Coachella Valley Weekly - April 20 to April 26, 2023 Vol. 12 No. 6

Chance

Team Kirby, Kathy Bates, Raymond Bill

Lacombe

Sanchez

Harrell Feature Writers

Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmions

Noe Gutierrez, Tricia Witkower, Marissa Willman

Writers/Contributors:

Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Rob Brezsny, Craig Michaels, Dee Jae Cox, Denise Ortuno Neil, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Ed Heethuis, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman, Daniel Paris, Michelle Borthwick, Nadia Popova, Merita Wheel-Zot, Dennis Shelly, DeAnn Lubell

Photographers

Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez

Videographer

Kurt Schawacker

Website Editor

Bobby Taffolla

Distribution

Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Michele Havner is the awardwinning Chief Marketing Officer for Cannabis 21+. With a Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Havner has successfully developed innovative marketing solutions for various companies in her 30+ year career. Throughout that time, she has leveraged the depth and breadth of her experience to expand brand reach and capture critical market share in global markets. With Cannabis 21+, she continues to facilitate a “positive attitude, professional competence, and balanced client service” as described by a former employee.

Cannabis 21+ bolsters multiple familyowned facilities in Southern California with its largest store in Palm Desert, California. The most recently opened dispensary is located at 26120 Cordoba Drive in Hemet, California. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on weekends, the Hemet site can be reached at (951) 260-0380.

CV Weekly recently communicated with Havner to learn more about her continued advocacy, the gravity of customer service and the future of Cannabis 21+.

CVW: How did you become to be involved in the cannabis industry?

Havner: “We’ve been involved in the legal cannabis business since 2013, beginning in Washington State. We saw the benefit cannabis can have on helping people live their best lives, and we wanted to help break the stigma of cannabis use. When we talk to our customers and they can finally get a good night’s sleep, have relief from pain, PTSD, or depression, or even just being able to relax after a hard day of work, it reinforces our reason for being in the industry”.

CVW: You are California’s largest dispensary and have multiple sites. As

businesses grow, many times the quality of service diminishes. Your staff have consistently been applauded by both new and returning clients. How have you been able to keep customer service a priority?

Havner: “By ensuring we have a strong vision for our company and relay that to our team, hiring amazing people, and providing incredible and on-going training. We also want to ensure when we have a great employee, we keep them in the family. Our budtenders are our voice, our face to our customers, so ensuring every transaction is the best possible experience is always our goal”.

CVW: Do you have any Daily Specials you’d like to feature?

Havner: “We want all our customers to be part of our text deals. Every Tuesday and Friday, we offer 15% off with a text; Sundays are buy 3, get 1 for just 1 cent. And we also text additional deals out so joining our texting program pays off”.

CVW: There continues to be a criminalization and superstition surrounding both medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. What would you like to share to help more individuals understand the need for both?

Havner: “Breaking the stigma of cannabis use is an important mission for our company. That is why it’s important that our budtenders be well-versed and able to assist customers with various needs. Every visit is a one-on-one consultation to ensure the customer leaves with the right product, whether you are socializing with your friends, need a good night’s sleep, are suffering from arthritis or other chronic pain, have PTSD or other reasons. Responsible cannabis use can improve many people’s lives and we feel responsible cannabis users should have legal

access without facing stigma”.

CVW: Your buildings are aesthetically pleasing and are state-of-the-art with regard to cannabis shops. What can you tell us about the design and purpose of a cannabis shop?

Havner: “First, we want to be welcoming to our customers - whether you are a firsttime customer or seasoned user. We want it to be comfortable, bright, professional and an enjoyable place to visit. We put a great deal of energy into ensuring our customers and budtenders have a great space to fully experience what Cannabis 21+ has to offer”.

CVW: Would you like to share about your delivery services?

Havner: “Our fast, friendly and secure delivery is an excellent way to experience Cannabis 21+. We have no delivery fee; just a minimum spent starting as low as $50 and delivered right to your home, hotel or Airbnb. Order online at shopc21plus.com or call our store and talk to a budtender”.

CVW: You are involved in multiple charity events. Why is it important for you to give back to the communities you do business in?

Havner: “As a local business, we appreciate everyone who has welcomed us and helped us grow in Palm Desert. And because we are part of the local community, we feel it is important to give back to the community we are in. We always look to partner with charities close to our heart and companies that will have the largest impact on the local community. As we enter new markets, we will continue to put this in the forefront. While we are growing, we remain a ‘mom and pop shop’ and will continue to become part of the communities we are in”.

CVW: You have locations in Mission Valley, Sorrento Valley, Palm Desert, Ukiah, Hemet and coming soon to Riverside. What are your plans for further expansion?

Havner: “Yes, Mission Valley in San Diego was our first store. Sorrento Valley (San Diego), Ukiah, Palm, Hemet are now open, Lake Elsinore and Riverside will open in the next 30 days. We are planning two in San Francisco by mid-summer and one in Santa Rosa”.

CVW: Anything else you’d like to add or for me to highlight?

Havner: “As California’s Cannabis Superstore, we will continue to bring the best products at incredible discounts, with amazing service from the most knowledgeable budtenders”.

Indian Wells, CA (April18, 2023) -- Above & Beyond honorees were nominated by their peers for their proven excellence in community leadership and service. Angel Light Academy’s Leadership Training Institute will be hosting this prestigious event on April 22nd at Indian Wells Golf Resort in the Pavilion beginning at 5:00 p.m. with cocktails/silent auction and 6:00 p.m. Awards Dinner Gala.

We are proud to shine the light on an exceptional group of honorees from a unique array of service backgrounds: business, theatre, entrepreneurs, non-profits, agriculture, civics, community, education, social services and healthcare. This year’s select group of honorees represent some of the finest examples of devoted Coachella Valley citizens who have gone “Above & Beyond” and are often behind the scenes serving others to make our community a better place to live.

2023 ABOVE AND BEYOND HONOREES & “ANGELS ON EARTH”:

David Catanzarite & Karen Lin, Green Room Theatre Company

David Catanzarite is a veteran stage director, activist, and theatre educator.  He has directed more than 150 productions in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Baltimore and the Coachella Valley. Karen Lin started as a teacher in a variety of grades for ten years in Los Angeles. In 1999, Karen taught theatre, dance, music, and visual art as part of the pioneer standardsbased Los Angeles Arts Prototype program. This is where she met and later married David Catanzarite who was the Arts Advisor for over 80 schools. Then in 2010 David and his wife Karen Lin founded Green Room Theatre Company at the CSU San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus. For 13 years their conservatory program has offered training for children and teens, regardless of ability to pay. With the support of private donors and foundations Green Room has awarded more than $96,000 in scholarships and paid internships since 2010. It has touched the lives of hundreds of young artists, many of whom got their first paying theatre jobs growing up within the company. Now in their fourteenth successful season, David and Karen, are taking on a thrilling new challenge with Green Room Theatre: to build a professional theatre for neighborhoods in East Coachella Valley. In 2022, Karen and David set up a partnership with Desert Sands Unified School District for Green Room to come in and teach ballet folklorico in the schools. In February 2023 the City of Coachella bolstered their initiative by giving the company an office at City Hall. With support from the California Arts Council, Green Room has already launched a burgeoning ballet folklorico program at elementary schools in Indio and a theatre and literacy program at libraries, middle schools and high schools in Mecca, Indio, and La Quinta. Together, David and Karen continue dancing, doing theatre, and growing Green Room in a way that will embrace the needs of Coachella and the East Valley.

Heather Vaikona, Lift to Rise

Heather Vaikona serves as President and CEO at Lift to Rise, a non-profit collective impact

organization that brings together community and institutional leaders to collaboratively solve the underlying causes of poverty and inequality. Lift to Rise brings together community advocates and leaders in the public and private sectors to radically increase housing stability and economic mobility for everyone who calls the Coachella Valley home. Lift to Rise convenes the Housing Collaborative Action Network (CAN), a network of over 60 crosssector partners organized around radically increasing the supply of affordable housing in the Coachella Valley. Lift to Rise’s bold change agenda is anchored by significant institutional and grassroots partnerships including USC’s Price Center for Social Innovation, Riverside County, and dozens of local community organizations. Working with the Housing CAN, Heather has led Lift to Rise in launching We Lift: the Coachella Valley’s Housing Catalyst Fund as well as implementing the United Lift emergency rental assistance program, which has distributed over $300 million to more than 35,000 low-income renter households financially impacted by the pandemic. We Lift is the result of more than 70 community partners and their multi-year effort to change the way we develop affordable housing. It’s a groundbreaking solution that pools resources to attract additional capital, allowing local developers to get their community-focused projects built—creating more places that people can call home. This fund is integral to reaching our goal of building 10,000 affordable homes by 2028. A Coachella Valley resident and fourthgeneration Californian, Heather has worked both domestically and abroad focused on achieving social and economic justice through community development initiatives.

Julie Hirsh, Jewish Family Service of the Desert Julie Hirsh, Director of Community Outreach,

has been a member of the Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) team for the past 5+ years serving in a variety of roles including community programs and case management. Julie has resided in the desert for the past 13 years after moving from Northern California with her husband to be closer to her adult child who was in college in the Los Angeles area at the time. Julie feels that her calling has always been in the social service realm but after college, where she majored in Community Studies at UC Santa Cruz, Julie traveled a new path after falling in love with the 80’s aerobic craze. Julie spent many years as a fitness professional, sometimes being a full-time career and others a part time opportunity while working in other roles. Julie’s fitness background led her to an amazing career working in an outpatient physical therapy clinic until leaving Northern California and landing in the desert. Julie is involved with various support programs at JFS. JFS is a non-sectarian, nonprofit, social service agency serving the needs of Coachella Valley residents in the areas of Mental Health Counseling, Case Management and Community Programs since 1982. JFS’s mission is to provide for the social service needs of the Jewish and general community throughout the greater Coachella Valley with a commitment to promote the well-being of people of all ages, incomes, and lifestyles. This includes various support programs such as, the Senior Collaborative to meet emergency needs for seniors in crisis, Let’s Do Lunch to encourage socialization through regularly schedule activities, Senior Services to provided weekly phone calls to isolated seniors to check on their needs, and case management providing emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness. JFS also works with local and county organizations to advocate for the rights of seniors in the Valley.

Congressman Ken Calvert

Congressman Ken Calvert, a lifelong resident of Riverside County and 17-year small business owner in the restaurant and real estate industries, represents the 41st Congressional District of southern California. Throughout his life, Ken has been actively involved and served in leadership roles with several local community volunteer organizations, including the Corona Chamber of Commerce, the Corona Rotary, and the Corona-Norco Family YMCA. Rep. Calvert was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 and is one of the most senior members serving in the legislative body. Since he was

BY MICHELE BORTHWICK

first elected to Congress, Rep. Calvert has worked hand-in-hand with local stakeholders to bring federal resources to critical projects in Riverside. Rep. Calvert has authored a number of bills that became law including legislation that protects against identity theft by prohibiting the appearance of Social Security account numbers on or through unopened mailings of checks issued by the Treasury Department, provides additional educational dollars to states through a simplified collection process of oil and gas royalties, increasing the penalties for desecrating our national cemeteries, establishing the Medal of Honor Memorial at the Riverside National Cemetery as a “national” memorial, and reduces or eliminates the use of animals to test product and chemical safety; and established the Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial as a National Memorial. Rep. Calvert’s legislative work has received top ratings from the Americans for Tax Reform, Christian Coalition, League of Private Property Voters, National Federation of Independent Businesses, 60 Plus Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Survival Committee and Citizens for a Sound Economy.

Kim Waltrip

Kim Waltrip is a Film Producer and Director. Kim was President of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television, and she is on the advisory board of the Washington Film Foundation, College of the Desert’s Film School, a current member of Greenlight Women, the producer of Palm Springs Women in Film’s Speaker Series, on the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce’s nominating board for the Walk of Stars. In 1998 after the death of her friend Sonny Bono, Kim moved to Palm Springs where she began work as the District Director for Congresswoman Mary Bono. She has been awarded the “Congressional Recognition for Service to the Community,” the “Desert Visionary Award” by the Women’s Leaders Forum, the “Woman of Distinction” Award by the California State Assembly, District 42, the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award by Palm Springs Life Magazine, received the “Most Valuable Patron” award by the Garden State Film Festival, and many more. She has served on the Board of the Olive Crest Homes for Abused and Neglected Children’s Foundation, who honored her with the “Angel of the Year Award.” She is a former Board Member of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television and was honored with the “Desert Diva Award” at the Broken Glass Awards in 2012. Kim has served on the advisory board of CBS Local 2, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, was a board member of the Tour de Palm Springs, Indian Wells Rotary.

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David Catanzarite & Karen Lin Heather Vaikona

Mario Del Guidice Mark Tadros

Mark Tadros

Roxanne Bauer Ted Weill

Julie Hirsh Congressman Ken Calvert Kim Waltrip

She was awarded the “Paul Harris Fellow” from Rotary International and she has organized numerous charitable events, tournaments and galas, including the Concert for Katrina and the Hurricane Sandy Relief Benefit for the Red Cross. She was the Co-Chair for the Shelter From the Storm Gala 2014 and the chair of the American Cancer Society’s Desert Spirit Gala for 2016.

Mario Del Guidice

Starting out as a young boy in Brooklyn and Queens New York Mario had a thirst for work and business. His first experience with autism was in the sixth grade when he was given detention to work with the special autism unit. This experience created a lasting impression on him and he began volunteering with them. He came to Palm Springs, California in 1969 with his children who were then 8, 9, and 10 years of age. In 1972, he opened his first restaurant in Yucca Valley where the children were able to grow up in open space in a small community and work in the family business. In the early 1980s, Mario was fortunate to become a friend to Desert Arc. On weekdays, they would have training sessions at his restaurant Pietro‘s Italian restaurant. He is proud that the clients that did come to his training sessions went on to work at country clubs and hotels. In his life, he had 3 mentors who he respected. His father Peter who was known in the community as a man’s man and taught him to live by 3 words: respect, strength, and perseverance. His uncle Gennaro was a great chef and amazed him with great dishes. Lastly, his uncle Leonardo, a businessman, gave him business incentive and drive. He was fortunate to have these 3 mentors in his life who always taught him “If God is good to you in both health and success you should give back and if you don’t shame on you.” His achievements and volunteer experience includes: 6 great family restaurants and 50 years in the valley, Cancer Society Relay For Life, Make-A-Wish foundation, American Red Cross, Fundraisers for all high schools in the valley, Business person of the year in 2014, Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, Desert Arc Champion of the Year in 2018. In addition, Mario’s Community Monday served over 26,450 meals to first responders, hospitals, church groups, CV Rescue Mission, Street Life Project, and people in need in the valley, and donated 100,000 surgical gloves to all hospitals.

Mark Tadros

The best of Broadway, entertainment legends, virtuosos, superstars and a tantalizing roster of great dance, comedy, and music are all coming to the Coachella Valley’s famed performing arts venue—the McCallum Theatre. With more than 60 great shows and over 100 performances, the new 2023-2024 season has something for everyone to enjoy.

Among the highlights are three Broadway debuts—The Cher Show, Pretty Woman, and Mean Girls—as well as a new McCallum Theatre Adventure Speaker Series. Also included is the City of Rancho Mirage family fun series, Les Miserables returning for the first time in 30 years, the Manhattan Transfer final world tour, Barry Manilow’s A Gift of Love VI, a salute to the music of Legendary Hollywood music man John Williams, classical superstars Renee Fleming and Lang Lang, the return of the TEN Tenors and Pink Martini, Mitch’s Picks and Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations, and much more.

As of November 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the McCallum Theatre announced that masks will no longer be required for admission to performances at the Theatre. Proof of vaccination and photo identification or passport are required for entry through May 18, 2023.

The wearing of masks is optional, but

Mark Tadros grew up tagging along with his father to date ranches, including his own, all around the east end of the Coachella Valley. Although Mark did not join his father in business until 2008, he developed a skill set and knowledge base as a trained chef that has proven to be valuable in the date business. Mark is currently part owner and president of Aziz Farms, the company his father started, and has grown the business tremendously. Aziz Farms now has multiple operating branches that include growing, harvesting, packing and selling dates and other produce items; utilization of the farm as a private event space; and hosting school field trips for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition to his work for Aziz Farms, Mark also co-owns a consumerdirect produce delivery company called CV Harvest Box. The company was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when the date industry was severely impacted, as most industries were, and Mark was able to quickly pivot his focus from the wholesale market of dates to procuring a variety of produce and food items from local farmers and artisans who were also struggling due to the pandemic. He also serves as a board member of the California Date Commission and is the Chair of the Commission’s Marketing Committee. Recognized in multiple publications and media platforms, Mark is a known advocate for California grown produce and sustainable farming practices.

Mary Lou Green

Mary Lou Green had an 18-year career teaching 5th and 6th grade students in Littleton, CO. In addition to her teaching, Mary Lou worked with her husband Dennis to build their business, designing greeting cards and inventing consumer products. Together they invented over 50 consumer products and earned 17 patents. The Greens sold their company in 2006 and retired in La Quinta, CA. However, Mary Lou’s parents became so ill that they needed 24/7 care so retirement plans changed to fulltime caregiving for them. Since retiring, Dennis and Mary Lou have written 3 books, invented 2 new consumer products called Throne Daddy and On Topper, and started BigIdeaSchool. com to provide online courses to inventors and entrepreneurs. Driven by her experience in caring for her parents, Mary Lou pursued training in understanding Alzheimer’s and

dementia, and she is now a certified NCCDP Dementia Practitioner as well as an ARPF Brain Longevity Specialist. 5 years ago, Mary Lou joined the Dementia Help Center in Indian Wells as an independent Family Care Consultant. She does individual and group caregiver coaching, strategic planning and care management, and co-leads THRIVE caregiver support groups every Wednesday with DHC Founder Kae Hammond. To promote brain longevity, Mary Lou founded Dementia Bridge, a local company designed to promote a healthy lifestyle that can delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Mary Lou volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association of Coachella Valley and serves as the Senior Outreach Advisor for the Old Town Art Studio in La Quinta, connecting seniors to art experiences and promoting programs designed around their needs. She received the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of La Quinta Chamber of Commerce.

Roxanne Bauer

Roxanne and her mother Marilyn are partners in Real Estate and they also share the heart of contributing to those in need. She has come from humble beginnings and recognizes the needs of those in vulnerable situations. Roxanne has lived in the Coachella Valley for over thirty years. During this time, Roxanne has become a quiet leader in the community and supports various causes and organizations. She has been supportive to the needs of Ronald McDonald House and helping to raise funds to support a local soccer team going to the State Championships. She recognizes the importance of empowering women and supporting them in developing self-confidence and self-defense. Her volunteer time to develop a bond of trust is the first step followed by providing a safe haven towards training in the use of firearms. She has partnered with Nothing Bundt Cakes to help feed those less fortunate. Various leaders throughout the community know they can call her to assist when they need help in supporting local causes through time, energy, or fundraising. Roxanne is an Angel on Earth to all who know her and the Coachella Valley shines brighter with her responding to the call from those in need.

Ted Weill

Ted Weill has been a desert resident for 22 years and was appointed to the City Council on December 20, 2012 to present. Ted is a Navy veteran, having served aboard the

U.S.S. Randolph, CVA 15, assigned to the Sixth Fleet and deployed to the Persian Gulf. After completing his service, he moved to California in an executive training program with ABC Television. His passion was real estate where he formed Weill Financial Corporation and was involved in the development of master planned communities in California and Nevada and recreational vehicle parks. As a member of the City Council, he represents the City on the Transportation Committee to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, and the Cove Communities Services Commission which includes the Joslyn Senior Center. Ted is a member of the Special Assistance Fund (SAF) Subcommittee which directs the City in regard to charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations. Other activities include being a representative to the McCallum Theatre, Coachella Valley Animal Campus, Public Safety Committee and alternate delegate to the Sunline Transit Agency Board. His strong real estate background provides to the City Council his expertise on the Affordable Housing Design Subcommittee. Ted was on the Board of Directors of the Hereditary Disease Foundation and his family was involved in the formation of United Cerebral Palsy. He has been a strong supporter of The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Other charitable interests include the RM Public Library Foundation, Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, Palm Springs Art Museum, Tolerance Education Center, Desert Aids, American Cancer Society and Braille Institute.

Event Fact Sheet

Charity: 14th Annual Above & Beyond Awards benefitting Angel Light Academy’s (ALA) Leadership Training Institute

ALA teaches leadership, team building, problem solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills to adults and youth in the Coachella Valley

Where: Indian Wells Golf Resort in the Pavilion. 44500 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA

Time: Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction at 5:00pm followed by Awards Dinner Gala at 6:00pm

Cost: $250 pp online registration at www. angellightacademy.org. Proceeds benefit ALA’s Leadership Training Institute/tax deductible For reservations and more information, call Lindsay Jordan at 760-861-5132.

THEATRE

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

encouraged. Patrons who are not feeling well or have recently come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 are advised to stay home.

Named for a pioneering desert family, the McCallum has gained acclaim as one of the country’s finest presenting theaters by audiences, entertainers and peers alike. Ticket sales consistently place the McCallum in the top 50 theaters in the world. Education programs have served more than one million local schoolchildren, educators and community members, while top entertainers praise the venue and its audiences.

Since its launch in 1997, McCallum Theatre Education (formerly known as McCallum Theatre Institute) — the education

department of McCallum Theatre — has served nearly one million students, educators and community members with performances and arts education experiences. In close partnership with local education agencies, McCallum makes the arts available and accessible to youth in the area through its dynamic education programs. In addition, projects like Palm Desert Choreography Festival and Open Call Talent Project serve as powerful vehicles for developing artists and present exciting and affordable performances open to the general public.

McCallum Theatre Education seeks to enhance the role of the arts by inspiring greater awareness of their educational, cognitive, emotional and spiritual power. By

encouraging an active and experiential study of the arts, McCallum Theatre Education advances the belief that all human beings are inherently creative. The education programs developed by the McCallum are designed to build on that creativity by equipping individuals with the skills necessary for a life-long engagement with the arts and an understanding of their essential contribution to enlightened citizenship.

The McCallum Theatre has over 200 Ambassadors who serve on the Volunteer Usher Team. As a not-for-profit performing arts center, the ushers play a significant role in the ability to present quality entertainment and fine arts to the community. The ushers have a long tradition of fine service, dedication, and loyalty to the McCallum, which explains why so many have remained since the Theatre’s opening in 1988.

To purchase tickets to a show or to become a Volunteer Usher, visit the official website at www.mccallumtheatre.com

Technology and Artificial Intelligence are becoming increasingly capable of simulating/faking or mimicking reality. For example, the modern film industry depends heavily on computer-generated sets, scenery, and actors in place of the practical locations, props, and people that were once common and required. These scenes are often indistinguishable from reality. Deepfake technology has recently gained a lot of media attention due to devious intentions. Deepfakes, the most recent advancement in computer imagery, are made when artificial intelligence (AI) is trained to swap out one person’s appearance for another in a recorded video or an image. According to a report released last year, over 85,000 harmful deepfake videos have been detected up to

December 2021, with the number doubling every six months since observations started in December 2018.

What are deepfakes?

A deepfake is a media file—typically an image, video, or speech depicting a human subject—that has been deceptively altered using deep neural networks (DNNs) to change a person’s identity. Typically, this alteration takes the form of a “face swap,” in which the identification of a source subject is swapped onto that of a different subject. The facial expressions and head movements stay consistent, but the appearance in the video is that of the source.

How AI and Machine Learning make deepfakes easier to make and harder to detect There are several techniques for making

CYBERCORNER

deepfakes, but the most common uses deep neural networks with autoencoders and a face-swapping technique. You’ll need a target video to serve as the basis for the deepfake, followed by a compilation of video clips of the individual you want to insert into the target.

The autoencoder is a deep learning AI tool that studies the video clips to comprehend what the person looks like from various angles and environmental conditions and then maps that person onto the individual in the target video by identifying similar characteristics.

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), another type of machine learning, can also be incorporated into the process. GANs detect and correct any deepfake imperfections over the course of several rounds, making it more challenging for deepfake detectors to detect them. Relying on the study of large amounts of data to learn how to create new examples that imitate the real thing, with extremely accurate outcomes, GANs are becoming a common method for creating deepfakes.

The Chinese app Zao, DeepFace Lab, FaceApp (a photo editing app with builtin AI techniques), Face Swap, and the DeepNude, a particularly risky app that produced fake nude images of women, all make creating deepfakes simple even for beginners. Similarly, Deepfakes Web, Familiar, Impressions, and Alethea.AI are more sophisticated web applications that allow users to create online deep fake videos using the web.

Some AI experts are worried about the risks posed by the videos and the easily accessible technology that made them, and this has led to new questions about the readiness of social media companies to control the spread of digital fakery. Disinformation watchdogs are also preparing for a surge of deepfakes that may mislead viewers or make it more difficult to tell what is real on the internet.

How Deepfakes can be detected

As deepfakes become more prevalent, society will most likely have to adapt to detecting deepfake videos like internet users have adapted to detecting other types of fake news. In many cases, such as in cybercrime, more deepfake technology needs to surface in order to identify and prevent it from spreading, which can set off an endless cycle and possibly cause even more damage.

Deepfakes can be identified by a few indicators:

Some deepfakes struggle to accurately animate face features, which leads to videos

BY DENNIS SHELLY

where the subject either doesn’t blink at all or blinks either excessively or strangely. However, after researchers at the University of Albany published a study identifying the blinking anomaly, new deepfakes with this improved feature were released that no longer face this issue.

Look for complexion or hair issues, as well as features that appear to be blurrier than the surroundings in which they are positioned. The focus may appear overly fuzzy.

Deepfake algorithms often retain the lighting from the video segments used as models for the fake video, which is a poor fit for the lighting in the target video.

The audio may not appear to match the individual, particularly if the video was faked but the original audio was not as carefully manipulated.

To Conclude

The competition between making and detecting deepfakes is not going away anytime soon. Deepfakes will become simpler to create, more realistic, and extremely difficult to detect. The current delay in synthesis due to a lack of details will be solved by accommodating GAN models. With improvements in hardware and lighterweight neural network designs, training and generating times will be decreased. In the past few years, we have seen the development of new algorithms that can give a much higher degree of realism or operate in near realtime. Deepfake videos are evolving beyond simple face swapping to include wholehead synthesis (head puppetry), combined audiovisual synthesis, and even whole-body synthesis.

Have more questions about AI, Deepfakes, or protecting yourself from these new types of technologies and threats? We can help! Our Eggsperts are eggcellent in the newest technologies and are standing by. Please contact us by visiting our website at eggheadit.com, by calling (760) 205-0105, or by emailing us at tech@eggheadit.com with your questions, or suggestions for our next article.

IT | Networks | Security | Voice | Data

STEPHEN STILLS

Stephen Stills became fascinated with music as a kid. Born in 1945, the Dallas, Texas native was playing professionally at age 15. An Army brat, he had lived all over and developed an affinity for Blues, Folk and Latin Music. He graduated high school in Costa Rica. After a stint at Louisiana State University, he ditched college and moved to New York, intent on a career in music.

It was the early ‘60s and the Folk scene in New York City was thriving. He signed on as a guitar player for The Au Go-Go Singers. He immediately befriended bandmate Richie Furay. Following a Canadian tour (where the Au Go-Go’s shared a bill with The Squires, which featured Neil Young), Stephen quit the band and relocated to Los Angeles.

The West Coast was quickly becoming the epicenter of the music business. The Sunset Strip became a haven for clubs like The Whisky A Go-Go, Ciro’s, Hullabaloo, Bido Lito’s The Trip and Pandora’s Box and began showcasing up-and-coming Rock bands. The Byrds, who were the first band to marry Rock & Roll r and Folky harmonies, calling their hybrid Folk Rock, scored a residency at Ciro’s. Meanwhile, Love made their debut at Bido Lito’s and The Doors got their start at The Whisky. Stephen began playing recording sessions and even auditioned for The Monkees television series. But everything fell into place when he reconnected with Richie Furay and Neil Young and recruited Bruce Palmer and Dewey Martin, becoming The Herd. By the time they changed their name to Buffalo Springfield, they were gigging up and down The Strip, cultivating a local following. They signed a deal with Atlantic Records and their eponymous debut arrived in 1966. A stand-out track, “For What It’s Worth,” was written by Stephen in response to the Sunset Strip curfew riots that happened a few months earlier. The song shot up the charts, peaking at #7.

The band recorded two more albums, Buffalo Springfield Again and The Last Time Around, but quickly discovered that five healthy egos had trouble co-existing in one band. They called it quits in 1968. At loose ends, Stephen recorded Super Session with Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield. By late 1968, he had joined forces with former Byrds provocateur David Crosby and Graham Nash, who was technically still part of the British Invasion band, The Hollies.

As Crosby, Stills & Nash, their self-titled debut arrived in the summer of 1969 and quickly ascended the charts. Between the trio’s effortless harmonies, Stephen’s protean musicianship and astonishing songs like “Guinevere,” “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” and “Marrakesh Express” they attained superstar status on the strength of that one album. A few months later, Neil Young joined the line-up, and the four-piece released the equally impressive Déjà vu in 1970.

For the next 40-odd years, Stephen would toggle between Crosby, Stills & Nash and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, but he still found plenty of time to nurture a solo career. 1970 saw the release of his self-titled debut, and nine more solo albums have dotted the decades. He’s also collaborated with exByrd/Flying Burrito Brother Chris Hillman in Manassas, with Neil Young as The Stills-

“LIVE AT BERKELEY 1971” (OMNIVORE RECORDINGS)

CONSIDERTHIS

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

hit), is a kinetic blend of fuzzy guitars, driving horns, brawny bass, shadowy organ and a conga kick. But the real stand-out is the Afro-Cubangroover, “Cherokee.” The lyrics find Stephen mourning his doomed romance with Rita Coolidge; “My fortunes means nothing, I never cared about fame, the dark-eyed Cherokee, like the Raven, she knows me.” Feathery flute darts across a sonic soundscape that includes stinging guitars, serpentine horns, plush keys and the tandem time-keeping of bass, drums and conga. A dexterous sax solo unfurls on the break. It’s a Funkified workout that is expansive but never onanistic.

Young Band, with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg as The Rides and with former paramour, Judy Collins as Stills & Collins. Recently Omnivore Recordings unearthed tapes from two live shows, recorded over two nights at the Berkeley Community Theater in August 1971, a few months after the release of his sophomore solo effort, Stephen Stills 2.

The album kicks into gear with a crackling version of his first solo hit, “Love The One Your With.” Driving acoustic guitars partner with slinky bass, crushed velvet keys and a percolating conga-beat. Lyrics like “If you’re down and confused, and you don’t remember who you’re talking to, concentration slip away, because your baby is so far away/Well, there’s a rose in a fisted glove, and the Eagle flies with the Dove, and if you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with,” split difference between the peace, love and happiness vibe of The Youngbloods’ “Get Together” and Janis Joplin’s carnal carpe diem, “Get It While You Can.”

With his second solo effort climbing the charts (ultimately reaching #5), it’s no surprise that Stephen cherry-picks several tracks from the new album. The arrangement of “Sugar Babe” walks a fine line between tender and dissonant. Lyrics continue the theme of loving the one you’re with and includes easy-to-follow instructions; “Let yourself be open honey, learn to bend, remember everyone gets scared, but I’m still your best friend, when you forget about yourself and think of things to do to make me happy then you love me girl like I love you.”

The socially conscious “Word Game” (sadly) still resonates today (um, hello Cameron Sexton and the Tennessee legislature). Spiky guitars and an insistent backbeat match Stephen’s agitated invective, as he calls out bigotry and the divide between the haves and the havenots; “It’s incredibly sick you can feel it as

across the land it flows, prejudice is slick when it’s a word game, it festers and it grows, move along quick it furthers one to have somewhere to go/you can feel it as it’s rumblin’ let emotions keep a’tumblin,’ then as cities start to crumblin’ mostly bellies grumblin’ here we go.”

Despite the sprightly, backwoods banjo intro, “Know You Got To Run” is a brooding Rocker. Knotty banjo licks wrap around lyrics share some hard truths with a troubled friend; “And you got yourself a potion, for you to keep you from your sleep, In the dark and lonely hour, I heard you laugh and weep/You’ll always be runnin’ until you find your doom, never face your lonely soul, never face the gloom.”

Along with the opener, “Love The One You’re With,” two more tracks from his solo debut dot the record. “Black Queen” is barbed and fractious, just Stephen and coruscated guitars, as lyrics detail a sinister card game. Meanwhile, “Do For Others” puts the spotlight on the fraternal harmonies and fleet fretwork between Stephen and guitarist Steve Fromholz.

Hoping to emulate heroes like Ray Charles, and create his own Rock & Roll Review, Stephen’s band, which included guitarist Steve Fromholz, bassist Calvin “Fuzzy” Samuels, drummer Dallas Taylor, as well as Didney George on alto sax and flute, Paul Harris on organ and Joe Lala on congas and percussion, was augmented by The Memphis Horns. The five-piece really make their mark on three songs. “Bluebird Revisited” is a rollicking, hell-for-leather ride. Stephen recasts his Folk-flavored Buffalo Springfield favorite, “Bluebird.” Syncopated horns collide with hard-charging guitars, sinewy bass, spiraling keys and a propulsive backbeat on this Soulful shapeshifter. On the break, a skittery trumpet hopscotches through the mix, underscored by incendiary guitars.

“Lean On Me,” co-written by Memphis Horn Wayne Jackson (not the Bill Withers

The show’s best songs land all in a row, deftly predicting the future and honoring the (recent) past. “Jesus Gave Love Away For Free” wouldn’t appear on vinyl for another year, finding a home on Manassas, Stephen’s new collaboration with Chris Hillman. Part back porch ramble, part Folky roundelay, rippling acoustic arpeggios dovetail with stacked harmonies and lyrics that once again obsess on his failed relationship with Rita; “If you’re travelin’ out west and see a dark haired girl, tell her love is a’waitin’ in the Rockies so near and the mountains so high, as his love, it is strong, it’s a fine place to be, by his side is where she belongs….and remember that Jesus gave love away for free.”

The next pair of songs feature guest vocals from David Crosby, the “C” of CSNY. They offer up a tight take on “You Don’t Have To Cry,” from Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 1969 debut. Their effortless harmonies coalesce over cascading guitars. Even more sublime is “The Lee Shore,” a Crosby composition that recently appeared on Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s live set, 4 Way Street. Although it’s Stephen’s stage, it’s David who commands the spotlight on this gorgeous ode to sailing: “When I awoke this morning, dove beneath my floating home, down below her graceful her graceful side, in the turning tide to watch the sea fish roam.” Liquid guitar licks ebb and flow as Croz takes the lead and their ethereal harmonies intertwine on the chorus. The finger-picked fretwork on the break is simply breathtaking. Made all the more touching as this release arrives on the heels of David Crosby’s recent passing.

The only misstep here is a rushed and slipshod mash-up of “49 Bye-Byes” and “For What It’s Worth.” The former, a Crosby, Stills & Nash cut that seemed to bookend “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” as a magnanimous kissoff. The latter, his first big hit with Buffalo Springfield and a genuine protest song that lamented the generational disconnect between Hippies and the Establishment. Here, it’s truncated medley, ultimately, the listener is left feeling short-changed. The album closes with band-intros and an epic take on “The Ecology Song.”

More than just a souvenir from a pair of concerts that happened half a century ago, Live At Berkeley 1971 offers a vibrant set of songs that are by turns political, personal and poignant. It also confirms that Stephen Stills music has stood the test of time.

Thursday, April 20

Bart Lounge – 420 w/ DJ Frankthadank and Friends – 8pm

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano

Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, Live Music – 7pm

Casuelas Café – Avenida – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli –6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic – 6pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Christine

Love – 6pm

Jazzville @ Agua Caliente – Jerry

Costanzo and His Gotham City Swingers – 7pm

Jolene’s – Rebecca Clark – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Mark Guerrero, Scott

Carter on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Whiskey Sunday – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the Plaza – 5-8pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Switcharoo and Hanna Barakat – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – Latina Night

w/ DJ LF – 9pm

Purple Room – Sharon Sills – 6:30pm

Runway – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Shanghai Red’s (PS) – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 6pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King

Trio – 6pm

The Village – DJ Cranberry – 9pm

Friday, April 21

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar

– 3:30-6:30pm, Tony Grandberry – 7pm

Bart Lounge – DJ Meowsenburg – 8pm

Casuelas Café – The Myx – 6:45pm

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc

Antonelli – 6pm

Jolene’s – Patrice Morris – 7pm

Larkspur Grill – Live Music – 7pm

Lavender Bistro – Jeff Bonds, Scott

Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Forward Motion – 9pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 122:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – California Celts – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the Plaza – 6-9pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – TK and The Holy

Know-Nothings – 8:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – TBA – 9pm

Purple Room – Lee Squared! – 6pm

Rock Yard @ Fantasy Springs –

Fortunate Son (CCR/ Fogerty Tribute) and The Refills – 7pm

Sullivan’s – Hotwyre – 5:30pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 7:30pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30pm, DJ Gio

the Ace – 9pm, DJ Cranberry – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Saturday, April 22

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano

Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, Off Da Cuff – 7pm

Bart Lounge – Luna Negra Presents:

Deceits and Still – 8pm

Big Rock Pub – Lisa Lynn and the Broken

Hallelujahs – 8pm

Casuelas Café – Michael Keeth – noon,

Flashback Boyz – 6:30pm

Chef George’s – TBA – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewery – The Sound

Hub Presents: An Evening with Hover

– 8pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc

Antonelli – 6pm

Jolene’s – Desert Crows – 7pm

Larkspur Grill – Live Music – 7pm

Lavender Bistro – Jeff Bonds, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Forward Motion

– 9pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 12-

2:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Flogging Seagulls – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the Plaza – 6-9pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – The House Band – 8:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – TBA – 9pm

Purple Room – Lee Squared! – 6pm

Rock Yard @ Fantasy Springs – Mick

Adams and the Stones (Rolling Stones

Tribute) and Triple 7 – 7pm

Sullivan’s – Paul Villalobos – 5:30pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Rose Mallett –

5-7pm, John Stanley King – 7:30pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 1pm, Dio DJ the

Ace – 9pm, DJ Cranberry – 9pm, DJ Erika

Starr – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Sunday, April 23

Babaloo Lounge – Tristen/Flamingo

Guitar – 1pm, Bob Corwin Piano Bar –

3:30pm, Tim Burleson – 6pm

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF –

8pm

Big Rock Pub – TBA – 11:30am

Casuelas Café – El Mariachi Coachella –

1pm, Voices Carrie – 5:30pm

Fisherman’s Market, PS – Live Music

– 6pm

Jolene’s – Desert Crows – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Scott Carter, Mark

Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 3:30-7:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Lukas Nelson and POTR – 6pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Inakaraoke Karaoke – 7pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana –

12pm

The Village – Gio the Ace - 9pm

Monday, April 24

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano

Bar – 3:30, Tim Burleson – 6pm

Casuelas Café – Brad Byrd – 5:30pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Larry

Copeleto – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Abbie Perkins, Mark

Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Richard “88

Fingers” Turner – 6pm

The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Tuesday, April 25

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano

Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, The Carmens –

6:30pm

Casuelas Café – The Desert Suite Band – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Patrice

Morris, Marc Antonelli and Christine Love – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Abbie Perkins, Mark Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Purple Room – Rose Mallett – 6:30pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Slim Man Band –6pm

The Village – DJ Erika Starr – 9pm

Wednesday, April 26

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano

Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, The Myx – 7pm

Bart Lounge – Karaoke – 8pm

Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Trivia Night – 7pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

The Fix – Alex Santana – 5:30pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Rebecca Clark – 6pm

Jolene’s – Open Mic – 6:30pm

Lavender Bistro – Mark Guerrero, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @Fantasy Springs – Country Nation – 7pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 122:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Lola Kirke – 8pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Purple Room – Charles Herrera, Darci Daniels and Michael Holmes – 6:30pm

Tack Room Tavern – T-Bone Karaoke – 7pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 6pm

The Village – DJ Cranberry – 9pm, Banda Revolucion – 10pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Barrel District holds a unique position among the many stellar bar-food, pizza, microbreweries restaurants in the Coachella Valley. It doubles as a vegan bar-food restaurant as well. Most bar/restaurants have a gratuitous vegetable protein offering like an Impossible Burger or Vegan Chicken sandwich. Maybe a glutenfree veggie pizza. The Barrel District has an extensive vegan bar-food and pizza menu due to the fact one of the owners is a practicing vegan. There are over twenty entrees that are vegan including seven vegan pizzas that are available with a cauliflower crust.

Though I did not have a vegan entrée, many surrounding patrons were making happy noises as they were dining. I ordered the IPA battered cod fish and chips. The batter was light and crispy and the fries were savory and crunchy.

They also have a unique build-your-own entrée salad option with a choice of eight proteins and four lettuce varieties with an option of rice, beans, or quinoa. The veggie list is extensive.

BY DANIEL PARIS

GOODGRUB

The atmosphere is convivial and well put together with large community tables and smaller tables scattered throughout all anchored by a huge wrap-around bar with friendly, talented bartenders. Service is brisk and attentive. I only had to wait ten minutes for my entrée among a near-capacity crowd. A great place to go with friends to partake

in the energizing atmosphere and extensive menu. An extensive offering of microbrew on tap and creative cocktails will help you get the party started.

35939 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234. (769) 537-7431

Mon – Sat - 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday – 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

PARADISE FOUND: HYATT ZIVA PUERTO VALLARTA

lull you into a state of pure relaxation.

One of the standout features of this resort is its pool area. With multiple pools to choose from, there’s something for everyone. The main pool is a lively spot, perfect for those looking for a more social atmosphere. The pool bar is a popular spot to grab a drink, and the beachfront cabanas offer the perfect place to relax in the shade. For a more tranquil experience, the adults-only pool is a peaceful oasis. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a good book or take a refreshing dip.

BY MARISSA WILLMAN TRAVEL

the best in the business. Whether you opt for a massage, facial, or body treatment, you’ll leave feeling like a new person. The tranquil setting of the spa only adds to the overall experience.

Looking for the ultimate all-inclusive beachfront getaway in Puerto Vallarta?

Look no further than Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. This luxurious all-inclusive resort offers everything you could possibly need for a relaxing vacation, from gourmet dining to a world-class spa.

The club tower rooms at Hyatt Ziva are

nothing short of stunning. With sweeping views of the Banderas Bay, guests can unwind in their own private oasis. The rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities and luxurious touches, such as plush bedding, premium bath products, and a private balcony. The oceanfront views will take your breath away, and the sound of the waves will

When it comes to dining, Hyatt Ziva does not disappoint. With seven restaurants to choose from, there’s no shortage of options. From casual poolside bites to upscale fine dining, the culinary experience at this resort is top-notch. The tacos at Casa Grande are a must-try, and the Italian fare at Melanzane is some of the best in Puerto Vallarta.

But if you’re really looking to indulge, be sure to visit the spa. The treatments at Vitamar Spa are designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, and the therapists are some of

And if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience, be sure to book a private beach cabana for the day. These plush retreats offer a secluded oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the main pool. They’re equipped with comfortable loungers, a ceiling fan, and a stunning fruit display. It’s the perfect way to spend a lazy day in the sun, with attentive pool attendants catering to your every need.

Overall, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive vacation. From the breathtaking oceanfront views to the worldclass dining and spa experiences, this resort has it all. So why wait? Book your stay today and experience the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence.

SPRING’S SPRIZY SPARKLER! THE VINO VOICE

Coachella & Stagecoach are upon us and there is nothing more refreshing for wine lovers in and out of our valley than a stellar sparkling wine! We’ve tried a few lately and found the quality bang for the buck is the sparkler we’re covering below.

If we wish to consider sparklers under $40, then one of the top bubbly wines to shine in flavor, feel, and festivity is our top pick at around $38 is the J Vineyards NV Cuvée 20 Brut. We’ll get to the tasty tasting notes in a bit, but let’s have a little fun figuring out what the “J” is all about.

You California Cabernet Sauvingon fans may already have an inkling as to the “J” that we’re referring to. If the name Jordan Vineyard & Winery quickly, or somewhat quickly, came to mind—you get to go to the head of the class.

And speaking of “class”, the famed Jordan Cab Sauv is acclaimed and classically cherished by wine enthusiasts because the wine is made in a European style that allows it to pair well with a broad range of foods. The winemaker has always emphasized the wine’s fruit and acidity rather than its alcohol and tannin. The winery’s own comments state: “Acidity plays two roles central to food pairing: cleansing of the palate and providing balance. Achieving elegance and balance in the bottle drives all that we do in our vineyards and cellar, so that every bottle of Jordan enhances the meal, not overwhelms it.”

A quick side story: For those of you expatriate Orange County folks who remember the famed Angelo’s & Vinci’s Ristorante in Fullerton, on North Harbor Boulevard, they had a stellar wine list that included a few excellent California Cabs (actually, they had a better Cal Cab selection than Italian—but you know how that goes). I know the place is still open, but I’ve not been there in ages.

Well, I had a friend who was a real estate seller and investor who had just found out he was going to be arrested by the Feds and would be doing a minimum of ten years in Federal Prison. He had accepted his fate; and, invited me to Angelo’s & Vinci to share a farewell drink with him. For a couple of hours or so, I consoled him while he ordered five bottles of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Sure, I had a couple/three glasses of wine with him, but he took down all of rest of the wine: Jordan was his favorite Cab.

Anyway—getting back to our story, Judy Jordan was only 25 when she leveraged the resources and knowledge of her dad, Jordan Winery founder Tom Jordan, to launch her own sparkling wine house, J Vineyards & Winery. A geology graduate and college tennis star out of Stanford, she settled on the Russian River Valley as her base.

“If I were talking to the 25-year-old who started this company and I remember enough about her, she was spicy and spunky,” Jordan recalled. “At that time I really believed that nothing could get in my way, and I was so passionate about sparkling wine and about geology and about Russian River.”

So the story of J Vineyards & Winery begins in 1986, when Judy Jordan followed her dream of starting a winery specializing in sparkling wine. As a Stanford University

BY RICK RIOZZA

graduate in Earth Sciences/Geology, Judy understood the land. Her belief that soil enriches the flavors of the fruit of the vine and influenced her pursuit of unique terroir and “a sense of place” for growing wine grapes. This journey led her to Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, known for cool climate grape growing and a great diversity of soils-perfect for traditional method sparkling wines.

The attention paid to every row, vine and grape cluster results in the purest expression of terroir. Their vineyards have been “Certified Sustainable” through the California Winegrowers Alliance, a thirdparty environmental auditing partnership with the Wine Institute and several of our vineyards are taking steps towards Organic certification status.

Then around 2015 or so, the big news happened: E. & J. Gallo, the world’s largest wine company, purchased J Vineyards & Winery!

“Over the last 30 years, I have created and built J Vineyards & Winery from a small sparkling wine house to an iconic luxury brand producing not only sparkling wines but also award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris,” said founder Judy Jordan. “I am proud to announce that I have found the perfect fit to take this beautiful company to even greater heights. E. & J. Gallo is also privately owned and shares similar core values, as both companies are dedicated to a balance of quality, community, and financial sustainability. I look forward to my new chapter of building a mentorship platform as I honor and salute the outstanding new stewards of J Vineyards & Winery.”

The acquisition, included the Healdsburg winery and more than 300 acres spread over nine vineyards within the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley AVAs,

And now for your sparkling consideration, we heartily recommend the J Vineyards NV Cuvée 20 Brut. This delicate sparkler is the perfect spring sip on any occasion, with aromas of toasted almond and notes of apple, dried cranberry and ginger snap. A delicate dance of bubbles leads to a soft palate with flavors of lemon meringue pie as the wine’s creaminess is whisked away by a lively finish. Delish!

This is a lovely wine to gift and share. And do keep this bubbly in mind to enjoy at your Mother’s Day celebration. Cheers!

BY DEANN LUBELL

One thing for sure, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in the case of. Melissa Neiderman. Melissa, author of The Hummingbird Troupe, is the daughter of the internationally renowned author and ghostwriter, Andrew Neiderman. Melissa recently worked with her father on the Edgar Allan Poe nominated biography, The Woman Beyond the Attic, The V.C. Andrews Story

Melissa may share a talent for writing with her father; however, this bright, outgoing woman also shares compassion for others taught by her mother Diane and her father Andrew. “At a very early age my parents instilled in me the act of giving back to others,” said Melissa. “They have given me the inspiration to be a voice for those too quiet to be heard.”

Her journey leading to the penning of her book The Hummingbird Troupe began in May of 2014. Melissa had received a call from a friend asking if there was any way she could possibly help a local girl, Desi Cechin, who had been diagnosed with a cancer called neuroblastoma. “Is there really any other answer than yes when this question is presented to you,” said Melissa. “After that yes was spoken, I panicked. What did I know about helping a child in this situation? What did I know about supporting a family whose life had just taken a turn down a frightening, dark road? I didn’t know much, but what I did know is that I lived in a community where there were the most giving people you could imagine. Our community was good, that’s what I knew.”

Friends and family weren’t surprised that Melissa offered to help. She has spent most of her life helping others. She spent 21 years as a teacher in upstate New York and locally at Washington Charter School, Goleta at Mountain View School, and Palm Valley School. It was during her years with Palm Valley that she started the annual Walk-athose for the American Heart Association. Since retirement, she became a fulltime volunteer for the American Cancer Society Local Chapter serving as event chair, advisory chair, leadership council member, and community engagement volunteer.

And then came little Desi, who stole Melissa’s heart. Desi’s life was cut too short because of her cancer and when she passed, Melissa was devastated. “I had a very difficult time coming to terms with the loss of this beautiful child who taught us all how to live life to the fullest,” said Melissa. “The Hummingbird Troupe is both my therapy and

a tribute to the impact Desi left on al who knew her.”

Melissa’s book is a sentimental tribute to Desi. It is an uplifting moral tale about turning adversity into triumph and finding one’s way in the world without sacrificing the things that make one unique. It was beautifully illustrated by Garyk Lee. “His illustrations instantly bring the beauty of Desi and the message of hope that I dreamed the book would convey,” said Melissa.

Melissa’s book, The Hummingbird Troupe, can be purchased on Amazon. To find out more about the Desi Strong Foundation go to www.desistrongfoundation.org. The foundation purchased The Hummingbird Troupe books to be paired with their Desi doll.

(Profile photo credit: John Paschal. Other photos provided by Melissa Neiderman)

PET PL ACE DUTTON HOPES FOR A SECOND CHANCE HOME!

approached Scott who stood nearby waiting and talking to me. He brought me treats. He petted me under my chin and quickly slipped a collar around my neck. Scott gave me a belly rub, one of my favorite things. Scott’s mother Patty Nelson was part of the pack. I am pictured here happily running to Loki.

One day I peered through the fence gap and saw Janet walking her small dogs and they looked back at me. Soon Janet climbed through the gap with another bowl of food and water, but I waited until she backed away to eat and drink. It was now Fall, and thankfully cooler for me to run around from one end of the nearby desert to the other. I explored a nearby residential neighborhood, approaching homes where I could hear another dog. One day I ran up to Janet to greet the little pups trying to follow them into their house.

BY JANET McAFEE

are a couple, I will bring you closer together with more happiness. I’m a great medium size for car trips and outings. If you want to meet me, complete an adoption application online at www.orphanpet.com and call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet me. Please be patient if I am a bit shy when you first arrive.

Are you looking for a 2nd or 3rd dog?

I might be the right fellow for you!

My name is Dutton and I hope to meet you at the Humane Society of the Desert in North Palm Springs. I’m 43 pounds of doggie love, just 3 years old.

Jon is in charge at the HSOD and he said I am doing great and would make a great companion dog for a family. I love the volunteers Cali, Chris, Alexandra and others who take me for daily walks. My favorite place is the dog park where I get to be off leash and happily play with other dogs.

I once had a family I loved very much. One of my favorite hobbies is going for car rides, and I was thrilled one day when my people put me in the car. It was a beautiful warm day at the end of July 2022. The car stopped at the edge of a Coachella Valley desert, and I popped out for a potty break. Suddenly my humans got back into the car and drove away. They must have forgotten I was still outside! I ran after their car until I could no longer keep up with their speed. I was exhausted and frantic.

Returning to the area where they left me, I stayed figuring they would soon return. The days passed, I became hungry and thirsty,

but the worst pain was my broken heart. There were some homes nearby in Cathedral City next to the open desert. A sign said VERANO. There was a chain link fence around the homes, but it was open on the south side and there was a broken section on the west side where I could slip through.

I cautiously approached some people outside their house, but they seemed afraid and went indoors. The next person brought bowls of food and water which I gratefully inhaled. The summer weather was hot and during the day I searched for the few places with shade. There were more kind people in the neighborhood who put out bowls of food and water in the same locations daily. I had a variety of different dog food. At night I dreamed of happily being back in my house watching television with my humans.

I met Scott Nelson who brought his three friendly dogs to run off leash in my desert area. It was great fun to run and play with them, and they came daily around 7:00 am. At first I was cautious with Scott as stray dogs develop a sense of flight after awhile particularly if someone rushes at or chases us. Scott was a special man who loves and understands dogs. As time passed, I

I was well fed, full of young dog energy and enjoyed running and meeting new people with dogs. One day I heard Janet and Scott talking. They said some of the neighbors were networking me, and some people called “animal control” to get me. They were worried because they said the county shelter was very crowded and maybe no one would adopt me. If I could talk I would tell them animal control would have to be very smart to catch me because I run fast and travel to many locations.

On November 21, Scott attached a leash to my collar for me to walk with him . I felt like part of Scott’s pack and we dogs happily trotted back to his house. Hanging out at Scott and Patty’s house was one of my happiest memories. I received lots of petting, treats, and more belly rubs. They told me I was a good boy because there were no accidents inside the house.

On November 22, I joined Scott, Janet, and Scott’s dog Loki on a car ride. This photo was taken on the trip. They were worried I might get sick or be attacked by coyotes if I stayed in the desert. We drove to the Humane Society of the Desert where Jon, the man in charge, met us at the gate. Jon is calm, kind, and loves helping dogs, so it was understood I was safe, and they would get me a new home. I had a very large outdoor kennel where there were other big dogs nearby.

It is now April, and I’m ready for Spring hikes and outings with a new family. I have the grateful heart of a rescue dog, and plenty of love for people and pups of all sizes. This is the time to add a rescue dog to your family, especially is you are feeling lonely. If you

MEET LIL MEET DILL

This adorable large breed female puppy was rescued by Loving All Animals along with 3 siblings. They are 10 weeks old, very active, and need a yard for exercise and people with time to train and provide care. Call (760) 834-7000 for an appointment to meet them.

I am thankful to The Humane Society of the Desert, a lovely large facility with adoptable rescue dogs of all sizes and cats. They are located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, N. Palm Springs. Donations are greatly needed so they can help more homeless animals like me with veterinary care, food and supplies. You can donate online at www.orphanpet.com or mail a check to P.O. Box 414, N. Palm Springs, CA 92258-0414. The HSOD needs unopened bags and cans of Nutri Source dog food. Bags and cans of cat food, cat litter, collars, and clean large dogs beds are most welcome. Mention my name when you bring donations by or donate online.

Scott said, “Dutton is such a good and gentle dog. He will make a great companion and loyal friend for someone who treats him well and takes the time to earn his trust!”. You could be the lucky person who gets to take me home forever!

Janetmcafee7@gmail.com

This adorable male large breed puppy and his siblings was rescued by Loving All Animals along with 3 siblings. They are 10 weeks old, very active, need a yard for exercise and people with the time to potty train & provide care. Call (760) 834-7000 for an appointment to meet them.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS –

Open 10:00-4:00 Monday through Saturday. View animals online at all 4 county shelters www.rcdas.org, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public)

PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER –

Open to the public, closed Tuesday. View animals online at www.psanimalsshelter. org and complete application for the one you want to meet, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, Call (760) 416-5718. (Public)

DESERT HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL - Open daily 9:30-4:30. www. cityofdhs.org/animal-care-control.com , View animals at www.petango.com/dhsacc 65810 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, Call for appointment (760) 329-6411 ext. 450.

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – Open to the public. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email volunteer@ animalsamaritans.org to foster or volunteer. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private)

CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - Call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www.californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-3833. (Private)

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Fill out an application online www.orphanpet.com and call for an appointment. This shelter has dogs of all sizes and cats, Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private)

KITTYLAND – Open to the public to adopt cats and kittens. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www. kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private)

PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact

them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private)

LOVING ALL ANIMALS – Call for appointment to adopt dogs. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www. lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private)

ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA (ARC), Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. www.thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077. (Private)

FLUFFS & SCRUFFS – Foster based rescue for small dogs in Cathedral City. FLUFFSANDSCRUFFS@AOL.COM, (310) 980-3383. (Private)

SOCIETY’S OUTKAST ANIMAL RESCUE

– Foster based rescue for dogs in Rancho Mirage, www.societysoutkasts.com, (760) 832-0617. (Private)

LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY –

Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, www.living-free. org, (951) 659-4687. (Private)

CITY OF BANNING ANIMAL SHELTER –

Open daily 10am-6pm. Located at 2050 E. Charles Street, Banning. Many beautiful animals of all sizes. View animals at www. arerecue.org/banning (951) 708-1280 Short staffed so don’t always answer phones. (Public)

CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL

SHELTER – Open 12:00 – 3pm Tues through Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL

SHELTER AT DEVORE – Open 7 days a week. Call (909) 386-9280, www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you are interested in adopting, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino. (Public)

BY CHRIS CLEMENS

Green Room Theatre Company

Coachella Valley (GRTCCV) brings Gary Soto’s acclaimed Novio Boy to Desert Mirage High School on Saturday, April 22, 2022 at 12 p.m.

Theatre goers will enjoy a poignant comedy as Rudy prepares for his first date. The lead actors are Luis Miguel Ibarra as Rudy, and Jackie Corona as 16-year-old Patricia. They are supported by a cast of six other actors. The professional production and quaint venues offer an opportunity to experience top-quality theatre up close and personal.

For the April 22 performance, Desert Mirage High School is located at 86150 66th Avenue in Thermal. Two additional

performances are scheduled to take place at Grace Church in Desert Hot Springs on May 6 and May 13 at 1 p.m. Grace Church is located at 17400 Bubbling Wells Road in Desert Hot Springs.

For more information call (760) 6962546 or visit greenroomtheatrecompany. org.

SECONDS, ANYONE?

BY HADDON LIBBY

a value of $30 million. Today the company is valued at more than $12 billion.

Are you here for the encore weekend of Coachella?

Many people think you must be here for the initial weekend, or the experience is a lesser event. Is the regular season in sports less than the pre-season? Who is to say that last weekend was not the warm-up for this weekend?

In tribute to this second weekend of Coachella, let’s pay homage to some of the great seconds in history.

World War II was bigger than World War I. For those too young to remember the specifics, the Premier of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill recruits his wheelchairbound distant cousin (FDR) to join him in a global battle to save the world from communism and dictators like Italy’s Franco, Russia’s Stalin or the arch nemesis of all time – Germany’s Adolf Hitler. Where 9 million died in World War I, more than 80 million died in World War II.

With movies, sequels are often better than

the originals. For as good as The Godfather is, The Godfather, Part II is one of the best movies of all time. A more recent sequel like Mad Max: Fury Road with Charlize Theron is superior to the Mel Gibson films starring versions. One of my personal favorite sequels is the second Austin Powers movie, The Spy Who Shagged Me.

The Rolling Stone compiled a list of the best second albums by a performer of all time. Nirvana tops the list with Nevermind. Other cited include Carole King’s Tapesty, Van Morrison’s Astra Weeks, Led Zeppelin II and Radiohead’s The Bends.

When it comes to people, seconds are referred to as junior. Clint Eastwood is a junior. Hard to believe but Robert Downey, Jr. is one as well. Others include Will Smith, Snoop Dog, Lil Wayne, will.i.am and Lionel Richie.

In business, being second movers means that you most likely benefited from the research and development of the first to

ACCIDENT OR DUI AFTER COACHELLA?

Coachella concluded its first weekend, and that means lots of phone calls for Phony ID and Minor in Possession arrests. The arrests are always in the fenced off Bar section. Those that drink, legally or illegally, often have trouble while leaving Coachella that results in an Accident or DUI.

If you were not at fault, you need an experienced PI lawyer and you will be inundated with ads on TV and social media. Who do you retain? How do you not get run over by an Attorney and the Insurance Company after the traffic accident? Most importantly, understand that NATIONWIDE IS NOT ON YOUR SIDE, YOU ARE NOT IN GOOD HANDS and YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOR WILL NOT GIVE YOU A PIECE OF THE ROCK Insurance Companies are able to build high-rise buildings, because they are in

business to make money. Adjusters are trained to Deny and Delay. If thousands of cases can delay payment for a month, they make interest on many millions of dollars.

The question is, How Much Is Your Case Worth? Everyone that has been in any kind of accident, Auto, Motorcycle, Slip and Fall, Truck, Dog Bite, Train, Boat, etc., wants to know, what their case is worth. An honest lawyer will say… it depends! It depends on many factors…..liability, medicals, timeliness of treatment, length of treatment, future medicals, past medical history; type of injury, who is the doctor, who is insurance company, age of victim, loss of earnings and of course who is the lawyer etc.

Accident cases require Proof of Liability, which means proving Negligence or Who is at Fault? Then you must prove

market. Business writer Dennis Zink says that ‘imitation costs are lower than innovation costs’. Due to this, the copy cats often do better than financially than the innovators. The Kellogg Institute at Northwestern University found that pioneers aka innovators were more successful than late movers aka second to market only 30% of the time.

As an example, most of us use Google Chrome to surf the internet. Google began in 1998, five years after the first search engine. The first search engine was created by Oscar Nierstrasz of the University of Geneva. Yahoo! began in 1994.

Personal computers is another area where a first mover no longer exists yet a late entrant is now a global leader. The late entrant is Lenovo. This company sells more personal computers than any other company with a 24% market share. Founded in China in 1984, the company did not begin making computers until 1990. This late entrant to the PC market went public in Hong Kong ten years later with

One of the early personal computer makers was The Tandy Corporation with its TRS-80. Most remember the Tandy Corporation as Radio Shack. Originally started as a leather-goods company in Texas in 1919, the company bought Radio Shack in 1963. By 1980, the company was a leading force in the personal computer market with a 63% market share. Once IBM entered the market in the early 1980s, Tandy computers saw sales slide quickly. One March 31st four years ago, the last Radio Shack closed following its 2015 bankruptcy.

Enjoy Coachella this weekend and Stagecoach next weekend. While you are at it, take a break and visit Desert X, The Living Desert or an off-the-beaten path place like Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. While any of these may be a first for you, let’s hope that you will have fun and come back for seconds.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information, please visit us at www.WinslowDrake.com

Damages…money for Pain and Suffering and Loss of Earnings.

If you rear-end someone, arguing the other driver was at fault would be hard to prove. However, if someone rear-ends you, that is good liability. However, if you are rear ended, and don’t seek med treatment, the damages are minimal and you would not expect to receive much money, if any, for your pain and suffering.

Likewise, if you rear-end someone, and then have major injuries, such as a loss of limb or vision, the damages would be good. However, why should anyone pay you for an accident that you arguably caused. In other words, you were liable?

A good case requires both Liability and Damages, and without both, lawyers usually reject a case. That does not mean there is no case, but rather that a lawyer doesn’t feel the value of the case is worth pursuing.

The age of the Victim could be an issue. The older the victim, the more likely the insurance company will deny and delay. This is because, if the V passes before the case is settled, the heirs can only recover for the med bills and NOT pain and suffering.

If a V is rear ended, and delays seeing a doctor for 1-2 months, most PI lawyers would question the value of the case. Adjusters and defense lawyers will argue the driver was not injured from the accident. If the V delays treatment, the defense could argue, maybe the V slipped and fell in the shower and thought, “I was just in an accident 2 months

ago, I will say it is from that?” If there is a 50% chance a jury would believe it, then a case worth $100,000 has its value reduced to $50,000.

You must Prove whatever you allege! You can’t just say I have a Concussion or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It has to be medically diagnosed and treated. In addition, the claim must be filed within the Statute of Limitations. For an accident it is 2 years…(for an Oral Contract 2 years, a Written contract 4 years and then 6 month notice is needed for a Governmental claim). You can also file in Small Claims (for up to $10k) using forms at the Judicial Council Website……….(form SC100).

No matter where the case is filed, you have the same challenge of proving who was at fault, and after that the value of the damages. Only an experienced PI lawyer knows how to maximize your recovery.

To find a well credentialed PI/DUI lawyer, look for a lawyer who has an AVVO “Peer” rating of 10.0; a 5 Star Rating; a Martindale Hubbell AV rating (A for legal ability and V for very high ethics) and one who has been awarded TOP LAWYER OR BEST LAWYER.

HOW THE WILD WEST WAS BUILT

The more extensively our Coachella Valley gets developed, the more difficult it is to conceive a valley whose basin was barren but one-hundredfifty years ago. Since the days of the real Old West that was loitered by stagecoaches, tented wagons, cowboys, and cowgirls trailblazing the Western frontier, our valley has borne witness to its own nuclearstimulated particle accelerator of industrial revolution.

On a toasty summer’s day, temperatures can reach one-hundred-twenty degrees Fahrenheit or more. Modern society complains frequently about said temperatures but ponder for a moment the men and women whose jobs it was to tame this valley’s wild basin. Not only were these “true captains of industry” forging the unknown they were doing it in the scorching heat without the sweet umbrella of an airconditioned building, car, or bag of ice to cool their blistering woes. Further, these fierce men and women battled yet another life force outside the elements. Native Americans.

If you are too young, ignorant, don’t know, or perhaps never considered, this Coachella Valley of ours was once under unilateral ownership of Native Americans. Perhaps, if we were able to travel back through time and be a proverbial “lizard on a rock”, we may find that it was the Native Americans who truly helped cultivate our valley into an agreeable landscape enough for those who eventually arrived from the east to “settle” it.

History is as fascinating as it is complex. Even though we may have read, heard, or learned via the established educational system that this way, that way, and that way - was the way, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is true.

In the last twenty or so years, moderntaught history is being turned on its head

almost daily. At one time, those who dwelt within the Coachella Valley knew that this was an area once thriving beneath ocean waves. Then, some time passed, and this reality was brushed aside in favor of wideopen dusty plains where cowboys and Indians engaged in battle, and where pioneers with dreams of gold came frolicking through from the east. The reality of the Coachella Valley can be found by casting one’s gaze southward and observing for a moment the water lines clearly cast upon its mountains. For a mountain to show water lines would mean that water sustained its level for a considerable time.

History tells an exciting tale of humankind all around us. It’s up to us to manage the use of and to pry ourselves away from gadgets, gizmos, and internet, start living and start learning again. After all, internet and the

world of social media, commercialism will come and go. Nature has and will stand the test of time, no matter the weather until the Day of Judgement.

Whenever discussing the topic of history, evolution, strength, and ingenuity, we must not overlook our present men and women who labor arduously in the blistering valley heat year upon year, and to establish the cultivated beauty that we view daily. Blessed by God are we who live in the Coachella Valley, to have certain ordinances in place preserving His natural beauty all around while we attempt to build personal sanctuaries amidst. From color codes, boundary lines, to the heights of buildings, to what can or cannot be built in certain areas.

The modern “country club” or “gated community” was introduced during the 1950’s-1960’s. It was at that time planners,

LET THE FESTIVAL BEGIN – AS IN COACHELLA FEST!

With the start of the Coachella Festival beginning this week and continuing through April many southlanders will be attending. Sadly, we live in an age where tragedy can strike unexpectedly. But there are some preparation tips to keep in mind.

Thinking of on the tragedy in Seoul Korea on the night of October 29th 2022, a crowd crush occurred where 151 people lost their lives during an outdoor Halloween party. Sadly, I am reminded of other potential “risks” with high crowds such as the Las Vegas shooting in 2017 that killed 60 and injured over 400.

The Coachella Valley will see an additional quarter million people arrive in a short amount of time. The 10, 60, & 15 freeways along with surface streets will be crowded. First Responders will be taxed throughout the valley due to such a high influx of people in hotels, restaurants, bars etc.

The Festival:

Make sure you know what to bring. It’s always warm and windy. Bring empty water bottles. They will have water filling stations. You cannot bring in bottled water. Small tubes of sunscreen? Lip Balm? Backpacks? Check with event organizers to ensure you know what is allowed in and what is not!

If it looks too crowded, event seems unorganized or If you’re getting pushed against those around you, that might be a sign that the event is becoming unsafe. Start looking for an exit!

DURING A CRUSH:

Try your hardest to stay standing.

If you can keep your hands at your chest, like a boxer, this protects your rib cage and keeps a space around your lungs so you can

breathe.

If you fall, curl into a ball and cover your head. DO NOT lay on your back. Several bodies on top of you can equal up to 1,000 pounds of pressure on you suffocating you!

After a large crowd push there’s always a brief lull. In these moments try to move diagonally working your way to the side. Maintain situational awareness. Look for additional exits.

BY TIAR’A LITERARY & ILLUSTRATION

contractors, artists, architect’s, builders, and laborers combined talents to break many a ground and design the habitats in which we live today. Without this select group of passionately driven and dedicated individuals who bravely fought those harsh summer heats, we wouldn’t live in bliss yearround, inside, and out.

One of the more difficult mediums in the construction trade to work with are heavy and large materials, and the glue that ultimately anchors it all and indeed any home, office building, or community together - CONCRETE.

When we think of concrete, most of us see a sandy moist product that if not evened out quickly hardens and leaves an unsightly mess in one’s yard, driveway, or can wreak havoc to a home or office building slab. Concrete is a particular product that requires a skilled, albeit - artist’s mind, hand, and eye coordination to be effectively rendered to produce safety and enjoyment thereafter. A well designed and laid patio, driveway, garden path, home slab, community park walkways, sidewalks, or any other myriad of concrete design project provides peace of mind and enjoyment for all who use or depend upon them.

JRC CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION is a locally renowned company with nearly two decades of concrete construction. Recipients of the LA Times “Home of the Week” award for a home they helped complete in La Quinta some time ago, JRC Concrete Construction have infused the art of the construction trade with tougher than nails hard labor to realize its execution.

“From pillars to posts, the titans of concrete construction” - JRC Concrete Construction (760) 625-1300

SAFETYTIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

Keep your eyes open to changes in crowd density and movement.

Where comfortable shoes and clothing to move about easily.

Remember, “It doesn’t matter how big you are, how strong you are, if you get caught in a crush, everything is beyond your control” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Lastly, music, alcohol and egos do not mix. The events will change “some” attendee’s personality. If you find yourself in a confrontation back off and do not engage. The small amount of time it takes to just move on and forget about it, will spare you a lifetime of head and heartache, money, jail or hospital time or worse. Here are some “de-escalation” tips you can use https://lnkd. in/g-kcMEbr

Again, remember it will be hot, wear appropriate clothes and shoes, sunscreen and stay hydrated. Enjoy yourself and always think “situational awareness!”

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In English, the phrase “growing pains” refers to stresses that emerge during times of rapid ripening or vigorous development. Although they might feel uncomfortable, they are often signs that the ongoing transformations are invigorating. Any project that doesn’t have at least some growing pains may lack ambition. If we hope to transcend our previous limits and become a more complete expression of our destiny, we must stretch ourselves in ways that inconvenience our old selves. I’m expecting growing pains to be one of your key motifs in the coming weeks, dear Aries. It’s important that you don’t try to repress the discomfort. On the other hand, it’s also crucial not to obsess over them. Keep a clear vision of what these sacrifices will make possible for you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Satirical Taurus author Karl Kraus defined “sentimental irony” as “a dog that bays at the moon while pissing on graves.” Please avoid that decadent emotion in the coming weeks, Taurus. You will also be wise to reject any other useless or counterproductive feelings that rise up within you or hurtle toward you from other people, like “clever cruelty” or “noble self-pity” or “sweet revenge.” In fact, I hope you will be rigorous about what moods you feed and what influences you allow into your sphere. You have a right and a duty to be highly discerning about shaping both your inner and outer environments. Renewal time is imminent.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In his poem “October Fullness,” Pablo Neruda says, “Our own wounds heal with weeping, / Our own wounds heal with singing.” I agree. I believe that weeping and singing are two effective ways to recover from emotional pain and distress. The more weeping and singing we do, the better. I especially recommend these therapeutic actions to you now, Gemini. You are in a phase when you can accomplish far more curative and restorative transformations than usual.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): After careful analysis of the astrological omens and a deepdiving meditation, I have concluded that the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to indulge in an unprecedented binge of convivial revelry and pleasure. My advice is to engage in as much feasting and carousing as you can without completely ignoring your responsibilities. I know this may sound extreme, but I am inviting you to have more fun than you have ever had—even more fun than you imagine you deserve. (You do deserve it, though.) I hope you will break all your previous records for frequency and intensity of laughter.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 1886, Vincent van Gogh bought a pair of worn-out shoes at a Paris flea market. When he got home, he realized they didn’t fit. Rather than discard them, he made them the centerpiece of one of his paintings. Eventually, they became famous. In 2009, a renowned gallery in Cologne, Germany, built an entire exhibit around the scruffy brown leather shoes. In the course of their celebrated career, six major philosophers and art historians have written about them as if they were potent symbols worthy of profound consideration. I propose that we regard their history as an inspirational metaphor for you in the coming weeks. What humble influence might be ready for evocative consideration and inspirational use?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Gliding away from the routine for rendezvous with fun riddles? I approve! Delivering your gorgeous self into the vicinity of a possibly righteous temptation? OK. But go slowly, please. Size up the situation with your gut intuition and long-range vision as well as your itchy fervor. In general, I am pleased with your willingness to slip outside your comfortable enclaves and play freely in the frontier zones. It makes me happy to see you experimenting with AHA and WHAT-IF and MAYBE BABY. I hope you summon the chutzpah to find and reveal veiled parts of your authentic self.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The German word Sehnsucht refers to when we have a profound,

WEEK OF APRIL 20

© Copyright 2023 Rob

Brezsny

poignant yearning for something, but we quite don’t know what that something is. I suspect you may soon be in the grip of your personal Sehnsucht. But I also believe you are close to identifying an experience that will quench the seemingly impossible longing. You will either discover a novel source of deep gratification, or you will be able to transform an existing gratification to accommodate your Sehnsucht Sounds like spectacular fun to me. Clear some space in your schedule to welcome it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Most of us have at some time in the past been mean and cruel to people we loved. We acted unconsciously or unintentionally, perhaps, but the bottom line is that we caused pain. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to atone for any such hurts you have dispensed. I encourage you to be creative as you offer healing and correction for any mistakes you’ve made with important allies. I’m not necessarily suggesting you try to resume your bond with ex-lovers and former friends. The goal is to purge your iffy karma and graduate from the past. Perform whatever magic you have at your disposal to transform suffering with love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The blues singer-songwriter B. B. King wasn’t always known by that name. He was born Riley B. King. In his twenties, when he began working at a Memphis radio station, he acquired the nickname “Beales Street Blues Boy.” Later, that was shortened to “Blues Boy,” and eventually to “B. B.” In the spirit of B. B. King’s evolution and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to identify areas of your life with cumbersome or unnecessary complexities that might benefit from simplification.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Proboscis monkeys live in Borneo and nowhere else on earth. Their diet consists largely of fruits and leaves from trees that grow only on Borneo and nowhere else. I propose we make them your anti-role model in the coming months. In my astrological opinion, you need to diversify your sources of nourishment, both the literal and metaphorical varieties. You will also be wise to draw influences from a wide variety of humans and experiences. I further suggest that you expand your financial life so you have multiple sources of income and diversified investments.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s challenging to track down the sources of quotes on the Internet. Today, for instance, I found these words attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato: “I enjoy the simple things in life, like recklessly spending my cash and being a disappointment to my family.” That can’t be right. I’m sure Plato didn’t actually say such things. Elsewhere, I came upon a review of George Orwell’s book Animal Farm that was supposedly penned by pop star Taylor Swift: “Not a very good instructional guide on farming. Would NOT recommend to first-time farmers.” Again, I’m sure that wasn’t written by Swift. I bring this up, Aquarius, because one of your crucial tasks these days is to be dogged and discerning as you track down the true origins of things. Not just Internet quotes, but everything else, as well—including rumors, theories, and evidence. Go to the source, the roots, the foundations.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In accordance with astrological omens, I’m turning over this horoscope to Piscean teacher Esther Hicks. Here are affirmations she advises you to embody: “I’m going to be happy. I’m going to skip and dance. I will be glad. I will smile a lot. I will be easy. I will count my blessings. I will look for reasons to feel good. I will dig up positive things from the past. I will look for positive things where I am right now. I will look for positive things in the future. It is my natural state to be a happy person. It’s natural for me to love and laugh. I am a happy person!”

Homework: Make a guess about when you will fulfill your number one goal. Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com

Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

HOW TO BUILD MUSCLE?

SENDMEATRAINER

For most beginners, gaining 2-4lbs of muscle per month is a realistic rate of muscle gain. More advanced lifters should aim to gain 1-2lbs of muscle per month, as research has shown slower rates of muscle gain the more advanced a lifter becomes.

It’s worth mentioning that people who have more muscle burn more calories, in general, because they have more tissue that requires fuel.

Ok so how do we start?

First we need to understand your current fitness level. Are you a beginner, intermediate or advanced?

BY COACH NADIA POPOVA

You can build muscle with any type of exercise, but if you want to see those gains faster, strength training is the way to go.

If you need help with building muscle and the safest yet effective way possible, “Send Me A Trainer” is always here to help.

Building muscle is a major fitness goal for many people, for good reason. Adding muscle mass can help you with functional strength, injury prevention and some of the negative effects of aging.

Basically muscle is your Cushion that protects you from injuries and holds your frame.

But do we really know how long it takes to put on some lean muscle? it actually takes a long period of time – at least a month, but probably longer – to see muscle gains of any significance. Patience is a key ingredient for adding muscle, especially if you are new to weight training

Let’s first breakdown what muscle building is:

Any form of resistance or strength training, also can be bodyweight exercises or

weights , to break down your muscle fibers. This process creates microscopic tears that are essential for building muscle. Those damaged muscle fibers stimulate satellite cells for growth factors for muscle repair.

This eventually leads to a greater amount of muscle over time.

What type of training would “Send Me A Trainer” recommend? An effective resistance training routine should incorporate a combination of high-load, low-rep exercises and high-rep, moderate-load exercises that constantly overload your muscles.

The question is how much muscle can you realistically gain in one month?

We don’t want to have high expectations and get disappointed after seeing no results right?

A great way to start a strength training program is three times a week, with at least a full day of rest in between. Pick four to six exercises and start with eight to 10 repetitions of each.

Get a Free Fitness Assessment and receive one of our trainers feedback and training recommendations.

Please call us at (760)880-9904

Or visit our website: www.cvsendmeatrainer.com

CANNABISCORNER

Anew drug for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia is a marketing flop to investors. Alzheimer’s is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out simple tasks. While the specific causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not fully known, it is characterized by changes in the brain that result in the loss of neurons and their connections. These changes affect a person’s ability to remember and think.

None of the current pharmaceutical drugs are effective for treating the disease progression or the symptoms. New drugs that directly target amyloid, or tau proteins, that damage cells, haven’t yielded significant clinical benefits for patients. The Food and Drug Administration granted conditional approval in June, for the new drug, Aducanumab, even though an advisory panel had recommended against allowing the drug on the market. AD affects 6.2 million Americans and is expected to devastate 16 million by 2050.

Aducanumab is the first drug to address the underlying biology of the disease. According to the FDA, aducanumab reduces beta-amyloid plaques, which reasonably leads to a reduction in clinical decline due to AD disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people who are interested in learning more about this treatment, for themselves or a loved one, to have a conversation with their health care provider.

Backlash Against the Drug by Doctors

Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, an Alzheimer’s specialist at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Ariz. says the pendulum of public opinion has swayed strongly against this drug

and is not reaching many patients. Reasons include its high cost, ($56,000), insurers’ reluctance to cover it, and lingering questions about whether it actually slows memory loss.

“This is not a cure,” is the message patients get from Dr. Zaldy Tan, who directs the memory and aging program at CedarsSinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. “The disease will continue and perhaps the bestcase scenario is that someone will get a modest improvement in their cognition.”

What is not in question is the fact that it can cause cerebral hemorrhage and swelling in a significant number of patients. Is this another example of the FDA being political?

Repurposed Drugs

Another approach to developing AD treatments would be to seek existing drugs

that could potentially be repurposed. One such drug is Sildenafil, brand name Viagra a drug that Dr. Marc Siegel on Fox News explained to Tucker Carlson.

The National Institute of Aging (NIA) supported a study whose results appeared in Nature Aging on December 6, 2021, analyzing insurance claims data from more than 7 million Americans. They found that the people (mostly men) who took sildenafil were 69% less likely to develop AD over 6 years than those who did not take the drug. This association between sildenafil and AD is held after adjusting for sex, age, and other diseases and conditions. A study that includes women is yet to be conducted, if ever.

Cannabis Studies on Dementia

There are over one hundred ninety

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

studies on Pub-Med related to cannabis and the treatment of dementia/Alzheimer’s/ impaired cognition. Many of them do not identify the dose, or ratio of cannabinol (CBD) to 9-delta-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), nor any follow-up on the adjustment of the doses. In 2008 a study found that THC slows plaque overgrowth, and blocks inflammation. Further studies have verified these findings. Additional research studies have also verified that CBD is a neuroprotectant, an antioxidative, and prevents brain cell death. Over twenty years, nurses, and physicians skilled in cannabis as a specialty are recommending an 18:1 ratio of CBD:THC for neurodegenerative diseases.

Unlike the severe side effects of pharmaceuticals, several cannabis side effects are beneficial for dementia patients. Appetite, sleep and calm to name a few. Symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, actingout behaviors, insomnia, and altered walking ability are relieved with proper dosing by a cannabis specialist. THC works inside the cell and CBD works outside the cell. It is important to have both THC and CBD.

Learn more about how to use Marijuana Without the High on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Vault Dispensary Lounge. Call 760-866-9660 or send comments to cannaangel16@gmail. com