised victims to only hire an attorney who had been an accident victim who had experienced the pain and loss of enjoyment of life the client had or will experience during treatment. Sadly many lawyers that have not been in an accident do not have the empathy for the victim who is seeking their guidance. They do not

understand what the victim is going through.

Having practiced for 30+ years and been an accident victim that treated with chiros, orthos & physical therapists, I know what it is like to not be able to hold your baby or grandchild after the doctor says not to lift anything over 15 lbs. I remember not being able to lift trash cans or luggage or do anything around the house. This resulted in constantly being in pain and in a lousy mood.

We are all like a 12 oz. bottle the holds our 12 ounces of stress and responsibility. After an accident the extra stress causes the victim to try to fit 24 ounces of stress into the 12 oz. bottle resulting in an overflow. When it does we take out our stress on our spouse and kids and this is why so many accident victims have trouble with their marriage post-accident.

Since Thanksgiving I rejected 7 P.I. cases with good injuries. One did not call the police or get the names of witnesses because the other driver accepted liability at the scene and they felt ok at the time. That driver later changed their story and fault became liar’s poker because there was no witness.

Several did not seek medical attention and refused the ambulance because they did not have the money for the ER and ambulance.

The potential client did not understand the

auto insurance for the at fault driver would be responsible for these bills and that their lawyer could get doctors on a lien to treat them. An experienced lawyer does not want to accept a case with any of these factors thus knowing their client may not be happy with the results.

In the fall of 2016, a Monterey CC resident came in with what would have been a great case, TWO MONTHS EARLIER... when it happened. To her credit she had Blue Cross and went to Eisenhower, but did not have any follow up medical treatment. She also talked to the adjuster several times.

In addition with a prior accident, no matter what we argue to the insurance

company or jury it would be a challenge to convince them that today’s complaints were not from that old accident. When there is a delay in treatment the insurance adjuster would ask “Mr. Gribow, how do we know that she did not recently slip in the shower or at the pool or fall playing tennis and then tried to tie them into this new case.

When a client talks to the adjuster we will never know the harmful things the client innocently said. The worst thing that can happen is learning of admissions to the adjuster in the middle of trial. The adjuster could testify the client denied injuries right after the accident and BEFORE the client hired a lawyer. The implication being the client only filed and sought medical advice because of his lawyer.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact: Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life(Accidents) 2011-17 “TOP LAWYER” Inland Empire Magazine Nov, 2016 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

REAL ESTATE

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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appy New Year! For many the New Year is an opportunity for a whole new start… out with the old and in with the new. For others it is more like finishing a chapter in a book and anxiously awaiting the start of the next chapter. Most of us will have made and broken our New Year’s resolutions by the time you read this article. I guess the really cool resolution this year is “to try and be a better version of yourself”. Honestly we would all have a better chance of succeeding if we tried to be a “bigger” version of ourselves. I’m like the joke about the fitness center named Resolutions. It is only open for the first two weeks in January and then reverts back to being a Bar and Grill for the rest of the year.

New Years is a time for looking both back over the previous year as well as looking forward to the year to come. We’ll do both in this article as I will post the yearend sales data for the Coachella Valley real estate market and then share one of my resolutions as well as a prediction for our local real estate market in 2017.

According to the Desert Area MLS (as of 12/31/16) there were 702 pendings of residential properties here in the

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BY BRUCE CATHCART Coachella Valley in December. That’s down from the 790 pendings in the previous month (November) and typical of the market during the holiday season. It does represent a big gain compared to last year when we had only 617 pending sales. This bodes well for a great start in closings in January 2017. In November there were 620 solds and in December we had 702 solds, an increase which is typical for the season as everyone tries to close either before Christmas or prior to the end of the year.

This was another significant increase over last year when we sold only 641 homes in December 2015. So the final tally for 2016 was 9,275 homes sold compared to only 8,647 homes sold in 2015! The total number of homes sold in 2016 was approximately 7.5% more than 2015. For those of you still reading this part of the article, the average sale price last year was $402,882.00 and the average sale price this year was $413,110.00 (up approximately 2.55%) and the median sale price last year was $295,000.00 and the median sale price this year was $303,000.00 (up approximately 2.7%). Remember, these are Valley wide averages and medians, some individual markets showed much higher gains and losses! Overall however, the Coachella Valley real estate market continues to improve both in sales volume and in higher home prices. Our inventory

COMEDY

of homes for sale remained stable this month with 4,738 homes available on December 31, 2016 compared to 4,767 homes available on December 1, 2016. At this time it is neither a Buyer’s nor a Seller’s market… as the overall supply of homes has been keeping up with the demand.

One of my New Year’s resolutions this year is quite simple and one that I plan to keep. I resolve to act on the advice that I have been giving in these articles! This year I will install water conserving plumbing fixtures (two low volume toilets) and energy efficient light fixtures throughout my home! I already purchased the toilets and light bulbs so I am half way there.

And as for predictions for 2017, I don’t need to rely on my degree in economics or my crystal ball to predict that Coachella Valley housing will become more expensive in 2017. The Federal Reserve has already raised the interest rate once and promises to do so three more times in 2017. In addition, the minimum wage in California increased on January 1st by another 5%.

Vacant lot and land prices have been rising over the last few years as has the cost of new construction. Rental rates for entry level homes have risen by 20% or more in the last 6 months. If you do not currently own your own home make a resolution to figure out a way to buy one! If you currently own your own home but have a variable

rate mortgage, consider converting it to a fixed rate while interest rates are still reasonable. While this may sound like selfserving advice the handwriting on the wall is clear for those who are willing to read it.

Here’s wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous 2017!

Join me each month this year as we keep a close eye on our Coachella Valley real estate market. If you have a real estate question or concerns please email me at the address below.

Bruce Cathcart is the Broker/Co-Owner of La Quinta Palms Realty, “Your Friendly Professionals” and can be reached by email at bycathcart@laquintapalmsrealty.com or visit his website at laquintapalmsrealty.com.

BY CRAIG MICHAELS

IMPROV COMEDY SERIES RETURNS TO FANTASY SPRINGS CASINO

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hether you chuckle, snort or giggle, life is better when you’re laughing! Grab some friends or make it the perfect date night at the valley’s only dedicated comedy venue, Imrpov at Fantasy Springs Casino. The sidesplitting shows return every Friday and Saturday night this season with some of the best comedians in the business. The 10th hilarious season opens on Friday, January 14, 2017 with long-time comedian Jerry Rocha.

Top-name comics such as Allan Havey, Nick Guerra, Jared Logan, Eddie Ifft, Vince Morris and many more will hit the stage in front of the famous Improv brick wall and have audiences roaring with laughter.

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You’ll see well-known acts as well as get introduced to some rising stars in the industry.

The Improv series runs every Friday and Saturday night through April 8th. Three comedians perform at every show, which take place Fridays at 9pm and Saturdays at 8pm & 10pm. Tickets are $20 per show and are available calling 800-827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com. Don’t forget you ID, guests must be 21 or older to attend Improv performances.

Upcoming Performances: Sat. Jan 14 - Jerry Rocha / Allen Strickland Williams / Ken Garr Fri./Sat. Jan 20 & 21 - Eddie Ifft / Megan Gailey / Dax Jordan Fri./Sat. Jan 27, 28 - Allan Havey / Dave Ross / Stuart Thompson Fri./Sat. Feb 3, 4 - Jared Logan / Chase Durousseau / Eli Osberg Fri./Sat. Feb 10, 11 - Matteo Lane / David Waite / Lydia Popovich Fri./Sat. Feb 17, 18 - Solomon Georgio / Graham Kay / Mo Welch Fri./Sat. Feb 24, 25 - Ben Gleib / Marcella Arguello / Isaac Hirsch Written BY: Craig Michaels Productions Phone: (760) 880-3848

SPORTS SCENE

BY FLINT WHEELER

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS BECOMING MORE AND MORE A REALITY..

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ith the recent approval of $750 million in public money for a new football stadium in Las Vegas, Mark Davis, the owner of the Oakland Raiders, said Wednesday that he was more determined than ever to move the team there.

The governor of Nevada, Brian Sandoval, signed a bill in late 2016 that puts $750 million from hotel taxes toward the construction of a domed stadium that could house a professional football team. The total cost is expected to be around $2 billion, with private money filling in the gap.

Davis, who briefed the owners of the other 31 N.F.L. teams on the possible move at a meeting here, has not said how he and his partners would pay for the relocation of the team or the privately financed part of the new stadium.

Yet in obtaining a commitment for significant public financing — something that usually comes after the private funding for a stadium is assembled — Davis appears to be moving faster than had been expected just a few months ago toward developing a formal proposal to move the team.

“Las Vegas has already done what they’re supposed to do,” Davis said to reporters after the legislation was signed. “We just have to present it to the N.F.L. and get the approval to move to Las Vegas.”

For years, Las Vegas was considered off-limits to N.F.L. teams because of its association with sports gambling and fears that the proximity would make game-fixing tempting. But in recent years, the owners have warmed to the idea of having a team there, as the rapidly growing city has become more of an entertainment and family destination.

The N.F.L. commissioner, Roger Goodell, said the owners could see a formal proposal from the Raiders as early as the next owners’ meeting in December, but more likely in January. At the same time, the league and the team must also complete research to determine whether Las Vegas has a sufficient number of fans and the corporate support necessary to sustain a team.

The league also wants to see what role, if any, the casino magnate Sheldon G. Adelson, who has pledged $600 million of his personal fortune to the project and has expressed interest

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in ownership rights, might have. Under league rules, owners of a team cannot have gambling ties. The owners would also have to determine a relocation fee that the Raiders would have to pay.

Goodell and several owners said in Houston that all things being equal, they would prefer that teams remain in their current markets. But the lack of a proposal for a new stadium in Oakland and the commitment from lawmakers in Nevada to help pay for a stadium, have made Las Vegas an attractive alternative.

To keep all options open, the league continues to talk with the City of Oakland about how it might help the Raiders stay there.

Libby Schaaf, the mayor of Oakland, has said that the city is willing to provide the property for a new stadium and infrastructure improvements but will not help pay for a new stadium, which could cost more than $1 billion.

Davis said he was seeking to move to Las Vegas only because Oakland “came up with nothing, zero.” He insisted that his efforts to move to Las Vegas were not a way to gain leverage in negotiations with Oakland.

Regardless, Davis said the Raiders would remain in Oakland for at least two more years.

The team, he said, has options to play in its current home, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, in 2017 and 2018. He said getting a stadium built in Las Vegas in time for the 2019 season might be difficult.

He did say, though, that the Raiders were likely to play a preseason game in Las Vegas next year.

While the owners consider Las Vegas, they are also awaiting the results of a special ballot measure in San Diego in which residents will have a chance to approve tax increases to help pay for a stadium the Chargers want to build near downtown. Courts have yet to resolve whether the ballot measure can pass with a simple majority of votes, or if needs a two-third majority.

As part of the decision this year to let the Rams move to Los Angeles, the Chargers have until early January to exercise an option that would let them to move into a new stadium that the Rams are building in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood. If the Chargers forgo that option, the Raiders would then have the chance to move in with the Rams.

January 12 to January 18, 2017

SAND STORM LACROSSE FESTIVAL SET TO HOST 330 TEAMS

EVENTS

RECORD SETTING 9TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT ATTRACTS 18,000+ TO VALLEY

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ynapse Sports has announced the ninth annual Sand Storm Lacrosse Festival, being held Jan. 16-17, 2016 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Cal., has been expanded to include competition on 51 fields. A record 330 boys’ and girls’ teams - comprised of middle and high school players - are slated to compete in the 2016 event co-sponsored by Under Armour and Gatorade. “We knew when we started Sand Storm in 2008 that it had tremendous potential. A warm weather location, state-of-the-art facility, top-notch competition and detailed organization are the ingredients for success,” said Cathy Samaras, found and CEO of Synapse Sports.

“Sand Storm lived up to its potential and exceeded expectations since the beginning.

Now it has become a destination event for club teams throughout the country as the premier winter tournament on the West Coast.”

Sand Storm began as a girls’ club tournament geared primarily towards clubs from Western States. It has since expanded its reach and now includes a significant number of teams from the Midwest, East Coast and even Canada. The number of Division I, II and III collegiate coaches scouting talent at Sand Storm has also increased significantly in recent years as the talent pool expanded.

Sand Storm added a boys’ component in 2011 and it has grown exponentially under the guidance of Boys Director Michael Watson, US Lacrosse Hall of Fame recipient and former UVA 4-time All American. “It’s a testament to the overall quality of the event.

Every team that participates each year has a great experience and it has spread by word of mouth that Sand Storm is a topnotch tournament in terms of a spectacular venue, precise management and strong competition,” Watson said. “A weekend in Palm Springs is very appealing to the out-oftown teams. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how the boys program has progressed.”

Each year at Sand Storm a cut-a-thon is held in support of Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to children suffering from long term medical hair loss. Stylists from local salon partner

D&G Hair Stories in Palm Desert will be onsite on Saturday January 16th from 11 AM – 3 PM conducting cuts in the Main Hacienda Registration & Vending Tent.

Anyone can come donate hair or check out a game – free admission and parking!

Sand Storm enjoys tremendous local support from the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau and local business community. Host hotels to the event include resort properties La Quinta Resort and Club, Renaissance - Indian Wells and Palm Springs, Hyatt - Indian Wells and Palm Springs, JW Marriott, Miramonte Resort & Spa, Desert Princess Resort, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, as well as Embassy Suites - La Quinta & Palm Desert, Homewood Suites Palm Desert, Marriott Courtyard – Palm Desert and Palm Springs, Palm Desert’s Residence Inn & Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn Rancho Mirage, Palm Spring’s Ace Hotel, Saguaro, Comfort Inn, Palm Mountain Resort, Palm Canyon Resort and Marquis Villas, and Indio’s Quality Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Royal Plaza Inn. Local sponsors of the event include the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Indio and La Quinta Resort & Club as well as the following restaurants: Kaiser Restaurant Group’s Jackalope Ranch, Las Casuelas La Quinta, The La Quinta Beer Hunter Pub & Grill, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, La Quinta Cliffhouse and the Tack Room Tavern.

For more information about the 2016 Sand Storm Lacrosse Festival visit the event website: sandstormlacrosse.com SYNAPSE SPORTS - Synapse Sports is the premier provider of lacrosse playing opportunities and recruiting events in the U.S. Founder and CEO Cathy Samaras has been a trailblazer in the sport of lacrosse, working tirelessly for over 25 years to promote the growth and development of the game – from grassroots to global. To learn more about the exciting events organized by the company visit synapsesports.com or call 410-573-1414.

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

HEALTH&FITNESS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY MAUREEN FORMAN

MAKE A NEW YEAR’S EVOLUTION!

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s we embrace a new year, many of us pledge to be a nicer person, to be kinder, less negative, more compassionate. In short we make the promise to be the very best versions of ourselves this year.

For parents, that often involves grappling with the unnecessary fights we have with our children. And for parents that were raised in harsh households, this can be a particular challenge. Even though we all pledge to never do anything our parents did, somehow we hear the same critical phrases, exasperated tones and reactive behavior that we swore we would never repeat coming right out of our very own mouths!

So here are some 3 tips that may be helpful: 1) Forgive yourself. We can only give what we were given until we learn new behaviors.

That’s the way humans are built. All we can do is the best we know at a given time.

2) Teach Yourself: Learn some new behaviors. This can begin very simply and a little change goes a long way. For example her are a few tricks that can de-escalate an argument with a child Try simply not responding to your snotty child or asking to speak with them in an hour. In an hour, you have calmed down and thought through what you want to say. Most fights between parents and children (of all ages) escalate because parents think they have to say or do something RIGHT NOW! Which means everyone’s adrenaline is at its peak and no one is thinking about being kind or compassionate anymore. Everyone just wants to WIN! Remember: There is almost no discussion that can’t wait an hour.

Pretend that your reaction is being is being captured on an iPhone and will be uploaded to You Tube. Nothing makes humans behave better than knowing they are being observed. You would be amazed

how most of us can summon appropriate words and volume when we believe we are being filmed.

Pretend that you are responding to an adult acquaintance or someone else’s child.

It’s amazing how most of us can summon measured, empathic responses for children other than their own. Think of all the wonderful advice you have given to friends and relatives about how they should speak to their children. You do know how to do this!

3) Nourish yourself: Make more time for

walking, praying or learning. As our adult brain flourishes and adds new layers, the old patterns learned in childhood become proportionately smaller and less influential in our daily lives.

The key is to try something different. Once you see the results of feeding your adult self with nurturing energy and withdrawing energy from all needless conflict you will be a believer! You will see arguments decrease and harmony increase… and the very best version of you will get to shine!

EVENTS COMMUNITY JASON DUFNER HEADLINES DESERT AIDS PROJECT RECEIVES $15,000 FROM THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR CAREERBUILDER KICK-OFF EVENT CAREERBUILDER DEFENDING CHAMPION TO SPEAK AT CHAMBER EVENT AIDS FOUNDATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MACY’S

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esert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) has been awarded a grant for $15,000 from The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in partnership with Macy’s. The grant will be used for clinical and social services programs for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS, helping them to achieve and maintain viral suppression and lead longer, healthier lives.

“D.A.P. is honored to be recognized by The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation for our valuable work in the community,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “The work that Desert AIDS Project does to help people affected by HIV/AIDS is impressive, and very much aligned with Elizabeth Taylor’s passionate commitment to the cause,” said Joel Goldman, Managing Director of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. “ETAF and our partners at Macy’s are thrilled to present D.A.P. with these funds to help further our shared mission.”

Through their Cause Marketing Program, Macy’s recognizes their responsibility to the community and their concern for the needs of their neighbors. They are proud to partner with ETAF and have contributed to this grant.

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, inhouse pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and free HIV

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and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. D.A.P. is rated a “Top 20 HIV Charity” by About.com. Visit desertaidsproject.org, thedockclinic.org, and gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

Elizabeth Taylor established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991 to support organizations delivering direct care and services to people living with HIV and AIDS, especially the most marginalized communities.

Today, ETAF also provides grants for innovative HIV prevention education and advocacy programs to existing organizations around the world. With key domestic advocacy funding focuses on comprehensive sexual health education and HIV criminalization reform, ETAF continues to bring the marginalized to the center of attention and advocate for their rights. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has granted to more than 675 organizations in 44 countries and nearly all 50 states in the U.S. elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org

ason Dufner, in addition to defending his CareerBuilder Challenge title this year, will also be interacting with fans ahead of the event. The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their Annual CareerBuilder Challenge KickOff Event & Mixer on January 18th. The defending champion has confirmed he will speak at the event.

The fabled golf tournament, with roots that go as far back as 1960, is one of the signature events in the Coachella Valley. The unique format of the tournament, pairing PGA TOUR pros with a different amateur partner each day, has become a fan favorite on the tour offering a rare opportunity to both star gaze and watch great golf. This year the event has drawn some of the best golfers in the world including Dufner, World No. 8 and 2014 tournament champion Patrick Reed, fellow victorious 2016 United States Ryder Cup teammate and two-time major champion Zach Johnson, and 2010 and 2015 tournament winner Bill Haas.

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the City of La Quinta to celebrate the start of the tournament, hosting the CareerBuilder Challenge Kick-Off Event & Mixer at the La Quinta Country Club. The event is open to the public and will feature a champagne welcome, putting green, photo booth, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and entertainment.

A cash bar with Happy Hour pricing will also be available.

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce incorporates the kick-off

event as part of their annual slate of valley networking events. “The CareerBuilder Challenge has become an iconic event in our desert” says Joshua Bonner, President and CEO of The Chamber. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with the City of La Quinta and celebrate the start of the tournament with an official kick-off party. Our guests will not only have a great opportunity to network, but also meet one of the finest golfers in the world.”

The CareerBuilder Challenge Kick-Off Event & Mixer will be January 18th beginning at 5:30 PM. The La Quinta Country Club is located at 77750 Avenue 50, in La Quinta.

Admission to the event is $20 per person.

Tickets may be purchased in advance online at evenbrite.com, or by calling the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce at 760-347-0676.

To receive regular updates, follow the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, or visit gcvcc.org.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of January 12

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is a huge holy tree that links all of the nine worlds to each other. Perched on its uppermost branch is an eagle with a hawk sitting on its head.

Far below, living near the roots, is a dragon. The hawk and eagle stay in touch with the dragon via Ratatoskr, a talkative squirrel that runs back and forth between the heights and the depths. Alas, Ratatoskr traffics solely in insults. That’s the only kind of message the birds and the dragon ever have for each other. In accordance with the astrological omens, Aries, I suggest you act like a far more benevolent version of Ratatoskr in the coming weeks. Be a feisty communicator who roams far and wide to spread uplifting gossip and energizing news.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You have a divine mandate to love bigger and stronger and truer than ever before. It’s high time to freely give the gifts you sometimes hold back from those you care for. It’s high time to take full ownership of neglected treasures so you can share them with your worthy allies. It’s high time to madly cultivate the generosity of spirit that will enable you to more easily receive the blessings that can and should be yours. Be a brave, softhearted warrior of love!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I love and respect Tinker Bell, Kermit the Frog, Shrek, Wonder Woman, SpongeBob SquarePants, Snow White, Road Runner, and Calvin and Hobbes. They have provided me with much knowledge and inspiration. Given the current astrological omens, I suspect that you, too, can benefit from cultivating your relationships with characters like them. It’s also a favorable time for you to commune with the spirits of Harriet Tubman, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, or any other historical figures who inspire you. I suggest you have dreamlike conversations with your most interesting ancestors, as well. Are you still in touch with your imaginary friends from childhood? If not, renew acquaintances.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “I never wish to be easily defined,” wrote Cancerian author Franz Kafka. “I’d rather float over other people’s minds as something fluid and non-perceivable; more like a transparent, paradoxically iridescent creature rather than an actual person.” Do you ever have that experience? I do. I’m a Crab like you, and I think it’s common among members of our tribe. For me, it feels liberating. It’s a way to escape people’s expectations of me and enjoy the independence of living in my fantasies. But I plan to do it a lot less in 2017, and I advise you to do the same. We should work hard at coming all the way down to earth. We will thrive by floating less and being better grounded; by being less fuzzy and more solid; by not being so inscrutable, but rather more knowable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Here’s my declaration: “I hereby forgive, completely and permanently, all motorists who have ever irked me with their rude and bad driving. I also forgive, totally and forever, all tech support people who have insulted me, stonewalled me, or given me wrong information as I sought help from them on the phone. I furthermore forgive, utterly and finally, all family members and dear friends who have hurt my feelings.” Now would be a fantastic time for you to do what I just did, Leo: Drop grudges, let go of unimportant outrage, and issue a blanket amnesty. Start with the easier stuff -the complaints against strangers and acquaintances -- and work your way up to the allies you cherish.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): There are some authors who both annoy me and intrigue me. Even though I feel allergic to the uncomfortable ideas they espouse, I’m also fascinated by their unique provocations. As I read their words, I’m half-irritated at their grating declarations, and yet greedy for more. I disagree with much of what they say, but feel grudgingly grateful for the novel perspectives they prod me to discover.

(Nobel Prize-winner Elias Canetti is one such author.)

In accordance with the current astrological rhythms, Virgo, I invite you to seek out similar influences -- for your own good!

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Now would be an excellent time to add new beauty to your home.

Are there works of art or buoyant plants or curious symbols that would lift your mood? Would you consider hiring a feng shui consultant to rearrange the furniture and accessories so as to enhance the energetic flow? Can you entice visits from compelling souls whose wisdom and wit would light up the place? Tweak your imagination so it reveals tricks about how to boost your levels of domestic bliss.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 2017, you will have unprecedented opportunities to re-imagine, revise, and reinvent the story of your life. You’ll be able to forge new understandings about your co-stars and reinterpret the meanings of crucial plot twists that happened once upon a time. Now check out these insights from author Mark Doty: “The past is not static, or ever truly complete; as we age we see from new positions, shifting angles. A therapist friend of mine likes to use the metaphor of the kind of spiral stair that winds up inside a lighthouse. As one moves up that stair, the core at the center doesn’t change, but one continually sees it from another vantage point; if the past is a core of who we are, then our movement in time always brings us into a new relation to that core.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Tao Te Ching is a poetically philosophical text written by a Chinese sage more than two millennia ago. Numerous authors have translated it into modern languages. I’ve borrowed from their work to craft a horoscope that is precisely suitable for you in the coming weeks. Here’s your high-class fortune cookie oracle: Smooth your edges, untangle your knots, sweeten your openings, balance your extremes, relax your mysteries, soften your glare, forgive your doubts, love your breathing, harmonize your longings, and marvel at the sunny dust.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I recently discovered Tree of Jesse, a painting by renowned 20th-century artist Marc Chagall. I wanted to get a copy to hang on my wall. But as I scoured the Internet, I couldn’t find a single business that sells prints of it. Thankfully, I did locate an artist in Vietnam who said he could paint an exact replica. I ordered it, and was pleased with my new objet d’art. It was virtually identical to Chagall’s original. I suggest you meditate on taking a metaphorically similar approach, Capricorn. Now is a time when substitutes may work as well as what they replace.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “It is often safer to be in chains than to be free,” wrote Franz Kafka. That fact is worthy of your consideration in the coming weeks, Aquarius. You can avoid all risks by remaining trapped inside the comfort that is protecting you. Or you can take a gamble on escaping, and hope that the new opportunities you attract will compensate you for the sacrifice it entails. I’m not here to tell you what to do. I simply want you to know what the stakes are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “All pleasures are in the last analysis imaginary, and whoever has the best imagination enjoys the most pleasure.” So said 19th-century German novelist Theodor Fontane, and now I’m passing his observation on to you. Why? Because by my astrological estimates, you Pisceans will have exceptional imaginations in 2017 -- more fertile, fervent, and freedom-loving than ever before.

Therefore, your capacity to drum up pleasure will also be at an all-time high. There is a catch, however. Your imagination, like everyone else’s, is sometimes prone to churning out superstitious fears. To take maximum advantage of its bliss-inducing potential, you will have to be firm about steering it in positive directions.

Homework: Tell a story about the time Spirit reached down and altered your course in one swoop. Go to RealAstrology.com and click on “Email Rob.” ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

January 12 to January 18, 2017

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

EVOLVING GOALS

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BY BRONWYN ISON

he onset of a New Year generally encourages people to set resolutions.

Some may prefer to reference these as goals or aspirations. However you define what you would like to achieve in the upcoming year, follow through should be a part of your overall goal.

Most resolutions are abandoned within the first two weeks of the year. Once you hit the thirty-day mark you don’t think twice about the goals you set and you’ve reverted to your old habits. As a Wellness Professional, most people desire to be healthier, lose weight, and make more time for themselves and family. Each of these desires is very important and tops the lists for a reason.

New Year group exercise and yoga classes appear to explode with passionate students eager to commence their workout goals. While this is admirable and very much appreciated there is another way to step up your fitness game. Private instruction is gaining greater momentum. Why? If you are seeking to work on an area within your practice or a specific yoga posture, the instructor can enhance the time you spend together. Some students may approach one-on-one training with one goal in mind. They embark on a journey that address other areas of their lives and realize yoga is the vehicle. While one person may train privately temporarily, others will practice with an instructor consistently. Students may perceive private training costly. You are worth the investment! Consider asking yourself a

few questions. What are my physical goals?

Where do I see myself three, six, nine and twelve months from today? What are you willing to do to go the extra mile? Why is this important to me? What does this goal look like for me?

Setting goals is easy but it’s the follow through that counts. Most people set unrealistic intentions for themselves. Cleary, this leaves you feeling overwhelmed and you quit. The more often you quit a set intention the less likely you are to set new goals. Why? Because you know you are prone to give up based upon your previous history. We are inveterate creatures. We have a tendency to repeat poor behavior. This diminishes our willingness to try again and can abolish our confidence.

Set an achievable goal. Once you realize the fruits of your labor you can add the next one to your list. If your goal is to lose 20 pounds, try losing five first. After you lose the five pounds, add another five. Twenty pounds can seem so far off and may leave you frustrated. It’s fine if you approach your end destination slowly and progressively.

Giving up is easy. The end result requires dedication. Remain focused and diligent and you will achieve greatness. Keep in mind, anything that’s worth anything, requires you to be in the game.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

BEAUTY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY DR MARIA LOMBARDO

Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage.

She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program.

For a consultation or more information, visit lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

WHAT THE HECK IS A “MOMMY MAKEOVER”?

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omen often complain that their bodies change after having children. After pregnancy and breast feeding, the breast and belly often have lingering or permanent effects. The skin can be stretched and lose its elasticity after the pregnancy is over and even after additional weight loss is accomplished.

The breasts can lose volume/fullness and change position after pregnancy too. The “Mommy Makeover” is a phrase that is used to describe the combination of breast and abdominal (belly) procedures to improve or restore the body to its pre-pregnancy condition.

Many people assume that the “mommy makeover” means having a breast implant placed but for those patients who don’t want to increase the size of their breasts, a mastopexy or breast lift can be done. There are many ways to lift the breast: from a small crescent shaped incision above the nippleareola region to adding a vertical and/or horizontal incision in the fold under the breast. The amount of ptosis, or “hanging”, of the breast is how the decision is made as to which lift is needed. A lift and an

augmentation with an implant can also be done together if the patient is looking to increase the size of the breast while lifting to a more youthful position.

The second part of the “Mommy Makeover” is the Tummy. Abdominal procedures range from liposuction by itself to “tummy-tucks” or a combination of both.

Again, the degree of skin looseness and the amount of fat under the skin determines which of the procedures is appropriate for each patient.

What are the advantages of doing a combination “Mommy Makeover”?

Combining the two procedures, breast and body, can result in a cost savings but one of the nicest reasons to do two procedures together is that you also combine the healing phase: Two procedures with only one recovery period. Because every patient is different and is trying to reach different goals, the best way to determine if a “mommy makeover” is for you is to schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation. Dr. Maria Lombardo will discuss what bothers you and to go over expectations for surgery. Call to schedule today! 760-610-8990

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

A WISE INVESTMENT

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hile terminating a recent phone call I experienced a warm and fuzzy feeling. I just completed a resume for a new client. Before we hung up she expressed joy and appreciation for the document showcasing her skills. Naturally delighting a client with a work product is the objective, but way down deep I knew my happiness was directed at her. Unaware of the back story, I sensed she had fallen on some hard times. She told me she promised herself to start investing in numero uno and kicked it off with an updated professional resume.

Do you have a vision of what you want to accomplish this year? Allocating your time and money is one of the most important tasks in creating a happy and successful life. Perhaps one of your goals this year is to save for a new home or a trip to Maui. If so, go for it. I applaud you. But before you squirrel away all your money for the new digs or a plane ticket, what part of your earnings have you earmarked for your personal development? Consider that while budgeting for 2017.

If you want to pump up your resume, have you considered returning to school? Enrolling in coursework to upgrade your knowledge base can not only improve your resume and potential future earnings, it can ignite a new passion and set you on a path to further success. Adding to

your skill base bolsters your self confidence as you continue learning and growing.

If you’re shaking your head bemoaning lack of funds for college tuition, don’t be discouraged. Learning a new skill can be accomplished by investing little more than your time. By doing a Google search you’ll find a plethora of inexpensive courses, seminars and on-line based training. You can learn a language, improve your public speaking skills or tackle a time management course to improve your efficiency.

Self development also encompasses your well being. Set any goals this year to improve your physical and mental health? If not, get started. You can join a gym or find a cost free way to accomplish better health. The major investment to getting in shape is time. How will you allocate it?

Dale Carnegie, a man born on a poor Missouri farm who later became an author and founder of a successful training company once said, “If you are not in the process of becoming the person you want to be, you are automatically engaged in becoming the person you don’t want to be.” Wise words from a wise man. Time to get started, right?

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog, www.lifeonthesunnyside.net

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January 12 to January 18, 2017

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