Coachella Valley Weekly - February 2 to February 8, 2023 Vol. 11 No. 47

Kathy Bates, Raymond Bill Club Crawler

Sanchez

Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Tricia Witkower

Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Rob Brezny, Denise Ortuno Neil, Dee Jae Cox, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman, Ed Heethuis, Daniel Paris, Michelle Borthwick, Nadia Popova, Dennis Shelly

Photographers

Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez

Videographer

Kurt Schawacker

Website Editor

Bobby Taffolla

Distribution

Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of the state of Jalisco, Mexico at the 7th Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival, February 3 -5, 2023 in downtown Cathedral City. This annual celebration honors the 26-year sister city relationship between Cathedral City and Tequila, Jalisco (Mexico) through culture, cuisine, music, and fashion.

The weekend includes a family-friendly carnival, artisan craft vendor market, tequila tastings, authentic Mexican cuisine, a car show, and daily entertainment. Festivities kick off Friday, February 3 beginning at 4 p.m. and features the raising of the flags, a proclamation reading from Cathedral City Mayor Rita Lamb, followed by live entertainment and the opening of the carnival and tequila tasting garden.

In addition to a giant Ferris wheel offering views of the entire city and surrounding area, the three-day carnival also will feature rides, amusements, and games for all ages on the festival lawn in front of City Hall. Along Ave Lalo Guerrero, more than 25 boutique vendors selling authentic Mexican arts & crafts and fun, unique products will add to the festive

atmosphere. Admission to the vendor market and access to the carnival is free. Tickets are required and sold onsite for carnival rides and games, with discounted pre-sale tickets available through February 2 via the festival website.

New this year, the Fiesta Zone inside the Community Amphitheater will feature access to additional kids’ activities, lawn games, food trucks, beer garden, tequila bar, and daily live entertainment. Those 21 and older can enjoy the beer garden and a high-end cocktail experience including premium tequila tastings. On Sunday, auto enthusiasts will enjoy a car show with an amazing line up of high end and unique, custom created vehicles on the third level of the adjacent parking structure. Admission to the Fiesta Zone (including the Sunday car show) is $10 each day, and the first 500 Cathedral City residents with a valid ID will receive free entry.

A highlight of the weekend will be entertainment from the Jalisco Community Stage featuring local and regional musical groups and live acts celebrating Mexican art

BY KRISTY KNEIDING

and culture. The lineup includes multiple folklorico dance troupes, Las Tias, Dreaming of You (Selena tribute), Outlaw Mariachi, Corazon de Mana (Mana tribute) and a Saturday night headline performance by Grupo Control. Advanced tickets for the Grupo concert are $25 ($30 day of) and can be reserved at tasteofjalisco.com

Specializing in norteño music, Control (aka Grupo Control) are a regional Mexican group based in Houston, TX, who bill themselves as Los Reyes de la Cumbia (The Kings of Cumbia). Founded by Sergio Alberto Degollado (vocals, bass) and José Guadalupe Degollado (vocals, bajo sexto) from Control, Tamaulipas, Mexico, the group made its full-length album debut in 1999 with Cumbias Sin Control. Since then, they have released eight other albums, with a series of regional Mexican chart hits including “Ella Es una Diosa,” “Llueve Sobre Mojado,” “Viva el Amor,” and “Vuela Paloma.”

Event hours are Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 pm. Festivities take place in downtown Cathedral City, at 68600 East Palm Canyon Drive. Parking is free. For more information about the Taste of Jalisco Festival visit tasteofjalisco.com

ABOUT A TASTE OF JALISCO FESTIVAL

Now in its seventh year, Taste of Jalisco Festival celebrates Cathedral City’s Sister City relationship with the City of Tequila in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. The festival honors this relationship through music, fashion, culture, spirits, and cuisine. The Sister City relationship was first established in 1996 when the two cities entered into a formal Sister Cities agreement. Since then, exchanges between the Cities included art, culture, governmental best-practices, youth focused educational opportunities, donation of firefighting equipment, and firefighter training, among others.

The Weekend-Long Festival of Culture Features Live Music and Fun for the Entire Family!

The 7th Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival is proud to present a special headlining performance of live music by Grupo Control on Saturday, February 4. Doors open at 7 p.m. with official host ShoBoy and a surprise guest deejay.

Specializing in norteño music, Control (aka Grupo Control) are a regional Mexican group based in Houston, TX, who bill themselves as Los Reyes de la Cumbia (The Kings of Cumbia).

Founded by Sergio Alberto Degollado (vocals, bass) and José Guadalupe Degollado (vocals, bajo sexto) from Control, Tamaulipas, Mexico, the group made its full-length album debut in 1999 with Cumbias Sin Control. Since then, they have released eight other albums, with a series of regional Mexican chart hits including “Ella Es una Diosa,” “Llueve Sobre Mojado,” “Viva el Amor,” and “Vuela Paloma.”

Performing on the festival stage Friday is Outlaw Mariachi, Dreaming of You Selena on Saturday, and Corazon de Mana on Sunday. Friday night, at neighboring Agua Caliente Cathedral City, local favorite Nacho Bustillos will kick off the opening night celebration with

a performance and dancing under the stars, for those 21 and older.

The concerts, part of a weekend-long festival being held February 3 – 5, 2023 in downtown Cathedral City, honors the 26-year sister city relationship between Cathedral City and Tequila, Jalisco (Mexico) through culture, cuisine, music, and fashion. Activities include a carnival with Ferris wheel and games for all ages, artisan market, Mexican cuisine, tequila tastings, car show and a variety of entertainment.

New this year, the Fiesta Zone inside the Community Amphitheater will feature access to additional kids’ activities, lawn games, food trucks, beer garden, tequila bar, and daily live entertainment. Those 21 and older can enjoy the beer garden and a high-end cocktail experience including premium tequila tastings.

On Sunday, auto enthusiasts will enjoy a car show with an amazing line up of high end and unique, custom created vehicles on the third level of the adjacent parking structure. Admission to the Fiesta Zone (including the Sunday car show) is $10 each day, and the first 500 Cathedral City residents with a valid ID will receive free entry.

Taste of Jalisco Festival hours are Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. Advanced tickets for the Grupo concert are $25 ($30 day of) and can be reserved at tasteofjalisco.com. Concert ticket purchases include a Fiesta Zone Day Pass valid all-day Saturday.

Festivities take place in downtown Cathedral City, at 68600 East Palm Canyon Drive. Parking is free. For tickets and more information about the Taste of Jalisco Festival visit tasteofjalisco. com

EVENTS

The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is a staple of the Coachella Valley, and is scheduled to return for February 17 through 26 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. The Date Festival continues the legacy of decadesold desert traditions while celebrating history and community, and of course, providing fun and excitement for everyone.

Entries for local recipes, crafts, and artwork will now be on display and awarded prizes. Livestock will also be welcome for Blue Ribbon categories. Agriculture prizes will be awarded for citrus fruits, dates, and vegetables, crafts and hobbies will be represented by clothing, textiles, woodcarving, and horticulture. The 2023 Grandstand Entertainment line-up will present several show-stopping spectacles and performances that the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is known for, such as not one but TWO nights of Monster

Trucks on February 21 and 22, musicians, a Freestyle Moto X Team, sea lion shows, corn hole tournaments, and more.

Also making an appearance for free entertainment with fair admission is America’s favorite balloon guy, Dennis Forel in his Balloonacy show Dennis started making animal balloons in 1975 while working at Shakey’s Pizza Parlour. He can make over 108 different animal balloons and co-authored a book on making animals out of balloons titled “Balloonacy-The Art of Air Sculpture” which was later turned into a video entitled “Balloonacy!” He is a member of the Western Fairs Association and has been producing a show called “Poof Two!” for his odd fellows lodge for over 20 years.

There will also be an element of education at the fair with hands-on STEM/STEAM fun. Guests are invited to take an excursion into the wild and amazing world of science

BREAKINGTHE4TH WALL

with dozens of highly interactive, fun, and visually captivating displays and activities. It is encouraged that families and children experience the mysterious and entertaining aspects of science and technology in a casual environment. Learning occurs through handson interplay, along with supporting signage and on-site educators.

Hypnotist Mark Yuzik will also be performing at the fair. Since 1988, Mark Yuzuik has performed over 10,000 hypnosis shows and live events to an audience of more than five million people across the U.S., Canada, Australia, Singapore, UK, Europe and South America. Mark’s extensive study of human behavior over the past three decades has given him the ability to understand why people do the things they do – and how to instantly interrupt the negative thoughts, habits or actions that prevent people from living their true greatness.

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

General admission is priced at ten dollars and good for one entry to the 2023 Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

“Fairgrounds are unique because they are the places where we celebrate community. There’s such a variety of talents in this area that people can see on display at the fair. We also get to celebrate the agricultural significance of the date palms in the Coachella Valley—allowing attendees to interact with the people who put those dates in stores and in their homes,” shared Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival organizer, Chris Pickering.

A seasonal pass costs 30 dollars and is good for one entry all 10 days of the 2023 Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. This pass is only available in advance and not available once the event begins on February 17, 2023. Carnival wristbands costs 30 dollars are good for any one day of the 2023 Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival. For more information including fair admission prices, advanced tickets, and hours of operation, please visit: datefest.org

John F. Kennedy once said, “I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him, (or her.)

In 2011, Playwright Tony Padilla, had a vision of a small repertory company that allowed theatre artists to participate fully in the realization of their creative vision both onstage and off.” His vision resulted in the creation of the Desert Ensemble Theatre (DET), known for their World Premier productions, DET has come to be recognized as one of the leaders in Coachella Valley Theatre. Named “Best Repertory Company” in the Desert Sun’s “Best of the Valley Awards,” 2018, over the years this desert theatre has been honored with 28 Desert Theatre League Awards in all major categories.

Under the Leadership of Executive Director, Shawn Abramowitz and Artistic Director, Jerome Elliott, the Desert Ensemble Theatre has reached new creative heights and fulfilled many artistic visions. Their latest presentation, Kill the Editor, written by Aren Haun, is the second production in their series of “West Coast Originals,” showcasing the talents of established and emerging playwrights from

the Pacific Time Zone. Their first production this season was the world premiere of Jerome Elliott Moskowitz’s hit show, “Do Not Remove Label.” In addition to producing theatre, Abramowitz and Elliot are both awardwinning artists who act, sing, write and direct for the stage.

Haun, is a Bay Area based playwright, actor, director and teacher, with multiple successful scripts under his belt. Kill The

Editor, was originally produced by Exit Studio Theatre in San Francisco, CA. Described as an unrelenting and humorous exploration of the artistic process, the play tells the story of film editor Ben, who has landed his dream job to edit a documentary for the Cannes Film Festival. The challenge is he has just a week to cut a five-hour film down to size and Cameron, (the filmmaker) doesn’t want to touch a frame. Then Libby, (the previous editor) returns and threatens to hold the master copy for ransom. Who will ultimately prevail in this battle of dueling artistic visions?

The cast features Desert Theatre League Award (DTL) winning actor Sean Timothy Brown as Cameron, DTL nominee Eliza Convis as Libby, and Keivan Safavi, making his DET debut as Ben. Brown, a Palm Springs based actor/musician returns to the DET stage after previous performances in All This Intimacy, Bad Jews, Election Day, and Asleep on the Wind (Desert Star Award, Outstanding Lead Actor). Convis, an actress and visual artist, was previously seen in DET’s production of All This Intimacy, and has the coolest named cat, called Boudica. Safavi, is making his debut on the DET stage a year after relocating to the Coachella Valley from the Bay Area.

Kill The Editor is directed by Kudra Wagner,

BY DEE JAE COX

who’s making their directorial debut with Desert Ensemble Theatre. Wagner, originally arrived in the Coachella Valley with, Barn Rat Theatre Company and now teaches and does improv with Coachella Valley Theatre (CV Rep.) Wagner, states that they are a “HUGE fan of interesting people in interesting situations. When placing interesting people in interesting situations you get CONFLICT, DRAMA and CONTRADICTION, all of which we know to be cornerstones of an entertaining night out. That is what drew me to this play.”

Desert Ensemble’s mission statement indicates that they are “committed to growing the art of theatre by producing innovative plays that underscore the complexity of human interaction. We nurture the growth of artists of all ages, on and off the stage, and create an environment that rewards and cherishes them.” Their current production seems to reflect that commitment.

Kill the Editor runs January 27-29 and February 3-5 2023, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 2pm. For additional information visit DesertEnsembleTheatre.org or call (760) 5652476.

Desert Ensemble Theatre is located in the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 2300 E. Baristo Rd. in Palm Springs.

Dee Jae Cox, is a playwright, director and producer. 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

Sean Timothy Brown Eliza Convis Keivan Safavi Kudra Wagner

KEGWHISPERER

Iget mail. It’s mostly local, but sometimes it arrives from faraway places like Montana.

“Hello my friend. I need your expertise. Unfortunately, I caught a weak case of Covid mid-summer. It was no big deal at first. Fast forward to November and I had lost forty pounds. It lasted months.

The good side is they were finally able to identify why. Covid triggered multiple autoimmune diseases that I now carry forever. Still no big deal except for one. I was diagnosed with celiac disease on top of everything else.

As I listened the Doctor explain what it was and said no more gluten forever a thought shot through me like a thunderbolt. My exact shocked response was what? No more Beer? She followed up with a quick affirmation. I was devastated.

Someone told my wife that some breweries have been experimenting with gluten-free. My question to you is do you know of any worth trying. I’m willing to pay to ship from anywhere if I can have a good cold beer again. Any help is appreciated. I live in a small Montana valley with several fantastic breweries, so this situation sucks...

I love your Kegwhisperer posts on Facebook and Instagram. I’m so happy for you that you’ve found your place! Look forward to any suggestions.” ~ Craig

Well, Craig is a very dear friend and the Gluten-Free Beer landscape has evolved significantly since I last took a good hard look at it. This was going to involve some research and since I would already be doing the work, why not report back to my readers as well? Also, I’m not going to lie; this might possibly earn me a short stay at their wonderful Montana ranch sometime in the future.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten-free living appeals to about 30 percent of American adults — but seems to still be widely misunderstood About 1 in 100 people — about 1 percent — have

celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disease that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested.

A larger group of people is estimated to have what’s called “non-celiac gluten sensitivity,” which may also produce similar symptoms but is not very well understood by experts. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, as many as 18 million Americans may have some nonceliac sensitivity to gluten while others avoid gluten simply on principal Beer is typically brewed with barley as the base grain and make no mistake about it, it definitely contains gluten as do adjunct grains like wheat, oats, and rye. Brewers saw the need for gluten-free offerings and in December of 2006, Anheuser-Busch launched Redbridge as the first nationally distributed and still the most widely available gluten-free offering. Over fifteen years later, technology and brewing science have advanced the cause with a multitude of offerings in this specialty category.

You will find two separate classifications for these beers today and it’s important to know the difference. Gluten-Free (GF) refers to beers produced using sorghum, millet, rice, and/or corn. These beers are considered gluten-free and should be completely safe for celiac sufferers. Gluten-Reduced (GR) beers are brewed with traditional beer ingredients like barley with the brewer adding enzymes in the fermentation process to break down gluten into smaller fragments, therefore reducing the immune response in the person consuming it. Those like Craig are urged to proceed with caution when experimenting with GR beers, but many consumers find that the superior taste may make the research worthwhile.

In the Gluten-Free corner, pardon the pun when I say Redbridge is still the king, but there are a lot of players now. I rolled over to Total Wine & More in Palm Desert to grab a few and here are my quick reviews rated on a scale of 1-5 with five being best: Redbridge (GF): Little to no aroma. Freshness is key as the first bottle opened had a finish reminiscent of moldy sweat socks left in the sun. A fresh bottle wasn’t exactly a palate-pleaser, but the off flavors were eliminated.

Glutenberg (GF): Glutenberg bills themselves as a gluten-free craft brewery from Montreal, Canada. Blonde; Light body, hints of apple, lemon, and citrus ②. IPA; Lotsa bitterness, but an odd, cardboard finish ②. Session IPA; Not going to lie, Session

IPA’s are not my usually my jam, but with throwback piney hops and a dry finish, this is the star of the Glutenberg lineup ⑤. Pale Ale; This style gives me hope…until the thin, disappointing mouthfeel and empty finish leave me longing for more ②.

Big Henry Hazy IPA (GF): Old-school bittering with a hint of Ricola original flavor cough drop. Things are looking up! ④

Event Horizon Blonde (GF): From Divine Science in Anaheim. Lemon Pledge nose with soda-esque carbonation. Grain-laden mouthfeel. ①

Omission (GR): I’m old enough to remember when Kurt and Rob Widmer were known for making some of the best Germanstyle beers in the Pacific Northwest. Now it seems their Omission lineup is all I can find in these parts. Consumers can check the

BY BREWMASTER ED HEETHUIS

actual gluten content (always < 10ppm) by typing in the batch number on their website. Lager; Traditional American Lager flavor with no detectable off-flavors ③. Pale Ale; Well balanced with a slightly bitter bite and a decent malt backbone ④. IPA; Cascade hops shine through in this Pac NW IPA. Clean and crushable ④.

Delicious IPA (GR): Stone Brewing sends this our way and it certainly lives up to its name! Clocking in at 7.7% ABV and pushing 75 IBU’s, this beer will challenge your thinking in terms of gluten-reduced beers! ⑤

There you have it Craig. The use of traditional ingredients certainly has a huge impact on flavor. Two important things to remember if you start to play with glutenreduced offerings; One, I’m not a doctor and am in no way fit to give medical advice. Two, start slow and perform your own taste tests to determine your own palate preferences. Wishing everyone success in their own personal journey!

When Ed Heethuis isn’t brewing at Spotlight 29 Casino for 29 Brews, you will find the Certified Cicerone / Brewmaster chasing dogs on his road bike, looking for new beery locations in the Coachella Valley, or talking beer with the patrons at Taproom 29. He may be reached at: heethuis.ed@gmail.com or wherever beer may be found in the wild.

SENDMEATRAINER

The core musculature includes rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques, erector spinae and pelvic floor muscles. It forms the central link between your upper and lower body and is responsible for maintaining the stability of the spine and pelvis. The core muscles are crucial for the transfer of energy from the larger to smaller body parts and therefore as you can imagine play a huge role when it comes to sports.

The core is at the center of your body, it encompasses your abs, hips, back, and chest. Your core stabilizes your body, allowing you to move in any direction as well as having proper balance. It helps prevents falls and supports your body. So having a strong core is beneficial to everyone because it allows your body to function properly.

A body that is aligned and upright will make you less prone to have back pain. A person’s core is at the center of their body which supports your entire body especially the neck and the back. If a core is not strengthened then other structures of your back will have to work harder to support the body. This leads to muscle strains and back pain.

How do you train your core?

When you perform them correctly, compound movements (squat, bench press,

LOCAL MUSIC

Tuesday night marked the first (semi) annual Desert Music & Media Mixer. It took place at Little Bar in Palm Desert, hosted by Cary Baker and his wife, Sharon.

The Bakers recently retired to the desert, escaping the smoggy sprawl of Los Angeles. Cary had a storied career in music publicity which began in Chicago and continued in L.A., working for illustrious labels like I.R.S. Records (R.E.M., Go-Go’s, Concrete Blonde, The Alarm) and Capitol Records (Bonnie Raitt, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner). Sharon, a native Angeleno, spent several years on the editorial staff of the L.A. Weekly, but her true vocation is as a talented artist, working as a painter and collagist. By the turn of the century, Cary and Sharon opened their own boutique music PR firm, Conqueroo, whose official slogan was “Music Publicity Since 6:30 This Morning.” Their client roster included everyone from James McMurtry, Marshall Crenshaw, Van Dyke Parks and Colin Hay to Hoodoo Gurus, The Flesh Eaters, The Muffs and The Rave-Ups.

Since the Bakers moved to the desert this summer, they have hit all several local venues, including The Alibi and Awe Bar, Pappy & Harriet’s, Furstworld and Fantasy Springs.

deadlift, etc.) will strengthen your core. When you perform these movements, make sure you are using the correct form at all times.

Isolating your core is also important. The muscles in your core recover more quickly than other muscles, such as the ones in your legs. This means you can train them more during the week. For beginners, Harvard recommends adding core work into your workout routine 2-3 times per week.

Basically, if you’re putting your core under tension over time, you’ll be training it. The best movements are the ones that work multiple muscles at the same time.

Every time we move, we depend on some muscles to hold us steady, and other muscles to actually move us. Core stabilization is the general term for how the muscles of your trunk keep your spine and body stable. This helps you stay balanced when you move. If your core muscles are strong and they contract when they should:

Your posture is better.

Your body is balanced.

Your movement is more efficient and powerful.

You may be less likely to be injured.

Why is core stabilization important?

The spine itself is just bones stacked on

top of one another, and in between the bones—to cushion them—are small discs. The core of each disc has the texture of cheese, and it is surrounded by tough fibrous tissue. To make the spine more stable, the parts are all connected with layers of soft tissue such as cartilage and ligaments. They are also connected by muscles. If these muscles are strong and working in the proper order, you have a solid base for movement and for absorbing the impact of the ground through your body.

The main muscles involved in core stabilization are deep muscles such as the transverse abdominis, the multifidus, and

BY COACH NADIA POPOVA

the muscles of the pelvic floor. IT’S NOT JUST YOUR 6 PACK!

If you’re in your middle years, core strength enables you to participate in sports with your children or exercise with your dog safely. This means you can continue to enjoy your favorite hobbies without fear of injuring your back; it also means you can complete home improvement projects without hiring someone.

Finally, once you reach middle age, maintaining a strong core becomes critical for daily living. Do we not all desire to maintain our independence as we enter our 60s, 70s, and 80s? The ability to thrive in old age is contingent upon having a strong core. This allows you to spend time with your grandchildren and accompany your family on vacations. This means you can continue to be yourself.

Our team of highly qualified Personal Trainers are here to help with your Fitness Goals. Visit our website www.cvsendmeatrainer.com or call us at (760)880-9904.

Several local music luminaries attended Tuesday’s shindig, including singer-songwriters Victoria Williams, Teddy Quinn, Rick Shelley, Russ Tolman, Pat Kearns, Twiggy Pop, Joe Garcia and Dan Navarro. Desert Rock legends Dali’s Llama was represented by everyone’s favorite fun couple, Zach and Erica Huskey. Formidable bassist and DJ, Lee Joseph was on hand, along with Culture Club guitarist Roy Hay, Pansy Division front-man Joe Ginoli and world-renowned Desert artist Ming C. Lowe (who has just written a book, Mississippi Blacktop: The Long Road To The Blues).

On the media side of things there was former Desert Sun Entertainment Editor, Bruce Fessier, a certain cranky, Bitch Goddess-music columnist from The Coachella Valley Weekly, former Creem editor Jaan Uhelszki, retired publicist Tresa Redburn music photographer Marc Glass, music manager Nancy Sefton and retired MTV execs Norm Scohenfeld and Vinnie Longobordo. It was definitely cool to see a mix of high and low desert musicians all together in one place, that rarely happens. (It’s not exactly a Sharks vs. Jets situation, more like gas prices and the Hwy 62 commute!)

When asked what the impetus was to bring these folks together, Cary replied “One

of the reasons Sharon and I chose the desert as our new home-after 39 years and a lifetime respectively in Los Angeles-was that we had an existing base of friends who were musicians or worked in the music biz, or just plain live, breathe and sleep music as we do. So when we moved here last summer after 30 years of exploring and discussing such a move, we had a ready-made social life.”

“At some point, it occurred to me that it might be fun to put out an open invitation to musicians and music biz pros-active, retired, or like myself, somewhat in between-and for that matter, to ask for the participation of the many music pros in the high desert as well. I contacted Skip Paige, one of the founders of Goldenvoice and Coachella, who operates one of my favorite watering holes and restaurants, Little Bar in Palm Desert. Skip immediately grasped the concept and welcomed us to take over for the night. “

“I was blown away that most people I invited showed up with only a few regrets. That included many high desert music friends schlepping down the mountain from Joshua Tree, Landers and Yucca Valley, and traversing 13 miles of truck-strewn I-10. In my opinion, it was a smash success. Nearly everybody met

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

a few people they didn’t previously know, ideas were exchanged, and new partnerships forged.”

When I asked how often he would host these get-togethers, Cary said “Someone suggested we do this monthly. But I’d like to keep it a little special. So, at the moment, the plan is to have one in the Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree area in late summer or fall and another in the Palm Springs/Palm Desert area next winter. I was blown away to have people who had heard about the event come up to me and say, for example, ‘Hi, I’m (so and so) who used to work at MTV and I live in La Quinta now.’ I was reunited with a fanzine-era friend from Illinois who is currently in a well-known band and lives in Palm Springs. The desert is full of such stories and opportunities. We brought a few of them together Tuesday. Already, I am looking forward to the next one! In the meantime, I look forward to continuing conversations that began Tuesday night.”

RUSS TOLMAN

“GOODBYE EL DORADO” (LOST RECORDS)

If you aren’t familiar with Russ Tolman, then you have been missing out. The native (Northern) Californian has an intriguing pedigree: his dad was a sheep rancher, his mom a former burlesque queen who performed as “Rosie The Riveter.” His grandad was noted psychologist Edward C. Tolman and his great uncle was Manhattan Project physicist Richard C. Tolman.

Russ became obsessed with guitars at an early age. After a couple of false starts, he began playing in earnest during his teens, once he realized “the only way I was ever going to meet a girl who would have sex with me was if I knew how to play guitar.” He even played in a Polka band for a while. Once he enrolled at UC Davis he forged a friendship with Steve Wynn and Kendra Smith and they formed Davis’ very first New Wave band, Suspects in 1978. Eventually, Steve and Kendra returned to Los Angeles to attend Grad School at UCLA. Russ quickly joined forces with Sean O’Brien and Rick Gates (son of Bread frontman, David Gates and became The Meantime. He also began DJ’ing at a progressive Country radio station, and acquired a new appreciation for classic Honky-Tonk, Western Swing and Folk.

By 1982, with the addition of vocalist Gavin Blair, The Meantime became True West. Over the next three years, they released two critically acclaimed albums, and served as opening act for R.E.M.’s Fables Of The Reconstruction tour. When the band amicably parted ways in 1985, Russ embarked on a solo career.

His debut, Totem Poles And Glory Holes topped several critics’ polls. He spent the next decade in Los Angeles, which is where he wrote and recorded Down In Earthquake Town, Goodbye Joe, Road Movie and Sweet Spot. Relocating to San Francisco, he garnered rave reviews for City Lights and New Quadrophonic Highway. For the next several years, he concentrated on producing other musicians, as well as starting his own label, Interstate Records, with musician and music journalist Pat Thomas.

There was a brief True West reunion and tour in 2006, but by 2011, Russ and his wife, Kim were living in Los Angeles. 2017 saw the release of a solo career-spanning 20-song set, Compass & Map. Now he has returned with his newest long-player, Goodbye El Dorado. The album kicks into gear with five vivid vignettes, each song is tenuously tied together through geographic coincidence.

“Los Angeles” is a loping Ranchera. Spitfire guitar, shimmering accordion, fluttery horns and rock-ribbed bass are tethered to a cantering beat. Russ’ lanky tenor wraps around a tale of love and loss; “I come home, got her note, ‘Adios Amigo’ is all she wrote, no explanation, consolation prize, just a big empty house and a sad surprise.” Sympathetic backing vocals shadow the chorus which effortlessly rhymes “please” after “Los Angeleez.” Rippling castanets are quickly supplanted on the break by synchronized horns, a feathery guitar solo and swoony accordion.

Cloaked in a buoyant melody and cheerful arrangement, “Kid” is accented by cascading guitar riffs, slipstitch bass and a rattle-trap beat. All of that belies the scruffy saga of a latch-key kid, navigating

adolescent angst, a drunken stepfather’s bad intentions and a blended family that is the antithesis of The Brady Bunch; “Just another California kid with an attitude, her family’s come quite unglued, every night’s a bona fide horror show, but she’s got no place else to go/She just wants to stay out with her friends and drive the town, and mom doesn’t notice she’s not around.” Filigreed guitar licks flicker across the margins of the melody, intertwined with piquant mandolin runs as the song winds down to a close.

Russ’ vocals verge on conversational for “North Hollywood Dream.” Percolating keys connect with strummy guitars and brushed percussion. A richly detailed (and geographically specific) narrative centers on a young kid with stars in his eyes; “You’re fresh off the bus, here in North Hollywood, you walk down Magnolia to Lankershim, things are much busier than they were back in Idaho, you wonder how much farther to the Econo Inn, you’re finally in L.A., let the dreaming begin.” But as John Lennon once wryly noted, “life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” As willowy trumpet is matched by reverb-y guitar on the break, the kid has settled into a life of domesticity; “You’ve found yourself a partner, and now you’ve a couple kids, buying’s better than renting, now it’s time to find new digs. you’re finally in L.A., let the dreaming begin, but now you’ve got mouths to feed, and there’s too much to take in.”

Meanwhile, “405” is powered by twinkly, (toy) piano notes, sun-dappled guitars, tensile bass and a tick-tock beat. A good-natured rant about one of the busiest freeway arteries in L.A. Being trapped on it can try the patience of even the most patient driver; “From Brentwood up to old Van Nuys, everything is crawling, only minutes seem to fly, wish there was another way, I

should’ve left yesterday, four-oh-five, you’re really going to piss me off, four-oh-five, I’m stuck and I can’t get off.” Burnished guitars and and sleek keys search for equanimity, but by the final verse, he’s ready to get the fuck out, leaving the snarled traffic in the rearview; “Maybe it’s time to leave L.A., pack up and move away, so, so long, L.A.”

This loose-limbed song suite wraps up with the title-track. Walking bass lines, brawny guitars and wistful accordion notes are wed to a spry shuffle-rhythm. Wry and philosophical lyrics weigh pros and cons of life in La-La-Land before reaching an epiphany of sorts; “Goodbye El Dorado, my time here is done, you’ve been a good companion, and I’ve been a dutiful son, I’ve learned your lessons and the teaching time is done, pack up and move on toward the rising sun.” Mariachi-tinged horns envelope wistful accordion and lonesome guitar on the break, creating a bittersweet tableau. Russ eschews sentiment, drily noting;” “Thank you, it was almost fun.”

Although this album is, as the kids say, all killer and no filler, two tracks stand out from the pack, “California Winter” and “Do You Like The Way.” The former lands somewhere between a Morricone-d Spaghetti Western and a sandblasted Bossa Nova. The arrangement is anchored by gauzy guitars, swirly horns, shivery keys and a bactucada beat. Lyrics offer a barbed ode to new desolate surroundings and rekindled love; “In the California winter I lost my way ahead, in the California winter my ego was left for dead, discovering you helped me feel reborn, but all there’s now is scorn, ‘til my live is sworn, it can’t be torn.” The action slows slightly on the instrumental coda, as a rumbly guitar refrain coils around plunky piano, slinky organ and painterly trumpet.

The latter revisits the spikey New Wave

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

sound he pioneered during his Suspects days. Plangent piano is front and center, somersaulting atop angular guitars, flinty bass and a hiccupping beat. Russ’ deadpan vocals put the perfect spin on lyrics that take an practiced narcissist to task; “There’s a lot of love in this room tonight and you’re working on a heck of a buzz, adjust your crown, swagger around, making the rounds, everybody bow down to the king of the barroom clowns/ Do you like the way you look in the song, stop me if I’m wrong or I’m lying, you’ve got some innovative thoughts and I’m sure it’s fun to think them, you’re a free spirit or at least you like to drink them, you play the role of the loveable loser, it’s performance, world class, but a guy with as much talent as you doesn’t need to play the stupid ass.” A fluttery guitar solo partners with sparkly piano on the break, taking some of the sting out of this caustic critique.

Other interesting tracks include the prickly waltz of “Almost Heaven.” Russ manages to transform Ted Savarese’s “Henrietta” into the scrappy “Yuba City.” The album closes with “Take It Easy, Take It Slow,” a mordant meditation on mortality. Chiming guitars blend with celestial keys, brittle bass, keening pedal steel and a knockabout beat. Admitting, “I’m in no hurry to go.” Russ briefly gets biblical; “Old Methuselah really had it down, that man knew how to hang around, 969 sounds awful fine, let’s hope old Methus didn’t get bored/And if you ever find the time to put it together here with mine, come rain or come shine, together we’ll be fine, looking forward to seeing the continental drift, and an ice age or two, I’m sure you just bundle up, you just bundle up, and it’ll be easy to get through.” It’s a playful end to a lovely record.

(If you get the LP, do yourself a favor and pick up the CD as well, as it adds three bonus tracks. They include the twangy travelogue of “Pacific Rain,” the chugging “Satellite Bar,” which pays tribute to the classic Plymouth automobile, and last but not least, there’s the Byrdsy Jangle-Pop of “Time Flies”).

This is a solo album in name only. While Russ provided vocals and acoustic guitar, he was ably assisted by Kirk Swan on guitars and backing vocals, Robert Lloyd on organ, piano, accordion and mandolin. Bassist Dave Provost and drummer Kevin Jarvis held down the bottom. Slim Zwerling added trumpet, flugelhorn and Tom Heyman played pedal steel. Backing vocals were supplied by Cindy Wasserman and Dan Janisch.

Goodbye El Dorado is a potent mix of tender-hearted melodies and trenchant lyrics. The perfect musical gateway drug to get hooked on Russ Toman.

Ben Vaughan, Russ Tolman w The Damn Luckys and Dan Janish will play at FURSTWURLD GALLERY/ PERFORMING ARTS, in Joshua Tree, CA on Saturday, February 11. eventbrite.com/e/473105761067

Thursday, February 2

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar

– 3:30-6:30pm, Live Music – 6:30pm

Casuelas Café – Avenida – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic –

6pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Christine

Love – 6pm

Jazzville @ Agua Caliente – M-pact – 7pm

Jolene’s – Rebecca Clark – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Mark Guerrero, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Craic Haus – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the Plaza w/ Joe Baldino – 5-8pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Intimate Acoustics w/ Christine and the Lost Keys, Karla Anderson, The Sieve and the Saddle and more – 8pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – Latina Night w/

DJ LF – 9pm

Purple Room – Sharon Sills – 6:30pm

Runway – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King

Trio – 6pm

The Village – DJ Cranberry – 9pm

Friday, February 3

Awe Bar – Paul Chesne Band – 7pm

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, Tony Grandberry – 7pm

Bart Lounge – DJ Bad Gal Gali and Friends – 8pm

Casuelas Café – The Myx – 6:45pm

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc

Antonelli – 6pm

Jolene’s – Fun with Dick and Jane – 7pm

Larkspur Grill – Live Music – 7pm

Lavender Bistro – Jeff Bonds, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Rhythm Nation

– 9pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 122:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Kilty as Charged – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the

Plaza w/ DJ Pumba – 6-9pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Black Joe Lewis –9pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails –

Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – DJ Dxsko – 9pm

Purple Room – Lucie Arnaz: I Got the

Job – 6pm

Sullivan’s – Hotwyre – 5:30pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 7:30pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30pm, DJ Gio

the Ace – 9pm, DJ Cranberry – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Saturday, February 4

Awe Bar – DJ Kate McCabe and Uncle

Abe – 8pm

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar

– 3:30-6:30pm, Off Da Cuff – 7pm

Bart Lounge – Im4kulate Th3ory w/ DJs and Performances – 8pm

Casuelas Café – Vinny Berry – noon, Lisa

Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 6:30pm

Chef George’s – TBA – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Comedy Degens Presents: David Lucas – 8pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc

Antonelli – 6pm

Jolene’s – Fun with Dick and Jane – 7pm

Larkspur Grill – Live Music – 7pm

Lavender Bistro – Jeff Bonds, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Rhythm Nation

– 9pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 122:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Whiskey Sunday – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the Plaza w/ Midnight Sun – 6-9pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Ayla Nereo w/ Marya Stark – 7:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails –

Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – DJs Cielohigh and Chicosounds – 9pm

Purple Room – Lucie Arnaz: I Got the Job – 6pm

Sullivan’s – Paul Villalobos – 5:30pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Rose Mallett –

5-7pm, John Stanley King – 7:30pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 1pm, Dio DJ the

Ace – 9pm, DJ Cranberry – 9pm, DJ Erika

Starr – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Sunday, February

Awe Bar – Sunday Supper w/ Los Ponchotones and Friends – 7pm

5

Babaloo Lounge – Tristen/Flamingo

Guitar – 1pm, Bob Corwin Piano Bar –

3:30pm, Tim Burleson – 6pm

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF –

8pm

Blu Ember – Gina Sedman – 5pm

Casuelas Café – El Mariachi Coachella –

1pm, Voices Carrie – 5:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Acoustic

Afternoon w/ Christine and the Lost Keys

and Adam Gainey – 3:30pm

Fisherman’s Market, PS – Live Music –

6pm

Jolene’s – Open Mic – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Scott Carter, Mark

Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 3:30-7:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 12pm

The Village – Gio the Ace - 9pm

Monday, February 6

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar

– 3:30, Tim Burleson – 6pm

Casuelas Café – Live Music – 5:30pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Larry

Copeleto – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Abbie Perkins, Mark

Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Richard “88 Fingers”

Turner – 6pm

The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Tuesday, February 7

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar

– 3:30-6:30pm, The Carmens – 6:30pm

Casuelas Café – The Desert Suite Band –

5:30pm

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Patrice Morris – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Abbie Perkins, Mark Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Purple Room – Rose Mallett – 6:30pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Slim Man Band – 6pm

The Village – DJ Erika Starr – 9pm

Wednesday, February 8

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, The Myx – 7pm

Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Trivia Night – 7pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

The Fix – Alex Santana – 5:30pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Rebecca Clark – 6pm

Jolene’s – Open Mic – 6:30pm

Lavender Bistro – Mark Guerrero, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Jimi Nelson Band – 7pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 122:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails –Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Purple Room – Charles Herrera, Darci Daniels and Michael Holmes – 6:30pm

Tack Room Tavern – T-Bone Karaoke –7pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 6pm

The Village – DJ Cranberry – 9pm, Banda Revolucion – 10pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

TRAVELTIPS4U

THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY. PALM DESERT, CA

THEIR MISSION: Creating Community Enrichment Through The Arts.

CREATE Center for the Arts is a collaborative, supportive home for creatives to thrive through access to tools, equipment and an engaged community.

CREATIVITY. CREATE’s goal is to engage the imagination and encourage creative exploration. As creators and makers, they are built to push boundaries, look at problems from multiple perspectives, take risks, and drive positive change. Creativity drives innovation. Innovative by nature, they design activities and programs that help our residents create and innovate.

RESILIENCE. Resilience is the ability to bounce back resolving not to quit, even when it gets hard. CREATE gives all students, young and old, a chance to explore their talents, provides them a safe environment to take risks, to make mistakes, to persevere, and to achieve and to thrive.

EQUITY. CREATE wants to make the arts accessible to all. We know our thriving community has a diverse mix of people. We believe these differences are an asset. We work hard to bridge the gaps in our community and sponsor programs and workshops that help bring the arts to everyone, not just artists.

ACCEPTANCE. From our buildings to our attitudes, CREATE intentionally creates a

place where anyone and everyone can feel accepted and connected no matter who they are or where they come from. We believe in connecting people with different abilities and backgrounds because together we can build stronger communities.

TRANSFORMATION.Their programs focus on honoring the traditions of the past while celebrating the present and embracing the future. There are unlimited opportunities that lie at the intersection of tradition and technology waiting to be explored. CREATE also recognizes that the creative process also transforms individuals through healing and personal empowerment; art changes lives.

EMPOWERMENT. They believe artists and creative-types are perfectly positioned

to join the new wave of small-scale entrepreneurship and create powerful new opportunities to make a living. Sharpening these business-building skills through CREATE programs increases their ability to dream, take chances, and create the life they imagine.

CREATE understands the importance of art and creativity in educating, connecting and enriching the community. Art sparks conversation, collaboration, and ignites passion. It extends beyond canvas and can be woven into the collective fabric of their lives. CREATE strives for a diverse and inclusive art community that empowers and inspires. Their space is 20,000 square feet, like an art theme park offering classes and

ARTICLE & PHOTOS

BY LYNNE TUCKER

workshops and have nationally known artists teaching the workshops. They have many different studios. You can find them under the “programs and classes” pull-down. There is a description of each one, Drawing and Painting Studio, Digital Design Studio, Printmaking Studio, and Fiber Arts.

They also have a beautiful art installation of 170,000 origami cranes hanging from the ceiling, a memorial dedicated to those who passed from covid.

Last but not least the Salt Cave, which is so peaceful and rentable.

HOURS

Sunday-Monda – Closed

Tuesday-Friday – 10AM-4PM

Saturday – 10AM-2PM

Drop in for a free tour to get the true scope of the center.

For more info visit: createcentercv.org

Think Art & Get Creative!

SOCIETYSCENE

Child Abuse continues to occur at alarming rates in our community and all across the country. Every 10 seconds in the U.S., a report of child abuse is made. And, nearly 5 children die on a daily basis from abuse related causes.

Olive Crest, known for its dedication to preventing child abuse, to treating and educating at-risk children and to preserving the family . . .“One Life at a Time®,” will host its Third Annual Invitational Golf Tournament at The Classic Club, located at 75-200 Classic Club Boulevard in Palm Desert, California. This event will raise much-needed funds to benefit local at-risk children and their families in Riverside County and Desert Communities.

USC National Football Champion and Olive Crest Trustee, Darnell Bing, will once again serve as Event Chair. He will be joined by other USC football legends who will lend their support to this worthwhile cause.

“I am so impressed with the positive difference that Olive Crest makes for disadvantaged and at-risk kids,” said Darnell Bing. “It was an easy decision to lead the golf tournament and work with my fellow USC teammates to fund critical programs for children in our community.”

Event registration will begin at 9:00 am for this highly-anticipated golf tournament, which will feature a Shotgun Scramble format, an Awards Reception, and Silent Auction, featuring unique sports memorabilia and exclusive travel packages.

A golf foursome is priced at $ 1,200, and Event Sponsorships range from $500 all the way up to $15,000. To register, go to www.

olivecrest/ie/golf-tournament-2023

“The idea for this Olive Crest Golf Invitational was the brainchild of one of our Olive Crest Trustees, Darnell Bing,” stated Walter Mueller, Director of Development for Olive Crest. “Darnell envisioned this event as a way to not only raise funds for at-risk and disadvantaged youth, but also to bring visibility to the services and lifesaving programs Olive Crest offers. Darnell also wanted to reach out and include some of his former USC teammates in this event, as a way to introduce and educate them to the needs of youth within the foster care system. Having Darnell participate, as well as Chair this event, along with his fellow football legend teammates, makes this a very unique golfing experience

and a win-win for all the at-risk children within our community,” Mueller continued.

This year’s Media Sponsors include Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor THE DESERT SUN; Exclusive TV Media Sponsor KESQ News Channel 3; and Exclusive Radio Media Sponsor Alpha Media-Palm Springs.

“Too many families are broken and isolated, leading to kids being abused, neglected, and alone,” said Tracy Fitzsimmons, Executive Director of Olive Crest Inland and Desert Communities. “The child welfare system was never intended to replace the family. This year, our team is focused on expanding our prevention efforts – – going upstream to catch kids and families before they fall into the child

BY MADELINE ZUCKERMAN

welfare system. Our Child Abuse Stops Here® initiative recruits and equips families, friends, and champions to help provide a lifelong safety net to families in crisis with material, emotional, and spiritual support. Through this effort, we are working to prevent abuse and neglect prior to the serious escalation of adverse childhood experiences, strengthening families and generations to come.”

For additional information on this upcoming Olive Crest Invitational Golf Tournament, please contact Walter Mueller at 951–686–8500 ext. 4301 or at WalterMueller@olivecrest.org

For more information about Olive Crest, Ways to help, and services near you, please call or visit www.olivecrest.org

About Olive Crest

For 50 years, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of more than 200,000 children and their families through the power of God, Family, and Community. Olive Crest is dedicated to the belief that “once an Olive Crest family, always an Olive Crest family.” The organization’s commitment of helping children and families through a caring community goes well beyond the time of initial crisis.

Established, proven, and respected, Olive Crest serves nearly 4,000 children and families each day throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest.

Back Row (left to right) Will Poole, Marvin Williams, Terrell Thomas, David Kirtman, Sunny Byrd, Brandon Hancock, Oscar Lua, Will Buchanon, and John Walker. Front Row (left to right) Justin Wyatt, Collin Ashton, Event Chair Darnell Bing, Shaun Cody, Lofa Tatupu, and Greig Carlson. Photo Credit: Gregg Felsen.

IN THE GAME OF LOVE & WINE THE VINO VOICE

Ever since this column appeared in the first issue of the CV Weekly, we’ve always contended that it’s all about the game of wine. And we also commented that if you love the wine game and you wish to play it well, then this column is for you.

Now one of the most fun moves in the game is going out to find a romantic wine to matchup with the super Day of Love; and, what we’ve seen lately—with all the craziness in politics, culture, and pandemics, there is a real thing of All Valentines Week, where we revel well in love for an entire week.

And quite often, we wine enthusiasts also love the challenge to discover or at least find a new and different wine to celebrate Il giorno Santo Valentino di amore. Sure—we all wish a nice bubbly to pop open for the occasion, and we’ll get to those next week, but for his article, let’s find an exciting and sexy wine.

Our recommendation is the 2020 Etude Pinot Gris Carneros (around $25). We’ll get to this specific Etude Pinot Gris in a moment. But let’s discuss Pinot Gris in general.

Generally speaking, Pinot Gris seems to be the one grape/or one wine that consistently fools the experts in blind tastings and sommelier exams. Now that fact alone is exciting! And, what keeps the interesting & sexy is that the wine expresses a taste profile that is different from one region to the next.

The primary fruit flavors in Pinot Grigio are lime, lemon, pear, white nectarine and apple. And depending on where the grapes are grown, Pinot Grigio can take on faint honeyed notes, floral aromas like honeysuckle, and a saline-like minerality.

Most wine folks know by now that a Pinot Gris is technically the same as Pinot Grigio. They have the same grape DNA. One is the French pronunciation, the other Italian. Pinot Gris is obviously French, since we pronounce it as Peen-noh Gree. But there is a marked difference between the Italian “grigio” and the French “gris”(gree) The Italian is usually totally dry with brilliant acidity with a bitter almond note. The French is fleshy and more unctuous, and as mentioned above, with faint honey notes.

To complicate matters—in an interesting way, is that, in the American version, the wine often carries a more exaggerated fruit flavor with less acidity than European counterparts. California generally calls their version Pinot Grigio—following the Italian, but Oregon calls their grape with the French pronunciation. In Washington State, we see it spelled and pronounced both ways—leaving it up to the winery. Some will call it from the European clones the root stalk comes from.

And if we wish to throw in some more complicated matters, be it known that your beloved Pinot Noir grape as the same DNA as Pinot Gris/Grigio!! The Gris/Grigio is simply a mutation! Fun stuff again!

So let’s get back to our Valentines wine recommendation 2020 Etude Pinot Gris Carneros. After reading the flavor profile below, you’ll see why we call this wine sexy. This classic Pinot Gris offers lovely tree blossom aromatics with tropical notes delicately interwoven into this refreshing sipper. Guava, kiwi, pineapple, quince, passion fruit and lychee jump from the glass, while light apricot and Meyer lemon citrus and kaffir lime come through on the palate, supported by a chalky minerality. Pretty, rich

BY RICK RIOZZA

and round, with a brilliant acid core and creamy mouthfeel, give this white depth and texture, leading to a persistent finish. Can you think of a more sexy wine?

Okay—we’ve written on the Etude Winery previously. And it so happens that we recommended their Carneros Pinot Noir last Valentine’s Day! We love their Pinot; we love the Pinot Noir from Carneros. Having the Etude Pinot Noir again this year will make the day as well.

The Etude Pinot Gris is crafted from grapes grown at their Estate Vineyard, Grace Benoist Ranch Certified Alsatian clones are planted here in deep, well-drained loamy soils which are perfect for capturing memorable flavors. This is why Etude names their grape with the French name.

And you wine enthusiasts know well the Carneros region that straddles both Napa and Sonoma counties. The cooler temperatures driven by nearby San Pablo Bay provide for a long and even growing season, allowing the Pinot Gris fruit to fully ripen while still preserving natural acidity.

The Grace Benoist Estate vineyard is farmed to Etude’s exacting standards, using environmentally sound viticultural practices. We grow, and ultimately harvest, focusing on intensity of flavor, strong varietal delineation and ideal natural balance. Etude is sustainably certified under the Napa Green program at the winery, while Grace Benoist Ranch is certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

As to the winemaking, they harvested the Pinot Gris into small bins at night and rushed them to our winery in order to retain the freshness and purity of the fruit. After gently pressing the whole clusters, the juice for the Pinot Gris was transferred to small, 75-gallon stainless steel barrels for fermentation.

The juice was then allowed to mature undisturbed for five months sur lie (aging on the lees), enhancing the silky texture and mouthfeel, before a very gentle bottling. The wine never touches a sliver of oak, nor does any portion undergo malolactic fermentation.

And there you go! All you need to know. You can spend the time explaining the wine or you can just drink it and just speak love; something like that or something in between. We’ll get back to some rosé bubbly next time. Cheers!

ARTSCENE

BY DEANN LUBELL

Ithink that Diane Morgan can paint just about anything in any medium from bees to vintage cars to strawberries to florals to fish – heck, she can even paint a McDonald’s Big Mac and fries that look good enough to eat. Her painted waterdrops on flowers are so realistic to the observer that for an instant they feel if they touch the droplet, it will leave their fingertips wet with actual moisture. Diane is also an extraordinary photographer. I especially like her close-up shots of bees doing what bees do best working in flowers. My grandfather was a beekeeper, so these really appeal to me personally.

Formally trained in oils with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan, this multi-award-winning artist

presents her works at several art shows a year. Coming up she will be featured at the Desert Art Center on 550 N. Palm Canyon in Palm Springs in February. Her art will be on display at the 2023 Artists Council Exhibition and Sale from February 16 – March 19 and the Coachella Valley Watercolor Society Annual Show February 9-12. Both shows are held at the Artists Center at the Galen at 72567 Hwy 111 in Palm Desert. Besides painting and attending shows, somehow Diane finds time to teach weekly classes at the Artists Center at the Galen, as well.

“I envision a painting in almost everything I see,” said Diane. “Adding drama and mystery through the use of powerful lighting effects, reflected surfaces, exaggerated contrasts and unusual compositions, I transform simple everyday life into un-ordinary, notso-still life. I like to take an ordinary subject and enhance the perception of it, invite the viewer to take a closer look. If you look closer, you may discover something new about yourself. I love how the medium takes command. The artist starts the process, but the paint takes charge and leads the work to a sometimes-unintended outcome. It’s always exhilarating.”

To find out more about Diane Morgan please go to www.dianemorganpaints.com or email her at dianemorganpaints@gmail. com

PET PL ACE DUTTON WAITS FOR A SECOND CHANCE HOME!

VERANO. There was a chain link fence around the homes, but it was open on the south side and there was a broken section on the west side where I could slip through.

I cautiously approached some people outside their house, but they seemed afraid and went indoors. The next person brought bowls of food and water which I gratefully inhaled. The summer weather was hot and during the day I searched for the few places with shade. There were more kind people in the neighborhood who put out bowls of food and water in the same locations daily. I had a variety of different dog food. At night I dreamed of happily being back in my house watching television with my humans.

to catch me because I run fast and travel to many locations.

On November 21, Scott attached a leash to my collar for me to walk with him . I felt like part of Scott’s pack and we dogs happily trotted back to his house. Hanging out at Scott and Patty’s house was one of my happiest memories. I received lots of petting, treats, and more belly rubs. They told me I was a good boy because there were no accidents inside the house.

BY JANET McAFEE

want to meet me, complete an adoption application online at www.orphanpet.com and call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet. Please be patient if I am a bit shy when you first arrive.

Are you looking for a 2nd or 3rd dog? I might be the right fellow for you! My name is Dutton and I hope to meet you at the Humane Society of the Desert in North Palm Springs. I’m 43 pounds of doggie love, just 3 years old.

Jon is in charge at the HSOD and he said I am doing great and would make a great companion dog for a family. I love the volunteers Cali, Chris, Alexandra and others who take me for daily walks. My favorite place is the dog park where I get to be off leash and happily play with other dogs!

I once had a family I loved very much. One of my favorite hobbies is going for car rides, and I was thrilled one day when my people put me in the car. It was a beautiful warm day at the end of July 2022. The car stopped at the edge of a Coachella Valley desert, and I popped out for a potty break. Suddenly my humans got back into the car and drove away. They must have forgotten I was still outside! I ran after their car until I could no longer keep up with their speed. I was exhausted and frantic.

Returning to the area where they left me, I stayed figuring they would soon return. The days passed, I became hungry and thirsty, but the worst pain was my broken heart. There were some homes nearby in Cathedral City next to the open desert. A sign said

I met Scott Nelson who brought his three friendly dogs to run off leash in my desert area. It was great fun to run and play with them, and they came daily around 7:00 am. At first I was cautious with Scott as stray dogs develop a sense of flight after a while particularly if someone rushes at or chases us. Scott was a special man who loves and understands dogs. As time passed, I approached Scott who stood nearby waiting and talking to me. He brought me treats. He petted me under my chin and quickly slipped a collar around my neck. Scott gave me a belly rub, one of my favorite things. Scott’s mother Patty Nelson was part of the pack. I am pictured here happily running to Loki.

One day I peered through the fence gap and saw Janet walking her small dogs and they looked back at me. Soon Janet climbed through the gap with another bowl of food and water, but I waited until she backed away to eat and drink. It was now Fall, and thankfully cooler for me to run around from one end of the nearby desert to the other. I explored a nearby residential neighborhood, approaching homes where I could hear another dog. One day I ran up to Janet to greet the little pups trying to follow them into their house.

I was well fed, full of young dog energy and enjoyed running and meeting new people with dogs. One day I heard Janet and Scott talking. They said some of the neighbors were networking me, and some people called “animal control” to get me. They were worried because they said the county shelter was very crowded and maybe no one would adopt me. If I could talk I would tell them animal control would have to be very smart

On November 22, I joined Scott, Janet, and Scott’s dog Loki on a car ride. This photo was taken on the trip. They were worried I might get sick or be attacked by coyotes if I stayed in the desert. We drove to the Humane Society of the Desert where Jon, the man in charge, met us at the gate. Jon is calm, kind, and loves helping dogs, so it was understood I was safe, and they would get me a new home. I had a very large outdoor kennel where there were other big dogs nearby.

It is now February, the month of Valentines and love, and that includes LOVE for us dogs. I have the grateful heart of a rescue dog, and plenty of love for people and pups of all sizes. This is the time to add a rescue dog to your family, especially if you are feeling lonely. If you are a couple, I will bring you closer together with more happiness. I’m a great medium size for car trips and outings. If you

I am thankful to The Humane Society of the Desert, a lovely large facility with adoptable rescue dogs of all sizes and cats. They are located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, N. Palm Springs. Donations are greatly needed so they can help more homeless animals like me with veterinary care, food and supplies. You can donate online at www.orphanpet.com or mail a check to P.O. Box 414, N. Palm Springs, CA 92258-0414. The HSOD needs unopened bags and cans of Nutri Source dog food. Bags and cans of cat food, cat litter, collars, and clean large dogs beds are most welcome. Mention my name when you bring donations by or donate online.

Scott said, “Dutton is such a good and gentle dog. He will make a great companion and loyal friend for someone who treats him well and takes the time to earn his trust!”. You could be the lucky person who gets to take me home forever!

Janetmcafee7@gmail.com

MEET HARRY MEET DAKOTA

I’m now URGENT, still waiting for a home so I can give you a kiss! Meet me at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, www.rcdas.org. I’m 90 lbs of doggie love, 2-yrs-old, a Husky/Shepherd. Ask to visit dog ID#A1703092 in a private visiting area. (951) 358-7387.

I’m a lovely 3-yr-old Husky girl, 43 lbs and the right size for happy car rides. Meet me at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 73-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms from 10am to 4pm Mon thru Sat, www.rcdas.org. Ask to meet dog ID#A1712102 in a private visiting area. My hobby is hanging out with humans! (951) 358-7302

Here are some places where you can adopt a wonderful rescue dog or cat!

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS –Open 10:00-4:00 Monday through Saturday. View animals online at all 4 county shelters www.rcdas.org, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public)

PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – Open to the public, closed Tuesday. View animals online at psanimalsshelter.org and complete application for the one you want to meet, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, Call (760) 416-5718. (Public)

DESERT HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL – Open daily 9:30-4:30. www. cityofdhs.org/animal-care-control.com, View animals at www.petango.com/dhsacc. 65810 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, Call for appointment (760) 329-6411 ext. 450.

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – Open to the public. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email volunteer@ animalsamaritans.org to foster or volunteer. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private)

CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - Call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 6563833. (Private)

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Fill out an application online www. orphanpet.com and call for an appointment. This shelter has dogs of all sizes and cats, Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private)

KITTYLAND – Open to the public to adopt cats and kittens. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www. kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private)

PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private)

LOVING ALL ANIMALS – Call for appointment to adopt dogs. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private)

ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA

– Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077 (Private)

FLUFFS & SCRUFFS – Foster based rescue for small dogs in Cathedral City. FLUFFSANDSCRUFFS@AOL.COM, (310) 9803383 (Private)

SOCIETY’S OUTKAST ANIMAL RESCUE

– Foster based rescue for dogs in Rancho Mirage, www.societysoutkasts.com, (760) 832-0617. (Private)

LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY –Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, living-free.org, (951) 659-4687. (Private)

CITY OF BANNING ANIMAL SHELTER –Open daily 10am-6pm. Located at 2050 E. Charles St, Banning. Many beautiful animals of all sizes. View animals at arerescue.org/ banning. (951) 708-1280 Short staffed so don’t always answer phones. (Public)

CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL

SHELTER – Open 12:00 – 3pm Tues through Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get ID number of the animal you want. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL

SHELTER AT DEVORE – Open 7 days a week. Call (909) 386-9280, www.sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you are interested in adopting, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

LOCAL BUSINESS

The Azure Palm Resort planned to open their doors in 2021, just as COVID slammed shut the entire world. In a way, it worked to their advantage because it allowed the owners to renovate without having to stay open for guests. My experience staying in properties undergoing renovation have been less than satisfying.

The transformation of the exiting ailing structures and grounds is spectacular. Every aspect of this world-class destination resort is well thought out. Anchoring this outdoor area is a huge pool heated to 85 degrees

year-round. Two large indoor hot tubs and a cedar sauna are adjacent to the pool. There are five covered 4 – 6 person hot tubs positioned to take in the spectacular views of the San Jacinto mountains. There is also an outdoor sauna and a unique hot springfed reflexology path lined with pebbles to massage the bottom of your feet as you walk. All of these amenities are available for a day use fee that includes a locker, slippers, and a robe. Hotel guests have 24 hour access to the unique salt cave for enhanced relaxation.

The Azure Palm Café is worth a trip on

its own. Healthy spa cuisine is featured, but you can order a cheeseburger and flatbread pizzas as well. I ordered a Thai Rice Bowl with seared Ahi paired with crips-tender green beans on a bed of organic brown rice and a sweet-savory sauce. Healthy choices abound with house made sauces and dressings.

The employees genuinely enjoy working here from the front-desk to the restaurant servers. I was given a thorough tour of the entire facility by Richard, the Director of Sales and Marketing. I also met one of the managing partners, Maria, who told me

BY DANIEL PARIS

of their plans to expand in the immediate future. Judging from the ubiquitous smiles on the guests’ faces, the Azure has nailed a winning formula for success.

67589 Hacienda Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

Café open 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily

Café (760) 251-2005

Resort (760) 251-2000

HADDON LIBBY

As a welcome to our Canadian friends who visit us this time each year from the frigid north, let us at CV Weekly keep you abreast of the news of the day as reported by CNC, CBC and CTV.

Dateline Southern California: The Great One aka Wayne Gretzky turned 62 on January 26th.

Dateline Toronto: The week before Christmas, a homeless Toronto man was killed by eight teenaged girls in a random ‘swarming’ attack. What happened was that the these 13 to 16 years-old girls ‘swarmed’ a man near a downtown homeless shelter and proceeded to beat and stab him to death. Last week as one of the detainees was seeking release on bail, a new problem emerged. It seems that at least one of these minors was strip searched with every trip to or from the Juvenile Detention Center. The judge presiding over the case was appalled by the behavior of the Center and ordered an immediate end to the practice. In response to media inquiries, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services states that they cannot respond as the detainees are minors.

Dateline: Stockholm, Saskatchewan: The Yorkton Regional Hospital turned away a woman in labor five days before Christmas. The wind chill temperature at the time was -40 below zero! (Makes our frigid +40-degree nights a bit wimpy, no?) While her contractions were eight minutes apart, her water had not broken so the hospital felt it was premature for her to be at the hospital. The couple went to her mother’s nearby house where she took a bath, her water broke and baby came in to the world less than 90 minutes after departing the hospital. Her husband delivered the baby

OH CANADA!

BY HADDON LIBBY

corded machine one to love. Still want to burn gas and give Mother Earth the finger? Consider “the little beast” as one enthusiast called it. We are talking about the Husqvarna 2-Stage Gas Snowblower with an Electric Start. This beast sells for $1,000 at Canadian Tire. With four forward speeds and a reverse speed, you can clear two feet at a time and shoot that white powder, sleet or slush 24 feet.

I wonder if it would work with sand.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information on our services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com

and the late arriving ambulance took his wife and child back to the hospital. When the couple got a bill from the Ministry of Health for the ambulance drive back to the hospital, they were billed for two people instead of one. Once this story hit the press, the Ministry of Health decided to pick up half of the bill as a courtesy. Following this birthing ordeal, the couple seem inclined to limit their household to one child. In response to media inquiries, the Saskatchewan Health Authority states that they cannot respond due to patient privacy reasons.

Dateline Vancouver: Now that the city has decriminalized hard drugs, drug dealer Jerry Martin has plans to opening drug stores. Given that users have a hard time finding safe supplies, he wants to fill

the need. Beginning on January 31st, it is no longer a crime to have a small stash of MDMA, cocaine, heroin, meth or crack. Even fentanyl can be held. Martin is a user himself with a preference for acid, DMT and mescaline.

In the Canadian Style section on Yahoo!, Kayla Kuefler helps us to navigate the complicated world of snow removal. Should you have a snow blower or a snow thrower? Do you go with an electric, cordless or gaspowered machines? If money is no object, Kuefler recommends the Greenworks 60V 3x5AH 2 Stage Snowblower. This baby sells for an extra chilly $2,000 from Canadian Tire. Are you more of a budget shopper?

Amazon Canada has a Snow Joe eighteen incher that Kayla loves. The 13-amp motor and impressive 20-foot throw makes this

HOLIDAY ACCIDENT? GOLDEN RULES TO FOLLOW

GOLDEN

RULES YOU MUST FOLLOW

1. Call Police.

2. Retain a LOCAL CV PI Lawyer asap. If insurance co’s treated Victims Fairly, Lawyers would be out of business. Your attorney will help you face the complexities of the case.

There is a saying, “little hinges swing big doors”. You don’t need the biggest LA or Riverside law firm where you get lost with a junior associate holding your hand…rather than a smaller firm where you deal with the head of the office. DO YOU WANT A LAWYER THAT IS COMPETENT, QUICK OR CHEAP……. PICK 2. And Remember, you can’t have CHAMPAGNE TASTE ON A BEER BUDGET.

3. Be honest and don’t hide prior accidents from your lawyer or doctor? That’s how you lose!

4. Don’t miss medical appointments or have gaps in treatment.

5. Purchase adequate auto insurance with UM…not the $15k minimum!

6. Follow your lawyer’s advice about auto repairs.

7. Silence is Golden. Remember it’s not just what you say, but what they thought you said.

8. Get immediate medical treatment with attorneys ok.

9. Don’t treat with the wrong doctor.

10. Don’t handle the case yourself.

11. Treat with a doctor experienced in preparing Med/Legal Reports.

12. TAKE DOWN SOCIAL MEDIA (FACEBOOK/TWITTER etc): Don’t post that you’re feeling great or running to play tennis or golf. The insurance company will argue if you were well enough to play a sport you couldn’t be hurt that badly.

Social media is the biggest advance for insurance companies, who no longer have to hire private investigators. They learn from your daily posts how you are doing and that could be the kiss of death for your case. Take down your social media until the case is over. The insurance company can learn of your friends and have investigators talk to them and learn how healthy you are. Your friends may assume you are ok because you do not complain.

13. Retain a local, experienced, PI lawyer, not someone you see advertising on TV. You deserve sound legal results, not soundbites.

14. Plan now who you would call if you had an ACCIDENT or DUI. No one likes a lawyer,

until they need one. Decide now before you are stressed with the PI/DUI matter.

DO YOU WANT A LAWYER THAT IS COMPETENT, QUICK OR CHEAP…….PICK 2. And Remember, you can’t have CHAMPAGNE TASTE ON BEER BUDGET.

INSURANCE COMPANIES DO WHATEVER THEY CAN TO PAY LESS MONEY ON AUTO, HURRICANE, FLOOD OR FIRE CLAIMS... IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE THE KIND OF CLAIM. THUS YOU MUST PUT AN EXPERIENCED ACCIDENT LAWYER IN YOUR CORNER.

I look upon my job as protecting the Constitutional Rights of every American who drinks, drives and gets arrested for a DUI or has an ACCIDENT.

I do however “Change Hats” when I SUE Drunk Drivers for damages to my Injured or Deceased (Wrongful Death) clients.

DALE GRIBOW

REPRESENTING THE INJURED AND CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

“TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-23

“TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine

PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

5 STAR RATING Legal Columnist for LA/CV Papers/Society Columnist, Desert Sun / Legal Talk Show Host

“ACCIDENTALLY YOURS”

“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”. SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER.

For questions or suggestions for future columns contact dale@dalegribowlaw.com or 760 837 7500

PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, RETIREES, DISABLED? INTRODUCING OPTIMAL “MEDICARE” SERVICES TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY

being quiet and still, and make sure you are breathing correctly. Many, sadly, do not breathe properly today and often find themselves gasping for breath. I believe cell phones and spending too much time on social media is one cause of this issue.

Aging is inevitable. Despite a slew of never-ending marketing campaigns, products, creams, glues, gels, and possibly some Scotch tape; no one, and we repeat no one is ever going to be able to put “Humpty Dumpty” back together again. We are all going to get old. We should all face facts now and accept it. The alternative is spending countless hours and years of our precious lives running down rabbit holes, wishing wells, and forever attempting to track down the elusive “fountain of youth”, or the pot-o-gold at the end of the rainbow. Reality dictates - there is no such thing as the “fountain of youth”, nor a pot-o-gold at the end of the rainbow.

If we analyze the concept of life and the inevitability of the aging process, we should look no further than the pages of the Holy Bible. More recently, I heard a statement in which the Good Book was referred to as: Basic Information Before Leaving Earth That statement could not be more concise. If you apply the Holy Bible’s instructions, you will live a good life. If you chose not to - you will find yourself on the rather hot and not at all pleasurable side of the rotisserie when you close your earthly eyes for the final time.

Health is a proverbial, let’s say, Brazil nut, which is very good for you. Brazil nuts provide adequate amounts of selenium which is great for thyroid health. But don’t eat too many of them. Too many will incur the counter-effect. One - or two, here and there is suffice. But we digress.

Health is basic and simple: Eat well, stay away from drugs and alcohol. Sleep often, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and if you can spend time in the sun every day, do so, within reason. You can also spend time

SAFETYTIPS

We certainly have had our share of wind lately. Not to mention the unusually cold weather. This could affect your health!

The type and size of a dust particle influences how harmful dust is to human health. The possible amount of dust present in the air and how long you have been exposed to it are also important factors.

The type of dust varies with location and possibly even with time of day. Cities tend to be rich in combustion particles from vehicle emissions which is considered more harmful relative to windblown dust from the earth’s surface.

Dust particles small enough to be inhaled may lead to:

irritation of the eyes

coughing sneezing

hay fever

asthma attacks

LOCAL MUSIC

BY TIAR’A LITERARY & ILLUSTRATION

Let’s take some time to go back to when it all began, and the Words printed before our eyes in the Holy Bible.

God states that in the beginning He chose to shorten the lifespan of humans. Why? They disobeyed and were - and still are in many ways a disgrace - not only in stark contrast to God’s definitive and infinite Word, but to themselves and to others around them. Who personally can stand to see a senior man wearing earrings, or a senior woman wearing ripped skinny jeans, an oversized “bling-bling” belt, having on way too much makeup, and sporting a blouse as low as her solar plexus? I feel the need to suggest, “There comes a time to put away childish things”, and I’d be precise in my analysis of the former.

God, the creator of all life; the past, the present, the future, the after and the eternal, tells us humans, his creation that we are destined to become old and incur certain ailments that go along with becoming old. This is because we disobeyed in the beginning. Why does humanity have such a big issue with this. Are we the creator? The obvious reason so many argue with God, is a direct rebellion against His wishes - and for anyone who has read and believes the Good Book, we all know where that will eventually land the rebellious person’s body and soul. We all want to remain healthy and function at our most optimal. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, we should all want to remain healthy, and as the saying goes, “grow old gracefully”. Plumping our bodies full of fillers, and Botox [which is botulism in a vile - and if you aren’t aware what botulism is, look it up in the dictionary. You may very well be surprised and never again consider injecting your face just to

look like you’ve been windswept and are frozen in motion for three months] is not the answer. Undergoing various types of skin tightening, and skin wrapping surgeries is likewise not the answer. Have you ever noticed that individuals who do engage in continuous plastic surgery eventually all look the same, and for the most part, like Madam Marionette? Oversized lips, eyebrows pulled up to hairlines, and exaggerated gaps between jaws and earlobes. We don’t know about you, but we never want to butcher what God created and look like a mirrored image of someone else. If your body has nothing wrong with it, then the motivation is all about vanity, and this can be associated with curiosity. We all know what curiosity did to the cat now don’t we.

Vanity, dressing and acting immature describes the “Peter Pan” syndrome. If some of our senior communities choose to appear and act immature that doesn’t mean the youth should follow. Youths are the seniors of tomorrow, so lead by example, even if you are young. Be the adult. Take care of the senior. Which brings us to this: Medicare and health supplement insurance are tricky waters to navigate. Even Christopher Columbus, the purported discoverer of this great country of ours, during his prime would not have been able to understand Medicare’s technical jargon.

For those who care about those who are 65 years of age, older, about to turn 65, about to retire, the disabled, or those already on a Medicare Supplement Plan, this is for you.

ME. [MEDICARE EXPERTS] has been in operation for over a decade and are now debuting in the gorgeous Coachella Valley. The level of Medicare expertise that has been garnered by ME.’S President, Mr. Brian Henderson, MBA/Broker, is impeccable.

If you or someone you know is dissatisfied with their current health insurance company/ plan/agent/agency, or has yet to secure the optimal Medicare company/plan to suit their specific requirements, contact ME.

DUST IN THE WIND

[MEDICARE EXPERTS] License No. 0H48978

Where “HEALTH INSURANCE IS ABOUT YOU” - 909.455.2491

A considerable number of health insurance agents/agencies are not making health insurance about their clients - that is your family and your loved ones. If there is anything health wise that you should take the extra time and effort in correcting, it’s health insurance. Call ME. [MEDICARE EXPERTS] where “Health insurance is about you” today.

TIAR’A LITERARY & ILLUSTRATION is a premier content creation and marketing company that produces engaging and informative content for individuals and businesses worldwide. Email: tiarapublications@gmail.com

“Creating content for individuals and businesses worldwide”

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

air as someone who has the flu and thus contract the virus.

2) Days are shorter during the winter, and lack of sunlight leads to low levels of vitamin D and melatonin, both of which require sunlight for their generation. This compromises our immune systems, which in turn decreases ability to fight the virus.

3) The influenza virus may survive better in colder, drier climates, and therefore be able to infect more people.

For people with respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD) or emphysema even small increases in dust concentration can make

their symptoms worse.

1) During the winter, people spend more time indoors with the windows sealed, so they are more likely to breathe the same

Consider staying indoors if possible. Wear a mask and protective eyewear and keep warm. Consult with your physician if symptoms worsen or persist.

Source: Western Australia Dept. of Health

BY AIMEE MOSCO SWAGFORTHESOUL

DEEP HEALING IS AN INSIDE JOB

Each of us has a different definition for healing, but any way you slice it, if you want to heal at the deepest level, that core healing is administered by you and only you. No one else holds the power to truly heal you. Others can support, help, or point you in a direction, but deep healing happens by your hand alone.

We humans exist at nearly the lowest level of consciousness in our Universe. Before you birthed your soul into a human body, you planned a journey for yourself. Your soul mapped trajectory charted a multitude of opportunities for growth because that is every soul’s objective – to grow. Incarnating in a low-density atmosphere such as this one is about as challenging as it gets for soul growth. As divinely empowered and immortal beings of light we must all but extinguish consciousness and turn down our natural vibrations to have an authentic immersive experience in this dense world. The spiritual rewards of successfully integrating soul lessons without the benefit of keen awareness in this atmosphere are tremendous. Doing so is like climbing Mt. Everest! It is an impressive feat.

One of the mechanisms the soul uses to guide the human toward integrating higher levels of awareness and growth is pain – be it physical, mental, or emotional. The reason for this is because it is very difficult for a human to ignore pain. If you have missed soul clues because your intuitive receptors are shut down, you are not likely to miss the message of pain. Humans are motivated to respond to pain when all other signs delivered by the soul fail to register.

Pain is unwelcome on the surface, but because it slows you down, it opens opportunities to contemplate the messages of the inner spirit. It is an invaluable tool because it makes the space for you to seek a more conscious understanding of the imbalance that sits at the roots of your discomfort. When you understand with greater clarity how your pain was born, you can explore other paths to carry yourself forward and produce different results. This exploration grows your consciousness and

expands your soul’s experience base, which is the very objective of incarnation.

Each of us has engaged in these explorations over the course of many lifetimes. Our souls are bursting with enough experience and knowledge at this point to chart new pathways and initiate deep healing often times before pain materializes. We have not yet reached a point in our evolution where we can heal all that ails us without traditional or alternative medicine and therapies, but we have reached a point in our development where applied consciousness partners with these external measures to affect deep and thorough healing from within.

In my pursuit to help you connect with your inner healer, I invite you to join my Facebook group SACRED Light Code Keys. Go to facebook.com/groups/621727488898099 and enjoy the light of this supportive community.

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 a leadership advisor to the World Game Changers Board of Directors, a charitable CIC based in the UK. Find Aimee’s Channeling page on Facebook with @ihsaimeemosco or visit Aimee at www.ihsunity.com

FREEWILLASTROLOGY

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2 © Copyright 2022-23 Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Theoretically, you could offer to help a person who doesn’t like you. You could bring a gourmet vegan meal to a meateater or pay a compliment to a bigot. I suppose you could even sing beautiful love songs to annoyed passersby or recite passages from great literature to an eight-year-old immersed in his video game. But there are better ways to express your talents and dispense your gifts—especially now, when it’s crucial for your long-term mental health that you offer your blessings to recipients who will use them best and appreciate them most.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In esoteric astrology, Taurus rules the third eye. Poetically speaking, this is a subtle organ of perception, a sixth sense that sees through mere appearances and discerns the secret or hidden nature of things. Some people are surprised to learn about this theory. Doesn’t traditional astrology say that you Bulls are sober and well-grounded? Here’s the bigger view: The penetrating vision of an evolved Taurus is potent because it peels away superficial truths and uncovers deeper truths. Would you like to tap into more of this potential superpower? The coming weeks will be a good time to do so.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The ingredient you would need to fulfill the next stage of a fun dream is behind door #1. Behind door #2 is a vision of a creative twist you could do but haven’t managed yet. Behind door #3 is a clue that might help you achieve more disciplined freedom than you’ve known before. Do you think I’m exaggerating? I’m not. Here’s the catch: You may be able to open only one door before the magic spell wears off— *unless* you enlist the services of a consultant, ally, witch, or guardian angel to help you bargain with fate to provide even more of the luck that may be available.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I trust you are mostly ready for the educational adventures and experiments that are possible. The uncertainties that accompany them, whether real or imagined, will bring out the best in you. For optimal results, you should apply your nighttime thinking to daytime activities, and vice versa. Wiggle free of responsibilities unless they teach you noble truths. And finally, summon the intuitive powers that will sustain you and guide you through the brilliant shadow initiations. (PS: Take the wildest rides you dare as long as they are safe.)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Fate has decreed, “Leos must be wanderers for a while.” You are under no obligation to obey this mandate, of course. Theoretically, you could resist it. But if you do indeed rebel, be sure your willpower is very strong. You will get away with outsmarting or revising fate only if your discipline is fierce and your determination is intense. OK? So let’s imagine that you will indeed bend fate’s decree to suit your needs. What would that look like? Here’s one possibility: The “wandering” you undertake can be done in the name of focused exploration rather than aimless meandering.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I wish I could help you understand and manage a situation that has confused you. I’d love to bolster your strength to deal with substitutes that have been dissipating your commitment to the Real Things. In a perfect world, I could emancipate you from yearnings that are out of sync with your highest good. And maybe I’d be able to teach you to dissolve a habit that has weakened your willpower. And why can’t I be of full service to you in these ways? Because, according to my assessment, you have not completely acknowledged your need for this help. So neither I nor anyone else can provide it. But now that you’ve read this horoscope, I’m hoping you will make yourself more receptive to the necessary support and favors and relief.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I can’t definitively predict you will receive an influx of cash in the next three weeks. It’s possible, though. And I’m not able to guarantee you’ll be the beneficiary of free lunches and unexpected gifts. But who knows? They could very well appear. Torrents of praise and appreciation may flow, too, though

trickles are more likely. And there is a small chance of solicitous gestures coming your way from sexy angels and cute maestros. What I can promise you for sure, however, are fresh eruptions of savvy in your brain and sagacity in your heart. Here’s your keynote, as expressed by the Queen of Sheba 700 years ago: “Wisdom is sweeter than honey, brings more joy than wine, illumines more than the sun, is more precious than jewels.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your assignment, Scorpio, is to cultivate a closer relationship with the cells that comprise your body. They are alive! Speak to them as you would to a beloved child or animal. In your meditations and fantasies, bless them with tender wishes. Let them know how grateful you are for the grand collaboration you have going, and affectionately urge them to do what’s best for all concerned. For you Scorpios, February is Love and Care for Your Inner Creatures Month.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Revamped and refurbished things are coming back for another look. Retreads and redemption-seekers are headed in your direction. I think you should consider giving them an audience. They are likely to be more fun or interesting or useful during their second time around. Dear Sagittarius, I suspect that the imminent future may also invite you to consider the possibility of accepting stand-ins and substitutes and imitators. They may turn out to be better than the so-called real things they replace. In conclusion, be receptive to Plan Bs, second choices, and alternate routes. They could lead you to the exact opportunities you didn’t know you needed.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Author Neil Gaiman declared, “I’ve never known anyone who was what he or she seemed.” While that may be generally accurate, it will be far less true about you Capricorns in the coming weeks. By my astrological reckoning, you will be very close to what you seem to be. The harmony between your deep inner self and your outer persona will be at record-breaking levels. No one will have to wonder if they must be wary of hidden agendas lurking below your surface. Everyone can be confident that what they see in you is what they will get from you. This is an amazing accomplishment! Congrats!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I want to raise up the magic world all round me and live strongly and quietly there,” wrote Aquarian author Virginia Woolf in her diary. What do you think she meant by “raise up the magic world all round me”? More importantly, how would you raise up the magic world around you? Meditate fiercely and generously on that tantalizing project. The coming weeks will be an ideal time to attend to such a wondrous possibility. You now have extra power to conjure up healing, protection, inspiration, and mojo for yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Before going to sleep, I asked my subconscious mind to bring a dream that would be helpful for you. Here’s what it gave me: In my dream, I was reading a comic book titled Zoe Stardust Quells Her Demon. On the first page, Zoe was facing a purple monster whose body was beastly but whose face looked a bit like hers. On page two, the monster chased Zoe down the street, but Zoe escaped. In the third scene, the monster was alone, licking its fur. In the fourth scene, Zoe sneaked up behind the monster and shot it with a blow dart that delivered a sedative, knocking it unconscious. In the final panel, Zoe had arranged for the monster to be transported to a lush uninhabited island where it could enjoy its life without bothering her. Now here’s my dream interpretation, Pisces: Don’t directly confront your inner foe or nagging demon. Approach stealthily and render it inert. Then banish it from your sphere, preferably forever.

Homework: Give a blessing to someone that you would like to receive yourself. Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com

Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

CAN YOU GET HEALTHY AND LOSE WEIGHT WITH KETO?

Yes, you can. The recent surge of Keto is now intersecting with science in a way that puts data behind it and proves the case that food is medicine. Here are just a few of some of the physical benefits of nutritional ketosis—most of them converging around internal balance, weight loss and improved health:

• Body composition

• Not hungry

• Improved mood

• Reduced insulin and lowering insulin resistance

• Resolved or lowered inflammation

• Benefits mood disorders and mental health

• Cognitive improvement and brain fog

• Reduced anxiety

• Lowers blood pressure

Let’s break down even more what nutritional ketosis can do for your health:

#1 CHANGES IN BODY COMPOSITION. Keto can increase levels of human growth hormones, supporting your muscle mass and metabolic state. A customized keto diet will reduce body fat and help you maintain muscle mass. And, because you aren’t hungry, and you are burning ketones for fuel (not glucose) you lose weight and inches.

#2 NOT HUNGRY. Keto diets do not require limiting calories, but studies have shown that eating a keto diet reduces appetite and helps promote weight loss. Keto increases your brain’s sensitivity to leptin. Leptin sends signals to your brain that your body has plenty of stored fat and can burn more calories and eat less food.

#3 STABILIZE MOOD. Keto can help stabilize a variety of mood disorders. Essentially, Keto helps your brain work better, which can help your overall mental health and is a mood

stabilize.

#4 LOWER BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS. Multiple studies have shown that Keto improves blood sugar control and lowers insulin. When struggling with blood sugar levels, including prediabetes or Type 2 diabetics, Keto lowers glucose and these common diseases can be reversed and diminished.

#5 KETO IS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. Keto diets naturally remove many highly inflammatory foods. By eating clean foods Keto means your diet has anti-inflammatory foods, including berries, green leafy vegetables, salmon, nuts, olives, and healthy fats.

#6 MOOD DISORDERS. Burning ketones for fuel makes your brain work better and has demonstrated promise as an intervention for brain fog, depression, and other mood disorders.

#7 COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE. Increase cognitive function with Keto. The keto diet improves the body’s ability to produce and utilize antioxidants, which help counteract the effects of free radicals in the body. By limiting oxidative stress, our brains can function fully,

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without memory and cognition problems or brain fog.

#8: LESS STRESS. LESS BELLY. What about stress and anxiety? The keto diet helps prevent the negative effects of stress on our bodies, evens out our moods without the ups and downs of carbs/sugar, reduces fat storage, particularly in our belly area!

#9 LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE NATURALLY. Regarding blood pressure, keto seems to decrease it more than any other diet that has been studied. A low-carbohydrate diet incorporating healthy fats from olive oil, butter, coconut oil, etc. along with vegetables and protein has been shown to be the best diet for lowering blood pressure.

Do You think Keto is Right for You?

With Keto it’s a win-win. You lose weight AND you get healthy. Let’s celebrate my client Kathi who said, “I broke a frustrating fourmonth Keto stall once I started working with Michelle. I am losing weight and inches again. I have never been close to my goal weight, until now. The best thumbs up came at my visit with my physician. She stated that I’ve lost weight over the holidays and remarked “that’s unheard of!” I told her it’s intentional. She smiled and gave me thumbs up!”

It’s encouraging to think that you can heal yourself with diet. The more Keto is studied it’s learned that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet is optimizing our bodies that have gotten out of whack from years of high-carbohydrates and low-fats.

I’ve worked with hundreds of women in over 25 states and 4 countries to lose over 7,500 pounds. However, I’m always still amazed and excited every time I hear from a client who confirms the significant difference Keto has

BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

made in their life for health and weight loss. According to my client Karen she said, “Working with Michelle has been a game changer. I’ve found many substitutes for the foods I used to enjoy that were full of carbs. I rarely feel like I am depriving myself. Besides losing 20 pounds in under 3 months, my brain fog is greatly reduced, I no longer require medication for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The future looks bright! “

Many people use keto diets to burn fat and lose weight, but as this article demonstrates…. there are many other health benefits. It’s important to do Keto correctly for your body type and health profile. If you’ve struggled with losing weight and want to improve your health, please get in touch with me for a free 30-minute coaching session- ketoiseasycoach.com

About Michelle Keto:

Michelle Borthwick, known more widely as Michelle Keto, is the foremost expert in living the Keto lifestyle and the go-to coach for Keto women. She loves the CA lifestyle and spends time between San Diego and Palm Springs, CA. Her 1:1 coaching, and group programs have helped hundreds of women from 25 states and 4 countries lose over 7,500 pounds while eating foods they love. This foodie’s motto, and business name, is “Keto is Easy” and she’s one of the only Keto leaders who promotes full customization for long term success. For a complimentary 30-minute coaching call please schedule at ketoiseasycoach.com