Coachella Valley Weekly - January 20 to January 26, 2022 Vol. 10 No. 45 by CV Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com • January 20 to January 26, 2022 Vol.10 No.45

Desert Jet

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Hi-Desert Fringe Festival

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Eevaan Tré

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Aimee Mann

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The Lilys

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Sarah Weddington

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January 20 to January 26, 2022

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby, Raymond Bill Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Esther Sanchez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Tricia Witkower Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Denise Ortuno Neil, Rob Brezny, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dee Jae Cox, Angela Romeo, Aaron Ramson, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Michelle Anne Rizzio, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

he Coachella Valley has come to know Patrick Evans as a familiar face with a diverse presence in the desert—ranging from television personality to the owner of an Italian food company. Evans has also made his mark in radio, having been named Coachella Valley Best Of’s Radio Personality of the Year for 2020-2021 and hosting a show block on CV 104.3 for five years before the station changed formats. In August 2002, Patrick moved to the Palm Springs area to help launch the new Coachella Valley CBS news affiliate, where he served as Chief Meteorologist for nearly 17 years. Following the merger with KESQ, Evans can be seen at 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 12 noon on News Channel 3 and at 12:45 p.m. hosting “Eye on the Desert.” Evans’ Italian foods company called Fulvio’s Foods specializes in gourmet Italian sausages, named after his father Fulvio “Tony” Iachetta, who was born of Italian

Patrick Evans................................................. 3 Desert Jet in Thermal, CA ............................ 5 Club Crawler Nightlife ................................. 6 Chris Rock at Fantasy Springs ..................... 6 Hi-Desert Fringe Festival............................. 7 Eevaan Tre ..................................................... 7 Consider This - Aimee Mann ................... 8-9 The Lilys at Pappy & Harriet's ..................... 9 Screeners..................................................... 10 Good Grub - Gastro Grind Burgers ........... 11 Job Fair at Fantasy Springs........................ 11 The Vino Voice ............................................ 12 Pet Place ................................................ 14-15 Swag For The Soul ...................................... 15

immigrant parents in 1928. His family brought with them from Italy a rich tradition of great Italian cuisine, and the company pays homage to Fulvio and the foods he taught his family to love. Evans has now joined the all new Studio 100.9 FM and KPSF 1200 AM radio station. He hosts his own station block as an Afternoon Drive Personality weekdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. “We play a lot of great music through the decades that appeal to the different demographics in the Coachella Valley. Throughout my news career, I’ve also had a little side gig in radio because the two media work very well together. I am really enjoying the music and connecting with my audience in a different way than what television allows. There’s more freedom in radio and it’s a fun, creative outlet,” explained Evans. The Studio 100.9 FM and KPSF 1200 AM radio station was established on June 28 of last year, with a primary focus of playing the Top 20 hits of the decades—including tunes from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Instead of only playing modern-day hits, the radio station gives older songs a chance to shine with non-repetitive, cohesive playlists every day. The station’s library of music consists of over 33,000 songs—compared to other radio stations that play the same 250 “safe” songs. “Working at KPSF has been great. There’s a lot of communication between the staff and I. I’m able to tailor the music playlists based on feedback I get from my audience, so there’s a close connection,” said Evans. In addition to Evans, Grammy winning musician and artist John Tesh also has a program called “Intelligence for Your Life…” from 7 p.m. to midnight, along with a block hosted by Chris Russell. Rick Ruhl wears many hats at the KPSF station, such as Morning Host, Program Director, and Engineer and Operations Manager. His morning programming takes place from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Ruhl has been in radio for 42 years and is a Charter member of the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame. In Atlanta, he worked at WFOM, which was the East Coast version of KHJ. KQLH 92.5 and KPSF 100.9 reach a combined area from the Mount Baldy territory to the Salton Sea. KPSF’s AM signal on 1200 gets out that far, but the FM stops at Morongo Valley. Ruhl’s morning show is on KQLH, KPSF and KPFV in Pahrump NV. The rest of the day, KPSF covers just the Coachella Valley. “Mark Westwood and I came up with the ‘favorites’ music format. Our rotation is really not based on decades, but rather the sound of the station. It’s a flow, which is really different from what the other stations are doing. Both Patrick Evans and I can pick

January 20 to January 26, 2022

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

our own music for our shows. Corporate stations don’t allow any jocks to do that, plus most are using ‘consultants’ to program the station and don’t live in the area like Patrick and I do. We are locally owned and operated,” explained Ruhl. Mark Westwood is the General Manager and Owner of the KPSF station. His career in radio has spanned across the Inland Empire for 30 years. Westwood started a radio station out in Yucaipa five years ago called KQLH from the ground up, and the new Palm Springs station is structured similarly to it. “We play music ‘favorites’. That helps us include a wide range of songs to play for our listeners. I love working in radio and it’s the best job in the world,” said Westwood. Although less than a year old, the Studio 100.9 FM and KPSF 1200 AM team aspires to break the mold of mainstream, corporate radio stations that play the same music repeatedly. Some goals for the station in the future include expanding the listening audience and getting more involved in the community. Bringing more up-to-date interaction is a priority for the station. A most recent example was the Studio 100.9 FM and KPSF 1200 AM coverage of the 4.2 earthquake that took place in the Coachella Valley on January 12 that Patrick Evans helped relay to listeners. No other radio stations were covering the earthquake because they run automation with no one in the studio to cover it. “It’s really important in any broadcast career to understand that each job should get you to your ultimate goal. Have patience, because in this industry right now, there are many opportunities and you just need to seek them out,” shared Evans. Visit the Studio 100.9 FM and KPSF 1200 AM website at kpsfradio.com to view the show schedule or reach out to the station.

Safety Tips ................................................... 16 Cyber Corner ............................................... 16 Haddon Libby ..............................................17 Dale Gribow ................................................ 17 Send Me A Trainer ...................................... 18 Free Will Astrology .................................... 18 Cannabis Corner ......................................... 19 Travel Tips 4 U ............................................. 20 Breaking The 4th Wall - A Conversation with Sarah Weddington................................... 21 Rick Ruhl

Rick Ruhl

January 20 to January 26, 2022

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LOCAL BUSINESS

January 20 to January 26, 2022

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

n January 13, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in celebration of the newly built executive FixedBase Operator (FBO) facility Desert Jet Center, located at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal. The new state-of-the-art 32,500-squarefoot aviation facility features premium amenities, including a luxurious and wellappointed lobby giving business and leisure travelers, their pets, and returning residents an upscale facility to fly to when traveling to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. The Desert Jet Center is expected to draw more visitors to the Thermal airport and bring investments and economic development opportunities to the East Valley. New jobs for local residents have also become available, creating opportunity for career development in aviation for many of the youth in the area. The ribbon-cutting was officiated by Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manual Perez and Desert Jet owner Jim McCool. The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, local dignitaries, and elected officials also joined the event. Music students from the College of the Desert provided the entertainment playing jazz classics. “We are pleased to celebrate the opening of our gorgeous new FBO terminal, the first new FBO in the Coachella Valley in 20-plus years… I am ecstatic that we now have a firstclass facility commensurate with the five-star service we have provided our clients for years. Desert Jet is well-positioned to continue as the premier FBO, charter, and maintenance company in Southern California for many years to come,” said Desert Jet Chief Executive Officer Jared Fox. The new full-service FBO offers aircraft fueling and ground services, hangar storage, and aircraft detailing. Specialized concierge services such as ground transportation and aircraft inflight catering are also available. Desert Jet Center also serves as the headquarters for Desert Jet’s private jet charter, aircraft management, and Part 145 aircraft maintenance business entities. While

there are other FBOs in the desert area, none offer the full range of services available at Desert Jet Center that a business jet operator requires. “Our mission is to create memorable flight experiences for our clients while enabling them to do great things with their companies and loved ones. Success to us means being great at what we do, creating a great place to work, providing great customer service and making a significant contribution to our community. Let us show you how we can help you use business aviation to do more with the time you have, and do more of what you love doing,” stated Fox. The Desert Jet Center is located at the best location on the airport, towards the approach end of runway 17, with ramp space that can accommodate aircraft as heavy as a Boeing 757, with direct access to and from runway 17/35. Its brand new state-of-the-art 22,500-squarefoot hangar, the only air-conditioned hangar in the desert, will accommodate aircraft as large as the Gulfstream G650 and Global 7000. Desert Jet employs aircraft detailing staff with a combined 20 years of detailing experience, offering the only FAA-compliant aircraft detailing in the desert. The highlytrained detail staff works closely with the maintenance team to ensure all cleaning is accomplished in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer’s maintenance manual and guidance. As some aircraft detailing procedures are considered maintenance functions, those procedures are supervised and inspected by a Part 145 Repair Station. Interior services provided include interior cleaning and detailing, carpet and upholstery cleaning, leather cleaning and reconditioning, lavatory and galley cleaning and sanitation, and stain removal. Exterior services offered are aircraft washing, wax, machine buff and polish, brightwork, and de-ice boot treatment. For a personalized quote, contact Desert Jet at (760) GA-CLEAN or (760) 422-5326. For more information about additional services, visit www.desertjet.com or call (800) 381-JETS.

January 20 to January 26, 2022

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Palm Canyon Roadhouse – Sunday Night Jam – 4-9pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 6pm The Village – Rapmarz - 10pm

Thursday, January 20

Casuelas Café – Avenida – 5:30pm Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:30pm Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic – 6-8pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Jazzville @ Agua Caliente – Maria Schafer Quintet – 7pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Sarah Winchester – 7pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm O’Caine’s – Midlife O’Crisis – 6pm Pappy and Harriet’s – Tropa Magica and Levitation Room – 8pm Shanghai Red’s (Palm Springs) – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 7pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King Trio – 6pm

Friday, January 21

Bart Lounge – DJs Jesusdapnk, Alex Harrington and Millionsworld – 8pm Casuelas Café – Live Music – 7pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Retro Game Night – 7pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – DJ Diesel – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Thee Champagne Band – 9pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm O’Caine’s – Craic Haus – 6pm Pappy and Harriet’s – Son Volt – 8pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30-8:30pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Kal David Trio – 4:30pm, John Stanley King – 7pm

Saturday, January 22

Bart Lounge – Luna Negra Presents: Goth Night w/ Diavol Strain, Vacuum, Shrouds and Nass Zuruck – 8pm Casuelas Café – Live Music – noon, Live Music – 7pm Chef George’s – Michael D Angelo and Tim Burleson – 6:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Paint Night – 7pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

COMEDY AWARD WINNING COMEDIAN CHRIS ROCK WILL PERFORM AT FANTASY SPRINGS ON APRIL 8

ward winning comedian Chris Rock is headed to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 9 p.m. Tickets for the show start at $79 and go on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via phone at (800) 827-2986 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

Four Twenty Bank – DJ Chronic – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Thee Champagne Band – 9pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm O’Caine’s – California Celts – 6pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – The Toyz – 9pm Pappy and Harriet’s – Lily w/ Farmer Dave and the Wizards of the West – 9pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Rose Mallett’s Company – 4:30pm, John Stanley King – 7pm The Village – Rob & JB – 1-4pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm

Sunday, January 23

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF – 8pm Casuelas Café – Live Music – noon, Barry Baughn Blues Review – 5:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Acoustic Afternoon w/ Matt Davin, 5 Acre Dream and Courtney Chambers – 3pm Fisherman’s Market, PS – Art of Sax – 5pm Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm

Monday, January 24

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Tuesday, January 25

Casuelas Café – Desert Suite Band – 5:30pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Brad’s Pad – 7-10pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Slim Man Band – 6pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Wednesday, January 26

Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 6pm Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:30pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Pappy and Harriet’s – All Them Witches and Blackwater Holylight – 7pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 6pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm, Banda Revolucion – 10pm

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HI-DESERT FRINGE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO LIVE, ON-SITE FORMAT MAY 14 FOR FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

elebrating its fifth year of showcasing original, non-traditional, provocative performance art, the Hi-Desert Fringe Festival (Hi-DeF) will return to a live, on-site format at a new venue in Wonder Valley. The event, designed to establish a forum for promoting cultural equity and community involvement through a progressive theatre

LOCAL MUSIC

n Saturday, Feb 12th, Eevan Tré, one of the Coachella Valley’s most beloved homegrown performers will be performing hits from multiple eras for music lovers of all ages for the 24th Annual Concert Series at The Gardens on El Paseo. The one hour concerts take place on the center lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue. Doors Open at 5:15, Eevan Tré and his band take the stage at 6 pm. Wine is included in the ticket price and a portion of all proceeds goes to Shay’s Warriors - Life After Cancer. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.thegardensatelpaseo. com. As a Coachella Valley native and CVHS alumni, Eevan Tré has been performing in one capacity or another since his teens and has refined his skills as a dynamic and captivating R&B singer who knows all too well how to rock the mic whilst making the ladies swoon. I first had the opportunity to watch Tré and his band perform at an event nearly a decade ago and since then, his performances and dynamic stage presence have aged like fine wine.

movement, will offer a full day of panels, workshops and performances presented by an array of artists on Saturday, May 14. Dubbed “Hi-DeF Hi-5” in honor of its anniversary year, the festival will unfurl on the sprawling grounds of the fabulous Tower Homestead Guest Ranch at 76969 Amboy Road in Wonder Valley. The artwork-filled,

Old West-style property will provide an inspirational creative setting for participants as well as allow for the comfortable observance of outdoor COVID protocols. The day’s activities will be hosted by Hi-DeF co-founders and co-producers Miri Hunter and Ann Van Haney, both of whom are highly active as performers and makers in the thriving Morongo Basin theatre community. Hunter, the producing/artistic director of Thought Theatre, has just been honored as Best Director in Greater Palm Springs by the national online publication Broadway World for SHAKESPEARE IN REVUE, a play she also conceived, presented last July by Joshua Tree Summer Theatre Under the Stars. Van Haney, a film/television actor, improv performer and sketch comedy writer, has appeared in many productions. Her play THE MEXICAN REVELATION debuted at Thought Theatre in 2020 and received four Desert Theatre League award nominations.

EEVAN TRÉ

Tré: “I always enjoyed singing. My grandfather was a mariachi and although I never got to see him perform because he retired before I was born, I always liked hearing the stories about it. I really started trying to perform when I was in High School and just never stopped. It’s become a lifestyle for me. It was never a hobby, more like something that I’ve always just done. I don’t really know another way to be.” CVW: “You said that you got into music when you were in High school but, in what capacity?” Tré: “At first, I really wanted to be in a talent show so I could have the opportunity to perform. I was really into NSync at the time and I somehow convinced my jock friends to join me in this pursuit to do this whole routine for this talent show. They really weren’t into it or, at least wouldn’t have done it on their own but they were so cool to participate with me and we worked really hard on our performance. Then, unfortunately they ended up canceling the talent show because of a lack of people signing up which was really

disappointing.” Tré continues: “Fortunately, the performing arts teacher, Bob Reinhagen, who had planned the talent show in the first place recruited me to his choir and eventually produced a couple of musicals that I was able to participate in. I was able to perform as the lead character in Footloose which was amazing for me. I really dug it. As soon as I experienced getting that feedback and energy from the audience, I was pretty much hooked. It really is like a drug.” Tré: “Ever since then, just about every job I have had has involved music somehow. I’ve been a dance teacher and I’ve produced children’s musicals over the years. I guess because growing up in Coachella, there weren’t a lot of opportunities for kids to be exposed to and participate in the arts and I wanted to help out with that. Also, my older brother was involved in politics which caused me to have involvement in the community.” CVW: “Nowadays with your residencies and special shows, you and your band seem to be really busy. How did you deal with not being able to perform through the Covid shutdowns?” Tré: “You know, during the whole shutdown I really got to refresh. I think when you are working so much you sometimes forget to create some goals. So that's pretty much what I did. I hung out with my family and got a chance to enjoy them. It was cool for a time but of course, after a while we were like, ‘Okay we gotta get back to reality.’” Tré continues: “As far as the band is concerned, I have been really lucky to be able to meet and jam with different musicians which I love. I’m always trying to grow as an artist. My mindset is continually set on growing and getting better. Finding people

January 20 to January 26, 2022

EVENTS

“It is so great to be able to have a live festival for our big anniversary year,” Hunter said. “In celebration, we are inviting past performers as well as new ones to join us. Because Ann and I have such a great rapport, we’ve been able to keep the festival going through these crazy pandemic years and continue to connect with great artists. HiDeF is a creative arts festival for the Hi-Desert community and beyond, and the vision keeps us going!” Added Van Haney: “We created this event as a forum to encourage new and established artists from the Hi-Desert and around the world to share original, innovative works, and to create a space that makes theatre approachable and enjoyable for all. Hi-DeF is a true celebration of theatre on the edge, and I am so happy with how it is growing and evolving. It’s a joy to collaborate with Miri, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!” Hi-Def Hi-5 is accepting performer applications through March 15. To apply, and for admission pass pricing and the event scheduling information, please visit hidesertfringe.org. The Hi-Desert Fringe Festival is a program of Project Sheba, a minority and woman-owned nonprofit organization founded by Miri Hunter.

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ with the same mindset is really important to me. People who are continuously striving to sound better and work on their craft are inspiring to me and I have been able to surround myself with people like that. That’s how I have been able to continuously grow and improve the band itself and I am truly grateful for them and their contributions to our performances.” In addition to seeing Eevan Tré and his band perform at The 24th Annual Concert Series at the Gardens on El Paseo, Tré has residencies at Kitchen 86 on El Paseo in Palm Desert on Mon, Weds and Sat nights and at Tommy Bahamas, downtown Palm Springs on Fridays from 3-6.

January 20 to January 26, 2022

CONSIDER THIS

o one walks the tightrope between melancholy and melodic like Aimee Mann. Maybe Sufjan Stevens comes close, or the guy that fronts the band Eels (his name is Mark Oliver Everett, but you knew that). But Aimee always manages to tap a reserve of sadness and wrap the ache up in her pluperfect brand of gossamer Guitar Pop. Born in 1960, Aimee endured a turbulent childhood (she recently disclosed that bitter custody issues left her with a form of P.T.S.D.), music provided some much-needed escape. Punk hit during her adolescence, and she was drawn to artists like David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Patti Smith. She attended the prestigious Berklee College Of Music, dropping out to join a Punk band called the Young Snakes. By 1983 she formed and fronted ‘Til Tuesday. Signed by Columbia Records, the band’s debut, Voices Carry, arrived in 1985, buoyed by the title track, a sweet and sour New Wave/Synth Pop single that touched on issues like domestic violence and emotional abuse. Two more Tuesday albums followed, but the label had a tough time marketing them and the band broke up in 1990. Rather quickly, embarked on a solo career. Although her first couple of solo efforts, 1993’s Whatever and 1995’s I’m With Stupid garnered rave reviews, label woes, first at Imago, and the Geffen, continued. She might have been consigned to onehit-wonder status had she not created a series of indelible songs that intrigued acclaimed filmmaker (and good friend) Paul Thomas Anderson, who went on to write the movie Magnolia based on those songs. The eventual soundtrack catapulted Aimee into the spotlight, the single, “Save Me” was nominated for an Academy Award and a Grammy award. The experience completely jump-started her career. Fed up with record label tsuris, she took control and created her own label, SuperEgo Records. In the ensuing years she has released a series of amazing albums beginning with Bachelor No. 2, and continuing with Lost In Space, The Forgotten Arm, @#%&*! Smilers and Charmer. She’s also recorded a live effort, a Christmas album and formed a duo, the Both, with Punk Rock stalwart, Ted Leo. Her most recent album, 2017’s Mental Illness won the Grammy for Best Folk Album. Recently, Aimee was approached to write music for a stage adaptation of Susan Kaysen’s memoir, Girl, Interrupted. The book detailed her 1968 stay at McLean Psychiatric Hospital. Already the basis of a film starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, the show aimed to hew more closely to the book. Taking the ball and running with it, she quickly completed 15 songs, well ahead of the play being written. Unfortunately, thanks to (you guessed it), the pandemic, the show is now in limbo. So, Aimee opted to release it as Queens

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AIMEE MANN

“QUEENS OF THE SUMMER HOTEL (SUPEREGO RECORDS) BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

Of The Summer Hotel. The album’s title comes from an Anne Sexton poem. Familiarity with Susan Kaysen’s is not a pre-requisite for enjoying this record. The album opens tentatively with “You Fall.” Glazed piano notes are bookended by thumping upright bass shivery strings and a trap kit beat. It’s all so diffuse and stylish, you can almost hear the cocktails clinking at some swank, late ‘60s cocktail party. The minor key melody suits Aimee’s conversational tone, clearly a topic of gossip and speculation, she dispenses with pretense and addresses the elephant in the room; “I know what you think, this never could be my fate, as you’re sipping and signaling to your date.” As a lissome woodwind section shadows her tender contralto, she alludes to her recent shock therapy; “They don’t give you a lot, but you’re sure it’s enough, cause God help you if not, you’re not calling that bluff, you’re strong, but Lord, who’s really that tough, you’re not made of such unbreakable stuff, so you fall, bit by bit, you fall.” In a recent interview, Aimee alluded to the plight of women her age, traumatized by growing up in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. “When it was understood that women were stupid…the conventional wisdom was that women talked all the time, that they were bad drivers; that if they were unhappy in their marriage, it was because they didn’t accept literally what nature had destined them for. And so, you can’t make a fucking mistake, because the mistake is immediately going to be attributed to your gender. They create a box and then put you in the box so the box can control you.” Women are still considered second-class citizens, but

it was significantly worse during the final vestiges of a patriarchal era captured with ruthless elan by the Mad Men series. Several songs here speak to that genderspecific disconnect. Sung from a penile point of view, both “Little Chameleon” and “Give Me Fifteen” simply drip with condescension and casual misogyny. The former is powered by rippling piano glissandos, swoopy strings and swoony harmonies. Lyrics damn with faint praise, cavalierly addressing a woman as a Chameleon or Magpie, essentially mistaking coping mechanisms for character defects; “Little miss patchwork you stitch and you glue, til standing before you is what you call you, who knows how it feels or even if it does, or if you ever were, or it ever was.” The latter is written from the perspective of an arrogant psychiatrist who doles out electroshock treatments like lollipops. Cascading piano chords lattice over willowy strings, plucked upright bass notes and a rat-a-tat beat. The jaunty melody almost belies the smug and superior idee’ fixe that the Second Sex is somehow inferior; “Ladies can you hear me, you come in here looking like some hippie chick, some Bolshevik, it doesn’t even faze me, cause there’s a couple boxes, self-appointed foxes put the chickens in, you’re feminine, you’re crazy/ Give me 15, give me 15, give me 15, I’ll evaluate a lady at a glance, with only 15, only 15, only 15, you’re committed for the crime of lacking pants, Women who complain about the time their seen, sing a different tune when they’re on Thorazine, so give me 15!” Eeesh. A few tracks employ a graceful Waltz

tempo to cushion the lyrical sturm und drang. Take “You Don’t Have The Room,” cooing cello partners with swaying violin, plunky piano and a high-hat kick. An innermonologue unfurls, slyly implying that the fairer sex better have a fair complexion, or navigating the world becomes even more complicated and discriminatory; “You don’t have the skin to bend the rules, the world will gladly suffer whiter fools, and when they screw up, they justify a second chance so they can try again, running up a tab they’ll never see, becoming what you’ll never be/Your parents said of course they always knew, they must have been fools to count on you, but you don’t have the room, you don’t have the room.” Moodily elegant woodwinds flutter on the break, underscoring the fungible fragility. Jangly guitars and a see-sawing string section tangle on “Burn It Out.” Brittle bass lines, painterly piano and a thwoking beat are folded into the mix as lyrics attempt to assuage the barrage of bad thoughts; “Ghostly intruders who storm the moat, black-booted looters lay knife to throat, can’t you just burn that out? All of the shame that was yours to bear, will it ignite like a signal flare, can you just burn it out?” Sometimes self-harm feels like the only way to excise the inner-demons. Meanwhile, “Robert Lowell And Sylvia Plath” namechecks two of McClean’s bestknown, um, alumni. Woozy woodwinds wrap around burnished piano, thrumming bass, sparkly percussion and a shuffle rhythm. The well-known poets spent time at the facility at different times in the mid20th century. Robert died from natural causes, Sylvia by her own hand. The song’s narrator can’t help but compare her plight to theirs; “Robert Lowell and Sylvia Plath, paint and plaster stripped down to the lath, one now broken one now dust, victim of mental wanderlust… and what’s to become of me? What am I doing here?” The more harrowing the tale, the lovelier the melody. This is especially true of “In Mexico,” “Suicide Is Murder” and “You Could Have Been A Roosevelt.” Aimee’s matter-of-fact mien mirrors this South Of The Border tale of marital ennui on “…Mexico.” Sour strings are matched by dour piano runs and a gorgeous brass fanfare. Clearly there’s trouble in Shangrila; “Every Eden has its price, here you have to pay it twice, servants bring me beans and rice, but there’s snakes in every paradise/cause I’m shooting speed, that’s what I do, when I can’t get what I need from you, in Mexico, in Mexico.” The lyrics’ unflinching honesty is augmented by a combo-platter of Mad Hatter piano and sylvan strings on the outro. “Suicide…” opens with churchy piano flourishes, celestial cello and a click-clack patty-cake beat. Lyrics make the case that killing yourself is a homicidal act,

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“motive, means and opportunity” add up to a “premeditated, rehearsed tragedy.” It also advances the theory that suicide inflicts the most pain on those who are left behind; “But beware, cause anyone who knew you will be cursed and part of them will also die, there’s no end to the asking of the question ‘Why?’” It’s a stinging indictment of a selfish act. “….Roosevelt” strikes a lighter tone. Cheery piano chords brush up against sulky strings, swirly woodwinds and a hup-two-three-four beat. Lyrics bite like a dry martini as Aimee dissects the difference between arrivistes and the monied classes; “Out in the world where certain things are beyond our scope, just to be a girl with Jean Nate’ Pink Camay and Yardley soap/This could be us, but there was a trust we never felt, it’s hard to be a Kennedy when you could have been a Roosevelt, it’s hard to be a Kennedy when you could have been a Roosevelt.”

Other interesting tracks include the dreamily hypnotic Samba of “At The Frick Museum,” which actually references the Vermeer painting that inspired the book title, Girl, Interrupted. Then there’s “Home By Now,” a pervy piano ballad that casually alludes to an incestuous father-daughter relationship; “My daddy loves me, he’s my Liebchen and I’m his eine kleine Frau.” Both “Checks” and “Checks (Reprise)” act as musical sorbets, cleansing the aural palate between main courses. The former is a quick O.C.D. mantra, the latter, a tart instrumental. The final two songs act as a sort of denouement. “You’re Lost” blends strident piano notes with whispery strings and a sturdy beat. Lyrics limn the frightening sensation of being held captive by your own thoughts, the labyrinthine wordplay is close to (Elvis) Costelloesque; “A pill on your tongue dissolving, an egg out of its shell, a puzzle that no one’s solving at the

bottom of a well, what could you bring that would un-ring that bell?” Finally, “I See You” offers some emotional rescue. A loping lullaby cocooned in wistful strings, pliant piano and a tick-tock beat. Lyrics throw a lifeline that answers the unspoken S.O.S.; “There is a girl up in her bed, blade against her skin, I see you, hoping the pain covers the dread, keeps the secret in, I see you.” Fluttery piano and soaring oboe on the break, give the arrangement a Bacharach heft that momentarily allays the angst. The final verse is a semaphore that cuts through the fog of sadness; “People get crushed and broken, people lose and they grieve, but I see and I believe, I see, and I believe,” that ends the album on a hopeful note. Working with her longtime producer Paul Bryan and engineer Ryan Freeland, Queens Of The Summer Hotel features Jay Bellarose on trap kit and percussion,

Anna Butterss on bass, Jaime Edwards, Rachel Eckroth and Lee Pardini on piano. The string section is comprised of Richard Dodd on cello, Leah Katz on viola along with violinists Eric Gorfain and Daphne Chen. The woodwind section includes Phil O’Connor on Bb clarinet and bass clarinet and Mya Barrera on Oboe. Danielle Ondarza adds horn and Aidan Lombard plays trumpet. In 1968, the exact year Susan Kaysen was hospitalized in McLean, some smarmy ad executive came up with the phrase “You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby” as a way to cigarettes marketed exclusively for women. Apparently, having a feminine brand of cigarettes was just as cool as securing the right to vote. In the last halfcentury, women have certainly made some strides. But as Aimee coolly notes on this brilliant record, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

MUSIC

((((FOLKYEAH)))) PRESENTS

THE LILYS

January 20 to January 26, 2022

AT PAPPY & HARRIET’S

ndie-Pop cult favorites, The Lilys, are coming to Pappy & Harriet’s on Saturday, January 22. The band, which started more than 30 years ago, primarily consists of visionary Kurt Halsey and a rotating line-up of musicians. Their 1992 debut, In The Presence Of Nothing, was hailed as a Shoegaze masterpiece on par with My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless LP. Their sophomore effort, Eccsame And The Photon Band leaned closer to swoony Dream Pop. By the time they released their third effort, 1996’s Better Can’t Make You Better, they were mining a Power Pop/ Psychedelic sound that echoed ‘60s progenitors like The Kinks, The Monkees and The Zombies. Their most recent album, Everything Wrong Is Imaginary was released in 2006.

They’re perhaps best-known for songs that appeared in commercials for Cadillac, Calvin Klein CK1 and Levis. But most Of The Lilys albums are long outof-print. This tour celebrates recent vinyl reissues of Better Can’t Make Your Life Better and 1999’s The Three Way. A

short, West Coast hop, it includes stops in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Opening for the Pappy’s show are High Desert favorites, Farmer Dave & The Wizards Of The West. (Doors open at 7pm/Show at 9pm. $22. advance/$25. day of show)

January 20 to January 26, 2022

SCREENERS

DYING TO SEE A MOVIE?

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No. 510 BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

uch a sad week for this movie reviewer. No PSIFF movies, no local screenings for the press and no physical screeners of new movies in the mail. All theses issues are pandemic related. But here’s the bigger question: is it safe to go back to seeing movies in a theater? Yes, there are a myriad of films available on the internet and streaming platforms, but it’s not the same as going to theater. Our communal experiences has been greatly modifies due to the killer virus (even if you think it’s a hoax). Recently I spoke to several local infectious disease experts and epidemiologists and asked is it safe to see a movie in a theater? Here’s a summary of what they said. Because theaters are indoors, attending a show might involve being part of a crowd in a poorly ventilated venue. So, participating in a theatrical screening puts you at a higher risk for “catching” Covid-19. Fully vaccinated people don’t need to wear masks or physically distance unless laws, places and businesses require them. Fully vaccinated people who are immunocompromised, or living with people who are, should still be extra careful since

immune weakening conditions make someone at higher risk for disease and death. Since you’re not able to open doors and windows (in theaters) to increase ventilation, avoiding a crowded theater is a good rule of thumb. We already swap hours of our lives to enjoy a movie, but no movie is worth dying for. I want to hear from readers. Please tell me if you are seeing movies in an indoor theater, and what movies are worth the risk. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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GASTRO GRIND BURGERS

ver two years ago the Rangel family decided to make their dream of opening a high-quality burger place a reality. Greg and Belinda conducted years of research by sampling L.A. basin and local restaurants known for their burgers. Their son, Reuben, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, dreamed of opening a restaurant in which he could develop a menu using the freshest ingredients in an elevated combination. During their research, the Rangel’s particularly enjoyed the personal attention

to detail and customer satisfaction they found at family-run restaurants which further reinforced their decision to open in October 2019. Then, the shadow of the pandemic descended upon their and many other restaurants in the Coachella Valley. After a two-week closure, what would their future business look like? The pandemic wiped out many restaurants. Family-run businesses did better than most chain restaurants because of their will to succeeded. Gastro Grind found a way to make it all work aided by the enthusiastic support of their loyal customer

January 20 to January 26, 2022

GOOD GRUB

BY DANIEL PARIS

base. After the adjacent business shuttered, Gastro Grind expanded into the space effectively doubling their capacity for dining in. They plan to develop a small bar area upon issuing of a liquor license. None of this happens without the high quality, reasonably priced food consistently served at Gastro Grind Burgers. The combination of freshly-ground meats and fresh ingredients give each burger and sandwich a real personality for customers to identify with.

Gastro Grind Burgers is a pandemic success story of a kind we need to hear (and taste) more during these interesting times. Monday – Thursday - 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Friday – Saturday - 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday - 11:00 am – 6:00 pm 73850 CA-111 #B, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 404-0300.

LOCAL BUSINESS

antasy Springs Resort Casino, one of the Coachella Valley’s largest and most highly regarded employers, is seeking to fill more than 90 positions at its company-wide Career Expo on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Special Events Center. The first 50 job seekers that complete an in person application will receive a $50 gift card. Managers will be on hand to personally interview candidates for exciting careers in a variety of positions including Restaurant Server, Sous Chef, Restaurant Manager, Baker, Cook, Cash Ops, Cage Cashier, Main Banker, Table Games Dealers and Floor Supervisors, and many more. With over 90 positions to be filled, there is something for everyone. Candidates should come with their resume in hand and dressed for an interview. Prospective applicants can view all job opportunities at fantasyspringsresort.com/employment.

“Fantasy Springs truly values our team members and is looking to offer employment that has long-term stability. Many of our employees have been with us for over five, 10 — even 20 years,” said Human Resources Director Robert Silverang. “We offer incredible incentives such as free meals for team members, employee discounts on hotel,

restaurant, golf and entertainment, company-wide parties for holidays, employee of the quarter awards, and more. We take great pride in treating our team members with respect and are guided by our core values of family, entertainment, professionalism and passion.” With over 1,000 full- and part-

time employees, Fantasy Springs offers numerous perks including on the job training, competitive wages, opportunity for advancement, attractive benefit packages, generous paid-time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, 401K, employee assistance program, and special recognition for those who best exemplify Fantasy Springs’ values. For more information, visit www. fantasyspringsresort.com.

January 20 to January 26, 2022

THE VINO VOICE

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BY RICK RIOZZA

A CODE RED CALL TO CHAMPAGNE?

don’t consider myself to be an alarmist; rather, I think I’m pretty even keeled most of the time. But I apparently set off a few of our Champagne lovers with my article, “Here’s to a Sparkling New Year”, published a couple of weeks ago: “But just a quick side note: I saw a brief clip of the latest CBS 60 Minutes program where climate change is definitely having a major impact on Champagne production in France. We’ve written on this phenomenon previously, so you readers shouldn’t be taken by surprise. The vineyards need to move north, and we need to be enjoying the stuff while it lasts.” Well—okay, I only received a couple of emails, but-but, as far as “sample size”, it does show a concern from our desert dwelling wine enthusiasts—who know how hot things are getting—that Champagne production is indeed being challenged by climate change. So let’s get some perspective: Historically, warm weather—especially in the cold regions of Europe, was very good news. Sometimes, back in the day, vintners had to add a bit of sugar to bolster the sour grapes of minimal sunlight. And in the freezing Champagne region of France, for so many years, the vintners did just that—known in France as “chaptalization”. And generally speaking, in France for so many decades, heat was very, very good for the wine biz. But a recent 2016 study warned that the traditional cold French weather may not last for much longer, as temperatures keep rising. We remember the disastrous 2003 month-long heat spell that killed over 13,000 Frenchmen—not to sound flippant, but that was a bad sign. Generally speaking, what hot weather brings are early grape harvests because the grapes ripen faster. This means the grape’s lovely lifetime on the vine is affected, and oftentimes diminishes the wine quality due to a change in the grape’s customary sugar, acid, phenol, and tannin content. And that could translate to a change in an expected taste of your favorite bubbly. Sure, winemakers—especially the Champenois can adapt to maintain the flavors they are known for—but for how long? Global warming has caused Champagne growers to harvest their grapes 18 days earlier than they did 30 years ago. These effects of local warming have actually been beneficial for the quality of grape juice produced in the region. But they write that the beneficial effects are likely to continue if global warming is limited to a 2°C rise. Good luck! As your trusted friendly neighborhood somm and wine steward, I can report that due to a combination of the pandemic, supply chain issues, a massive uptick in demand, along with extreme weather events, it’s all led to a shortage in Champagne these past holidays, and, it will probably continue—for how long, who knows. In 2020, as the pandemic swept the globe, the Champagne industry saw a sharp drop in sales as restaurants and bars closed down and consumers saw less cause to celebrate. But toward the end of 2020, as CNBC reported, “sales began to rebound as life returned to some semblance of normalcy (the presidential election also led to a bump in bubbly sales.) While it's too soon to tell how the category fared in 2021, it seems sales have exploded. Industry experts are anticipating that Champagne sales this year will surpass pre-pandemic levels.” But will we be able to find the stuff! The issue appears to be hitting the highend brands the most: Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, and Veuve Clicquot are sold out in

many markets, and retailers are concerned about selling out of bubbly altogether. Alcohol delivery service Drizly recently surveyed 500 beverage retailers across the US and found that 80% are at least slightly concerned about running out of Champagne. The CIVC, the Champagne trade group, sets limits on production each year, dictating how much of growers' crops can be harvested, how much should be held back to create multivintage blends down the road, and how much will be used to make Champagne vinegar. “In 2020, at the height of pandemic lockdowns, CIVC set the production limit at roughly 25% less than the year prior. Champagne must age for at least 15 months — longer for higher-end versions — which means the limits set in 2020 are likely to have a domino effect,” Wine Enthusiast reports. Last year's Champagne harvest was seriously damaged due to extreme weather including heat, frost, and severe rains. Frost took out 30% of the region's 2021 crops, mildew destroyed another 25% or 30%, and hail damaged over 1,200 acres of vineyards. As mentioned in the CBS 60 Minutes program, one grower in the Champagne region estimated that her family's vineyard had lost 90% of its grapes as a result of weather. Aprilaire, the climate watcher, writes “The “code red” designation is a justified warning, but all hope is not lost. There are changes we can make globally that will prevent us from experiencing the most extreme impacts of climate change down the road. “There is some debate about the level of responsibility placed on individuals to offset climate change. Various reports estimate that around 100 corporations are responsible for about 70% of all greenhouse gas emissions, making individual actions seem minimal in comparison. “While it’s true that the largest impact will come from decisions made by governments and corporations, individuals can embrace the role they have in the equation. As part of their “Act Now” program, the United Nations has picked out 10 actions that individuals can take to both contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and spread awareness of the importance of this issue: www.un.org/en/ actnow.” Wine Spectator just wrote,” Consumers needn’t panic buy. Champagne has a recent string of outstanding vintages in hand with 2018, 2019, and 2020 harvests.” Hey! I could use a nice chilled glass of Champagne right about now! Cheers!

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January 20 to January 26, 2022

PET PLACE

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ADOPT BETTY IN MEMORY OF BETTY WHITE! BY JANET McAFEE

dog named Betty waits patiently for a home at the main Riverside County shelter in Western Riverside. How long can a big dog wait in a shelter kennel before losing hope and becoming stressed? Betty arrived at the Riverside County shelter in Thousand Palms, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, on November 20, 2021. She watched quietly through kennel bars as visitors walked past and adopted small dogs. On January 6, she was transferred to the County’s shelter in Riverside. The younger population nearby is more inclined to adopt young large dogs. Betty is listed as a Rottweiler mix breed weighing 75 pounds. Upon intake, she was estimated to be 2 years old. Rottweilers are calm, confident, and courageous with a selfassured aloofness at first meeting as they assess new situations and people. These

muscular animals need space and exercise including brisk walks, games of fetch, and yards big enough to run. Mental exercise is also important for this intelligent breed, and they do well in obedience classes and agility programs. A friend’s wedding included their three Rottweilers, happily strolling down the aisle and politely sitting at the alter. Home security is another benefit from adopting a dog like Betty. No burglar will break in when they hear her loud barking. However, a dog does not provide home safety when it’s kept outdoors 24/7. This is just one of many reasons to allow your canine indoor/outdoor access. Dogs are social creatures, and their indoor companionship rewards us with better health and happiness. Did you know dogs understand up to 1,000 words and know our INTENT behind those

words? Large dogs like Betty have larger brains, and are experts at learning new skills. Large dogs become house trained almost immediately. Did you know mix breeds are healthier than pure breed dogs in most cases? This is due to the absence of genetic problems which result in medical issues and costly veterinary bills. Pure breed Rottweilers may suffer from joint disease and/or heart disease, particularly if the breeder breeds related pups. As a mix breed, Betty should have good health and longevity with good vet care. The staff named her “Betty”, which could have been prophetic with the recent passing away of animal advocate Betty White. This amazing heroine would have turned 100 years old on January 17, 2022. In her memory, this column hopes to find this special pup a home.

MEET THOMAS

PRETTY GRAY GIRL

This adorable little fellow is smart and inquisitive! Thomas is 8 lbs of doggie love, a long haired Chihuahua boy. He’s dog ID#A49348951 at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs, www. psanimalsshelter.org, Shelter open only by appointment, call (760) 416-5718.

This one year old, 5 lb, little girl looks like a British Blue cat! She waits for a home with 33 other cats & kittens at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter. Located at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, www.rcdas. org, (951) 358-7387. She’s cat ID#1653818. Open 10am-4pm Monday through Saturday.

Betty is currently listed as “NEEDS RESCUE” due to her length of time at the shelter. She is available to private No-Kill animal rescues as well as to private adopters. She was successfully housed with another big dog at the Thousand Palms shelter, and did well in the big dog playgroup. Staff notes she likes people even more than other dogs. I met Betty when she was at the Thousand Palms shelter, and noted her calm and friendly demeaner. Betty is vaccinated, microchipped, and will be spayed before she leaves for her forever home. Due to current overcrowding, Riverside County is waiving adoption fees for the remainder of January. Head out to meet this gorgeous dog. The freeway drive from the Coachella Valley takes about 90 minutes. The shelter is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday, no appointment required, 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley (Western Riverside), www.rcdas. org. Betty is dog ID#A1648025. Call (951) 3587302 with questions. Nothing is happier than the miracle of the FREEDOM RIDE when you drive your rescue dog home from the shelter. The grateful heart of a rescue dogs helps us realize life can get better if we just keep believing and hoping. Janetmcafee8@gmail.com -------------------------------------------------Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a wonderful dog or cat. COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – This county shelter is now open for walk in visitors 10am-4pm Mon through Sat. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – This shelter is open every day except Tuesday. View their animals online at www.psanimalsshelter. org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) DESERT HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL - Open daily 9:30-4:30. View their animals at www.cityofdhs.org/animal-carecontrol.com, 65810 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, (760) 329-6411 ext. 450. ANIMAL SAMARITANS – Call for an

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appointment to adopt. View their animals at www.animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 6013918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - Call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www.californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 6568833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs and some cats. View some of their animals at www. orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to visit and adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 2512700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 335-6767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs

and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – Call for appointment to visit and adopt dogs. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals. org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA (ARC), Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. www.thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077 (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, view animals at living-free. org, and call (951) 659-4687. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-2pm (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is now open for Walk in visitors 12 – 3pm Tuesday through Saturday. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you are interested in adopting, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public). DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/ San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

January 20 to January 26, 2022

SWAG FOR THESOUL

BY AIMEE MOSCO

SHIELDING YOUR ENERGY

ave you ever walked into a room and felt tension from others who are in that room? Have you ever been in the presence of people who are fighting with one another? How did that make you feel? If you have had this experience, it probably didn’t make you feel good. While it may not have ruined your life, it stole a precious moment of time from you when you could have been connecting with and circulating good vibes throughout your being. There is no doubt we are affected by the energy emanating from others and filling the invisible space around us. If we expect to grow and evolve as individuals and as a collective, the energy of these impactful encounters become important to manage. If you can feel tension or anger when it was generated by someone else, then it is affecting your energy. As you process that external energy, it lowers your vibration. This means that your ability to connect with happiness is impaired, and that is significant even if it happens for one minute out of your day. All of the details matter when it comes to energy! It benefits you to keep your vibrations high as much and as often as you can so that you can distribute and recirculate energies throughout your being which support your divine nature. Your true divine nature aligns with happiness, creativity, and love. If you want to remain connected to the highest degree of happiness, creativity and love as you grow, it serves you to address the energetic influences that bombard you on a daily basis. One way to do this is to shield your energy field. You can create a shield by intentionally connecting with the energy of love. Love is the most powerful energy that exists and is able to neutralize lower vibrations with ease. It only takes conscious intent and a little creative visualization to craft a basic energy shield for yourself. Here’s how you do it: Think about someone or something that evokes the honest and true emotion of love in

you. It is helpful to look at photos and revisit memories to connect deeply with love. As you are connecting with love, imagine that white light is pouring out of you. Imagine that this white light is filling the space around you. When it has completely encompassed you, draw a circle around yourself in your mind so you are now encased within a bubble of white light. Repeat this exercise as often as necessary throughout your day to maintain your shield. Not only will this help you, but it will help others around you because just as you can feel the tension of others, they will feel the love that encompasses you. In my pursuit to help human beings circulate the energy of love, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella and me. Go to facebook.com/groups/evolvethroughlove and share with us. Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Spiritual Teacher and Co-Founder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s desire to help others inspired her first book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. Aimee serves as Vice Chair to the World Game Changers Board of Directors, a charitable CIC based in the UK. Find Aimee at www.ihsunity.com.

January 20 to January 26, 2022

SAFETY TIPS

don’t know about you, but I certainly am trying to shed those holiday pounds. Maybe I left my pants in the dryer too long? I know the truth… As I get older, weight comes on quicker and slower to shed. I recently read an article regarding

CYBER CORNER

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HOW DID MY PANTS GET SO TIGHT?

just that. Common New Year’s resolutions include losing weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, or starting a new fitness routine. What better time than the new year to focus on your health? Eating healthy and staying

active can benefit both your physical and mental well-being. There is an old saying “nothing tastes as good as it feels to be thin.” Reaching a healthy weight not only helps you feel better in the short term but lowers your risk of developing many diseases as you age. To lose weight, the CDC recommends moving your body, eating well, getting enough sleep, and lowering your stress levels. If you want to lose weight quickly, you may be tempted to try a fad diet. However, the healthiest path to weight loss involves focusing on broader lifestyle changes. If you don’t know where or how to begin changing your lifestyle, start by increasing your physical activity. The CDC outlines some ideas for people who want to exercise more frequently.

ablet technology has advanced in recent years to the point that some devices can compete with laptops. In addition to a CPU, both have memory, a battery, and most of the other components that comprise a computer. However, there are distinct qualities that distinguish a tablet from a laptop. In terms of definition, a tablet is a portable computer with a touchscreen display and a mobile operating system that lacks the typical In/Out ports present in a computer. A laptop, on the other hand, is a portable computer that has a full operating system, a non-touchscreen display (in most cases), a mouse, and a keyboard. A laptop also has the standard In/Out ports seen on most desktop computers. A tablet lacks most of the I/O ports found in a laptop. Finally, tablet computers are often significantly smaller in size than laptop computers. Trying to decide between a tablet and a laptop might be difficult, as they are generally both computers with processors. If you're undecided about whether to buy a laptop or a tablet, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Comparing Laptops and Tablets Performance The performance of a device is primarily determined by its purpose and price. In terms of performance, at lower prices, tablets are often equivalent to similarly priced laptops. However, when laptop costs rise, their performance grows accordingly. If we're talking about a device that's mostly used for online browsing, multimedia, and basic gaming, a tablet will almost certainly surpass a low-end laptop. Laptops can outperform tablets in the mid-to-high-end price range, enabling them to dominate in this category. Portability One of the most important factors to consider is the device’s portability. Tablets win most of the cases as they are smaller in size and weigh less. Tablets with 8-inch or 10inch screens are the most popular because they strike the ideal balance of ergonomics and screen size. Laptops, on the other hand, may span a wider range. They come in a variety of sizes, from 12 inches to 21 inches. The typical 15-inch laptop weighs about 2 kg. Although this laptop is heavier than

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA Write down your health-related goals and routine Ask your doctor which types of exercise might work best for you based on your age and/or health conditions Set aside three or more blocks of time each week for exercise. Participate in a group activity that involves exercise. Use your smartphone to access workout videos when traveling or on the go. Here is the link to the full article: https:// lnkd.in/gSRRJHaf.

BY DENNIS SHELLY

a tablet, there is a large variety of laptop weights, just as there is a vast range of screen sizes. Notebooks generally weigh less than a kg. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, may weigh up to 8 kg. However, tablets are more portable than even the smallest laptops since they are lighter and smaller. Display Resolution and display size are also the two important factors to consider. Due to their bigger frames, laptops are more likely to be able to display larger screens. However, when pixel density is considered, the smaller tablet display has a greater pixel density. As a result, the image will be crisper, and individual pixels will be less noticeable. Thus, tablets typically have superior graphics at cheaper rates than similar-priced laptops. This is because the pixel density is greater. Storage Capacity Storage capacity is another critical factor to consider, and laptops are usually the market leaders in this category. The most affordable laptops include either a 500GB or 2TB HDD or an SSD. These outperform most tablets. Tablets feature internal storage capacity ranging from 8 GB to 512GB. However, some higher-end tablets have storage capacities of up to 1TB. Overall, laptops have a much larger storage capacity. Most laptops' internal storage drives may also be upgraded but tablets do not allow this. Overall, we would give upper hand to laptops in terms of the storage capacity because SSDs can easily equal the speed and capacity of tablets. There are also low-cost

alternatives for external storage, as well as the ability to update the laptop's internal storage at any time. Cameras Cameras are built into both laptops and tablets; however, tablets are more sophisticated in this regard. The reason for this is that tablets have both rear and front cameras. Furthermore, the cameras are of higher quality than those available in equivalent laptops. It makes sense because tablets are more portable than computers and can have many smartphone functions. Laptop cameras are not of great quality, especially for low-cost laptops. Tablets are more adaptable and feature higher-quality cameras at a lesser cost. With or without a keyboard Tablets have a touch screen and operate like smartphones. The touchscreen keyboard is used for typing. If you find it difficult to type on the on-screen keyboard, you may buy a wireless keyboard and a protective case with a built-in keyboard separately. A laptop's physical keyboard enables faster typing and greater comfort. It's probably the finest choice if you're going to create spreadsheets or documents. Operating Systems One significant distinction between a tablet and a laptop is the operating systems that run on them. A tablet is often powered by a mobile operating system. A laptop, on the other hand, runs a full version of an operating system just as a desktops use: Windows, macOS, or Linux. Key distinctions

between desktop and mobile operating systems are easy to sum up: mobile operating systems are simple and easy to use, while desktop operating systems offer more capabilities and access to a larger choice of powerful software. This would indicate that the desktop operating system is the clear leader in this category. Battery Life Tablets are powered by low-power components that conserve energy. In most tablets, the battery takes up most of the internal space. Many tablets can operate for up to 10 hours on a single charge due to huge batteries and power-efficient components. Laptops, on the other hand, are more powerful and need more demanding processing, storage, and functionality. Laptops are more complicated, which means there is less space for the battery. Laptop components are also more powerful and use more power than tablet components. Even with comparablesized batteries, the typical laptop battery life is four to eight hours. Whatever your needs are, the most important factor in deciding between a laptop and a tablet should be easy to use, and looks and feels good to you. Choose the device that is most convenient for you and will make your life and computing more convenient, and is something you’ll actually use. A laptop is your best choice if you need to do a lot of typing or operate with many software applications at the same time. If you only need a gadget for browsing the internet, keeping up with the news, or relaxing with your favorite movie, a tablet will suffice. There is no right or wrong answer here; choose the device that best suits your needs. Have a suggestion for our next article or questions about choosing your next device or need some assistance setting it up? Please contact us by calling (760) 205-0105 or emailing at tech@eggheadit.com and our Eggsperts are happy to help you with your questions or suggestions. IT | Networks | Security | Phones | A/V | Integration

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HADDON LIBBY

BIG TIME

hich public traded business is the biggest? It all depends upon the way you are measuring big. Amongst publicly traded companies, Walmart is the largest employer in the world with 2.2 million employees. Most of these employees are in the United States. Second is Amazon with 1.3 million workers and growing. Based in Germany, Volkswagen is the largest publicly-traded employer not based in the United States with 663,000 employees. Fourth is Fedex with 570K followed by Deutsche Post at 565K and the Compass Group out of the United Kingdom at 548K. Compass Group is a large-scale food. services company. Rounding out the top ten are United Parcel Service with 540K, Accenture (old consulting arm of Arthur Anderson) with 537K, supermarket operator Kroger and the Home Depot (both 500K). Other notables include Starbucks with 349K, Toyota with 366K and Target at 409K. Which companies generate the most revenue? Walmart is far and away the leader with $572 billion in sales annually. Amazon is second at $458 billion followed by Chinese oil company, PetroChina at $375 billion. Apple comes in fourth at $366 billion with China’s Sinopec (oil & gas) at $353 billion. Berkshire Hathaway has $346 billion in revenues followed by Saudi Aramco out of Saudi Arabia with $329 billion, Volkswagen at $288 billion, CVS with $285 billion and UnitedHealth at $277 billion. Other notables include Google at $239 billion, Costco with $204 billion and

January 20 to January 26, 2022

BY HADDON LIBBY

South Korea’s Samsung at $223 billion. Revenue is nice but earnings are what matter to most shareholders. Measured by earnings, Saudi Aramco is the leader with $175 billion followed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway at $112 billion. Mega-cap tech takes third, fourth and fifth with Apple at $112 billion, Google at $85 billion and Microsoft at $78 billion. Japan’s Softbank, which invests in start-up companies like Uber, DoorDash and We Work earned $49 billion. Darth Vader of the Metaverse aka Mark Zuckerberg and his advertising behemoth, Facebook, was seventh at $47 billion. Rounding up the top ten were Ping An Insurance of China at $44 billion, Samsung with $41 billion and Brazil’s Petrobras at $40 billion. Other notables include Verizon and Amazon at $33 billion and Comcast with $24 billion. The real test for a company is its market

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

valuation. This is where individual and institutional investors determine the fair value of the company as judged by its stock price. Mega-cap tech giants get the highest valuations and represent four of the top five. Apple is the far and away winner the most highly valued at $2.8 TRILLION. Microsoft comes in second with $2.3 trillion followed by Saudi Aramco at $2 trillion, Google at $1.9 trillion and Amazon at $1.6 trillion. Investors love Tesla as shown by its $1 trillion valuation. During 2021, Tesla sold 1 million vehicles, an impressive feat. For comparison, Toyota sold 2.3 million vehicles in 2021, owns the Prius vehicle line, and is valued at $291 billion. Is Tesla worth that much more? Meta Technologies aka Facebook comes in seventh with $923 billion in earnings followed by Taiwan’s Taiwan Semiconductor at $729

billion. Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is ninth at $723 billion followed by NVIDIA at $671 billion. Other notables include Chase Bank at $467 billion, Walmart at $402 billion, Disney at $276 billion and Coca-Cola at $265 billion. Which companies own the most assets? AT&T ranks first at $552 billion followed by Softbank at $413 billion, Shell at $404 billion, ExxonMobil with $355 billion and Verizon at $353 billion. To get to these asset levels, some companies have taken on a lot of debt. Ford is the most indebted at $215 billion followed by AT&T ($207 BN), Comcast ($180 BN) and Verizon ($178 BN). For comparison, the US Government owes more than $23 trillion. Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information on their award-winning services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

RECKLESS DRIVING IS A MISDEMEANOR, NOT JUST A TICKET

he California Vehicle Code Section 23103 says: (a) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Clients ask, “Is 23103 VC a misdemeanor?” The answer is yes. Many Reckless Driving convictions come from a DUI reduction from DUI plea bargain of a 23152 VC. When that happens, one’s driving privilege is usually suspended for at least 30 days. In addition, there is usually a requirement of 3 years of informal probation called Summary Probation, with a requirement of attending DUI classes. If one drives during this period, where their license is suspended, they can be arrested for a 14601.2(a). VC 14601.2 (a) says A person shall not drive a motor vehicle at any time when that person's driving privilege is suspended or revoked for a conviction of a violation of Section 23152 or 23153 if the person so driving has knowledge of the suspension or revocation. However, just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you are guilty. You have a right to due process and we are determined to protect your rights, every step of the way. We will provide you with the perfect mix of effective representation and a personable, warm approach. We know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, and we will

use that knowledge in an effort to attain the best outcome possible on your behalf. If you have a question, we have an answer. We are always only a phone call away. Sometimes, a driver doesn’t realize until s/he gets back home, that the ticket received isn’t what you expected. Maybe instead of citing you for a specific speed infraction, the officer that pulled you over instead cited you for a Misdemeanor reckless driving. Reckless driving is far from just a minor traffic ticket. It is more serious, as each of the following three differences will show. RECKLESS DRIVING ISN’T A TICKET, BUT A MISDEMEANOR CHARGE: Some people don’t understand that the reckless driving citation they received is not merely a ticket. It is actually a misdemeanor criminal offense that will lead to a criminal record, if you plead guilty or get convicted in court. As a misdemeanor offense, reckless driving can mean between 5 and 90 days in a county jail and up to $1,000 in fines plus penalty assessments. RECKLESS DRIVING ADDS POINTS TO YOUR LICENSE: The California VC point system for driver’s licenses helps keep drivers with bad records off the road, or at least increases their costs for insurance and licensing. Insurance providers will charge a premium for those with major issues on their driving record. Unlike a speeding ticket, which only

adds one point to your license, reckless driving, and a DUI, can mean two points on your record. A License suspension results if the total points is 4 in 1 year; 6 in 2 years or 8 points in 3 years. Traffic School is a possible alternative for a speeding ticket, but not necessarily for a DUI. However, traffic school removes a point; but the Ticket remains for Insurance Purposes. RECKLESS DRIVING ALLEGATIONS DEPEND ON AN OFFICER’S PERCEPTION: Speeding is a clear-cut vehicle code offense. Provided that all the equipment works properly, devices operated by law enforcement officers will provide clear, mathematical evidence that your speed was higher than the posted limit for the road. While it is absolutely possible for those accused of speeding to successfully

challenge evidence and defend themselves, the process can be a little more complex for those accused of reckless driving. You may need to challenge the evidence or possibly present an alternative description of the situation. The law refers to reckless driving as a willful and wanton disregard for safety. In other words, the standard in our Indio Court, is highly interpretive. High speeds, erratic maneuvers or even driving the wrong way on a one-way road could all lead to reckless driving allegations. Defending against those allegations can help keep your driving record and your criminal record clean. So do yourself and your record a favor, and hire an experienced local lawyer. DALE GRIBOW Representing the Injured and Criminally Accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 201122 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME” For questions or suggestions for future columns contact dale@dalegribowlaw.com or 760-837-7500

January 20 to January 26, 2022

SENDME A TRAINER

he Mental Benefits of Physical Activities: Most of us know the many physical benefits of exercise: weight control, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes, and increased energy, just to name a few. But what about the psychological benefits of exercise? From easing symptoms of depression and anxiety to keeping your memory sharp, there’s no shortage of mental benefits of exercise. Whether you need motivation to get to the gym or to just take a brisk walk, the five psychological benefits of physical activity below will have you tying up your shoe laces and heading out the door. Help for depression and anxiety Exercise is a scientifically proven mood booster, decreasing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Physical activity kicks up endorphin levels, the body’s famous “feel good” chemical produced by the brain and spinal cord that produces feelings of happiness and euphoria. Even just moderate exercise throughout the week can improve depression and anxiety, so much so that some doctors recommend trying out an exercise regimen for these conditions before turning to medication. Decreased stress Another mental benefit of exercise is reduced stress levels—something that can make us all happier. Increasing your heart rate can actually reverse stress-induced brain damage by stimulating the production of neurohormones like norepinephrine, which not only improve cognition and mood but improve thinking clouded by stressful events. Exercise also forces the body’s central and sympathetic nervous systems to communicate with one another, improving the body’s overall ability to respond to stress. Increased self-esteem and self-confidence From improving endurance to losing weight and increasing muscle tone, there’s no shortage of physical achievements that come about from regular exercise. All those achievements can all add up to a whopping boost of self-esteem—and the confidence that comes with it. You may not set out for better-fitting clothes, a slimmer physique, and the ability to climb a hill without getting

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BY NADIA POPOVA

winded. Oftentimes it happens before you even realize it. It’s just one of the many benefits of physical activity that boost your body, mind, and spirit. Better sleep If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, exercise can help with that, too. Physical activity increases body temperature, which can have calming effects on the mind, leading to less sheep counting and more shuteye. Exercise also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, our bodies’ built-in alarm clock that controls when we feel tired and when we feel alert. (Although improved sleep is a psychological benefit of exercise, sleep experts recommend not exercising close to bedtime.) Brain boost From building intelligence to strengthening memory, exercise boosts brainpower in a number of ways. Studies on mice and humans indicate that cardiovascular exercise creates new brain cells—a process called neurogenesis—and improve overall brain performance. It also prevents cognitive decline and memory loss by strengthening the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Studies also prove that physical activity boosts creativity and mental energy. So if you’re in need of inspiration, your big idea could be just a walk or jog away. palmsprings@sendmeatrainer.com

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF JANUARY 20

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In October 2021, the Vancouver Canucks hockey team played the Seattle Kraken team in a Seattle arena. A fan named Nadia Popovici noticed that the Canucks’ equipment manager Brian Hamilton had an irregular mole on the back of his neck—possibly cancerous. She found a way to communicate her observation to him, urging him to see a doctor. In the ensuing days, Hamilton sought medical care and discovered that the mole was indeed in an early stage of melanoma. He had it removed. In the spirit of this inspiring story, Aries, I invite you to tell the people in your life things they should know but don’t know yet—not just what might be challenging, but also what’s energizing and interesting. Be their compassionate advisor, their agent for divine intervention. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Canadian-Jamaican songwriter and recording artist Kreesha Turner isn’t a mega-star like Beyoncé or Rihanna, but she has had a successful music career. What’s the secret to her constant creative output? Here’s what she has said: “I love to surround myself with people who are the best at what they do. My idea is I want to be a sponge and absorb everything they teach, experience their energy, view them in their element, and have the opportunity to ask them questions.” The coming year will be one of the best times ever for you to emulate her strategy, Taurus. And now is a perfect moment for formulating plans to make it happen. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author Lisa Cron says that when we’re telling a story, we should give each successive scene “new information, rather than rehashing things we already know. Never tell us the same fact twice. Because it’s boring and stops the flow of the story. Never tell us the same fact twice. Because it’s boring and stops the flow of the story.” In accordance with astrological omens, Gemini, I suggest you apply this counsel to everything you say and do in the next three weeks. Don’t repeat yourself. Keep moving right along. Invite novelty. Cultivate surprises and unpredictability. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Years ago, I reluctantly gave up my music career. To do so was sad and hard. But it enabled me to devote far more time and energy to improving my writing skills. I published books and developed a big audience. I’m glad I did it. Here’s another redemptive sacrifice I made earlier in my life: I renounced the chaotic pleasure of seeking endless new romantic adventures so I could commit myself to a relationship with one particular woman. In so doing, I learned a lot more about how to be a soulful human. I’m glad I did it. Is there potentially a comparable pivot in your life, my fellow Cancerian? If so, the coming weeks and months will be a favorable time to make a move. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo actor Claudia Christian has appeared in over 50 films, including many in the science fiction genre. She has played a variety of roles in movies with more conventional themes. But as for the sci-fi stuff? She says, “Apparently, I’ve been typecast: I’m a Russian bisexual telepathic Jew.” If Christian came to me for astrological advice right now, I would suggest that the coming months will be an excellent time for her and all of you Leos to slip free of any pigeonholes you’ve been stuck in. Escape the mold! Create niches for yourself that enable you to express your full repertoire. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The coming weeks will be a favorable time to meditate on your job and your calling—as well as the differences there may be between your job and your calling. In fact, I regard this as a phase when you can summon transformative epiphanies about the way you earn a living and the useful services you provide to your fellow humans. For inspiration, read this quote from photographer Margaret Bourke-White: “Even while you’re in dead earnest about your work, you must approach it with a feeling of freedom and joy; you must be loose-jointed, like a relaxed athlete.” LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Author Marguerite Yourcenar wrote, “All happiness is a work of

art: The smallest error falsifies it, the slightest hesitation alters it, the least heaviness spoils it, the slightest stupidity brutalizes it.” If what she says is true, it’s bad news, isn’t it? She makes it seem like cultivating joy and well-being is a superhuman skill that few of us can hope to master. Personally, I am not as stringent as Yourcenar in my ideas about what’s required to generate happiness. But like her, I believe you have to work at it. It doesn’t necessarily come easily and naturally. Most of us have never been taught how to cultivate happiness, so we must train ourselves to do it and practice diligently. The good news, Libra, is that the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to upgrade your happiness skills. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1891, a cultural organization commissioned Scorpio sculptor Auguste Rodin to create a statue of beloved French author Honoré de Balzac. The piece was supposed to be done in 18 months, but it wasn’t. For seven years, Rodin toiled, producing over 50 studies before finally finishing the piece. We shouldn’t be surprised, then, that one of his mottoes was “Patience is also a form of action.” I’m recommending Rodin-like patience to you in the coming weeks, Scorpio. Yours will be rewarded long before seven years go by. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “I am ashamed of confessing that I have nothing to confess,” wrote author Fanny Burney. Actor Jennifer Lawrence said, “I started to write an apology, but I don’t have anything to say I’m sorry for.” I nominate these two souls to be your role models for the coming weeks. In my astrological opinion, you are currently as immune to karmic boomerangs as it’s possible to be. Your guilt levels are abnormally low. As far as I can determine, you are relatively free from having to answer to the past or defend your actions. How do you plan to make maximum use of this grace period? CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “New truths become evident when new tools become available,” declared Nobel Prize-winning medical physicist Rosalyn Sussman Yalow (1921–2011). She was referring to developments in science and technology, but I think her idea applies to our personal lives, too. And it so happens, in my astrological opinion, that the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to acquire new tools that will ultimately lead you to discover new truths. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Self-help teachers and New Age gurus are fond of using metaphors about opening doors. They provide a lot of advice that encourages us to knock on doors, scout around for doors that are open just a crack, find keys to unlock doors, and even kick down doors. I will not be following their lead in this horoscope. In my opinion, the coming days are an excellent time for you to heed the contrary counsel of author Paulo Coelho: “Close some doors today. Not because of pride, incapacity, or arrogance, but simply because they lead you nowhere.” Once you carry out this assignment, Aquarius, I believe you’ll start finding interesting new doors to open. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 2017, Piscean film director Jordan Peele released his debut film, Get Out. It was a success with both critics and audiences. A year later, Peele became the first Black screenwriter to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. As he accepted the Oscar, he said, “I stopped writing this movie about 20 times because I thought it was impossible.” Personally, I’m glad Peele didn’t give up his dream. Here’s one reason why: He will serve as an excellent role model for you throughout 2022. As you reinvent yourself, Pisces, don’t give up pushing ahead with persistence, courage, and a quest for what’s most fun. Homework: What’s the best blessing you could bestow on yourself right now? Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

CANNABIS CORNER

poiler alert! During 2022, occasionally I will discuss cancel culture, the Chinese virus, in-patient hospital protocols for treating the Chinese virus, and many other issues that most of my readers think but dare not speak. If you believe the experimental jab for the virus is safe then STOP read no further. However, if you are in a “knowledge desert” and want to take control of your medical care then continue reading. These are historic times. Ten years from now, how will you view your engagement during this pandemic? What will you tell your children or grandchildren? I will tell them I did my utmost to counter the misinformation and outright lies our government officials tried to force down our throats. Doctors are being threatened with license revocation, suddenly without warning. Banks are deplatforming clients. Social, print, and entertainment media are banning

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January 20 to January 26, 2022

CANCEL CULTURE IN THE CANNABIS CORNER

any discussion that questions Lord Fauci’s dictates. We all need to stand up to this or we will lose our country. I can no longer be silent while our government officials make millions off this pandemic but folks like you and me lose our livelihood. The medical profession’s bioethics is being violated. But the tide is changing. In court cases all over this nation, mandates are getting struck down by the last firewall that protects our freedom from the grasp of medical tyranny. The Supreme Court invalidated the vaccine mandates in non-governmental businesses this past week. A Missouri Judge ruled the vaccine and masks mandates for health care workers in ten states, by unelected bureaucrats, are unconstitutional. West Virginia’s newly elected governor, on his first day in office, stopped all masks and vaccine mandates in schools, and banned critical race theory.

Even Bill Gates is starting to say the Chinese virus is burning out. The Olympics are only three weeks away, but danger is on the horizon. China is locking down major cities without telling us why. There seems to be a new virus strain. What are they hiding? Will our athletes be subjected to a new pathogen? Will the vaccine mandate dangerously subject them to cardiomyopathy? This side effect cannot be repaired. It is permanent. Ending the careers of accomplished athletes. If you have not read any articles by Dr. Robert Malone, the inventor of the mRNA technology, then this is where to start getting scientific information. rwmalonemd. substack.com. In addition, this website has COVID-19 treatment protocols for home and in-patient hospitalizations. covid19criticalcare.com/ covid-19-protocols/math-plus-protocol. What seems to be apparent over the last two years of lockdowns, is the Herculean effort needed to scour the Internet for alternate views. Print and TV media have failed us. This kind of propaganda is remarkably familiar to the cannabis aficionados. The government and the media both besmirch the use of plant medicine. The American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association continue to institute policies that negate research on the medicinal use of cannabis. Studies are showing that cannabinoids can block the SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants from entering cells. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/35007072. Richard B van Breemen,

BY RUTH HILL R.N. et, al, published a study in the Journal of Natural Products, this month, which showed cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) prevented infection of human epithelial cells (translation: lung tissue) by a pseudovirus expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and prevented entry of live SARSCoV-2 into cells. These cannabinoids, isolated or in hemp extracts, are bioavailable when taken sublingually or inhaled, and have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2. We are living in dangerous times. The future of our children is at stake. The search for truth looks at all sides and cancels none. I can no longer remain silent when I have access to a plethora of scientific information that counters the government lies. The last concern I will share is the dangerous policy of “vaccinating our children.” The SARS virus is not a danger to children, the vaccine is. View this declaration signed by 15,000 doctors and scientists. doctorsandscientistsdeclaration. org. Then tell me you can accept these permanent side effects, (transient myopericarditis) linked to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. These have mostly occurred in young males after the second dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Send comments to cannaangel16@gmail. com

January 20 to January 26, 2022

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TRAVEL TIPS4U

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

or over 36 years, The Street Fair, at College of the Desert is considered one of the top things to do in the Palm Springs area, where locals and visitors alike can spend their day with an openair shaded shopping experience second to none. With merchandise and services for all ages and any budget, the Street Fair offers over a thousand items for sale from artisans, home goods, fashion, furniture, vintage cars, a farmer’s market, live entertainment, gourmet food and much more. Support College of the Desert While you shop, you’re also donating to a great cause and helping college students achieve their dreams. All funds raised from merchant space rentals provides annual funding and support for students attending the College of the Desert. By supporting The Street Fair merchants, you are also supporting students! 100s of Items for Sale Clothing, Accessories, Outdoor and Patio Items, Art, Furniture, Pottery, Acrylic, Jewelry, Cosmetics, Luggage, Footwear, Leather Goods, Home Decor, Health Items, Pet Accessories, Crafts, Gourmet Goodies, Unique Gifts, Plants and Flowers, Produce (winter months) Stay in Touch Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates from The Street Fair, at College of the Desert. Their monthly newsletters will keep you informed about new events, merchants and how you help support the College of the Desert students. Free Shuttle Service Street Fair visitors enjoy a complimentary

shuttle service to and from all on-campus parking lots that surround the Street Fair. Location & Directions The Street Fair is held at the northwest corner of the College Of the Desert campus off Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert, CA. Hours - 8am – 2pm Saturday & Sunday Think Shop For Great Deals and Stop by the Open Air Shopping Destination in Palm Desert at COD!

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SARAH WEDDINGTON

here is a saying that, ‘Once you become fearless, life becomes limitless.’ That is the legacy of attorney Sarah Weddington, who at the age of twenty-six, changed the course of American history! I find few things in my life more engaging than one-on-one dialogues that both inform and inspire. My conversations with Sarah, the famed attorney who argued and won the passage of Roe V Wade before the Supreme Court, were some of the most educational, entertaining and motivational exchanges I have ever experienced. Our conversations left little doubt that she was a woman of depth, intelligence and substance. She had a wonderful sense of humor and spoke with a Texas accent that was warm and genuine. Sarah was without question, a leader and an icon, whose history-making accomplishments would be read in books and debated long after her passing. My partner Michele Weiss, and I had invited Sarah Weddington to Palm Springs, as the Keynote Speaker for the “Women Making History,” event that we were producing. It was 2016 and America was about to shift on its axis. Women were marching around the country and the globe, in protest of the misogynistic serial abuser who had just been put in the White House. Sarah was a reminder that we can prevail even against what seemed to be insurmountable odds. I had a million questions to ask and I was pretty sure that most were ones that she had been asked a thousand times before, but her responses never sounded rote. She maintained the passion for her work and her achievements, retelling stories she must have memorized, yet each word fresh and exciting, as if I were the first, she had ever shared the information with. Sarah said that she had heard a saying,

BY DEE JAE COX

“To be a leader, you must feel comfortable with being different.” She had always felt different. She grew up as the daughter of a Methodist preacher. Her father’s church required that they move every four years. She was continually being asked to reestablish herself, make new friends, and be a leader. She became an officer in the Methodist Youth Fellowship, President of her High School Chapter of the Future Homemakers of America, (the only school organization where a girl could become President.). She went on to college, became a teacher, (an acceptable career for a woman,) and then an attorney, (not so acceptable.) It was during her last year of Law School that she faced a choice that thousands of women are forced to make on a regular basis. She was working full time to pay for school, about to graduate into a field that already had many biases against women. Ron Weddington, her future husband, was finishing up his undergraduate degree, before also planning to attend law school. He had served in the Army after high school and was now playing catch-up with his career. Neither had a desire or the means to become parents during this time. As with most women, even now, who face this painful dilemma, her fear of moral judgment was great. She lived in Texas where women had to draw on a deep reservoir of inner strength just to move beyond the social constraints placed on them. Driving from Austin to Eagle Pass Texas, on an early Friday morning, Sarah and Ron checked into a motel, then crossed the border into Mexico and saw a doctor in Piedras Negras. She said she felt fortunate, she had heard so many stories of women who died or suffered great injury. Perforated uteruses, ingestions of toxic chemicals, sometime throwing themselves down stairs in hopes of a miscarriage. Women who

January 20 to January 26, 2022

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

bled to death from botched abortions and women who were permanently injured or killed by unqualified practitioners or selfinduced abortions. Yet unlike the experiences of so many other women at the time, the doctor she saw seemed competent, the office was clean and the abortion did not leave her in a critical condition, but it was an experience that forever altered her world view. Any woman, at any time, for a multitude of reasons, could need access to a safe abortion. Republican controlled states have increasingly made it more difficult for women to exercise reproductive freedom. Placing exorbitant risks on women’s health, safety and lives. Most want to know about Sarah Weddington’s historical win before the Supreme Court. How did a 26-year-old woman from Texas, of all places, come to represent Roe v Wade and alter the course of millions of women’s lives? In her book, “A Question of Choice,” Sarah wrote; India Gandhi is reported to have said, “I have felt like a bird born in too small a cage.” That is just how many of us women born in the 1940’s, felt in the 1960’s. We were born and grew up at a time when social and legal restrictions forced women into narrower roles than we longed to occupy. We were told “Women don’t,” “You can’t,” “That would be too strenuous for you.” American writer Molly Ivans, said that the chauvinism in Texas was so powerful that only strong women survived it. That aptly described the circumstances for Sarah. She was one of only about 40 women, in a student population of 1600, when she started Law School at the University of Texas. An atmosphere that made no secret of viewing women as interlopers in a field belonging to men. Despite being in the top quarter of her class, just like many great women before her, i.e. Ruth Bader Ginsberg, she struggled to get hired by a law firm upon graduation. A professor of Sarah’s offered her a position on the American Bar Association’s Special Committee on the Reevaluation of Ethical Standards. While working there, she began researching the legalities around Privacy laws, abortion in particular, since it was a critical and sometimes lethal issue concerning women. While studying the history of Abortion in the U.S., she learned that there were no laws prohibiting abortion in English or American law until 1828, and those laws were not about the protection of the fetus or a debate about when life began. They genuinely seemed to be intended for the protection of women. Surgery was dangerous and infections were high. Antiseptics and antibiotics were unknown, (issues that are not a serious threat in contemporary times, since abortions are now some of the safest surgeries available, when done in a sterile, professional environment.) In early 1970, Sarah and another attorney, Linda Coffee, met ‘Jane Roe,’ in a pizza parlor in Dallas. (Roe, later became

known as Norma McCorvey.) Sarah, described Roe, as in her early twenties, petite, outgoing and talkative. She’d had a rough life, had only finished 10th grade and was working as a waitress. She’d had one child who had been taken away and was certain that she did not want to continue the pregnancy. She indicated that if she had this baby, she would lose her job and she could barely support herself, much less a child. Roe agreed to be the plaintiff in the case and on March 3, 1970, “In the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division— Jane Roe, Plaintiff, v Henry Wade, District Attorney of Dallas County, Defendant. Case number 3-3691C.” Known as Roe v Wade. Fundamental human freedom was what the case was about. Protecting rights of privacy guaranteed in the Constitution. Sarah argued the case in Federal court before a 3-judge panel and won, because the Texas law deprived women of their right to choose not to have children, (based on the ninth amendment.) Unfortunately, it still left doctors vulnerable and unprotected from criminal charges for actually performing abortions. Texas state officials made clear that they would not stop prosecuting, regardless of how unconstitutional their laws were. Women in Texas were still basically unable to receive a safe and legal abortion. The case was filed directly with the Supreme Court. Roe v Wade, became a case of national interest. A stack of documents measuring over a foot high, was submitted prior to the case being heard in the Supreme Court in 1971 and 1972. Weddington led the efforts in conjunction with other law professionals, to prepare and present this monumental case to the highest court. The research and preparation took up an enormous amount of time and resources. A male attorney from New York had insisted that he was more experienced and knowledgeable and should be the one to make the argument before the court. Though he was older with a longer work history, he was not more capable. Several other women who were also working on preparing the argument insisted that this was a case that needed to be presented by a woman. Regardless of how sensitive a man might be, he did not understand the emotional urgency of an abortion. And so, twenty-six-year-old Sarah Weddington, who had first filed Roe v Wade in Dallas Texas, became the youngest attorney to ever argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. Roe v Wade was decided by a 7-2 majority in January of 1973. Sarah, had just been elected to her first term in the Texas House of Representatives, (she served three terms) and got the news of her Supreme Court win, through a reporter who called her state office to ask for a response. There was obviously no internet at the time and she didn’t even know they had won. A messenger arrived after the reporter’s phone call to inform her of the decision. Abortion was now legalized throughout the country. For a time, before the right-wing continue to page 22

January 20 to January 26, 2022

SARAH WEDDINGTON continued from page 21

opposition began, there was a great sense of relief. Women would finally stop dying from dirty, back alley, botched abortions. Sarah liked to tell the story of once wearing a button on an airplane that had a coat hanger with a red circle around it and a line diagonally across the center. The flight attendant passed her several times and looked at the button without commenting. The attendant finally stopped, “I have to ask, what do you have against coat hangers?” To the attorney that had dedicated her life to reproductive choice, the flight attendant’s question symbolized that a whole new generation of women had grown up with easy access to safe and legal abortions. They did not remember the lethal methods, including the use of coat hangers, that women in previous generations had been forced to resort to in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It was a feeling of great accomplishment and achievement. Throughout our conversations, I never got the sense that Sarah ever stopped worrying about the permanence of the rights Roe v Wade afforded. She had at one time believed that decades after the decision, Roe would be accepted as settled law. But the threats were endless and women always seemed to be on the precipice of losing those rights and once more being forced into life threatening circumstances. Our last conversation was during the Trump Presidency. She fully recognized the danger his administration posed, especially if the political make-up of the Supreme Court changed. Which it eventually did. In her argument to the Supreme Court, Weddington said; “We are not here to advocate abortion. We do not ask this Court to rule that abortion is good or desirable in

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any particular situation. We are here to advocate that the decision as to whether or not a particular woman will continue to carry or will terminate a pregnancy, is a decision that should be made by that individual. That, in fact, she has a constitutional right to make that decision for herself and that the state has shown no interest in interfering with that decision.” The passing of Sarah Catherine Ragle Weddington, on December 26, 2021, comes at a time when the fate of Roe v Wade hangs so precariously in the balance and feels like the makings of a Shakespearean tragedy. She was a woman who had dedicated her life to ensuring all women had personal freedoms and choices. The loss has most certainly been a personal heartbreak for me. Winston Churchill, said, “those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” In 2021, 59% of Americans, (62% of women,) believe that abortion should be legal and that women should have freedom of reproductive choice. Yet a vocal and active minority have continued to chip away at free choice until reproductive rights have now become critically endangered. Sarah Weddington was a heroic and historymaking woman. A leader in a time when half of America’s population were denied their basic human and constitutional rights. Her impact on the country and women’s history is cemented. Who will pick up that torch? Dee Jae Cox, is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomenstheatreproject. org And Co-Creator of the Palm Springs Theatre Go-To Guide. palmspringstheatre. com