Coachella Valley Weekly - February 27 to March 4, 2020 Vol. 8 No. 50

coachellavalleyweekly.com • February 27 to March 4, 2020

Vol.8 No.50

CV Rescue Mission The Righteous Brothers Higher Heights Michael D’Angelo & Jimmy Street La Quinta Baking Company pg6

pg6

pg7

pg8

pg16

February 27 to March 4, 2020

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Holiday Skincare Special

Our Aesthetician Scott Fisher is booking now!

Purchase One Treatment & Get the Next Half Off! Extractions . Oxygen Facial Treatment . Rejuvenation & Repair Facial Treatment Scientific Skincare . Balancing Clear Back Treatment . Brow Design Brow Maintenance . Epi Smooth . SkinMedica Peels Call To Schedule: (760) 610-8990

2

41606 Indian Trail, Suite A-1 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

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, Samantha Wright Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Noe Gutierrez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Esther Sanchez 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, Iris Hall, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

Glitch Palm Springs ...................................... 3 Breaking the 4th Wall - The Pajama Game... 5 Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.................... 6 The Righteous Brothers ............................... 6 Higher Heights.............................................. 7 Michael D'Angelo & Jimmy Street............... 8 Consider This - Eyelids ............................... 10 Art Scene - Steven Cicerone....................... 11 Travel Tips 4 U - The Book Rack.................. 11 Pet Place ..................................................... 12 The Vino Voice ........................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife ......................... 14-15 Pampered Palate- La Quinta Baking Co .. 16 Brewtality ................................................... 17 Screeners ................................................... 18 Book Review .............................................. 19 Safety Tips .................................................. 19 Haddon Libby ..............................................21 Dale Gribow ................................................ 21 Health - Keto Mindset................................ 22 Cannabis Corner......................................... 23 Cactus Mart ................................................ 23 Mind, Body & Spirit ................................... 24 Free Will Astrology.................................... 24 Living Free Pet Adoptions......................... 26

CREATING SYNERGY WITH GLITCH

February 27 to March 4, 2020

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

A

s you enter the room, a powerful synth-wave of neon, flashing arcade lights, and 1980s nostalgia hits you like a sonar beam of a bygone era.

You have arrived at Glitch, a restaurant and barcade that serves up satisfaction to those with a hunger for Asian street food and vintage games. Officially opened in late 2019, Glitch has already made a positive impression in the Coachella Valley restaurant scene for its unique atmosphere and diverse selection of retro arcade games that diners can enjoy with their meal.

Glitch is the brainchild of restaurant owners Stephen and Liz Hansen, who had the idea to start a retro-themed bar. Property manager Christopher Rosas was brought in to develop a synergy between the Infusion Beach Club and the restaurant.

“I had started Infusion Lounge in San Francisco over 10 years ago and after spending a lot of time at the Beach Clubs in Spain, I wanted to bring that idea of a Beach Club here to America. Infusion Beach Club will become a different type of venue than what is in Coachella Valley. Just as much a place for rest as it is a place for a good party in the sun. I am one of several owners and am thankful for the experience,” explained Rosas.

Glitch’s menu is simple but flavorful in its selection of Asian-infused classics.

Finger food consists of Shrimp Bang-Bang, Uncle Phil’s Popcorn Chicken, Glitch Vegan Egg Roll, Street Fighter Fries, and Wonder Woman Wings. A more Asian influence is found in dishes like the Kung-Fu Noodles, consisting of egg noodles, vegetables, house sauce, shallots, crispy garlic, and a fried egg,

Photos by Chance

and the Fried Rice—made with rice wine, scallions, and crispy garlic.

For those feeling less adventurous, the Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Good Burger are also available, including a kid’s menu that includes Chicken Tenders, Cheeseburger Sliders, and a Quesadilla. The desserts at

Glitch are not your typical options, being Vegan Donut Holes and Fried Banana Bread served with coconut jam, which is one of Rosas’ favorite items off the menu.

“We have gone through several menus in order to try to find something unique that people will like and we settled on the current menu which is more bar food with an Asian feel and taste,” said Rosas.

The selection of alcoholic beverages ranges from vodka, rum, wine, and gin.

Glitch also boasts an impressive collection of vintage games such as Gallaga, Mortal Kombat II, and Ms. Pac-Man. Rosas’ favorite game is still Skeeball.

“It is all about caring for others, making sure people have fun in your space. The roles are absolutely the same and there is no difference,” stated Rosas.

Rosas plays double duty as manager at both Glitch Restaurant and Infusion Beach continue to page 5

3

February 27 to March 4, 2020

4

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

GLITCH continued from page 3 Club—a sixty-two room MOD Motel located on North Palm Canyon. The hotel is petfriendly and is looking to launch a SpanishInspired restaurant somewhere on the premises that will serve chill craft cocktails and bold-flavored food.

Infusion Beach Club being on the north end is completely unique, as it is not a big box

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 27 to March 4, 2020

hotel, but a small boutique hotel that offers the guests a personal experience by being a mid-size property that gives people a unique perspective to the Coachella Valley. Rosas cites the views as also setting the Infusion Beach Club apart from the other hotels.

“Glitch and Infusion Beach Club are close to each other so I use my scooter to get between the two, and getting to both is

easy since we are 300 feet apart. That said, I have amazing help and am thankful for the managers,” revealed Rosas.

Rosas wants to continue working towards managing both properties successfully and create a smooth synergy between his culinary and business pursuits.

“I hope to get a sense of accomplishment when I work hard for a goal. I am not there

I

A STAGE REVIEW OF ‘THE PAJAMA GAME’

’ve always viewed theatre as a mirror.

A reflection of our culture, our ideas and our belief systems. It can serve to highlight the best of who we are and the worst. Our perceptions and definitions of drama and comedy change as times passes and new beliefs take hold. The presentation of classic works can at times be realized to be not classic at all, but simply outdated.

Unfortunately, such is the case with Palm Canyon Theatre’s current production of “The Pajama Game.”

Based on the 1953 novel, 7 1/2 Cents,

by Richard Bissell, the original Broadway production was first produced in 1954. The book is by George Abbott and Richard Bissell with lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross.

The musical portrays the conflict between workers in the Sleep Tite Pajama factory, who want a 7 ½ cent raise and management who refuses to give it to them. And in the process, of course, a typical opposites attract, conflicted love affair develops between a union representative and a management supervisor.

Sid, (Nicholas Sloan) is the new factory superintendent. When he meets ‘Babe’, (Jamie Walker Sloan,) the head of the

Grievance Committee, it’s an immediate attraction. She resists and he persists in the midst of the Union conflict. Sloan and Sloan (a real-life married couple) are wonderful in their roles as Sid and Babe, the star-crossed lovers. Both are very talented performers and their chemistry is obvious. David Brooks is ‘Prez,’ the philanderer who represents the union. I love Brooks, he’s a gifted performer and I thoroughly enjoyed his performance, but in all honesty this role is superfluous and wouldn’t even be necessary if not for the blatant sexism of the times. It would have made for a much better story and more conflict if ‘Babe,’ had been the head of the Union, a position not recognized as fitting for a woman in the 1950’s, but that might have made the conflict even more exciting.

The cast is filled with incredibly talented actors who stand out individually, as well as an ensemble. Without doubt they make the show. But the level of sexism, outdated dialogue and predictable plot developments make this show a bit tough to watch. I normally really enjoy the live musicians that accompany Palm Canyon Theatre’s shows, but this time around I could only identify a select few musical numbers that stood out.

BY DEE JAE COX

yet, but I will be in the next couple years. I promise you,” said Rosas.

Glitch is closed Monday and Tuesday, but open for Brunch on Sunday at 12 p.m. through 10 p.m., 6 p.m. through 12 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 6 p.m. through 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

For more info call 760-907-8121 or visit www.glitchpalmsprings.com.

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

‘Steam Heat,’ performed by Charly (Anthony Nannini,) and Eddie, (Rob Rota,) was a sure favorite, as well as ‘Her Is,’ with Prez, (David Brooks,) and Gladys, (Morgana Corelli.)

Union rights and worker’s rights are an important subject. Though equal pay for women would not even be considered a substantial topic of law until the mid 1960’s, women have had a long history of supporting and working within Unions. Beginning with the Triangle Shirt Factory fire in 1911 when 146 women died due to horrifically unsafe working conditions, (still remembered as one of the deadliest industrial fires in American history,) women have marched, bled, fought

and labored for fair wages and safe working conditions for all factory workers. Maybe it’s time for Babe, to get that Union promotion.

The Pajama Game, is running through March 15th.

The Palm Canyon Theatre, is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

For Reservations: Box Office: (760) 323-5123 www.palmcanyontheatre.org.

Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomenstheatreproject.org palmspringstheatre.com Photos by Michele Weiss

5

February 27 to March 4, 2020

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

COACHELLA VALLEY RESCUE MISSION HELPS HOMELESS COMMUNITY

O

perating since 1971, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission has provided a safe place for those in need of refuge. The dedicated staff and volunteers have served more than 360,000 meals annually and provided shelter to thousands of men and women with children. Food, clothing, and showers have even been provided for those who choose not to stay at the shelter.

In terms of food services, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission serves three meals on a daily basis to residents of the shelter on a daily basis, making an average of over a thousand meals a day. Those interested in volunteering in the kitchen can contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Shannon Curtis at 760-347-3512, ext. 246.

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission even offers catering services to the desert.

Prepared by professional chefs and with a staff consisting of clients and graduates of the mission, the Mission Catering can prepare anything from a gourmet menu or a

MUSIC

W

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission also holds several events throughout the year to raise awareness in the community and to collect materials of use to the homeless population. This includes the 11th annual Backpack Drive to provide backpacks to the thousands of children in the Coachella Valley that will face the coming school year without the supplies needed to succeed in learning, the Annual Toy Giveaway to distribute about 15,000 toys to needy children, and the recent 49th Anniversary Gala that took place on February 27 to celebrate the Mission’s years of service.

According to Wolf, the coming Easter season will be primarily focused on collecting donations from the community, particularly hams and canned food items.

“We want to especially emphasize the need for volunteers during this Easter season, as we serve more nonperishable food items to those who are food insecure. We are

COMMUNITY

especially in need of ham, potatoes, and canned vegetables,” said Wolf.

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission has made a continuous effort in assisting the desert community for decades with a goal to even further expand its reach—the most recent instance being the partnership with the City of Palm Springs to provide a 40-bed micro-shelter since July of last year.

“Nationwide, this country has a problem with helping the homeless community.

Without the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, there would be less resources for the population we are trying to serve. We are grateful for the community’s help,” said Wolf.

For those who wish to contribute to the cause, there is a “donate” button on the Coachella Valley Rescue mission website home page that will direct visitors on how to make a helpful contribution, allowing customization of amount and payment type, at cvrm.org.

RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS TO PERFORM AT FANTASY SPRINGS

hen I call Bill Medley, founding member of the Righteous Brothers and inventor of blueeyed soul, at his Newport Beach home, I point out that this is my third time interviewing him and we are practically old friends at this point.

He generously tells me we are old friends and I promise not to ask him anything I’ve already asked him before.

For the second year in a row, the Righteous Brothers are playing at Fantasy Springs, conspicuously close to Valentine’s Day (last year right on it), so I ask Bill if he thinks they book them that way on purpose, so men can take their ladies to the show and he (and bandmate Bucky Heard) can sing all the romantic things to them that their boyfriends couldn’t come up with themselves.

He chuckles and tells me how much he loves the desert, so he’s not sure if that’s the case but he’s always happy to be back here. And, he mentions, “Unchained Melody” probably makes them a good fit for a belated Valentine’s show. Speaking of “Unchained Melody,” I tell him I read an article Pandora put out the day prior that ranked the top 10 love songs with the criteria that “undying love is professed”. It lists some of the heaviest hitters: Etta James, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie…and “Unchained Melody” is number one. I point out what a unique honor for him that when people think of the best love song, it’s one of his hits. “Yeah, that’s amazingly cool. I didn’t know that,” he tells me. “We’re very proud of that song. And

6

barbecue dinner at an affordable price. Some delicious specialties include an extensive pasta selection, a taco bar, assorted Italian party trays, and excellent seafood. All proceeds go towards Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Programs and catering inquiries can be directed to the Food Services Manager, Erin Jones, at 760-347-3512 ext.229 or missioncatering@cvrm.org.

Another way that the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission assists those in need is by collecting donations from the public.

The New Life Resale Boutique located in Coachella accepts donations of gently used clothing, kitchen, household, sports, tools, or business items that can be an enormous help to the homeless community. Other items that the Mission accepts are recreational vehicles, toys, collectibles, and furniture.

“It is a total blessing to serve the Coachella Valley community. We are making a difference in our outreach and make it a priority to assist those in need,” stated Development Director Scott Wolf.

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

BY TRICIA WITKOWER

“Lovin’ Feeling” is the most played record in the history of American radio. Both Bobby and I felt it was so great that that’s how people are experiencing our music. For these songs to live 50-some years, wow.”

I ask him if he knew when he first recorded this song that it was going to be this special, and he says, “I produced the song (because I produced all the albums, even the ones with Phil Spector). Bobby would do a solo and I’d do a solo. I asked Bobby what he’d like to do and he said “Unchained Melody”. People always loved this song when we played it live and we were big fans of Roy Hamilton (who originally sang this song in 1955). When Phil [Spector] would release one of our songs he thought was going to be a hit, he would always

put on the B-side a song that was so bad, they wouldn’t play it. He put “Unchained Melody” on a B-side! He called radio stations and told them to stop playing it, but it just took off and was a good sized hit in the 60s. It’s truly interesting how much power TV and movies have. Ghost made it a monster in 1990.”

Having performed now for over five decades, I ask if there’s been an evolution of how he feels once he’s on the stage performing and if his excitement and love for it has changed over the years. Bill tells me, “Yeah, I don’t think it’s ever changed. I love to perform. That’s what I feel I am. I do a little of everything, but in reality I’m a performer and I’m never scared unless I’m singing at the Grammys - and then I’m petrified. To go

on stage and I know they’re here to hear my songs, I get excited. Literally, when the curtain goes up, I feel 25 again.” I tell him maybe music keeps people young, because Tony Bennett is 93 and still going as strong as ever.

“Music absolutely keeps people young!” says Medley. “I’ve been asked a lot how I do it or why I do it. I’m a one trick pony. If I’m not singing or performing on stage, I’m sitting on a couch waiting for them to put a sheet over my head. Just keep doing what you love to do!

Don’t stop. Find a hobby and do what you love to do and you will not grow old. My advice to kids: you’ve got to believe in magic. You’ve got to believe in your dream and if your heart is telling you go do it then go do it. You can’t be in our business to make money or to pardon my French, get laid. Maybe that comes with the territory but it can’t be why you’re doing it because the audience will recognize that. So just follow your dream and do your best not to get your life so confusing that you can’t keep following it. You have to be careful to not let things get in the way.”

Don’t let anything get in YOUR way of seeing the Righteous Brothers this Saturday, February 28 at Fantasy Springs. Show starts at 8 pm and you can purchase your tickets here: fantasyspringsresort.com/entertainment.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

HIGHER HEIGHTS – DESERT DREAD EP RELEASE SHOW

WITH RAZTECALII

I

f you were to quantify the resilience of the desert music community, you would likely need several yard sticks to first measure the Reggae band Higher Heights.

Higher Heights began in the summer of 2007 right after ‘Miguel’ aka Mike Fernandez wrote his first song, “Bright Day,” accompanied by a melodic musical arraignment. The excitement of the new song led to newly inspired material. Soon after, Fernandez’ son Adrian wrote his first song, “You and Me,” to add to the then growing list of over 25 original songs.

Now, many more songs later, Higher Heights will be celebrating the completion and release of their EP Desert Dread with a live performance from the band and special guests RAZTECALII on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 9 p.m. at The Hood Bar and Pizza at 74-360 Highway 111 in Palm Desert, California. The show is free and 21+.

The Desert Dread EP was recorded and produced by Mike Rizzio of Desert View Records. All music was written by Mike Fernandez with artwork by Higher Heights drummer Ryan Alexander Diaz (Crucial Culture, Unity Frenzy). The EP also contains a performance by the younger Fernandez.

The 2020 version of Higher Heights includes band members include Fernandez on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Joshua Tree native John (RainMan) Undernehr on lead guitar, Mario Quintero (Crucial Culture, Unity Frenzy) on bass and Diaz on drums.

Turning back, eight years after the first song was written, Higher Heights remained under the radar, writing and perfecting their sound. As for the elder Fernandez, he was building the confidence necessary to ready himself mentally and musically to step into

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2020 - 9PM AT THE HOOD BAR & PIZZA

the music scene.

Fast forward to 2013, an old friend, Quintero, of Cathedral City, CA came out to visit and jam. Quintero’s instrument of choice is the guitar but Higher Heights needed a bassist so Quintero stepped up to the plate.

Today he is the backbone of Higher Heights’ music.

Now with four members, in 2014 Higher Heights stepped out onto the desert music scene in a big way. Their first-ever performance was organized by Desert Music, Coachella Valley Weekly and Ronnie King at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert, CA. They brought down the house at the first Reggae Residency show performing with moZaiq and The Mikey Reyes Acoustic Movement. In addition, the band has been a part of the allages Synergy Music & Arts Festival since 2014 when they were invited to play for the first time by Culturas Music and Arts.

Their first recorded single, “Indian on the Mountain,” was recorded by multi-platinum record producer, King. King described Fernandez as a “songwriter first”. This is what intrigued King when he was approached with the possibility of working with Higher Heights and Fernandez.

On his collaboration with King, Fernandez found a fellow forward-looking counterpart.

“I was surfing local artists on their pages and I saw Ronnie was working with one of them in his studio. I became interested in knowing more about Mr. King. While I was in church my pastor and very good friend Angel Santillanes asked me about my music and I said I was looking for a producer. I mentioned that I wanted to see about contacting Ronnie. Then he said, ‘Ronnie King? I know Ronnie he’s a good friend of mine.’ That night my wife,

Mercedes, attempted to contact Ronnie.

He responded and we set up a date to meet at Chateau Relaxo, King’s music studio in Thermal, CA. The rest is history. Mr. King is a very uplifting and positive person.”

The story behind Higher Heights corresponds with that of Reggae music in general. Fernandez explains, “Higher Heights represents a higher state of consciousness and understanding. In general, Higher Heights is a universal expression, and other form of nirvana, sublime; it’s peace.” This description allowed their fans to remain unprejudiced to the music and where it is acquired from.

Fernandez is influenced by two of the greats. “Bob Marley and Pete Seeger are two of my primary influences. The music that has left an impact in my life comes from the music writers who record thoughts from their heart, in a fullness with no profanity. The music must be positive with a ‘good vibe’ feel to it.”

Fernandez sees Higher Heights continuing to aim for elevated summits. “Higher Heights will keep moving forward with the Desert Reggae movement. My band and I are very excited.

Our musical work will speak for itself. We are hoping our music finds a place in the hearts of the listeners. Our mission is to continue to create positive and uplifting music that gives people peace and joy.”

The band also has two singles available online, one recorded and produced by King, Indian on the Mountain and Bright Day produced by Rizzio.

Desert Dread EP Review Something About You

February 27 to March 4, 2020

BY NOE GUTIERREZ There’s something ominous about this song. The guitar playing is the counterpart to the words: “Something about you that excites my soul, it’s just something about you I guess I’ll never know. There’s something inside me, that’s beyond my control…telling me don’t let go”. A story of self-expression and the tender spot that only love can produce.

No More In Reggae the music is the messenger.

In this song, the title alone tells you that Fernandez won’t take it anymore. Fernandez is a soldier and he and his music are tools for change. There’s a Gregorian Chant-feel that is woven here. “There’s something about me that you don’t know…You will see…I got a joyful meditation in my soul and like a little bird, I got to let it go…You can’t keep a good man down, no matter how hard you try”. Fernandez’ attempt to raise the consciousness of his audience is apparent here.

Rebel “I’m a musical rebel on a different level”.

Tempo break that introduces fantastic guitar work and extended solo. The song is reminiscent of a 70’s jam and brings to mind the Santana set at Woodstock. The recording feels vintage 60’s and is glorified with a fine and melodic guitar tone.

Find Desert Dread on Amazon and Spotify culturasmusicartscoachella.com

7

February 27 to March 4, 2020

LOCAL MUSIC

I

f you like Rock and Roll, Doo-wop, contemporary classics and Italian and Latin standards, then you will unquestionably love Michael D’Angelo and Jimmy Street at Chef George’s Picasso Lounge every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

As part of the line-up of entertainment at Chef George’s Hungarian Restaurant & Picasso Lounge, D’Angelo and Street are the “Big Apple” of the publics’ eye. The eatery is located at 40100 Washington Street, Suite #125 in Bermuda Dunes, California and is open Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

On most nights you can listen to some of best voices from the desert and beyond.

With a dance floor and full bar, patrons can enjoy cocktails, dancing as well as fabulous Hungarian cuisine.

Singing from New York to Los Angeles, D’Angelo is a “Native New Yorker” considered by many to be one of the most outstanding vocalists and entertainers to emerge from the area in years. As the lead singer for well-known L.A. band, Mestizo, D’Angelo opened for various Latin artists such as Tierra and percussionists Willie Bobo and Pancho Sanchez. He has also performed on the same bill as Los Angeles Rock band Los Lobos.

D’Angelo has also performed at every significant resort and live music venue across the desert and beyond. He is dedicated to advocating for local charities and supports causes such as City of Hope, Well In The Desert, and multiple veterans’ organizations.

D’Angelo takes his audiences on a journey through time and an electrifying ride through various musical idioms. His body of work has built a dedicated following and fans agree, you cannot fully understand the essence of his art until you see him live belting out extraordinary melodies while captivating audiences with his dynamic energy.

His repertoire, “A Musical Journey Through Time,” is a blend of classic favorites from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s Doo-wop, Old School, Italian and Latin rhythms.

8

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

MICHAEL D’ANGELO FEATURING JIMMY STREET AT CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY 6:30PM-9:30PM

His fans describe him best. Here are several quotes by those who have seen him perform: “In a world where fame and notoriety comes and goes, like the flavor of the month, D’Angelo is an enduring presence. He is fabulous!”

“When he sings “Unchained Melody” he brings the house down. We follow him wherever he goes.”

“Watching him perform, I felt like I was watching Tom Jones and Julio Iglesias all in one. What a great performer, his voice is so romantic. Wow!” “Michael D’Angelo is the most complete entertainer I’ve seen in a long time. His timing and phrasing are reminiscent of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.”

“An evening with Michael D’Angelo is entertainment for all ages. His range and versatility brings a musical experience to everyone present.”

As we have discovered, D’Angelo has made an impact on many a music fan and continues to take listeners through

a journey in time with his unique brand of musicianship and entertainment. If somehow D’Angelo isn’t enough to draw us in, he has brought in saxman Jimmy Street to up the ante.

Jimmy Street is an incredibly talented and versatile musician, highly skilled on the saxophones, flute as well as vocals. Music fans marvel at his abilities but the answer is quite simple; many years of hard work studying under world-class L.A. teachers on vocals and saxophone and of course, practice, practice, practice!

Street started his professional career playing in the Navy Band in the late 60’s.

Upon release, Street made his way to the West Coast, where he joined a Latin Jazz quartet in San Francisco, working with Phil Escovedo, uncle of Sheila E. From there, he attended North Texas State University on a scholarship majoring in music. After attending NTSU, he made his way to the Southern California desert, where he worked several years with famed singer Frankie Randall. During Street’s tenure with Randall, he shared the stage with many show business luminaries like Lainie Kazan, Keely Smith, Don Adams (Get Smart), Dianne Reeves, Jack Jones and Danny Thomas, including one special night with the great Frank Sinatra. The band also appeared on The Regis Philbin Show.

From the desert Street wanted to go to L.A. and take a shot at stardom, which seemed like a good move but in hindsight he may have thought it through better.

“Looking back, I can see I was foolish in leaving him. I had a good thing with Frankie as he was not only a great talent but a good band leader,” Street shared.

In L.A., Street garnered credits there as well, having his compositions used on various television shows, and joining acts that would work the circuit that included Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nevada.

BY NOE GUTIERREZ He also joined Rhino Records Rock ’n Roll/ Doo Wop recording artists Big Daddy who appeared on several television shows, had several hit records in England and Australia and also toured Australia.

Street is also a charter member of the band The Hodads who have performed all over the United States and as far as Asia. The band served as the house band for several major Beverly Hills fundraisers for organizations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association where they shared the stage with luminaries such as Jerry Lewis, Casey Kasem and Patti LaBelle.

In 2012 Street was asked to partner up with Randy Heddon to form the Randy Heddon Quartet to perform on the Princess Cruise lines. For over five years Street sailed the seven seas performing shows for pleased passengers. The band soon became known as the top band in the fleet and was part of earning Best Cruise Ships for Entertainment two years in a row by Cruise Critic and was given the honor of being the entertainment for Princess Cruise’s latest ship, Majestic Princess, for it’s maiden voyage from Italy. It was during his tenure on Princess Cruises that he met a passenger who is now the love of his life, Eileen Mayo, who you can also find socializing and singing at Chef George’s.

The combination of D’Angelo and Street is remarkable. The desert may be unaware as to the level of quality these musicians represent. We are humbled that D’Angelo and Street consider the Coachella Valley home. Street explains, “I like it here, especially at Chef George’s, where the stress of living in L.A. is gone and the people are friendly and love music. Some of our favorite songs are from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s but we also like more contemporary songs like “Cake by the Ocean” and “Uptown Funk!” jimmystreet.net chefgeorgespicasso.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 27 to March 4, 2020

9

February 27 to March 4, 2020

CONSIDER THIS

A

round the time puberty struck, Chris Slausenko received an R.E.M. record as a present, and it pretty much changed his life. It had never occurred to him that music could be mysterious and catchy in equal measure. Chris sent them a letter asking the Athens, Ga. band to tour the Northwest.

He actually received a reply from guitarist Peter Buck who suggested Chris check other up-and-coming bands like the Replacements, Minor Threat and Mission Of Burma. Inspired, Chris followed his own musical dreams and went on to play in a series of bands in the Portland, Oregon area. These days, his band, Eyelids count Peter Buck as more than a friend and mentor; he’s just produced their latest effort, Accidental Falls.

The members of Eyelids have been referred to as indie rock royalty, and that’s a fairly accurate assessment. The band features Chris and John Moen both on vocals and guitar plus Jonathan Drews on guitar and vocals. Holding down the bottom is bassist Jim Talstra and drummer Paulie Pulvirenti. Individually, these guys have been in the Dharma Bums, Guided

By Voices, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, The Minus 5, Elliott Smith, Decemberists, Quasi and The Boston Spaceships.

Chris and John had been pals forever, having first crossed paths in the mid ‘80s when John was in the Dharma Bums they shared some live dates with Chris’ band, Death Midget. They finally got to officially play together when Guided By Voices visionary Robert Pollard recruited them for his Boston Spaceships project. Following a tour promoting the Spaceships’ Let It Beard album, the pair decided to revisit some demos they had written at the beginning of the 21st century. Feeling they could improve on the original songs, they enlisted John Drews, Jim and Paulie.

Once in the studio they created 13 songs on the spot and the result was their 2015 debut, 854. Their sound seemed to distill their indie ‘80s roots and stealthily paid homage to musical heroes like R.E.M., L.A.’s Paisley Underground bands as well as the Clean and Straitjacket Fits from the New Zealand label, Flying Nun. Critical acclaim was unanimous and the band had time to record a self-titled EP before hitting the road, opening for everyone from Tommy Keene, Drive-By Truckers and Charlatans, U.K. Back in the studio they quickly wrote another 12 tracks and this time, Chris’ erstwhile pen-pal, Peter Buck, was behind the boards producing their second long-player, pithily entitled or.

Released in 2017, it was clear the band was on a roll, rave reviews popped up in tastemaker publications like Pitchfork, Glide and Mojo. This time out Eyelids were on tour with Paisley Underground stalwarts The Dream Syndicate, as well as the Fruit Bats, the Cribs and Drive-By Truckers again.

The last three years have seen the band collaborate with John Cameron Mitchell (of “Hedwig And The Angry Inch” fame) and Jay Gonzalez, on a 12” EP and 7” split single, respectively. They also recorded a limited edition vinyl LP, Maybe More that was evenly divided by studio songs and a live set. Now

10

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

EYELIDS

“THE ACCIDENTAL FALLS” (THE LYRICS OF LARRY BECKETT) (JEALOUS BUTCHER RECORDS)

the band has returned with their third fulllength effort, The Accidental Falls, featuring lyrics written by Larry Beckett.

Chris had struck up a friendship with Larry when their kids attended the same school together. As a poet, songwriter and arranger, Larry’s career stretches all the way back to the mid ‘60s. Originally, he and Tim Buckley were in a band called the Bohemians. Although Tim signed with Elektra Records as a solo artist, he continued to collaborate with Larry on his first few albums. They worked together sporadically until Tim’s untimely death in 1975. Their epochal “Song To The Siren” has stood the test of time, and has been recorded by everyone from This Mortal Coil to The Chemical Brothers to Robert Plant.

Larry familiarized himself with Eyelids music and invited the band to peruse his lyrics notebook. Chris and John initially assumed a new single might evolve from the nascent collaboration. They weren’t sure if Larry’s lyrics would resonate, and were (obviously) somewhat intimidated by the shadow cast by Tim Buckley. But both were by turns surprised and intrigued by his lyrics, some decades old, some minty fresh. Separately, Chris and John each set lyrics to new melodies. Before they knew it, they had 12 new songs.

The record slips into gear with “Dream.”

The listener is greeted with an insistent wash of strings, as plangent electric guitars pick out the notes of the meandering melody, tiptoeing over purring bass lines and a loping rhythm. John’s vocals are hushed and ethereal as he recalls perfect naiad that inhabits his dreams; “In her eyes the salt of the seven seas, in her eyes salvation/Underneath her silk is the milky way and her constellation.”

Acoustic licks jangle over shuddery electric riffs bookending each verse, pitching the song to and fro.

Most of the guys in Eyelids came of age in the mid-to-late ‘80s, just as the chrysalis of New Wave had transformed into Alternative Music. Artists like Cocteau Twins, The Pixies, Husker Du, XTC and This Mortal Coil, were the alternative to feculent, paint-by-numbers bands like Bon Jovi, Poison and Whitesnake.

That halcyon era continues to shape their melodic sensibilities.

Take “The Minutes.” which hurtles out of the speakers boasting tilt-a-whirl guitars, wily bass and a whipcrack beat. Chris’ breathless vocals mirror lyrics that slyly bemoan the passage of time; “The daylight is a hustler, the sky is quickly crossed, I cannot sweep the stairway, before the sun is lost.” Clocking in at under two minutes, the song is crisp and economical.

There’s a shivery urgency to both “Ceremony” and “At Sea.” On the former, liquid electric guitar cascades over a rumbling bass and a pummeling beat. Lyrics offer a convoluted covenant to nuptial bliss; “No vows, but who can keep a vow? I said my line, my love for you isn’t in the heavens and yet it’s to.” The arrangement powers down on the break, and the instrumentation becomes blurred and pastoral before revving up as the guitars sync up for a stratospheric tandem solos and then circle back to the first verse.

The latter weds Punky guitars to a

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

blistering backbeat. Chris’ boyish tenor glides over fuzzy, connect-the-dot riff-age, fractious piano and roiling bass. A series of guitar solos unspool, brief and efficacious, initially echoing the AOR grandeur of “More Than A Feeling” era Boston before shapeshifting into a jagged fragments of feedback.

The best tracks here balance the sweetness with some skronk and the results are perfectly sublime. The title track is tensile and stripped-down. As Paulie pounds his kit with a Moon-like intensity, spitfire riffs collide with downstroke notes and ricocheting bass lines. Stream-of-conscious lyrics like “I wish I was on the pine porch of a spare house, where light’s lavish, old movie stars, look down and wonder, Oh baby, what’s happened to you” adds a bit of pulchritude to the proceedings.

By the outro things become positively Beatlesque.

Conversely, “River” is shimmery and incandescent. Gossamer guitars brush up against willowy bass runs and a slo-mo rhythm. The ethereality is slightly undercut by this admission; “Kiss me I slap, slap me I kiss, I’ve had enough of love me tender.” But the cynicism rings hollow next to the achingly beautiful arrangement.

“Starlight” is an irresistible slice of Power Pop propelled by prowling bass lines, a walloping kick-drum beat and crunchy, candy-coated guitars. Lyrics obliquely make the point that time is fleeting, but this song feels like a quick trip in Mr. Peabody’s WABAC machine. The listener is instantly transported to an epoch when Todd Rundgren and The Raspberries ruled the airwaves.

Then there’s the billowy siren song of

“Mermaid Blues.” Rippling guitars collide with briny bass fills and a tick-tock rhythm.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an elusive enchantress eager to tempt beguiled sailors; “I saw her breasts were bare, was that for me? They warned me going leagues beneath the sea, to liquid rendezvous, the mermaid blues.”

Less than a minute long, “Monterey” is a pensive haiku that blends bendy guitars and echo-y piano before folding into the album’s centerpiece, “1,2,3.” Jonathan, Chris and John alternate between prickly power chords, skronky dissonance and slashing shards of guitar Jim’s search-and-destroy bass lines anchor the low end in aggregate with Paulie’s bludgeoning backbeat. The trenchant arrangement echoes the angular attack and coiled menace of antecedents like Gang Of Four and The Dream Syndicate, before suddenly downshifting on the bridge which goes for baroque, adding strings and piquant and distaff harmonies to the final verse; “Winter, Spring is what we have to sing/Summer, Fall on this sea-breaking wall.”

Other interesting tracks include the sparkly chime of “Insomnia.” Eyelids also acquit themselves nicely with a cover of the lost Larry Beckett/Tim Buckley gem, “Found At The Scene Of A Rendezvous That Failed.”

The album closes with the Bluesy shuffle of “Passion.”

Along with Peter Buck handling production chores and a little bass, Eyelids were ably assisted by Kyleen King on strings and vocals, Larry Beckett on piano and harpsichord and Victor Nash on trumpet and French horn.

Charlie Campbell enigmatically provided “the gimmick,” certainly the record wouldn’t have been the same without it.

To paraphrase Humphrey Bogart at the end of “Casablanca,” this Eyelids/Larry Beckett experiment looks like the beginning of a beautiful relationship. As the Grateful Dead relied on lyricist Robert Hunter, perhaps Eyelids and Larry Beckett can forge the same sort of partnership, eschewing, of course, the Jam-Band esthetic and confused dancing.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE ART OF THE ACTOR STEVEN CICERON THE STYLE & VERSATILITY OF

C

oachella Valley resident Steven Ciceron is one hardworking person.

On any given day he is off shooting a film, music video, or rehearsing for a play. His work takes him coast to coast. And he loves it.

While attending Wagner College in New York City, Steven appeared in many theater productions. He ultimately decided to pursue a career in Psychology. He received his graduate degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Virginia, and then began his career as a Psychologist. However, his desire to act never waned. After raising two sons, Steven felt it was finally time to return to acting. Steven has been cast in many roles from Doctor, Judge, Attorney, to Psychopath.

He is currently starring in the locally produced Mark’s Place as maître d’hôtel and erstwhile actor Blake Pennington. Mark’s Place is available on Amazon Prime.

Steven has worked with Sylvester Stallone, Phylicia Rashad, Tom Selleck, Fran Dresher and Michael B. Jordan. He has won three CV Indie

TRAVEL TIPS4U

T

he Book Rack La Quinta - owned by Holly Escobedo - opened in 1997 - in business 23 years this year. Moved to a new, larger space in the same center - closer to Von’s about a year and a half ago.

There are over 40,000 books in the shop - primarily paperbacks divided into genres.

The most popular genre is murder mysteries, followed by thrillers. Other genres include classics, non-fiction, biographies, young readers, romance, and best sellers. There is also a nice selection of books on tape/CD, some new books by local authors, puzzles, art books, and cookbooks. In addition, there is a sale cart of donated hardback books for $3.

Film Awards for Best Actor in an Independent Film.

What does Steven enjoy most about acting?

“It is the searching for the truth in a character and giving the character richness and fullness.” said Steven. “That search is what keeps me hooked on acting, everyday there is a new character, a new challenge and a new chance to explore a part of the human psyche.”

“I worked professionally as a Clinical Psychologist. That educational foundation and practical experiences with clients were valuable insights into the ‘human condition’.

I have been able to use that experience as building blocks in preparing for a role. But perhaps it has best served me meeting the actor’s challenge of working with creative personalities,” said Steven wryly.

What characters type of character are Steven drawn to play ? “At one time, I would have told you that I enjoyed doing characters like a Doctor, Lawyer, husband, brother, and neighbor, you know, Doris Day type roles,” laughed Steven. “But now I am finding that I love playing sinister roles with a welcoming charm, and roles where I get to use an accent, whether it be French, German, Australian, Southern or Bronx New York. I am drawn to

February 27 to March 4, 2020

BY ANGELA ROMEO

playing evil or sinister characters because they are so different from me, and that is so challenging for me, and I love challenge. I also find that I am now being drawn to playing a foreigner with an accent because that is also challenging. It is like having to sing and dance at the same time. It is an extra thing that you have to incorporate into your acting.”

Steven works in both theatre and film. Each genre has its own challenges. “I find theatre and film acting vastly different. Theatre acting requires a bit more exaggeration so audiences in the back row can feel your performance, yet it still has to look real. Film acting is more organic and must feel natural or it is not convincing. The relationship between the performer and the audience is also different.

In theatre, the actor tends to be far away from the audience, however with film, the camera can get extremely close to the actor,” noted Steven. “I find both challenging in different ways. However, theatre wins out in being more challenging as you have to be spot on each night. You do not get a chance to do it over if you make a mistake. You have to really be able to think on your feet because not only can you make a mistake yourself, but your fellow actor could make a mistake and that

ARTSCENE

could drastically affect your next line.”

“But to choose between the two would be akin to asking me to choose between my two children. I just cannot do it. Both are very rewarding to me. In theater, I feel very connected to the audience and I love that. In film, I feel very connected with myself who has become a character and I love that too.”

The creative arts have so many possibilities.

Where does present-day Steven see future Steven – actor, director, producer or all of the above? “Wow! These are tough Miss America questions,” laughed Steven. “I think I would like to get more into comedy. Comedy is difficult in that you have to be able to attack the punch line and that is not easy. But as I have said before, I love a challenge.”

“I have never been on the other side of the camera. Both directing and producing are on my horizon. Yes, definitely, I want to pursue these areas, so I can become fully engaged in the entire production process. My goal is to become the consummate professional in whatever I do next.”

Whatever Steve Ciceron does next it will be memorable.

For more information on Steven Ciceron visit IMDb Pro.

THE BOOK RACK LA QUINTA LA QUINTA, CA They are not holding any special shop events currently but if folks like The Book Rack La Quinta on Facebook they do have free book giveaways regularly for followers of our page.

The Trade-In policy applies to paperback books only. They do accept hard back books in donation. The Book Rack sells for half off the list price and you can receive half of that amount in store credit to use towards your next book purchases. Any books purchased from the store are automatically accepted back for store credit so folks can keep reading.

Any books they can’t use for stock are donated to Shelter from the Storm and the USO. About once every three months the USO

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

fills a shipping container of donated books and sends them to the troops overseas.

As of this past summer, The Book Rack La Quinta is the only remaining used bookstore in the valley.

Hours: M-F: 9:30am-6pm, SAT: 9:30am4pm, SUN: 11am-4pm For more info call (760) 771-3449. Find The Book Rack La Quinta on Facebook.

Think Books and Enjoy the Read!

11

February 27 to March 4, 2020

PET PLACE

S

paying or neutering your cat and dog is a wonderful gift you can provide your pet, your family, and your community. These minor surgical procedures not only prevent medical and behavioral problems in your pet, but they also help save the lives of homeless animals that languish in shelters and roam our neighborhoods as strays. Not convinced yet? What are some of the reasons why you should spay or neuter?

Your female pet will live a longer and healthier life – Spaying helps prevent uterine infections, uterine cancer, and breast cancer which are often fatal conditions in female animals.

Neutering provides major health benefits for your male pet– In addition to prevent him from dangerous neighborhood roaming,

MEET MAJOR Major is already neutered and ready to go home with you!

This 7-yr-old Pit Bull Terrier mix boy waits for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. www.rcdas.org, (760) 343-3644

MEET JETT Adorable & cudley, 12-weekold “jet black” kitten waits for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. He is cat ID#A1567918. www.rcdas.org, (760) 343-3644

12

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

SPAY & NEUTER MEANS HEALTHIER & HAPPIER!

neutering prevents testicular cancer in male cats and dogs.

Spaying prevents heat cycle problems – The loud screeching of a female cat in heat can disturb your comfort and become a neighborhood nuisance. Blood stains on your carpet and outdoor patio create more problems. Neutering ends the problem of male cats spraying, particularly if done at an early age.

Neutering prevents roaming and fight related injuries – One of the primary reasons male pets are lost, hit by cars, or end up in shelters is their tendency to escape when they smell a female animal in heat. They may end up in fighting with competing males, and you will have an expensive vet bill.

Neutering reduces aggression and biting

from male dogs – Approximately 90% of dog bites are from unneutered male dogs.

There are not enough homes, and animals pay the ultimate price – For every human born in the United States, there are 15 dogs born and 45 cats born! We cannot adopt our way out of the pet overpopulation crisis.

Animals suffer and die in our public shelters – There are approximately 2,000 dogs and cats euthanized in America’s public shelters EVERY DAY. Most of these are healthy and adoptable animals whose only crime is being homeless.

Taxpayers foot the bill for too many homeless animals – Depending on the jurisdiction, it costs California taxpayers over $400 for our local governments to capture, house, care for, and sometimes euthanize ONE unwanted animal. Public shelters do not have the staff to provide 24-hr bottle feeding for orphan litters of underage kittens and puppies, and these tiny creatures may be euthanized unless a foster home is found.

The human toll from shelter euthanasia – Public shelter workers must cope with the horrendous job duty of euthanizing pets that are not reclaimed or adopted. This can be very traumatic when they have to end the life of an animal they’ve spent days caring for and getting to know. The majority of shelter employees do their best to help their animals

BY JANET McAFEE get adopted, but an irresponsible public that discards pets for trivial reasons and carelessly breeds more animals makes their job overwhelming.

The unintended consequence of your having to find homes for a litter of 10 puppies your dog produced may mean 10 homeless shelter dogs don’t get their second chance home. Letting your pet produce offspring so your children can learn about the miracle of birth is not a good idea when so many unwanted litters end up in shelters. Get a video to show your children about birth.

One reason folks do not sterilize their pets is the high cost of the procedure at some private veterinarians. Call your local shelter or private rescue organization for referrals. Low cost spay and neuter services are available in most communities. The www.aspca.org website has links where you can find services. The Animal Action League, www.animalactionleague.org operates a low cost spay/neuter mobile unit in the Coachella Valley, the Joshua Tree desert region, and in Banning. Call the Animal Action League for an appointment at (760) 366-1100.

Spaying and neutering is the key to NO MORE HOMELESS PETS! janetmcafee8@gmail.com

THE VINO VOICE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

2020 RANCHO MIRAGE WINE & FOOD FEST!!

F

or the past two years, this column has been really supportive of the Rancho Mirage Wine and Food Festival. This fun and most enjoyable event is now on its third year and has already become quite the notable food and wine festival, not only locally, but throughout the Southern California wine circles. This wonderful event takes place this week: Friday, and Saturday, February 28th & 29th at the Rancho Mirage Community Park, just down the road from The River Mall.

You wine lovers will recall that just last month, the Palm Springs Pinot Fest, held at the Ritz-Carlton was a rousing success.

And most of you know that it’s the same wonderful promoter and festival organizer David Fraschetti, who is at the helm at both of these Rancho Mirage events.

David is quick to announce: “Welcome to the Rancho Mirage Wine and Food Festival, where palm trees and the famous Palm

Come discover Palm Springs’ Exciting New Lunch Destination!

Persimmon Bistro & Wine Bar at Palm Springs Art Museum

persimmonbistro.com 760.322.4895 Patio seating available Use North Parking Lot

Springs mountain views serve as the backdrop to one of the most talked about wine events in California. Featuring the Special Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting and the Grand Tasting Finale at the beautiful Rancho Mirage Community Park” David continues, “Sip, swirl and taste hundreds of incredible award-winning wines and cuisine from some of the best chefs from the Palm Springs area. For the Grand Tasting, enjoy an afternoon of fun, wine, food and live upbeat music – at the classiest wine and food festival under the sun! If you love wine, great food, and that famous Palm Springs weather, then the Rancho Mirage Wine & Food Festival is the event for you!”

As with last year’s event, this wine & food fest takes place over two days. This Friday the 28th, from 4:30-6:00 pm, there will be a Special Sunset “Reserve” tasting; and the Festival Grand Tasting takes place Saturday, February 29th afternoon 2:30-5:30 (1:30 for Early Tasting tickets).

Special Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting: Known as the toughest ticket in town, this high-end tasting event is limited to just 300 ticketholders. California’s best winemakers will dust off their rare and reserve level bottles in a wine-lovers fantasy night of sipping the good stuff! Some of the wines being poured are impossible to buy and are no longer in distribution. Tickets to this Friday’s special evening event are $65 David chimes in and describes the evening event: “A sparkling champagne reception greets guests who will then be treated to Trophy Cabs, rare bottles from Sonoma County, Award winning wines from Paso Robles and Lodi and some of the best Pinot’s from California’s Central Coast, Santa Barbara County and Oregon. Appetizers will be available while live music keeps things upbeat.”

“The beautiful Rancho Mirage Amphitheater at the Community Park provides the perfect backdrop for this romantic winter night under the stars. The Rancho Mirage Wine and Food Festival Silent Auction of fine wines, exotic large format wine bottles and special luxury wine tours will raise money for our most worthy non-profit: Les Dames d’Escoffier.”

The Festival Grand Tasting on Saturday afternoon is a wine & food tasting party on the lawn at the Rancho Mirage Community Park & Amphitheater. Early ticket holders will begin the festivities at 1:30 ($115); General Grand Tasting starts at 2:30 ($95).

But before we get into talking about all the wineries and restaurants on-board this year, let me get this out quick: For you vino lovers & foodies alike, who haven’t ordered your tickets to this event, our friend, the Festival promoter Dave Fraschetti, has offered you readers $20 off the ticket price of either a General Admission ticket or Early Entry ticket when you go on-line to order: Simply use the promo code: PSWINEBLOG at ranchomiragewineandfoodfestival.com.

This year, there are over 40 wineries pouring at this event. And, we know that David continues to insist on winery’s most premium wines to be showcased. We urge you to go online and check out the line-up. Any wine lover

February 27 to March 4, 2020

BY RICK RIOZZA

who does so, will no doubt plan to be at the tasting!

Too many to list here, but some wineries of distinction include: Goldschmidt Vineyards, Lafond Winery and Vineyards, Klinker Brick Winery, Rombauer Vineyards, Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, Alquimista Cellars, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Michel David Winery, Opolo Vineyards, Santa BarbaraWinery, and of course so many more.

When it comes to the culinary aspect of this event, David never holds back and invites the valley’s top eateries that include Mastro’s Restaurants, Flemmings, Pinzimini, Blue Ember, Eureka Burger, the Edge Steakhouse, Mission Hills Country Club, Stuft Bar & Grill, and Acqua California Bistro, just to mention a few. Cheers! & Bon Appétit ! See you there!

Rancho Mirage Food & Wine Festival, 71560 San Jacinto Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.

Tickets at ranchomiragewineandfoodfestival. com (and remember the Promo Code!— PSWINEBLOG) Les Cactus Shout Out! We recently visited the new designed-driven boutique hotel, Les Cactus, that just opened. It’s located in the Warm Sands neighborhood of Palm Springs and has been updated and refurbished to deliver a whimsical, chic, approachable service—all at an affordable price. Named after the 60’s French rock ‘n roll hit by Jacques Dutronc, Les Cactus Palm Springs brings to life an “Airbnb-meets hotel” experience unique to the desert.

“We want guests to feel as comfortable as they would in the home of a best friend or family member,” explains Matthew Kurtz, the LA-based hotelier/designer. “That could mean grabbing snacks and drinks from the Hotel’s kitchen, playing the Hotel’s piano or acoustic guitar or stocking up on extra amenities from the curated retail shop”.

The Les Cactus Hotel is a 21+ only, 27-room hotel, with bungalow style, one-bedroom suites and studios, many of which feature large kitchenettes. Outside you’ll find a cozy firepit, a perfect place to linger with a glass of Rose’, a hot tub, heated swimming pool and a rooftop deck to catch the sunset.

For more info, go to lescactusps.com or call 760-422-5500.

13

February 27 to March 4, 2020

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THUR FEBRUARY 27

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Live Music 6:30pm ALIBI; PS; 760-656-1525 TBA 8:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ Jakkz 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Horace Miller, Brian Dennigan and Leon Bisquera 6:30-10pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm THE CASCADE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Ladies Night w/ Bianca from 92.7 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo and Jimmy Street 6:30-9:30pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 MOD Squad Variety Show w/ Francesca Amari, Jeff Stewart and Wayne Abravanel 5:30-7:30pm, Lipstick hosted by Bella Da Ball 8pm, DJs Banks and Ax 10pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6534 Barry Baughn Blues Band 5:30-8:30pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760656-3444 DJ 10pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Jesika von Rabbit 6:30-9pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; TBA 4-7pm

INDIAN WELLS C.C.; IW; Michael Keeth 6-9pm LA QUINTA RESORT; LQ; 760-564-4111 Steppin Out 6-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Roxx 6:30pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Guerrero Fireside Lounge, Scott Carter Patio 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Rye Brothers 7pm MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 Live Music 6:30-10:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Alex Santana 12-2:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Mike & The Moonpies w/ Quaker City Night Hawks 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Live Music Presented by Desert Noise 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Keisha D 6:30-9:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 7:30pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 VooDoo Hustlers 7pm STACY’S; PS; 760-620-5003 Matt Coleman 7pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke 8pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Lisa and the Broken Hallelujahs 6:30-10pm WILDEST; PD; 760-636-0441 Live Music 6:3011pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and Rick E. Taylor 6:30pm

CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo and Jimmy Street 6:30-9:30pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Viva Friday’s w/ DJ Banks 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT BEER CO.; 760-360-5320 TBA 7-9pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6534 Gina Carey 5:30-8:30pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-820-1213 Karaoke 8pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760656-3444 Karaoke w/ KJ Marjovi 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 “Pizza and Bars” w/ Jsmith, Frank Villa, 2Toxic, Pen Vets, Bighead, Jasmine Mills The Gawd, Jay King and DJ Contraz 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 J Bird and D Rock 6:30-9pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 6-9pm HOT SPOT@SPOTLIGHT 29; Coachella; 760775-5566 Fresh Band 8:30pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke w/ Troy Michaels 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LA FE WINE BAR; PD; 760-565-1430 Michael Keeth 9:30-12 LANDMARK LOUNGE; LQ; 760-289-6736 Live Music 8:30-11pm LA QUINTA BREWERY; PD; 760-200-2597 Empty Seat Acoustic 7pm LA QUINTA RESORT; LQ; 760-564-4111 Steppin Out 6-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Roxx 7:30pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Guerrero Fireside Lounge, Scott Carter Patio 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Live Music 8pm 5:30pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Fast LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Finesse 9pm Heart Mart 6:30pm MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 TBA 6:30ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 A Making 11pm Time Transcendental Futuristic Musical Desert Experience w/ Dave P 10pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm 760-674-4080 Live Music 7-11pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Alex Santana 12-2:30pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Shelley Yoelin Jazz Band 6:30pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Eevaan Tre 6-9pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm ALIBI; PS; 760-656-1525 TBA 8:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Luna 8-1:15am Negra: DJ Le Apples 7pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Patrice Morris, Brian Dennigan and Leon Bisquera 6:30-10pm 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm O’CAINES; RM; 760-202-3311 DJ Tone 10pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Lisa Lynn Morgan’s Bday Bash w/ Lisa Lynn and the PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327Broken Hallelujahs and special guests 8:30pm 4080 The Refills 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; pd; 760Butler Trio 6-10pm 345-0222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm THE CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Chase Martinez Dreamboats 8pm 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Karaoke 7:30pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm PETE’S HIDEAWAY; PS; 760-322-6500 Alex CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Santana 7-10pm Myx 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Christian 6-9pm Karaoke 9pm

FRI FEBRUARY 28

14

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Christine Andreas 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live Music 9pm RENAISSANCE; PS; 760-322-6000 Live Music 6-9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 8-11pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Derek Jordan Gregg 12-4pm, Evaro Brothers 8:30pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues Band 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SONOMA GRILLE@EMBASSY SUITES; PD; 760-340-6600 Denny Pezzin 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm STACY’S; PS; 760-620-5003 Krystofer Do 4:307pm, Mark Lee 8pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Live Music 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TWELVE ACOUSTIC UNPLUGGED; IND; 760345-2450 Mark Gregg and Misty Howell 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King Show 8pm THE VINE WINE BAR; PD; 760-341-9463 Vinny Berry 7-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 DJ Galaxy 5pm WILDEST; PD; 760-636-0441 Live Music 6:3011pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Cynthia Thomas 6:30pm

SAT FEBRUARY 29

19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Live Music 8pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev and Bill 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ William Reed noon poolside, A Making Time Transcendental Futuristic Musical Desert Experience w/ Dave P 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Steppin’ Out 7-11pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Joel Baker 7:30pm ALIBI; PS; 760-656-1525 TBA 8:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 “Rave” w/ Von Slider, YXV Sounds, Kalypso, Pico and Dustin Peery 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Horace Miller, Brian Denigan and Leon Basquera 6:30-10pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Ocho Ojos 8:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Myx 7pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo and Jimmy Street 6:30-9:30pm

COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760343-5973 Long Duk Dong 7-9pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 DJ Banks and Mr. Miami 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; Van Vincent 9:30pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EN VIVO@SPOTLIGHT 29; Coachella; 760775-5566 Banda La Karvana 9:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6534 Jack Ruvio and Tony Bolivar 5:30-8:30pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-820-1213 Karaoke 8pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760656-3444 DJ Ray 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 John “Bone” Davis Tribute Concert 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Mira 6:30-9pm HOT SPOT@SPOTLIGHT 29; Coachella; 760775-5566 Fresh Band 8:30pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LANDMARK LOUNGE; LQ; 760-289-6736 Live Music 8:30-11pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 PS Sound Company 1pm, Hot Roxx 8pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Abie Perkins Fireside Lounge, Mark Guerrero Patio 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Finesse 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Derek Jordan Gregg 6-9pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm O’CAINES; RM; 760-202-3311 DJ Tone 10pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 That 80’s Band 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 RoadRunners 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Mudhoney and Radioactivity 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Christine Andreas 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live Music 9pm ROWAN; PS; Michael Keeth 6-9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Derek Jordan Gregg 12-4pm, Evaro Brothers 8:30pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues Band 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SONOMA GRILLE@EMBASSY SUITES; PD; 760-340-6600 Denny Pezzin 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm

February 27 to March 4, 2020

STACY’S; PS; 760-620-5003 Jessica Bridgeman 8pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Live Music 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TWELVE ACOUSTIC UNPLUGGED; IND; 760345-2450 Mark Gregg and Misty Howell 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono and the Real Deal 7:30-11pm THE VINE WINE BAR; PD; 760-341-9463 The Fun with Dick and Jane Band 7-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 6:30pm WESTIN; RM; 760-328-5955 TBA 6-10pm WILDEST; PD; 760-636-0441 Live Music 6:3011pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm

SUN MARCH 1

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Dublab presents: Dayclubbing noon poolside and 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Sunday Brunch w/ Denise Motto 11am BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Noche Latino w/ DJ LF 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Patrice Morris 6:30-10pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Voices Carrie 1pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 5-9pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Latin Night w/ Nacho Bustillos and Quinto Menguante 9pm continue to page 20

15

February 27 to March 4, 2020

THEPAMPEREDPALATE

W

e walked into the La Quinta Baking Company on a late Monday afternoon. The patio, anchored by a massive and romantic fountain, was still full, leaving us to seek a table indoors. Inside, the scene equaled the charm of the patio, minus the fountain, but with the addition of bistro style seating, traditional white and red wicker chairs, and classical music piped in for

16

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BIENVENUE À LA QUINTA BAKING COMPANY

audible ambience.

My boyfriend and I wondered why we hadn’t tried the restaurant before, offering excuses such as, “I thought it was a different place,” or, “I think that they were closed that day,” both of which didn’t make up for the fact that we had been missing out on a cozy café in La Quinta, which has been charming patrons for well over a decade.

The benefit, or maybe the nemesis for some on a diet, is the direct view of their pastry case when sitting inside. It’s filled with a variety of luscious goodness, that you can stare at while eating your meal, and plan as premeditated gluttony, the dessert that you want to devour afterwards.

We were able to peel our eyes away from the pastry case long enough, to decide what we wanted for lunch. I vacillated between

their Stuffed Avocado (filled with chicken and tuna salads, served with tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, carrots, and balsamic vinaigrette), Chicken Mushroom Crepe (handmade crepe with chicken and mushroom in a white sauce), or the ever famous French classic, the Croque Monsieur (ham and Swiss cheese on French bread, topped with creamy béchamel sauce, then grilled to perfection).

In the end, the Croque Monsieur won out, as it was a favorite dish that my parents used to make, and I had to try the restaurants version.

My boyfriend went lunch time traditional, and had the French style ½ Club Sandwich (turkey, ham, crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato and Swiss cheese on wheat toast) and Mushroom soup, which was a perfect combo! He added a mellow glass of house burgundy to complete his meal. The cheesy, béchamel draped Croque Monsieur did not disappoint me, and was accented with a crisp salad to offset the sandwiches richness (pomme frites, fruit or potato salad are also offered).

When it came time for dessert, we shuffled through our options that had been dancing around our heads. Would it be the Lemon Tart with Meringue, the Berry Tart, the Key Lime Cheesecake, Bread Pudding, Pot de Crème, or the Opera Cake? And the winner was, the Opera Cake! A dense layered cake with flavors of coffee and buttercream, topped chocolate, acting more like a chocolate candy, than a cake...and there’s nothing wrong with that!

The dessert was very rich and dense, very chocolatey with strong coffee tones, and very delicious!

BY DENISE ORTUNO

La Quinta Baking Company is opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and breakfast and lunch, Sunday and Monday. Breakfast items include a variety of Benedict dishes, Frittatas, Quiches and traditional breakfast favorites. Dinner offerings include the French classic Escargot, Penne Pasta with Grand Marnier Shrimp, Petrale Sole (Picatta, Veronique, or Livornese style), and many more options.

Our impromptu visit to La Quinta Baking Company turned out to be a lovely lunch outing, with delicious French fare, and charm to match!

La Quinta Baking Company is located at 78395 Hwy 111, La Quinta 92253. laquintabaking.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 27 to March 4, 2020

ON TAP Award-Winning micro-brews VOTED Best of the Best Bar-B-Que SMOKIN’ Baby back ribs, pulled-pork, cornbread, made from scratch pies, premium steaks & fresh fish

babesbbqbrewery.com

17

February 27 to March 4, 2020

SCREENERS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

No. 410

LONDON’S DOG: DECLAWED, DIGITIZED & DISNEYFIED

NOW SHOWING: THE CALL OF THE WILD

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: QUEEN & SLIM

It’s hard to keep track of the many film versions based on Jack London’s beloved tale that was first published in 1903.

The basic story, set in the 1890s, centers on Buck, a big-hearted and powerful St. Bernard-Scotch Collie hybrid who lives a blissful life on Judge Miller’s sunny Santa

18

Clara estate. His comfortable days come to an abrupt end when gold is discovered in Canada’s Klondike region and there’s a sudden demand for strong dogs to pull a sled.

Buck is stolen and sold as a slave to work as a sled dog delivering mail to prospectors and miners.

When John Thornton, an experienced outdoorsman comes across the abused Buck, he saves the dog’s life and they go on the adventure of a lifetime together. A well cast but almost unrecognizable Harrison Ford plays the grizzled, gruff voiced Thornton.

In interviews to promote the film, Ford said he appreciated how Thornton’s and Buck’s stories mirror each other. “Buck heed the call of the wild and shed his

domestic experience while Thornton was running away from his emotionally difficult life.”

Some of the brutality of London’s story has been muted. But the shared emotions of love, compassion, rage and grief are as powerful as the raw elements the two battle. For many, the most disconcerting thing about this ambitious and worthy enterprise is the motion-capture based CGI enhanced Buck. There’s an uncanny and ultra-unnatural feel to the life, texture and world of London’s story as it unfolds on screen.

Suspending disbelief can be difficult when one is distracted by the technology – however wondrous.

In many ways, this is an art film. Another cinematic showcase about how convincing photorealistic worlds can be on the big screen. This often-striking film is not really aimed for adults, but the spectacular life and landscapes depicted can and should be appreciated for the breathtaking state of computer/digital art that filmmakers and storytellers can now utilize.

Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon) directs with a sure hand and artist’s eye from Michael Green’s screenplay adaption of London’s novel.

Daniel Kahuuya (Get Out) and Jodie Turner-Smith bring to life the titular characters in this fateful mish-mash of classic road movies that resonates with current events as much as it does films like Thelma & Louise, Easy Rider and even Two for the Road.

While on a forgettable first date together in Ohio, a black man (Kahuuya) and a black woman (Turner-Smith) are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. The situation escalates, with sudden and tragic results when the man kills the police officer in a clear case of self-defense.

Terrified and in fear for their lives, the man, a retail employee, and the woman, a criminal defense lawyer, are forced to go on the run. But the shooting incident has been captured on video and goes viral, and the couple unwittingly becomes a symbol of terror of trauma, grief and pain for people across the country.

As they drive, these two unlikely fugitives discover themselves and each other under the most dire and desperate of circumstance, forging a deep and powerful love that will dominate the rest of their lives – however long that may be.

There are standard behind-the-scene bonus features and a revealing commentary with Director/Producer Melina Matsoukas and Writer/Producer Lena Waithe. 4K UHD. Universal. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

S

ince the dawn of human beings roaming this planet there have been storytellers. Whether illustrated on glowing cave walls or shared by traveling minstrels, our species has craved reflective narratives about our human condition.

There are several contemporary American authors who have captured our nature and delivered a lasting impression of our culture and ourselves on the page. For me, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird, J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, and Charles Portis’ True Grit delightfully and radically changed how I appreciated the power of literature to cast a spell.

Author Portis died last week in his home state of Arkansas at the age of 86. Over his career, he wrote only five novels, some short stories and a few essays. He served during the Korean War as a Marine, and after

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 27 to March 4, 2020

CHARLES PORTIS, 1933 – 2020

his discharge enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he graduated with a degree in journalism.

As a journalist, Portis wrote for several newspapers including the New York Herald Tribune covering the civil rights movement in the South and other stories. In 1964, Portis focused his attention on writing novels.

His first, Norwood was published in 1966 and tells the story of a young, ex-Marine named Norwood who hooks up with a sketchy character in Texas to sell some cars in New York City. The road trip exposes Norwood to an eclectic group of people and provides him with a whole new perspective on the world.

His second novel, and my favorite, True Grit is told from the point of view of Mattie Ross, a 14 year old girl who is seeking revenge for her father’s death. Strong willed and unintimidated by domineering and menacing men, Ross hires Deputy Marshall Rooster Cogburn to help her bring the killer, Tom Chaney, in dead or alive.

Other Portis novels included: The Dog of the South, Masters of Atlantis and Gringos about an American expatriate living in Mexico whose adventures get him involved with colorful groups of folks from tomb-robbers to UFO hunters.

Escape Velocity: A Charles Portis Miscellany edited by Jay Jennings is a collection of the author’s nonfiction essays, journalism pieces, short stories and a single play called “Delray’s New Moon.”

Portis had a knack for writing authentic dialogue spoken by beautifully flawed characters. The settings of his stories impact and alter his protagonists, changing them for better or worse. His characters, while strong and serious, have a great sense of humor and self-awareness. Characters in his stories, both large and small, seem to know the world is filled with eccentric folks all trying to do their best to coping with the elements and each another.

Norwood was made into a movie and True Grit was a feature film twice. The first iteration of “True Grit” with John Wayne captured the spirit and most of the exact dialogue, while the second, 2010 version, barely reflected the beauty and feminine strength of the book.

True Grit’s female protagonist narrates the incredible story as a first-person experience.

Mattie Ross is one of my favorite literary characters ever! She is assertive, smart and competent. Mattie does not allowed herself to be bullied by the men in her life and is confident she can do what it takes to get the job done whether a man assists her or not.

Mattie Ross is an inspiration and a hero.

Portis novels reveal more than a slice of American culture. His genius was writing about people, and how people need other people especially when they are outside their comfort zone.

In his stories, Portis recognizes that people not only come in all shapes and sizes, they

SAFETY TIPS

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

have idiosyncrasies, desires and misgivings that clash or, surprisingly, sometimes connect with others. He got that life is a journey filled with crazy people and misadventures, but it is better to take risks than do nothing. That insight is what makes Portis so fun to read.

Dear reader, if you haven’t read Portis do yourself a favor and find a story of his that intrigues you. The writing is brilliant and his storytelling skills are masterful.

Charles Portis will forever be an American literary treasure.

RIP.

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

ARE YOU READY FOR AN EARLY WILDFIRE SEASON?

W

e’ve had the driest January and February for quite some time.

Usually it’s our wettest months of the year. We’ve had some rain, but not much.

We did experience more than normal wind events and more are expected through this week with warm temperatures promoting fuel growth and drying out vegetation faster than normal!

The National Interagency Fire Center Issued this alert for Southern California: Significant large fire potential is expected across the region during the outlook into late March, April and May. The wild swings between extended runs of wet, cool weather and warm, dry weather continued in January as the amplified jet stream pattern over the Pacific persisted.

Precipitation, which had been well above average from roughly Thanksgiving into the winter holiday season, tapered off quickly.

The drier weather coinciding with what is normally the wettest time of the year is concerning regarding the long term curing and drying cycle of seasonal grasses and other fine fuel types.

This in evident in both the high and low deserts and inland empire areas of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties where you can see the once green hills are turning light

brown prematurely than normal. Two weeks ago a 70 acre brush fire developed in Riverside.

Not a good sign in February as it is our wettest month.

Therefore, we are expecting large fire potential to climb to above normal levels due to an early onset of springtime “grassfire season.”

Heavier, dead fuels may become involved by the time warmer temperatures arrive in May. Long range models also point toward a warmer than average temperature regime through May which may compound the problem.

Resource demand will likely increase rapidly across Southern California by the end of March or in April. From there, large fire potential may climb to above average across central portions of the state by the late spring or early summer months.

Hillside homeowners, now is the time to start thinking about Fire Season: readyforwildfire.org.

19

February 27 to March 4, 2020

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Mark Antonelli 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Comedy Night w/ Mikey McKernan 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 PS Sound Company noon, Hot Roxx 6:30pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Abie Perkins Fireside Lounge, Scott Carter Patio 5:30pm MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 TBA 6:3010:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Sunday Jam Session 2-5pm, Finesse 7-11pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Sunday Jam Session 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Show 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Derek Jordan Gregg 12-4pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Jack Ruvio and Tony Bolivar 5:30-8:30pm STACY’S; PS; 760-620-5003 Ron Pass 2pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King Trio 6-9:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Gina Carey 5-10pm

WILDEST; PD; 760-636-0441 Open Mic Hosted by Lance Riebsomer 7-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Hannans and Company 6:30pm

MON MARCH 2

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx and Chris Bennett 6:30pm ALIBI; PS; 760-656-1525 The Adobe Collective 8pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Eddie Gee 6:30-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 DJ Banks and Mr. Miami 8pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 PS Sound Company 6:30pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg Fireside Lounge, Mark Guerrero Patio 5:30pm MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 TBA 6:3010:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm MORGAN’S; LQ; 760-564-4111 Michael Keeth 6-9pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7-11pm

PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Open Mic 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King 6:30-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6:30pm

TUE MARCH 3

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 TBA 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Marc Antonelli 6:30pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 6:30-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Lizann Warner 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760-656-3444 Karaoke w/ KJ Danny 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke 9pm INDIAN WELLS C.C.; IW; Michael Keeth 4-7pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 PS Sound Company 6:30pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Abie Perkins Fireside Lounge, Mark Guerrero Patio 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Brad’s Pad 7pm MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 Finesse 6:3010:30pm

MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Alex Santana 12-2:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PETE’S HIDEAWAY; PS; 760-322-6500 Alex Santana 7-10pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30-9:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Country Night 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King 6:30-12:30am WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and David Ring 6:30pm

WED MARCH 4

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo and Co. 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 6:30-10pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Southbound and Co. 6-9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Barry Minniefield 6:30-9:30pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 Uncle Ben’s Open Mic 6-8pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Issa Wednesday Humpday w/ DJ Ax 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm

ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke 7:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Roxx 6:30pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Guerrero Fireside Lounge, Scott Carter Patio 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Latin Night 7pm MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 Finesse 6:3010:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Alex Santana 12-2:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Roger & Friends 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes and Keisha D 6:30-9:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Slim Man Band 6:30-10pm THE VINE WINE BAR; PD; 760-341-9463 DJ Guy Worden 8pm WILDEST; PD; 760-636-0441 Derek Jordan Gregg 6:30-11pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Demetrius Trio 6:30pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

20

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

HADDON LIBBY

BEST VEHICLE FOR YOUR MONEY

T

he upcoming April edition of Consumer Reports features their annual report on car performance, reliability, satisfaction and safety.

Atop the list sits the Porsche brand due to top scores on the Consumer Reports road test, reliability testing and owner surveys. Genesis was in second for a second year while Subaru switched spots with Porsche and came in third.

Mazda made great improvements on reliability scores and rose two spots to fourth place while Lexus held on to fifth with Audi sliding two spots to sixth place. Rounding out the top ten were Hyundai (up 2 to 7th), BMW (down 1), Kia (up 3 to 9th) and the Mini (up 5 to 10th). Falling out of the top ten were Lincoln (13th from 8th) and Toyota (11th from 9th).

While Porsche won for best overall brand, Elon Musk’s Tesla came in first amongst American carmakers, up an impressive eight spots to eleventh. Detroit carmakers should be hanging their collective heads when the highest rated brand not based in California is Chrysler in 17th. Buick was next at 18th which still beat the once vaunted Mercedes-Benz brand in 20th of 33 vehicle brands.

The worst brand based on owner surveys and extensive Consumer Reports testing remains the Fiat in 33rd followed by Mitsubishi, Jeep, Land Rover, Cadillac and Jaguar.

Looking at the road tests, Porsche received the best road test scores of all brands while Subaru received the highest scores amongst

mainstream (aka less expensive) brands.

Mitsubishi again came in last.

The most reliable brand for 2020 was judged to be Mazda while Fiat owns should be encouraged to own two for when one is in the shop.

Previously owned vehicles are how many of us get more vehicle for our hard earned dollar.

The Consumer Reports April edition also shares their top choices amongst used cars for under $20,000.

The top choices amongst luxury cars were the Lexus ES (2010-2015), Acura TL (2010, 2012 – 2014) and TSX (2010–2013) as well as the BMWs i3 (2014, 2015 and 2017).

The sole recommendation amongst sports cars was the Mazda MX-5 Miata (2012 – 2017) while the Toyota Tundra (2010-2015) was the sole pickup truck on their list.

In the mid-sized and large car category, the Toyota Avalon (2010-2016) and the Toyota Camry (2010-2017) are their best buys.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

ROMEO! WHAT’S IN A NAME?

W

e all studied and heard of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet soliloquy....”That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” However, it is important to understand the context?

There had been a blood feud between the families of Romeo and Juliet and Juliet is saying it is only your name that is the enemy and the reason Juliet can’t love a Montague.

Shakespeare also said in a Midnight Summer Night’s Dream...the first thing we have to do is get rid of all the lawyers. Did you understand that meant that to take control of the city, you first had to get rid of the lawyers that protect the citizens? It wasn’t that the lawyers were bad!

So does it really make a difference what we call something? We all know we shouldn’t drink and drive, because it could lead to an accident or an arrest. Does it make any difference if the Riverside Sheriffs are on regular patrols, checkpoints or saturation patrols... and you get arrested? NO, you will go through the same process.

That makes DUI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols essential to save lives...... the drivers and ours. A saturation patrol is a large number of law enforcement officers making their presence known by conducting stops, targeting inebriated, distracted, aggressive and speeding drivers, as well as those with seatbelt or cell phone violations....

February 27 to March 4, 2020

Amongst SUVs, recommends were the Lexus RX (2010-2014), Mazda CX-5 (2013-2017), Nissan Rogue Sport (2017-2019) and three by Toyota, including the RAV4 (2010-2018).

If you need a wagon, Toyota offers the Prius V (2012-2016) and Venza (2010-2015) while Volvo makes a citing with its XC70 (2012-2015 except for 2014).

For those who are more economy-minded, Toyota has the Prius (2009-2015), Prius C (20122016) and Corolla (2010-2018). Other small cars include the Mazda3 (2011-2018), Nissan Leaf (2011-2017 except for 2014) and the Honda Fit (2011-2019 except for 2014) As you can see, there are plentiful choices for the bargain hunter.

No article about the car that you drive would be complete without some attention paid to the tires.

Consumer Reports recommend the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s as the best tire for our near year-round summer weather conditions.

While this tire is not recommended for cold driving conditions, it is a great choice for those spending most of their time in the Coachella Valley. A close runner-up was the Continental Extreme Contact Sport followed by the General G-MAX RS. Amongst all-season tires, the top choice is the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate, a tire found on many luxury sedans and SUVs. A less expensive high performance tire is the Michelin CrossClimate+ while a bargain shopper is recommended to look at the General Altimax RT43 and its tread life of 80,000 miles and good handling under all road conditions a cost of less than $100.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management, a Fiduciary Investment Management firm. For more infor on our services, please visit WinslowDrake.com or email HLibby@WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

the whole nine yards of traffic violations.

Of course, no-one wants to be arrested for a DUI and have to deal with jail, probation, costs, stress, time wasted in court and classes etc. However to understand a DUI, please know you don’t have to be drunk. The correct charge is a Driving Under The Influence (DUI).

You merely have to be Impaired/Under the Influence or Buzzed from the alcohol and or a drug. This is determined by the Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) Test at the scene or the Breath or Blood test at the station.

Historically, a DUI has always been called a DEUCE. This is because the Vehicle Code violation has always ended in a 2 and thus Drunk Drivers are referred to as “deuced”. A DUI was initially called a 502 requiring a .15 reading. Next it was called a 23102 requiring a .10 reading.

Today it’s called a 23152(a & b), thus allowing the DA to file two counts. One is Driving under the Influence and the second count is Driving with a BA level of .08 or more.

Many juries now split the baby and find the driver innocent of one count and guilty of the other. If there is a guilty verdict of either count it is a DUI with the same sentence. So who cares what it is called?

In California you are under the influence if your ability to drive is impaired. Impairment takes place when your blood alcohol reading is .08 or higher. Thus, if you are driving on a California road with .08 or higher the burden

of proof almost reverts back to you, to show that you weren’t under the influence and/or your blood alcohol was not .08.

In the Coachella Valley, few realize we have more DUI FATALITIES...per capita, than anywhere else in California. Does it really make any difference what we call it? What’s in a name?

Remember: Silence is Golden and Handcuffs are Silver so DON’T TALK to POLICE without your lawyer’s permission.

Though often referred to as a DUI criminal defense lawyer, I choose to not view my DUI clients as “criminals”. I prefer to view them, and more importantly to treat them, as good, honest people that have found themselves in a scary and unfortunate situation after screwing up.

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

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW REPRESENTING THE INJURED AND CRIMINALLY ACCUSED “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-20 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

21

February 27 to March 4, 2020

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

HEALTH

BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

IS THERE A MINDSET INVOLVED IN KETO?

Y

es, there is a mindset to doing the Keto diet and it’s not a one-size fits all for everyone. We are all different and Keto requires customization. Mindset, however, is not negotiable because it’s such a vital component that is directly tied to your success, results and ability to make it a sustainable way of life. Keto is more than a diet, it’s a lifestyle change.

If I were coaching you, before we’d review any Keto food lists, eating plans, basic do’s and don’ts, common mistakes, etc. During our very first session I’d ask you to “Tell me your rules” and we’d spend as much time as needed on that one topic. What do I mean by that? We’d look at what foods you crave, what foods you can’t live without, your expectations, goals and desires that you want Keto to provide and much more.

Why? You can have the perfect Keto plan mapped out, all the right foods in your house, an app to track your food, macros dialed in, etc. but without the right mindset it won’t do you any good.

Breaking Down Mindset What is mindset? It’s taking a deeper dive into your commitment, your motivation, your relationship with food, your why and…. your why now. Once you really understand yourself, you can be free of the control food has held on you for a very long time. You’ll discover the niggling little thoughts that might be sabotaging you. You’ll understand your behaviors around food. Ultimately, though, you’ll be given a fresh start. Knowing your mindset and finding your inner strength around food, will keep you circling back to your commitment to Keto when times are tough. It won’t matter if there are carbs tempting you at every turn or you just want some of Grandma’s special cookies! You won’t cave.

Jumping in Too Fast Don’t make the mistake so many people do and jump into Keto headfirst and go from 0 to 100 mph then crash and burn and wonder why.

Take the time upfront to look at your mindset and the strong emotional component you have surrounding food. We all have it. There is a reason it’s called “comfort food” because we associate food with good times in our closest relationships of loved ones, family, parties and

22

most social gatherings.

Surrender to Keto You almost have to go into Keto saying this is the last diet I’m going to try and with the full intention of sticking with it no matter what. You truly believe you’ve given enough time, energy and money to yo-yo dieting. You accept that you’ve tried every diet including the “diet of the week” and that they didn’t work. These other diets took their toll on us emotionally to the point we can’t take another diet failure. You’ve discovered what your mindset was at the time and why they didn’t work.

So, part of your new mindset is acceptance and surrender to being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Framed with this new reference around food and mindset something inevitably clicks, and you’ll emphatically declare, “I just can’t live this way anymore”. It’s in that moment we go forward… your health becomes your top priority and you are well on your way to fully embrace Keto.

About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto Lifestyle coach, a Seasoned expert on Customized Keto. Keto weight loss results can be improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, meal plans, goal setting and more. Book a complimentary private coaching session online at KetoIsEasyCoach. com. During your session you’ll review Michelle’s Ten Propriety Customization Codes quiz and see what adjustments are needed for Keto to work optimally for you.

CANNABIS CORNER

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

THE SOCIAL INJUSTICE OF THE VAPE AND E-CIGARETTE PROHIBITION

I

n May of 2019 New York University conducted a panel discussion that approached nicotine from a harm reduction perspective particularly regarding marginalized communities who smoke the most. Panelists included Dr. Sheila Vakharia, a researcher for the Office of Academic Engagement at the Drug Policy Alliance; Senior Editor Helen Redmond, LCSW of Filter; and Dr. Marewa Glover, the director of New Zealand’s Centre of Research Excellence on Indigenous Sovereignty and Smoking.

The panel pointed out the fear of youth smoking has taken out of the discussion “why’ people smoke. Increasing taxes only effects the poor who smoke and makes them turn to the illegal way of finding relief for the anxiety or other mental illness they have. Prohibition is just another articulation of oppression. No smoking or vaping in public housing puts the poor into homelessness. Often smoking is prohibited in leases and can lead to eviction.

Vaping/Smoking cessation does not work.

In the UK, a far more receptive community to vaping, where over 3 million people now vape, over 90% have either quit smoking or switched from smoking to vaping a more harm reduction choice. E-cigarettes are more popular than nicotine gum or patches because they still offer the ritual of smoking which is soothing. What the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) statistics tell us is that when teens are asked if they are smoking in the last year month or now, study results tell us teens are experimenting with nicotine.

It does not tell us they are using vaping to the degree that it causes problems in their lives or impacts their health negatively.

Dr. Vakharia further states that “nicotine consumed through harm reduction devices is a maintenance drug like methadone or buprenorphine.”

The CDC quickly in 2018 branded the vape deaths to e-cigarettes, yet it waited a month to concede that the respiratory illnesses and deaths were due to tainted THC or the use of Vitamin E acetate as the diluent. Yet the CDC and state governments continue to use scare tactics instead of facts. It is essential that

licensed cannabis vapes not be banned, since this will drive consumers to more dangerous illicit products. Prohibition of flavors or vaping is not the answer to EVALI. EVALI is the name given by the CDC to the dangerous, newly identified lung disease linked to vaping.

The US continues to cater to the lobbyist for the tobacco companies. The US ban on flavors affecting the Juul and cannabis products does not affect the other nonnicotine products that the tobacco companies sell. We should not lose the context that of the 2,200 plus cases of EVIL only 47 were confirmed deaths whereas the CDC reports cigarette smoking causes about one of every five deaths in the United States each year or more than 480,000 deaths annually. There are 1,300 smoking deaths in the US per day.

The Filter, an online magazine, reported “the demographics of health inequalities are similar in the US and UK. Communities of color, LGBTQ communities, older people, lower-income people, people with mental health diagnoses, veterans, homeless populations and people who use illicit drugs all smoke at high rates.”

The Royal College of Psychiatrists, in a 2018 position statement, argues that both the prescription of drugs like Chantix and e-cigarettes can be viable smoking cessation solutions for people who suffer from severe mental illness (SMI). All mental health providers should have policies in place that facilitate safe and effective vaping.”

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is a big part of the vaping problem. Project CBD and other leaders in the cannabis industry have been asking the FDA to regulate additives and diluents. Any thinning agent or flavor-enhancing chemical that has not been safety tested for heat and inhalation exposure should be prohibited as a cannabis oil additive. Maybe that is why President Trump in his 2020 budget is moving the regulation of tobacco out of the FDA and into a separate agency.

Questions on vaping and cannabis can be answered by Ruth A Hill RN at hilruth@gmail. com

February 27 to March 4, 2020

BUSINESS PROFILE

BY CRAIG MICHAELS

YOU CAN STILL “DIG YOU OWN” AT CACTUS MART IN MORONGO VALLEY

W

hen motoring up Hwy 62 through Morongo Valley you may notice what looks like someone’s home surrounded by hundreds of cactus and other desert plants. The house originally belonged to immigrants Rosa and Anton Terp, whose name is on the sign out front. The building would eventually become the Cactus Mart in the 1960’s and develop into a unique roadside destination for those curious about the type of life that can thrive in such a harsh environment.

The famous ‘Dig Your Own’ attraction was created to entice those coming from or going to the Joshua Tree park.

Current owner Nicole Holland, whose grandfather was a homesteader in Landers has been coming out with her family to the desert area since the 70s and 80s. In 1991, Nicole became a full-time desert resident and by the time she was 23, started in landscape development at Toscana and Big Horn Golf Clubs. This experience increased her knowledge of the benefits of landscaping with California native plants and cacti. Nicole settled in the Morongo Basin due to the open space and quietness of the high desert. When Cactus Mart came up for sale in 2012, Nicole knew the owners and frequented the nursery so it was a no brainer for her to make the shift from low desert country clubs and work directly with the plants she had grown to love and appreciate. When asked what she loves most about her job Nicole explained: “I don’t even consider it a job anymore. When you get to search for new species to bring in, it’s exciting and our customers excitement over discovering new cactus is always the best! They’re the best

part of this.”

The Mart is not only home to hundreds of Cacti but you can also find California native plants, trees, succulents, and some house plants too. Plant lovers can also find rare specialty items like the slow growing Boojums.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb, all customers receive a general care sheet for cacti and succulents. If you don’t want to contract an expensive landscape architect, consider inviting botanist Robin Kobaly into your yard for a personal consultation. Robin will help you appreciate and identify what you already have, and suggest what plants, pathways, or other structures you could incorporate into your landscape. You will also be surprised at the unique, creative, and custom items Cactus Mart offers for brides and grooms for their special day. Desert-inspired bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces will make your desert wedding special with a natural living arrangement that is unique to your personality.

Since the 1960’s, travelers from all over the world have made it a tradition to stop by the Cactus Mart to visit the Dig Your Own bar.

You can dig for cacti usually about one to two inches high on the dig your own table for only 79 cents, as many as you can carry. Stopping at Cactus Mart is not only about bringing home a little cactus friend but to have fun learning how to plant it yourself. Stop by and check out the Dig Your Own bar today! For more info you can check out their website cactusmart.com or call (760) 363-6076.

Written By: Craig Michaels / Realtor Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate / Leaskou Partners Inc.

23

February 27 to March 4, 2020

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY BRONWYN ISON

UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS

Y

ou’ve heard the adage, “Expect the unexpected.” While we are rarely prepared for what life proposes, you can certainly guarantee you will have curve balls thrown at you. Each day offers a new experience. Naturally, the unexpected will be sure to deliver positives and negatives. This just so happens to be LIFE. Being prepared doesn’t suggest you walk on eggshells and believe something daunting or bad will occur.

Consider a mindset of the unexpected will bring positive adventures.

In the year 2000 I sustained a terrible foot injury. Prior to and post surgery I was in a walking boot for six months. I was terribly distraught by the lack of physical movement and frustrated. Post physical therapy my PT suggested I take up yoga. I followed her advice and seventeen years later I am a thriving yogini and owner of yoga studio. I never expected my unfortunate circumstance of an injury would lead me down a career path of being an entrepreneur of a small business. Had I never stepped on a yoga mat I can assure you my life would have been entirely different.

Each day I awaken with an attitude of gratitude. I am thankful and invite any and all experiences into my life. I’ve had my share of blessings and moments of turmoil. Let’s

not forget, our unfortunate circumstances teach us lessons too. When a situation arises it important you know how to handle what you have been given. Take time to evaluate what is happening. Do not make irrational decisions and consider all possibilities if it warrants them.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many fascinating people.

Many of my students have been with me for years. So many of them never anticipated adopting a consistent yoga practice. In fact, many of them tried yoga and got hooked by happenstance. They were open to expecting the unexpected. As a teacher it is gratifying to witness the transformations.

Just when you least expect it you may get the job offer you have been waiting for. You may also meet the love of your life… when you least expect the person. Most often the greatest joys in our life occur when we did not see it coming. I’ve always been a person who loves and thrives due to surprises. I’ve always said, “Bring it on!”

Maintain an open-heart and mind. You just never know what’s next!

Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga and evolveyogaonline.com. 50+ YOGA CLASSES ON DEMAND

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com

24

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27

© Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may sometimes reach a point where you worry that conditions are not exactly right to pursue your dreams or fulfill your holy quest. Does that describe your current situation? If so, I invite you to draw inspiration from Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes (1547– 1616), who’s regarded as one of history’s foremost novelists. Here’s how one observer described Cervantes during the time he was working on his masterpiece, the novel titled Don Quixote: “shabby, obscure, disreputable, pursued by debts, with only a noisy tenement room to work in.” Cervantes dealt with imperfect conditions just fine.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “True success is figuring out your life and career so you never have to be around jerks,” says Taurus filmmaker, actor, and author John Waters. I trust that you have been intensely cultivating that kind of success in the last few weeks, Taurus—and that you will climax this wondrous accomplishment with a flourish during the next few weeks. You’re on the verge of achieving a new level of mastery in the art of immersing yourself in environments that bring out the best in you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I would love for you to become more powerful, Gemini—not necessarily in the sense of influencing the lives of others, but rather in the sense of managing your own affairs with relaxed confidence and crisp competence.

What comes to mind when I urge you to expand your self-command and embolden your ambition?

Is there an adventure you could initiate that would bring out more of the swashbuckler in you?

CANCER (June 21-July 22): For my Cancerian readers in the Southern Hemisphere, this oracle will be in righteous alignment with the natural flow of the seasons. That’s because February is the hottest, laziest, most spacious time of year in that part of the world—a logical moment to take a lavish break from the daily rhythm and escape on a vacation or pilgrimage designed to provide relaxation and renewal. Which is exactly what I’m advising for all of the earth’s Cancerians, including those in the Northern Hemisphere. So for those of you above the equator, I urge you to consider thinking like those below the equator. If you can’t get away, make a blanket fort in your home and pretend. Or read a book that takes you on an imaginary journey. Or hang out at an exotic sanctuary in your hometown.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo author Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a pioneer in the genre of the historical novel. His stories were set in various eras of the Scottish past. In those pre-telephone and pre-Internet days, research was a demanding task.

Scott traveled widely to gather tales from keepers of the oral tradition. In accordance with current astrological omens, Leo, I recommend that you draw inspiration from Scott’s old-fashioned approach.

Seek out direct contact with the past. Put yourself in the physical presence of storytellers and elders.

Get first-hand knowledge about historical events that will inspire your thoughts about the future of your life story.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Over a period of 40 years, the artist Rembrandt (1606–1663) gazed into a mirror as he created more than ninety selfportraits—about ten percent of his total work.

Why? Art scholars don’t have a definitive answer.

Some think he did self-portraits because they sold well. Others say that because he worked so slowly, he himself was the only person he could get to model for long periods. Still others believe this was his way of cultivating self-knowledge, equivalent to an author writing an autobiography. In the coming weeks, I highly recommend that you engage in your personal equivalent of extended mirror-gazing. It’s a favorable time to understand yourself better.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): From author Don DeLillo’s many literary works, I’ve gathered five quotes to serve as your guideposts in the coming weeks. These observations are all in synchronistic alignment with your current needs. 1. Sometimes a thing that’s hard is hard because you’re doing it wrong. 2. You have to break through the structure

of your own stonework habit just to make yourself listen. 3. Something is always happening, even on the quietest days and deep into the night, if you stand a while and look. 4. The world is full of abandoned meanings. In the commonplace, I find unexpected themes and intensities. 5. What we are reluctant to touch often seems the very fabric of our salvation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “I remember a time when a cabbage could sell itself just by being a cabbage,” wrote Scorpio author Jean Giraudoux (1882–1944). “Nowadays it’s no good being a cabbage—unless you have an agent and pay him a commission.” He was making the point that for us humans, it’s not enough to simply become good at a skill and express that skill; we need to hire a publicist or marketing wizard or distributor to make sure the world knows about our offerings. Generally, I agree with Giradoux’s assessment. But I think that right now it applies to you only minimally. The coming weeks will be one of those rare times when your interestingness will shine so brightly, it will naturally attract its deserved attention. Your motto, from industrialist Henry J. Kaiser: “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When he was 29 years old, Sagittarian composer Ludwig Beethoven published his String Quartet, Op. 18, No. 4. Most scholars believe that the piece was an assemblage of older material he had created as a young man. A similar approach might work well for you in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. I invite you to consider the possibility of repurposing tricks and ideas that weren’t quite ripe when you first used them. Recycling yourself makes good sense.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Are there parts of your life that seem to undermine other parts of your life? Do you wish there was greater harmony between your heart and your head, between your giving and your taking, between your past and your future? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could infuse your cautiousness with the wildness of your secret self? I bring these questions to your attention, Capricorn, because I suspect you’re primed to address them with a surge of innovative energy.

Here’s my prediction: Healing will come as you juxtapose apparent opposites and unite elements that have previously been unconnected.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When he was 19, the young poet Robert Graves joined the British army to fight in World War I. Two years later, the Times of London newspaper reported that he had been killed at the Battle of the Somme in France.

But it wasn’t true. Graves was very much alive, and continued to be for another 69 years. During that time, he wrote 55 books of poetry, 18 novels, and 55 other books. I’m going to be bold and predict that this story can serve as an apt metaphor for your destiny in the coming weeks and months. Some dream or situation or influence that you believed to be gone will in fact have a very long second life filled with interesting developments.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If you’re like most of us, you harbor desires for experiences that might be gratifying in some ways but draining in others.

If you’re like most of us, you may on occasion get attached to situations that are mildly interesting, but divert you from situations that could be amazingly interesting and enriching. The good news, Pisces, is that you are now in a phase when you have maximum power to wean yourself from these wasteful tendencies. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to identify your two or three most important and exciting longings—and take a sacred oath to devote yourself to them above all other wishes and hopes.

Homework: Try to identify which aspect of your life needs healing more than any other aspect.

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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 27 to March 4, 2020

Receive The Celebrity Secret Of Permanent Cosmetic Make-Up Once Thought To Be Only For The Rich And Famous Now Affordalbe To Women Of All Ages!!

eyebrows eyeliner lipliner Receive 10% full lip color beauty marks off with camouflage areola pigmentation this ad

760.341.6606

Call Now For A Complimentary consultation 72-880 Fred Waring Dr. A3, Palm Desert, CA 92260

25

February 27 to March 4, 2020

26

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 27 to March 4, 2020

27

February 27 to March 4, 2020

28

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com