Coachella Valley Weekly - April 6 to April 12, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 3

coachellavalleyweekly.com • April 6 to April 12, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 3

Inna Vision

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Gunnar&The Grizzly Boys 2017 CVMA Nominees Tachevah 533 Viet-Fusion pg5

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

2 ANNUAL CV MUSIC SHOWCASE FINALS ND

Coachella Valley Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Morgan James Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Judith Salkin, Avery Wood Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Janet McAfee, Rachel Montoya, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Lola Rossi, Laura Hunt Little, Flint Wheeler, Dee Jae Cox, Janet Newcomb, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Esther Sanchez, Angela Romeo, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

CV Music Showcase Finals................... 3 Inna Vision............................................ 5 Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys.................. 5 2017 CV Music Awards Nominees...... 6

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From the Publisher Tracy Dietlin: his Saturday night at The Hood Bar & Pizza, 6 bands will take the stage to compete in a Battle of the Bands Showcase finals.

Four preliminary competitions took place at The Hood over the last four months with the preliminary winners being: Drop Mob, Sunday Funeral, The Bermuda, and 5th Town, with the Wildcard picks being Instigator and Black Water.

“I certainly wouldn’t want to personally have to judge this competition; this year there’s no clear winner or top 3. It’s anyone’s win! Good luck to everyone!”

The Final Winner will receive $1500.00 cash provided by The Hood ($1000.00) and CV Weekly (500.00) with a $500.00 merch package also provided by CV Weekly and “A Day in the Recording Studio” with multiPlatinum, Diamond Certified Oscar and Grammy Nominated producer and musician who has collaborated with multimillion-dollar selling artists such as Mariah Carey, Tyrese, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, The Offspring and Rancid, Producer Ronnie King.

The show starts at 8:00pm sharp with each band getting a 20 minute set. There is a $5.00 door charge.

Last year’s CV Music Showcase winnersBridger, will be performing in front of industry and record label executives including Nuclear Blast, on Wednesday, April 5 in Hollywood at the Viper Room and preliminary finalist from last year, Murkocet, will be headlining that Showcase.

All of the preliminary judges have been industry people, movers and shakers in the music business, interested in all of the bands and their development.

With multi-genres represented… this show is not to be missed.

Art Scene - Three Sisters...................... 7 Tachevah Finalists............................... 8 Grooves At the Westin......................... 8 CV Open Mic Competition .................. 9 Backstage Jazz - PS Orchestra .............9 Consider This - Derrick Anderson..... 10 Art Scene - This.Is.Now ..................... 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14

Drop Mob

Pampered Palate- 533 Viet-Fusion... 16 Screeners............................................ 18 Book Review....................................... 19 Safety Tips.......................................... 19 Real Estate.......................................... 20 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene...................................... 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Art Walk at the Art Place................... 23 Ask Jenny........................................... 24 Life & Career Coach ........................... 24

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EVENTS

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INNA VISION – THE HIGHEST GRADE

orn “Michael Kamakoakeauoliokekai Lopes” Polynesian/ Reggae/ Dancehall artist Inna Vision grew up on the Hawaiian island of Maui and at age 12 started his first band.

Currently supporting his latest release, a five song EP called Highest Grade, the project is considered a cross over release with a fusion of Reggae, Dancehall and Hip-Hop. Inna Vision has performed in more than 100 cities across America with reggae royalty such as Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth, Damian Marley, SOJA, Rebelution, Collie Buddz, UB40 and J Boog.

Coachella Valley Weekly communicated with Inna Vision in preparation for his show supporting Katchafire at the Date Shed on Saturday, April 8, 2017. Also on the bill are desert reggae favorites Mozaiq. The show starts at 9 with doors opening at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at dateshedmusic.com for $25 or you can purchase them the day of the show for $35.

CVW: You just released your 5-song EP Highest Grade on March 3, 2017. How do you feel about the EP & what has been the fan response?

Inna Vision: “Highest Grade is the best work to date. From production to writing it’s a milestone and it’s a nice intro to what direction I plan taking the music. It has more of a dancehall/hip-hop feel added and the fans have responded positively.

We’re very interested in the works to come.”

CVW: Please tell us a bit about each song on Highest Grade: IV: MAADNESS - “Maadness was written as a prayer asking for forgiveness of everyday sins.

We’re all not perfect people but every day is a new day and chance to grow.”

BACK TRAX - “The song “Back Trax” talks about our struggles as a national touring band and still turning the performance up no matter if five people are watching or a thousand. We represent that we’re we from Hawaii and no matter what city we’re in we bring it. We gave it the title “Back Trax” due to us using tracks in our early career just to get

by. Some critics were skeptical about it, but we proudly present our sound and turn it up anywhere and anyhow.”

HIGHEST GRADE - “We got pulled over in Idaho last year for some ganja and they took some of us to jail. Lots of the charges were bogus and they ended up dropping them all. Once again, we’re fighting for herbal rights but yet it’s ok to purchase alcohol, cigarettes and prescription drugs easily. They’re always trying to lock off the ‘Highest Grade.’”

REAL TYPE OF COP - “These past few years have been incredibly sad with law enforcement taking the lives of innocent people. Every time I’d turn on the TV or my phone it was another heart aching news flash. The song doesn’t single out bad cops; it simply states the real cops don’t do this kind of shit.”

HIGHEST GRADE DUB - “I wanted to show case the production skills of Rick Haze on this track. He killed the album and is a great producer and artist.

Check him out for sure.”

CVW: What has it been like performing with Katchafire?

IV: “It’s been surreal playing with them every night. I’ve been a huge fan of them since 2004. To be on this journey is a blessing. They’re very down to earth, knowledgeable and have been sharing their experiences with us after every show. It’s very humbling.”

CVW: Tell us about ‘Maui Mocha Madness’.

IV: “I’ve recently collaborated with ‘Stache Coffee Company’ on this project. Me being a huge coffee drinker it was only natural ha ha. Herbs and coffee are an everyday lifestyle for me so I might as well drink my own brew! We’re selling them at all shows and soon it’ll be available online and in select locations. (www.StacheCoffeeCo.com)” CVW: Your lyrics are uplifting and positive. In your song “Prosper and Earn,” you sing, “YOU GOT TO KEEP MOVING NO MATTER HOW MUCH TIMES LIFE TRIES TO BRING YOU DOWN

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roots, GGB are bold, brass and unapologetic, but they are all heart and soul. There is no mistaking where they are from or what they’re about; they represent the part of the road that isn’t paved or easily traveled. They are the kind of rough around the edges that makes their party songs contagious and hilarious, and makes their ballads sucker punch your core.

Their release of what has become their most popular anthem, “Standard American,” on Average Joes Mud Digger 5, brought national awareness for the band, which had opened shows for the label’s Colt Ford, as well as Florida Georgia Line, Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert and many others. SiriusXM’s The Highway started playing “Standard American” in June of 2014, along with some local radio

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

path, help them with decision making and keep them motivated. Even if we slip up sometimes, we should forgive ourselves and wake up every day with a new goal in mind.” www.innavisionmusic.com www.katchafire.co.nz MOZAIQ Mozaiq is Marc Diaz on vocals, Daniel Torres on lead/rhythm guitar, Noel Morin, Jr. on drums/ vocals, Ryan Kerr on keys/vocals and the newly recruited Dub Wallace on bass and background vocals. The band is fired up to perform in front of their home crowd and to open for the legendary New Zealanders, Katchafire.

Band Update: “The Mozaiq excitement level is at an all-time high right now. We just completed the recording of two original songs with the incredibly talented E.N Young of Roots Musician Records. The experience was unparalleled as far as what we learned from E.N and the friendship we formed that day. We’re beyond excited to get back in the studio with him later this year and complete our debut album.”

On opening for Katchafire: “Katchafire is easily one of our favorite bands. We have been prepping for the show and are definitely going to be bringing our ‘A’ game and giving the CV crowd at The Date Shed an amazing show that they can be proud of. It is a top motivation for us to represent the Coachella Valley in everything that we do, to the best of our abilities.”

“We are so extremely grateful for every opportunity that we’ve received to play for our local family here as well as outside of the valley.

Saturday night, we intend to show our people that gratitude with our performance.”

YOU GOT TO KEEP LIVING TAKE A DEEP BREATH JUST SMILE AND LOOK AROUND NO PROBLEMS SHOULD TAKE US, OUT OF OUR ELEMENT AND BREAK US WE NEED TO STAND FIRM, LOVE IT AND LEARN, PROSPER AND EARN… …NEVER TAKE A DAY FOR GRANTED, WORK HARD IF YOU WANT IT THAT BADLY THE FUTURE’S THE PLAN, TODAY MAKE A STAND, TOMORROW’S IN YOUR HAND” Aside for the positivity found in reggae music in general, how much of your music & lyrics comes from your own life experiences?

IV: “All of the songs I write are from first-hand experiences. The songs signify a point in my life I can trace back to while on stage. At the end of it I’ll have a timeline of experiences left for my story.”

CVW: Tell us about roots reggae and the legacy you would like to leave.

IV: “When I started Inna Vision my goal was to bring the world a version of ‘Maui-Roots-Reggae’ music to put us on the map. I want listeners to feel inspired when they hear my story, struggles and success. I’d like to guide the kids on the right

GUNNAR AND THE GRIZZLYTHURSDAY, BOYS KICKAPRIL OFF FESTIVAL SEASON AT BIG ROCK PUB FREE SHOW AT 7PM6,

ide your mamas and your girlfriends – Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys (GGB) are coming to town. The new Big Rock Pub is kicking off the month of music festivals (and testing the limits of their new house sound system), with a pop-up concert, giving GGB a place to play while in route to Country Thunder (Florence, Arizona’s version of Stagecoach). The ruckus five man troupe of young country rock song slingers will be lighting up the Big Rock Pub stage with a free show, first come first serve, starting at 7 pm.

These boys, all hailing from Michigan, are as much brothers as they are bandmates. Lead singer/songwriter, Gunnar Nybland, first introduced his childhood friend and bass player, Rob Mason, to his Michigan State University buddies, lead guitarist Shane Grehan; guitarist/ keyboardist Chris Newberg; and drummer Joe Connolly (Rochester Hills, MI), while working on his agricultural degree. Gunnar and Rob had been in bands together since they were 12 years old. The five troubadours were destined for bromance.

GGB debuted in 2009, opening for Justin Moore to a sold out crowd at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. They’ve been playing hard ever since. Flaunting everything from Johnny Cash influences to their childhood punk rock

April 6 to April 12, 2017

BY LISA MORGAN

stations. It proved to be a hit, selling over 35,000 downloads in the US and Canada. Both the lyric and official video were incredibly well received on YouTube.

On April Fool Day, 2013, GGB put out a video that appeared as if they had performed “Could Be Me” in three trucks that travelled in front of the Google video street car. The uproarious performance topped 500,000 views almost immediately as it was covered in Reddit.com and the Huffington Post. In 2015, the band also released high-quality videos for a new song, “Pedal To The Floor”, and a remake of their own “Country Boy Tan Lines.”

Over the course of their career, GGB has sold over 20,000 CDs. My favorite thing about these guys, apart from their good looks, charm and wit, is that they had the good taste to cover Ray Willie

Hubbard’s classic, “Snake Farm” on their latest album, Good Rhythm. But as you look deeper and follow their blogs and video posts closer, you see a softer almost grounded side. Having lost their friend, mentor and attorney recently, they honor him beautifully in both song and word. In other instances, you’ll see an impromptu recording of a song freshly written for a mom who complained about her son not calling her enough. There’s an edge to these guys that sets them apart in my observation.

After eight years on the road and a whole lot of cleverly crafted relatable music to show for it, this may be one of the last times to hold your beer up and sing along in the close intimate atmosphere of a local stage here in California.

Opening the show Thursday night will be local favorites, The Brosquitos, another band I hope to see move on to bigger and brighter stages. Few deserve it more.

Big Rock Pub is located on Jefferson at Westward Ho in Indio. For more information, call (760)200-9844 or visit their website at www.thebigrockpub.com Check out GGB at www.gunnartunes.com The Brosquitos at www.facebook.com/ TheBrosquitos

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CVMAs

THE 2017 CV MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES

Below you will find the Nominees in 37 categories for the 2017 CV Music Awards to be held Sunday, June 4 at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs. Keep in mind that you can only vote one time from each device. We have several NEW categories this year: Best R&B, Best Individual Instrumental Performance, Best Instrumental Band, Best Youth Band and Best Local Music Event. We have also expanded the number of nominees in several categories that warranted such due to many ties that I did not want to have to personally break. I will leave that up to all of you voting. The music scene has expanded drastically in the valley over the last couple years and this ballot and these categories reflect just that. Deadline to cast your vote at www.coachellavalleyweekly.com is Thursday, May 4 by midnight. GOOD LUCK!

Best Band The Flusters Hive Minds Caxton Hellions brightener Gene Evaro Jr. & The Family Bridger 5th Town You Know Who Black Water Gospel Best Rock Band Blasting Echo Mighty Jack CMF’s Slipping Into Darkness Hollace Sunday Funeral Best Metal Band Murkocet Perishment In the Name of the Dead HOBP Drop Mob Kill the Radio

Best Rap/Hip-Hop Band/Performer Thr3 Strykes Lootenant J Patron Desert Pirates The Bermuda Tip Toe Stallone Million & Albertini Stevieraps 2 Toxic Carlos Cruz Marco Thoma Best Reggae Band/ Artist Desert Rhythm Project Irie Junctions Mozaiq Higher Heights Sunbaked Cakes & Brains Best Jazz Vocals Rose Mallet Slim Man Trish Hatley Keisha D John Stanley King Frank DeSalvo

Best Punk Band Bridger Throw the Goat Sweat Act You Know Who Upper Class Poverty Whiskey & Knives

Best Jazz Instrumental Will Donato Chase Huna Alex Santana Brian Nova Mikole Karr Pat Rizzo

Best Alternative Rock Band Caxton Yip Yops brightener Venus & The Traps The Hive Minds The Flusters Sun Drug Brosquitos Kayves The Kathys

Best Blues Band/Artist Kal David John Carey Black Water Gospel Basson Deanna Bogart Barry Baughn

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Best Country Band/ Artist Lisa & The Gents Rick Shelley Kelley Derrickson

R Buckle Road Jann Browne Brian Scott Best Adult Contemporary Band/ Artist Gina Carey Jimi Fitz Mark Gregg John Stanley King Michael Keeth Barry Minniefield Best R&B Artist *New Category Eevaan Tre Porsia Camille Cakes (Monica Morones) Gina Carey Smooth Brothers Will Kelly Best Duo Mikey Reyes & Bryanna Evaro Josh Hall & Josh Fimbres David Macias & Giselle Woo Giselle Woo & Symara Stone Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss Best New Band Black Water Gospel Sun Drug Drop Mob Kayves The After Lashes Death in Pretty Wrapping Best Live Performance Band Eevaan Tre & The Show Bridger

The Flusters Drum Hall Yip Yops HOBP You Know Who 5th Town Throw the Goat Right On Right On Best Cover Band Long Duk Dong Blackwater Aphrodisiac Jacket Avenida The Refills Dude Jones Wild Sons 212 Band Best Youth Band (Members under 20 years old) *New Category Instigator Brosquitos Yip Yops CMF’s Minor Emergency D Tension Best Female Vocalist Christina Reyes Hannah Mills Courtney Chambers Lisa Lynn Morgan Giselle Woo Symara Stone Chelsea Sugarbritches Porsia Camille Best Male Vocalist Michael Keeth Josh Heinz Eevaan Tre Rick Shelley Lance Reibsomer Will Sturgeon Dougie Van Sant Derek Jordan Gregg Best Frontman Josh Heinz Dougie VanSant Jim Cathcart Richie Jano Nico Flores Ison Van Winkle Gabe Perez James Johnson

Best Frontwoman Christina Reyes Chelsea Sugarbritches Cakes (Monica Morones) Courtney Chambers Esther Sanchez Lisa Lynn Morgan Jesika von Rabbit Esjay Jones Best Guitar Kal David Jacob Miller Arthur Seay Bobby Nichols Mike Pygmie Joseph Vaughn Tom Edwards David Macias Alex Santana Martin Barrera Best Bass Brett McLaughlin Aaron Ramson Dan Wheat Mondo Flores David Morales Bryanna Evaro Jerry Bryson Mario Estrada Dylan Brown Dub Wallace Best Drummer Troy Whitford Rob Peterson KT Zapcart Steven Hall Jeff Bowman Eric Mouness Mike Cancino Greg Saenz John Camacho Corwin Hendricks Best Keyboards Linda Lemke-Heinz Herbert (Lienau) Will Sturgeon Andy Cahan Christina Reyes Charlie Ellis Mari Brossfield Ronnie King Bobby Furgo Eevaan Tre

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Best Individual Instrumental Performance (Violin, Fiddle, Flute, Saxophone, etc.) *New category Linda Lemke-Heinz Flute Bri Cherry - Violin Johnny Robbins Ukulele Eric Frankson - Fiddle Scott Kisinger Trombone Chase Huna Saxophone Best Instrumental Band Sun Drug Penny Unniversity Drum Hall Tribesmen Instigator Best Club DJ DJ Alf Alpha DJ Paparazzi DJ Alex Harrington DJ Femme A DJ Amavida

DJ Tone DJ Shasta DJ Trevor Worden DJ Day DJ Jae Rawkwell Best Event DJ DJ Smoke 1 DJ Journey DJ Alf Alpha Alex Updike The Deep Ones DJ Sugarfree DJ Trevor Worden DJ SupaJames Paul Zepeda DJ Luthergates Best Producer Esjay Jones Ronnie King Jim Heil/SongMeister Brad Garrow Chris Unck J Patron Best Club Promoter Kristen Reinhagen Morgan James

Lisa Lynn Morgan Mr. Miami Noe Gutierrez Esjay Jones Steve Johns Tip Toe Stallone Johnny Sugarbritches Omar Czar Best Event Promoter BB Ingle Paul Zepeda Steve Johns Noe Gutierrez Abel Lujan Bobby Jesse Tostado Barnett English CV Art Scene Ray Phillips RSP Productions Kristen Reinhagen Best Live Performance Venue Date Shed Big Rock Pub The Hood Bar & Pizza Plan B Tack Room Tavern

THREE SISTERS: OFF THE GRID

Palm Canyon Roadhouse Courtney Chambers Hard Rock Hotel PS The Bitter End Bart Lounge Hive Minds - Really Pappy & Harriet’s Don’t Mind the Waiting Red Barn Blasting Echo - Usotsuki Mendax Best Band The Flusters - Extended Photographer Play 1 Chris Miller Thr3Strykes - [CMNCTNLaura Hunt Little BRKDWN] Scott Pam The Adobe Collective Esther Sanchez Take Heart, Take Care Steve Young Gene Evaro Jr. - Too George Duchannes Good to Believe Caesar Rodriguez Cory Courtney Best Local Music Event 2016 *New Category Best Unsigned Album Autism Benefit (Release date between End of the World March 1, 2016 and March Benefit at Schmidy’s 15, 2017) Jimi Fitz & Friends The Hellions - Hymns Christmas at McCallum From the Other Side STREET Throw the Goat - Vote Warburton RheneyGoat Palooza Jam Murkocet - Digging Joshua Tree Music Fest Mercy’s Grave RWB Experience Rick Shelley - Hope Wrapped in Razor Wire

BY ANGELA ROMEO

JUDY WOLD, MARTHA WOLD CORNWALL AND MARY WOLD SOUZA

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he High Desert is always a place to find provocative and compelling exhibitions. The location is stark beauty fraught with mystery and mysticism.

Three Sisters: Off the Grid continues the tradition of art without fear.

The show opens on April 8 at Joshua Tree Art Gallery (JTAG) with the work of family members Judy Wold, Martha Wold Cornwall and Mary Wold Souza. “Three Sisters: Off the Grid” explores the patterns, textures and meanings of the popular notion of “Grid.”

“The theme for our show sprang from a family weekend in the High Desert which followed our viewing the recent Agnes Martin exhibit at the LA County Museum,” says textile artist Martha Wold Cornwall of Berkeley. “The Grid concept is essential to both, so we kind of took it from there.”

Agnes Martin was an interesting figure in the art world. Born the same year as Jackson Pollack her style was no less a profound that the famous drip paintings. Martin’s seminal work was line and grids with fields of subtle color. She was a schizophrenic and fluctuated between life as a recluse and life in the spot life. She famously sated “beauty is unattached, it’s inspiration – it’s inspiration”.

In April, Martin’s work will also be featured in Making Space: Women Artists and Postwar Abstraction at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. That exhibition features the work of women artists who worked post World

War II and before the start of the Feminist movement.

So what about Grids and Martin inspired these three women? To Judy Wold the answer is a shared collective drive. “We are three women who have had to work for a living and are lucky to have supportive partners. We raised children and are enjoying grandchildren. We accomplished all this while making art! This gives us a common perspective on how difficult and crucial the process of making art is to our lives.”

“I began in ceramics. I switched to painting and fell in love with oil paint. The second generation of Bay Area figurative painters used oil paint with lush colors and texture. It led me to the tradition of still life and expressing my personal life and inner thoughts and images. Martha and I work in different mediums but share the love of the grid, circles and squares and using what I call ‘odd colors,’” said Judy.

But what about those grids? Textile artist Martha noted, “Judy and I use marks that relate to each other, grids, blocks of color, and circles and dots. Mary talks about her work being ‘off the grid’...I wonder if she is just way deeper inside those same circles and dots?”

“The Agnes Martin show definitely provided an ‘Ah Ha’ moment for me,” continued Martha. “My awareness of her work was limited before. Seeing that show came at a moment of growth and questioning

April 6 to April 12, 2017

in my own artmaking. The way in which her paintings invite the viewer to simply be, calm down, here’s life...well, she inspires me to try to create that sensation in my own work.

Thank you, Agnes.”

For Mary her paintings begin with a grid.

“I address the canvas directly, inscribing the syllables of a healing mantra in large calligraphic strokes of dripping indigo paint.

The repetitive, rhythmic motion and sound, activates my body and quiets my mind as I turn inward and tune in to the vibrations and rhythms. I jump OFF the grid, responding to the energy and structure before me in an intuitive conversation with the work. It’s

ART SCENE

as if the grid is a safety net allowing me to confidently jump high and freely.”

“The idea of having a show together formulated the day after my husband died in March 2016,” said Mary. “When Judy called with the news that JTAG was offering artists a month in 2017 for an exhibit. She said, ‘How about Three Sister’?’ This exhibit has been a beacon of hope for me through a year of grief and challenges, during which I did a lot of sitting in silence and contemplation.

Meanwhile, my art has been there for me as a continuing source of optimism, transcendence, and renewal. And my sister artists have been a support to me in all these aspects of my life. Art without fear --- art offering hope.”

Three women joined by blood and marriage but bonded by art.

JTAG is located at 61607B Twenty Nine Palms Highway and is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays noon to 3 p.m.

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LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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THE ROAD TO THE TACHEVAH FINALS

SHAWN DON

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his was a night I couldn’t miss.

Thursday, March 30th at Palm Canyon Road House, some of the most talented local bands I’d ever had the pleasure of knowing and hearing would be competing in the Tachevah band competition. Just before this, one was held at Pappy and Harriet’s and you could hear the controversy that rang out that night in the high desert all the way down here in the low lands. Shawn Don was chosen above obvious crowd favorite, The Brosquitos.

I’m told that there was a literal moment of silence when the winner was announced.

But word also travelled about the incredibly gracious and inspiring behavior of both Shawn Don and The Brosquitos. This told me a few things about this upcoming competition. One: This was not a popularity contest. Two: These judges were willing to make an unpopular decision for the sake of the bigger picture. Three: I was so glad not to be a judge for that show or the one I was about to go see.

Ronnie King was emceeing the night, a man with so many accomplishments in the music industry; a multi-Platinum, Diamond Certified Oscar and Grammy Nominated producer and musician who has collaborated with multimillion-dollar selling artists such as Mariah Carey, Tyrese, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, The Offspring and Rancid. Thing is, you wouldn’t know it to meet him. He’s just one seriously cool dude with a huge heart for our local music makers.

The judges, Terry Reid who toured with the Rolling Stones during the British Invasion tour, Jeane Cunningham, singer-songwriter who has worked with some of the best and most timeless in the business, and Desert Sun writer, Bruce Fessier, who has been a part of the desert music scene since the

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rat pack was still around to interview. The judges all sat at a table in the middle of the room where they could best hear the music coming through the upgraded sound system the Road House had installed. That sound system was run by a Grammy winning songwriter himself, Matt Barnes, who was really put to the test with short sets and equipment changes between acts. It wasn’t easy to navigate for Barnes or the judges; the place was packed.

Generic, a hip hop ensemble of 6 rappers challenged my ego from the minute I walked up to Palm Canyon Road House last Thursday.

In spite of gale force winds and flying debris, this band had a large, enthusiastic following, all there to do their part to ensure a victory for their beloved band, and I had never even heard of them! They were followed by what might be considered their polar opposite, The Traveling Fools, a full sounding folk rock band with Latin flair. The harmonies were gorgeous and the lyrics pulled you into a cinematic screen play of feelings. The crowd seemed to respond to them as well. They were followed by another stark contrast, goth metal band, Annabelle Asylum. I have decided that it takes (pardon the expression) balls of freaking steel to be in a heavy metal band of any type in a town outside of LA (or Germany for that matter). In all black with black makeup around their eyes, these guys played with everything they had and showed huge potential within their chosen genre. You could hear their Korn and Linkin Park influences succinctly. The want to win was thick in the building, but at the same time, I saw each band supporting the next including those waiting to compete. Music can be a beautiful thing that way.

Elektric Lucie was next. These guys have been around a while. They even let me

BY LISA MORGAN book them back when Schmidy’s Tavern was around providing a home to all genres and experimental original bands. They have toured a lot and just keep getting better.

They orchestrate a tsunami of sound that is authentic and reflective of their heritage and their love for electronic infused rock. They sang and spoke in both Spanish and English and their applause came from everyone.

Bridger closed the night out, and with the power of hulk sized fist. Judge Cunningham was out of her seat (as were the judges throughout the night to get a close look and listen). But this time, it was as if she was just watching with full joy and a giant sense of wow. Bridger tends to do that. Their energy is so positive and engaging that I don’t care who you are and what your music preferences are, you just automatically love them. You don’t just “like” them, you L.O.V.E. heart shaped hands to your chest LOVE them! They brought it down with a house full of friends and family as always, no holds barred, with bass monster, Dan Dillinger, climbing on top of the furniture (the main speaker). Still, the way this competition has gone in the past, it was anybody’s contest.

As the judges were sweating over the unenviable task of making a final call on the two winners that would move on to the finals, Generic fans began chanting their name. They had been there from the very first show and showed zero signs of fatigue and fading interest in their band of choice.

When the judges finally came up to the stage their words inspired all. “I am amazed at the amount of talent in this community,” shared Cunningham.

The winners were Elektric Lucie - “Nice to see the Mexican culture represented here in America,” shared Reid, “and Bridger – I knew Keith Moon. This one (KT Zapcart, the drummer) definitely has the spirit of Keith in her,” Reid said concurring with Jeanne Cunningham’s comments about the band and their drummer.

They will now join bands Shawn Don and Kayves for a chance to win a $3000 grand prize at the Date Shed, May 18.

GET INTO THE GROOVES AT THE WESTIN

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

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rooves at the Westin” wrapped up an incredible series last Saturday night on Master’s Plaza at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage. The season, which featured four shows over seven weeks started on Feb 18th with incredible performances by Greg Adams & East Bay Soul with special guest saxophonist Eric Darius. Next up was Mindi Abair on March 4th with a stellar performance, her first at The Westin, once again showing why she is considered the smooth Lady of Saxophone. The third show of the series opened with Josh Vietti on violin and featured Rick Braun and an all-star band. Finally on April 1st with a full house, 80 degree temperatures and light breezes under the stars, Peter White, Michael Paulo and Greg Karukas knocked it out of the park with a winning performance for the final show of the season!

Few locations even come close to the setting that jazz fans experience when they attend “Grooves at the Westin.”

Internationally renowned smooth jazz

PHOTOS BY LAURA HUNT LITTLE

musicians perform in an intimate venue with a sophisticated yet relaxing atmosphere.

Ticket prices are so reasonable, with $40 for GA, up to $85 which includes a VIP artist meet-and-greet reception.

I’m glad baseball season started the next day as I will need something to focus on until the October series is back as this is truly my all-time favorite events I look forward to attending. It’s one of the best music venues around and thanks to my dear friend and owner of the Coachella Valley Weekly, Tracy Dietlin, I’m right there front and center. The Coachella Valley Weekly is also one of the sponsors of this event. I also want to give credit to the producers at Apaulo Music and the incredible staff and employees at the Westin who are a first class act themselves with such warm hospitality and service.

Be sure to look out for the announcement of the Saturdays in the Fall when the series will return. If you haven’t been, this truly is a first class event held under the stars at Master’s Plaza where there’s not a bad seat in the house.

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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BY MORGAN JAMES

CV OPEN MIC COMPETITION 2017: WEEK 6

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he CV Open Mic Competition 2017 at The Block Sports Bar & Grill in Cathedral City week #6 brought on some enthusiastic fans! Cheers from the crowd could be heard throughout the night after each performer gave us their best song. Plus multiple screams, yells, and even dance moves kept things interesting as fans competed for several t-shirts from Brutal Bee Music Group given away over the course of the evening. The music was exciting, and needless to say so was the atmosphere! Very special guest performance by Carlos 2Toxic Cruz and beautiful vocalist Esther Sanchez rocked the house! Once the judge votes were tallied, it was Pete Campbell aka VersaStyle who brought an incredibly energetic and comical performance with his original song taking home 1st place. Pete took home a $25 gift certificate to Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill and will now move on to the Semi Finals May 17th.

If he wins there, the rapper will compete in the Grand Finals on May 24th for an MTV Quality Music Video Production from Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films and award winning Director Chip Miller, plus a $500 trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Rye Whiskey, as well as an Artist Development Session from Grammy nominated Producer Ronnie King, a Promotional Photo Shoot from Rav Holly, and an artist merchandise package from Brutal Bee Music Group including logo design and t-shirts, stickers and more! 2nd place was awarded to L Boogie Da Mann and Zack No Slack of Desert Pirates who took home a $25 gift certificate to Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill. 3rd place went to Brandon Richardson whose incredible original song

moved the crowd and who was also awarded a $25 gift certificate to Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill.

THANK YOU to ALL our performers at the CV Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND making the environment so supportive for all of the artists involved: Pete Campbell, Moses in Motion, Rod Van Buren, Zero Sum Game, Who Shot the Drummer, Daniel Scopelitis, Cino, Brandon of Before the Funeral, Anthony C Juarez aka Nasty Dawg, Five Acre Dream, Zack No Slack and L Boogie Da Mann of Desert Pirates. Also a big thanks to Johnny Carmona, our amazing sound technician. I hope to see you all next WEDNESDAY at THE BLOCK SPORTS BAR & GRILL in Cathedral City! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films & Chip Miller, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Rye Whiskey, Rav Holly, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, Brutal Bee Music Group, Murph’s Gaslight, and The Block Sports Bar & Grill.

Be sure to “LIKE” Facebook.com/ CVOpenMicCompetition for updates! ALL AGES ALLOWED and YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS to join us for excitement, music and fun!!! For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/CVOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan Alise James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 651-1911

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

April 6 to April 12, 2017

BY PATTE PURCELL

AN EVENING WITH THE PALM SPRINGS ORCHESTRA

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e were lucky enough to be invited to the fundraiser for the Palm Springs Orchestra under the direction of the award-winning Maestro Dino Zonic at the Mirada estate in Rancho Mirage. (Dr. Raila and Dennis Horne owners of the estate).

The Palm Springs Orchestra’s objective is to bolster the major cultural renaissance currently taking place in Palm Springs by launching a series of tickets and free to the public events. Performances feature uplifting, venerable orchestral repertoire staged at iconic venues throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

Special guest artists included Boris Martinovich, Bass Baritone; Evegeny Tonkha on cello; Eduardo Delgado on piano.;, Anna Belaya, Soprano; Daniel Hendrick, tenor; and China Inoue on Alto Saxophone.

Guests were treated to wonderful appetizers, cocktails from Crater Lake Vodka, and wine from Grgich Hills Estate. Brady Sandahl Real Estate Group, Lillie PR, Morgan Sandefur Diptypque, Icon Presentations, The Flower Bank and Classic Event Rentals and David D. L. Horton Esq. sponsored the event.

The Executive team includes Dino Zonic, President; Executive Director Jeffrey

Gilson; Chris Bennett (accomplished jazz artist); Vice President, Kathleen Morgan; Director of Development, Sheree Lilly events coordinator; Larry Holloway, Orchestra Manager; and Dave Shaw, Grants Manager.

Dino Zonic known as the “People’s Mastro” is a world acclaimed composer, conductor, and director.

Despite a wind storm that rattled everyone the event was at capacity. The performance was watched by the guests who were seated indoors and out as the wind died down allowing an amazing performance for everyone to see. Guests mixed and mingled. Numerous celebrities attended including actor Tristen Rogers and his wife Theresa.

There were many items that were auctioned off to raise money for the PSO including some beautiful jewelry and stunning art pieces.

The guests enjoyed a beautiful evening at a stunning estate. For more information on the Palm Springs Orchestra visit their website at palmspringsorchestra.com.

Note: We will be holding a fundraiser for the Palm Springs Orchestra on Monday June 5 at a beautiful art gallery. Details to follow.

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

WORLD OF MY OWN” DERRICK ANDERSON “A(OMNIVORE RECORDINGS)

G

uess you almost had to be there, thumbin’ through the pages of my life/Is there nothing more to see there, take another chance to get it right.”

That’s Derrick Anderson, reflecting on the myriad twists and turns that led him to record his first solo album after more than 27 years in the music business.

A child of the ‘60s, Derrick grew up in Toledo, Ohio and gravitated toward music early on. He received his first acoustic guitar at age eight and had the requisite lessons.

He played clarinet in school marching bands, and just as puberty hit, the Beatles blew his mind. Digging into their extensive oeuvre he had a musical epiphany. He received his first bass on his next birthday.

Derrick played in a couple of cover bands in high school. In partnership with his pals the Binkowski brothers, he formed The Living End. The group concentrated on ‘60s Psychedelia, spicing up their sets with a growing arsenal of original compositions. By now he had been exposed to, and seduced by, the sounds of Elvis Costello, Squeeze, the Who, the Kinks, Otis Redding, Burt Bacharach, and the Smithereens.

Hoping to make it in the music industry, Derrick relocated to Los Angeles in his late ‘20s. He immediately got studio work as a session player, but his true ambition was to make his mark with his own band. Hoping to find like-minded players, he placed an ad in the Recycler. Rather quickly, he connected with guitarist Will O’Brian, and multiinstrumentalist, Robbie Rist, (still best known as the child actor who played Cousin Oliver on the “Brady Bunch). First Brian Bawinkel and then Marc Joseph took turns behind the drum kit.

Tongues firmly in cheek, they called themselves the Andersons!, musical brothers from different mothers. The band recorded two well-received albums before Derrick was recruited to play bass in Dave Davies’ band.

His stint with the legendary Kinks guitarist lasted a couple of years and not long after he began working with the Bangles as their touring bassist. That relationship has lasted eight years. “

WESTFIELD MALL 72840 Hwy 111 #171 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-2017 www.recordalley.com

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Although he made a living as an indemand session musician, Derrick’s own musical ambitions never waned. He was stockpiling his own songs hoping for a chance to record them. Getting by with a little help from some friends he has just released his first solo album, A World Of My Own The opening track, “Send Me Down A Sign” sets the tone for the whole record.

Jangly guitar and thrumming bass lines connect with a pummeling back-beat. The irresistible melody walks a fine line between Power Pop energy and Bubblegum crunch.

Derrick’s boyish tenor has an aching purity as he scans the universe for an indication that he’s on the right path; “In the absence of pretention keep myself completely open wide/For some divine intervention whether it be real or just implied.”

Derrick seems to have distilled his myriad influences and created something wholly his own. All of the songs here channel a ‘60s sound that is by turns, swingin’, sylvan and soulful. Both “You Don’t Have To Hurt No More” and “My Prediction” fold gentle philosophies into slightly shagadelic arrangements.

On the former, shang-a-lang guitar licks crest over a Stax-Volt inspired horn section, churchy keys and a tambourine shake. His voice assumes an authoritative grit as he offers some pithy life lessons; “The day begins, you make amends with yourself, let it be known that there’s no one to blame (no blame)/And when you finally get it, you’ll never once regret it, you crash you burn, you live you learn to shrug off the pain. His wisdom is underscored by a kaleidoscopic guitar solo.

Conversely, “My Prediction” is a Moog-y, mid-tempo charmer, dominated by whooshing keys, chiming guitars and brushed percussion. The lyrics provide some easygoing encouragement; “And this could be your lucky day, everything can go your way like I told you/If I stand true with my prediction, and if all things should come to pass, this could be your time to bask in the glow if I get through my prediction.”

The great thing about this record is that it balances balls-out rockers with more contemplative ballads; sometimes placing them back-to-back. Lush to the point of fecundity, “Something New” wraps baroque banjo notes around a measured, almost pastoral arrangement. A stutter-step rhythm is accented by swirly acoustic and electric guitars and a wash of keys. The introspective lyrics are buoyed by the shimmery, sororal harmonies of Bangle-bandmates Susanna Hoffs, Vicki and Debbi Peterson. A fluttery electric piano/banjo coda to close out the song.

Derrick immediately flips the script on the next cut, “Phyllis & Sharon.” A slab of Psychedelic Garage Rock, it blasts out of the speakers, pounding out a triple time tattoo, vrooming bass lines and souped-up guitars that buzz and yowl. The lyrics bemoan the

end of an era that was equal parts innocent and decadent; “It’s been a long time and things have truly changed, nobody’s beating back their pain through sex and mounds of pure cocaine/Nobody’s trying to break some ground, Phyllis & Sharon had their sound they made their marks, they’ll be around.”

“A Mother’s Love” is the album’s most winsome track. A protean slice of Sunshine Pop, it blends boomerang bass lines, a ricochet rhythm and chiming guitar chords that seem to be “getting better all the time.”

The (autobiographical) lyrics pay homage to a maternal instinct that is both tender and tough; “She’ll always try her best to catch your fall, and if your life’s a mess she’ll steer you right the back way.” Kicking the track into interstellar overdrive are the effortlessly beatific harmonies provided by Cowsill siblings, Bob, John and Susan. (Begging the question, when will the family, true inspiration for the Partridge Family, make a new record).

Bookending this jaunty paean, is the twopronged attack of “Checking Out” and “Stop Messin’ Around.” On “Checking…” fuzzy guitars ride roughshod over a pile-driving beat and marauding bass fills. Derrick’s blistering vocals match the hairpin curves of the guitar break as he insists “you better love somebody.”

Motown-meets-Mersey Beat on “Stop Messin’ Around.” Recorded live, it’s a Soultastic rave-up that weds a walloping rhythm to scattershot guitar riffs and tensile bass. Derrick’s caustic ultimatums mirror the urgent authority of icons like Otis Redding

and John Lennon.

Other interesting tracks include the bucolic “Happiness,” the candy-coated kiss-off of “When I Was Your Man” and yearning “Waiting For You.” The ambitious melody and arrangement of “Spring” crosspollinates CSN, ELP and XTC. Languid, gauzy and graceful, the lyrics offer this seasonal metaphor for life; “And you know when the snow starts to melt away, everything grows again anyway/And the blows that we suffer through day to day, won’t keep us down, we’ll still be around.”

The album closes with a well-chosen cover, the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood.”

Jettisoning the ambiguity and sitars, this version is pared down to guitar, bass and drums. The result is less Fab Four and more Power Trio, echoing the spontaneous combustion of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream.

A World Of My Own was produced by Steve Refling and Derrick Anderson. A veritable who’s who of Los Angeles musicians added their talents to this project, including Jim Lapesa, Dennis Taylor, Bernard Yin, Mike Randle, Joe Normal, and Jon Levy on guitar, Ray McDonald and Perry Ostrin on drums.

Nelson Bragg played percussion, Greg Hifman on keys and backing vocals were handled by Timmy Bryson and Robbie Scharf.

Some fairly famous people also pitched in, including ex-Balancing Act baddass Willie Aron, Steve Barton of Translator, Probyn Gregory of Brian Wilson’s band, the Smithereens: Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, Pat Dinizio and Severo Jornacion, Matthew Sweet, Tommy Keene, Kim Shattuck of the Muffs, The Andersons!, (Robbie Rist, Wil O’Brian and Marc Joseph), The Bangles, plus Bob, John and Susan Cowsill.

A World Of My Own is clearly a labor of love, excellent from start to finish. Derrick Anderson has created a masterpiece. It’s the album you’ve been waiting for, you just didn’t know it. You will probably wear it out.

Better buy two copies.

ART SCENE

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

BY REBECCA PIKUS

THIS.IS.NOW “

T

his.Is.Now.” is an exciting new Exhibit which presents an in-depth and dynamic look at Modern Art today through Sculptures, Paintings, & Photographic Art. Rebecca Fine Art Gallery will also be showcasing selected works of 3 amazing sculptors for this upcoming show: Christopher Georgesco, John Neumann, and Guillermo Valentin.

Christopher Georgesco, born in Lincoln Nebraska, is an American sculptor. He is the son of modernist Haralamb H. Georgescu, renowned Architect from Budapest, Hungary.

Georgesco began his career in Venice, California in 1968, in his studio on Abbot Kenny. His first Show was at Newspace Gallery, Los Angeles. His first solo show was deemed an overnight success by William Wilson, critic for The Los Angeles Times, and was picked up by L.A.’s top collectors. Wilson also cited Christopher Georgesco as “pushing the art world’s masterpiece button” with his 10-foottall Totemic Concrete & Steel Columns and Tripods. His first solo show was followed by an exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art titled L.A.8. He now lives on the outskirts of Palm Springs, where he maintains a sculpture garden of colorful 8-to-10-foot-tall painted steel sculptures resembling magnified leaves or arcs and radii.

John Neumann was born in Berlin, Germany; as a young boy, his family immigrated to the United States. Neumann majored in fine art at the University of Albuquerque, NM from 19701974. He went on to study in Italy at Scuolo Politecnica de Desegno de Milano in 1974 -1975. Upon returning to the states, Neumann obtained an apprenticeship with sculptor Albert Wein from 1975-1976, working with Wein on the Libby Dam project. In 1977-1978 he served as an assistant to New York sculptor Roy Gussow. Neumann has worked directly with a number of artists fabricating their sculpture including - Marjorie Strider, Leslie Dor, Robert Goodnough, Del Geist, Clement Meadmore and Elbert Weinberg. The major influences on Neumann’s work are Cubism, Constructivism and Abstract Expressionism.

Among his favorite artists are Alexander Archipenko, Julio Gonzales, Anthony Carro, David Smith, Franz Kline and Hans Hofmann.

Guillermo Valentín was born in Michoacán, México. He studied at Bellas Artes, Academy of

Art in Baja, Ca. México, and continued his art education at Centro Cultural El Nigromante, in Guanajuato. His professor and mentor, German sculptor Lothar Kestenbaum, constantly encouraged Valentín on the experimentation and exploration of different art techniques. “Most of my work incorporates the human figure. I deeply admire and respect women, and my pieces represent indigenous women with no inhibitions, completely aware of their beauty and strength, and proud of being themselves….”I believe beauty resides in nature, and my conscious goal is to create a representation of freedom of movement, harmony of lines, and a continuous celebration of beauty. I aim to capture the vigor of life and radiate its unabashed potential.” Valentin works with diverse materials: marble, wood, bronze, stone, terracotta, cast stone, and paper.

“This.Is.Now” is a group Exhibition that also includes Sculptures by Robert Reeves, and Craig Zeigler. In addition, the Gallery will showcase Paintings by modern artists Joe Novak, Mario Pikus, Donald Spencer, Robert Tahar, Mandy Main and Rom Lammar. Photographic Art will be represented by August Muth, John Henebry, and Steven Bein.

“This.Is.Now. [April 8 - June 30] Opening Reception - Saturday, April 8, 5-8PM, REBECCA FINE ART GALLERY, 68895 Perez Rd., #7, Cathedral City, CA (760) 534-5888 Rebeccafineart.net -- Open Bar, Music, Great Art

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

PET PLACE

THE CUBICLE CATS

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Texas publishing company might not seem like the typical home for a cat. But for Jeffy, a tuxedo male cat rescued from the local public shelter, getting a “home” at Mike Byrnes & Associates Publishing, probably saved his life. He paid his employer back by entertaining their clients and calming frazzled office nerves with his playful antics. Jeffy now has his own business cards with the job title of Stress Manager.

Loving All Animals, a Palm Desert animal welfare organization, has 2 office cats residing at their office. They were rescued from local shelters, and spread the agency’s message by their presence. Although they have their own little room with feeding station and cozy beds, the duo have access to all inside areas and happily greet all visitors.

Having an animal at a local shop or business is nothing new, but now scientific studies prove that a cat in the office results in a less stressed and more productive workforce. Meredith Wells-Lepley, Ph.D, with the University of Kentucky’s Institute for Workplace Innovation, found that pets improve both employee and customer moods.

One of her studies, “Critters in the Cube Farm” demonstrates that cats foster social interaction and make the work environment

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appear more friendly. A sweet, purring furball in the office is a calming presence that can reduce a lot of office tension.

The owner of Artworks, a Northern California company, noted that her business actually increased after Goover, a homeless Siamese cat moved in. Theresa Espinola explains, “Our customers think better of us. He (Groover) is obviously well cared for and friendly, so that shows we are kind and friendly”. People subconsciously think that businesses with animals are kinder and therefore will treat them better in their transactions. Another employer reports the benefits, “We deal with lots of deadlines and client demands. I always kid that when employees get stressed, I throw a cat on their lap to calm them down. And clients love that we rescued the cats - - we get extra points for that.”

Companies that house cats need to inform prospective employees that a feline companion may share their office space. If an applicant is allergic, the job is probably not a good fit. The animal needs to be a good match. If a cat is a “door dasher” or skittish around strangers, it would not do well at a bustling office with lots of humans coming and going.

The biggest controversy may be deciding who changes the litter box! People enjoy

BY JANET McAFEE

feeding, but keeping the litter box clean is a less pleasant task. Luckily cats are low maintenance animals and fastidious about using their litter boxes. The task may be shared, but usually it falls to the business owner by default. Business owners usually assume the responsibility for paying for food, supplies, and vet care. An “office collection” system may work at larger companies.

More companies now allow employees to bring their own pets to work, and in some cases dogs are the beneficiaries of this policy.

For stressed, tired workers a tail wag or a lick on the cheek can be comforting and therapeutic.

Workplace pet policies usually require that dogs be vaccinated, housetrained, and no aggressive behavior is tolerated.

Some government offices house a happy feline. One U.S. Forest Service office is now home to Molly who wandered in as a stray.

The staff reports this amazing feline is very vocal, almost to the point of appearing to

BEST BUDDY Adorable Buddy could be your new “Best Buddy”.

This precious 5-mo-old tabby kitten was rescued

by Loving All Animals.

To meet him contact (760) 834-7000, www.lovingallanimals.org

LOVELY LEXI Lovely little Lexi adores humans. This 4-yr-old girl is just the right size to be your travel buddy on an airplane, or ride shotgun in your car.

Meet her at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Petland Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 3433644, dog ID#A1349925.

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converse. If someone comes to the front counter unhappy about something, Molly jumps to attention to “talk” to them and the mood softens dramatically.

We could reduce the number of homeless cats in animal shelters if more companies would consider adopting one or even two.

Sadly, cats in public shelters, particularly the adults, have a low adoption rate and many are euthanized. What about your workplace?

You might show this article to your boss and propose your company adopt a feline. If you own your own business, why not give it a try?

Where do you go in the Coachella Valley to adopt a cat? Contact the Palm Springs Animal shelter for directions and hours at (760) 416-5718. Contact the large Riverside county shelter in Thousand Palms, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, to meet many fabulous cats at (760) 343-3644, www. rcdas.org. Kittyland in Desert Hot Springs may have the purrfect pet, contact them at (760) 251-2700, www.kittylandrescue.org . All the shelters have a special visiting area where you can interact with a cat and see if it is the “purrfect” match for your office. jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

THE PRIDE OF PUCCIONI

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simply love the wines of Puccioni Vineyards.

I love how the name “Puccioni” sounds so Sonoma with that old world Italian thing going on. I think of the grandeur of Puccini with his lush romantic Italian opera that also sings in the wine.

I’m thinking of the great actor Al Pacino who anachronistically drinks Puccioni with his father in a vineyard while Clemenza is adding the vino to the spaghetti sauce.

I like the way the bottle label is so old school with its rustic vineyard scene sketched in sepia tones; and there’s that stubborn mule kicking high, forcing the first “C” in the name, right damn in the middle of label, to misalign.

And I love the beautiful lush, plush, but restrained flavors of both Puccioni’s Old Vine Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Whoa! Did that last sentence sound a bit contradictory?

How does one reconcile “lush, plush & restrained”? Paradoxical perhaps but in no way is Puccioni a conundrum! You see, these wines are produced from the vineyards in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, where a massive and masculine wine is capable of class, elegance and a balanced acidity involving spice, earth, pepper, and more, playing in and out on a canvas of purple rain water.

You readers will recall just a few weeks ago, we indeed covered, “The Two True Wines of California”, discussing Zins and Petites. There we casually claimed that no other area in our Sun’s Solar System can produce a Zinfandel or Petite Sirah as well as us in the Sunshine State. And to jog your memory further, remember our 1st Annual Petite Sirah Throwdown in the Desert held at our friendly Wine Vault of the Desert? At the contest, the 2010 Puccioni Petite made believers and converts of the Cab Sauv crowd.

A funny note of sorts: Last summer, I received a bottle of 19 Crimes Red Blend from the UPS man around 5pm, amidst the

sweltering heat of August. The bottle was so hot out of the box, it couldn’t be held.

The only thing I could do, was to toss it into the freezer to halt the heat. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my efforts, and went on to eat, sleep, and be merry as the wine went on to freeze!

This time, I received the Puccioni Zin & Petite, via UPS, in the late of a March day here in the desert. The bottles were not as hot as the 19 Crimes, but they were warming up! Like a dupe, I toss them into the freezer. At four in the morning, my brain awakes & alerts me of my mistake. Fast to the freezer, I find both bottles lying down with the corks extended and lightly leaking due to the expanded liquid.

Rescuing the wines, I couldn’t resist a quaff or two—even in the wee hours— for the aromas escaping from the bottles were like the sirens sweetly singing, totally inviting me and caressing me into their bouquet. Even as a “frosty slushy” wine, they both delivered a stellar flavor profile that other robust wines, who boast bells and whistles, couldn’t live up to.

On a good day, apart from toil and turmoil, these two wonderful wines will be delightfully welcomed at both the dinner table filled with all comfort foods such as steaks, stews and roasted game and poultry, and, as an apero sipper before and a dessert quaffer behind.

Both wines are handcrafted with loads of personality by winemaker Glenn Proctor, a fourth generation Puccioni winegrower, and, made in extremely small amounts: Old Vine Zinfandel, less than 319 cases produced; Petite Sirah, less than 118 cases produced. Some delicious and “rare” stuff coming your way—enjoy!!

By the way, when you have the time, check out their website and all of the wine news you can glean at puccionivineyards. com. I like the comment that states: “When Glenn was a young boy he worked every weekend with his grandfather, Louie

April 6 to April 12, 2017

Puccioni, in the vineyard. Grandpa taught him the “hows and whys” of the wine and grape business, and with the release of Puccioni Vineyards “Old Vine” Zinfandel, he can now showcase all that he has learned.”

The 2014 Puccioni Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, around $30, is an impressive wine that packs tons of sturdy flavors and exudes ripe, red and black fruits including raspberries, blackberries, black & red cherries, strawberries, red plums along with spice, pepper, and baking spice.

It carries an exquisite underlying acidity to lend freshness and vibrancy. This wine goes on and on for the enthusiast who desires complexity in their Zin. The 2014 Puccioni Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, around $33, is one of the most elegant and full-bodied Petite on the market at a lighter than usual 14.1% alcohol.

It features classic elements of blueberry, blackberry and leathery espresso-like chocolate that finishes like a supple Pauillac Bordeaux. And it looks like it will again be one of the more formidable wines in the line-up for our next P.S. We Love You!— Throwdown in the Desert. (Distributors and wineries, get your samples in soon!)

Rick is your somm-about-town conducting & entertaining at the fun wine seminars & tastings held at Total Wine & More, and, at restaurant venues around town. Contact winespectrum@aol.com

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

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THUR APRIL 6

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug McDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ JB & The Big Circle Riders 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MIRAMONTE; IW; 760-341-2200 Courtney Chambers 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Cherry Glazerr, Ian Sweet and Lala Lala 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Desert Noise Presents: Right On Right On and Upper Class Poverty 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm STUFT PIZZA; PD; 760-777-9989 Acoustic Live 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-6pm, Jersey Gold 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Linda Peterson Jazz 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI APRIL 7

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Wonder People 6:30pm

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ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Full House Band w/ Nena Anderson 8pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Gilmore & Bryan Show 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown Funk and Soul Night w/ DJs Addemup, Amavida and DXSKO 9pm BEER HUNTER; LQ; 760-564-7442 212 Band 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Bohemio 9pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATHEDRAL CANYON GOLF CLUB;C.C.; 760-328-6571 Coachella Valley All Stars 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ The Sign and Pope Paul & The Illegals 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Nicolas Artorius Lara EP Release Show w/ Coyote Electric and Cameron Royce 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 B&B Roadshow 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY;PD; 760-200-2597 Pocket Yellow 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm

LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 TBA 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 John Garcia Unplugged Album Release Concert 8pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Roadrunners 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Scott H. Biram, Jesse Dayton and Alien Knife Fight 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Kal David, Laurie Bono & The Real Deal 8pm RANCHO LAS PALMAS; RM Hotwyre 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7-10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 TBA 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration w/ DJ DGAF, Moonchild, DJ John Paul and MC Twogunz 9pm

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WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 Karaoke 8:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 5-8:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev Entertainment 5:30pm & Bill 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DubLab 2450 Kool Breeze 9pm Presents: Dayclubbing 11am poolside, THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888Stronghold Reggae 10pm 999-1995 Shaken Not Stirred 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm Karaoke 8-1:15am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327No. 44, Alchemy, Killjoi, Niantic and Titans of 4080 A Cheaper Trick (Cheap Trick Tribute) Cinema 9pm 8pm BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 VooDoo 345-0222 Meltdown 6:30pm Hustlers 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775Desert Generator, Earthless, Brant Bjork, 5566 DJ 9pm Orchid, The Shrine and Black Rainbows 4pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 6-10pm Karaoke 7:30pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Rockstar Karaoke 9pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 PS Jump!

CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm 8pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DrumHall The Bill Baker Show 6pm 9pm DATE SHED; IND; Katchafire w/ Inna Vision RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 7-10pm and Mozaiq 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Brothers 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm Blues 8-11pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 8-11pm Jack Ruvio 6pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby 365-6633 Dana Larson & Friends 6-9pm Furgo 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 8:30pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm James 6pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-325SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin 9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ Music 10pm David Macias and Pablo Cantua 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 CV Music 3560 TBA 6pm Showcase Finals w/ Black Water Gospel, TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Instigator, Drop Mob, The Bermuda, Sunday TBA 9pm Funeral and 5th Town 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE Dennis Michael 6:30pm HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 7606:30pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm

SAT APRIL 8

April 6 to April 12, 2017

TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett & Barney McClure 5pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Ladies Night w/ Dirty Desert Entertainment 9pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Abie Perkins and Bert Vela 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 TBA 7-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm, Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN APRIL 9 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Aaron Castle 11am AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Shelley Yoelin & Bill Casale 11am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Latin Night w/ DJ LF, Richie Rich 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 5:30pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Dana Larson &Friends 5-8pm continue to page 20

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VIET-FUSION HOT SPOT GETS A NEW LOOK TO KICK OFF 3RD YEAR

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wner and Chef Chad Gardner announces Pho 533 will evolve to the next phase of his vision with a new brand: 533 Viet-Fusion with all the great food and service you know plus some new items!

Palm Springs restaurateur, caterer and event planner Chad Gardner has established two successful brands with his vision, excellence in service and innovations. The first was Dash and a Handful Catering (www.dashhandful.com).

Dash has provided excellence at event dinners for thousands of guests in attendance at weddings, corporate events and local charities for over 5 years.

The second was when Gardner purchased Pho 533 (www.Pho533PalmSprings.com) in the vibrant Smoketree Shopping Center. In only two years, the venue and the food have evolved from classic pho fare to a level that has been recognized by trusted publications like LA Eater, Forbes and Zagat as one of the best places to dine for locals and visitors in Palm Springs.

The story of the number 533 comes from the historic USS Cheboygan County, a Land Support Tanker (LST) in the U.S. Navy that had been one of the first to land at Normandy on D-Day in World War II. In April 1975 it was anchored off Vietnam, broken, beat up and with only one engine functioning. It was during the Fall of Saigon that nearly 300 Vietnam refugees made their way to the USS Cheboygan County and spent seven days hobbling across the ocean toward Malaysia and a future in the

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United States. One of the passengers was, then 10-year-old, Ahn ho Rock who later founded Pho 533 in Palm Springs.

“I had a vision of what it would be even before I first heard Pho 533 was for sale,” says Gardner, “I have always wanted to blend classics with contemporary Vietnamese. I feel incredibly fortunate that our guests have loved it, too.”

Pho 533 was a classic shopping mall phostyle venue with great recipes and a great location. Since taking charge in 2015, Gardner has kept the core classics while updating and expanding the venue. He’s added a popular spring roll bar and put his own in-house creations on the table to delight the guests.

The homemade red chili sauce is already a fan favorite!

Chad’s vision is to have all the great dishes that started the restaurant, including the classic pho and vermicelli dishes, with a brand and menu that evolves with seasonal favorites and local sourced ingredients. With this in mind, he is announcing the new brand 533 Viet-Fusion (www.533VietFusion.com) representing the look, feel and experience customers have come to love.

Gardner’s continued innovation with new menu items is often created when he infuses local ingredients like dates with the new Maine lobster claw spring roll. Another new introduction that has customers delighted is the Ahi Viet-nachos created with a bed of

THE PAMPERED PALATE

crispy won ton chips and topped with smashed avocado, spicy ahi tuna, cilantro, Fresno chili, Sriracha aioli, tamari reductions sauces.

“Customers are loving these two new items,” says Gardner. He also announced three new items will be available for customers to enjoy starting April 10. They are Tamari Glazed Atlantic Salmon; Red Curry “Ramen” with spicy tiger shrimp in a red curry coconut broth; and Chile Braised Osso Bucco, with red coconut “gravy,” jasmine rice and sautéed mizuna.

“It is a fusion of both what Pho 533 was

and what 533 Viet-Fusion have become to our community and guests every day,” says Gardner, “I want to honor Pho 533’s legacy and embrace 533 Viet-Fusion’s new and delicious vision at the same time.”

Since 2015, chef Chad Gardner’s 533 VietFusion has offered a blend of Vietnamese fusion dishes made with fresh-sourced ingredients including classic pho, a spring roll bar, fried chicken and the popular curry.

533 Viet-Fusion uses in-house created spice blends and sauces without MSG for a unique flavor base that has delighted customers and reviewers alike. 533 Viet-Fusion is open seven days a week during season and offers to-go and catering services. Located at 1775 E Palm Canyon Dr. Suite 625 in Palm Springs. For more info go to www.533VietFusion.com or call 760778-6595.

New menu items, Ahi Viet-Nachos (L) and the Maine lobster claw spring roll with dates (R). (Photos Courtesy 533 Viet-Fusion)

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

SCREENERS

CYBER SOUL SURVIVOR NOW PLAYING: GHOST IN THE SHELL

Mamoru’s 1995 same-name Japanimation masterpiece is a certified cult favorite. When the live action reboot was announced, there was considerable controversy when Scarlett Johansson was

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 259

named for the lead role of Major. There were some who felt a white woman should not be playing an iconic Japanese character even if the source material is a Manga or animé or sci-fi fantasy.

This controversy is, in my opinion, absurd and unfair to Johansson and the movie itself. After all, anyone should be able to play any part long as they are capable of inhabiting that character on stage or screen in a convincing manner. It’s about acting NOT ethnicity.

Johansson is perfect in the role, as is Michael Pitt as the cyber hacker Kuze.

A slew of terrific Japanese supporting actors are aboard as well, including actordirector Takeshi Kitano, who plays the head of the anti-terrorism unit Major and her cyborg partner (Danish actor Pilou Asbaek) work with.

Director Rupert Sanders keeps the action hard and fast and the cool visuals dazzling.

What’s missing is the compelling intellectual fodder that is embedded in the classic and relevant source material.

The world of “Ghost in the Shell” is set somewhere on the fringes of the same universe that gave rise to “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix.”

In the near future, Major is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier – a la “Robocop” solely devoted to bringing down the world’s most dangerous criminals. Terrorism has reached a new level that includes hacking into people’s minds and controlling them. Only Major, Major is uniquely qualified to stopping this cyber plague. But just as she prepares to face a new enemy, she discovers that she has been lied to: her life was not saved -- it was stolen. Driven to recover and understand her past, she is driven stops at to discover who did this to her and stop them before they do it to others.

The movie, based on the internationally acclaimed Japanese Manga, “The Ghost in the Shell” also recreates some of the 1995 anime’s main scenes and set-pieces almost shot-for-shot, but, for unknown reasons, screenwriters Jamie Moss and Ehren Kruger chose to discard the stuff that made the original a classic.

Johansson is stunning as a woman who’s irreparably injured in a horrendous accident but is put back together with groundbreaking cyber enhancement. She’s a formidable new age soldier (the shell) with the soul of the former human being (the ghost). Johansson brings a convincing emotional core to this character whose body has essentially been hijacked.

What is especially significant about this dazzling film is this: the break-through technology that made possible the impressive computer animation on display not only utilizes some of the same cyber advances that are of special concerns in our real world but also infuses the meta themes of the movie. After watching this film and listening to the day’s news, it is impossible not to wonder what the future of humanity will be in an increasingly computerized and wired world.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: THE VAMPIRE BAT (1933) I’m a big fane of vintage movies – especially horror. So what’s not to love about huge bloodsucking winged creatures that apparently take human shape after centuries of dormancy in the middleEuropean municipality of Kleinschloss.

This atmospheric thriller from small-scale B-movie factory Majestic Pictures is set in motion when the burgomaster (Lionel Belmore) demands answers to the strange

and bloody terror that has left victims scattered everywhere, all bearing the distinctive puncture marks. Police detective Karl Brettschneider (Melvyn Douglas) finds himself completely stymied. He refuses to accept what he considers mere superstition, and is not pleased when eminent physician Dr. Otto Von Niemann (Lionel Atwill) hints that there may indeed be such things as murderous humanoid bats! Naturally, this terrifies his girl friend Ruth Bertin (Fay Wray) who happens to be Nieman’s lab assistant.

Meanwhile, Herman Gleib (Dwight Frye), the village idiot, just happens to have a fondness for the nocturnal creatures -- “They’re so soft!” he murmurs. It’s not long before ass hysteria erupts and the villagers, as they are wont to do, grab their torches and commence a manhunt that ends with poor Herman destroyed. And then -- there’s another killing! This time the victim is Georgiana (Stella Adams), Dr. Von Niemann’s housekeeper, who failed to serve the physician his late-night coffee – with dire consequences.

This horror gem is a very clean hi-def transfer. I liked the spots of hand-tinted color that are especially striking when the town’s angry and terrified citizens go on a hunt for whom they suspect is the human vampire bat with the flaming torches held like blazing flags in the dark of night.

A nice extra is a Melvyn Douglas featurette with his son Gregory Hesselberg.

Film historian Sam Sherman’s fun, fact-filled commentary is actually worth listening to.

The Film Detective. Blu-ray.

Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW DESERT WRITERS EXPO 2017

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urning Your Writing Dreams Into Reality” is the slogan of the Palm Springs Writers Guild and for many, that refrain has come to fruition. Last week, 40 authors shared their published books.

An energized hubbub of writers gathered in the Rancho Mirage Library Community Room for the 6th Annual Desert Writers Expo to share fiction, nonfiction, children’s, poetry, art and cook books, all colorfully printed and bound. Each author professionally displayed and promoted his or her written works eager to engage with local readers.

Here is a sampling of the dynamic array of subjects and authors.

The Path of the Wind by James A. Misko Fiction. A member of the PSWG since 2001, Misko self-published four novels before signing Square One Publishers. Having published one of Misko’s non-fiction books a decade earlier, the company saw Misko hone his craft as a storyteller. The Path of the Wind is the publisher’s first fiction title.

Winter in Chicago by David M. Hamlin –

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS Fiction. A former PR man and exec with the ACLU, Hamlin writes about a female journalist caught up in a dangerous mystery. “Drugs, death and rock ‘n roll on Chicago’s AM radio dial.”

Runtime Zero by Mick Brady – Neo Cyber Punk. The first in the “Dark Math Chronicles,” Brady’s sci-fi story is inspired by his long career in the world of digital art and design. Brady illustrated the striking cover art.

The Pirates Booty: The Plundered Chronicles

by Alex Westmore – Historical Fiction. A history teacher at COD, Westmore, a.k.a., Linda Silva, has published 35 books and loves to write in long hand.

Too Early for Flowers: The Story of a Polio Mother by Kurt Sipolski – Fiction. A long-time journalist, Sipolski turns his investigative talent to a narrative story based on his own experience overcoming childhood polio with the help of his devoted mom.

Classic Short Stories by Sir Jr. a.k.a. Johnny Lee – Fiction. Encouraged by his wife, Sandra, to write down his stories, Sir Jr’s lifetime of experience and natural writing ability shines in eight tales and a poem.

The Two Realms Trilogy by Ariella Moon – Fiction. Filled with magic, mystery and romance, these books are sweet yet exciting adventures for young adults.

Beyond Embarrassment by JoAnne Lake Nonfiction. In this award-winning book, Lake takes on the subject of neurogenic bladder and bowel conditions. Someone has to write about it.

Nicely illustrated and well organized, this book is like having a close girlfriend to confide in and get helpful advice.

Ain’t “U” Got No Manners? by Kristin Johnson – Nonfiction. Social media is a whole new beast and this book serves as a self-help guide to good social media behavior.

How to Survive Your Vacation: Eighty Surefire Recommendations to Make Sure You Have a Great Time and Return Home in One Piece by Edward J. Lopatin – Nonfiction. The title says it all. It costs money for a vacation and it pays to carefully plan and prepare for a good trip.

All Ways A Woman – Art. A beautiful book with watercolors by Lynn Centeno and prose by Carol Mann, celebrates the tenacity, grace and wisdom of women.

Chicken Soups From Around the World by Cat Cohen – Cookbook. From Argentina to Thailand, chickens are global and this spiral bound book has 52 delicious poultry inspired soup recipes.

Women of the West by Judith L. Butler –

SAFETY TIPS

Nonfiction. This series highlights real women who helped shape frontier life.

Gnorman the Gnorwegian Gnome by Jim Prock – Fiction. This is a Christmas story for kids and adults set in a Gnomian universe.

Lest We Forget told by Marjorie Snell – Nonfiction. This is a memoir shared through the personal letters exchanged between a husband and wife during WWII. All the titles featured here are available on Amazon.

Established in 1977, the Palm Springs Writers Guild is a non-profit organization. This year the guild celebrates 40 years of encouraging, supporting, mentoring, inspiring and assisting members with their writing talents and publishing aspirations.

“We have 248 members,” said John Peters, PSWG President. “Anyone can join. We have members who have never published and those who have published multiple books.”

The guild also offers workshops, critique groups, manuscript review and guest speakers.

There is something very special about the Desert Writers Expo. The authors are accomplished people, bright, knowledgeable, sincere and passionate about their writing.

Whether the authors have a mainstream publisher or are self-published, they have something to say and share with others. It is a wonderful celebration of free speech and creativity.

For more info about the Palm Springs Writers Guild visit palmspringswritersguild.com.

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

WHY DOES EVERYONE SEEM UPTIGHT?

I

t’s common conversation at work, at home with friends and strangers. Everyone seems uptight!

On our roads, in grocery stores, restaurants, at work, in the gym everyone is so uptight. We seem to have become an angry nation. Why don’t we all take a deep breath and relax…

Not only are we surrounded by stress, it’s very unhealthy says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

“It’s so dangerous stress needs to be addressed and reduced.”

75 to 90 percent of all doctor’s visits are for stress related ailments and complaints and 43% of all adults suffer from adverse health effects from stress. Learning to manage stress can help you live a healthier and longer life.

April is “National Stress Awareness Month” and you may be surprised by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate!

I personally believe one reason is we have become a society with low self-esteem. When you suffer from low self-esteem, you take it out on others. Conversely, when you feel good about yourself, you are kinder and more loving and patient with others.

Where do we start?

First, learn how to say “no.” Know your limits and stick to them. Whether in your personal or

professional life, taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress.

Avoid people who stress you out. If someone consistently causes stress in your life and you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship.

If traffic gets you uptight, give yourself more time. Be patient and stay off that phone you’re addicted to!

If you’re stressing about something or someone, communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. When you ask someone to change their behavior, look at yourself and be willing to do the same.

Manage your time effectively. Your lack of responsibility should not end up as my crisis. Be accountable for your actions.

Exercise, practice breathing, try yoga or other relaxation techniques.

For additional stress reduction info visit: www.webmd.com/balance/guide/tips-tocontrol-stress or contact a licensed qualified therapist.

“You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying.

What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.”

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

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CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15 AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760Bill Marx and Chris Bennett 6:30pm 345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Open Jam 6pm Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the 5:30pm afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760Entertainment 5:30pm 345-6466 Larry Capeloto 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm 2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke Live Entertainment 5:30pm 8pm-1:15am MIRAMONTE; IW; 760-341-2200 Christina THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry Reyes and Bret McLaughlin 6-9pm 7:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760Karaoke 8pm-1:15am 327-4080 Sunday Night Jam Session w/ Jos THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry Burrell 7pm 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The PAPPY & HARRIET›S; PT; 760-365-5956 Sunday Band 7:30pm Open Mic 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND Show 7pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm 3560 The Myx 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Mike Costley’s Showcase 6:30pm TBA 3-6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 TBA 6-8pm The Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm John Stanley King and Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Dude Jones THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 9pm Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6-8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Linda Peterson Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm, Jay Lewis & Friends 6pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Sign-Australian Duo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Luminators 6pm Linda Peterson 6:30pm

TUE APRIL 11

MON APRIL 10

AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm-2am THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night 7pm

REAL ESTATE

S

20

WED APRIL 12

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Big Lazy 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Shelley Yoelin Group 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Totally Radical 90’s w/ DJ Richie Rich 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 CV Open Mic Competition Hosted By Morgan James 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760228-1199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 TBA 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Nite hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm

HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 TBA 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-7799200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roger & Friends 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz Trio 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Acoustic Sessions 7pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans 6:30pm

BY BRUCE CATHCART

3 SECRETS TO WINNING MULTIPLE OFFERS pring has definitely sprung here in the desert and with it comes the amazing desert flowers, festivals and “snowbirds”. It is also the height of our “Selling Season” here in the Coachella Valley which means that more buyers will be competing for the best properties as they come on the market.

This is what typically happens around this time each year. You and your trusted real estate agent have been shopping for your desert dream home for several months and finally the perfect home in your price range comes on the market.

You race out and see the home and can’t wait to get back to the real estate office and write an offer. Before your agent writes the offer he/she calls the listing agent and is told that there are already several offers in on the property. The listing agent says there is still time to get your offer in but recommends that you submit your “highest and best offer” as you will likely only get one chance at getting it accepted. What can you do to make sure your offer has the best chance of getting accepted?

First let’s take a look at the sales data for homes in the Coachella Valley for the month of March and then I’ll share with you the top 3 secrets that I have learned over the past 35 years on what you can do to greatly improve your chances of getting your offer accepted when there are multiple offers on the home you want.

According to the Desert Area MLS as of 4/1/17 there were 1,268 pending transactions of residential properties here in the Coachella

PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Two Step Tuesdays w/ Cinch 6-10pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 TBA 8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Boliver and Tony Granberry Jazz 6pm

Valley in the month of March. That’s up from the 969 pendings in the previous month (February) and up 17% over the same time last year when we had 1,054 pending sales. In February there were 710 solds and we were up considerably in March with 1,047 solds. This too represents a huge increase over last year when we sold only 849 homes in March 2016. We ended our first quarter in 2017 exceeding last year’s sales by almost 20%. This is our third year in a row that we have started off with higher volume of both pendings and solds. This is an excellent trend for our valley and even though I estimate that the majority of the homes here in the Coachella Valley are still about 20% below the high market values that we experienced in 2006-7, this positive data documents that the Coachella Valley real estate market continues to improve. Our inventory of homes for sale was down this month with 4674 homes available on April 1, 2017 compared to 4,929 homes available on March 1, 2017. The large number of homes that went into escrow (pendings) in March is obviously responsible for this decrease. We still have plenty of inventory out there at this time, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on this situation to see it becomes a concern.

Secret #1: In most multiple offer situations, but not all, the highest price offered wins. The most common mistake I see buyers make is to base their highest price on the listing price. One of the reasons the property is likely to have multiple offers is that it is priced too low! So

if a home is listed at $250,000 and it is worth $300,000 don’t offer $255,000 and expect to be the highest offer in. The secret in this example is to pay what the property is worth… plus a little more. My magic number for the plus a little more is $126, so in this case I would offer $300,126.

Experienced investors will usually add $100 or even $125. That is why I suggest the $126.

Secret #2: An all cash offer, even if it is not the highest price offered will oftentimes win the bid. So what can you do to improve your chances if you do not have all cash and getting a loan is part of your offer? Make sure that you have a strong Pre-APPROVAL letter from a reputable lender. This is very important. You do not want to submit your offer with a Pre-Qualification letter that is subject to a long list of things still to be done by the lender. You want the seller to see that if he accepts your offer the financing is NOT going to be an issue! The pre-approval letter should be subject to the appraisal and clear title… and that’s all. Now here is the real secret, have your lender call the seller’s agent and assure him that if your offer is accepted the financing will not be a problem. This can sometimes get a seller to accept your offer even over an all cash offer if your price is right.

Secret #3: Make sure that the offer you submit is complete and written in such a way that it does not require a counter offer from the seller. When I am a listing agent in a multiple offer situation and I receive an incomplete, hastily drafted offer it tells me that the agent I am dealing with is not very professional and not someone I want to work with. As for writing an offer that needs no counter offer, just make sure

you create short inspection times, do not ask for negotiable items (like a home warranty or NHD policy) to be paid for by the seller and when it comes to choice of services insert “Seller to designate”.

If you find yourself in a multiple offer situation please consider sharing these secrets with your trusted real estate agent. Hopefully these tips will help you to write your highest and best offer that will end up being that winning offer on your desert dream home.

Join me each month this year as we keep a close eye on our Coachella Valley real estate market. If you have a real estate question or concerns please email me at the address below.

Bruce Cathcart is the Broker/Co-Owner of La Quinta Palms Realty, “Your Friendly Professionals” and can be reached by email at bycathcart@laquintapalmsrealty.com or visit his website at www.laquintapalmsrealty.com.

HADDON LIBBY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 6 to April 12, 2017

THE FORTUNETTE

F

orbes Magazine just released their annual list of the 400 wealthiest people in the world.

Topping the list was Microsoft founder, Bill Gates clocking in with a net worth of $81 billion. For the last twenty-three years, he has been the wealthiest person in the world. To put his net worth into perspective, if Mr. Gates were to give his entire net worth to all of the residents of our fine Valley, each man, woman and child would receive approximately $324,000.

Coming in second this year is President Trump’s nemesis and Dr. Evil twin, Jeff Bezos, at $67 billion. His wealth comes from the explosive growth of Amazon - the killer of book stores and brick-and-mortar retailers alike. What you might not know about Mr. Bezos is that he was raised by his mother and Cuban immigrant stepfather.

Back in 1994, Bezos left a lucrative job running a hedge fund to sell books online. In 2015, Amazon sold more than $100 billion in goods making them one of the largest retailers in the world.

The Oracle of Omaha, the ever cuddly Warren Buffett, fell from his rank as the second wealthiest person in the world to third as his net worth grew only $3.5 billion to $65.5 billion. Over the last year, he gave

nearly $3 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. You might not know that he still lives in the house that he bought for $31,500 in 1958. He also states that his smartest investment was buying the Benjamin Graham book, “The Intelligent Investor” back in 1949.

Harvard dropout and guy you probably wouldn’t want to have a beer with, Mark Zuckerberg, moved up five notches to #4 as Facebook shares increased in value by 40% adding $15.5 billion result in a $55.5 billion net worth.

Coming in fifth is the owner of the tennis stadiums in Indian Wells and the private 19 hole Porcupine Creek residence in Rancho Mirage, Larry Ellsion. His net worth grew only $1.8 billion to $49.3 billion as the company that he founded, Oracle, grew at a much slower pace than Zuckerberg or Bezos. Ellison got his big break in building out databases for the CIA. Sixth is the former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg with a net worth of $45 billion.

The seventh and eighth spots are held by the Satanic brothers of Charles and David Koch at $42 billion each. This silver-spooned pair got a nice start in life as their father invented a process by which heavy crude oil was converted to gasoline. Completely oblivious to the needs of the less fortunate, these two have been screwing with the political landscape for decades. Much of the ugly political climate in Washington DC can be attributed to their funding of many in the Republican Party.

Google (now Alphabet) CEO Larry Page comes in ninth at $38.5 billion. He is currently using some of his vast net worth to fund two flying car start-ups.

Coming in tenth is Russian immigrant and co-founder of Google, Sergey Brin. His family came to the United States when he was six due to anti-semitism in their homeland. Other notable immigrants include Hungarian, George Soros in 19th at $24.9 billion and Elon Musk in 34th at $11.6 billion.

The richest woman in the United States

is Alice Walton who comes in at #13 with a net worth of $13.4 billion. Alice is the only daughter of Wal-Mart founder, Sam Walton.

It is interesting to note that everyone in the top ten except for Satan’s siblings are self-made.

In case you were wondering, President Trump is worth $3.7 billion, down $800 million from last year as many of his properties declined in value.

Haddon Libby is the Managing Partner of investment management firm, Winslow Drake. His contact information can be found at WinslowDrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

ROSSANA ROSANNA DANA: “IF IT IS NOT ONE THING IT IS ANOTHER.”

L

ast weekend’s winds were some of the worst I can remember in our area. Drivers had hard time staying in their lanes and making unsafe turns as the winds impaired their vision. The winds are just as dangerous as talking on the phone or reading emails/ Facebook. On top of this, April is “National Distracted Driving Awareness” month and the focus is on distracted drivers. Next week will be Coachella’s distracted drivers causing distracted driving traffic issues.

There are many ways to become distracted and have the police focus on you. It could be your erratic driving, last weekend’s Palm Desert checkpoints, or Coachella. Any of these may be enough probable cause for police to stop you and investigate. If they smell alcohol or witness an accident....well you know the rest of the story!

On my legal talk show I started off each episode saying “People Don’t Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan.” If you understand and remember what I am writing herein you will be Planning Ahead. If stopped for a possible DUI remember that the (FST) Field Sobriety and Breath Tests at the scene are OPTIONAL. Politely tell the officer that you are will to do anything that is mandatory

and will happily take a Blood test. A Blood test will require a professional blood draw and since it takes a while to get the results you will be in custody for several hours.

The following is a step by step summary of what will happen with a DUI: A DUI is a criminal offense that has two separate legal proceedings... the Court and DMV: Booking and Custody: The officer will snatch your CDL, under the Stop and Snatch Law and give you a pink DMV temporary license valid for 30 days. At the station you must take another chemical test<http:// www.southbaydui.com/Los_Angeles_ DUI_Defense/Breath_and_Blood_Tests. aspx> (breath/blood) to determine your Blood Alcohol Content and you will be fingerprinted and photographed. You will be released after about 4 hours.

Schedule a DMV Hearing Within 10 days. If you wait 11 days to call DMV you are too late. Thus your license will be gone for 4-5 months and you will given a Temporary License after the 30 days. Your attorney requests a DMV hearing and asks for a stay.

You will get a new temporary license that will be good until the DMV results.

Retain a LOCAL Attorney for your Accident or DUI.

DMV Hearing: Your lawyer presents evidence and subpoenas witnesses, including the arresting officer. Your attorney can advocate for your license and driving privileges on your behalf, and the DMV will then rule on whether or not the officer had reasonable cause to take your license. The DMV hearing is stacked against the driver as the hearing officer is both the prosecutor and judge. However it gives you and your attorney a free glimpse of the case and the evidence against the driver. The hearing is taped and in court, if the officer testifies differently, you can impeach him/her. We have a case now where the deputy testified two different ways and the DA’s knew that WE had a copy of the DMV tape we would play in front of the jury. My client was very happy with the results.

Arraignment: You, or your attorney, pleads guilty or not guilty.

Plea Bargains and Pretrial Motions: After the arraignment your attorney talks to the DA and possibly negotiates a plea bargain or sets the case for Motions to Dismiss, Motions to Suppress Evidence and or for a Pre Trial or Trial.

Trial: Evidence is presented, wits crossed and the jury decides guilt.

Sentencing: The court sentences after

a plea bargain or conviction. The penalties will differ based on the circumstances of your case, but could include fines, jail time or home arrest with an ankle bracelet, community service, and alcohol education.

I look upon my job as protecting the Constitutional Rights of every American who drinks and drives and gets arrested for a DUI. I do however “Change Hats” when I SUE Drunk Drivers for damages to my Injured or Deceased (Wrongful Death) clients.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER.........THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME ... LAW ENFORCEMENT WARNS “DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life (DUI/ ACCIDENTS) 2011-2017 “TOP LAWYER”-Inland Empire Magazine Nov, 2016 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating

21

April 6 to April 12, 2017

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

SPORTS SCENE

BY FLINT WHEELER

GOLF SHOWS US AGAIN WHY IT STRUGGLES FOR VIEWERSHIP AND FANS..

T

he LPGA Tour has suffered for years now with viewership, key sponsors for headline events, and an image bruise regarding the lack of quality American Players and now it just threw up all over itself in our backyard. A stunned Lexi Thompson received a four-stroke penalty walking off the 12th green Sunday at the ANA Inspiration.

LPGA officials received an email from a viewer about a possible rules infraction during the third round when Thompson was on the seventh hole of Round 4.

Thompson lost the tournament on the first sudden-death hole to Soyeon Ryu. Officials deliberated for two hours before informing Thompson that she had replaced her ball an inch away from its original position on a 1-foot putt on the 17th hole Saturday.

She received two strokes for that violation plus two more for signing an incorrect scorecard. Her third-round 67 was changed to a 71.

“Oh my God,” Thompson said, walking to the tee. “This is ridiculous.”

“Is this a joke?” she asked.

LPGA rules official Sue Witters later said she was 100-percent certain that Thompson did not do it intentionally.

“It was a hard thing to do. To be honest, it made me sick.”

The LPGA said she breached USGA Rule 20-7c and Rule 16-1b. She incurred an additional penalty for incorrect scorecards under Rule 6-6d.

LPGA Statement Regarding Lexi Thompson Penalty: On Sunday afternoon, the LPGA received an email from a television viewer, saying that Lexi Thompson did not properly replace her ball prior to putting out on the 17th hole during Saturday’s third round of the ANA Inspiration. The claim was quickly investigated by LPGA Rules officials.

After a full review, it was determined that Thompson breached Rule 20-7c (Playing From Wrong Place), and received a twostroke penalty under Rule 16-1b. She incurred

22

an additional two-stroke penalty under Rule 6-6d for returning an incorrect scorecard in round three. She was immediately notified of the breach by LPGA Rules Committee in between holes 12 and 13 of the final round.

In a matter of seconds the tour’s top American went from a two-stroke advantage over Suzann Pettersen to a two-stroke deficit.

An obviously distraught Thompson pounded a drive on the 13th tee. Showing incredible mental fortitude, Thompson went on to birdie the hole, while Pettersen bogeyed.

Thompson, winner here in 2014, joined four other players – Inbee Park, So Yeon Ryu, Minjee Lee and Pettersen – in a tie for at 13 under with four to play.

The USGA’s proposed rules changes for 2019 would prevent such a thing from happening in the future because of the reasonable judgement standard. Thompson made a reasonable effort to return the ball to its original position.

Some big names in the golf world reacted with shock and anger: “Viewers at home should not be officials wearing stripes. Let’s go Lexi, win this thing anyway.” Tweeted Tiger Woods.

Justin Thomas Chimed in with; “Whatever number this is that people can call in, it needs to go away. Hoping it doesn’t cost Lexi”.

And my personal favorite; “Who the F#*k is sitting at home zooming in on that stuff??”

Tweeted in by Shane Lowry. This kind of crap is why golf is struggling.

S and G

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Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping Sewer & Drain Cleaning Odor Control

760-404-6325

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of April 6

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be interested in first things, Aries. Cultivate your attraction to beginnings.

Align yourself with uprisings and breakthroughs. Find out what’s about to hatch, and lend your support.

Give your generous attention to potent innocence and novel sources of light. Marvel at people who are rediscovering the sparks that animated them when they first came into their power. Fantasize about being a curious seeker who is devoted to reinventing yourself over and over again. Gravitate toward influences that draw their vitality directly from primal wellsprings. Be excited about first things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Are you weary of lugging around decayed guilt and regret? Is it increasingly difficult to keep forbidden feelings concealed? Have your friends been wondering about the whip marks from your self-flagellation sessions?

Do you ache for redemption? If you answered yes to any of those questions, listen up. The empathetic and earthy saints of the Confession Catharsis Corps are ready to receive your blubbering disclosures. They are clairvoyant, they’re non-judgmental, and best of all, they’re free. Within seconds after you telepathically communicate with our earthy saints, they will psychically beam you eleven minutes of unconditional love, no strings attached. Do it! You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and smarter you feel. Transmit your sad stories to the Confession Catharsis Corps NOW! GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Now is an excellent time to FREE YOUR MEMORIES. What comes to mind when I suggest that? Here are my thoughts on the subject. To FREE YOUR MEMORIES, you could change the way you talk and feel about your past.

Re-examine your assumptions about your old stories, and dream up fresh interpretations to explain how and why they happened. Here’s another way to FREE YOUR MEMORIES: If you’re holding on to an insult someone hurled at you once upon a time, let it go.

In fact, declare a general amnesty for everyone who ever did you wrong. By the way, the coming weeks will also be a favorable phase to FREE YOURSELF OF MEMORIES that hold you back. Are there any tales you tell yourself about the past that undermine your dreams about the future? Stop telling yourself those tales.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): How big is your vocabulary? Twenty thousand words? Thirty thousand? Whatever size it is, the coming weeks will be prime time to expand it. Life will be conspiring to enhance your creative use of language . . . to deepen your enjoyment of the verbal flow . . . to help you become more articulate in rendering the mysterious feelings and complex thoughts that rumble around inside you. If you pay attention to the signals coming from your unconscious mind, you will be shown how to speak and write more effectively. You may not turn into a silver-tongued persuader, but you could become a more eloquent spokesperson for your own interests.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): We all need more breaks from the routine -- more holidays, more vacations, more days off from work. We should all play and dance and sing more, and guiltlessly practice the arts of leisure and relaxation, and celebrate freedom in regular boisterous rituals. And I’m nominating you to show us the way in the coming weeks, Leo. Be a cheerleader who exemplifies how it’s done. Be a ringleader who springs all of us inmates out of our mental prisons. Be the imaginative escape artist who demonstrates how to relieve tension and lose inhibitions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): People in your vicinity may be preoccupied with trivial questions.

What’s more nutritious, corn chips or potato chips?

Could Godzilla kick King Kong’s ass? Is it harder to hop forward on one foot or backward with both feet? I suspect you will also encounter folks who are embroiled in meaningless decisions and petty emotions. So how should you navigate your way through this energy-draining muddle? Here’s my advice: Identify the issues that are most worthy of your attention. Stay focused on them with disciplined

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

devotion. Be selfish in your rapt determination to serve your clearest and noblest and holiest agendas.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I hope that by midMay you will be qualified to teach a workshop called “Sweet Secrets of Tender Intimacy” or “Dirty Secrets of Raw Intimacy” or maybe even “Sweet and Dirty Secrets of Raw and Tender Intimacy.” In other words, Libra, I suspect that you will be adding substantially to your understanding of the art of togetherness. Along the way, you may also have experiences that would enable you to write an essay entitled “How to Act Like You Have Nothing to Lose When You Have Everything to Gain.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you have a dream of eating soup with a fork, it might mean that in your waking life you’re using the wrong approach to getting nourished. If you have a dream of entering through an exit, it might mean that in your waking life you’re trying to start at the end rather than the beginning.

And if you dream of singing nursery rhymes at a karaoke bar with unlikable people from high school, it might mean that in your waking life you should seek more fulfilling ways to express your wild side and your creative energies. (P.S. You’ll be wise to do these things even if you don’t have the dreams I described.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you’re a Quixotic lover, you’re more in love with love itself than with any person. If you’re a Cryptic lover, the best way to stay in love with a particular partner is to keep him or her guessing. If you’re a Harlequin, your steady lover must provide as much variety as three lovers.

If you’re a Buddy, your specialties are having friendly sex and having sex with friends. If you’re a Histrionic, you’re addicted to confounding, disorienting love. It’s also possible that you’re none of the above. I hope so, because now is an excellent time to have a beginner’s mind about what kind of love you really need and want to cultivate in the future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your new vocabulary word is “adytum.” It refers to the most sacred place within a sacred place -- the inner shrine at the heart of a sublime sanctuary. Is there such a spot in your world? A location that embodies all you hold precious about your journey on planet Earth? It might be in a church or temple or synagogue or mosque, or it could be a magic zone in nature or a corner of your bedroom. Here you feel an intimate connection with the divine, or a sense of awe and reverence for the privilege of being alive. If you don’t have a personal adytum, Capricorn, find or create one. You need the refreshment that comes from dwelling in the midst of the numinous.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You could defy gravity a little, but not a lot. You can’t move a mountain, but you may be able to budge a hill. Luck won’t miraculously enable you to win a contest, but it might help you seize a hard-earned perk or privilege.

A bit of voraciousness may be good for your soul, but a big blast of greed would be bad for both your soul and your ego. Being savvy and feisty will energize your collaborators and attract new allies; being a smart-ass show-off would alienate and repel people.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Here are activities that will be especially favorable for you to initiate in the near future: 1. Pay someone to perform a service for you that will ease your suffering. 2. Question one of your fixed opinions if that will lead to you receiving a fun invitation you wouldn’t get otherwise. 3. Dole out sincere praise or practical help to a person who could help you overcome one of your limitations.

4. Get clear about how one of your collaborations would need to change in order to serve both of you better. Then tell your collaborator about the proposed improvement with light-hearted compassion.

Homework: Who’s the person you’d most like to meet and have coffee or a drink with? Why? Testify at Freewillastrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

EVENTS

April 6 to April 12, 2017

BY CRAIG MICHAELS

ART WALK – END OF SEASON SALE TO BENEFIT LOVING ALL ANIMALS

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he Art Place in the Palm Desert Design District would like to thank Coachella Valley residents for making them the premier destination for all home design and decor needs. To show their appreciation, The Art Place is inviting the public to their Art Walk and End of Season Sale. The Art Walk will take place on Thursday April 6, 2017, from 4-7pm and is free to the public. This event kicks off the week-long “End of Season Sale” which will run until Saturday, April 15, 2017.

This is a great opportunity to meet world-renowned artists and interior designers in the Coachella Valley. Treasure seekers can hunt for incredible bargains while strolling from shop to shop enjoying light refreshments. From interior design, to fine art, flowers, fabrics, and highend furniture, The Art Place will feature

everything necessary to design the perfect dream home.

Attendees will also have a chance to support “Loving All Animals” a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. A portion of all proceeds from the event will benefit this pet-friendly organization. The mission for Loving All Animals is to bring together local and national animal welfare organizations for the benefit of animals.

The Art Place is located at 41801 Corporate Way in Palm Desert off Hovley Lane. For more information you can call (760) 776-2268 or Visit them online at www.artplacepd.com. To stay up-to-date on future events at The Art Place, make sure you like them on Facebook.

Written by: Craig Michaels Productions craigmichaelsproductions@gmail.com Phone: (760) 880-3848

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April 6 to April 12, 2017

ASK JENNY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JENNY WALLIS

"IT’S NOT LIKE I DISLIKE HER.. "

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ear Jenny, A friend of mine, who I have been close friends with for quite a few years, recently started bothering me. Let me explain, we have been through so much together and when it seems like I can’t depend on anyone or anything…. we are always there for each other. I consider myself blessed to have her in my life. Sometimes though, she bugs me. It can be the simplest things, how she talks, what she talks about, how she does just about anything, how she breathes, are you beginning to understand what I mean when I say she bugs me? There really is no other way to describe it. Like I said though, we have been friends for a long time and she didn’t always bug me. It’s not like I dislike her, when I haven’t talked to her for a while, I want to connect, but once we start talking I get that feeling again. What does it mean?

Should we stop being friends? Should I tell her? I’d appreciate your input.

Thanks, Jenna ------------------------------------------------Hello Jenna, Thanks for writing in. So many people think that relationships are only romantic, I often have to remind people that friendships are relationships too. It is safe to say that as time moves on all of us change our ways.

Some of us to grow together with people we are having relationships with and some of us to grow apart, but we are always growing.

And a lot of times when this growth happens one of the parties involved will grow in a different direction than the other.

Something like this might have happened; you might have grown in a different direction. Growth is inevitable Jenna, it always happens, even if people don’t want it to. It sounds like something like that has happened between you and your friend.

Sometimes we are so used to being friends and having the other in our lives we are comfortable with it and want it to continue, but the other person begins to rub us the wrong way so we don’t want to be around

them. But we are comfortable and used to that person being in our lives, which explains why you miss your friend and want to start a conversation if you have not spoken in a while.

Now let’s speak a little more about the situation you are going through. If a person who you are with does things that annoy you, that bother you, please know, that is your problem not theirs. If a person gets under your skin, you are the one who let them! If a person pushes your buttons you are the one letting them! Do you kind of see where I am going with this? When a person bothers you a great deal, it is your job to look deep down inside and figure out why. Why are you letting yourself be bothered by this?

What changes have recently happened in your life?

It’s very easy when we practice the law of attraction, and we are accountable for our feelings. When we understand that every single thing we put out always comes back to us, it is easier to understand that maybe we are putting out our own sort of bitchiness and irritating behavior and receiving some in return. When we have feelings of happiness, feelings of joy that is the time to appreciate, have gratitude, be grateful and expect more spectacular things to come our way. When we have feelings of irritation or we feel annoyed, we need to address those feelings as well. Feelings are just ways for us to figure out where we are and if something is not right we can address it. We should always pay very close attention to our feelings and emotions, are we happy with them? ❤Namaste, Jenny Don’t forget to follow Jenny at www. askjennynow.com, find her on facebook or contact her at 760-505-0952

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

TRAVELING A NEW PATH

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ometimes I think there are two kinds of people, individuals who set their path and follow it and others who relish the idea of creating a second act. In my coaching practice I meet people from both groups. My heart goes out to the followers who have been knocked off their path by a corporate restructuring or other uncontrollable events.

Typically, people who want nothing more than to stay in their own lane do not react well to change. The mere thought of a career reinvention can practically make them break out in hives.

I get it. There is a certain degree of comfort in strict adherence to the plan. For some, career development is akin to arranging a vacation where every hour of every day is scheduled leaving no wiggle room for going off-course.

Comforting, perhaps, but resisting change is limiting at best.

Don’t get boxed in by fear of the unknown.

Living in your comfort zone is like hanging on to the teddy bear you had since age two. By now the bear is worn out, shabby looking and perhaps missing an eye. That is what stagnating in the status quo will do to you when you fear breaking new ground.

What can you gain by making changes in your life? Let’s begin with personal growth. By doing something different you achieve a new

perspective, expand your knowledge base and most importantly, proving you can take on a challenge builds your self-esteem. Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often.” I’m not sure about ever gaining perfection but Sir Winston is spot on about change leading to improvement.

My favorite part about shaking things up in life is the excitement it brings. When I moved across the country, (did that twice) the feeling of newness was stimulating. It was like writing a new chapter never been written before filled with different characters and valuable lessons.

Whether you are thinking about a career change, relocating across the country or simply trying a trendy new hairstyle, do more than contemplate it. Take action. If a big change feels overwhelming, start small.

Change your nail color or take a test ride on that motorcycle you’ve been dreaming about purchasing. Join a book club, or take Italian lessons. Start somewhere and when you get there, don’t look back and don’t stop. You will discover embracing change and relishing new opportunities sure beats the status quo.

Ready? Set? Go for it!

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog www.lifeonthesunnyside.net

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