Coachella Valley Weekly - March 18 to March 24, 2021 Vol. 10 No. 1

coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 18 to March 24, 2021 Vol.10 No.1

St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway

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Holaron

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Andy Cahan

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Desert X

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Mama’s House Heartbeat Of Love Luncheon

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

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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 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

CV Weekly 9 Year Anniversary............. 3-5 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway............. 5 Holaron...................................................... 6 Club Crawler Nightlife.............................. 6 Andy Cahan - "My New Album"............... 8 Fantasy Springs Job Fair.......................... 8 Consider This - Beau Bow De Lune........... 9 Desert X '21 ........................................ 10-11 Mama's House - 8th Annual Heartbeat of Love Luncheon................................ 12 Alan Grant Donates Shelby Mustang for Desert Cancer Foundation............ 13 Screeners ................................................. 14 The Vino Voice ........................................ 15 Keg Whisperer ........................................ 16 Brewtality................................................ 18 Good Grub - Casa Luna........................... 18 Health - Keto ........................................... 19 The Cannabis Conference 2021 ............ 19 Pet Place ............................................. 20-21 Haddon Libby ......................................... 22 Dale Gribow ............................................ 22 Sports Scene............................................ 25 Travel Tips 4 U.......................................... 25 Safety Tips............................................... 25 Swag For The Soul .................................. 26 Free Will Astrology ................................ 26

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

CV WEEKLY CELEBRATES 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

From the Publisher, Tracy Dietlin his issue marks Coachella Valley Weekly’s 9 years of being a publication. Every year on our Anniversary we put all of the previous year’s cover on that issue’s cover. Last year we did the same, however, it was the first week in 8 years that we were not able to actually print the paper due to the Covid pandemic and everything shutting down for quarantine. It was a devastating blow!

Owning my own publication had been a dream of mine for many years and on March 29, 2012 my dream came true. It’s taken a lot of hard work and determination over the years as CV Weekly has literally been my life. I eat, sleep and breathe everything CV Weekly.

I immediately knew that I couldn’t give up and had to pull my big girl panties on, roll up my sleeves and continue to publish every week even if only online. And that is what we have done every week since.

Even when I was so very sick with Covid and pneumonia and the after effects of it throughout most of all last year, I was not going to let my publication fail…not my baby.

Thanks to Phil Lacombe my amazing partner, we started doing a weekly newsletter/eblast putting CV Weekly in everybody’s inbox. That really helped keep us more relevant since we still have not resumed printing.

I am proud of the issues that we published each and every week as we had to change our focus from being an entertainment driven publication to a new direction to cover the events of the time.

I have an amazing team to thank for their unwavering support during the last year.

(Please see list below). Especially when the majority of all of our advertising dollars dried up for months and it was by the skin of my teeth that I and we, were able to make every week happen.

I also want to thank all the community

members that have made very generous donations over the last year and still continue to so that we can keep going.

This was also the first year that we were not able to do the CV Music Awards live like the previous 7 years. So we had to get creative and roll with the changes and we pulled off a successful virtual event with live performances in a safe location with no live audience and we prerecorded acceptance speeches in my back yard with all safety protocols. This would not have been possible without the very generous sponsorship dollars from Mandy Calvano’s Customer Care Solutions, The 3 M’s, Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino, Big Rock Pub and Vincent Battaglia of Renova Solar. Brian Champagne did a fantastic job hosting us at his Vivid Staging Studios. My Art Director, Robert Chance, did an amazing job with all the graphics for the event as well. Once again the community stepped in to make sure these awards still happened.

We look forward to being back in print soon. On another note our amazing printer that we used for 8 years, Valley Printers, had to shut down permanently due to the devastation of quarantine and so many other publications no longer printing. So we are in the process of finding a new printer.

I am a bit picky. The reason our publication looked so good was the fact that we used them even though it cost a lot more than other printers, on top of me paying to have them picked up every week all the way out in Sylmar. So the next time you see us in print we will have a slightly different look.

We also have another very exciting project in the works that I can’t quite mention yet, but it will take CV Weekly to another level so standby for that.

I would also like to thank all of our loyal readers and advertisers over the last 9 years for all of your support.

The last 9 years have been stressful, all consuming, fulfilling, rewarding and everything in between, but most of all my dream come true and I wouldn’t trade them for anything! Here’s to another 9. Cheers!

NOW for the THANK YOUs: I would like to thank our current team.

First, I want to thank my partner Phil

Lacombe who has been by my side through all of this. He has handled our social media and the Club Crawler Nightlife from the beginning. Two years in, he took over as head of Distribution which made a huge difference. He currently has added the weekly digital eblast newsletter to his list of assets.

Second, I want to thank Robert Chance, our amazing Art Director. Not only does he design creative covers, build ads, does photography for many of the covers, lays out the publication, but he also does assistant editing, which he does not get credit for.

Next I want to thank Billy Westley, who since the beginning drove from Hemet every week out to Sylmar to pick up the paper and then helped deliver it. You are a valued member of the team and I hope to have you delivering again soon.

Bobby Taffolla, who took over doing the weekly website management a few years ago. You have done a fantastic job and it is much appreciated.

Thank you to Noe Gutierrez, our head music writer… week after week you deliver quality music articles about the local music scene.

Crystal Harrell, our head feature writer.

You joined us a few years ago and I can’t thank you enough for all the top notch articles you have written during this pandemic.

Thank you Lisa Morgan, who has held many positions since day one, including Sales Manager, Head Music Writer and all round CV Weekly cheerleader.

Thank you to Kirby our current Advertising Account Executive.

To all of our other current feature writers: Heidi Simmons, Tricia Witkower, Rich Henrich, Denise Ortuno Neil, and Laura Hunt Little, your contributions are most appreciated.

Thank you to our current columnists, many who have been with us since the beginning, like Robin Simmons, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Rick Riozza, Janet Mc Afee, Eleni Austin, Raymond Bill, Sam continue to page 5

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

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9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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DiGiovanna, DeeJae Cox, Ruth Hill, Michelle Borthwick, Aimee Mosco, Lynne Tucker, Rob Brezny, Craig Michaels, Flint Wheeler, Aaron Ramson, Michelle Rizzio, Angela Romeo, Chris Clemens, Mike Felci and Ed Heethuis.

There are several past columnists that were with us for many years whose contributions were so important: Bronwyn Ison, Bruce Cathcart, Sunny Simon, Jason Hall, Dr. Peter Kadile, Marissa Willman,

COMMUNITY

Elizabeth Scarcella and the late Judith Salkin. Thank you to our Art Director for the first year, Oscar Arbulu, who helped shape the design of the publication and Ivan Urias and Rudy Mendez who handled distribution the first year.

A big thank you to all of our photographers over the years that provided quality work: Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Robert Chance, Iris Hall, Steve Young, Brian Blueskye, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Kurt

Schawacker and Crystal Harrell.

Each and every one of you are rock stars!

And finally I must acknowledge and thank my very dear friend, our local legend, the late BB Ingle. His support throughout the years was immeasurable. He was on more of our covers than anyone. Most importantly he was on our very first mock cover. When I told BB I was going to start my own publication in 2012 and asked if I could put him on the mock cover to use to be able to go out and sell ads for our actual

March 11 to March 17, 2021

first issue he said “Absolutely!” So we did a St. Patrick’s Day cover; his favorite holiday.

Over the years, every chance that he got to speak publicly about CV Weekly, including his acceptance speech when he was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award for Best Promoter” at the 2019 CV Music Awards, he would always say: “Tracy and Phil have never missed putting out an issue every week in all these years!”

Love and miss you BB!

HOME SWEET DREAM HOME

in the Coachella Valley for the past 14 years.

According to Mitch, he was shocked when he learned he had won the St. Jude Dream Home. “There were 10,000 tickets sold. I had one out of 10,000, a 10,000 to 1 chance.

That’s a miracle, a God-given miracle. Trying to cope with that, grapple with that, absorb that, takes mental gymnastics, psychological gymnastics to try to deal with it,” Blumberg said.

This monumental win isn’t Mitch Blumberg’s only stroke of good luck.

Blumberg describes a few years ago as his luckiest year yet (until this one). He purchased a $100 ticket to the Sacred Heart gala and won a brand new Lincoln MKZ SUV.

BY TRISHA WITKOWER chef’s appliance package, oversized island and large pantry, as well as a private master suite with a generous walk-in closet, dual sinks, and mega shower. The 2021 Coachella Valley St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway was made possible thanks to sponsors, including KESQ News Channel 3, Telemundo 15, La Poderosa 96.7 FM, GHA Companies, Mor Furniture® For Less, The Warburton and Fortem Financial, as well as national sponsors Brizo, Shaw Floors, Trane and Bosch.

For the past four years, Blumberg had purchased one $100 raffle ticket, explaining that he was happy to do it knowing he was supporting St. Jude, even if he wasn’t likely to win. He explained that his initial awareness of St. Jude began 14 years ago when he was a congregant at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Fellow member, Kristen Tanner, had a baby who was born with neuroblastoma cancer of the brain. Every few months, Tanner would take her daughter Natalie to Tennessee where St. Jude covered lodging, transportation, and all treatment for the baby.

Baby Natalie was given a grave prognosis, but has since miraculously recovered and thrives as a teenager now. Of his win, Kristen Tanner wrote on his social media post, “How fitting for a man who prayed and prayed for my sweet Natalie when she went through treatment at St. Jude.”

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

LOCAL MUSIC

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olaron is a planet on the outer most reaches of our solar system.

Space trotters Brannon McNeal (Blare the Surface), Pete Leighton, Jr. (War Drum) and Greg Cabral (Ornament, Blare the Surface) came across the luminous body when their spacecraft experienced technical malfunctions. In a perilous tailspin, their ship careened and crashed upon the surface. The threesome involuntarily found refuge in the catacombs of the sphere.

Unbeknownst during their Google search, the iridescent dust of the underground tunnels of Holaron can induce a strange transformation on space travelers. By unknowingly ingesting the magic Holaron dust, they developed incredible audibility and were gifted ultra-large packages under their space trousers!

With these rare ‘tools’, they developed the ability to travel on sound waves and create the music that is now termed Holaron.

With McNeal as singer, primary songwriter and guitarist, Cabral on bass, keyboards, guitar and Leighton on drums and, the band has freed the first triad from the trio.

McNeal is known for grunting in the nude,

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HOLARON

Cabral for his weird noises and Leighton for being the ‘percussive wizard of baton wielding’ who eats peanuts.

As many are aware, music has the capacity to propel you to other cosmos.

That is exactly what Holaron has done for me. Their first three tracks are high-reaching and conducive to a momentary spacewalk.

I look forward to continued compositions from the transcendental triplets. Below is the Coachella Valley Weekly review of their three songs.

1. Dark in the Valley (4:44) There’s a gloomy youthfulness that radiates from this track. From the syncopated and murky guitar handiwork to the drum fills, it establishes a mood.

Ya there’s been darkness all around me Spilling over all I know It does seem that it sometimes has to get worse before it gets better right? If you’ve ever felt that type of ‘darkness’ all around you, you can relate with what Brannon is trying to communicate here.

My head’s been spinning I can’t see right Nothing seems to feel like home Depression and turmoil seem to work

together while having clarity corresponds with our sanctuary.

2. Holaron (2:36) More obscurity and grooviness. The underlying melody is provided by menacing keyboards. My awareness of the drumming

by Leighton reminds me of why I was attuned to his time in War Drum. His peers, past and present, credit him with persistent enthusiasm for the music, it manifests itself here once again.

Deadly pictures in the hallway gone I’ve been dreaming I’ve been gone too long The imagery is haunting Walking backwards to the hands of time Stop your crying we all roll the dice Black hole Consuming the light Black hole Living off the light McNeal gives you sufficient words to determine your own perception.

BY NOE GUTIERREZ 3. Laughter (2:18) A more ‘keen’ tempo of the three; no one is laughing here. Where is your laughter now?

In all three songs the vocals are a felicitation to the instrumentation.

Excuse me dude How do you just keep on laughing?

It’s hard to say When happiness can really happen I crack a smile Cause happiness is knee slappin’ Where is the laughter now?

Where is your laughter now?

The hypocritical respect that speaks to the lip service we all have the qualifications to minister.

Find Holaron on Soundcloud, YouTube and Instagram

Monday, March 22

Tuesday, March 23 Thursday, March 18

Wednesday, March 24 Friday, March 19

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Saturday, March 20

Sunday, March 21

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

LOCAL MUSIC

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ANDY CAHAN - ‘MY NEW ALBUM’

what I will normally do instead of living the life of Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog’s Day, ha ha! Every day is the same damn thing trying to avoid COVID-19. But now that I’ve had both vaccinations I feel a lot more relaxed. So selling my book and discovering all these wonderful recordings kept me busy during the pandemic.

To tell you the truth, I have thought about going insane several times!”

CVW: Last year you released the memoir, The Most Famous Musician You’ve Never Heard Of: A Rock And Roll Scrapbook…I’ve read a lot of ‘5 out of 5’ star reviews. How is the book doing?

Cahan: “April 2021 will be one year since the book’s release and it’s done very well. I have made back on my investment and then some. You can find it on Amazon.”

CVW: You have shared with me that you have another five songs coming down the pipeline. When will that be?

Cahan: “It might take some time to find some really good stuff. I’ve been finding some but it hasn’t been as good as this. I just plan on releasing the 5 or 6 song EP on vinyl as soon as I get my stimulus check lol. And I expect book sales will pick up after the stimulus.

Between the book and the album at least I’m generating some entertainment even if I can’t perform live on a regular basis. I am currently performing at the Thunderbird Country Club.

President Obama has been there for dinner!”

CVW: You won the 2020 Coachella Valley Music Award for ‘Best Keyboardist’ Award for the ‘umpteenth’ time. How many is it now?

Cahan: “Well, I tell you I am completely

BY NOE GUTIERREZ A great melody from Mr. Cahan too! We have all wondered what that lost love was doing at that given moment.

She Saved My Life - Another flawless vocal performance from Rocha and Cahan’s piano work is as lively as ever. He has a way of taking center stage and highlighting the vocalist all in the same moment. The Motown/R&B vibe is unmistakable.

Don’t Look Now - This could have been released in the 60’s or 70’s and made a splash. It works now too! Cahan can make that keyboard sound like Jimi Hendrix’ electric guitar or Chris Thile’s mandolin. Once again, those vocals are smokin’! My favorite track on the EP and probably the most memorable (that was for you Andy!).

Kunky - Stepping down a few rungs and adding some love right here. Those words we all want to hear on a regular basis but are afraid to ask, I want to be with you. A great ‘second to last’ tune that is a wonderful uptempo ballad with the far-out title.

Runnin’ - Voluminous piano and vocals lead the way here. When you have found that person who excites you…motivates you… they’ve got you runnin’!

If you would like to pre-order the album on vinyl, you can contact Andy Cahan at andycahan@gmail.com or go to soundcloud. com/andy-cahan.

FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO NEWS AIMS TO FILL 40-TO-50 POSITIONS AT JOB FAIR ON SATURDAY, MARCH 20TH

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antasy Springs Resort Casino will host a job fair on Saturday, March 20thfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Special Events Center. Department managers will be present to interview candidates for 40-to-50 open positions, including food & beverage, public safety, dealers, hotel staff, housekeeping and cash operations.

Prospective applicants must wear a mask and will be subject to a temperature screening upon entry to the property.

It is recommended that all job fair attendees bring an updated resume and be dressed appropriately. All employment opportunities can be viewed by visiting www. fantasyspringsresort.com/employment. To

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schedule an appointment at the job fair, call the human resources department at (760) 238-5687.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is one of the Coachella Valley’s largest job providers with over 1,000 full- and part-time employees.

The company offers competitive wages, attractive benefit packages, on-the-job training, and opportunity for advancement.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is an essential enterprise of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. For more information, call toll free (760) 342-5000 or visit www.

FantasySpringsResort.com. Follow Fantasy Springs on Facebook and on Twitter @ fantasysprings.

CONSIDER THIS

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n the tradition of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Derek & The Dominoes and the Traveling Wilburys, the band Beau Bow de Lune was forged through friendship and mutual admiration. Singer-songwriter (and guitarist extraordinaire) Val McCallum is the lynchpin of this trio, having cultivated friendships and working relationships with both Vermont-based singer-songwriter Bow Thayer and producer/multiinstrumentalist and fellow L.A. denizen Greg Wells.

Val is probably the best known of the trio. He grew up part of Hollywood royalty.

His British parents were well-respected actress Jill Ireland and David McCallum, the latter was part of the iconic ‘60s TV series “The Man From U.N.C.L.E,” these days he’s best known as “Ducky” from the long-running “NCIS” series. His stepdad was Action superstar Charles Bronson. It was Charles who gave young Valentine his first guitar.

Home was Los Angeles, but he, along with his older brothers also split their time at a second home in Vermont and myriad film sets. Although he had formal lessons, Val’s real musical tutelage came via classic AM radio and his record player. Almost immediately he was parsing favorite licks and riffs from guitar heroes like Chuck Berry, Keith Richards and Jimi Hendrix, as he moved the stylus back and forth across vinyl.

By age 18, he got his start playing guitar on a Harry Nilsson album. From then on, he earned his keep as an in-demand session musician, playing on records by everyone from Randy Newman, Sheryl Crow, Shelby Lynne, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams and the Wallflowers.

Concurrently, he spent decades out on the road as lead guitarist in Jackson Browne’s touring band. As a lark he formed Jackshit, a three-piece band that includes bassist Davy Faragher and drummer Pete Thomas (best known as the rhythm section of Elvis Costello’s longtime backing band, The Imposters). Like a Bakersfield version of the Wilburys, they adopted brotherly alias.’

Val became Beau Shit, Davy is Shorty Shit and Pete is, well, he’s Pete Shit. Legendary gigs around L.A. followed, along with three albums.

Val has had endured his share of tragedy. In 1989, his revered older brother Jason died from a drug overdose, and a year later his mom lost her lengthy battle with cancer and passed away. Some of that life experience has worked its way into his stellar solo albums, 2012’s End Of The Day and 2019’s Chateauguay. The latter is named for the woodland behind his Vermont home.

Bow, (ne’ William Bowman Thayer) has been making music for more than 30 years. The Massachusetts native and Vermont resident made a name for himself

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BEAU BOW DE LUNE

playing in bands like Seven League Boots, Elbow And Jethro, The Benders and Bow Thayer And The Perfect Trainwreck. He’s also recorded with Levon Helm, Marco Benevento and Tracy Bonham. He plays a customized resonator/banjo/guitar dubbed the Bojotar and he has released myriad solo efforts. He and Val connected in Vermont, and he ended up co-writing a couple songs on Chateauguay.

Greg Wells isn’t just a Grammy winning producer, the Ontario, Canada native is also a multi-instrumentalist who taught himself to play drums at the tender age of three. Not long after his grandmother’s piano lessons took hold, he was toggling between Bach, Beethoven and BoogieWoogie. A fixture on the Los Angeles music scene since 1990, he has worked a laundry list of superstars including Adele, John Legend, Pink and Taylor Swift. He and Val first connected when their kids attended the same school. Just as the pandemic was heading into lockdown last Spring, Val was getting ready to make a third solo album.

Since Bow had contributed to the last one, it seemed only natural that they continue to collaborate. Being nearly a continent apart, technology played its part. Val would figure out melodies and guitar parts, sending them through the interwebs, and Bow would provide the lyrics. It began to feel less and less like a solo endeavor so Val roped in Greg, who added drums and keys.

The pair co-produced the album together from the confines of their separate home studios. Somewhere along the line they arrived at the moniker Beau Bow de Lune.

As Val tells it, “my alter-ego is Beau Shit, so we have Beau and Bow Thayer… and Greg just got stuck with ‘de Lune’.”

Their self-titled debut opens with the one-two punch of “Reverence-Al Green Dream” and “Simple Isn’t Easy, Easy Isn’t Simple.” The opening cut is an irresistible slice of AM ‘70s sunshine. Shang-a-lang electric guitars connect with prowling bass lines and a walloping backbeat. Val stacks his harmonies Beach Boy-style as lyrics offer a sharp encomium to sanctified Soul giant, the Reverend Al Green; “Flash me back to the record shack, where the curve of the earth ain’t got nuthin’ on that hot wax…it’s all in the lesson, you taught me Mr. Reverend, I must confess my soul’s been blessed and it’s true, cause of you.”

Val unspools a stinging solo on the break, cresting over slinky a Hi Records/South Memphis groove.

On “Simple..” ringing acoustic arpeggios flutter atop flickering electric riffs, bookended by twinkly keys, nimble bass and a propulsive rhythm. The soaring melody and willowy arrangement are equal parts angelic and anthemic. The lyrics attempt to unpack life’s vagaries; “It should be a breeze, but simple isn’t easy, it simply isn’t easy to heal and ease the aching bones it simply ain’t that easy to

March 11 to March 17, 2021

(DEAR STELLA RECORDINGS)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

atone.” As the song winds down, beatific Beau vocals partner with growly guitars, executing a wily pas de deux.

A common thread that weaves through all of Val’s albums is the melodies feel fresh and familiar at the same time. That tradition continues with Beau Bow de Lune.

Take “How Does This Thing End,” a heady concoction that blends braided acoustic chords and searing electric riffs with boomeranging bass and a chunky, tribal backbeat. The urgent arrangement matches ambitious and enigmatic lyrics that seem to address our collective lockdown ennui; “Stuck in a vicious square, the corners are overbearing, Daddy’s got the bends, how does this end?” Guitars squawk and notes bend and twist, mirroring the lyrics’ pretzel logic, supplanted on the outro with some glassy acoustic licks.

“Brush Strokes” finds the boys easing into their impending AARP twilight by displaying a sense of humor and humility.

Jangly acoustic riff-age is paired with keening electric runs and a chugging beat.

Admitting “I might be beat up and haggard as hell, but I guess it’s my look, so I’ll wear it well/And I’m getting really good at growing old, got the everlasting passion down in my soul,” crankily and comically comes to terms with the inevitability of the aging process. Deft guitar notes signal the shift from physical agility to mental acuity. As the expansive arrangement kicks into overdrive, guitars wax and wane as Val impishly quotes the distinguished Mr. Bronson’s thoughts on aging gracefully; “It’s like my Dad used to say, ‘it ain’t for pussies.’”

Meanwhile, “No Trouble In The Bubble” is an oblique plea for understanding. The melody shares some musical DNA with Bob Welch’s ‘70s classic, “Sentimental Lady,” and the vocal mix is a Beau Y Bow extravaganza. The pair trade verses over Bluesy, bottleneck guitar, angular bass lines, gentle keys and a sly, shuffle rhythm.

Contemplative lyrics like “If you listen to the wind, you’ll hear a voice from deep within/ It’s talking ‘bout that humankind/When all is one and one will shine and I believe there ain’t no trouble in the bubble, I believe it, I believe it’s time,” speak to the country’s

divisive climate. Incendiary guitars flicker on the edge of burnished harmonies as the song quietly powers down.

The mood lightens on both “Funky New Thing” and “Escape Back To Babe’s Bar.” The former is a rambunctious shit-kicker that turns the 12-Bar Blues on its head.

Slash and burn guitars collide with lithe bass lines and crackling backbeat. Although the lyrics disdain new-fangled technology; “I can’t find the timeless sense of design, just plastic pieces punched out on production lines,” internal engines rally and rev for something new and exotic; “Call it what you want, it’s just what I needed, she’s cut me and I’m bleeding and I’m feeling that sting, it’s a funky new thing.” Val unleashes a volley of acrobatic riffs on the break that squall, sting and duck-walk, the action accelerates wilder and faster until the fade.

The latter is a riotous barn-burner, anchored by a scrappy, stompy kick-drum beat, crunchy carnival keys, loose-limbed bass and sprawling, spiraling guitar. The lyrics yearn to return to a dive-bar that has become a refuge from the world at large; “Take me back to the place where we can be whoever we choose to be, we can be safe and free, come on take me, really take me/Ahh, back to Babe’s Bar, all’s welcome no questions, a shelter, a haven, an arcade of salvation.” Prickly guitars on the bridge give way to a whizbang solo on the break.

The song echoes the freewheeling flair of the late, great one-man band, Harry Nilsson.

Other interesting tracks include the peaceful, easy benediction of “Open And Endless,” as well as the pensive “Seeing Trails.” The album closes on an ambitious note with “Are You Aware.” The instrumentation remains lean, essentially Val armed with an arsenal of acoustic guitars. But he manages to coax a series of complex chord changes that shapeshift throughout the knotty melody. This lyrical tone-poem searches for solutions; “I won’t pretend to know the answers, or sound the bell for a long celebration/And wander through this simulation of thoughts untrue to a new situation/What sparks the dreams of this collective, who train for love and rise above limitations to be aware.” Wordless harmonies and sparkly electric guitars flutter briefly before fading into the ether.

Unlike the laissez faire music created under the Jackshit moniker, Val has indicated Beau, Bow de Lune hews closer to a Steely Dan paradigm. Meaning it’s more of a studio-type situation, less readily replicated in a live setting. Hopefully, we haven’t heard the last of BBdL. Their debut comes across as sleek and polished as haute couture, but it fits as comfortably as a well-worn jean jacket.

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

ARTSCENE

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t’s been two years since the last Desert X art exhibition came to the Coachella Valley, and it goes without saying how much has happened within that window of time. For the 2021 installment, Desert X features 12 different works from artists around the world to bring issues like social activism, racial borders, and the pandemic to the forefront through an artistic lens.

The first Desert X took place in 2017 and included 16 artists who created works for locations from Whitewater Preserve to Coachella. The second exhibition in 2019 featured 18 artists that spanned all the way to the Salton Sea. In 2020, the organization engaged in its first exhibition outside the United States and helped realize a project in the AlUla desert of Saudi Arabia, bringing together artists from across that region as well as those from Europe and the U.S. “For Desert X 2021, we took our cues from the way deserts are formed, from the natural processes that weather their surfaces and expand their geographies. Acting upon this place, the projects seek to identify and uplift lesser known and complex stories of immeasurable impact through conversations between the lived experience of people here with those who came before them and the realities that we live in now. We refute the dichotomy of local versus global, and instead champion the nuances that connect both,”

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DESERT X RETURNS WITH ART THAT REFLECTS PANDEMIC AND CULTURAL UNREST

LT said co-curator César García-Alvarez.

What Lies Behind the Walls, by artist Zahrah Alghamdi from Saudi Arabia, creates a monumental sculptural wall that connects the desert landscape of the Coachella Valley to the transformations of other deserts across the globe in a unified front. Her creative process involves assembling particles of earth, clay, rocks, leather, and water to craft themes of cultural identity and loss.

Ghada Amer continues her Women’s Qualities series, spurred by asking men and women in the Coachella Valley to share words that describe the qualities with which they identify and have been described as being. Women’s Qualities is presented as a

grouping of words arranged on the circular Great Lawn at Sunnylands to create a tranquil space of contemplation and community.

Felipe Baeza’s Finding Home in My Own Flesh acknowledges the Coachella Valley as both a border region and a queered space, and honors immigrants and queer people of color who have been an integral part of the region’s story. The Mexican artist’s piece depicts two hands enveloping a cloud of vines and flowers, representing the erasing of marginalized people from official narratives and collective consciousness.

The Wishing Well is a sculptural installation of large-scale cubes draped with sheets of woven pieces of yellow plastic Kufuor gallons used to transport water in Ghana. This installation by artist Serge Attukwei Clottey refers to the wells to which many people around the world must trek daily to access water, emphasizing themes of colonial pillaging and its effects on trade and migration.

Alaskan artist Nicholas Galanin’s Never Forget is among the most popular additions to this year’s Desert X. The 45-foot letters depicting “Indianland” reference the Hollywood sign, and represent the cultural intersection of Indigenous communities and

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PHOTOS BY LAURA HUNT LITTLE (LHL) & LYNNE TUCKER (LT)

the American mythology of “land of the free”.

Alicja Kwade’s ParaPivot (sempiternal clouds) consists of interlocking frames supporting large blocks of white marble that appear as ice calved from a distant glacier. The array of steel and stone draws viewers into the frame of the massive, yet fragile, universe where simple forms yield meanings of wobbling perception of size and relationship. There is a steep 15 minute walk up to this art installation in Sky Valley, as well as a timed ticket requirement to visit the installation from Thursday to Sunday.

Free tickets can be reserved on the Desert X website.

Colombian artist Oscar Murillo’s Frequencies is a long-term collaborative project with students and schools from around the world. Desks in participating classrooms are covered with a blank canvas that students are encouraged to design in whatever way they wish. The canvases are meant to become an index of a period in a student’s life over time. Hundreds of students

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BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

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LT from Coachella Valley schools received a canvas and art supplies to participate.

Argentinian artist Vivian Suter’s Tamanrasset is an installation of largescale abstract paintings and light inspired by the Coachella Valley landscape in Palm Springs. Due to travel restrictions, Suter was unable to conduct a site visit to the desert and instead explored the ways the region existed in pictures. The end result reflects the colorful, emotional dimensions of the desert landscape.

New York artist Christopher Myers’ installation, The Art Of Taming Horses, will be on view after April 9 in Palm Springs. The sculptures with draping banners will tell the story of two ranchers—one Mexican and one African-American—whose personal adversities and love for raising horses led them to create a welcoming community in the place that eventually would become Palm Springs.

California artist Eduardo Sarabia’s The Passenger is an arrow tip-shaped maze inspired by the stories of journeys through the desert that has permeated throughout generations. The Passenger acknowledges the many people who have passed through the Coachella Valley while offering visitors time to contemplate their own journey as they navigate the maze. To ensure social distancing, timed tickets are required to visit this installation. Only 15 guests are permitted per half hour to visit.

New York artist Xaviera Simmons’ Because You Know Ultimately We Will Band A Militia stretches across a series of billboards on Gene Autry Trail in Palm

LT Springs, and its cornerstone themes are reverence, resistance, and the redistribution of tangible material resources. Simmons’ art spans from photography to performance, as well as installation, video, and sound works.

California artist Kim Stringfellow’s Jackrabbit Homestead is found adjacent to the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce. The 122-square-foot cabin she created plays an audioscape collaboration between herself, Georgia-based musician/artist/author Jim White, and fellow Georgian singer/ songwriter Claire Campbell. Catherine Venn Peterson can be heard chronicling her 1950 homesteading experience while replica home furnishings can be seen through the windows.

A special Desert X printed program is available at the Desert X Hub at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, containing up-to-date information on how to experience the

exhibitions and its public and education programs safely in compliance with CDC, State, and County regulations. The map of the 2021 installations can also be found online at desertx.org and via the Desert X 2021 app.

“More so than ever, Desert X 2021 is an exhibition for our times. The curators have brought together an extraordinary group of international artists who have made compelling works that celebrate the Coachella Valley and its histories while provoking us to explore our commonalities and celebrate our differences,” stated Desert

March 11 to March 17, 2021

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LT X Founder and President Susan Davis.

Desert X encourages visitors to follow official Leave No Trace guidelines: Plan ahead and prepare, walk on designated paths, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, respect wildlife, don’t smoke, and be considerate of other visitors.

For guided tours and accommodations throughout the duration of the exhibition, please contact info@desertx.org . Docents are available to provide information at most sites every Saturday between March 12 and May 16 from 10 a.m. to noon.

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

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EVENTS MAMA’S HOUSE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR EIGHTH ANNUAL LARRY ELDER AND HERSCHEL WALKER TO BE FEATURED SPEAKERS HEARTBEAT OF LOVE LUNCHEON AT MAMA’S HOUSE MAJOR FUNDRAISER SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021

was selected as the greatest player in college football in the last half-century! He has had a long history and commitment to exercise and fitness, and currently serves as Co-chair of President Donald J. Trump’s counsel on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

Herschel Walker is President and Chief Executive Officer of H. Walker Enterprises, LLC and Renaissance Man Food Services, LLC, a certified minority business enterprise established in 2002, providing poultry, pork, and bakery products to the food service and retail marketplace. Throughout his career, he has established a reputation for honesty and diligence, a sincere commitment to the community, and an unsurpassed passion for excellence. Walker has applied these same successful principles to his food service business today. Through his leadership and personal commitment, his brands have become some of the most popular food service lines supplied to major hotel chains, to the United States military, to numerous schools, and to retail chains and concession organizations. The company has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors since its inception.

On Friday evening, April 16, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at a private location within the Coachella Valley, Mama’s House will host an exclusive VIP Reception and Dinner for major donors with these two speakers in attendance.

Sponsorships are available, and include some admission to the VIP Reception on Friday, April 16, 2021, with a limited number including the VIP Dinner with the speakers.

Sponsorships range from $750 all the way up to $60,000 for a Premier Sponsorship.

Individual Luncheon tickets are priced at $125 and are on sale now. For Sponsorship information, please contact Jan Lupia directly at 760-406-3413 or 844-232-8622 ext. 1, or email her at janlupia@themamashouse.org.

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baby’s fathers, and often their families, while also providing many of these same services to the community-at-large. These services include, but are not limited to parenting, job and life skills, domestic violence and anger management classes, support groups for those wounded by abuse, addiction, abortion, and more. Hope Center has partnered with the Coachella Valley Adult School to offer High School Diploma and GED programs. We have a second property, and plans to expand our services are well underway.

Mama’s House is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Tax ID# 45-4384613.

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WORLD CHAMPION DRIVER ALLEN GRANT DONATES 2017 SHELBY MUSTANG GT350R FOR DESERT CANCER FOUNDATION

amed Shelby racecar driver Allen Grant has put up his Shelby GT350R as the grand prize for a sweepstakes fundraiser the Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association (PSCA) is holding to raise money for the Desert Cancer Foundation. The PSCA is an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote camaraderie among car enthusiasts and to stage and promote charitable car events. The Desert Cancer Foundation was founded more than two decades ago to pay for treatment of cancer patients who lack health insurance or sufficient funds to pay for their medical care.

The Desert Cancer Foundation has paid for cancer related screening, diagnosis, and treatment for more than 8,000 local residents valued at more than 82.4 million dollars, at a cost of only 9.4 million dollars. The PSCA also sponsors the Dr. George Charity Car show at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, which is named after the Desert Cancer Foundation’s co-founder Dr. Sebastian George, the late oncologist who treated many of the car club members.

“I decided to contribute my Shelby GT350R Mustang because I wanted to help the PSCA raise money for the Desert Cancer Foundation. I learned about the Foundation when I moved to the desert a few years ago and got involved with PSCA and the Dr. George Car Show. Upon learning that the

Desert Cancer Foundation gave money to cancer patients who lack health insurance or money for treatment, what amazed me was that every dollar raised provides 10 dollars in cancer care to the patient,” said Grant.

Grant began racing an AC-Bristol in Northern California. The AC was later the basis for the AC Cobra after Carroll Shelby began manufacturing the cars with Ford V-8s rather than the two-liter Bristol engine.

Shelby recognized his talent and drive and he was soon working in the office.

There, he had dealer contact and convinced Coventry Motors in the San Francisco Bay Area to sponsor him in a Cobra.

Grant’s thought was that if he could do well,

he could convince Shelby to add him to the works team. His first race for Coventry was Santa Barbara in September 1963 and he won both the preliminary and the main. After more wins in the Cobra, Grant ended up in a Cheetah-Chevrolet for the 1964 season.

Finally, in 1965, Grant’s original plan came to fruition and he joined the Cobra team, which was now armed with the Peter Brock—designed Cobra Daytona Coupe.

Allen’s placings added to the Cobra’s points total which won the team the Sports Car Manufacturers World Championship, which is the only time an American car manufacturer has won this elusive title.

He kept the 1963 Lola GT he bought while racing in Europe. Ford had used it for a testbed for their GT-40’s. It is now restored and is a much sought after example of 60s racing technology.

Following his racing career, Allen went on to become a very successful real estate developer building commercial properties, hotels, and thousands of homes. Grant now owns and operates Grant Development Company in Thousand Palms. He is currently developing a 36-unit toy garage condominium project in Palm Desert which he hopes to start construction on in the near future.

Those interested can donate to the Desert Cancer Foundation for a chance to learn to drive the high performance GT350R during a track day with Shelby American World Manufacturers Championship team driver, Allen Grant. The winner will also win rare original Shelby American memorabilia from Allen Grant’s personal collection.

March 11 to March 17, 2021

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL “The Shelby GT 350R is an amazing car! It is an awesome street car and a race car all in one. It is as happy on the race track as it is on the street. I ordered the car in bright yellow and added the two black strips to replicate the livery of the Cobra that I raced early in my career. The paint scheme of the Cobra was designed by my crew chief George Lucas before he went to USC film school and started making movies,” revealed Grant.

Performance features of the car include a 5.2L Ti-VCT V8 with 526 hp and 429 lb.-ft of torque, advanced suspension including the MagneRide™ damping system, Brembo™ brakes which are the most powerful brakes in a production Mustang, 19” Carbon Fiber Wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, an R-Electronics Package, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System, Painted Black Roof, and an extra set of aluminum racing wheels.

To donate and enter the sweepstakes, visit palmspringscruisinassociation.com. The sweepstakes ends on May 22 at 3 p.m. The drawing will take place on the same day at 4 p.m.

Use promo code PSCA1 for 20% bonus tickets.

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

SCREENERS

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No. 465

DIVINE BILL OF RIGHTS IN 4K

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Just in time for Easter/Passover, director Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 epic THE TEN COMMANDMENTS arrives in a spectacular 4K Ultra HD edition on its 65th anniversary.

DeMille directed the 1923 silent version that takes place in ancient Egypt as well as a contemporary moralistic plot set in the 20th century.

DeMille’s 1956 reboot brings to life the tale of Moses in all its mythic glory. This beloved film has withstood the test of time.

Beautifully restored in 2010, the film was scanned in 6K and those files were the basis for this brand-new Dolby Vision version, which shows off the full dazzling beauty of the original VistaVision negative.

This format used special cameras that fed

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35mm film into the camera horizontally in order to capture a wider image spread over two 35mm film frames, giving VistaVision twice the resolution of regular 35mm film.

In addition, many (150 plus) hours were spent doing new color work and cleanups on the scan. The move to Dolby Vision insured further improvements on the look of the film: blacks have been enhanced and improvements were made to smooth out the noticeable special effects mattes to create the most vibrant and pristine image possible.

The 4K film presentation contains an introduction by DeMille, an intermission, an overture/exit music card, and an entr’acte card, along with a DTS-HD 5.1 lossless soundtrack.

The 3-disc set includes a 4K Ultra HD disc, two Blu-ray discs, and access to a Digital

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

copy of the film.

There’s a fascinating commentary by Katherine Orrison, author of “Written in Stone: Making Cecil B. DeMille’s Epic The Ten Commandments” Limited bonus material also includes Newsreel footage of the film’s New York premiere and theatrical trailers, including at 10-minute “making of” trailer.

For sheer pageantry and spectacle, few motion pictures can claim to equal the splendor of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. DeMille’s last motion picture made Charlton Heston a superstar and remains an unprecedented achievement and perennial fan favorite. Filmed in Egypt and the Sinai with one of the biggest sets ever constructed for a motion picture, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS tells the story of the life of Moses (Heston). Once favored in the

Pharaoh's (Yul Brynner) household, Moses turned his back on a privileged life to lead his people to freedom.

A biblical scholar and theologian told me that even with the historical flaws and theological inaccuracies in the film, the movie is a timely reminder of the essential nature of one of the founding documents of the western world and is not so much a list of ‘thou shalt nots’ as it is a list of fundamental human rights (as in the right to not be lied to and to take one day a week off etc.). And thus, the 10 commandments are rightly portrayed in the movie as a divine bill of rights and a catalyst for freedom movements and human liberation.

This sparkling edition is one for the digital home library. Paramount.

Questions or comments? robin@ coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 11 to March 17, 2021

THE VINO VOICE YES! WE’D LOVE SOME MORE AMOR

BY RICK RIOZZA

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ach year now, wine lovers are coming to realize the benefits of organic wine.

Organic wine accounts for 3.6 % of global wine consumption. (In England, it’s even higher at over 5% and by 2022 the Brits estimate that number to increase to 9% of total wine consumption—why are they on board so quick?). Anyway—it’s clear that oenophiles out there are buying into the organic mindset.

Generally speaking, organic wine grapes are much healthier and therefore produce heartier skins and higher concentrations of all of which is good for you: anthocyanins and antioxidants, including polyphenols and cardio-friendly resveratrol. Organic grapes are not sprayed with harmful chemical pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides. As a result, organic wine is a more natural and cleaner product to consume.

Organic wine has fewer sulfites: sulfur dioxide is a preservative that’s widely used in winemaking owing to its antibacterial properties. It’s generally harmless to consume sulfites unless you have severe asthma or lack the particular enzymes needed to break down sulphites in your body.

Not a whole bunch, but some wine drinkers experience allergic reactions to sulfites in their wine such as rash, hives, cramps and blotchy skin. In the wine aisle, I hear from folks all the time that they get headaches from the sulfites; that could be true, but from what I hear from health professionals, quite often it’s the pesticides, herbicides, and harmful fertilizers that can get in your head—so to speak.

The amount of sulphites in wine is highly regulated around the world. Any bottle of wine having more than ten parts per million (ppm) must include on the label “contains sulphites.”

European wine may contain up to 210 ppm sulphites, while the American wines have an upper limit of 350 ppm.

Also, organic wine has less added sugar— and that’s a good thing any which way you look.

Indeed, organic wines are free of additives such as refined sugar, and fining and clarification agents.

And, organic winemaking practices avoid using chemicals and promote biodiversity in our environment. The use of chemicals can spoil the PH balance of the soil, kill environmentally beneficial insects and weeds, and pollute groundwater and local waterways.

So the bottom line for a responsible world is: Organic wine is natural, sustainable and much more eco-friendly compared to conventional wine.

Enter now Brian Cuddy, owner of The Organic Cellar, whose offices and warehouse are close by in Laguna Hills. He is a favorite of this column because he goes out and discovers wonderful biodynamic wines from all over the world and brings them home for us to consider while keeping the costs as low as possible.

The Organic Cellar was founded in 2009 and Brian immediately began curating a portfolio of the best organic, vegan, and biodynamic wines he could find, beginning with the network of farmers, growers, and winemakers he had befriended throughout Italy. He was able to combine his love for wine, passion for sustainable and organic farming, and the amazing opportunity to educate wine drinkers on the benefits of choosing to drink organic.

The Organic Cellar now proudly imports and distributes quality, highly-scored organic,

natural, vegan, and biodynamic wines to many popular restaurants and wine retailers in Southern California and beyond.

“The Wine from La Mancha”: Playing off the musical “Man from La Mancha”, that line was almost the title of this piece; but you know how I like quippy column titles so I went with the one you read at the top.

But situated in the town of Las Pedroñeras and at the north end of La Mancha, the main Spanish wine region, Dominio de Punctum distinguishes itself by its exclusive Estate and Winery production and the singularity of its organic and biodynamic wines.

And of course St. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have a monopoly on the idea of love. Dominio de Punctum’s recent release of the Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon, naming the wine, Amor Amor, ($26) is a wonderfully lovely wine through and through.

The Spanish Cab is a very impressive quaff.

All you die-hard Cal Cab fans, who still have the wherewithal to try new stuff, this lighterbodied version of your favorite grape should impress. It’s robed with beautiful colors of deep red violet, and delivers aromas of cherry, red berries, blueberry and cassis, coffee & spice.

On the palate, you’ve got classic Cabernet flavors with hints of chocolate & cherries. It’s well balanced with nice easy tannins leading to a long, rich finish. At an alcohol level of 13.5%, it’s a perfect match for all kinds of meats and roasted vegetables, and, capable to pour alongside appetizers.

As you would expect, this wine is made with estate-grown grapes from organic farming, free of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, using biodynamic practices to in order to improve the soil structure and enhance the natural cycle of the vines achieving the highest quality grapes.

The Amor Amor Cab was a hit accompanying my porterhouse steak, which was topped with crimini mushrooms along with a wedge salad and blue cheese crumbles. The food and wine combo was so pleasant that it gave us pause to reflect on the joys and blessings we continually receive from the love of God. Cheers!

If you are looking to buy some organic wine with ease online, check out the Organic Cellars’ portfolio and go to TheOrganicCellar.com.

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

KEG WHISPERER

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’m of the belief that every beer weaves a tale totally unique to both the consumer and the brewer alike.

The alcoholic nature of our craft assists beer in forming a deeper bond with the purchaser, while the wide-open nature of brewing ingredients assures brewers that, like snowflakes, no two beers are exactly alike. In reality, handing two brewers from different breweries the exact same recipe and the exact same ingredients will do little to assure that the resulting brews will taste exactly the same.

Like music, beer makes a strong personal and intimate connection with folks of all walks of life. It has the innate ability to transport us to a different time and/or a different place instantaneously while flooding the user with vivid memories.

Many people experience Kona Brewing products while in Hawai’i and continue to purchase large quantities of Longboard Lager long after returning home because the flavor reminds them of the island aura they experienced.

Think back to days gone by; in elementary school, we first learned how to write a story. We were taught that every good story included a beginning which included introductions to the characters and the plot. During the middle, or body of the story, the plot continues to develop and the tale becomes more interesting to

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EVERY BEER TELLS A STORY

BY BREWMASTER ED HEETHUIS

the reader. The finale of the story could take one of several turns. It could be a total surprise, the narrator could wake up from a dream, or, best case scenario…result in a happy ending.

Much to the surprise of many, beer tells its story much the same way. Beer separates its story into three very distinct segments as well. The beginning is referred

to as the entry, the body is referred to as midtaste and the ending is termed the finish. Every taste of beer tells this story, although the tale may change as the temperature of the brew rises. This is true of all beers, but easiest to identify in darker, malt-forward beers such as Porter and Stout. Let us take these three distinct subdivisions separately.

Entry is as straightforward as it sounds. As beer hits our mouth, we begin subconsciously become as judgmental as Lindsey Lohan in Mean Girls. Every characteristic of entry is subject to a quick evaluation. Is it cold enough? Too Cold?

Too warm? How does the tip of the tongue react to the carbonation? Is it really zippy?

Moderately bubbly? Simply flat? The closer you get to the tip of tongue, the better job it does of detecting sweetness. How sweet is it? Cotton candy? Bubble gum? Fresh apple? Lettuce? Black coffee? As you can see, we have many reference points for sweetness as the above list doesn’t even begin to describe the tip of the iceberg.

Immediately after entry, liquid quickly passes to the middle of the tongue and

into the heart of the palate. We appraise the beer at this stage as well. Does it dance lightly across the tongue, simply lay there lifelessly, or something in between? Does the carbonation light up the insides of the cheeks? Bigger tastes and combinations of flavors become more prominent during this period. Whoa, both banana and cloves are prominent in this hefeweizen? Your Budweiser reminds you of little green apples? That British ESB seems to evoke the taste of butterscotch?

As we quickly approach the finish, the beer does its best to leave a lasting impression. Unlike wine, to be properly tasted and not wasted, the beer must be swallowed. Our tongue extends a good couple of inches down our esophagus, and that is where the most sensitive of our bitter receptors reside. This part of the palate gives us our final, lasting impression of the beer and wraps up the story. Here we receive clues as to the absolute bitterness of the brew, how full or thin the body is and the swallow should set us up nicely for the next taste.

So…that’s the story every beer tells.

Next time you pop a cap or open a can, think about the story that your beer is telling you. Take a moment to look for the entry, midtaste, and the finish. Every great brewer takes all of this (and more) into account when writing a recipe as they are literally painting an illustration to their story on your palate. The good news is that you get to form your own opinion of that picture and their story, and you can’t be wrong.

When Ed Heethuis isn’t brewing at Spotlight 29 Casino for 29 Brews, you will find the Certified Cicerone / Brewmaster out on his road bike, practicing as a Smokejumper, or talking beer with the patrons at Taproom 29. He may be reached at: heethuis.ed@gmail.com or wherever beer may be found in the wild.

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

BREWTALITY

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LOCAL BREWERIES REFLECT AFTER A YEAR OF LOCKDOWNS

BY AARON RAMSON and came up with inventive can designs to get on the shelves in the grocery, liquor, corner stores and bottle shops.” No longer able to rely on keg sales of their product, the Coachella Valley Brewing Company refocused their attention on smaller packaging, and the companies can designs have come to reflect the artistic and creative nature of the brewery. Featuring a wide palate of flavors from oatmeal mocha stouts to coconut, guanabana, guava and passionfruit double IPAs, CVBs cans are as visually appealing as they are boldly flavored.

With the community behind them and innovation on their side, both Devon and Wes are optimistic for the future of their respective breweries. Wes projects, “We anticipate an initial influx once things get back to normal, then a balancing. People are hankering to get out and try new things, hell, to try anything.”

Devon agrees, saying “I remain hopeful that we can return to normalcy this year. I want to bring more business in with music venues and food options, but making sure not to overburden capacities during this sensitive health recovery.” While the valley slowly recovers from the effects of the past year, there is hope that people can once again gather and revel without fear of sickness and transmission. It will take time and patience, but confidence is growing that the worst is behind us. “We hope that the craft beer scene can thrive as a communal experience again,” says Wes, “because truthfully, the best beer is one that is shared with a friend.”

past year was staffing, and local breweries were no exception. “Running a skeleton crew with minimal hours for the taproom and the brewery spread us really thin,” says Wes Gainey. Devon Sanchez faced the same problems at his brewery, admitting, “I had to take on a bigger role in the brewing department while balancing taproom duties, as well as management/ownership responsibilities.” Reduced revenue forced many small businesses to furlough part of their staff, leaving fewer individuals to do the work once shared by many. Wes credits Coachella Valley Brewing Company’s survival to Head Brewer Eric Beaton, who often singlehandedly had to produce all of the beer that the company is so lauded for. Over at Desert Beer, Devon Sanchez relied on family and close friends to help him complete all of the daily tasks needed to stay afloat.

While the past 12 months have been grim reminders of how fragile society can

CASA LUNA

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ow that restaurant restrictions are being slowly lifted, dining patrons seem ready to enjoy their favorite meals in person. No more Styrofoam containers of delivered tepid food. A few brave entrepreneurs are opening new restaurants as scores of others are closing permanently.

Casa Luna is one of them. Opening in early February of 2021, two couples are risking it all to introduce the public to the cuisine of Guadalajara in the Mexican state of Jalisco, home of tequila, Mariachi music, and the sombrero.

One of the owners, Jose “Pepe” De la Torre, explained with great pride how Guadalajaran

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BY DAN PARIS

cuisine is a more thoughtful refined version of Mexican cuisine available in the Coachella Valley. The focus is on obtaining premium seafood, meats, vegetables, and fruits and preparing them to take advantage of their unique flavors and textures. Casa Luna

makes several sauces in-house to accompany entrees. A pasilla pepper and roasted cream corn sauce, a pistachio and cheese cream sauce, and a spicy chili arbol are just a few.

The red sauce on my cheese enchilada had a deep-layered smoky chili flavor instead of the typical bitter flavor of most red enchilada sauces I have experienced.

I ordered the A la Tampiqueña house specialty that featured tender, marinated sliced sirloin cap with a red sauce cheese enchilada, creamy, flavorful chunky refried beans with sautéed onions and green chili strips accompanied by the Gratinado (pistachio cheese) cream sauce. The

GOOD GRUB

presentation and flavors provided me with an elegant meal.

The atmosphere and modern décor accentuated with tasteful artwork from Jalisco enhanced my dining experience. I am eager to return to try their many seafood entrees. This is not a typical gringo-ized rice and pasty refried beans Mexican restaurant.

Entrees are less than $20.00. Outdoor seating is plentiful and the friendly owners and employees will assure an excellent dining experience. A full bar is available.

Casa Luna Restaurant - 72355 Hwy 111 Suite C, Palm Desert, CA 92260. 760-3403468. Mon - Sunday 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

HEALTH

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BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

ver wonder why carbs are so addictive?

It has to do with chemicals that travel from the stomach to the part of the brain where you produce dopamine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that affects the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. Once these areas of the brain are stimulated, you’ll keep wanting more of the addictive substance, whether it’s alcohol, drugs or carbs.

Too many refined carbs are simply toxic for your body. They’re often responsible for visceral fat, the dangerous fat you can carry around your middle that actually inhibits your body’s ability to make insulin, which makes you more prone to diabetes. Carbs also increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and even cancer. ​Hello…My Name Is __________ and I Am Addicted to Pizza.

The idea of being addicted to pizza may seem far fetched. Yet, the building blocks of everything that is good in this world. Muffins, almond croissants, cake, cookies, pies, tortilla chips, pizza, the warm bread they bring out at restaurants… all carbs. All amazing! It’s easy to be addicted.

So we know most of this right. It’s becoming common knowledge that too many carbs does not really work for optimal health. So why is it so hard to lay off the carbs? Why aren’t more people cutting back on carbs? Well quite frankly it’s because carbohydrates are so addictive and the cravings are real.

So if we are carb addicted is the decision to swap out the daily breakfast bagel with some eggs and avocado easier said than done, due to the incredibly potent addictive cravings similar to those of an alcoholic or a drug addict? The answer is yes!

So here’s a new perspective. We often associate overeating with a simple lack of discipline. Why can’t someone just eat less carbs—as if it were that simple? Would you put an alcoholic in a room full of booze and then judge them harshly for opening a bottle? There is an understanding that some addictions are difficult to break and require more than just willpower alone. Are carb cravings any different?

It’s complicated. Overeating carbs is much less dangerous in the short term ( but definitely not long term) than some other addictive vices.

We’ve all had major carb benders and survived.

The problem with refined sugars and carbs is that every single eatery or supermarket is basically the Vegas of sugar. How do you realistically avoid a temptation that is seemingly everywhere? You can’t avoid it. We live in a carb-laden world.

So do we throw our hands in the air and give in to carb cravings? I wouldn’t recommend it.

There are Solutions… Start Paying Attention to Carbs.

Start taking a realistic look at your carb consumption so you have an idea how many carbs a day you are eating. Track your carbs there are many great apps for this. Then step it down until you reach about 75 carbs a day with

a final goal to 50. (The average American has between 200-300 carbs per day or more). The scale will start going in the right direction and that puffy feeling will go away just by cutting carbs. It’s that simple.

You also want to keep in mind that all carbs are not the same. You may not want to avoid carbs altogether but at least avoid anything that is heavily processed. Refined carbs will be far more addictive, as they cause higher spikes and corresponding steeper drops in blood sugar, and are less nutrient dense—two key factors that make food more addictive. Get your carbs from veggies and nutrient dense foods.

For those of you reading this… it can stop NOW. We all have a limit where we know we are done!

Remove artificial sweeteners and sugar: Remove aspartame, maltodextrin, dextrose or sucralose. These are common in low-carb or diet foods. They react in our body the same as sugar and contribute to our weight gain. Start using sweeteners that don’t raise your glycemic index such as monk fruit, stevia and erythritol.

Read Labels: Start reading all your labels to look for hidden sugars and carb count.

Stop the mindless eating: I challenge you to identify your mindless and stress eating that is contributing to your weight gain and adding in too many carbs. .

Have patience with yourself. We didn’t get where we are overnight, and it takes time to make changes. Enjoy the process (both the setbacks and the successes) and celebrate every step in the direction of your commitment to cutting carbs.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep.

Studies show that increased sleep helps decrease the levels of ghrelin in your body, which is the hormone responsible for making you feel hungry and crave those yummy carbs for increased energy.

You may also want to give Keto a try. While there isn’t a dietary approach that works for everyone, adopting a low carb/high fat, or Ketogenic, diet can help regulate hunger hormones (you won’t be hungry), you’ll have more energy, lose weight and the foods are delicious. If I can help you with Keto or a lowcarb lifestyle and you’d like a free consult please book it on my web at ketoiseasycoach.com We’ll talk about all things carbs, keto and I can help you make an action plan to start cutting carbs.

About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto customization expert and lifestyle coach. Keto weight loss results can be greatly improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability, and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, goal setting, ongoing support and more. Follow Keto is Easy coach on Facebook & Instagram or go to Ketoiseasycoach.com.

CANNABIS CORNER

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his weekend join the Portal to Ascension Group for the Cannabis Conference 2021. This two day on Line summit will happen on March 20th and March 21st and can be accessed by going to thecannabisonlineconference. com. Speakers across the cannabis industry will join together in order to share about how cannabis has created an unstoppable industry due to its impact on humanity. Speakers include Stephen Gray, Anya Cravitz, Swami Chaitanya, Ruth Hill, Leonard Leinow, Michelle Rizzio, Kristin Heidelbach, Jennifer Montgomery, Robin Goins, and Barbie Sommers. The conference will have two emcees, 18 presenters, and will take place over the course of two days with topics such as cooking with cannabis, cannabis activism, cannabis and psychedelics, the etiquette of cannabis, universal legislation of cannabis, and self care with terpenes amidst many other topics. The event is free and there will be nine hour of content available attendees will receive hundreds of hours of free presentations in the archives unlimited replay access to watch back.

With the stay at home orders of the pandemic during the last year there has

March 11 to March 17, 2021

BY MICHELLE ANN RIZZIO

been little to no gatherings regarding cannabis in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Nationally, the Cannabis Conference 2021 opportunity allows for cannabis activists and cannabis community members to come together to share information with the greater public about cannabis.The ability to share from their specific fields within cannabis gives this conference spiritual and exciting content.

The internet creates a very exciting opportunity for people to be able to learn more from the comfort of their home.

Admission is free, or donation based.

The intention of this event is to bring conscious business practices and consciousness to this global industry; as well as inform the masses about the indigenous and sacred use of the plant.

To join and attend either this weekend on either Saturday or Sunday please visit the zoom link below: us02web.zoom.us/j/84630987269 Visit thecannabisonlineconference. com for more details, including the schedule.

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

PET PLACE

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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 usually fosters 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.”

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FOSTER HOMES NEEDED FOR BIG DOGS

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. 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 our often crowded public shelters. Most large breed dogs do not do well in a kennel for very long. They become stressed, and develop behavior issues they never had in their previous homes. Sadly, this can result in their being euthanized.

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 www. lovingallanimals.org for more information about fostering. Palm Springs residents can contact the Palm Springs Animal Shelter at (760) 416-5718 www.psanimalshelter.org.

Wherever you live, there are shelters and

MEET CLYDE

SPECIAL COCO LINO

This happy 2-yr-old boy will greet you with a wagging tail when you come to meet him! Clyde loves all humans and all dogs. This great hiking buddy is a blend of Lab/Husky/Staffordshire/ Shepherd. He waits for a home at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley in N. Palm Springs. Call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet him and complete application at www.orphanpet.org.

Special Kitty Co Co Lino seeks someone with a big heart! He is a 9-yrold special needs boy with diabetes.

He adores all humans, and takes his daily insulin like a champ! This guy is 18 lbs of kitty love. Co Co Lino waits at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, go online at www.psanimalshelter.org to complete an adoption application and their staff will call you.

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BY JANET McAFEE private rescue groups that would love to have you join their life saving foster team.

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a cat or dog. Please check their websites in advance for updates on adoption procedures during the quarantine.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt.

Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833.

(Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs in

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addition to small dogs and cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com.

Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700.

(Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 3356767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51,

March 11 to March 17, 2021

Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, view animals at www.living-free. org, (951) 659-4687 (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue. com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

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HADDON LIBBY

RECORD PERFORMANCES

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ith the Indian Wells Tennis tournament postponed indefinitely and missing from the desert landscape for the second March in a row, we will not be getting a chance to see the world’s best in the men’s game. One of the more remarkable feats in tennis history is Novak Djokovic’s streak as the #1 player in the world. Since this date in 2015, Djokovic has been atop the rankings as he passed Federer two weeks ago. With three more Grand Slam wins, Federer (age 33) will pass Federer’s mark of 20 Grand Slam wins.

Djokovic is not the only one to have set an impressive record in the last few weeks.

At the Grammy’s, Beyonce won her 28th award which establishes her as the most awarded woman in music ever. During these awards, Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy won her first award at the age of 9. Beyonce is now only three awards behind George Solti, the long-time conductor of the Chicago Symphony. Solti won 31 awards from 1969 and 1996. The only other performer with as many victories as Beyonce is Quincy Jones.

Ever hear of Beeple or NFTs? Last week, a 31-year-old South Carolinian who goes by the name Beeple (aka Mike Winkleman) sold a digital piece of art for $69.3 million at Christie’s auction house. Amongst living artists, only Jeff Koons and David Hockney sold artworks for a higher price. The artwork in question is a digital file of the first 5,000 days or 13 ½ years of Beeple’s digital artwork.

The purchase was made by someone going by the name MetaKovan using cryptocurrency.

NFT is an acronym for non-fungible token.

This NFT is the ownership of the digital file

BY HADDON LIBBY

and crypto asset. While there are many copies of this digital file floating around the internet, the certified original is verified using a non-fungible token. This ownership does not grant the owner any unique royalties or income producing options. Like a painting, copies remain in the ownership of the artist or whoever may have purchased those rights. The buyer can resell this digital asset just as they might a physical painting.

Netflix in Korea just released the smallest ad ever to appear in a magazine at 1.7 centimeters by 2.4 centimeters for the finale of Busted. The ad was published in Variety.

One-inch equals 2.5 centimeters.

Last week, Saudi Arabia set a Guinness World Record by reducing the energy cost associated with a mobile desalinization plant to 2.27 kilowatts per cubic meter of desalinated water. At a cost of a bit

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

ARE ST. PATRICKS DAY DUI CHECKPOINTS LEGAL?

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ith some California Counties changing Tier colors this week, we can expect more St Patrick’s Day partying and alcohol consumption. As covid restrictions ease a tad, DUI arrests will rise. In other words they are inversely proportional, as one goes down the other goes up.

DUI sobriety checkpoints are legal and not a 4th Amendment illegal search and seizure violation… if they comply with all the regulatory rules. Turning onto a side street or turning around before passing through a checkpoint is generally not against the law.

Turning around should not, in and of itself, give the police a reasonable suspicion to make a DUI stop. However, the officer may be able to stop you if he observes any driving that would be sufficient for reasonable suspicion.

Thus, slow or erratic driving, straddling the line or making an illegal turn could attract the officer’s attention, and he then could stop your car.

Did you encounter a St Patrick’s Day DUI Checkpoint? To address all holiday drinking, Checkpoints are implemented to meet the increased number of people who will be drinking and driving…..A word of advice, Use a Taxi, Uber or Lyft. They are a lot cheaper

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over 13 cents per kilowatt hour, a cubic meter of water costs less than 30 cents. As one meter of water equals 227 gallons, a mobile desalinization water plant can now be produced at a cost of only 1 cent per 10 gallons.

One person who might need some of that water is Mike Jack of Ontario Canada. Jack recently set the world record for eating three Carolina Reaper chili peppers in 9.7 seconds.

To understand just how hot these peppers are, jalapeno peppers have a heat level of up to 8,000 SHUs or Scoville Heat Units.

The Carolina Reaper is 1.5 million SHUs or nearly 200x hotter than the typical jalapeno.

Law enforcement uses pepper spray of this strength to subdue suspects. Wilbur Scoville created the SHU in 1912.

Lastly, 62-year-old George Hood of Naperville, Illinois plans on setting a world

record in fitness on March 27th. Hood, a former Marine, will be in Boca Raton that day attempting to do the most pushups in one hour by passing the current record is 2,919 pushups in sixty minutes. For Hood to set the record, he must average a pushup every 1.23 seconds. Last month, Hood held the plank position for 8 hours and 15 minutes to set a world record. All totaled, Hood holds 12 world records in fitness. Hood is raising money for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund with his push-up challenge.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

than having to call me the next morning.

Checkpoints: What You Need To Know!

1. Sobriety checkpoints are a technique by which law enforcement officials evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment at specific points on the roadway.

2. Vehicles are stopped in a specific sequence. The average stop time is about the length of a cycle at a stoplight.

3. Checkpoints are typically publicized in advance…SO LOOK BEFORE EVERY HOLIDAY! 4. The primary goal of a sobriety checkpoint is not to arrest people, but rather to deter people from committing a DUI. The publicity from checkpoints reminds people who drink that drinking and driving don’t mix.

5. Sobriety checkpoints help stop drunk drivers who would likely remain under the radar.

6. Checkpoints reduce drunk driving crashes and fatalities by 20% on average.

7. Research shows that for every dollar invested in checkpoints, communities save between $6 and $23 in costs from alcoholrelated crashes.

8. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes to society is over $100 billion.

9. Research shows that checkpoints, if done correctly, can be effective with as few as

three to five officers.

In the Coachella Valley, few realize we have more DUI FATALITIES…per capita, than anywhere else in California. That makes DUI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols essential to save lives……the drivers and ours. A saturation patrol is a large number of law enforcement officers making their presence known by conducting stops, targeting inebriated, distracted, aggressive and speeding drivers, as well as those with seatbelt or cell phone violations….the whole nine yards of traffic violations.

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

Remember the preliminary breath test at the scene is optional as is the Field Sobriety Tests (FST). At the station you must take a blood of breath test and I would recommend Blood.

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

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

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

REMEMBER: DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE DUI INDUCED ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. BEING INTOXICATED, IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS BEING INTEXTICATED. A DRIVER MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS “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” SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com DALE GRIBOW - REPRESENTING THE INJURED AND CRIMINALLY ACCUSED “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-21 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

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H S A R T Y A W A L AU H WE 24

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SPORTSSCENE

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arch Madness is here! Well, sort of. The 2021 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament will be played entirely in a “bubble” format in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Much like the college football season, college basketball has been riddled with COVID-19 issues since the 2020-21 season began. Games have been canceled or postponed on a near-daily basis as teams struggle to field full lineups because of positive tests or close contacts. However, “In Bubble We Trust’’, and Bracketology is here.

Before you fill out that golden bracket, keep in mind the best advice I ever received as you vacillate the four 5 vs 12 seed upsets (I love Winthrop).

Do Not Pick A Team Because Of Past Tournament Performance Here’s how the last 10 national title winners did in the previous year’s NCAA tournament: — Two didn’t even make the tournament.

— Four failed to reach the Sweet 16 as top seeds.

— Another lost in the Sweet 16 as one of the tournament favorites.

— Only three made deep runs.

Don’t let the ghosts of past tournaments

NCAA AND MLB PERSEVERE AROUND THE ‘VID

cloud your judgment, ignore seed-based pick advice and spend more time thinking about the overall level of pick risk appropriate for your pool than agonizing over which first-round upsets to pick. My final is chalky, I like Gonzago playing Baylor with the Bears winning it all.

Some Good News for MLB Fans California has lifted some coronavirus restrictions on outdoor sports and entertainment venues, clearing the way for fans to attend games on Major League Baseball’s Opening Day and for theme parks like Disneyland to reopen for the first time in more than a year.

The rules, announced by bourgeoisie Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, take effect April 1, but they apply only to us proletariat living in California. Baseball teams are not allowed to sell tickets to anyone living out of state as public health officials try to limit mixing while continuing to roll out coronavirus vaccinations.

Padres, Angels and A’s will have fans in the stands for Opening Day. The Dodgers and Giants both start their seasons on the road and have a wait and see approach until they return home.

There are a bunch of restrictions on teams

TRAVEL TIPS4U

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

CAROLS RESTAURANT

AT BAILY VINEYARD & WINERY, TEMECULA, CA

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alking into Carol’s is somewhat like walking into a medieval or European castle.

A huge floor to ceiling fireplace dominates the dining room, also known as Bacchus Hall. Patio seating is also available next to the Cabernet vines. Live music fills the air during Saturday and Sunday lunches.

The menu features a variety of beautiful entrée salads, appetizers, sandwiches, fresh fish, steak, and pasta dishes. If you enjoy a good Reuben sandwich, this is the place for you. Baily wines are available by the glass and bottle, as well as other wines. A wide selection of micro brewed beers and a local microbrew on tap are offered for the beer aficionado.

Carol’s also has a Private Dining Room available for parties where a buffet lunch or dinner is served for groups of 24 to 48.

See the private party menus for details.

OPEN FOR LUNCH Sat and Sun 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Make sure to visit on Sundays with your dog for Dog Day Sundays and ask for the Doggie Menu.

Contact them today at (951) 676-9243.

Think Lunch at a Winery and Enjoy Carols!

whom and where they can actually sell tickets to so be sure to check the MLB or respective team website for the latest.

The goal posts are moving and teams are trying to accommodate. Try wrapping your head around this little nugget I found on CBSSports.

Com, “The Oakland A’s announced fans will be seated in pods of two or four seats, and tickets will only be available on the MLB Ballpark app”. Pods? Ever imagine what catching an A’s v Angels’ game would look like on the moon? I can’t wait to see this.

Thirsty? Fans can order concessions on their phones from their pods and have them delivered to their seats by drones. Kidding of course - but sadly, only about the drones. No tailgating is allowed, and teams will not accept cash inside the stadium. People who don’t have debit cards can purchase one with cash at a limited number of locations inside the venue.

Having fun yet?

Before you fill out your 4th March Madness Bracket, take a look at this season’s MLB futures.

A season long ticket over/under bet gives a fun reason to watch you team throughout the dog days of summer. As sports betting grows and legalizes across our great country, you can bet there’s some opportunity in the early opening line chaos. Look at our Dodgers for example, I think Vegas has their season win total to low.

Suggestion, take Dodgers Over 102.5 Wins Breaking news ... The Dodgers are a good baseball team. Oftentimes, the simple answer is the correct answer. Let’s just agree they are the best team in baseball and will have the best record in the league. The last time no

SAFETY TIPS

March 11 to March 17, 2021

BY FLINT WHEELER team had more than 103 wins was 2015. The Dodgers won 106 games in 2019, and they went an eye-popping 43-17 in 2020, a pace that would have put them around 112 wins. Oh, yes, they added NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer and will get back former Cy Young winner David Price, who opted out last year. This team is simply stacked. Dustin May and Julio Urias might not crack the rotation but would be near the top of many other teams’ rotations.

Some may worry about complacency off a championship, but I think the Dodgers will hear just enough chirping about winning a title in a shortened season that they will be focused and motivated. Also, having fans in the stands after a year of playing in empty ballparks should quell concerns about indifference from the defending champs. Adding Bauer reminds me of the Yankees, who traded for Roger Clemens in 1999 off a championship. They went on to repeat as champs and ultimately won three in a row. The Padres added Yu Darvish and Blake Snell to a team that was already ascending toward elite status, perhaps creating enough of a threat to keep the Dodgers hungry and engaged all summer. The rest of the NL West is incredibly soft, and Los Angeles should pile up plenty of comfortable wins. The Dodgers might have the depth and firepower to win 110 games, a feat very few teams have accomplished. Take the Over. G’Luck.

FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

WEATHER OR NOT?

where you live, we can have severe winds, flashfloods, drought, heat waves, snow, rip currents and high waves, lightning, poor air quality from wildfires just to name a few.

It is our responsibility to educate the communities we serve not only fire and life safety information, but the hazards associated with the various types of weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) provided this “all hazards weather guide weather.gov/safety for you to use as a PSA with your local news, cable TV, newspaper, social media and other sites you use to disseminate information to your communities.

Depending on the type and severity, weather patterns can easily strain and stretch our resources. Keeping your community educated and prepared, can help mitigate death, damage and injuries.

So what is your choice today - Umbrella or Sunscreen? Only in California!

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March 11 to March 17, 2021

SWAG FOR THESOUL

“Science has confirmed we are empathic by nature. Even if you do not identify this quality in yourself, it is present to a degree, which means you feel some part of what others around you feel.” Daily Agreements, Guidelines & Intentions, by Aimee Mosco and Donald L. Ferguson, page 83. ost can’t see energy, but everyone can feel it when they are paying attention. It’s easy to dismiss what we feel when we process the energy circulating around us because we can’t support those feelings with measurements or data that validate them.

So, many of us are inclined to either not trust what we are feeling or ignore what we are sensing until evidence to support the feeling is presented.

The feelings themselves are actually the evidence. They are communications coming from a higher part of self. These transmissions let you know that something subtle and invisible to the naked eye is affecting you. It’s not always bad either. You can be just as affected in favorable ways as unfavorable ways. It is only the latter that is a problem.

Your energy field is highly sensitive. It’s a finely calibrated machine that responds to even the most subtle changes in the environment around you without fail. If you are not taking charge of the energy that circulates in the space that surrounds you – your personal space – then you are potentially taking on energy that does not serve you.

There is an easy fix for this though. Even a modicum of conscious effort on your part produces results.

Your consciousness is as powerful as your energy field is sensitive, and energy is malleable. It changes form or moves based

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BY AIMEE MOSCO

on the programming it receives. When you direct energy in your personal space that is impacting your energy field with your consciousness, you take command of that energy. You can move that energy if the impact it is having on you does not honor you.

The following is a basic program for clearing the energy in the space surrounding you: • Using your inner vision, draw a perimeter around yourself.

• State your intent to take command of the energy in this space.

• Command energy that is currently not serving your highest good to leave the space.

• Invite the energy of light to fully illuminate your personal space.

• Visualize your space filling with light and pushing out any darkness that is present.

Make this exercise, or something similar, part of your daily ritual. And then trust your feelings. When something feels off, take command of your personal space and repeat your energy clearing exercise.

In my pursuit to help human beings stay clear and focused on love, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella and me. Go to facebook.com/groups/evolvethroughlove and share with us your joy.

Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Spiritual Teacher and Co-Founder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s desire to help others inspired her book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. Aimee is a founding member of World Game Changers and she serves as Vice Chair to the Board of Directors of this charitable CIC based in the UK. Find Aimee at www.ihsunity.com.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF MARCH 18

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Poet Ocean Vuong speaks of the Hawaiian word kipuka. It refers to a patch of earth that doesn’t get covered with lava when an active volcano exudes its molten material.

“Before the lava descended,” Vuong writes, “that piece of land was insignificant, just another scrap in an endless mass of green.” But now that piece of land is special, having endured. I encourage you to identify your metaphorical equivalent of kipuka, Aries. It’s an excellent time to celebrate the power and luck and resilience that have enabled you to persevere.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look,” writes Taurus author Jodi Picoult.

Luckily for you, Taurus, in the near future you’ll be prone to look in exactly those places—where no one else has thought to look. That means you’ll be extra likely to find useful, interesting, even extraordinary things that have mostly been hidden and unused.

You may also discover some boring and worthless things, but the trade-off will be worth your effort.

Congratulations in advance on summoning such brave curiosity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice,” said Gemini author Saul Bellow. So if you have come here today to read my horoscopes, it’s possible that you’re seeking an accomplice to approve of you making a decision or a move that you have already decided to do. OK. I’ll be your accomplice.

But as your accomplice, the first thing I’ll do is try to influence you to make sure your upcoming actions serve not only your own selfish interests (although there’s nothing wrong with that), but also serve the interests of people you care for. The weeks ahead will be a favorable time to blend self-interest and noble idealism.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A character in Barbara Kingsolver’s novel The Lacuna is told to “go rub his soul against life.” Now I’ll advise you to do the same.

Why? While it’s true that you have a beautiful soul, you sometimes get in the habit of hiding it away or keeping it secret. You feed it a wealth of dreams and emotions and longings, but may not go far enough in providing it with raw experience out in the messy, chaotic world. In my judgment, now is one of those times when you would benefit from rubbing your soul against life. Please note: I DON’T mean you should go in search of rough, tough downers. Not at all. In fact, there are plenty of pleasurable, safe, educational ways to rub your soul against life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you love the work of self-help author Paulo Coelho, you might be inclined to adopt his motto as your own: “Being vulnerable is the best way to allow my heart to feel true pleasure.”

But maybe you wouldn’t want to adopt his motto.

After all, what he’s suggesting requires a great deal of courage and daring. Who among us finds it easy and natural to be soft and receptive and inviting?

And yet according to my analysis of the astrological omens, this is exactly what your assignment should be for the next two weeks. To help motivate yourself, remember the payoff described by Coelho: the possibility that your heart will feel true pleasure.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author Michael Ondaatje celebrates “the hidden presence of others in us—even those we have known briefly. We contain them for the rest of our lives, at every border we cross.” As you approach your own upcoming border-crossing, dear Virgo, I encourage you to tune into memories about seven specific people who over the course of your life have provided you with the most joy and the most interesting lessons.

Close your eyes for 20 minutes and imagine they are all gathered together with you in your favorite sanctuary. Remember in detail the blessings they bestowed on you. Give thanks for their influences, for the gifts they gave that have helped you become your beautiful self.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “A balance that does not tremble cannot weigh. A person who does not oscillate cannot live.” So wrote biochemist

© Copyright 2021 Rob Brezsny

Erwin Chargaff, who did crucial research leading to the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure.

Since you’re the zodiac’s expert on balance and oscillation, and because these themes will be especially meaningful for you in the coming days, I’ll ask you to meditate on them with extra focus.

Here’s my advice: To be healthy and resilient, you need to be aware of other possibilities besides those that seem obvious and simple and absolutely true.

You need to consider the likelihood that the most correct answers are almost certainly those that are paradoxical and complicated and full of nuance.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In her poem “Sandra,” Scorpio poet Ariana Reines testifies that she has too many feelings—and that’s not a problem. On the contrary. They are her wealth, she says, her “invisible splendor.” I invite you to regard your own “too many feelings” in the same way, especially in the coming weeks. You will have opportunities to harness your flood of feelings in behalf of transformative insights and holistic decision-making. Your motto: Feelings are healing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Historian and author Thomas Berry described “wildness” as the source of our “authentic spontaneities.” He said it’s “the wellspring of creativity” at the root of our lust for life. That’s a different definition from the idea that wildness is about being unruly, rough, and primitive. And Berry’s definition happens to be the one that should be central to your work and play in the coming weeks. Your assignment is to be wild: that is, to cultivate your authentic spontaneities; to home in on and nourish the creative wellspring of your lust for life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Some of the great discoveries in the history of physics have been made while the trailblazing physicists are lolling in bed or in the bathtub. They have done the research and carried out the rigorous thinking, and are rewarded with breakthroughs while relaxing. I think that will be your best formula for success in the coming weeks. Important discoveries are looming.

Interesting innovations are about to hatch. You’re most likely to gather them in if you work intensely on preparing the way for them, then go off and do something fun and rejuvenating.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): My typical horoscope is an average of 108 words long. In that limited space, I can’t possibly tell you all the themes and threads that will be active for you during the upcoming phase of your cycle. I have to make choices about what to include and what not to include. This time I’ll focus on the fact that you now have an opportunity to deepen your relationship with your sense of smell—and to purposefully nourish your sense of smell. Your homework: Decide on at least five scents with which you will cultivate an intimate, playful, delightful connection in the coming days.

(PS: You may be surprised at how this practice will deepen your emotional connection with the world.)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): No one had ever proven that there was such a thing as electromagnetic waves until Piscean physicist Heinrich Hertz (1857–1894) did so in 1886. He was the innovator who first transmitted and received controlled radio waves. Alas, he didn’t think his breakthrough was useful. In 1890, he confessed, “I do not think that the wireless waves I have discovered will have any practical application.” But other scientists were soon capitalizing on his work to communicate long distances. Radio broadcasts were born. I will encourage you not to make a Hertzian-type mistake in the coming months. Always follow through on your initial labors. Have faith that the novelties you dream up will eventually have practical value.

Homework. If you believed everything you see in the “news,” you’d be so full of despair you couldn’t move. Describe how you protect yourself.

Truthrooster@gmail.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 11 to March 17, 2021

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