Coachella Valley Weekly - February 24 to March 2, 2022 Vol. 10 No. 50

Photo By Melissa Mexia

c o a c h e l l a v a l l e y w e e k l y . c o m • F e b r u a r y 2 4 t o M a r c h 2 , 2 0 2 2 V o l .1 0 N o .5 0

Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs

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Metalachi

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Olive Crest Annual Golf Invitational

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Forever Tango at McCallum Theatre

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February 24 to March 2, 2022

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February 24 to March 2, 2022

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

CONTENTS Derek Jordan Gregg ............................. 3-4 Rock Yard Lineup at Fantasy Springs ..... 5 Consider This - John Mellencamp ........... 6 Club Crawler Nightlife ............................. 7 Metalachi at Thrillville.............................. 8 Society Scene - Olive Crest Annual Golf Invitational .................................... 9 Screeners................................................ 10 Travel Tips 4 U ......................................... 11 The Vino Voice ....................................... 12 Luis Bravo's "Forever Tango" at the

Photo by Melissa Mexia

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hose familiar with the Coachella Valley music scene would be well-acquainted with the name Derek Jordan Gregg. He is a tour de force of a singer/songwriter known for his involvement in The Hive Minds band as well as his solo work, performing his soulful guitar-looper show across various desert venues.

Derek has now branched out into a more personalized solo debut with his new double album called "GEMINI" Home & Abroad. The record acts as a juxtaposition to Derek’s genre-bending capabilities, with side one “Home” reflecting his previous tracks rife with Americana sensibilities and acoustic sincerity while side two “Abroad” features new music with a harder rock edge.

“Home” was a body of work that Derek had already conceptualized and had been performing in his shows for years. There have been many attempts to record it, and after these last two years with more downtime during the pandemic he has had the opportunity to work on the inclusion of the “Abroad” side of the GEMINI album and has spent a year in development with his new team to make this happen.

“It was really important to me to release

this album because of the kind of polarity it represents for me as an artist. ‘Home’ is made of my classic Americana vibes while side two is a lot more electric, kind of like Bob Dylan’s Highway 61. After trying to record ‘Home’ a few times, I didn’t want it to just go into the ether. I knew if I didn’t record those songs, they were never going to see the light of day. I just wanted something new to go with those older tracks and ‘Abroad’ encompasses my life currently and where I’m at as an artist,” explained Derek.

Namedropping a musical dynamo like Bob Dylan in reference to an artist’s new body of work would seem far-reaching if done by anyone else, but Derek’s soulful rhythm and blues fusion of “Home” into his revived full band rock sound on “Abroad” mirrors that pivotal moment in Dylan’s career as he transformed his acoustic sound into punctuated electric tracks still painting the poetic emotion of his previous work. Derek’s growth as an artist very much reflects this new dynamic he is exploring on GEMINI—maintaining who he is as a musician with a versatility that harmonizes so well together.

“To feel fulfilled, I wanted the more current songs on ‘Abroad’ to be included in

the record. “Home” is where I started with a love for Americana music like Dylan and Paul Simon. ‘Abroad’ is all about where I want to go and the next phase in my journey as an artist. It calls out to my love for grunge and ‘90s Seattle stuff. I’ve been chipping away at this album trying to get it right. I know I’m a perfectionist, but this project speaks for me”.

Each song on the "GEMINI" Home & Abroad will be launched as a single, and one track from each side will be launched together simultaneously. The key players who made his album possible include Karlene “Kiki” Roller of Rockin Roller Management, Tommy Dietrick of Sky Lab Studios, and David Williams of Melrose Music, where the album was recorded.

David Williams and Derek began their musical recording journey together when they tracked the song “House of Cocaine” for the Palm Canyon Roadhouse compilation album last year. They recorded that song in one session mostly with first take performances by Derek and his band.

The recording of “House of Cocaine” went on to win a Coachella Valley Music Award for “Best Song.” David also considers the song to be one of his very favorite sessions continue to page 4

McCallum Theatre .............................. 13 Pet Place ............................................ 14-15 Safety Tips .............................................. 16 Cyber Corner .......................................... 16 Haddon Libby ......................................... 17 Dale Gribow ............................................ 17 Send Me A Trainer ................................. 19 Free Will Astrology................................ 19

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February 24 to March 2, 2022

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DEREK JORDAN GREGG continued from page 3

and recordings in his career. Since then, he and Derek have been on a vast expedition together recording his "GEMINI" Home & Abroad album.

“With many sessions and hours of great times, we are crafting something I feel is groundbreaking. We don’t concern ourselves with clocks and keeping track of hours—we just create and track what flows from Derek’s mind into his fingers and voice. We both are excited to share this work with everyone! I’d like to thank my co-engineer Chris Griego for being with us and inspiring us in the studio. Also, a huge thanks to Kiki Roller for her on-themark production skills. This team is like no other I’ve experienced. Every day we walk closer to the edge and the pathway becomes more in focus! Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley will be the next

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Austin, Bowling Green, Asheville. Our time is coming!” stated David.

Another upcoming important milestone in Derek’s career is the launch of his new website, DerekJordanGregg.com. This website works to rebrand Derek as a solo artist and give fans access to his music, videos, and other exclusive content.

“Colloquial Phrases” from side A and “Blue” from side B of GEMINI are released as the first singles from the album and are available on the website. A live video will also launch this week on the website called "Derek Jordan Gregg Live”. It will be available to Fan Club Members Only upon the launching of the site.

“Music is so beautiful in the ways it can create new realities” says Derek. “For me, I just want to put out lessons I’ve learned or something positive”.

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February 24 to March 2, 2022

MUSIC THE ROCK YARD RETURNS TO FANTASY SPRINGS WITH FREE TRIBUTE CONCERTS ON BIGGER, BETTER STAGE

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he Rock Yard concert series at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is returning with a brand new bigger stage and a stellar line-up of the country’s best tribute acts and premiere cover bands.

The FREE outdoor concert series kicks off on Friday, March 11 with Led Zeppelin tribute band, Led Zepagain with cover band Steel Rod opening the rockin’ show.

In keeping with tradition, the Rock Yard on Steriods returns and features Danny Seraphine of Chicago Transit Authority on March 12 and rockers Puddle of Mudd, known for chart toppers “Blurry” and “She Hates Me,” on June 25.

The Rock Yard outdoor venue is an amphitheater-style area where music revelers can enjoy fresh air while enjoying tributes to legendary rock acts such as Metallica, Journey and Billy Idol in addition to music icons like Michael Jackson and Depeche Mode.

Free live music starts at 7:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night. Beer and fun drink specials that are often themed to the bands that are performing are offered weekly.

Guests must be 18 years or older to rock out.

LINE UP: MAR 11 – Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin tribute) w/ Steel Rod MAR 12 – Danny Seraphine of Chicago Transit Authority w/ Triple 7 MAR 18 – Rad Company (Bad Company

tribute) w/ 212 Band MAR 19 – Damage Inc. (Metallica tribute) w/ Rock Stallion MAR 25 – Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars tribute) w/ Anthem Road MAR 26 – Who’s Bad (Michael Jackson tribute) w/ Steel Rod APR 1 – Generation Idol (Billy Idol tribute) w/ - Hi-Fi Academy APR 2 – Strangelove (Depeche Mode tribute) w/ Steel Rod APR 8 – Wild Child (The Doors tribute) w/ Almost Famous APR 9 – Escape (Journey tribute) w/ Electric Ash JUN 25 – Puddle of Mudd Additional dates will be added soon!

For more information, contact Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at (800) 827-2946 and online at FantasySpringsResort.com.

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February 24 to March 2, 2022

CONSIDER THIS

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’d forgotten how much I love John Mellencamp. I was recently reminded when I read Paul Rees’ excellent 2021 biography, succinctly entitled John Mellencamp. Luckily, he’s just released a new album, Strictly A One-Eyed Jack, allowing me to wax rhapsodic about this cantankerous Rocker.

Of course, I hated John Mellencamp before I loved him. When he (seemingly) burst on the scene 40 years ago as John Cougar, with crowd-pleaser hits like “Hurts So Good” and “Hand To Hold On To,” I was having none of it. At the time, this 19-yearold, self-proclaimed Bitch Goddess was in the throes of what would become a lifelong love affair with Punk and New Wave. I dismissed John Cougar as a poor-man’s Bob Seger. I was wrong, as I discovered a few years later.

Born in 1951, John J. Mellencamp grew up in Seymour, Indiana. He was born with Spina Bifida and endured corrective surgery as an infant. His Grandmother, Laura, never tired of telling him what a lucky boy he was, and he believed her. Scrappy and rebellious, John kicked against the pricks at every opportunity and let his Freak Flag fly, much to his conservative dad’s dismay.

He formed his first (interracial) band, Crepe Soul, at age 14. A few years later he was married with an infant daughter, he tried the 9 to 5 life, but music was his true calling. He continued to ply his trade in bar bands, pretty soon, he assembled his own killer band. After knocking on a few doors in New York, he signed with a shady manager who secured him a record deal and insisted he use the stage name Johnny Cougar. He made a couple of records and they went nowhere. He upgraded to a different shady manager and his song “I Need A Lover” became a Top 5 hit in Australia. Pat Benatar included the song on her 1979 debut, In The Heat Of The Night. His fourth album, Nothin’ Matters And What If It Did, yielded a minor hit with “Ain’t Even Done With The Night.” But it wasn’t until he released his fifth long player, 1982’s American Fool, that he hit the big time.

A little more than a year later he returned as John Cougar Mellencamp and released the Stonesy groove of UhHuh. Not only was his music loose-limbed and playful, but his lyrics were also more nuanced and substantive. It marked a new era for an artist that people (me) had written off as a one/two-hit wonder. The next three albums truly cemented John’s superstar status. Scarecrow arrived in 1985, a watershed record that tackled the plight of the family farmer. The album crackled with authority offering sharp vignettes like “Lonely Ol’ Night and “Rain On The Scarecrow” as well as anthemic rockers like “Fate Of The Nation” and “R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.” That year he also doubled down on his commitment to American farmers by co-creating Farm Aid with Willie Nelson and Neil Young.

1987’s Lonesome Jubilee truly showcased John’s powerhouse band, which rivaled Bruce Springsteen’s E. Street Band as a versatile, self-contained unit. Two years later he returned with the homespun activism of Big Daddy. In the ensuing years, John has

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JOHN MELLENCAMP

“STRICTLY A ONE-EYED JACK” (REPUBLIC RECORDS)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

continued to release records at a furious clip, with nary a misstep. He has managed the neat trick of making critically acclaimed and commercially viable music. Nearly all of his albums have consistently charted in the Top 40. Unlike most musicians, John never relocated to big cities like New York or Los Angeles, he remained in the Seymour area creating a refuge for himself. By the early ‘90s he was following in the footsteps of his artistic mother and started painting.

His work has been successfully shown in galleries in NYC and around the country.

He has also collaborated with celebrated writers like the late Larry McMurtry and Stephen King on theatrical projects.

A lifelong agitator and activist, John vocally opposed the Iraq war, advocated for racial equality and same-sex marriage.

In 2020 he re-fashioned Bob Dylan’s Only A Pawn In Their Game to reflect the murder of George Floyd. He’s been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and received an honorary Doctorate of Musical Arts from Indiana University. None of these accolades have succeeded in mellowing him, he remains as ornery as ever. Three marriages, five kids, a couple of well-publicized romances and a heart attack later, he steadfastly refuses to give up his beloved cigarettes.

The tar and tobacco have added a patina to his expressive tenor voice that now lands somewhere between Tom Waits and Louis Armstrong.

Just ahead of the pandemic, he began recording new songs at his Belmont recording studio, the result is his 24th studio album, Strictly A One-Eyed Jack. There’s a surprisingly somber and tentative quality found on the first two tracks, “I Always Lie To Strangers” and “Driving In The Rain.” On the former, dour guitars merge with mournful

violin, contrite keys, molasses-thick bass and a thumpy beat. John’s nicotine rasp is startling at first, but it adds verisimilitude to the character he easily inhabits. Obdurate and unrepentant, he casually informs us “I’ve never taken the high road home, the old low road seems to get me there fast, high or low, it’s all the same/Living by your word is a sucker’s game, and I’m used to taking all the blame, can’t bother taking that high road home, and I always lie to strangers.”

Burnished guitar notes are matched with scabrous violin on the break, underscoring the song’s saturnine grace.

The latter is slightly more sanguine, a loping, low-country Waltz powered by courtly guitars, thrumming bass, see-saw violin, drowsy accordion and a chunkachunka rhythm. The title is derived from a phrase used by his Grandpa, Speck, to indicate when someone was veering into dangerous territory. The mood has lightened, and John wraps his positively Satchmo-riffic vocals around soul-searching lyrics like “When I was young, responsibilities were none, and I did wrong and it was fun, and there was no work to be done/But now all that has changed, remembering the pain, driving in the rain.” On the break, the guitar solo splits the difference between Tropical and twangy.

Both John and Bruce Springsteen achieved superstar status in the mid ‘80s.

Their paths crossed consistently in the ensuing decades, and a genuine friendship sprang up between them. They cemented their bond a couple of years ago when they teamed for a couple of duets at Sting’s annual Rain Forest Benefit concert. Their ragged chemistry is on display on a couple of cuts here.

First up is “Did You Say Such A Thing,” a mid-tempo groover that sneaks out of the

speakers just as the preceding song, “Sweet Honey Brown” recedes. Flick-of-the-wrist guitar licks slither through a mix of knotty bass and a snapback beat. John’s mien is pugnacious as he confronts a gossip; “Word in the papers, you’ve been talkin’ smack about me, did you say such a thing?” The Boss’ distinctively gruff vocals shadow John on the refrain as the song slowly builds up steam. A final interrogation; “You say you can keep a secret, it’s just the people that you tell, well, here’s a little secret, you can go straight to hell, did you say such a thing/ Word on the corner, you’ve been talking shit about me, did you say such a thing,” is bookended by a scorching guitar solo and some prickly violin on the break. The menace is implicit, time to ‘fess up.

“Wasted” is a shimmery carpe diem told from the perspective of an elderly man who knows his days are numbered. Jangly acoustic guitars are wed to ringing electric riffs, spidery bass lines, dulcet accordion, syrupy strings and a kick-drum beat. The breezy melody belies reflective lyrics that regret lost opportunities; “How much sorrow is there left to climb, how many promises are worth a dime, and who on earth is worth a dime, is there a heart here I can call mine.” The pair trade verses before Bruce’s sweetly symbiotic harmonies dovetail with John’s on the rueful chorus; “Wasted days, wasted days, we watch our lives just fade away to more wasted days.”

Honeyed accordion notes coil and rumbling baritone guitar stutters and shakes on the break, as lyrics concede “the end is comingit’s almost here.”

John steps out of his comfort zone on a couple of songs. “Gone So Soon” is a tender ballad that wears its heart on its sleeve. Plaintive piano chords are accented by lowing bass, shivery guitar and a pitterpatter beat. Lyrics pine for a broken romance; “All the plans we made are now being remade with someone new, there’s nothing left for me to say, just accept you’re gone so soon.” A willowy trumpet solo on the break underscores the song’s melancholy ache. His delicate phrasing indicates that had John been born in an earlier era, her could have had a career singing torch songs.

“Sweet Honey Brown” is a slow-cooked Samba anchored by swoopy violin, warm organ notes, bedrock bass and a clackity beat. Lyrics offer an unvarnished portrait of an aging musician who can’t wait to exit the stage and get his fix. Guitars swagger and strut on the ambivalent chorus; “Sweet honey brown, show me your smile, haven’t seen your tracks for a long, long while, I’m thinking ‘bout quitting on you, sweet honey brown.” Slashing guitars collide with Bluesy harmonica on the break, exhibiting an urgency that mirrors the lyrical equivocation.

As satisfying as it feels to hear him stretch is wings creatively, the best parts of this record find John mining the majestic

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crack-boom-bang sound he practically patented in the latter half of the ‘80s. He strikes a menacing pose on “I Am A Man That Worries.” A tub-thumpin’ big beat envelopes cross-cut violin, swirly keys, roiling bass, a tangle of rustic banjo and gutbucket guitars. Nuanced lyrics make no apologies for a shameless misanthrope; “I come across alone and silent, I come across dirty and mean, I come across dangerous and unforgiving, that’s my angel’s dream/ Cause I don’t know what happened that made me this way, but I ain’t thinking about you, don’t worry about me, just go away.”

As drums wallop and pound, banjos cavort, guitars helix and backing vocals exhale a satisfying “Hunh,” he never backs down, “you keep lookin’ at me, you’ll be struck dumb.”

Meanwhile, “Simply A One-Eyed Jack” blends sugar-rush guitars, keening violin, angular bass, wheezy keys and a propulsive rhythm. A poker game populated with a Gypsy King, Salome and John The Baptist is equal parts shaggy dog story and a tart metaphor for the world’s casual culture of corruption; “Money and power is the name of the game, it started out as Spit In The Ocean, but things have rapidly changed/It will never go back to the way it used to be, nature deals with no one, what’s the cause, so many eyes will not see, it’s the one-eyed Jack.”

Finally, “Lie To Me is ballsy and blasé in all the right ways. Pliant violin is matched by stinging guitars, prowling bass, slightly Psychedelic organ, Honky-Tonk piano and a rock-solid beat. Acerbic lyrics take

Thursday, February 24

Casuelas Café – Avenida – 5:30pm Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:30pm Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic – 6-8pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Jazzville @ Agua Caliente – Adryon de Leon – 7pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – South 65 – 7pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm O’Caine’s – Midlife O’Crisis – 6pm Pappy and Harriet’s – Penrose Records Showcase w/ Thee Sacred Souls, Los Yesterdays and Vicky Tafoya – 6:30pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Open Mic – 9pm Shanghai Red’s (Palm Springs) – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 7pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King Trio – 6pm

Friday, February 25

Bart Lounge – DJs Alex Harrington and MillionsWorld – 8pm Casuelas Café – The Myx – 7pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Dana Larson – 5pm,

February 24 to March 2, 2022

a practiced prevaricator to task; “Lie to me, Lord knows I’m used to it, so lie to me, you know I don’t really care, I never took much trouble with the truth myself, so lie to me, Lord knows I’m used to it.” Noting that churches, preachers, history books and teachers bend the truth, it doesn’t make much difference. Treacly, playerpiano washes over growling baritone guitar and scorching violin on the break, nearly undercutting the song’s inherent cynicism.

Other interesting tracks include the strummy and spectral “Streets Of Galilee,” and the deceptively sunny “Chasing Rainbows.” The album closes with “A Life Full Of Rain.” Somber saloon piano partners with swoony accordion, pensive bass lines and flinty guitars. As the arrangement slowly builds, lyrics paint a vivid portrait of a man who had the world by the tail, but is now rendered obsolete; “There’s a blueeyed world that said it once loved you, but that was in your youth, such a long, long time ago, as the days went by, with your pride walking beside you, pride you could not swallow and refused to let go.” It’s a striking end to a brilliant record. From selfdescribed Little Bastard, to a lettered elder statesman of Rock, John Mellencamp has done it his way. He can’t be bothered to kiss any music business ass, he’s stuck to his guns and never wavered in his beliefs.

Thankfully, his cracker-jack band has put up with his perfectionist temperament and curmudgeonly ways. Strictly A One-Eyed Jack demonstrates that the music remains vibrant and intriguing. I’ve never been so happy to be proven wrong.

John Andrews – 7pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Forward Nation – 9pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm O’Caine’s – California Celts – 6pm Pappy and Harriet’s – Gary Numan: The Intruder Tour – 7pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30-8:30pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Kal David Trio – 4:30pm, John Stanley King – 7pm

Saturday, February 26

Bart Lounge – Luna Negra Goth Night w/ Spike Hellis, Mellow Code and DJ Ahsatan – 8pm Casuelas Café – Vinny Berry – noon, The Myx – 7pm Chef George’s – Michael D Angelo and Tim Burleson – 6:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – “Laughs and Drafts” Comedy – 7pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – DJ Chronic – 6pm

The Hood – Rebels and Saints w/ Whitney McDonald – 9pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Forward Nation – 9pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm O’Caine’s – Flogging Seagulls – 6pm Pappy and Harriet’s – Cate Le Bon – 8pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Rose Mallett’s Company – 4:30pm, John Stanley King – 7pm The Village – Rob & JB – 1-4pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm

Sunday, February 27

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF – 8pm Blu Ember – Gina Sedman – 5pm Casuelas Café – Las Tias – noon, Barry Baughn Blues Review – 5:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Acoustic Afternoon w/ 5 Acre Dream, Matt Davin and Josh Heinz – 3:30pm Fisherman’s Market, PS – Art of Sax – 5pm Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – Sunday Night Jam – 5pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 6pm The Village – Rapmarz - 10pm

Monday, February 28

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

Tuesday, March 1

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

Wednesday, March 2

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

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February 24 to March 2, 2022

LOCAL MUSIC

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METALACHI

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ

“THE WORLD’S FIRST AND ONLY HEAVY METAL MARIACHI BAND”

PERFORMING FEBRUARY 26TH AT THRILLVILLE AT THE INDIO FAIR GROUNDS, 7:00 PM Q & A With Violinist, Queen Kyla Vera

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nce upon a time there was a group of guys in East LA who were classically trained Mariachis. At some point, someone came up with the idea of performing Ozzy Osbourne’s, “Iron Man” mariachi style for funsies and to all of our benefit, they conceived a fused up music baby they appropriately named, Metalachi which; as far as I’m concerned, might be the most So-Cal thing that has ever happened. Along the way, they adopted some mysteriously entertaining personas along with the lovely and dynamic violinist, Queen Kyla Vera who on her own, is a force to be reckoned with.

Over the past decade or so, Metalachi has recorded multiple albums and spent the bulk of their time touring throughout the Southwest and beyond. It’s already obvious that they are not your typical cover band.

Metalachi infuses their stage shows with comedic skits and pageantry that pushes the level of pure entertainment to impressive heights so, considering the fact that we have the opportunity to rock out with them for the price of a ticket to the fair…I highly recommend to one and all that you show up next Saturday because you will not be disappointed.

The band features Vega De La Rockha on vocals, El Cucuy on trumpet, Nacho Picante on guitarron, Vato on guitar and Queen Kyla on violin who I was lucky enough to chat with for this article.

CVW: “Kyla, you were somewhat of a later addition to the band. Were you previously a fan?”

Queen Kyla: “Oh, for sure! The band was started well over a decade ago. It was just kind of a conglomeration of different ideas.

I guess they were all drinking one night and were joking around like, ‘How cool would it be to mix these styles together and see what happens?’ The result of that became very popular very quickly. I myself joined the band

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in 2015 so it’s been a while.”

CVW: “It’s not every day that most people meet someone who is a skilled violinist. How did you get into music in the first place?”

Queen Kyla: “My dad was a professional musician for a long time. As long as I can remember, I always loved music and knew I wanted to play violin. I told my parents that I wanted to learn the violin and they were definitely hesitant. They compromised with me by telling me that if I learned piano first, then they would get me a violin. So, I was like…in pre-school and learned piano, went back to my parents and said, “Okay, I learned piano. Can I have a violin now?”

CVW: “Wait, you were a preschooler that was asking to learn violin?”

Queen Kyla: “Yeah, a lot of kids start violin at like, 2 or 3 years old and I started at 6 so in that sense, I was late compared to everyone else but I always knew that was what I wanted to do. I didn’t know how, I just knew that I wanted to learn everything that I could about every style in this craft and I learned a few. There are so many. The adventure is so great and being able to work in so many areas, especially with a project like this that is so freaking weird…You just never imagine you are going to end up doing mariachi style music with a heavy metal cover band.”

CVW: “I was wondering whether or not, with all of your childhood aspirations

of becoming a professional violinist, you planned on performing classical music or if you ever possibly conceived of doing something so alternative with your skills?”

Queen Kyla: “Oh, no. I never wanted to be a classical musician. I did study it at first but it was boring. I always knew I was going to do something weird and unique. I had been following Metalachi for a long time and had gone to a couple of shows. It was all something I was very familiar with so I just basically told them that they were going to hire me.”

CVW: “There is a ton that I can say

about that type of confidence. And of course, I found out while contacting you for this interview that you pretty much run business for the band which is admirable and not always easy. I have some personal perspective having to do with being the one chick in a band full of dudes so I am particularly interested in whether or not you ever feel like the mama of the group?”

Queen Kyla: “Yeah, there are definitely times when I just let loose but, for the most part I’m the one going, ‘Hey, I need you to move these boxes,’ or, ‘I need you to go give them the stage plot setups’ or, ‘Someone help me count this money,’ or ‘Make sure you get sleep and show up 2 hours early.’” All of that kind of stuff. There’s so much detail in the schedule. And if we’re on the road it’s keeping up with the call times for every single day, how many miles we have to drive….I try to give any and all information that we can possibly need which…(QK scoffs) they really ignore most of the time but, I do what I can to make sure that we are keeping everything running as smoothly as possible.”

You can check out all things Metalachi on all major platforms but I would particularly recommend you peeping their videos on youtube ASAP. See you next Saturday!

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February 24 to March 2, 2022

SOCIETY SCENE USC FOOTBALL LEGENDS HIT THE LINKS TO BENEFIT OLIVE CREST

BY MADELINE ZUCKERMAN PHOTOS BY GREGG FELSON

O

live 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,” hosted its Annual Golf Invitational at the Classic Club in Palm Desert, California, with over 100 guests and a full field of golfers. This event raised much-needed funds to benefit local atrisk children and their families in the Desert Communities and Riverside County. This event raised over $ 75,000.00.

USC Football Legend and Olive Crest Trustee, Darnell Bing, once again served as the event chair. Bing was joined by numerous other USC football teammates, who lent their support to this very worthwhile cause.

“I am so impressed with the positive difference that Olive Crest makes for disadvantaged and at-risk kids,” stated Bing.

“It was an easy decision to lead this golf tournament and work with my fellow USC teammates to fund critical programs for children in our community.”

Event registration began at 9:00 am for this highly-anticipated golf tournament, which featured a Shotgun Scramble format, an Awards reception and dinner, in addition to a Silent Auction featuring sports memorabilia and exclusive travel packages.

“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, 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 legends, makes this a very unique golfing experience and a win-win for all the at-risk children within our

USC football legend Sunny Byrd shooting the golf ball cannon during the event.

community,” Mueller continued.

Event Sponsors included Master Sponsor Kennedy Wilson Properties, Course Sponsor Toyota of Riverside, Ball Sponsor Pacific Premier Bank, Cart Sponsor Holstrom Block & Parke, Hole Sponsors the Mangione Family and Randy Nelson, and Tee Sponsors Frazer Construction, Sign Gypsies, and Ronnie Lott.

Seen in the crowd were Darnell & Rachel Bing, Tom & Jen Mangione, Natalie Hollis, Erik McLeod, Bret Adams, Al Lara, Matt Robertson, Marc Blount, Tom Harness, Christian Mourguet, Kevin Frazer, Michael Heid, Judy Sanders, Pat Witte, Sean Harns, Christopher MacArthur, and Amie Arbid. USC legends participating included Justin Wyatt, Collin Ashton, Darnell Bing, Shaun Michael Cody, Troy Polomau, Greg Carlson, Will Poole, Marv Williams, Oscar Lua, Terrell Thomas, David Kirtman, Sunny Byrd, Brandon Hancock, William Buchanon, Johm Walker, Lofa Tatupa, Jim Abbott, and Ryan Abraham.

“The monies raised from this event will be utilized to support expanding services within both the Coachella Valley and throughout Riverside County, stated Tracy Fitzsimmons, Executive Director of Olive Crest Inland and Desert Communities. “Over the past year, our communities have seen a troubling rise in food scarcity, domestic violence, unemployment, and need for mental health services. The Olive Crest team provides support in all of these areas. We have an obligation to extend services wherever needed, and to ensure safe and loving homes for every single child. That's both our responsibility – – and a moral obligation.

Last year, local funding supported services to over 2,600 children and families, while working towards safe and loving homes for each child in our care. However, for every child with a place in a safe and loving home, nine children are still waiting! A safe home, along with a loving family home, is precisely what breaks the cycle of hopelessness in children’s lives. Our vision of a strong family for every child means that every child would be raised and nurtured in a

strong, stable, and loving family, surrounded by friends, church, and supportive community,” Fitzsimmons continued.

About Olive Crest 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.

Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of more than 150,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families.

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

(left to right) Working the Lemonade Stand during the Olive Crest Golf Invitational are Ariah, Tatyanna Voorhies, Olive Crest's Community Involvement Coordinator, and T'yaira.

9

February 24 to March 2, 2022

SCREENERS

UNCHARTED The basic story is tailored made for a generic action movie whose hero is a blend of Indiana Jones and James Bond.

Do the posters look kinda familiar?

Petty thief Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) is hired or recruited by full-time treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan to recover a fortune lost by Magellan a half a millennium ago. Deciphering the clues of

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No. 515

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

that you can’t control?

This movie directed by Ruben Fleischer shows off the directors eye for cool action sequences. But still, the viewer is left feeling lost In the middle of nowhere in a meaningless landscape.

Movies don’t have to have a “message.”

In fact most people shrink from obvious message-laden treacle. But it is helpful and more engaging of the movies is actually about something. What is this piece of failed cinema about? Greed? Sony. In theaters now. its hiding place could lead to a $5 billion dollar payday! But only if they can learn to work together. Sound familiar? It’s the old “bickering buddies” template. It goes back to Laurel & Hardy.

Woefully miscast, especially for those familiar with the game in its multiple iterations. Holland and Wahlberg in no are they a reflection of the physicality of their game images. And that’s only the first problem. The second big one is that it’s now a movie based on a game that already played like a movie. I think the main appeal to gamers was the increasing clarity definition and smoothness of each new game. But what is the appeal of a movie

10

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

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TRAVEL TIPS4U

JURASSIC WONDERS SCULPTURES

J

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA

urassic Wonders, is a spectacular display of 11 metal sculptured lifesize dinosaurs by renowned artist, Ricardo Breceda, and corralled into four action-packed dioramas by MoAW's Chief Curator, Alberto Acosta. Conveniently located on HWY 111 and Cathedral Canyon Drive across the street from City Hall and the Mary Pickford Theater, let the traffic pass you by as you wander through a maze of the most spectacular dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era. The Mesozoic Era Divided into three distinct periods,

the Mesozoic Era, known as the Age of Dinosaurs, begins in the Triassic Period 230 million years ago when small ancestral semi-bipedal reptiles grew and diversified during the Jurassic Period and after 180 million years of successful living became the giants, we know of today. Due to a catastrophic meteorite impact on Earth in the area known as the Yucatan Peninsula, the Dinosaurs became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period more than sixty-five million years ago.

Think “Return of the Dinosaurs” and Enjoy these Amazing Sculptures!

February 24 to March 2, 2022

ARTICLE & PHOTOS

BY LYNNE TUCKER

11

February 24 to March 2, 2022

THE VINO VOICE

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BY RICK RIOZZA

OUR WINE NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH

S

o, when was the last time we checked on the wine country of Oregon and Washington?

Or, better stated, when was the last time we enjoyed some great stuff from our wine neighbors to the north?

We Californians are so spoiled with our own varied wine regions that we forget how marvelous the wines from the north can be.

For certain we’ll find a recognizable Oregon Pinot Noir on the dinner table of our friends, or someone will bring over some Chateau Ste. Michelle wine that we like but have had on numerous occasions.

Most wine enthusiasts are quite aware of the wonderful Pinot Noir from Oregon; we cover the wines quite often as they are world class. And many think only of the Rieslings and easy Cabs from Washington. So I thought we’d re-visit the new goings on with the wine trade up there.

It’s been said that no single place grows every grape variety equally well. Moreover, grapes know nothing about imaginary lines like state borders. In the Pacific Northwest, there’s an interesting problem emerging: enterprising winemakers are reaching into each other’s state to tap great vineyard sources and craft compelling wines. Geographically speaking, the Columbia River, which serves as the state border between the two states, doesn’t stop vintners from considering wine property just over the river or over some politically drawn line.

Indeed, Walla Walla vintners cross over to Oregon quite often. A couple of years ago, some of the Wagner family had to readdress their wine labels when they claimed all Oregon fruit in the bottle but had some Washington stuff in the mix as well. But each state has their own alcohol laws. Interested in becoming a “wine lawyer”? Sounds like there will be plenty of work.

Anyway—cut to the chase, this week we’re talking about the explosion of Oregon Pinot Gris. Of course, it’s pronounced “peenohgreee”. Yeah—that’s French for the “gray grape”. In Italian, you already know it as Pinot Grigio [Peenoh-GreeJoh]. Funny thing, I’ll hear some customers simply pronounce Pinot Gris as it looks in English: Pinot “GRISS”. And for a “soft” tasting grape, the hearty sounding word “GRISS” comes off a little rough. But I guess that’s just me.

Then again, sometimes I think the customers are having fun with the word— purposefully mispronouncing French words is often funny. But I guess that’s just me.

So as one would expect in the crazy world of wine, we come to find out that your favorite red grape, Pinot Noir, has the same DNA as Pinot Grigio/Gris. They are mutant clones of each other. Plant a Pinot Noir grape in Oregon and it kind of tastes like a Pinot planted in Burgundy; but plant a Pinot Gris in France however, it doesn’t come close to the flavor of an Oregon Pinot Gris or an Italian Pinot Grigio.

If you can find distinguishing differences between classic “Grigio” and “Gris”, it seems as though you’d find three main types: Minerally & Dry; Fruity & Dry; and, Fruity & Sweet.

Everyone has tasted the classic Pinot Grigio from Italy. Generally it’s zippy and lean (those from Friuli—can be more rounder with light fruit). But the Pinot Gris from Oregon can be explosively floral and luscious yet crisp,

12

“bESt SUNDAY bRUNCH”

great food! great drinks! great fun!

the deSert Sun

award-winning with kiwi, lemon, nectarine, and pear flavors.

Oregon winemakers early on used the French “Pinot Gris” to describe a more fruit-driven style as compared to the Italian Pinot Grigio term. So, we now can Expect flavors of lemon, yellow apple, and white peach with a slightly richer texture.

By the late 1990s, Pinot Gris quietly became the number one white grape grown in Oregon. And now twenty years later, everyone knows it.

Currently, we like 2020 Elk Grove Estate Pinot Gris ($19) a medium bodied, deeply fruited wine that packs in pink grapefruit, lemon curd, tangerine and papaya flavors along with some tangy acidity.

And a wine that can be found at most supermarkets is the 2020 A to Z Pinot Gris ($16). It’s loaded with flavors of freshly cut pears showing delicious vibrancy: clean and fruity, with balanced acidity and a hint of minerality. A fun wine for all meals.

Okay—on to Washington. No new news here: Walla Walla Valley Syrah continues to be world class—indeed, it is one of the world’s best that meet up with France’s Northern Rhone wines.

In 1997, Frenchman Christophe Baron planted the first in a series of vineyards on an ancient cobblestone riverbed in the Walla Walla Valley at the southeast region of Washington… At Cayuse Vineyards, Baron forever changed Syrah’s story in the state, putting a focus on single-vineyard, terroirdriven wines. Two years later, K Vintners from the popular “rockstar” Winemaker Charles Smith had its first offerings.

Many of the best Syrahs are grown in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, a subappellation of the Walla Walla Valley AVA, but great stuff is grown throughout the state.

For the price, one of the best Syrahs out at $40, is the 2017 K Syrah Wahule Slope, The Deal Sundance Vineyard. It offers classic aromas of blackberry, black peppercorn, and savory dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, complex, rich and powerful, we find flavors of sweet tobacco, berries, black raspberry, leafy herbs, dried meat and spice. There’s a lively acidity as well. Chocolate, spice, and ripe-fruit flavors lead the finish. The wine concludes with a long finish and a dusty sensation of bitter dark chocolate and blackberry skin.

What’s not to love here!! Cheers!

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is our

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D O W N T O W N PA L M S P R I N G S 760 327-LULU (5858) L U L U PA L M S P R I N G S . C O M

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LUIS BRAVO’S FOREVER TANGO 7 P.M., SUNDAY, MARCH 13

S

ensuous and sophisticated, the tango inhabits a world where everything can be said with the flick of a leg, the tug of a hand, the tap of a foot and the arch of an eyebrow.

Created and directed by Luis Bravo, Forever Tango was voted Best Touring Musical by Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle in San Francisco— where it played an unprecedented 92 weeks at the Theatre on the Square, and has returned season after season. The show will be coming to the McCallum Theatre for one performance only, at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 13.

The performance is presented through the generosity of Linda and Manny Rider.

Forever Tango features 14 world-class tango dancers, one vocalist and an onstage 11-piece orchestra, including the instrument of the tango, the bandoneon, in an evening that celebrates the passionate music and dance of Argentina. The dances, performed to original and traditional music, are the result of collaboration between each couple and director/creator Bravo.

“The tango is a feeling that you dance,” says Bravo, “a story you tell in three minutes.

It’s passionate, it’s melancholic. It’s tender, violent. You dance it with somebody—but it is so internal, you dance it by yourself. More than just a dance, the tango is music, a drama, a culture, a way of life.”

Forever Tango tells the story of the birth of the tango in 19th century Argentina, where thousands of men, having abandoned a disintegrating Europe to immigrate to South America, found themselves in the crowded

abattoirs (packing houses), the bars and street corners of the arrabales (outlying barrios), and in the enramadas (brothels). The tango was born of this lonely and violent existence.

Originally shunned by Argentina society as indecent, the tango became an overnight craze in upper-class Paris when Argentine intellectuals taught it when traveling abroad.

The tango quickly spread across Europe and to America, and was eventually re-imported home to Argentina society, though not unchanged.

Luis Bravo is a world-class cellist who has performed with major symphonies throughout the world. His credits include appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Colon Theatre Opera House, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic and other prestigious ensembles.

Forever Tango opened on Broadway in June 1997 for what was expected to be an eight-week engagement. It ran for 14 months and has since been back to New York on Broadway on three separate occasions, the latest being the summer of 2013 at the Walter Kerr Theatre.

Please note that proof of vaccination is required for entry into all McCallum Theatre performances. Masks must be worn at all times. For updated information on health and safety protocols, please visit www. mccallumtheatre.com.

Tickets for this performance are priced at $85, $65 and $45. Tickets are available at www.mccallumtheatre.com or by calling the McCallum Theatre Box Office at (760) 3402787. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000

Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260, accepts payment by cash, personal check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

The McCallum Theatre Box Office, its phone center and website, are the only authorized

February 24 to March 2, 2022

THEATRE

outlets for tickets to performances presented at the theatre.

Tickets purchased from any other sources, such as brokers or secondary market websites, are purchased at consumer’s own risk and cannot be guaranteed as valid.

13

February 24 to March 2, 2022

PET PLACE

V

alentine’s Day is all about love, and that includes the love we share with our 4-legged family members. One amazing Coachella Valley couple, David and Leigh Kirk, are bonded by their love of feline creatures and their commitment to saving them. We tell their story every February, and their update this year is uniquely exciting.

The couple met by chance and fell in love while both working in Washington D.C. David was an ardent dog lover who never owned a cat until he met Leigh and

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DAVID & LEIGH KIRK, VALENTINE LOVE 2022

her wonderful cat named Poodie. David was quick to fall in love with Leigh. He also acquired a love of cats by living with Poodie, rescued as a tiny feral kitten from the streets.

In 2005, the Kirks moved to the Coachella Valley, and Leigh began volunteering at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, our county shelter. Leigh discovered that the vast majority of cats in America’s public shelters never make it out alive. They realized they could save some of them by forming their own 501(c)3 charity, and

www.ForeverMeow.org was launched.

In 2014, David applied his skills acquired as an executive in the Silicon Valley computer industry to develop power point presentations about the crisis facing our homeless dogs and cats. The couple attended Best Friends’ “No More Homeless Pets” conferences, becoming experts on TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) for community cats. They assumed a leadership role when animal welfare groups banded together to create a “No Kill Coachella Valley”.

The Kirks added a kitten nursery in 2015, one of less than a dozen in the entire country. They partnered with Riverside County Department of Animal Services to save almost 700 cats and kittens that year from euthanasia, often accompanying animal control officers in the field to pick up animals. Feeding and medicating underage kittens, means 18-hour days, and the couple fought to save every frail tiny creature.

David realized, “By early that year, we realized that we had jumped right into the deep end, and the tsunami that is the Coachella Valley kitten season was crashing around us. As much as we’d researched, planned, and visited other kitten nurseries and connected with neo-natal experts, here we were in this thing together, and not sure at all if we could swim. But that’s us – when we discover shared passion, decisions of the heart overrule the fears. We continued rescuing cats because life without that shared, burning passion would be less than complete.”

David and Leigh Kirk are blessed to be working as a team, where each of them understands the heart and mind of an animal rescuer. Leigh sums it up, “We keep rescuing cats because the joy we get from saving them and enriching the lives of their adopters melts away all the personal sacrifices.”

In 2018, the couple began a new animal related adventure. Leigh revisited her longstanding love for medicine, and with 9 cats on board they drove 18 hours to Fort Collins, Colorado where she began veterinary school. Colorado State University, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences are ranked 3rd in the country and 5th in the

MEET VICKY

MEET RAVEN

Vicky waits patiently for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter, however she is kennel stressed and needs OUT now. She is a sweet pup, loves humans, but prefers to be the only dog. Meet her at the county shelter, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, between 10am -4pm Mon through Sat. Vicky is 5-yrs-old, 65 lbs of doggie love.

This petite 2-yr old Tuxedo girl will “talk” to you when you pay her a visit. She is the sweetest cuddle cat.

Raven waits for a home at Kittyland in Desert Hot Springs. Call (760) 251-2700, www.kittylandrescue.org.

14

BY JANET McAFEE world.

David was the one to convince Leigh to make the final commitment to become a veterinarian. He is developing material to prepare veterinarians for Shelter Organizational Strategy. David is “the man behind the woman”, explaining, “I am the Uber driver, driving Leigh to the front clinic door when she was on call. Of course, I always help with the IT part.” Veterinary school is stressful, and it helps to have a supportive partner. David proudly points out Leigh’s outstanding GPA and success on the profession’s National Licensing Exam.

David sums up, “Leigh hasn’t changed from being that soft and caring rescue person. When you have the compassion of a rescuer, I think you make a better veterinarian! She won’t give up on an animal.” On May 12, 2022, Leigh receives her DVM degree, licensed to practice veterinary medicine at a time when our entire nation is experiencing a severe shortage of these professionals.

The couple, weary of Colorado snowstorms, will return to their home in the sunny Coachella Valley. Leigh plans to undertake a mentorship with a local veterinarian, exclusively treating cats.

Performing high volume quality spay and neuter services for felines is among her goals. She explains, “I am nick named The Cat Lady at school. I believe one does better veterinary work focusing on one species.” David will be busy revising www.ForeverMeow.org, and will leverage funding for vet training and medical care for low-income pet owners.

Congratulations David and Leigh! We look forward to the return of this talented and dedicated couple. On a personal note, they are charming, witty, and a joy to be around. Looking for more love in your life?

You will never be alone again if you adopt a loving homeless animal from one of the shelters on the attached list.

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com -----------------------------------

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Here is a partial list of local shelters and rescues where you can adopt a wonderful dog or cat.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – Open 10am-4pm Mon through Sat. View the animals at all four Riverside County shelters at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644.

(Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – Open only by appointment, closed Tuesday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, Call for appointment.

(760) 416-5718. (Public) DESERT HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL - Open daily 9:30-4:30. www. cityofdhs.org/animal-care-control.com, 65810 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, (760) 329-6411 ext. 450.

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – Call for appointment. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. 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 www.californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Call for an appointment. This shelter has lots of big dogs and some cats, www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 3290203. (Private)

February 24 to March 2, 2022

KITTYLAND – Call for an appointment to adopt a cat. 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 www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – Call for appointment to adopt dogs. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www. lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000.

(Private) ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA (ARC), Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. www.thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077 (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, www.living-free. org, (951) 659-4687. (Private) 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 the ID number of the animal you want. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (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).

15

February 24 to March 2, 2022

SAFETY TIPS

T

he pumps in our fire trucks are very similar to your heart. If they become clogged or filled with debris, they will not pump properly. Both will have an impediment flow resulting in dangerous conditions to your health & safety. Since February is “Healthy Heart” month, WebMD shares these 21 “Heart Smart” healthy foods to keep your important pump clean and clear of debris.

Herbs - When you add these to foods instead of salt and fat, you are making a heart-healthy choice.

They add flavor without the bad stuff.

Black Beans – These are packed with hearthealthy nutrients. Folate, antioxidants, and magnesium can help lower blood pressure.

Red Wine and Resveratrol - If you drink alcohol, a little red wine may be a heart-healthy choice.

Resveratrol and catechins, two antioxidants in red wine, may protect artery walls.

The Super Food Salmon - A top food for heart health, it’s rich in omega-3s. Omega-3s are healthy fats that may lessen the risk of heart rhythm disorders and lower blood pressure.

Tuna for Omega 3s - Often cheaper than salmon, tuna also has omega-3s. Albacore (white tuna) has more omega-3s than other tuna varieties.

Olive Oil - This oil is a healthy fat made

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21 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PUMP CLEAN!

from smashed olives. It's rich in heart-healthy antioxidants. They may protect your blood vessels.

Walnuts - A small handful of walnuts a day may lower your cholesterol. It may also protect against inflammation in your heart’s arteries.

Almonds - Slivered almonds go well with vegetables, fish, chicken, and desserts. They have plant sterols, fiber, and heart-healthy fats.

Edamame – Edamame has soy protein can help lower cholesterol levels. A cup of edamame also has 8 grams of heart-healthy fiber.

Tofu - Eat tofu and you will get a great form of vegetarian soy protein with heart-healthy minerals, fiber, and polyunsaturated fats.

Sweet Potatoes - Swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes. With a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, these spuds won't cause a quick spike in blood sugar.

Oranges - Sweet and juicy, oranges have the cholesterol-fighting fiber pectin. They also have potassium, which helps control blood pressure.

Barley - Try this nutty whole grain in place of rice. You can also simmer barley into soups and stews. The fiber in barley can help lower cholesterol levels.

Oatmeal - A warm bowl of oatmeal fills you up for hours, fights snack attacks, and helps keep

blood sugar levels stable over time -- making it useful for people with diabetes, too.

Flaxseed - This shiny, honey-colored seed has three things that are good for your heart: fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Low-Fat Yogurt - When you think of dairy foods, you think, “Good for my bones!” These foods can help control high blood pressure, too. Yogurt is high in calcium and potassium.

Foods Fortified with Sterols - Some margarines, soy milks, almond milks, and orange juices have cholesterol-fighting sterols and stanols added.

while working from home. Some of the most serious cybersecurity threats connected with remote work include unsafe networks, the usage of personal devices, human error, and so on.

Implementing security measures like VPNs, antiphishing software, anti-virus, and continuous employee training can assist to decrease the risk significantly.

4. Cloud, AI, and IoT Vulnerabilities Organizations are increasingly turning to the cloud to accelerate their digital transformation. Despite the growing popularity of cloud computing, data security remains a major worry for many businesses. Improper RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) administration, misconfigurations, inadequate authentication are some of the leading sources of cloud vulnerabilities. Similarly, IoT devices are vulnerable mostly due to a lack of security mechanisms built-in to protect against attacks. Some security measures have yet to be prioritized as IoT devices continue to make their way into workplaces and homes. In 2022, technology like AI and ML will continue to expand their reach—and, unfortunately, some businesses will overlook the basics of security.

When implementing new technology, it is critical to ensure the security of your business, network, and products.

5. Supply Chain Attacks - 2021 Solar Winds attack taught us about the numerous weaknesses that exist beneath the surface of the supply chain.

Because of the widespread usage of open source software and mass-market applications, a large

portion of the supply chain is vulnerable, making it an easy target in 2022.

How to Protect Yourself - So, how can you lower your chances of falling for a cyber attack? Let's start with the fundamentals of "cybersecurity" which are simple and commonsense techniques to be safe online.

Multiple Factor Authentication - Multifactor Authentication means choosing to take an additional step when trustworthy websites and applications ask you to prove you're who you claim you are. Instead of asking for a password, which can be reused, cracked, or stolen, they can verify it's you by asking for some information, such as a PIN or your sister's middle name, as well as Something you have.... such as an authentication application or a confirmation text on your phone, or a fingerprint or FaceID. This step is far more difficult for a hacker to fabricate. Simply opt-in whenever you receive a prompt for multifactor authentication.

Update and backup regularly - To keep malware at bay, be sure to maintain your operating system and anti-malware tools up to date. Regular patch updates ensure that any vulnerabilities in your system are addressed and resolved. It's also a good idea to back up your system every couple of months to be ready for any attacks. The data, being kept in a different location, also helps to avoid the ransom demand.

Before returning to work, you must check that the malware has been eradicated.

Active Firewall - An efficient firewall configuration that operates as a barrier between your system and external networks is an intuitive option to have installed in your system. The firewall protects your sensitive information by defending against malware that enters over an external network.

Strengthen Endpoint Defense - Anti-virus software alone isn't enough to keep cyber threats at bay. As a result, enterprises must use an Endpoint Discovery and Response (EDR) solution and other solutions to guarantee that adequate security is activated at endpoint devices.

Configure the 'Zero Trust' security - Zero Trust is a cutting-edge security system that requires all business users to be verified and approved before they can change security settings. The application is built to address today's security problems,

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA Cherries - Sweet cherries, sour cherries, dried cherries, and cherry juice -- they are all good. All are packed with an antioxidant called anthocyanins.

Blueberries - Blueberries are simply brilliant when it comes to nutrition. They’ve got anthocyanins, those blood vessel-helping antioxidants.

Dark Leafy Greens - Your parents were onto something when they told you to eat your greens.

They are full of vitamins and minerals.

Swiss Chard - This dark green, leafy vegetable is rich in potassium and magnesium. These minerals help control blood pressure. Swiss chard also has heart-healthy fiber, vitamin A, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.

There you have it! 21 Heart Healthy Foods.

Add in a little exercise consisting of cardiological and weight training, and some yoga for relaxation and you can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Make sure you discuss with your physician before starting an exercise regimen Source: https://lnkd.in/gKhHnbmy

CYBER CORNER

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021 saw an increase in the number and complexity of cyberattacks, including HAFNIUM's attack on Microsoft Exchange servers to the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. When you take in the challenges of protecting a remote workforce, it's become more difficult than ever for businesses to protect data and assure service availability. In the coming year, the threat landscape will continue to grow and spread at a rapid rate. We can anticipate ransomware groups to continue putting people's lives in danger, as well as the weaponization of firmware vulnerabilities and much more. In this article, we will discuss some major cybersecurity trends that businesses should be aware of in 2022 and how you can protect yourself.

We've compiled a list of five cybersecurity threats that organizations should be aware of in 2022.

1. Stuffing Credentials - Credential stuffing is a cyber-attack in which credentials obtained from one service's data breach are used to log in to another unrelated service. Due to more sophisticated bots that try several logins at the same time and pretend to come from various IP addresses, such attacks are on the rise. The fact that many users employ the same username/ password combination across several sites makes credential stuffing attacks highly successful.

Credential stuffing will remain a severe issue if this practice continues.

2. Ransomware Attacks with Double Extortion - The classic ransomware scenario involved malicious programs encrypting data with public-key RSA encryption and then destroying them if the victim did not pay the ransom. Threat actors steal data from organizations in addition to encrypting files in the 'Double Extortion Ransomware Attack,' also known as 'pay-nowor-get-breached.' This implies that, in addition to demanding a ransom to decrypt data, attackers might threaten to release the stolen data if a second payment is not made.

3. Attacks on Remote Workforce Within an organization, typical cybersecurity threats can be mitigated by a firewall, employee training, strict regulations, and so on. When individuals work remotely; implementing cybersecurity measures becomes more complex.

According to a recent poll conducted by Tessian, 56 percent of senior IT experts feel their staff have picked up negative cyber-security behaviors

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BY DENNIS SHELLY including ransomware. By securing remote employees, continuously developing hybrid cloud environments, and ransomware threats, Zero Trust is a critical foundation for securing infrastructure and data with the continual digital transformation.

Attack Surface Management - As a company undergoes a fast digital transformation, its attack surface expands significantly. As skilled hackers target enterprises' critical infrastructure, businesses must assess their defense capabilities proactively and use a strong attack surface management tool to identify possible risks to their sensitive assets. Additionally, businesses must reorganize their cybersecurity ecosystems to mitigate possible risks and ensure that their operations do not come to a halt.

Preparedness is one of the most difficult aspects of cybersecurity. Cyberattacks appear to be an endless onslaught, with technology, user behaviors, and attack techniques evolving over the years and showing no signs of slowing down. Organizations must do their best and prepare for future incidents. An excellent place to begin is by auditing and reviewing the strength of their internal security systems, technologies, and methods. A cyber risk insurance plan is essential for organizations to avoid the catastrophic consequences of a cyber attack.

Recovery from the effects of a cyberattack, such as business interruption, revenue loss, and reputational damage, may be expensive and time-consuming without a dedicated cyber policy. In addition to establishing and testing the continuity of operations and incident response strategy, organizations should build a complete cybersecurity roadmap.

Main thing to know is you don’t need to tackle these ongoing cyber threats by yourself! Our Cyber Security Eggsperts are here and available to help and for advice. Get started by calling (760) 2050105 or emailing us at tech@eggheadit.com with your questions, service requests, or technology upgrade advice.

IT | Networks | Security | Phones | A/V | Integration

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HADDON LIBBY

CELEBRATE MARCH!

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n like a lion and out like a lamb. That is how many people refer to the month of March. While many parts of the Northern hemisphere use the saying in reference to the tumultuous and changing weather of the month, its origin resides in Astrology. The Zodiac animal that begins the month is Leo the lion while Aries ends the month and is a lamb.

March is the first month of the year where life is not interrupted by a national day off. We mostly think of St. Patrick’s Day when thinking of things to celebrate in March.

While some may like to go out on the 17th to celebrate the Irish saint, others may prefer to start the month with International Pancake Day aka Shrove Tuesday. That is the day before Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent. March 1st is also the start of Mardi Gras as well as National Pig Day, an event

started in 1972 by sisters Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave.

The 2nd is Ash Wednesday as well as Dr. Seuss Day in celebration of the birth of Theodor Seuss Geisal aka Dr. Seuss. The proper meal on the 2nd is green eggs and ham eaten with a man named Sam. Suess went to Dartmouth College followed by a graduate degree at Oxford.

Having withdrawals following the conclusion of the Olympics? The two-week Iditarod begins on the 5th and runs through the 20th. This race began in 1967 with $25,000 in prizes for the 58 racers that took part. The race covers nearly 1,000 miles with the conclusion broadcast live on VUit or the

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

Facebook page of Alaska’s News Source (aka Channel 2) or AlaskasNewsSource.com.

International Women’s Day is on March 8th. Its first day of recognition in the United States occurred in 1909 and was organized by the Socialist Party. Back then, women were not allowed to vote. It took until 1920 for women to win the right to vote here in the United States. The United Nations adopted the holiday in 1977.

Commercialism rears its head on the 9th with Barbie Day. Started in 1998, people are encouraged to celebrate by visiting the Barbie Museum in Montreal or celebrate Barbie’s birthday with a small Barbie Party at home. Barbara Millicent Roberts aka Barbie was born in 1959. Her creator is Ruth Handler.

The Girl Scouts celebrate their birthday on the 9th. The Girl Scouts were started here in the United States in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. Low wanted her group to be part of the Camp Fire Girls, a much larger organization but they said ‘no’ to her idea of bringing girls together to serve their local communities

February 24 to March 2, 2022

BY HADDON LIBBY and building a sense of adventure into their lives. By 1920, Girl Scouts had over 70,000 members. Today the Girl Scouts have 2.3 million girls and 900,000 adult women as members in the United States with more than 10 million globally.

Other holidays and commemorations during March include St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th, International Astrology Day on the 20th, Talk Like William Shatner Day on the 22nd and National Tamale Day on the 23rd.

The month ends with Cesar Chavez Day, a federal commemorative day on March 31st.

President Obama formalized this holiday in 2014. Cesar Chavez was a farm worker who led a civil rights campaign to improve the wages and working conditions of other farm workers.

On the 13th, Daylight Saving Time begins.

Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour.

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.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

HOW MUCH IS MY ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?…IT DEPENDS! – PART 3

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seasoned lawyer considers what kind of doctor to use for treatment.

Obviously an MD is better than a Chiro, and a specialist (Ortho, Neuro) is better than a GP. It should be obvious that $10,000 in Ortho and/or Neuro treatment bills is worth more than an imaging bills of $10,000. Likewise, $10,000 in prescribed Physical Therapy by an MD is worth more than neuro or ortho office visit bills.

Common sense would dictate that a lawyer needs to know how bad the injuries were and how long a victim has treated with medical providers. That can’t be determined with the first phone call. Some medical providers have greater importance and credibility than others, and some medical bills are more important than others.

As of February 2022, during the Age of Covid, it is harder to find doctors in their offices for exams, and Eisenhower and Desert Regional are filled with Covid patients in the ER. This will no doubt cause the case values to be challenging.

Many years ago, the insurance company on a soft tissue case, would just multiply the medical bills by 3 or 4 …and offer that amount to settle. After that period, the insurance companies decided a bill of $5,000 for x-rays etc. is not worth as much as $5,000 for physical therapy.

Today all insurance companies use a computer program called “Colossus”. The injuries and bills are plugged in and Colossus spits out an amount the adjuster can offer.

Because of this Colossus program, it is more important than ever before that you hire a lawyer who focuses on accident cases… to guide you and your medical providers.

An accident victim also needs a doctor who specializes in Treating AND Writing a Medical/Legal report.

Though it does not seem right, there is often a difference between a doctor who says there is a 50% chance of a full recovery, or saying a 50% chance the patient will not make a full recovery. For years I was on the faculty and lectured annually to the International College of Surgeons at their annual seminar. I taught the Doctors “How to Write a Medical/ Legal Report.”

A patient needs a doctor who does not say, “go home and soak in a hot bath and call back in a month and to take two aspirins for pain.” When you call the doctor back in a month, it takes another 2-3 weeks to get a doctor’s appointment. Thus, after a few months there is very little in medical bills. As a result, the insurance company argues that if the patient was really injured they would have treated on a regular basis.

When a new client comes into the office,

I explain a lawyer can no more tell you what your case is worth when s/he meets you, any more than a doctor can diagnose you without treatment, tests and knowing how well you will heal and how long it will take etc.

A good lawyer will not even begin to evaluate your case until your treatment has concluded. The lawyer needs to know not only what the total amount of the bills are but also what your med condition had been in the past and what it will be like in the future. Even then it is not a precise formula or process as we have to look at whether our client was partially at fault.

You are an individual and your injuries are as unique and as individual as are you.

We can only assure you that our office will obtain the maximum amount of settlement possible, given the individual facts of your personal case.

Sooooo, what should you do? Do you know today, which lawyer you would call if you were in an accident? When I lecture to groups and ask this question, most people can’t answer this simple question…

Who is your Accident Injury Lawyer? Most people can name their mechanic, plumber, electrician. However, they don’t know the name of an accident lawyer….which probably means they have not consulted with one recently.

People don’t plan to fail they fail to plan!

What are you waiting for? Finding a lawyer is not something you want to put off until you urgently need them. Wouldn’t it make more sense to plan now BEFORE the need arises.

Plan before you are stressed and have to make a decision RIGHT AWAY after having been in an accident or arrested for a DUI. Doesn’t it make sense to think about it now?

Research a competent lawyer now and put the name into your smart phone and computer contact base. My office focuses on representing clients for Accidents, DUI’s and suing Drunk Driving Drivers who injure our clients. We would be happy to provide a free consultation when the need arises.

DALE GRIBOW - Representing the Injured and Criminally Accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-22 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME” For questions or suggestions for future columns contact dale@dalegribowlaw.com or 760-837-7500

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February 24 to March 2, 2022

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SENDME A TRAINER

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ebruary is almost over, and statistically, over 30% of people have already abandoned the fitness goals they set at the end of last year. This is according to a survey conducted by Sundried, a sports apparel company. That says a lot about getting in shape.

One misconception people have is that getting in shape is hard. The truth is, it’s not.

However, the challenge most people face is with committing to working on getting in shape. This commitment requires discipline and motivation to drive you to achieve your fitness goals. Whereas most of this is in your control, sometimes you need a push to exercise and eat well. Fortunately, this can be achieved with the help of a support system — a personal trainer.

Most people think personal trainers are reserved for athletes or certain categories of people. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If anything, almost anyone can benefit from personal training. These benefits will show you why a personal trainer is a musthave resource.

1. You get customized plans As I mentioned earlier, personal trainers customize everything according to your unique schedule, physiology, and health condition. Having a custom plan helps with effectiveness and eliminates the likelihood of failure. If you are going solo, you will be tempted to try random workout exercises, most of which never work. Although there are general workouts that work for most people, you need something custom based on your fitness goals, work-life balance, and overall body health.

2. You will be accountable to someone Again, motivation and discipline are the biggest hindrances to hitting your fitness goals. Some days you feel unmotivated, resulting in slipping into bad habits like over-snacking or skipping workout sessions.

A personal trainer will be there to push you because it’s their job. More so, when you know that someone is willing to help you exercise better, the motivation kicks in. In return, you work harder and never miss a

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BY NADIA POPOVA

session. Remember, you are paying for the service, so you might as well benefit from it.

3. Personal trainers help you set fitness goals Since you know what you want to achieve from working out, getting an opinion from a personal trainer is invaluable. They are able to evaluate your current condition and set goals based on the workout plans and your end goal. Often these goals are broken down into smaller milestones that show your progress over time. Unlike you, a personal trainer is objective in goal setting, depending on your abilities.

4. Personal trainers educate you about your body Understanding physiology is vital for everyone setting out to get in shape.

Physiology refers to the study of how the human body works. It teaches about how you process food, body movements, behavior, etc. When you understand this, you have an easier time sticking to a workout and diet routine. That’s because you know the effect this has on your body.

Personal trainers undergo intense training in these disciplines and get certified to offer these services. As you interact with them, they will pass on their knowledge to you.

5. Personal trainers make exercise fun There are those days you just want to skip a workout routine because of its strain on your body. When you treat your gym sessions like fun activities, the anticipation of attending the next session comes naturally. Making workout fun is in the job descriptions of personal trainers. They know how to incorporate play into workout reps while still sticking to a goal. Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. After all, you are not in the army, or are you?

Serving the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to Indio, if you are in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, or Indio, Send Me a Trainer can bring personal training right to your door!

Make the Call now at 760-880-9904 to speak with a trainer!

February 24 to March 2, 2022

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it,” wrote author G. K. Chesterton. Amen to that! Please regard his observation as the first part of your horoscope. Here’s the second part: It’s sometimes the right approach to move in harmony with the flow, to allow the momentum of elemental forces to carry you along. But now is not one of those times. I suggest you experiment with journeys against the flow. Go in quest of what the followers of easy options will never experience. Do it humbly, of course, and with your curiosity fully deployed.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “You’re never allowed to step on people to get ahead,” said TV personality and author Star Jones, “but you can step over them if they’re in your way.” I suspect the coming months will be a time when you really should step over people who are in your way.

There’s no need to be mad at them, criticize them, or gossip about them. That would sap your energy to follow your increasingly clear dreams. Your main task is to free yourself from influences that obstruct your ability to be the Royal Sovereign of Your Own Destiny.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini-born Gina Rowlands is retired now, but she had an awardwinning six-decade career as an actor. At age 20, she decided what she wanted to do with her life, and her parents offered her their blessings.

She testified: “I went home and I told my mom that I wanted to quit college and be an actress, and she said, ‘Huh, that sounds fascinating. It’s wonderful!’ And I told my father, and he literally said, ‘I don’t care if you want to be an elephant trainer if it makes you happy.’” Dear Gemini, in the coming months, I would love for you to receive similar encouragement for your budding ideas and plans. What can you do to ensure you’re surrounded by influences like Rowlands’ parents?

I hope you embark on a long-term project to get all the support you need.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): As you enter an astrological phase when vast, expansive ruminations will be fun and healthy for you, I will offer you some vast, expansive thoughts.

Hopefully, they will inspire your own spacious musings. First, here’s artist M. C. Escher: “Wonder is the salt of the earth.” Next, author Salman Rushdie: “What’s real and what’s true aren’t necessarily the same.” Here’s poet Allen Ginsberg: “When you notice something clearly and see it vividly, it then becomes sacred.” A proverb from the Omaha people: “Ask questions from your heart, and you will be answered from the heart.” G. K. Chesterton: “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” Finally, playwright Tony Kushner: “I’m not religious, but I like God, and he likes me.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Out of love, you can speak with straight fury,” wrote author Eudora Welty. Here’s how I interpret that in light of the current chapter of your life story: You have an opportunity to recalibrate some misaligned energy. You have the necessary insight to fix an imbalance or dissolve an illusion or correct a flow that has gone off-course. And by far the best way to do that is by wielding the power of love.

It will need to be expressed with vehemence and intense clarity, however. It will require you to be both compassionate and firm. Your homework: Figure out how to express transformative truths with kindness.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo political science professor Tatah Mentan was born and raised in the African country of Cameroon, which has never fully recovered from its grueling colonization by Germany, France, and England. The democratic tradition there is tenuous. When Mentan first taught at a university in the Cameroonian capital, authorities found his ideas too controversial. For the next 16 years, he attempted to be true to himself while avoiding governmental censorship, but the strain proved too stressful. Fearing for his safety, he fled to the US. I’m turning to him for advice that will serve you well in the coming weeks. He tells us, “Peace does not mean to be in

© Copyright 2022 Rob Brezsny

a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Anything you do from the heart enriches you, but sometimes not till years later,” wrote author Mignon McLaughlin.

I’m pleased to inform you, Libra, that you will soon receive your rewards for generous actions you accomplished in the past. On behalf of the cosmic rhythms, I apologize for how long it has taken. But at least it’s finally here. Don’t underestimate how big this is. And don’t allow sadness about your earlier deprivation to inhibit your enthusiastic embrace of compensation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): No matter how reasonable and analytical you are, Scorpio, you possess a robust attraction to magic. You yearn for the refreshing invigoration of non-rational mysteries. You nurture urges to be delighted by outbreaks of the raw, primal lust for life. According to my astrological assessment, you are especially inclined to want and need these feelings in the next few weeks. And that’s good and healthy and holy! At the same time, don’t abandon your powers of discernment. Keep them running in the background as you enjoy your rejuvenating communions with the enigmatic pleasures of the Great Unknown.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Author Diane Ackerman tells us, “In the absence of touching and being touched, people of all ages can sicken and grow touch starved. Touch seems to be as essential as sunlight.” This is always important to remember, but it will be extra crucial for you to keep in mind during the coming weeks. I advise you to be ingenious and humble and frank as you collect as much physical contact as you can.

Be polite and respectful, of course. Never force yourself on anyone. Always seek permission. With those as your guidelines, be greedy for hugs and cuddling and caresses.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Education, fundamentally, is the increase of the percentage of the conscious in relation to the unconscious.”

Author and educator Sylvia Ashton-Warner said that, and now I’m telling you—just in time for one of the most lesson-rich times of a year that will be full of rich lessons. In the next nine months, dear Capricorn, the proportion of your consciousness in relation to your unconsciousness should markedly increase. And the coming weeks will be a favorable phase to upgrade your educational ambitions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’re entering a phase of your cycle when your ability to boost your finances will be stronger than usual. You’ll be more likely to attract good luck with money and more apt to discover useful tips on how to generate greater abundance. To inspire your efforts, I offer you this observation by author Katharine Butler Hathaway: “To me, money is alive. It is almost human. If you treat it with real sympathy and kindness and consideration, it will be a good servant and work hard for you, and stay with you and take care of you.”

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Author Deb Caletti made the following observation: “You have ordinary moments and ordinary moments and more ordinary moments, and then, suddenly, there is something monumental right there. You have past and future colliding in the present, your own personal Big Bang, and nothing will ever be the same.” In my vision of your destiny in 2022, Pisces, there could be several of these personal Big Bangs, and one of them seems to be imminent.

To prepare—that is, to ensure that the changes are primarily uplifting and enjoyable—I suggest you chant the following mantra at least five times every day: “I love and expect good changes.”

Homework: Give yourself a blessing. Say why you’re wonderful and name a marvelous event that’s ahead for you. Newsletter.

FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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H S A R T Y A W A L U A H E W

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