Coachella Valley Weekly - March 5 to March 11, 2020 Vol. 8 No. 51 by CV Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 5 to March 11, 2020

Terry Fator

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Rick Shelley

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Michael Black The Purple Room pg8

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Martha’s Village & Kitchen

Vol.8 No.51

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Aneka Brown

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March 5 to March 11, 2020

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby, 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

Desert Living Home EXPO ........................... 3 Breaking the 4th Wall - Sweat....................... 5 Terry Fator at Fantasy Springs........................ 6 Rick Shelley - MUSIC + MENTAL HEALTH.... 7 Michael Black................................................ 8 Consider This - Robert Vincent ................. 10 Society Scene - Mama's House.................. 11 Pet Place ..................................................... 12 The Vino Voice ........................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife ......................... 14-15 Pampered Palate - The Purple Room....... 16 Brewtality.................................................... 17 Screeners ................................................... 18 Book Review .............................................. 19 Safety Tips .................................................. 19 Haddon Libby ..............................................21 Dale Gribow ................................................ 21 Martha's Village & Kitchen........................ 22 Swag For The Soul ..................................... 22 Cannabis Corner ........................................ 23 Cannabis Corner - The Leaf El Paseo ....... 23 Mind, Body & Spirit ................................... 24 Free Will Astrology.................................... 24 Art Scene - Aneka Brown........................... 26 Travel Tips 4 U ............................................ 26

March 5 to March 11, 2020

INAUGURAL DESERT LIVING HOME EXPO WE’VE GOT EVERYTHING FEATURES LOCAL BUSINESSES PLUS THE KITCHEN SINK!

he Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce presents the Desert Living Home EXPO on Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Omni Rancho Las Palmas. Admission is FREE! Rancho Mirage is famous for the design district and the resources throughout the valley are second to none! The chamber is bringing chamber members and the public together for something unseen in the valley before. In the height of season, local businesses will showcase their wares and products to the masses in an absolutely beautiful setting. Whether attendees are looking for a major renovation, solar, cabinets, adding a pool or high end appliances – this is the home showcase where it is all found under one roof. Exhibitors that you can expect to see will be City of Rancho Mirage, Coachella Valley Home Watch, Cambria, Sam’s Club, Desert Moving Co. Storage | Elite Anywhere, Renova Energy, Burrtec Waste & Recycling, Vic’s Air Conditioning, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Artisan Design Concepts, State Farm Cynthia Cabanas Insurance, Sunlogix Energy, Teserra, Tile Designs by Fina, Son Cabinetry, Anthem Mechanical, Movement Mortgage, PlanIt Print Works, Stada Energy, Ethan Allen, First Call Security & Sound, Gravity Defyer and many more… “The chamber is proud to bring new exposure opportunities to the local business community and the greatest resources right

to residents and visitors. We look forward to putting on a brand new home showcase which represents our area well. I’ve had the pleasure of planning several very successful expo-style events in the valley and look forward this this one the most”, says Katie Stice, President/CEO. “We have seen these done in the valley by outside companies and we wanted to bring at all local! Please plan to join us and support local businesses and have a great time, too!” ----------------------------------------------------Thank you to our generous sponsors: Title Sponsor: City of Rancho Mirage Title Sponsor: Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Presenting Sponsor: Desert Moving Co. & Storage Presenting Sponsor: Wheaton World Wide Presenting Sponsor: Elite Anywhere VIP Sponsor: Teserra Outdoor Living VIP Bag Sponsor is Ethan Allen Media Sponsors and Partners: Desert Valley Builders Association Gulf Broadcasting: KESQ and CBS NBC Palm Springs Alpha Media Marker Broadcasting Channel Q CV Weekly Digital Party Sound Desert Valley Builders Association Featured Booths: City of Rancho Mirage

Coachella Valley Home Watch Desert Moving Co. & Storage Renova Energy Burrtec Waste & Recycling Vic’s Air Conditioning Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Artisan Design Concepts Cynthia Cabanas Insurance Sunlogix Energy Teserra Tile Designs by Fina Son Cabinetry Anthem Mechanical Movement Mortgage PlanIt Print Works Stada Energy Ethan Allen First Call Security & Sound Gravity Defyer Leon’s Landscaping and Tree Emser Tile Sam’s Club Preservation Mirage Digital Party Sound Forest Lawn Cambria Desert Properties Realtors Suntanium Shading Southern California Edison American Pacific Mortgage Gr8 Estates For more information, please call: (760) 568-9351 email: Info@RanchoMirage.org or visit our website RanchoMirageChamber.org.

March 5 to March 11, 2020

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SWEAT A

good drama is like watching layers of meat being ripped from the bone by a hungry wolf. It feeds the soul and satiates the thirst for insight to and knowledge of the human condition. When Lynn Nottage wrote her Pulitzer Prize winning play, “Sweat,” she said that she felt “Sweat,” was the American story. The setting is Reading Pennsylvania, but it really could be any pos-industrial city across the landscape. Nottage’s script will remind you of the power and impact of theatre. “Sweat,” currently in production with DezArt Performs, is the story of Mid-West America. A place where lively-hoods are dependent upon the factory production line and dreams are lost in the midst of the noise and monotony of just getting by. Sweat, is a non-liner piece opening in 2008 as Chris, (Cortez Johnson,) and Jason, (Corydon Melgoza,) meet individually with their parole officer, as they are released from prison after eight years of incarceration. The story shifts back to the year 2000 as the story unfolds in a local tavern in Reading Pennsylvania. It’s a neighborhood joint for factory workers and the audience is introduced to the heartbeat characters who are the lifeblood of the narrative. Jessie, (Melanie Blue,) Cynthia, (Desiree Clarke,) and Tracy (Teresa Jewett,) are lifelong friends who have followed their parents and grandparents into the factory and

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BY DEE JAE COX

believe they will be there until retirement, after which they hope to finally have the freedom to carve out a slice of their shelved dreams. Brucie, (Cary Thompson,) is a laid off worker, Chris’s father and Cynthia’s exhusband. His obvious decline at the onset of the show is a foreshadowing of what is to come for many others. Stan, (Mike Truelock,) is the bar manager who attempts to provide an outlet and keep the peace for his regulars. When the Factory locks out it’s employees without allowing the Union fair negotiations, the result is catastrophic. The story is mesmerizing. The actors are phenomenal and the production values are exceptional. Michael Shaw, directs this story of middle America and exemplifies why DezArt has become a top tier theatre company. The staging is intentional and each movement a revelation of who these

March 5 to March 11, 2020

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

characters are. The relationships between Chris and Jason and their mothers, life-long friends Cynthia and Tracey, is really the heart and soul of this story. Melgoza, Johnson, Clarke and Jewette were all incredible in their portrayal of average people trapped by the fate of their circumstances. Race, socio-economic levels, jealousy and fear all work in unison to destroy the fabric of family and friends, who are shattered like fragile glass, by the unpredictable and often unfair realities that is forced upon them. Thomas L. Valach’s set design is absolutely perfect. Every detail presented in realistic detail. Bravo to all of the backstage artists, Phil Murphy - Lighting design, Frank Cazares Costumes, Clark Dugger – Sound and Selene Colon – Hair & Make up. All came together in portraying the raw and gritty reality of a Reading Pennsylvania factory town.

Sweat, is running through March 8th and is a show not to be missed. There is a reason why this drama was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Dezart Performs, located at the Palm Springs Women’s Club, 314 S Cahuilla Rd, Palm Springs, CA. For show and ticket info: dezartperforms.org Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomentheatreproject.org palmspringstheatre.com

March 5 to March 11, 2020

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HE’S NO DUMMY: VENTRILOQUIST TERRY FATOR RETURNS TH TO ‘WOODSTOCK OF THE DESERT’ FRIDAY, MARCH 6

COMEDY

BY MICHAEL FELCI

t 10 years old, when most boys his age were playing sports or reading comic books, Terry Fator got his first dummy and began immersing himself in the art of ventriloquism. It wasn’t your typical childhood hobby, but it eventually paid off — to the tune of a five-year, $100 million residency at The Mirage in Las Vegas. “Truthfully, the main thing that attracted me to [ventriloquism] was the fact that no one else in the school was doing it,” said the now 54-year-old impressionist in a recent interview. “At the school talent shows I didn’t have any competition.” Fator and his all-star team of puppets — including Duggie the annoying neighbor, Emma the little girl with the big voice, Monte Carlo the lounge singer, Maynard Thompkins the Elvis impersonator and country superstar Walter T. Airdale — return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, March 6th at 8 p.m. Each character requires the versatile performer to sing in a different voice, ranging from Garth Brooks and Dean Martin to Aretha Franklin, Lady Gaga and more. Fator burst onto the national stage in 2007 as the winner of America’s Got Talent. His career took off from there, leading to appearances on The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Late Show with David Letterman, in addition to his Vegas residency. The Dallas, Texas native discussed his unique career and why there was never another option ahead of his performance at Fantasy Springs. FELCI: You got into ventriloquism at a young age, when you came across a book about it for a school assignment. What about it fascinated you? FATOR: “Obviously it was to impress the girls. Girls think ventriloquism is hot, right? Forget the football quarterback, they love the chubby teen with the puppet.” FELCI: Right, but your success was hardly overnight — you were in your early

40s when you won America’s Got Talent. What would you be doing today had that not panned out? FATOR: “Notice I’m the only one in show business who gives his real age. Had ventriloquism not panned out for me I’d be an entertainer of some sort. Or the shortest NBA player or tallest jockey in history. Somehow I always knew I’d entertain even from a very young age, so there was never any other option for me.” FELCI: Talk about your favorite characters to perform and how they have evolved over time. FATOR: “My favorite character overall is Winston the Impersonating Turtle, but my favorite to perform is Maynard Thompkins the Elvis impersonator. He’s so goofy. He’s evolved quite a bit since I created him. At first he was just a plain Elvis impersonator but then he evolved into an Elvis Impersonator who sings Aaron Neville songs. The humor is so fresh and fun to create.” FELCI: Your show is all ages and has been named Best Family Friendly Show in Las Vegas multiple times. How challenging is it to cater material to a wide audience and how fine a line is to execute? FATOR: “It is much more difficult to create clean, funny and sophisticated humor. The dirty joke is always a quick laugh, especially if it is a puppet doing the dirty joke, but the clean joke that was so much harder to create is much more rewarding to the writer of the joke and to the audience as well.” FELCI: Speaking of Vegas, you’ve enjoyed a headlining residency at The Mirage for over a decade. Talk about that experience and how you keep things fresh. FATOR: It’s been one of the greatest honors and achievements of my career to have been a Mirage headliner for so long, and I believe the secret has been that I never stop writing and creating new material and characters for my audience to enjoy. I’ve

had people see my show over a dozen times and have never seen the same show twice. Of course, that was my wife Angie but it still counts, right? Just kidding. Angie’s only seen my show a couple of times. FELCI: You’re a big supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces. Aside from the obvious reasons — freedom, bravery, courage —

why is the military community so near and dear to your heart? FATOR: “When I was young my friend’s father was a P.O.W. in Vietnam. He was tortured for seven years, and I saw him weep at how he was treated by some people when he returned to the U.S. I vowed that if I ever had a voice I would do everything I could to make sure they were never treated that way again.” FELCI: You’re returning to the desert on March 6th. How familiar are you with the Coachella Valley and what can fans expect at Fantasy Springs? FATOR: “I don’t think any entertainer is not familiar with the Coachella Valley. It’s legendary. I think of it as the Woodstock of the desert without all the mud. Fantasy Springs is one of my all-time favorite places to perform, and I’m bringing new characters that have never been there before and a whole new show. I feel it’s the best show I’ve ever put together so even if folks have seen me there before they really don’t want to miss this new show!” Tickets for Terry Fator ($39, $59, and $79) are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via phone (800) 827-2946 and online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

LOCAL MUSIC

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RICK SHELLEY AT THE REFINERY

MUSIC + MENTAL HEALTH

ick Shelley is an Americana singersongwriter who has been writing, recording and playing music since the late ‘80s. Since his resurgence as a solo artist in 2014, Shelley has become a shepherd for Americana artists in the Coachella Valley and High Desert. His 2015 debut EP 1909 Miles and 2017’s fulllength Hope Wrapped in Razor Wire remain crowning achievements of sentimental American roots stories that represent the best of Americana. Producer and ‘Desert Dog’ Chris Unck (Pink, Butch Walker, Black Roses) and Shelley have reconvened in Unck’s High Lonesome recording studio in Joshua Tree to record new music. You can listen and purchase demo versions of the songs Hearts Still Painted and Half a Lonely Song on Shelley’s website. On Friday, March 6, 2020, from 5-7 p.m., Shelley will be performing a solo acoustic set at The Refinery Integrated Wellness Services as part of their MUSIC + MENTAL HEALTH series of concerts that further establishes music as a powerful intervention to promote emotional health, help cope with stress and boost overall psychological well-being. The Refinery has hosted artists Courtney Chambers, Empty Seat, Ronnie King, Kristen Lee, Vinny Berry, Robbie Waldman, moZaiq and Crucial Culture. The Refinery is located at 45-445 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert. Complimentary food will be provided by Healthy & Hearty, a newly licensed homebased business offering healthy vegan and vegetarian food with takeout and delivery options serving Palm Desert and surrounding areas. Coachella Valley Weekly contacted several of Shelley’s contemporaries to learn more about how he is regarded and a theme became evident, Shelley is one unmatched man and musician. Below are their responses. Chris Unck (The Adobe Collective, Rick Shelley & The Desert Dogs) “I’ll say it again, Rick IS a great American songwriter; we have only begun to hear and see it, trust me, if Rick had a massive promo campaign behind ANY album or song, the world would be singing his songs and be as familiar with his catalog as we are with Neil Young or Tom Petty, I know that sounds crazy but the real reasons that you don’t know of Rick Shelley is because he’s a stand-up guy, a real dad, a real husband, a man that has stood up and faced the tough decisions. Huh? How can it be that I don’t know of his guy? Some of us have cheated on a math test, cut a few corners and possibly even done things that we’re ashamed of and I’m sure Rick has his fair share of those things too but when it came down to doing the right thing, Rick chose the right thing, to put his family first and not Rock ’n’ Roll, he chose to raise a family and stand up for his kids. When situations got dicey, he stopped his entire musical career to give them shelter and take it on as a single dad, he got a job

helping others in dire need and took 15 plus years ‘off’ from pushing and promoting his musical endeavors to do the right thing. The real reason you don’t know of Rick is because he was off walking the walk and that means you’re not talking about it because it takes every moment of the day to be a person of action. I’ve spent many days with Rick eyeball to eyeball, tear for tear, and when I met him, he showed up just like in the movies, guitar in hand and a lifetime of stories, songs, struggle and the happiness you only get when the road walks you. He sat right down in front of the mic and delivered. They say good guys finish last but I’m determined to make sure that cliché is a thing of the past.” James Dorris (Reborn by the Sunshine) “Rick Shelley is one of the best songwriters the desert has to offer. I first heard him live at the Tack Room Tavern. I was actually on my way out and I heard him performing from the parking lot. His voice and songwriting immediately caught my attention and I went back in to catch the remainder of his set. I bought him a beer and we chatted for a bit. He is an amazingly talented artist who will give you the time of day and is as humble as they come. Those things don’t always go hand-in-hand. Rick writes songs full of character and story that always leave you feeling nostalgic. He’s a great guy, a great musician and I’m grateful to call him a friend!” Eleni P. Austin (Coachella Valley Weekly) “Rick Shelley and I have been friends for 34 years. We were just kids when we met, he was 19 and I was a 23 year-old budding ‘bitch goddess’. He loved Mötley Crüe and I loved Elvis Costello and we didn’t have much in common. But we bonded over Late Night with David Letterman and The Monkees reruns on MTV. Somewhere along the line, we became family. My mother bossed him like a son and his kids were like my nieces and nephew. I recognized his musical talent early on with RagTag, and I watched it grow

in Woodshed. But it has only been in the last six years or so that Rick has truly become a consummate singer-songwriter who has allowed hard-won experience, heartache and life to influence his music.” Gary Dulabaum (singer, songwriter) “I am very inspired by Rick’s body of work and his performance style. He gave another great performance at The Alibi Palm Springs on February 10th opening for The Adobe Collective. I am a big fan of Rick and his music, plus, he is a really nice person. Listening to Rick live is like reconnecting with a best friend you haven’t seen in years who somehow, in the span of around one hour, sings about life with an emotional delivery and conviction that makes you want to feel and believe every single word that his sweet, warm, honest voice delivers from the stage. Rick’s album, Hope Wrapped in Razor Wire, is full of heartfelt songs about the human condition that become a musical book with Rick the master storyteller and singer narrating what it means to be alive and human in this life. Rick knows how to write for his voice and has a great ear for infectious

March 5 to March 11, 2020

BY NOE GUTIERREZ melodies finding the perfect marriage of voice and song. When the last song ends you know you’ll be back for more listens as this is one musical book you can’t put down!” Tyler Saraca (The Adobe Collective) “Rick is a pure and natural talent. His songs are genuine and from the heart. He’s a pleasure to work with on the stage or in the studio; a heart of gold.” Caleb Winn (The Adobe Collective) “Rick is an incredible songwriter, even better friend and all-around human.” Tim Chinnock (The Adobe Collective) “Rick is a fantastic human! He’s got experience, depth and compassion and puts it all into his everyday life and his songs. Every so often he’ll send me a message just to say that he’s thinking about me and always has something really encouraging to say. It’s really supportive.” Tracy Dietlin (Owner/Publisher CV Weekly) “Rick Shelley is not just one of my favorite local singer songwriters but one of my favorites period. He is a prolific songwriter and his songs have left an indelible mark on my soul. Phil and I are fortunate enough to have a very rare CD of Rick’s songs that he recorded with just his guitar and his vocals that even he doesn’t have a copy of with 22 songs from before he recorded his 2 professional CDs. The songs are raw and cut right through you and because there’s only one copy of this said CD you’d have to pry it from my cold dead hands.” Upcoming Shows: 3/6 - The Refinery - Palm Desert, CA 3/11 - Lagunitas Petaluma Taproom Petaluma, CA 3/12 - Vintage Public House - Redding, CA 3/13 - Temblor Brewing Company Bakersfield, CA rickshelleymusic.com therefinerywellness.com healthy-hearty.com

March 5 to March 11, 2020

MUSIC

THE RESURRECTION OF MICHAEL BLACK

fter only several days of receiving a second kidney transplant, what would you be doing? Probably resting! For Michael Black, he’s plotting his full recovery and return to the stage as the frontman for TAIPAN and MICHAEL BLACK AND THE HEART ATTACKS! Not only does he provide vocal duties for the above mentioned artists, he is also the leader of Dead Sea Records, a California-based Indie record label, and is a published author, having written The Story of Michael Black; Falling Forward-Life In A Metal Band and several children’s books. Black is also known for his 8-year tenure with the Brazilian Thrash Metal band Black Oil. They have played and toured with such acts as Soulfly, Fear Factory, Arch Enemy, Anthrax, Slayer, Motörhead, Megadeth, Slipknot and many others. With Dead Sea Records, Black has built a support system unlike any Indie label in history. All of its employees are part of the music industry and care about the bands and their music. They consist of talented musicians, artists, booking agents, promoters, music video producers and provide everything a band needs access to achieve success. The label has headquarters in the United States and Mexico. They attempt to reach into every corner of the music business to assist bands and educate them to understand that their band is a marketable product, not just selfsatisfying art. Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Black shortly after his surgery for an exclusive interview. CVW: Can you please share a little about the backstory on what happened to you? Black: “I’ll make it short: I was born with Alport Syndrome, a disease that damages the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. It can lead to kidney disease and kidney failure. It can also cause hearing loss and problems within the eyes. I was sick by ten years old, in and out of the hospital, lots of tests. When I was 20, my kidneys finally died and I went on dialysis for five years. My dad gave me a kidney that lasted 14 years. Went back on dialysis and have been on dialysis for the past seven years. On February 14, 2020, I got a second transplant and am now out of the hospital recovering. And here we are.” CVW: You have been immersed in the music scene for years and were also given the Icon Award by Rockwell Unscene Magazine. How do you feel music has helped you heal?

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Black: “Well, I’m not actually a born musician. I’m a nerd at heart. I love insects and reptiles. I went to college and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. But when I got really sick, I decided I wanted to be a musician instead of a computer tech. I figured if I only had a few years to live, might as well use them to rock! My bands and the record label have been a great distraction from years of dialysis and sickness. It’s helped me heal because I get to scream at thousands of people and watch them beat each other up to my voice. It’s quite liberating. For a few hours, I forget about the needles and machines.” CVW: How has your medical situation changed how you view life and music? Black: “Alport Syndrome has given me a drive to succeed knowing that my time is extremely limited. I started making music for the simple reason that I needed to get out a lot of pain, both mentally and physically. When you are born with kidney failure, everything else fails over time. I’ve had open-heart surgery, two kidney transplants and spinal surgery just to name a few. Having a chronic illness has definitely made me less tolerant of people’s bullshit lol.” CVW: Is there anything you would you like to share with others who are going through something similar? Black: “Man, that’s a big question. Everyone has their own journey. Kidney failure doesn’t define anyone, it just becomes part of you. My band has played in the Caribbean, Mexico, Brazil, Europe and more. Wherever we went, I scheduled my dialysis. Sometimes, it cost me up to $1300 per session. We’re talking three

sessions a week or you will die. I can attest to that because I missed a week and ended up in a coma, another story altogether. I’d just like to say that everyone should be sympathetic to others because we all have our own personal battles that no one can see. It could be cancer, divorce, schizophrenia, depression, addiction, you just never know. And one person’s pain should never be measured by another.” CVW: You’ve been through so much with your health. Can you share more about your prognosis? Black: “Honestly, it’s touch-and-go for the first year after a transplant. It could reject any time for any reason. I take about 40 pills a day just to keep my body from killing the kidney and they make me very sick, very weak. So I’m never actually in the clear. Transplant patients have to walk on eggshells their entire lives, unfortunately. But between dialysis and pills, I’ll take the pills.” CVW: When was the last time you performed and what is it that you miss most about performing? Black: “The last big show for TAIPAN was with Slayer in Mexico City, October 2018. In 2019, we had a European Tour, which ended in me taking a five-day nap (coma). We had a U.S. tour with Master in late 2019, but had to cancel after the first two shows because of my failing health. I was literally passing out on stage. I have pictures lying on my back while singing in front of ten thousand people lol! I miss the adrenaline and the adoring fans for sure. I don’t miss the frustration of trying to get to dialysis between shows and missing all the fun. Hopefully after a year of rest, I’ll be

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

back on track. We already have a European tour scheduled for 2021 and a few limited U.S. shows during this year just to keep the wheels turning. We’re releasing our third album, Mouthful of Ashes, this June.” CVW: Amongst all you do, you’re also a published author. Tell us about how that came to be. Black: “I found a great outlet for healing just recently, writing children’s books. Strange, I know, for a Death Metal singer, but it’s been an awesome experience. I just published my 4th book. Each one is about a child with a disability or emotional issue. There’s even a monster who gets a kidney transplant lol. Check out Morgan Gets An Organ on Amazon. Sorry, cheap plug lol.” CVW: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Black: “I’d like to thank Phil Lacombe, Tracy Dietlin and the entire CV Weekly staff for this interview and taking the time to care about the local music community. We love you guys!” We wish Michael a full recovery and are inspired by his story of resilience and determination. He has used these challenges as stepping stones to mindful living. He is making the most of every moment and is a shining example for all of us. God bless you Mike! Upcoming Shows: 5/26 - TAIPAN w/ Call Upon Your Gods & Order of the Wolf - Rainbow Bar & Grill Hollywood, CA 5/27 - Michael Black and the Heart Attacks w/ STONEBREED - The Viper Room, West Hollywood, CA deadsearecords.com taipanofficial.com

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March 5 to March 11, 2020

CONSIDER THIS

“God is mysterious, at least that’s what they say but it’s forgiveness, forgiveness that works in strange ways/Cos without forgiveness we all live and breathe the same day, cos without forgiveness we all feel the pain it creates So won’t anyone forgive me right now?” hat’s singer-songwriter Robert Vincent looking for a little salvation on “Cuckoo,” a track from his new record, In This Town You’re Owned. Robert Vincent is a storyteller, plain and simple. He just has a knack for cloaking his stories in warm and enduring melodies that are buttressed by sharp arrangements and instrumentation. He grew up in the seaport town of Liverpool, England. Best known the birthplace of the Beatles, the Merseyside city has always been exposed to traditional American music idioms such as Jazz, Blues and Country, thanks to sailors that brought records home from their travels. Growing up in the Hamlet of Crosby, Robert’s parents played all kinds of music around the house, Johnny Cash, The Beatles (obviously) and Pink Floyd. As a kid he gravitated toward the music of Waylon Jennings and Emmylou Harris. A grade school teacher recognized his musical talent and encouraged it. By his teen years he played in a series of cover and original bands. At that point his tastes had expanded to include Grunge-y chart-toppers like Nirvana and Pearl Jam as well as Brit-Pop sensations like Blur and Oasis. After a while, the band-dynamic became untenable and about 10 years ago, Robert decided to go it alone. His solo debut, Life In Easy Steps arrived in 2013 and was immediately embraced by fans and critics alike. His Country-Folk blend has been favorably compared to Bruce Springsteen and Steve Earle, although some naysayers groused that a British musician shouldn’t be co-opting an “Americana” sound. But that notion is patently absurd. The roots of Country and Bluegrass can be traced to English, Irish and Scottish immigrants introducing ballads, jigs and reels to their adopted homeland, America. In the midst of recording a follow-up, Robert won U.K. Album Of The Year from the U.K. Americana Music Association. Released in 2017, I’ll Make The Most Of My Sins doubled down on the same winning formula, garnering more critical acclaim and expanding his growing fan base. Last year he created a bit of buzz when he performed at the annual Americana Fest in Nashville. Teaming up with award-winning producer Ethan Johns (Paul McCartney, Laura Marling, Ray Lamontagne, Tom Jones and Jayhawks, to name a few), he returned to the studio. The result is his third album, In This Town You’re Owned. The album opens intimately with ambient studio chatter and a “1-2-3” count off. Swooping acoustic guitars lattice over pastoral organ colors and a kick-drum thump. On the surface, the lyrics seem

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ROBERT VINCENT

to limn the restless claustrophobia that accompanies small town living, but in reality, it’s a brittle rebuke of social media, which has become more toxic than gossip over the clothesline. As the instrumentation builds, descending fiddle notes echo and sway, encircling burnished piano and sturdy stand-up bass. The choice is made clear; “You can parade in the shadow of mediocrity, chase the light of day with your fantasies/Don’t take this as a joke or even parody, in this town you’re owned.” Both “The Kids Don’t Dig God Anymore” and “The End Of War” match ambitious themes to protean melodies. The former weds churchy organ that wobbles with uncertainty, to hushed guitar riffs, lowing bass lines and a deliberately metronomic rhythm. Make no mistake, the lyrics aren’t advocating for organized religion, rather, they’re mourning a lost sense of faith and community, as people delve deeper into their devices, as a way to forge instant, albeit anonymous connections. As the song gains momentum, hard questions don’t engender easy answers; “So how do we right such a wrong, how do we heal? In darkness we run to the light, but his light is concealed.” Feathery fiddle accents are shadowed by stately piano and wordless harmonies on the break. Robert concedes maybe there’s a different sort of solution at hand; “The hope is we find our own peace, together we wrangle the beast, kids don’t dig God anymore, hell, maybe they’re right.” Appropriately, the latter track is propelled by a martial cadence, warm acoustic arpeggios, rippling piano and a wash of organ. Slipping into the skin of a young soldier marching off to war, Robert’s vocals ache with tenderness as he promises “There’s a life at the end of the war, if you like I’ll still marry you then/There’s a light at the end of the war, I hope it’s you.” But as the song progresses, locking into a fife & drum-y groove, it becomes clear that the song is a stinging commentary on the futility of war; “Now it’s time we look back and remember all of the fallen, surely now we can learn and take back some of the grieving, but around this blue world people bicker, barrack and beat us, who can blame them with 24 hours of media to feed us/ Till we strive for the stars and not just mars and realize it’s meaning, only then there’ll be peace in this world free of supernatural leanings, I’m not against Mr. Jones having faith in his Sunday school readings, but mankind has a bind and we need to see the future clearly.” Cushioning the lyrics’ somber tone, the gorgeous instrumental outro features gentle piano underpinnings, lilting mandolin and a rock steady rhythm. The best songs here find Robert coloring outside the lines. Take “The Ending” a South Of The Border charmer anchored by courtly Spanish guitar, fluttery mandolin, rustic accordion and lush mandochello. The lyrics’ central conceit is love finds us and alleviates the pain when we least expect it.

“IN THIS TOWN YOU’RE OWNED” (THIRTY TIGERS RECORDS)

Expansive and mordant, “Husk Of A Soul” opens unexpectedly as bloopy Rhodes notes give way to sparkly guitar and a thwacking backbeat. Shuddery organ and wily slide guitar underscores this romantic postmortem. Robert’s soulful vocals lean closer to Al Green than say, Sturgill Simpson. Here he cuts to the quick, asking an ex; “Can you please remind me! Were we once in love?” On “I Was Hurt Today, But I’m Alright Now,” he flips the script, as he bares his soul along with his insecurities. Strummy acoustic riffs connect with elegant piano notes, layering in twinkling mandolin, tart organ runs, shaker percussion and a chugging rhythm. Here, he pledges “I will take a perfect sunset, paint it on your wall, I will fake the banker’s signature and bring you all the spoils….just please don’t leave me.” Piquant mandolin blends with plaintive piano on the bridge as he searches for some emotional rescue. “Conundrum” is a bit of a back-porch ramble. Jangly guitars collide with bucolic banjo, lonesome lap steel, piano, Hammond organ, mandolin and stand-up bass. The lyrics offer some vivid imagery; “I doubt there’s ever been a reason, to screw it all and just take off, It’s like some effervescent pungent potion that makes you choke/But you must swallow it without reaction, like you’re staring out admiring a view, there’s a weakness in the lack of knowledge we’ve consumed.” Finally, there’s the Rockabilly strut of “My Neighbour’s Ghost.” Slap-back bass

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN ricochets around twangy acoustic riffs and stuttery electric licks, bookended by a rollicking rhythm. The lyrics provide something of a sideways carpe diem; “Life will take you if you like it or you don’t, so you must live it.” Somewhere Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Phil Everly are smiling. The album closes with the Folk-flavored “If You Were You.” Fleet acoustic fretwork frame pliant piano, filigreed mandolin, spidery bass lines, honeyed organ and sparse percussion. Robert’s warm and affable vocals belie lyrics that tender a withering assessment of a hubristic autocrat; “There’s a need in you to be the only person in the room, a stifling reflection of what it is you’ve become/There’s a sadness in your eyes as another part of your heart dies, it must be lonely, man.” It’s up to the listener to decide if excoriating couplets like “The sight of your own reflection must bring bile to your throat, if you sought your own reflection, would your ego learn to cope/Your personality dictates that you must rant and you must rage until you get your way,” address a certain self-proclaimed “very stable genius” or his bumbling British doppelganger. Either way, it’s an uncompromising end to a great album. On Robert’s third solo outing he sang and played acoustic guitar, and was aided and abetted by Anna Corcoran (piano, Rhodes, backing vocals), Adrian Gautry (guitar, lap steel, organ, slide guitar), Jim Kimberley (drums), Robbie Taylor (fiddle, mandolin, backing vocals) and Danny Williams (double bass). Along with producing the album, Ethan Johns provided acoustic guitar, organ effects, mandochello, accordion, tiple, military drum, electric guitar and percussion (phew). “In This Town You’re Owned” strikes a balance between the personal and the political. His songs are at once intimate and universal, as comfortable as an old jean jacket. With this record, Robert Vincent cements his reputation as a fresh Americana voice.

SOCIETY SCENE

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March 5 to March 11, 2020

MAMA’S HOUSE HOSTS SOLD-OUT 7 TH ANNUAL HEARTbeat OF LOVE LUNCHEON WITH 1,200 GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE

BY MADELINE ZUCKERMAN

PHASE 1 OF MAMA’S HOUSE EXPANSION PROJECT ANNOUNCED

Photos by Mark Glassman Photography

(left to right) Jan Lupia, Founder & Executive Director of Mama’s House, Anne Silverstein, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, featured luncheon speaker and former White House Press Secretary, and Marshall Silverstein.

ama’s House, the only residential home within the Coachella Valley providing shelter for women in crisis pregnancies, hosted their 7th Annual HEARTbeat of Love Luncheon to a sold-out crowd of 1,200 guests at the Indian Wells Renaissance Resort & Spa. This much-anticipated luncheon featured Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House Press Secretary. A VIP Reception was held the night before at Toscana Country Club for major sponsors, who were photographed with Sanders and who also got to enjoy a lively and entertaining Q & A. “My Co-chair Patricia McDonnell and I were overwhelmed with the tremendous outpouring of support from the community for this event, for Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and for the mission and programs at Mama’s House,” stated Jan Lupia, Founder and Executive Director of Mama’s House. “The response to Sarah coming to the Valley was extraordinary, with tickets selling out within a matter of weeks! We shattered all records with the largest attendance and double the number of sponsors with 50,” Lupia continued. Guests participated in the Silent Auction before entering the ballroom for the plated luncheon. The program included a special tribute to the late Ronald M. Auen, an inspirational story from Autumn, a young woman who went through the Mama’s House program, a musical performance by Dr. Lisa Lindley, a Live Auction featuring such exclusive items as a Pelican Hill Resort package, tickets to see Lady Gaga Live in Las Vegas, a Nashville Country Music Awards Package, a Thermal Speedway Package, Dinner in Toscana’s Wine Cellar, and a Los Cabos Trip. New Board Director Floyd Rhoades unveiled the Mama’s House Expansion Project he is spearheading. He emphasized Phase I, which involves the acquisition of property with a move-in ready home for 8

residents; laying the infrastructure for up to 7 casitas. The casitas, each for 6 residents, will be added during Phases II and III over 2 to 3 years, which will serve more than 50 mothers and children between the current and new location upon completion. “Funds raised at the luncheons help offset operating expenses,” stated Jan Lupia. “This year, we received overwhelming support for the expansion, and are on our way to gathering the $1.5 million needed for Phase I of the Capital Campaign,” she continued. Guests, as well as Sarah Huckabee Sanders, were taken by total surprise when former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee appeared on the video screens to personally introduce his daughter! All 1200 guests were on their feet applauding as Sarah Huckabee Sanders stepped to the podium. Sarah Huckabee Sanders served as White House Press Secretary for President Donald J. Trump from 2017-2019. She is only the third woman and very first Mom to hold the job of White House Press Secretary. President Trump described Sarah as “irreplaceable, a warrior, and a very special person with extraordinary talents, who has

(left to right) Carol and Chris McGuire, Sherrie Auen, Catharine Reed.

done an incredible job.” Sanders has been named one of TIME Magazine’s “40 Under 40,” and has been recognized as one of the best political operatives of her generation. “I have been enjoying a little more time at home these days with my kids,” Sanders commented. “I think being a Mom definitely prepared me for the job in The White House, because you learn to say NO, and you tend to say things over and over again to your kids! Working with the President gave me a front row seat in history. I traveled with him to over 30 countries, and had an unbelievable experience when Trump took me to meet Kim Jung-un. I have been to many places all over this country, and I can tell you that you have something very special at Mama’s House. I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet some of the Moms at Mama’s House, and I even got to hold a one-week old baby boy. What an incredible story Autumn, one of the Moms who went through the program at Mama’s House, spoke about today. If Autumn can overcome the obstacles in her life, imagine what she can be and accomplish in her life. I am incredibly proud of President Trump and all he has accomplished. He is the first President in the history of this country

(left to right) Stacey Mengendoth, Board Member of Mama’s House, Donna Macmillan, and Kathy Valentine.

to participate in the “MARCH FOR LIFE.” Today, I am reminded of what happens when people stand up for something that is right. Everyone has a part to play. Let’s go out and fight for life. Let all of us be the somebodies who do the right thing!” she continued. Mama’s House Mission On July 27, 2013, Mama’s House opened its doors to receive mothers in crisis and their babies. Since that time with unwavering compassion, Mama’s House has been offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for these mothers to conquer fears, face challenges, and get back on track for success. These pregnant mothers who come to Mama’s House with no means of support and no place to go, are realizing they have more options to consider. Since its inception, Mama’s House has served more than 230 women and babies! Save The Date of February 6, 2021 for the 8th Annual Mama’s House HEARTbeat of Love Luncheon. For more information on Mama’s House and its Expansion Program, please call Jan Lupia at 760-406-3413 or email her at janlupia@themamashouse.org or visit www.themamashouse.org.

(left to right) Carol Rochford, Tim Rochford, and Liz Chambers.

March 5 to March 11, 2020

PET PLACE

iane and Travis Medley did not hesitate to say “Yes” to fostering a large German Shepherd Loving All Animals wanted to rescue from the county shelter. The couple previously fostered small dogs and puppies. Diane and Travis are pictured here with Zena, who thrived in their loving foster home, and went happily to her forever home. Diane explains, “Fostering Zena was not much different than fostering a small dog, except large dogs usually need a big yard and more walks. We once owned two white German Shepherds and love the breed. Zena never had an accident inside the house, and at 6 years of age, she was very calm. With big dogs you need to have a strong presence and make sure you have control. We are ‘dogless’ right now, and fostering gives us our ‘dog fix’ because we like the freedom to travel. I love helping an unwanted animal prepare for a great home.” Travis suggests folks consider the advantages of fostering a middle aged or older large dog. He notes that older dogs are calmer and they are usually already house trained. Travis adds, “Older and middle age big dogs are more adaptable to the humans they live with, they make great companions and accommodate your lifestyle.” A visit to our public shelters in Riverside and San Bernardino counties quickly confirms the majority of animals there are large dogs.

MEET CHRISSY CHRISSY NEEDS A NEW HOME, HER HUMANS HAVE MEDICAL PROBLEMS. This 2-yr-old German Shepherd is 55 lbs of doggie love. She needs a home with a fenced in yard and dog experienced owners. Spayed & Vetted. Skittish when she meets new people. Good with big dogs. Chrissy loves MEN! (310) 986-5601.

MEET POPPY Pretty Poppy waits for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Shelter, 72959 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. She is Cat ID#A1570579. Just 7-moold, She is full of playful kitten antics. Poppy is spayed and ready to go home with you! www.rcdas.org, (760) 343-3644.

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FOSTERING BIG DOGS

Apartment dwellers and retired seniors often prefer to adopt small dogs. The majority of people who volunteer to foster request a small size dog, therefore more homes for large dogs are needed. Large dogs need the extra boost to get adopted that foster homes can provide, showcasing them in social media and throughout their communities. Fostering is the key to the Coachella Valley and other communities becoming a ‘No Kill’ community. Fostering ‘expands the walls’ of

BY JANET McAFEE

our often crowded public shelters. Animals that are stressed or frightened in a shelter kennel begin to relax and transform in a foster home where they have a warm bed and loving attention. Fostering may not only save a dog’s life, but it provides the socialization and training for a successful adoption. If you can open your heart and home to a foster dog, consider taking one of the medium or larger size pups. Most large breed dogs are incredibly smart and easy to train. They

quickly process information and thrive in an environment where they learn new things. Consider how amazing large breed dogs perform complex lifesaving tasks for our law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and the military. There are more advantages to having a big dog. Most of them require more exercise, and they would love to accompany you on a Spring hiking excursion. Most large dogs are relatively calm during their time inside the house, content to relax by your feet. These magnificent creatures usually have an even temperament, and they are protective of their families. They tend to reserve their energy for romping in the back yard and trips to the dog park. Another plus is that they almost never have an ‘accident’ inside the house. Big dogs have big personalities and big hearts to love you. They give gigantic hugs and colossal kisses! Coachella Valley residents can call Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000 for more information about fostering. Palm Springs residents can contact the Palm Springs Animal Shelter at (760) 416-5718. Wherever you live, there are shelters and private rescue groups that would love to have you join their life saving foster team. Janetmcafee8@gmail.com

THE VINO VOICE

DRINK WITH YOUR EYES FIRST

he presentation of wine is as important as what is actually in the bottle. The way it’s poured, the way it’s served, what it’s served in, is just as significant as what you are serving. Well— that’s the mantra for the Riedel glassware company that produces an incredible lineup of distinguished beverage glasses. Wine definitely has its fanfare...and it can be as much fun as you wish to push the envelope when it comes to presentation.

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

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March 5 to March 11, 2020

BY RICK RIOZZA

And when it comes to stemware, the shape and style of the wine glass that is holding the nectar of the gods can grab your attention forth with! Truly it causes one to drink first with their eyes. For those who have ever browsed the aisles of a wine store are probably familiar with the brand name Riedel, the Austrian glassware company who have designed all types of glassware to enhance the flavor component of different wine styles and individual varietal wines; add to that, vessels for spirits, beer, and even for different types of water. And actually, most people find the number of glass designs to be overwhelming! And when it comes to pronouncing the company name, Austrians, purists, sticklers and the like want us Americans to say “Riedel” as if it rhymes with “needle”. Of course this Austrian stemware by any other name would still provide almost astonishing results. We’ve covered the Riedel glassware previously, and now it’s time to circle around to bring attention to one of the latest designs that will add to your wine enjoyment: Champagnes and sparkling wine may well have it over most vino delights. It’s celebratory, festive, fun—it’s an immediate party in the glass, and, a grand accompaniment to great meals. So how can things improve on the wine of kings & queens? Well—Riedel has their designs on it! Specifically designed to optimize the flavors and aromas of the world’s most finely crafted bubbly, the Riedel Performance Champagne Glass serves as the ultimate compliment to all things wonderful ($59/ set of 2) Riedel’s crystal Performance glasses get their pearly shine thanks to a special glassblowing technique that creates slight ridges in the bowl for a rippled, iridescent effect. Those ridges aren’t just for looks; they also increase the bowl’s inner surface area and make the wine taste better. As you swirl your glass, the ridges agitate the wine and open it up to more oxygen, which brings out its flavors and aromas. The Riedel team thought of everything — even the sleek rim is cut by a laser to direct the

wine to the correct part of your tongue for optimum taste. The Champagne glasses are wider in the middle than most flutes because Riedel finds that a narrower rim helps release Champagne’s aromas. With three generations of research, development and experience in creating wine glasses, the Performance Champagne glass is lightweight, durable and dishwasher safe, Performance glasses are executed in sparkling crystal glass, and feature long fine stems and large stable bases. Performance’s unique optic impact not only adds a pleasing visual aspect to the bowl, but also increases the inner surface area, allowing the wine to open up and to fully show every aroma and subtle nuance. This nonleaded crystal flute sparkles more under the light than regular glass, and its tulip shape is guaranteed preserved bubbles better than any other glass on the market. Of course, Riedel is confident it will add elegance to any celebration. So okay—let’s try some bubbly in the glassware: Our sparkling contestants include a bona fide Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and a California Sparkler. And we will compare them using a regular Champagne Flute and then the Riedel Performance Champagne glass: 2012 Champagne Henriot Rosé Vintage. This is a really delicious Rosé no matter what glass you’re using. But let’s take advantage of the Riedel. What one particularly notices are the bubbles which feel a bit firmer in the Riedel. Then we noticed a bit more pronounced flavors of bread dough and strawberry with a hint of lemon curd, cranberry and lime. The finish is dry and its flavors and acidity linger nicely in both glasses. Again, this is one, delicious Champagne! And the Riedel does give the experience a bump up. Zonin Cuvee 1821 Brut Prosecco. This wine is clean and fresh, with focused, precise apple, pear and passion fruit aromas and flavors; lovely balance, purity and sneaky concentration on the long, clean finish. The Riedel glass definitely gives the wine brighter flavors. Segura Viudas Brut Cava, clean and delicate, yet rich in flavor. This sparkling shows aromas of white fruits, citrus, tropical fruits, and light floral notes. The Riedel glass really brings out the fruit. One can really tell the difference between the two glasses. Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley L’Ermitage 2012. This is one of California’s best sparklers which taste great in both glasses. I think the Riedel brings out a bit more body and balance; and, it brings out brighter notes of ginger, spice, and Asian pear. There’s no question that the Riedel Performance Champagne glassware is a hit. You bubbly fans will sooner or later be acquiring the set. Apart from the Champagne glassware, for almost as many varietals there are in the world, Riedel probably has a specific glass for your wine. Check their vast portfolio: riedel.com/collections/glass-collections. Cheers!

March 5 to March 11, 2020

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THUR MARCH 5

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Home Spun Fun 5pm 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 Hymn 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 Karaoke Night 7pm 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 HAIR OF THE DOG; PS; 760-323-9890 DJ RapMaRz 9pm 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 Jason Nutter and Dan Racadio 6-9pm

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/ South 65 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 Johnny Travis Jr. and Starlight Cleaning Co. 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Desert Noise Presents: Hip Hop 2 w/ T-Lick, Mills the Gawd, Project Mayhem, Sam Ordinary and Izayus 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 Finesse Productions Presents: Bryan Magsayo 6:3010:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and Rick E. Taylor 6:30pm

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 COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 “Brewhouse Craft Karaoke” 7-9pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Viva Friday’s w/ DJ Banks 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; Keith, The Guitar Guy 10pm 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 HAIR OF THE DOG; PS; 760-323-9890 DJ Victamone 9pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760656-3444 Karaoke w/ KJ Marjovi 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 7pm, Hip Hop Night 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Jason Nutter and Dan Racadio 6-9pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 6-9pm HOT SPOT@SPOTLIGHT 29; Coachella; 760775-5566 Adrian Crush 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 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 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Live Music 8pm Guerrero Fireside Lounge, Scott Carter Patio 5:30pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Garcia 6:30pm Six Hot Live 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Mr. Goodboy MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 TBA 6:30noon, Desert Daze Nights w/ The Blank Tapes 11pm 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm IW; 760-674-4080 Live Music 7-11pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Alex Santana 12-2:30pm Shelley Yoelin Jazz Band 6:30pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Eevaan Tre 6-9pm, ALIBI; PS; 760-656-1525 TBA 8:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Vibes w/ DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke DJs LF, Mota and Dirty Lazer 7pm 8-1:15am BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Patrice Morris, Brian Dennigan and Leon Bisquera 6:30-10pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Cakes & 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm O’CAINES; RM; 760-202-3311 DJ Tone 10pm Brains and Joker’s Hand 8:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley 4080 Chris Hoochin 9pm Butler Trio 6-10pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; pd; 760THE CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT 345-0222 RoadRunners 6:30pm CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Chase Martinez 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shooter Jennings and Slim Jim Phantom CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick 8:30pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Myx 7pm Karaoke 7:30pm

FRI MARCH 6

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PETE’S HIDEAWAY; PS; 760-322-6500 Alex Santana 7-10pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Natalie Douglas: Barbra Streisand Tribute 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live Music 9pm RENAISSANCE; PS; 760-322-6000 Live Music 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 Rock 10pm STACY’S; PS; 760-620-5003 Krystofer Do 4:30-7pm, Mark Lee 8pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 J and the Sundawgs 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 Doug and Meg 6:30-10:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Cynthia Thomas 6:30pm

SAT MARCH 7

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 Mr. Goodboy noon, Highlife w/ DJ Day 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 K.O.N.C.E.P.T. w/ DJs Fortune Teller, Xtroben, Sugarfree, Femme A and more 8:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The Get Down w/ DJs CieloHigh & Rich Brandon 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Horace Miller, Brian Denigan and Leon Basquera 6:30-10pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Flogging Seagulls 8:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ LF 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; 760-343-5973 “Laughs and Drafts” hosted by Dacoda Miracle 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; Krystofer Do 10pm 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 Reyna Del Valle 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 The Dub Shack Launch Party w/ Tribe-O, ZeeCeeKeely and Drifting Roots 7pm HAIR OF THE DOG; PS; 760-323-9890 DJ Kipp West 9pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760656-3444 DJ Ray 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Higher Heights Desert Dread EP Release Show w/ Raztecalii 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Jason Nutter and Dan Racadio 6-9pm HOT SPOT@SPOTLIGHT 29; Coachella; 760775-5566 Adrian Crush 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 LA QUINTA BREWERY; PD; 760-200-2597 Spring Break Parking Lot Party w/ Desert Rhythm Project, Jetta King Band, Spirit Bomb and Hover 2pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 PS Sound Company 1pm, Hot Roxx 8pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Courtney Chambers Fireside Lounge, Mark Guerrero Patio 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Six Hot Live 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 Journey Tribute Band 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Gennine Francis 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shooter Jennings and Slim Jim Phantom 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 Closed 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

March 5 to March 11, 2020

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 STACY’S; PS; 760-620-5003 Jessica Bridgeman 8pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone’s 20th Anniversary Karaoke Show 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 Doug and Meg 6:30-10:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm

SUN MARCH 8

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 9pm ALIBI; PS; 760-656-1525 The Flusters, 88 MPH and DJ Tone 8pm continue to page 20

March 5 to March 11, 2020

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MICHAEL HOLMES’ THE PURPLE ROOM CLUB TRINIDAD HOTEL

he Purple Room is a desert fixture housed in the Club Trindid Hotel. You enter the restaurant through the hotel lobby. The host guides you to your portal to the Rat Pack era. You can imagine the smoke-filled venue filled with celebrities partying late into the night. Frank’s Bourbon Bar, with over one hundred rare bourbons, calls you to occupy a barstool and order Sinatra’s favorite bourbon on the rocks. I snap out of it and realize I am here for dinner and a show (on a Monday!). It’s early, but the happy-hour crowd at the bar is loud and lively until the mass exodus at 6:00 p.m. The menu covers carnivore, seafood, and vegan options from appetizers to dessert. My companion orders pan-fried sole and

I order the chicken roulade. We start with a couple glasses of wine from the wellcurated offerings and a warm artichoke/ spinach appetizer with melted gruyere, parmesan, and cream cheese served with pita wedges. The seared sole had a nice crust to complement its moist interior. It was served with a fennel potato mash, grilled asparagus and orange beurre blanc. The chicken roulade is bacon wrapped chicken breast with a spinach, feta cheese, and tomato stuffing. It is served with a mushroom ragu and mashed potatoes. All the elements were well-executed and enhanced the mains. Keisha D appeared on stage in-sync with our mains being delivered. She has a Dionne

BY DANIEL PARIS

THEPAMPEREDPALATE

Warwick persona and covers songs well from that era. We enjoyed the performance along with the enthusiastic mix of diners and bar patrons. Dinner theater is alive and thriving. Give it a try. The Rat Pack, Elvis, Judy Garland,

Divas Keisha D and Rose Mallet will entertain you and feed you well. The Purple Room – (760) 322-4422 1900 E. Palm Canyon Dr.,Palm Springs, CA 92264. Open every day 4p.m. – 12a.m.

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March 5 to March 11, 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

BREWTALITY

hile I was busy last Halloween reviewing (and hating) Trader Joe’s (awful) pumpkin beers, the makers of Stella Artois released a limitededition beer called Midnight Lager. Presented in a spiffy, black painted bottle with gold lettering, the Belgian-based (and now ABInBev owned) brewery debuted their second holiday-themed release as a sister to their flagship product. It’s a little-known fact that the Brouwerij Artois first released the original Stella in 1926 as a seasonal, Christmas beer to be sold only in the winter months. Stella proved to be a big hit for the company, and by 1930 it was released and enjoyed year-round. Almost a full century later, Midnight Lager debuted at midnight on October 31, 2019, bringing dark lager beer to the casual beer drinking masses. While the style is not completely unheard of in the American macro-production market, it’s still rare enough to pique more than some curiosity. Heineken has a dark lager that’s been around for some time now, it’s limited distribution stateside probably has much to do with its limited appeal, as the one-note caramel flavor that it carried didn’t quite catch on with the American drinking public. Ab InBev’s Saint Pauli Girl and Beck’s brands also created dark beers, all with limited production runs that are a testament to the lack of popularity that dark lagers suffer from in the U.S market. Craft Breweries have managed to release some spectacular dark lagers, many of them American interpretations of classic old-

DARK LAGERS

world styles, some brewed with reverence and faith to the original European recipes. Much like with music subgenres, beer has many subcategories that can often confuse the casual consumer, with dark lager alone having several subcategories that denote characteristics unique to each style. European Dark Lager Stella’s Midnight Lager broadly defines

itself as a European dark lager, which is actually broken down into two specific subcategories; the Munich Dunkel and the Schwarzbier. The classic interpretation of a Munich Dunkel is a rich, bready beer with malty sweetness, hints of chocolate and caramel, low hop bitterness, and no hop flavor. So, with that in mind, imagine the nerve of Negra Modelo to call itself a Munich Dunkel. That’s like a Honda Accord calling itself a sports car. Conversely, the Schwarzbier is a style with light to moderate malt flavor, and a bitter-chocolate note that never tastes burnt. Babe’s Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage has an excellent Schwarzbier called Blackfin lager. Full Sail Brewing’s Session Back lager is also a fantastic example; as well as Uinta’s Baba Black Lager. Czech Dark Lager So, much like with music, categorizing can be tricky when a song or beer falls into several categories with the different characteristics being displayed. Bohemia Obscura, Bohemia’s dark Mexican lager, categorizes itself as a Vienna lager, the same style of beer as Samuel Adams Boston Lager. While there are definitely similarities between the two (as in they’re both wet), the flavor of Bohemia Obscura is more in line with a Czech dark lager (If you need more proof of how breweries get their own categories wrong, Mexico’s Indio Lager also calls itself a Vienna Lager. Not to get all beer snob-hipster on everyone, but dude, no it’s not). Dark copper in color, with just a hint of roastiness, balanced malt sweetness, and more intensity than a European dark lager,

BY AARON RAMSON this is a style that has yet to create a trend stateside. Dark American Lager/ International Dark Lager In 2015, the BJCP Style Guidelines took the category of Dark American Lager and transmogrified it into a new category, the International Dark Lager. Why, you ask? I have no idea. Call it what you want, both categories mean the same thing, which is essentially a very simple lager that just so happens to be dark in color. Think San Miguel Dark, or the aforementioned Saint Pauli Girl Dark. This type of beer is not terribly robust, not terribly complex, not very roasty, and basically needs to just have a clean finish to end up in this category. Shiner Bock is a classic example of the International Dark Lager. While categories are essential for judging competitions, they don’t mean much to the general consumer, and that is why major breweries rarely get caught up in the semantics of labeling their beer in exacting ways. Stella Artois Midnight Lager calls itself a European dark lager, and that’s as befitting a title as it needs. It’s a tasty one at that; a dark beer that manages to retain the characteristics that lovers of Stella’s pale lager enjoy. It might be hard to find this far after the season has passed, but it is definitely worth a purchase.

March 5 to March 11, 2020

SCREENERS

NOW PLAYING: THE INVISIBLE MAN In Writer-Director Leigh Whannell’s heart stopping, chilling and intelligent thriller, Cecelia Kass (a terrific Elizabeth Moss) is trapped in a dangerous relationship with a violent, controlling and brilliant billionaire scientist boyfriend. Cecelia escapes in the dead of night and goes into hiding aided by her sister (Harriet Dyer), their childhood friend (Aldis Hodge) and his teen daughter. But when Cecelia’s abusive ex (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) commits suicide and leaves her a big chunk of money from his huge fortune, Cecelia soon suspects that his death was a hoax. As a series of unsettling coincidences turns deadly threatening the lives of friends and family, her sanity begins to unravel. But she finds it’s hard to prove you’re being hunted by someone nobody can see! Universal has been trying for decades to

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No. 411

SEE NO EVIL BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

find a way to reboot their horror classics of the 1930s that defined the studio back in the day. But it has not been smooth sailing. Did you see the Tom Cruise starring 2017 fail “The Mummy”? “The Bride of Frankenstein” is still in development. In the meantime, we can be thankful for this wonderful Invisible Man reboot that does not disappoint. NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: HUNTER’S MOON Thomas Jane and Jay Mohr star in this satisfying and chilling home-invasion horror thriller that delivers smart and unexpected twists and turns. When their parents leave town, three teenage girls decide to throw a party in their new and isolated country home. But when a gang of dangerous local boys with sinister intent turn up, the young women are forced to not

only defend themselves from the evil inside the house, but an unseen bloodthirsty predator that is hunting them one by one outside the house! DVD. Lionsgate. BOMBSHELL

Academy Award winners Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman and Oscar© nominee Margot Robbie and John Lithgow all deliver tourde-force performances in this provocative true story of three whip-smart, ambitious, strong women who anchored one of America’s most powerful news networks—becoming headlines themselves when they risked everything to stand up to the abusive bully who made them famous. Explore the fascinating journey it took to bring this ripped-from-the-headlines tale to the screen with in-depth bonus features including a 7-part making-of documentary featuring interviews with the incredible cast and crew that brought this story to the screen. DVD/ Blue-ray. Lionsgate. LITTLE JOE Happiness comes with a price in this nifty psychological thriller about a mysterious new flower. From Australian film director and screenwriter Jessica Hausner comes this sci-fi thriller starring 2019 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Emily Beecham (Daphne) as Alice Woodward, a single mother and dedicated senior plant breeder who has suspicions that the plant she engineered may not be as harmless as she intended. The film follows Woodward who has developed a special crimson flower, while working alongside partner Chris (Ben Whishaw). Known for its therapeutic value, the plant releases a

scent to make its owner happy when nurtured. Against company policy, Alice takes a flower home as a gift for her teenage son, Joe (Kit Connor), and they name it Little Joe. As the plant grows, Alice begins to suspect the plant she engineered may be causing more harm than happiness. This fiendishly unsettling existential horror story looks at our inability to fully understand our complicated emotions. DVD. Magnolia. A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOD Much like the TV personality that inspired it, Marielle Heller’s film offers a powerful and affecting message not only about acceptance and understanding but also forgiveness. Tom Hanks is near perfect as Mister Rogers in this most timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism. Based on the actual friendship between Fred Rogers and jaded journalist Tom Junod who is assigned write a feature profile of Rogers. Junod overcome his skepticism, learning valuable life-lessons about empathy and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor. In spite of the straight-faced sincerity that dominates every frame of this film, and the stellar performance of Hanks, I was hoping for more of a story especially regarding Rogers. In spite of that, what a difference a day makes in this entertaining, hopeful and touching film that dares suggest the ills of our society/culture might be lessened if not cured by being kind and forgiving. Generous extras include a filmmaker’s commentary, blooper reel and standard making-of featurettes. Blu-ray. SONY. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

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"2037 THE END OF TOLERANCE" BY LUKE MAUERMAN FICTION

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any folks were stunned when Trump was elected in 2016. It was a shock that a reality TV star could actually become Commander in Chief. Now, the reality of his Presidency has set in and the country faces monumental challenges to its democracy. In Luke Maureman’s debut novel 2037 The End of Tolerance (Beekman Place, 237 pages) human rights and a sustainable planet may not have a future. Stephe Stafford is 14 years old when an earthquake devastates San Francisco. Both his parents are killed and his aunt comes to live with him. It’s 2020. As Stephe copes with the loss of his folks, he also struggles with his sexuality. He’s gay and longs to connect with someone. But it’s not safe to be gay anymore and he’s afraid to come out. After being beaten in the park because he may be a homosexual, Stephe tell his family. They already know, which surprises Stephe. As Stephe comes of age and explores his sexuality, he finds lovers and like-minded people. He is inspired to become a journalist. After college, Stephe gets a job and writes about the conservative Supreme Court rolling

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March 5 to March 11, 2020

LGBTQ’S NEXT DECADE?

back the rights of the LGBTQ. More and more states have not only banned gay marriage they have made being LGBTQ illegal. While reporting a story in the South, Stephe is picked up and held in a detention center. California secedes from the Union. Kamala Harris becomes California’s first President. Other big cities form a coalition to keep the Federal government from dictating human rights policy. Neo-Nazis and hate groups terrorize communities. Meanwhile, China, Russia, India have become the economic powers of the world. Technology has advanced, Mars and the moon have become colonies for the rich. As the US continues to spiral out of control and the planet is further exploited, Stephe is offered a job he cannot refuse. He is hired by the moon’s plutocrats to prepare and report about the upcoming “first contact.” Human beings and the earth itself is at risk and there are extraterrestrials watching! Stephe must first convince the “outer worlds” that humans are worth saving and then hope the people of Earth want saving. This is an intelligent and thoughtful look into the future. Through Stephe’s life, the reader gets to experience the horror and the heartbreak as civil liberties and human rights are denied and revoked. The environmental crisis continues to ebb and flow causing mass evacuations, crop damage and refugee camps. These events are part of Stephe’s everyday life as he reaches adulthood. Author Mauerman has a good ear for

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

dialogue, his writing style flows and he is never heavy handed or preachy. He sticks to Stephe’s narrative. The San Francisco setting is almost a character in the story and Mauerman does not shy away from sex scenes. I especially appreciate that Mauerman uses the backdrop of the current administration and political climate to begin Stephe’s story. Stephe is too young to vote in the 2020 election, yet he pays dearly during Trumps’ second term and the subsequent conservative right Presidents who follow. The ending is provocative and perfectly ambiguous. When Stephe is chosen to report the facts about life on earth and defend human behavior, he makes a compassionate

SAFETY TIPS

decision to act on behalf of his fellow human beings. Believing in a “Grand Society,” he is willing to report the ultimate news story to his fellow Americans in the hopes of a bright and beautiful future – a world made new. This story made me consider: Is the end of tolerance because humans finally accept life with total universal equality for all living things? Can the word “tolerance” become an antiquated word from our history’s dark past? Or, is the end of tolerance, the loss of all human compassion? We can hope 2037 The End of Tolerance is only a science fiction story something only imagined and not based on any reality. Orwell’s 1984 was a work of science fiction. We are already living in the future. The year 2037 is less than one generation away. Laws and technology change at a rapid pace. Human rights and civil liberties – LGBTQ -- must be respected, coveted, and protected. The 2020 Presidential election may be one of the most critical in US history. Will Trump be tolerated for one more term?

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

MAKE NO “IF’S ANDS OR BUTTS” ABOUT IT – GET CHECKED!

always liked to say I was Andy’s training captain, because as young boys we would set fires in my parents’ backyard and play “firefighter.” Andy was the smart one. I provided the training center (my parents’ backyard), which meant I was stuck with the evidence while Andy rode his bike home, another successful “training” session complete. Though my dad wasn’t in the fire service, I swear he was a fire investigator in a past life. Andy and I always took pains to cover our tracks from the fires we set, but my dad managed to find the burn patterns, the point of origin and the Ohio blue tips used for ignition along with burned wood, debris and weeds. I’d get the belt, and Andy, well, he was always “such a good boy.” We joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department Explorers at an early age. We got hired right out of high school and began our firer service careers, never looking back. Both excited and proud to be firefighters! Unfortunately, all the training and years on the job can’t stop the risks associated with being a firefighter, police officer, first responder. In fact, it increases our risk of heart attacks, cancer, diseases and injuries. Andy succumbed to colorectal cancer on Jan. 23, 2012, at just 52 years old. It was a tough battle; anyone who knew Andy knew he was tough. But not tough enough to win this fight. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups. It’s most often found in people age 50 and older, but recent research suggests that risk may be shifting. A report published Feb. 28, 2017, found that someone

born in 1990 would have twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer at the same age had they been born in 1950. So, the risk appears to be increasing and colorectal cancer survival rates are low if not detected early. I don’t know about you, but to me, that’s a clarion call to take action: • If you’re over 50, get a regular colonoscopy or other screening test your doctor recommends. • No matter your age, watch for symptoms: blood in or on your stool, stomach pain or cramps that don’t go away and/or unexplained weight loss. • Maintain a healthy weight, or try to lose weight if you’re obese or overweight. • Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in animal fat. March is the month dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer. Perhaps you can share this with members in your organization to spread the word — and maybe save the life of someone like Andy Troncale.

March 5 to March 11, 2020

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

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 Derek Jordan Gregg 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 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 CV Music Showcase Round 4 w/ Aloe Chat, Kurlzzz, 2Toxic and T-Lick 9pm 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; 760327-4080 Sunday Jam Session 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shooter Jennings 8:30pm 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 Vinny Berry 7-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Hannans and Company 6:30pm

MON MARCH 9

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Mark Ross and Friends 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx and Chris Bennett 6:30pm ALIBI; PS; 760-656-1525 Kail Baxley and Guests 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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 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 10

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Herb Benham 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 11

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 Live Music 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 6:309:30pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP;

760-343-5973 Uncle Ben’s Open Mic Hosted by Chelsea Sguarbritches 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; 760327-4080 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 WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Demetrius Trio 6:30pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

HADDON LIBBY

hy did the stock market go down so quickly in February? Simply put, a Black Swan event occurred – the Coronavirus. Black swans are unexpected or very low probability events that have a significant negative effect on stock markets. Where the S&P 500 was up 17.3% from the start of the rally on October 3rd through its all-time high on February 19th, it fell by 12.4% over the next week. This historically fast slide from all-time highs to a correction of more than 10% in one week bested the 1987 record of a market reversal by 25 days. The magnitude of the decline was caused by a confluence of factors that served to exaggerate a bad health event. As many investors were late to the 2019 rally, the quick turnaround gave many bad remembrances of 2008. What made this decline different than the 2008 decline was that this one was caused by a Black Swan Event while The Great Recession was caused by rampant fraud in the mortgage markets that many had warned about, yet few had listened to. While we would like to think that this will be a temporary and quickly reversible event, it should cause significant damage to international tourism this year. This should

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A BLACK SWAN EVENT

further damage the already fragile economy of Italy which is already beset by their own outbreak of the virus. As Italy was already financially fragile due to bad economic policies and dangerously high debt levels, Italy is at a heightened risk of to a Black Swan Event similar to Greece of a decade ago. While the death rate from the virus may not be as bad as once feared, economic damage has been done. Looking at US stock markets, 2020 is quickly changing from prospects of an unfettered bull market to slower growth where many parts of the world are slipping into recession. While projections suggest that the S&P 500 will move higher through year-end, it is far too soon to believe in such estimates with any level of confidence. The good news, if any, is that an apparently overvalued stock market is now slightly undervalued when viewed from a historic standpoint. There are still stock values that exhibit all the tell-tale signs of irrational exuberance, yet a long-term investor can find fairly-priced investment opportunities where there were few only a few weeks ago. There is another oddity in the markets that we need to start paying more attention to - interest rates. The 10-year US Treasury fell from 1.92% at the start of 2020 to 1.16% at the end of February. On March 3rd, the 10-

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

year hit an all-time low below 0.9%! Where the stock market hit an all-time high in the middle of February, U.S. bond yields are hitting all-time lows. What is this telling us? Low rates are the result of extraordinarily easy money policies by the Central Banks of the world. Where the interest rate paid on a 30-year US Government bond is under 2% at present, Germany has a negative rate. This means that you are paying the government to hold your money for you. It doesn’t take a scholar to know that this is not normal. Simply put, Central Banks are working overtime to keep the markets flush with cash in order to avoid a liquidity crisis. A liquidity crisis happens when there are not enough buyers for the sellers thus leaving people asset rich but cash destitute. As we saw in

2008, liquidity crises can spiral out of control quickly when fundamentals break down. Referencing the classic ‘in like a lion, out like a lamb’ analogy, March came in like a teenager on ten cups of coffee. While we can expect some odd behavior until the caffeine gets out of her system, with the passage of time everything will be fine. If this is all too much for you and you would like a steady and experienced hand guiding you, give me a call. That’s what I do for a living. Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management, a Fiduciary Investment Management firm. For more information on our services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com or email HLibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

HIT BY UNINSURED MOTORIST WHILE WALKING?

o you are walking in a crosswalk across the street and hit by a driver without insurance. Since he has no money and no insurance you are not going to get anywhere suing him. In addition, no lawyer would take a case where both sides don’t have insurance. I recently had a case where another lawyer rejected the above case, because the lawyer didn’t ask one more question...DO YOU HAVE EM? Many people don’t realize that even though you were on foot, you are still covered under the UM portion of your auto policy. Thus a claim can be put through your own insurance company. We did that and settled for the policy limits which were more than enough money... rather than rejecting the case and turning the client away with no medical treatment and no recovery. My office focuses on representing clients for Accidents & DUI’s, in addition to suing Drunk Drivers who injure our clients. Thus we understand the nuances of accident law and how to squeeze money from the insurance company. If my office accepts the case, the following Stages will take place: 1. Initially, we assist clients in obtaining medical assistance from providers that know how to treat and how to write a medlegal report. We request clients update us with new docs they may see. We collect the medical records at the conclusion of their treatment. However, because of third party reimbursement, we sometimes don’t want to request them ourselves and tip the hospital etc. that there is a legal case and a lawyer involved.

March 5 to March 11, 2020

2. A settlement demand is professionally prepared and sent to the defendant’s insurance company in an attempt to get a positive resolution of the case without filing a lawsuit and increasing costs. In this case we sent it to our client’s auto insurance company. 3. If no settlement is reached, or before the two year Statute of Limitations has passed from the date of the accident, a lawsuit (Summons and Complaint) is filed with the appropriate court that we chose... to protect our client’s legal rights. 4. The lawsuit is served on the defendant by the Sheriff or PI. 5. Once served, the defendant has 30 days to file an Answer with the Court. 6. The Plaintiff and Defendant exchange discovery in the form of Interrogatories (written questions), Request for Documents, Depositions and Request for Admissions. The defendant may also schedule an Independent Medical Examination (IME) of the Plaintiff. This process can take several years. 7. The court may order the case to nonbinding Arbitration. The arbitrator renders an award within 30 days and one of two things happens at this point: The award can be accepted by both Plaintiff and Defendant and the case is over or either Plaintiff or Defendant has 30 days to file a request for a Trial de Novo (New Trial) with the Court. 8. If either Plaintiff or Defendant requests a Trial de Novo, a Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) is scheduled 4 to 6 months before a Trial date. 9. The MSC is the last court hearing before Trial. It is where all attorneys make one last

formal attempt to resolve their case before the judge. 10. If no agreement is reached at the MSC, the case proceeds to Trial where a verdict is rendered. This is the final outcome of the case, absent an appeal. 11. When a settlement or verdict is reached, we await the insurance company’s settlement draft. It can take 30 days or more to receive this draft. Unfortunately insurance companies continue to “deny and delay “in order to stall” paying the money and allowing the insurance company to get the “float” on the money. 12. Once the draft is received and endorsed it is then deposited into our Trust Account. Our Accounting Department then prepares a Disbursement Sheet showing the draft amount and who gets what! We arrange for our client to come in to approve this and execute their Disbursement Sheet. We then tender the net amount to our client, for which we suggest

checking with your CPA to confirm the money is TAX free. We then mail checks to the medical providers as itemized on the Disbursement Sheet. This concludes the case with our office. Suggestions for future articles? (760) 8377500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com. DALE GRIBOW – “TOP LAWYER” - CA’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-20 & “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT. CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER. THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”. SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER.

March 5 to March 11, 2020

COMMUNITY

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BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

MARTHA’S VILLAGE & KITCHEN SERVES THE COACHELLA VALLEY

SWAG FOR THESOUL

BY AIMEE MOSCO

WELCOMING THE GOLDEN AGE OF PEACE “Unity is at the heart of peace. There can be no peace without Unity and there can be no Unity without U and I.” Daily Agreements, Guidelines & Intentions, by Aimee Mosco and Donald L. Ferguson, pg. 109 he spiritual community has been spreading the word since the 80’s about the “new era’, the “Unity paradigm”, and the “Golden Age of Peace”. All of these terms refer to the same event that this community has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of for quite some time. It’s clear that something remarkable is reportedly coming. What’s not clear is what that something is, and when it is going to arrive. Let’s start with the what. The Golden Age of peace supports a reality which has people caring for themselves and others with deep reverence. It represents a shift of an “us and them” mentality to a “we are all connected” mentality. You may be asking yourself how this is possible given the state of the world right now. And if you are, that’s a good question. The important thing to keep in mind is this; whenever monumental change takes place, there is always a period of discomfort during the transition. Humanity is in the thick of the discomfort right now, which is actually a good sign. This confirms that something big is happening. Humanity is nearing the end of this spiritual era that has spanned thousands of years. The collective or group focus during that era was the study of “separation”. Our soul lessons guided us into experiences and thought patterns that demonstrated the different aspects of separation. We studied by immersing ourselves in situations that inspired us to feel abandoned, worthless, alone. We were able to gauge the effect of these feelings by experiencing love and connectivity in small doses. Love also kept a lifeline open with inner truth so we wouldn’t

perating since 1990, Martha’s Village & Kitchen has been serving the Coachella Valley’s impoverished and homeless population for three decades. Martha’s Village offers transitional housing for families and individuals, nutritious meals, case management, childcare, recovery services, employment and education services, and emergency assistance. These programs are supplemented by a thrift store, medical clinic, computer lab, food pantry, resource room, and a cooling center. The mission of the organization is to create a safe, welcoming environment for impoverished and homeless families, children, and individuals, providing a proven robust selection of housing, education, and support services so that they are empowered to transform their lives with dignity. Martha’s collaborates and partners with other organizations and agencies to leverage resources and fill gaps to ensure the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the organization and to break the cycle of poverty for the people they serve. There are several ways the community can volunteer their time and materials to Martha’s Village & Kitchen. Individuals, groups, families, students and children looking to volunteer must be 12 years and older; volunteers between the ages of 12 and 15 need to be accompanied by a guardian. No one under the age of 16 can work in the Kitchen or serve on the line, but 12 to 15 year-olds can help clean and give food service support in the Dining Room. New volunteers should attend the Volunteer Orientation, where they will complete a volunteer application, take a tour of the facility, and learn about volunteer opportunities at Martha’s Village & Kitchen. As a result, it will help determine the best placement for those interested based on skills, interests, and talents. Training provides volunteers with the tools necessary to receive the most from the experience of volunteering. Volunteer duties include helping staff assemble canned/ dry goods bags for impoverished families in the community;

maintaining and organizing the food pantry while providing basic client services and referrals; greeting and assisting guests, residents, clients and members of the community at the lobby desk; and care for infants and young children. In addition, volunteers can help children with their homework or lead after-school activities while assisting in family-oriented activities to promote family interest in reading. Those volunteering at the Career & Education Center must be 18 years or older. While there, they will help tutor adults in basic education subjects and family literacy, help people develop computer skills, and assist clients in job search activities. Another service that Martha’s Village & Kitchen provides for adults is free tax preparation services. Volunteers will be at Martha’s Village every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist those in need. The program currently runs until April 11, providing tax filing resources through partnerships with other local agencies, and acting as a resource for the local community. While providing this same service last year, there were over 600 returns filed for free. Those interested in this free tax preparation service can visit the Martha’s Village & Kitchen location in Indio without scheduling an appointment, but it is important to note that the site works on a first come, first serve basis. Individuals who earned less than $70 thousand in 2019 and had no business losses or rental income are the ones that qualify. Another way the community can participate in Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s cause is by taking part in the upcoming 14th Annual Fortem Financial Thanksgiving 5k that will take place on November 26 on El Paseo and San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert. The registration fee will give runners the chance to help stomp out hunger in the Coachella Valley, feeding the men, women, and children the organization serves each day. For more info on future events and how to get involved at Martha’s Village & Kitchen, visit their website at marthasvillage.org.

get completely lost in our studies. Humanity has studied every aspect and thread of separation. As a group, we have become experts on the topic. Now it’s time for our souls to study something new. That is what the Golden Age of Peace is. It is the new lesson plan for collective humanity. Now for the when. Human beings are powerful creators. When the new paradigm takes hold is up to us. We effectively create the atmosphere in which we live. The more effort we put forth to connect ourselves with the energies of unity and actively release the energies of separation, the faster the unity paradigm will become our new classroom. In my pursuit to help humanity usher in the Golden Age of Peace, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella, BB Ingle and me. Go to facebook.com/groups/evolvethroughlove and share with us your experiences. Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Global Ambassador for SpeakingfromOurHearts.org, and CoFounder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s passion for helping others inspired her book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. For more information, find Aimee at www.ihsunity.com.

CANNABIS CORNER

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BY MICHELLE ANN RIZZIO

THC AND CBD BATH BOMBS

n this article I want to share one of my favorite topical ways to use cannabis -- baths. That’s right, taking a luxurious or simple bath infused with THC and/or CBD is a fantastic way to be able to experience cannabis. On the market, bath products can be found from various brands like Coda Signature, Topikal CBD, CBD Living, Kush Queen and Papa & Barkley. Most options available come mixed with various types of non-intoxicating herbs such as lavender, marigold, neroli, and more to make your experience truly unique. I enjoy soaking with cannabis because it allows my body to fully absorb all the cannabinoids available and offer relief around pain spots. Most bath products available come with the options of various ratios, or CBD only. In my experience a ratio of 3:1 or more is really nice and provides full body relief. Soaking in cannabis is unique because you don’t receive a traditional psychoactive high from the products as you would if you were smoking a ratio product. Instead you are able to enjoy a multitude of systemic cannabinoid benefits such as increased immune system and response, restoration of skin including elasticity and replenishes the skin with vitamin E and C. Soaking in cannabis also can allow for relief from menstrual issues such as cramping and inflammation. It can also be effective in conjunction with a cannabis based suppository to really assist a person in pain

from their menstrual cycle. Beyond physical benefits soaking with cannabis can relieve stress, calm mania, and ease depression by allowing for full relaxation and having a stimulated endocannabinoid system. When I use cannabis bath products I even like to treat myself a little more by smoking a nice hash joint and then using a THC lotion after to make sure that all of my aches and pains fade away and leave me in bliss! Cannabis bath products can be found at Dank Depot in Cathedral City, all of the West Coast Cannabis Club locations in both Palm Desert and Cathedral City, Desert’s Finest in Desert Hot Springs, and Joy of Life in Palm Springs. Happy soaking!

CANNABIS CORNER

March 5 to March 11, 2020

THE LEAF EL PASEO TO HOST FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PUBLIC INVITED TO FESTIVITIES ON SATURDAY, MARCH 14

he Leaf El Paseo, the leading cannabis dispensary in the Coachella Valley, is celebrating its first anniversary with a community event on Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and special events throughout the month. To celebrate this milestone The Leaf is offering a 15 percent discount all day from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. In addition to great discounts and brand promotions there will be food from Casuelas Café and music with local DJ Dynamic Dave. Guests also will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes and receive green thumb tips from the potting class by Leef Organics. Highly trained cannabis consultants will be on hand to answer questions and offer product recommendations. “It’s been one year since we opened with the goal of providing an up-scale, welcoming, and safe cannabis retail location,” says General Manager Paul Cotterell. “We are proud to have met this goal and will continue to elevate our customers’ experience. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating a remarkable 1st year and honor our local customers we’ve been privileged to serve these last 12 months.” Designed for both the fully initiated and newly curious, The Leaf El Paseo features a state-of-the-art showroom, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and curated inventory of superior cannabis products for medical, therapeutic and recreational use.

Also taking place during their anniversary month, The Leaf will be hosting Mocktails & Music from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 7, 13, 21, and 28, featuring the sounds of Michael Keeth, Michael James and other local musicians. Guests are invited to come relax and unwind to some great music and non-medicated samples of some of California’s top emerging beverage brands in the cannabis space. On Tuesday, March 31st, The Leaf will host an Industry Appreciation Day offering a 20% in-store discount to coincide with one of the largest California Brand Expos “Hall of Flowers” being held for the very first time in the Coachella Valley April 1st & 2nd. Anyone with proof of employment in California’s vast Cannabis industry is welcome to enjoy 20% off The Leaf’s entire product line. The Leaf is located at 73740 El Paseo, between Larkspur and San Luis Rey. Daily hours are 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Must be 21 or older to enter. Free delivery is available. For a full listing of events, visit leafelpaseo. com/events.

March 5 to March 11, 2020

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

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BY BRONWYN ISON

CLEANSE YOUR THOUGHTS

f you’re a business owner, you may recall when you were thinking of the perfect name that would best describe what you do and that would attract people. Prior to opening my yoga studio, friends and family each shared their thoughts. Certainly this was helpful. I desired a name that would best describe more than yoga… rather more of what we do and who we are. Reflecting on other profound moments in my life, some of my best thinking, future creations, ideas, and business ventures have been in two distinct YET very different places. Take a moment to discover where most of your inspiration is derived. Do you achieve your great ideas from brainstorming with others, alone in deep thought, exercise, playing with your children??? I bet most of your best ideas come when you feel most relaxed, not judged, not threatened and when you feel confident with yourself. Well, here goes my great brainstorming exposure time… I find most of my inspiration while hiking, in meditation/pray and the best of all… in the shower! Actually, Evolve Yoga was shower inspired. Perhaps, it’s not so crazy at all. Studies have shown, scientist and coauthor of “Wired to Create,” described in a study he created, 72% of people retrieve their best ideas in the shower. Kaufman went on to say, “The relaxing, solitary, and non-

judgmental shower environment may afford creative thinking by allowing the mind to wander freely, and causing people to be more open to their inner stream of consciousness and daydreams.” You may be thinking… How many showers can I take so I may gather more daily inspiration for my future. (As a side note, my dermatologist wouldn’t suggest any more than two showers a day.) Aside from my silly humor… We need solitude to gain perspective. This will help us to better listen to our thoughts. Did you know the average person has more than 72,000 thoughts that run through their minds each day? We are busy thinkers. WOW! You gotta think at least one or more of these is a great idea. We must also be hopeful this is productive thinking. We’re wired to think and create. As humans, most of us desire to do big things in our life. Keep in mind, simply because we think it, doesn’t conclude it will happen. The next steps will be that of ACTION! Needless to say, in times of solitude, we can be productive. Be inspired not intimidated about what’s ahead for you. Maybe your next shower is a million dollar idea! Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga and evolveyogaonline.com ONLINE YOGA CLASSES ON DEAMND, ANYWHERE & ANYTIME. 760-564-YOGA (9642)

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF MARCH 5

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Progress rarely unfolds in a glorious, ever-rising upward arc. The more usual pattern is gradual and uneven. Each modest ascent is followed by a phase of retrenchment and integration. In the best-case scenario, the most recent ascent reaches a higher level than the previous ascent. By my estimate, you’re in one of those periods of retrenchment and integration right now, Aries. It’s understandable if you feel a bit unenthusiastic about it. But I’m here to tell you that it’s crucial to your next ascent. Let it work its subtle magic. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You are most likely to be in sweet alignment with cosmic rhythms if you regard the next three weeks as a time of graduation. I encourage you to take inventory of the lessons you’ve been studying since your birthday in 2019. How have you done in your efforts to foster interesting, synergistic intimacy? Are you more passionately devoted to what you love? Have you responded brightly as life has pushed you to upgrade the vigor and rigor of your commitments? Just for fun, give yourself a grade for those “classes,” as well as any others that have been important. Then— again, just for fun—draw up a homemade diploma for yourself to commemorate and honor your work. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Are you ready to seize a more proactive role in shaping what happens in the environments you share with cohorts? Do you have any interest in exerting leadership to enhance the well-being of the groups that are important to you? Now is an excellent time to take brave actions that will raise the spirits and boost the fortunes of allies whose fates are intermingled with yours. I hope you’ll be a role model for the art of pleasing oneself while being of service others. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian author Lionel Trilling (1905–1975) was an influential intellectual and literary critic. One of his heroes was another influential intellectual and literary critic, Edmund Wilson. On one occasion, Trilling was using a urinal in a men’s room at the New School for Social Research in New York. Imagine how excited he was when Wilson, whom he had never met, arrived to use the urinal right next to his. Now imagine his further buoyancy when Wilson not only spoke to Trilling but also expressed familiarity with his work. I foresee similar luck or serendipity coming your way soon: seemingly unlikely encounters with interesting resources and happy accidents that inspire your selfconfidence. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Poet Conee Berdera delivered a poignant message to her most valuable possession: the flesh and blood vehicle that serves as sanctuary for all her yearnings, powers, and actions. “My beloved body,” she writes, “I am so sorry I did not love you enough.” Near the poem’s end she vows “to love and cherish” her body. I wish she would have been even more forceful, saying something like, “From now on, dear body, I promise to always know exactly what you need and give it to you with all my ingenuity and panache.” Would you consider making such a vow to your own most valuable possession, Leo? It’s a favorable time to do so. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Luckily, the turning point you have arrived at doesn’t present you with 20 different possible futures. You don’t have to choose from among a welter of paths headed in disparate directions. There are only a few viable options to study and think about. Still, I’d like to see you further narrow down the alternatives. I hope you’ll use the process of elimination as you get even clearer about what you don’t want. Let your fine mind gather a wealth of detailed information and objective evidence, then hand over the final decision to your intuition. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Certain artists are beyond my full comprehension. Maybe I’m not smart enough to understand their creations or I’m not deep enough to fathom why their work is considered important. For example, I don’t enjoy or admire the operas of Wagner or the art of Mark Rothko. Same with the music of Drake or the novels of Raymond Carter or the art of Andy Warhol. The problem is with

me, not them. I don’t try to claim they’re overrated or mediocre. Now I urge you to do what I just did, Libra, only on a broader scale. Acknowledge that some of the people and ideas and art and situations you can’t appreciate are not necessarily faulty or wrong or inadequate. Their value may simply be impossible for you to recognize. It’s a perfect time for you to undertake this humble work. I suspect it will be liberating. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio-born Ralph Bakshi has made animated films and TV shows for over 60 years. His work has been influential. “I’m the biggest ripped-off cartoonist in the history of the world,” he says. Milder versions of his experience are not uncommon for many Scorpios. People are prone to copying you and borrowing from you and even stealing from you. They don’t always consciously know they’re doing it, and they may not offer you proper appreciation. I’m guessing that something like this phenomenon may be happening for you right now. My advice? First, be pleased about how much clout you’re wielding. Second, if anyone is borrowing from you without making the proper acknowledgment, speak up about it. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Vainly I sought nourishment in shadows and errors,” wrote author Jorge Luis Borges. We have all been guilty of miscalculations like those. Each of us has sometimes put our faith in people and ideas that weren’t worthy of us. None of us is so wise that we always choose influences that provide the healthiest fuel. That’s the bad news, Sagittarius. The good news is that you now have excellent instincts about where to find the best long-term nourishment. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Poet Adrienne Rich wrote, “When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.” I believe this same assertion is true about people of all genders. I also suspect that right now you are in a particularly pivotal position to be a candid revealer: to enhance and refine everyone’s truth-telling by being a paragon of honesty yourself. To achieve the best results, I encourage you to think creatively about what exactly it means for you to tell the deep and entire truth. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Through some odd Aquarian-like quirk, astrologers have come to harbor the apparently paradoxical view that your sign is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus. At first glance, that’s crazy! Saturn is the planet of discipline, responsibility, conservatism, diligence, and order. Uranus is the planet of awakening, surprise, rebellion, barrier-breaking, and liberation. How can you Aquarians incorporate the energies of both? Well, that would require a lengthy explanation beyond the scope of this horoscope. But I will tell you this: During the rest of the year 2020, you will have more potential to successfully coordinate your inner Saturn and your inner Uranus than you have had in years. Homework: Meditate on how you will do just that. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 1637, renowned English poet John Milton wrote “Lycidas,” a poetic elegy in honor of a friend. Reading it today, almost four centuries later, we are struck by how archaic and obscure the language is, with phrases like “O ye laurels” and “Ah! who hath reft my dearest pledge?” A famous 20th-century Piscean poet named Robert Lowell was well-educated enough to understand Milton’s meaning, but also decided to “translate” all of “Lycidas” into plainspoken modern English. I’d love to see you engage in comparable activities during the coming weeks, Pisces: updating the past; reshaping and reinterpreting your old stories; revising the ways you talk about and think about key memories. Homework: Don’t tolerate bullying from critical voices in your head or from supposedly “nice” people who are trying to guilt-trip you. FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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March 5 to March 11, 2020

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March 5 to March 11, 2020

ART & DESIGN

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ANEKA BROWN & LIVING EVERY DAY OF LIFE LIKE YOU ARE ON A RUNWAY

“Live every day of life like you’re on a runway” neka Brown is a yet another example of the fashion talent that thrives in the desert. This year she will join the list of other local designers, such as Michael Costello and Trina Turk, to walk the runway at Fashion Week El Paseo on Sunday March 22. Her work will be central to the Le Chien Show, a fundraiser Animal Samaritans. Aneka has been very involved in the local community. She and Keisha D’ cofounded the annual Black History Month Cultural event and Fashion Show. In addition, Aneka has been unwavering in her support of LQBT causes. She is also very passionate about African and Afro-American art. Her former gallery JJ&A popup featured African American artists including Charles Bibbs. Aneka’s goal is inclusiveness not divisiveness. To her inclusive means all colors, ethnicity, religion, sexual identification, and size. At a time when many designers design for the size 4 crowd, Aneka designs for every person. She is known for her California Afro Chic, blending modern African themes, rich jewel tones, and calming California earth tones. “Aneka Brown Designs debuted in 2015,”noted Aneka. “I am self-taught but my eye for color and design came naturally. I saw beauty in the rich colors of the vibrant colors of the African wax cloth and the lines of the eponymous California architecture. I saw the classic silhouettes and ultra-glam of style

BY ANGELA ROMEO

ARTSCENE

TRAVEL TIPS4U

estled among the Little San Bernardino Mountains in the Sand to Snow National Monument, the desert oasis at Big Morongo Canyon is one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian habitats in California. The upstream end of the canyon lies in the Mojave Desert, while its downstream portion opens into the Colorado Desert. There are numerous trails to walk and hike, including a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through the marsh and riparian habitats. At 31,000 acres with elevations ranging from 600 feet on the canyon floor to 3000 feet at the top of the ridge, this diverse landscape has been an important part of the Morongo Basin’s natural and cultural history for almost two billion years. The Preserve is managed by the Bureau of Land Management with the assistance of

icons from Dorothy Dandridge to Grace Jones. I also see people of all sizes and understand that beauty is within not exterior only!” Aneka’s collection is a reflection of that belief and “living everyday like you’re on a runway” is easy with her designs. For the center point of her collection Aneka uses Fair Trade African Wax Cloth. The designs vary from region to region. African Wax Cloth also known as Ankara and Kitenge. The designs are traditionally of African culture tribal patterns and motifs. The design, and even the color, was often indicative of a specific tribe and/ or tribal status of the wearer. The cloth itself is created using the batik method of applying wax-resist dyeing whole cloth. “I enjoy working with African Wax Cloth for so many reasons! I am utterly mesmerized by the vibrancy of the colors and the uniqueness

of the prints. With Wax Cloth it is as if each print has its own story. It is an underused & appreciated gem!” said Aneka. “The material can be worn by anyone – men, women, children. It is not exclusive to one group.” “Fashion Week El Paseo is very important to me. I am a resident of the Coachella Valley. This is my home. To be recognized by my hometown for my work is exhilarating. It will also give exposure to my work and allow me to expand my brand. It is a great vehicle to allow me to share my vision with people that are not familiar with my work. I am beyond gratefully for the opportunity to showcase my 2020 Collection, Concrete Jungle, in one of California’s most well respected Fashion Week showings.” The 15th annual Fashion Week El Paseo runs March 20-28, 2020, at The Gardens on

El Paseo in Palm Desert . Le Chien, benefiting Animal Samaritans, featuring the designs of Aneka Brown will be on Sunday, March 22. Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction starts at 5 p.m. The Fashion Show featuring Aneka Brown’s 2020 Collection Concrete Jungle starts at 6pm. The runway event will feature Handsome Hounds, walking with rescue dogs down runway alongside models accompanied by their own pups. Reserved seats are $100 and may be purchased at fashionweekelpaseo. com/le-chien-tickets. On Monday, March 23, from 11:30 a.m.‒2:30 p.m., Aneka Brown will host a Trunk Show at Reception Tent at Fashion Week El Paseo. This event is free and open to the general public. For more information on Aneka Brown visit anekabrowndesigns.com.

VALLEY, CA BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE MORONGO

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is dedicated to the exploration, preservation, and stewardship of the Preserve by protecting and managing its resources, and by providing educational programs, access for wildlife viewing, and recreational opportunities for the enjoyment of its visitors. Hours & Admission The Preserve is open daily throughout the year–from 7:30 am to sunset–but the ideal months to visit are in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. For more information visit bigmorongo. org/visit. Think Travel and Enjoy the Experience!

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March 5 to March 11, 2020