Coachella Valley Weekly - April 23 to April 29, 2020 Vol. 9 No. 6 by CV Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com • April 23 to April 29, 2020

Desert Distilling Liquid Sanitizer

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La Quinta - Small Business Relief

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Desert Music Happenings

Vol.9 No.6

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Bill’s Pizza

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April 23 to April 29, 2020

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Noe Gutierrez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Esther Sanchez Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Denise Ortuno Neil, Rob Brezny, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dee Jae Cox, Angela Romeo, Aaron Ramson, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Michelle Anne Rizzio, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Iris Hall, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS The Slice - Donating to Workers ............. 3 Desert Distilling - Liquid Sanitizer ........... 5 La Quinta - Small Business Relief.............. 5 *NEW* VIRTUAL VIEWING ........................... 6 Desert Music Happenings III...................... 6 Consider This - Juniper............................ 7 Pet Place ..................................................... 8 The Vino Voice ....................................... 10 Brewtality................................................11 Good Grub - Bill's Pizza...........................11

April 23 to April 29, 2020

THE SLICE IS PAYING IT FORWARD BY DONATING AND DELIVERING PIZZAS EVERY MONDAY TO OUR FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT EISENHOWER

he outbreak of COVID-19 has completely changed the way the restaurant business runs its operations, adhering to the strict CDC guidelines promoting social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. With April usually being a profitable time for local businesses and eateries from the influx of tourists during the Coachella Fest and Stagecoach concert season, the cancellation of those profitable events and limitations on how restaurants run their establishments have made a great dip in the industry’s output. One restaurant, The Slice, is a New Yorkstyle pizzeria in Rancho Mirage that has managed to maintain an active operation as well as give back to the Coachella Valley community during this difficult time. Since opening its doors eleven and a half years ago, The Slice has been a desert hotspot for premium pies. Co-owners Jack Srebnik and Ellen Spencer have adjusted as well as they can to the stifled business during COVID-19. “We had to close our in-dining section at our restaurant, so we switched to takeout delivery and curbside pick-up. We’ve not only opened up delivery and pick-up items from our menu, but we’ve also opened a corner store as well. We’re selling sauces and produce—things to take home for dinner. We’ve tried to make it a one-stop place so people don’t have to go to grocery stores to get their supplies,” explained Srebnik. The Slice menu has gradually been modified as business has slowed during the outbreak, taking off items that contain an excess amount of fish that are more expensive and can go bad easily. Besides that modification, the menu has remained more or less the same. An interesting staple of The Slice includes the take-and-bake pizzas available to customers with children who want to make their own pies at home during quarantine. Pizza has still been the most popular item off the menu, but alternatives like salads, pasta, and subs are also available for pickup or delivery. The Slice has not only been feeding its loyal customers, but also those fighting in the frontlines at local hospitals treating patients with COVID-19. “Ellen and I started doing that a few weeks

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

ago because we both had the mindset that we wanted to give back since we have been very fortunate through all this. We go every Monday to Eisenhower Medical Center. We began giving lunches to the ER staff, and then we made contact with the head nurse at the COVID unit, so now we deliver pizza to them as well,” said Srebnik. Ellen notes how The Slice was given an eight thousand dollar grant by the City of Rancho Mirage, among other local eateries, in order to stay afloat when other businesses across the country face the threat of permanent closure. “We have been very thankful for what we’ve been given, so we decided to pay it forward. People watch the news at night, and they see how the first-line people at hospitals are fighting this. This is affecting the community and we know we had to do something,” stated Spencer. While The Slice owners know that the hospital staff is appreciative of the weekly lunch deliveries that they make, Srebnik considers the men and women treating inflicted patients to be the true heroes during the age of COVID-19. “They thanked us so much, and we just look at ourselves and think…we’ve done nothing. It’s them doing the hard stuff. Every day, they leave their families to go to work on the battle lines. They’re the ones who face this every single day. I know I personally couldn’t do that. You can tell lately that they’ve been so busy that the days have started to run into one another. They see us coming, and they say, ‘oh, it must be Monday because the pizza is here!’ We can’t get paid enough in money for how good we feel when people thank us. All we did is make pizza, they’re saving lives,” said Srebnik. Although overall business has diminished by at least half of the number of customers that The Slice used to serve before the statemandated lockdown, Srebnik and Spencer are especially proud of the fact that they have 14 of their 27 staff members still working at the restaurant. Despite the setbacks and limitations, the owners treat their employees as family and recognize that they would not be able to maintain the establishment without them. “They always step up to the plate to do

what has to be done, and they’re so friendly to the customers. Everyone still has an underlying fear of what’s going to happen tomorrow, but they’re great and we love them. They make it all worthwhile for us,” expressed Srebnik. The Slice still employs their wait staff and they earn their typical wages, but since the removal of dine-in service, they no longer have the opportunity to receive tips. Srebnik shared that there have been customers that have come to the restaurant handing out ten-dollar bills to show their gratitude for the essential workers providing their best efforts during the pandemic. The owner also notices a lot less complaining when people come in to order or pick-up their food. “I hope the one good thing that comes out of this whole situation is that everyone remembers to be kind to one another. Every day, Ellen and I are thinking about what’s next because the restaurant industry is going to change. There will be some people who will never want to eat at a restaurant again, and some people who will want to return to normalcy—whatever that might be. We want to be there for everyone,” revealed Srebnik. There are plans to turn The Slice into a restaurant deli in the future with more graband-go food options and ingredients that customers can just buy and take home to cook. Despite uncertainty about what lies ahead, The Slice owners continue to prioritize their staff, clients, and family during the everchanging climate of COVID-19. To place an order for pick-up or delivery, visit The Slice website at theslicepizza.com or call 760-202-3122.

Screeners ................................................ 12 Safety Tips .............................................. 12 Haddon Libby ........................................ 14 Dale Gribow ........................................... 14 Health - Keto .......................................... 15 Cannabis Corner...................................... 15 Mind, Body & Spirit ............................... 16 Free Will Astrology................................ 16

April 23 to April 29, 2020

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DESERT DISTILLING INC NOW MANUFACTURING AND SELLING SANITIZER AT PALM DESERT FACILITY

April 23 to April 29, 2020

COMMUNITY

he company has a new sales inventory of liquid alcoholbased sanitizer available for local residents, re-opening businesses, healthcare providers and first responders Desert Distilling Inc, a local smallbatch craft distillery recently started providing alcohol-based liquid sanitizer to local communities across Riverside County and Coachella Valley. The company has successfully replenished its inventory and is pleased to announce that bottled liquid sanitizer is again now available for sale. John Lotz, owner-operator at Desert Distilling, said: “We are pleased to have bulk supplies of our sanitizer back in stock after last week’s unprecedented demand, which took us from vigorous sales to a back-order situation in the space of only a few days. We know the need for sanitizer is outpacing demand, and we have been working hard every day to make more bottled and bulk product available in our local

community.” The liquid alcohol-based sanitizer is manufactured to the World Health Organization standard formula. The

sanitizer is available in one-gallon containers for $45 each; 55-gallon drums and 270-gallon totes are also available. Customers should place

an advance order on the Desert Distilling website www.desertdistilling. com, where they can pay online, or when picking up. The sanitizer is also available in one-gallon containers at Ace Hardware in Palm Springs. Inquiries can be made by calling Desert Distilling directly at 760770-3135, or by emailing info@ desertdistilling.com. Desert Distilling is located at 34300 Gateway Drive, Suite 100, Palm Desert, CA 92276. Pickup is available Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Customers are advised to place an order online and pick up by driving to the back door with their order number available.

THE CITY OF LA QUINTA ROLLS OUT $1.5 MILLION COMMUNITY COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY ECONOMIC RELIEF PROGRAM

he City of La Quinta and City Council has established a $1.5 million COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Economic Relief Program (Program), which will help to provide small businesses with emergency cash flow loans during this immediate health crisis. The City opens the Program on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 1pm and the deadline to submit applications is Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 5pm. The application period will close once all funds have been allocated. Eligibility and Program Guidelines are described in detail on the website below. Funds will be allocated to eligible businesses

of 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in the form of 0% interest loans of $5,000; $10,000; $15,000; or $20,000. Up to $500,000 is available exclusively to restaurants in the City that are currently open for pickup and/or delivery orders. Loan applications are administered through the City’s Finance Department. “The City recognizes that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has put a difficult burden on our small business community,” said Jon McMillen, City Manager. “The Economic Disaster Emergency Reserves, established by the Council, will be used to fund this loan program as a direct response

to this unprecedented challenge and will be put to good use by our local businesses, to help the City of La Quinta’s residents and its local economy.” The applications will be reviewed and approved by an Ad Hoc committee of two Councilmembers, two Finance Advisory Commissioners and two city staff members (Financial Services Analyst and Assistant to City Manager). “We anticipate distributing checks to approved businesses in early May,” said Mayor Linda Evans. “We will come out of this stronger if we all work together. The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority as we face an issue of enormous scale and impact. We understand this time is challenging, and our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.” The City asks its residents, and beyond, to continue their part in helping stop the spread by practicing social distancing, sheltering in place, and adhering to County Health orders and recommendations. To apply for the Small Business Emergency Economic Relief Program visit laquintaca.gov/COVID19BUSINESSLOAN. For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit: Laquintaca.gov/ COVID19

April 23 to April 29, 2020

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Carlos Cruz and Frank Villa – Facebook – 8pm Tack Room Tavern – Lance Riebsomer – Facebook– 8:30pm

Saturday, April 25:

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Vinny Berry – Facebook – 6pm Rod Van Buren – Facebook – 9pm

Sunday, April 26:

Thursday, April 23:

Warsaw Poland Bros – Facebook – 11:30am Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Hey Bertha – Facebook – 4pm Cody White and the Easy Ride – Facebook – 7:30pm

Friday, April 24:

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Slim Man – Facebook – 5pm Rose Mallett – Facebook – 5pm Derek Jordan Gregg and Jetta King – Facebook – 6pm Michael Keeth – Facebook – 7-8pm

DESERT MUSIC HAPPENINGS III

ach week Coachella Valley Weekly will provide you with an update on several of our favorite artists and what they are up to. DEREK JORDAN GREGG Derek Jordan Gregg has probably been the busiest artist in the desert since the pandemic broke. As one of the masterminds behind the inaugural CVCV Virtual Fest, DJG helped bring many of the Coachella Valley’s top musicians to our handhelds and computer screens, all in the name of supporting the desert music scene. Since then, he has regularly performed live and released the Blues tune “House of Cocaine.” The song, produced by David Williams at Melrose Music Palm Springs/Hollywood, is steps beyond

what we are used to with his Facebook Live performances. The anthem is tenacious Blues Rock with Sean Poe on drums and Gene Beavers on bass. DJG sings his ass off and gives his guitar the green light to broach the heavy heart of the Blues. It’s nothing like I’ve ever heard from him. We spoke with DJG this past week: CVW: “House of Cocaine” is cut-throat Rock. Can give us some background on the song? DJG: “I wrote “House of Cocaine” like ten years ago in Oregon after a pretty wild weekend with my good friend and former drummer Kai Fujita. This was before I chilled out and moved to the desert. Anyway, we knocked out a demo’s worth of pretty killer material in 15 minutes or so and I’ve been holding onto it until the right band configuration presents itself. The lyrics are garbage. I don’t give a shit but it’s a vibe. I’m looking forward to putting together a project for this stuff. It’s an homage to my favorite generation of music.” CVW: How have you been holding up overall since the lockdown? DJG: “I’m doing alright man. I’m keeping it together, I’m staying positive, peaceful and productive. It’s an accomplishment just to stay in a good headspace ya know? If you’ve managed to do the same I’m proud of you.” CVW: You've had a great response to your live performances online. Do you believe this type of performance

Sticky Doll – Facebook – 11am Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Pete Campbell (Versastyle) – Facebook – 4:20pm Blasting Echo – Facebook – 5pm Lootenant Ldoubleo – Instagram @lootenantmusic – 5pm Jesika von Rabbit – Facebook – 5pm Krystofer Do – Facebook – 7-9:30pm

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

is going to remain once we are able to attend live shows? DJG: “I think it’s a good idea for people to keep streaming. I live in a pretty controlled environment ya know? Not everybody who enjoys my music is gonna subscribe to the venue or atmosphere that I’m generally available in. Some don’t drink, some have anxiety, I don’t want to alienate anybody. Come one come all!” CVW: Anything else new going on that you'd like to share? DJG: “Well, I’d just like to encourage everybody to keep developing and creating, and sharing. If you have a gift, you have a responsibility to share it. I’m really excited to share new projects, my

Monday, April 27:

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Slim Man – Facebook - 5pm

Tuesday, April 28:

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Rose Mallett – Facebook – 6:30pm Lizann Warner – Facebook – 6:30pm Michael Keeth – Facebook – 7-8pm

Wednesday, April 29:

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Slim Man – Facebook - 5pm

Contact Phil Lacombe to have your Virtual Performance listed here. philip@coachellavalleyweekly.com

LOCAL MUSIC

duo with Jetta King, my solo record, new The Hive Minds stuff and potentially another band, so please keep an eye on me, I’ve just barely started. I love you!” Find out more about DJG on his Facebook artist profile and YouTube channel. ARTHUR SEAY (HOUSE OF BROKEN PROMISES, UNIDA) We also reached out to master shredmeister and riff-killer Arthur Seay for an update on all things Arty Love. Seay has been posting some of his own hilarious FB Live videos talking shop, shredding and covering any topic his viewers throw at him. “I do the live videos to keep sane, to entertain people and to connect in some way during this,” shared Seay. Never a loss for words…never, Seay has been outspoken throughout his career and that quality is appreciated by many of his fellow artists. Seay was kind enough to exclusively share several unreleased HOBP songs with CV Weekly that are newly mixed and now ready for mastering. The music was to be released by mid-2020 but, as we all know, the pandemic interfered. “We continue to page 13

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CONSIDER THIS (CONFIDENTIAL RECORDINGS)

JUNIPER T

he old “Nature Vs. Nuture” has been debated since ancient Greece, (and no, this ancient Greek wasn’t around then). But in the case of Juniper, there’s an argument to be had for both positions, with no easy resolution in sight, and that’s okay. This 15 year-old wunderkind displays a kind of innate musical talent that can’t be taught, luckily, she has grown up in an environment that encouraged those artistic gifts. It seems as though Juniper Shelley practically leapt out of the womb making music, since she grew up in a musical household, the whole “chicken-andegg” metaphor also feels wildly apropos. Juniper’s dad, Michael, is an acclaimed singer-songwriter with five albums under his belt. He’s played with everyone from Belle & Sebastian and Marshall Crenshaw to They Might Be Giants. He also hosts a weekly radio show on WMFU. Her mom, Jordon, is not a musician, but she passed on her impeccable music taste to her daughter. Juniper started singing along and making up her own music pretty early on. By the fourth grade, she started taking piano lessons. Learning everything from sonatas to Beatles songs, she soon took up the flute and also began playing guitar. Her first tentative steps as a songwriter were under the tutelage of her piano teacher. Growing up, she soaked in the seminal sounds of bands like the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Zombies and Fountains Of Wayne. But she also responded to 21st century musical role models like Taylor Swift. At age nine she asked her dad if he could assist her in recording a Christmas song written for her grandparents. They repaired to Michael’s basement studio and their collaboration was a success. This began a Yuletide tradition, as she became more musically proficient with each successive year. In 2019, she decided to explore more secular territory. Michael had spent some time observing Juniper’s male middleschoolmates and came up with an infectious number entitled “Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys!” After sending the song out to a few radio stations, it began garnering airplay on WPRB as well as Rodney Bingenheimer’s influential Sirius radio show. Soon, it was topping the charts of Radio Free Americana. The positive response motivated them to make a full-length album. Michael wrote several songs with Juniper providing context from a female, teenage prospective. As her dad shaped the lyrics to these specific contours, she had full veto power over anything that felt inauthentic. The creative process felt natural and organic, and the result is her self-titled debut. The 12-song set opens with the teenage kicks of “(It All Started On The) Dragon Coaster.” Reverb-drenched guitar collides

with a walking bass line and a rock steady beat. Juniper’s laconic vocals can’t conceal her delight as she recounts a rollercoaster romance; “Last day of summer, I saw him down the shore, we walked on the beach, but I just wasn’t sure/Squared off at SkeeBall, and he got the beat, on the Mighty Mouse I flew out of my seat, got whiplash on the bumper cars, rode the whip and I saw stars.” Guitars duckwalk on the break, supplanted by swirly Hammond B3. Two tracks, “Girls Just Want A Boy To Rest Their Head Upon” and “Kids On My Corner” are full-fledged collaborations between Juniper and Michael. The former is a swoony slow jam that wouldn’t feel out of place in an old “Gidget” movie. Lush instrumentation is anchored by billowy harp notes, stacked acoustic, electric and baritone guitars, threading bass lines, slippery keys and a tick-tock rhythm. As Juniper explains it all; “At the end of the day, when all that talk is gone, girls just want a boy, to rest their head upon,” her world-weary croon is braced by a surfeit of Girl Group harmonies. The latter is an elastic Rocker powered by a rat-a-tat beat, hopscotching bass and stripped-down guitars. Lyrics unspool the time-worn saga a nascent band honing their chops in the garage; “The kids on my corner wrote a song, it’s not that good but it’s not that long, pretty soon they’ll write some more/Sometimes they still forget to close the door or do their chores, take out the trash, I love to hear the drummer bash, they changed their name to The Misunderstood, Hey! I think they’re finally getting pretty good.” The jittery arrangement recalls the lean economy of Paul Collins’ Beat. Although Juniper and her dad are armed with an arsenal of original songs, they’ve also reached out to some powerful pals and asked them to contribute material. Tommy Dunbar and Kyle Vincent from The Rubinoos offered up “Best Kept Secret.” Thrumming bass slithers over shuddery keys, angular guitars and a handclap beat. Shimmering distaff harmonies shadow Juniper as she vows to keep a clandestine crush to herself, even though “dreaming about you is taking up all my time.” The arrangement gathers speed on the break as a jangly, slightly sitarflavored guitar solo takes center stage. Francis McDonald, drummer for Teenage Fanclub, came through with “Punk Rock Boy.” A wall of fuzzy guitars are bookended by fluttery Farfisa organ, chilly Casio tones and a batter-ram beat. Juniper’s mien is equal parts giddy fan girl and blasé sophisticate as she explicates this kid’s appeal, “with his jeans so tight and his hair cut right.” The guitar solo on the break is Surf-y and Psychedelic in all the right ways. Rather poignantly, the late Muffs Frontwoman, Kim Shattuck co-wrote “Poke Your Eye Out” with Lisa Marr, expressly for Juniper. A manic Cha-Cha-Cha, the lyrics

April 23 to April 29, 2020

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

dial in to that old parental caveat, imported directly from Ancient Rome. Here, the instrumentation is slightly more exotic, matching Farfisa organ, conga drums and Requinto guitar. The best tracks here deal with the trials and tribulations of the opposite sex. First up is the low-slung charmer, “Everybody’s Got A Crush On Chad.” Flick of the wrist, distort guitar riffs brush up against tensile bass and a chunky backbeat. Locking into a Glamtastic groove the melody and arrangement shares some musical DNA with the Beatles’ “Revolution” and “Baby Boomerang” from T. Rex. Apparently, Chad is an enigma wrapped in a riddle; “He makes me nervous when he passes by, he’s kind of brash and he’s kind of shy, he really has a strange effect on me, just a smile and I feel feathery.” The aforementioned “Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys!” is suitably muscular. It fuses strafing power chords, hiccoughing keys and prowling bass lines to a rattletrap rhythm. Spooky Farfisa notes sideswipe pastoral mellotron and wiggly synth sounds are bracketed by a ticklish beat. Juniper’s exasperation is justified; “All the wars-we know who started them, all that trash-left on the lunchroom floor…They’re mystifying, always lying, keep you guessing, patience trying, Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys.” Finally, “Sticking With My Henry” is chockful of chewy goodness. Slashing guitars, beestung bass and Shagadelic keys are wed to a prickly beat. Juniper catalogs the dubious charms of the, um, stiff competition; “Katie’s older brother is this thing named Sam he’s got a tattoo ‘wham

bam thank you ma’am’...” before concluding “No thank you! I’m sticking with my Henry.” A tremelo-fied solo on the break sparks and pinwheels, underscoring her steely resolve. Other interesting tracks include a wry take on the Three Degrees’ Soul classic, “Gotta Draw The Line.” Meanwhile, the propulsive Pop of “How Long She Gonna Stay In That Room” replicates the flange-y guitar wah wah of The Brady Bunch’s “It’s A Sunshine Day.” Even better, is the stuttery pas de deux between guitar and Farfisa organ on the break. The album closes with “I Don’t Want To Dream About You,” a bitter kiss-off is powered by Wurlitzer, electric piano, Mellotron and Farfisa and electric sitar. While Juniper sang and played keys, and Michael added guitars, bass and keys, via the miracle of the interwebs, several heavy-hitters also contributed. They include guitarists Greg Towson from Los Strait Jackets, Mark Spencer from Son Volt and Ira Kaplan from Yo La Tango. Adding keys were Belle & Sebastian’s Chris Geddes and DriveBy Truckers’ Jay Gonzalez. Keeping the beat were Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken and Steve Goulding from the Mekons. Power Pop demi-god Marshall Crenshaw ripped a ringing guitar solo on “Best Kept Secret.” Backing vocals were provided by Fountains Of Wayne front-man Chris Collingwood and acclaimed solo artists April March, Megan Reilly and April March. Other contributors include bassists John Lee and Frank Cairo, Timmy Rickard on drums and Dave Amels on keys. Legendary producer Don Fleming as well as Daniel Kirk, Jose Luis Ushino and Keith Yaun played guitar. Vinas Peixoto handled percussion and Andrew Vittoli can be heard on vibraphone. Juniper’s debut is precocious, but never precious. The Bubblegum crunch melodies are deftly balanced by her vocals, which are sunny, but never cloying. There’s a coltish grace to this album that hints at better things to come. This is just the beginning.

April 23 to April 29, 2020

PET PLACE

ogs offer us a ray of sunshine and joy during a time when we are devoid of most human contacts and usual activities. They help us weather the emotional storm while the pandemic’s dark clouds encompass our world. The number of rescue dogs being fostered and adopted during this time has reached record numbers. This is wonderful news for animals that otherwise might languish in public shelters, or in some cases be euthanized for a variety of reasons. Some of these fostered and adopted animals are with people who ordinarily work full time and put off getting an animal because they are away from home so much. Some dogs that already lost one family may become nervous when left alone again, fearing they may be abandoned again. Most of these pups have the confidence to adapt quite easily when the stay-at-home order lifts and we return to work. There are some things you can do to help them adjust, and some solutions should your dog become overly stressed. In a few cases, a dog may exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety which goes beyond a brief mournful whimper or sad look when you leave. Signs of separation anxiety include excessive barking or howling when you are gone, excessive salivating, drooling or panting. Some may even scratch on doors and windows. And in severe cases they may chew on pillows or furniture. Please know that the vast majority of dogs, rescue or otherwise, NEVER show these severe behaviors, they simply are happier when you arrive home. Lillian Roberts, D.V.M, veterinarian at Country Club Animal Clinic advises, “We don’t know what it’s like for a dog when their whole world goes topsey turvy and suddenly you are gone from the home. They are pack animals, and instinctively want to be with people. Think about this from the dog’s point of view and teach them in advance to be without you. If there are two people in the household, have each spend time separately with the dog. In severe cases, I prescribe anti-anxiety medication or

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SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS

anti-depressants for animals with the goal of weaning them off. In many cases, a dog trainer can help.” Dog trainer Don Van Tassel offers some advice. “Social distancing is helpful. I’m not saying ignore you dog, but teach them independence. Having them play and use their chew toys in your presence will help your dog build independence. You might want to create a safe space for them when you are away such as a special room with a baby gate that allows the door to stay open. Doggie day care might be a great solution, while not for every dog, it provides a great way for them to enjoy the company of other canines. Getting them exercised helps (we need this too!).” A tired contented dog who had a brisk walk and playtime is more likely to be settled and calm when you leave. While the quarantine continues, you can start desensitizing your dog to help him get used to the idea of being alone. Start out by simply opening and shutting the door without leaving until your dog seems comfortable. Next try leaving for brief times and gradually increase the time you are out of the house. Give him a special treat before you leave, like a bone or rubber Kong filled with peanut butter. You can also hide treats throughout the house for him to happily discover. Make sure he has special toys, a bed, blanket, and other items he loves nearby. I recall one dog who lived with several adults who worked full time during the week. The dog’s separation anxiety disappeared the day they adopted a second dog. A new dog buddy provided the companionship he needed. You can always have a friend’s dog join yours when you both return to work. Please know there is a great deal of “pet retention” assistance available. If you cannot afford professional training, there is a wealth of free advice online to help you solve pet behaviors. You can contact dog trainer Don Van Tassel with Desert Living Dog Training at (760) 567-1182. Don also trains the animals at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley.

BY JANET McAFEE

Below is a partial list of shelters and private rescue organizations in the Inland Empire. If you are unable to adopt or foster right now, consider donating to one of the worthy private organizations that depend upon donations to pay for vet care, food and other expenses. COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – This large county shelter is now closed for adoptions. You can view the animals at all four county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal(s) you want to meet. Email them with the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org and call (760) 343-644. Located at 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed, but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday, closed on Tuesday. View their animals online at www.psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 4165718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www.

MEET CHELLA

MEET KALANI

I was hungry and homeless when Kittyland rescued me! I am spayed, vaccinated and ready to go to my “furever” home. I’m a 1-yr-old girl who loves humans and enjoys the company of other cats. Call (760) 251-2700 first for an appointment to meet me, Kittyland is located at 67600 18th Ave, Desert Hot Springs. www.kittylandrescue.org

I was born with a cleft palate birth defect, but that doesn’t stop me from giving you love and kisses! I am a Staffordshire Terrier girl, 2 yrs old, and like other dogs. My personality is sweet & calm so I would make a great best buddy during the quarantine. California Paws Rescue californiapawsrescue.com saved me from the county shelter. Call (760) 656-3833 for an appointment to meet me at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert.

californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, North Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs. www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed, dogs in foster homes. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www. lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates(760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – Shelter closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sun/Mon. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 3841304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Call (909) 386-9280 daily between 9am & 5pm. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public). DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue. com, (360) 688-8884. (Private) Janetmcafee8@gmail.com

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April 23 to April 29, 2020

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THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

THE QUICK WINE MIND F

or those of you who need a little break from the latest breaking news on the Coronavirus front, I’m offering a little quick wine quiz so to keep the wine mind abreast. As a shoutout to The Juice at LocalWineEvents. com, its founder and CEO Eric V. Orange, and, Joe Roberts’ 1WineDude.com, we’ve gleaned from The Juices’ wine quiz version. So grab your favorite glass of wine and join in. For your mental convenience sake, we’ve placed the answers after the full set of questions. And now, the game’s afoot! A. Before the pandemic intruded into our line-up of articles, you’ll remember we did a column titled, “The Joys of Sekts”, (coachellavalleyweekly.com/ the-joys-of-sekts) where we discussed the sexy sparklers of Germany, and, even discussed some of the German wine trade. So, here is a question: True or False: Germany imports the most liters of wine per person annually than any other country in the world. B. Recently we recommended the Catalonian Gran Sello Brut Rosé, one of the new lines of Spanish sparklers out that is so tasty and so inexpensive ($7.99). However, many of you vino lovers are buying the Spanish Tempranillo, grown in the Rioja region, which is also reasonably priced. Try this question out. True or False: Rioja wine sales are dominated by red wines? C. For you kiwi Sauvignon Blanc/ Pinot Noir fans, Which New Zealand wine region produces the second most volume of wine grapes harvested in the country? Central Otago, Gisborne,

Hawkes Bay, or Marlborough? (Clue— no one should pick Marlborough; don’t we see that printed on every other kiwi label?!) D. Okay—time for you Italian wine lovers to step up (I mean, don’t I treat you popoli wonderfully with all the Italian themed wine articles we publish for you?) True or False: The pomace that remains after pressing grapes for Amarone is then used in the production of Ripasso Valpolicellas? E. Most of you loyal readers know that I go on—ad nauseum, about how I love full-on tannins in my Cabs; and, as well in my red blends—where most folks like red blends for a smooth ride without the jerky tannins jumping about. How about this question: Where does tannin come from in a wine? a) barrels b) pits c) stems d) a, b, & c. F. Now let’s find out what the Francophiles can figure out. True or False: In Reuilly, in France's Loire Valley, the use Pinot Gris is not permitted in its rosé wines? G. Well—while we’re at it, True or False: In the entire world, the U.S. imports the most Beaujolais Nouveau from France? H. All right—let’s get back home to California wine country. Which Sonoma vineyard is home to some of the oldest Semillon plantings in all of California? Dutton Ranch, Monte Rosso, Fort Ross, or Alexander’s Crown? I. True or False: In the 1880s, consumers in Europe and America were drinking nearly two million gallons annually of wine made in Missouri? (Show us the answer!)

ANSWERS: A. False. Germans import an impressive 17.5 liters of wine per person, but they don't take the number one global spot. That honor goes to Belgium, which imports over 26.3 liters of wine per person each year. (And you thought they just had mayonnaise with their fries.) B. True. Red wine comfortably dominates the total volume of Rioja wine sold globally. While white and rosé wines are also made there, a whopping 87% of all Rioja wines sold are red. C. Hawke's Bay. Marlborough is New Zealand's highest production wine area, accounting for 75% of the country's wine grape harvest annually. Hawke's Bay takes (a distant) second place, generating 12% of New Zealand's wine grape harvest each year. D. True. Amarone, one of Italy’s great expensive wines is produced by drying grapes, and the grape pomace left over from the winemaking process is put to further use. It is then added to batches of Valpolicella, in a process called ripasso ("repassed"), adding additional alcohol, flavor, and complexity to the Valpolicella wines. So, the next time you’re at Trader Joe’s and see a “Ripasso Valpolicella” you’ll remember it as a “baby Amarone” and a good buy at around $15. E. d) a,b,& c Tannin is a natural preservative and is one of the man components that give wine its longevity. It comes from skins, pits and stems of the grapes. Another source of tannin is wood, such as the French oak barrels in which some wines are aged or fermented. Generally, red wines have

a higher level of tannin than whites because red grapes are usually left to ferment with their skins. F. False. Reuilly produces about sixteen thousand gallons of rosé wine per year, and both Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grapes may be used. G. False. The United States imports about 1.8 million bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau annually, making it number two on the list of Beaujolais Nouveau importing nations. Taking the top spot is Japan! That nation seems to love its Gamay, importing nearly 8 million bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau each year. H. Monte Rosso. Named after "red earth," the Monte Rosso vineyard (situated on the Southwest side of the Mayacamas mountain range) was planted in 1886 with Zinfandel and Semillon. Some of those vines are still producing fruit today, making the vineyard home to some of the oldest producing Semillon vines in California. The fruit is currently used as a blending component for Louis M. Martini's Sauvignon Blanc. I. True. German settlers established the town of Hermann near the Missouri River in 1837. The land proved too difficult for farming most crops other than grapes, which thrived there. By 1850 Hermann’s wineries were producing over 10,000 gallons of wine per year. By the 1880s, the town was home to over 60 wineries producing nearly two million gallons of wine each year for domestic and European consumption. How’d you do? Try it again for a better score! Be Safe! Cheers to you all!

BREWTALITY

don’t know about you guys, but there’s been silver linings of sorts to this whole not-being-able-to-have-a-life thing. For starters, I may have lost 99% of my income, but that’s been totally nullified by the fact that I spent 99% of my income on frivolous shit anyway. Remember that scene in Dumb and Dumber where Lloyd says he’s going to the store for the bare essentials, and comes back carrying two cases of beer with a giant pinwheel sticking out of the top in his left hand, whacking a paddleball in his right hand, and wearing an oversized cowboy hat? Totally me. Welp, this time around, I DID get the bare essentials (which included beer. What? It’s a tax write-off, geez), and everything I needed to cook quarantine meal #120. All I needed was a can of beer and a whole chicken, because that’s all tonight’s recipe calls for. We’re making Beer Can Chicken. OVEN BAKED BEER CAN CHICKEN 4 lb. whole chicken. 1 can of beer (A 12 oz can, don’t do what I did and buy a Foster’s oil can size, it’ll only make things a little more difficult later). Open the can and drink half of it, you’ll only need your beer to be half full to cook a chicken on it. 1 Tbsp salt 1 Tbsp smoked paprika 1 Tbsp dried thyme 2 tsp garlic powder

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BEER CAN CHICKEN

2 tsp onion powder 3 cloves of garlic, crushed and pressed 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 lime, juiced This is a go-to recipe for a lot of grilling enthusiasts, but can be just as easily done in the oven. Take your bird out of the fridge and let it come to room temp for about 20 minutes while pre-heating your oven to 375 degrees. Mix together the salt, thyme, paprika, garlic and onion powders in a bowl, adding the pressed garlic, vegetable oil and lime juice. Mix into a thick paste. This is a very simple yet delicious rotisserie blend that’s gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, and sucka-free, and you’re gonna rub it all over your bird. Before you rub it all over your bird, you’ll want to remove said bird from the plastic bag that it came in, remove the organs from the cavity (save those for a stock, or if you’re a savage like me and my lady, you coat them in the seasoning paste and roast them up along with your bird. Chicken gizzards and hearts taste amazing), rinse the bird under cold water and pat it dry. And I mean really dry, your oil and spice rub isn’t going to stick to the chicken skin very well if it’s already wet. So, rub is what you do; you scoop the paste into your hands and rub it into the cavity of the chicken, making sure the entire inside of the bird is seasoned. Pull the skin away from the muscle, and

THE TAKEOUT SERIES: BILL’S PIZZA

izza has always been the undisputed champ of takeout and delivery. Why? Pizza is a consolidated meal in one package. It is also a true medium of self-expression using a palette of unlimited ingredients to satisfy the most bizarre of appetites. Given the increase of visits to cannabis dispensaries during the pandemic, pizza sales are doing better than most takeout establishments. Bill’s Pizza offers some of the best pizza in the Coachella Valley. They don’t advertise imported flour from Italy or a pizzaiolo

laboring in front of a wood-burning oven. We are talking about a pizza venue named Bill after all. No pretension there. The creator of Bills, Bill Tracy, traveled the world tasting pizza and then came up with his unique dough recipe. The key ingredient is a sourdough starter culture (called the mother) that is replenished daily with simply water and flour to allow the wild yeasts within to flourish. This results in a crisp crust with a wonderful chewy texture that stands up well to the ingredients. The crust is thin with a thicker perimeter to

massage the spice mix under the skin. Press and rub the paste all over, making sure the entire chicken is coated in the mixture. Next, we’re going to sit that bird on a can of beer. I chose Foster’s Premium Ale for this recipe, and with that comes the educational portion of this week’s article: Foster’s Lager was created in 1888 by Irish-American brothers William and Ralph Foster, who’d immigrated to Melbourne to begin brewing their namesake beer. Decades of corporate mergers, licensing agreements, and distribution deals have resulted in the brand having been owned by many different companies throughout the years including SABMiller, AB InBev, and most recently, Asahi Breweries. Despite the changes in corporate ownership, Foster’s has maintained a consistent level of popularity, especially in the UK where it’s the second highest selling beer in the country. It enjoys wide distribution in the US, where the distinctively oversized “oil can” design allows it to stand out wherever it’s shelved. The green and gold can of Foster’s Premium Ale was appealing enough for me to choose it over other brands of beer, and in my shopping cart it went along with the other ingredients for this recipe. This decision came back to bite me in the rear when it was time to sit my chicken on the can. As it turns out, a 12 oz. normal can of

BY DANIEL PARIS contain the toppings. The toppings, especially the Italian sausage, are fresh and flavorful. There is a long list of specialty pizzas on the menu including such favorites as the Elton John, the Charlie Sheen, the Hammer & Sickle, the Mooselini, and many more. Bill’s also sells pizza by the slice from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00

April 23 to April 29, 2020

BY AARON RAMSON beer is the perfect size for stuffing into a chicken, while inserting the Foster’s oil can size requires an effort that is equal parts Herculean and pornographic. I’m glad there were no children or small pets in the kitchen while I sweat and grunted that can into the bird, lemme tell ya what. Sit your beer can chicken into a roasting pan, and cook for 1 hour and 45 minutes at 375 degrees until golden brown. Your chicken will be sitting upright with its legs and the can acting as a tripod (not mine, mine looked like a little chicken king sitting on a beer throne with his legs hanging off) to keep it in place. The convective heat of the oven roasts the bird from the outside, while the 375 degree can of steaming liquid simultaneously cooks it from the inside. Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 15 minutes before gripping the bottom of the beer can and firmly lifting the chicken off of it. Now, you’ve got a half a can of chicken flavored beer, and a roasting pan full of spices and juices, and trust me on this, you’re going to want to make some chicken and ale gravy with it. CHICKEN AND ALE GRAVY *BONUS RECIPE* ½ stick of butter 2 tsp all-purpose flour Pan drippings and ½ can of beer left over from cooked chicken Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan, slowly adding flour and stirring continuously. Cook until the butter is a golden-brown color. This is a roux; it’s used to thicken sauces and gravies. Add the pan drippings and left-over beer, and continue to simmer until slightly reduced and to desired consistency.

GOOD GRUB

p.m. Bill’s only accepts cash or debit card. Bill’s Pizza: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday & 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday 119 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 – (760) 328-5571 73196 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 834-8476

April 23 to April 29, 2020

SCREENERS

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No. 418

CABIN FEVER RELIEVER

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

UNDERWATER

With theaters dark and likely to remain so for the rest of the year, the average American is spending about eight hours daily watching a show on a streaming platform. In a way, that’s too bad, especially regarding movies designed to be experienced on the largest screen in the most immersive way possible and shared with an auditorium of strangers. It’s a sad thing to even consider saying adios to the singular communal experience of enjoying a new and engaging film. There’s one thing to be said about the following film: If you are going a little stir crazy being isolated at home, one thing that might make the experience a bit more bearable is imaging something worse. Like being trapped seven miles underwater fighting monsters of unknown origin.

SAFETY TIPS

Watching William Eubank’s artfully crafter $80 million underwater creature feature on a big 4K screen, I was surprised to learn it’s been in the can and on the shelf for three years. The film is akin to the delicious terror being snug in bed yet fearing the monster in the dark under the bed. Eubank’s film is built around the threats from mysterious creatures that terrorize a research crew stationed seven miles below the ocean’s surface at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. A terrific Kristen Stewert in a blonde buzzcut plays Norah, a mechanical engineer who is among the survivors of a desperate deep sea drilling crew that may have inadvertently activated a quake that released monstrous creatures through a deep thermal vent. This skillfully constructed, claustrophobic horror film shifts into high gear when the crew tries to get to a safe structure/pod that won’t implode under the extreme water pressure before their air runs out. I could hardly breathe as they made their way through the sediment and muck that hid the

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER

lurking and deadly tentacles Lovecraftian-like predators. I was surprised as how much I enjoyed this flawed and perhaps prescient film that’s been in the can and on the shelf for about three years. Question: Is the monster really Mother Earth’s vengeance against those who exploit and extract her limited resources for profit? Seems so. If so, we have been warned. There are a number of scenes starting with the credits and including Stewart stripping to her underwear that are reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s “Alien.” And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a fun, fast-paced, actionpacked and dreamlike genre flick that’s a worthy diversion during these unsettling times of self-isolation. 20th Century Fox. Available now for streaming or purchase. NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: THE GENTLEMAN “The Gentlemen” follows American expat Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey) who built an extremely successful marijuana

empire in London. When word gets out that he’s looking to cash out of the weed biz forever, it triggers plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his lucrative domain out from under him. Featuring an all-star cast, this fun caper flick stars Oscar© winner McConaughey, alongside Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Henry Golding, Hugh Grant, Jeremy Strong and Eddie Marsan. Get lit in Guy Ritchie’s engaging, unpredictable and stylish action-filled ensemble caper dramedy. Definitely worth a look. Universal. robin@coachellavalleywekly.com Drop me a line. What new films are you looking forward to seeing on the home screen? What are you streaming?

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

ONE TO TWO WEEKS WITH NOTHING OR ONE TO TWO MONTHS WITH THE BASICS?

APRIL SHOWERS, FLOWERS AND EARTHQUAKES

o say California has had a rough stretch the last number of years in the catastrophic loss world would be an understatement. But as we continue into 2020 and head into April it’s a reminder that April is California Earthquake Preparedness

Month. Organizations and fire departments can take steps to lessen and mitigate the deadly and damaging effect of earthquakes by bringing awareness to communities. Covid-19 is on the forefront of everyone’s mind, however, we cannot

forget other potential disasters that threaten our state. Earthquakes, floods and fires are just a few. “What would be worse having one to two weeks of no stores, food, pharmacies, gas, running water and electricity after a major earthquake? Or the Covid-19 virus and having the basic essentials for one to two months? I don’t know, but what is certain is we can prepare and be ready for disasters,” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Are you ready? Are you prepared? What have you done to prepare you and your family for any disaster? What about the community you serve? Are

we focused too much on Covid-19? Or will you be one of those unfortunate folks or agencies that will have to rely on your neighbors for help because you didn’t take the time to prepare? Here are a couple links that can help you: multibriefs.com/briefs/csfa/ csfachiefcorner0429.htm Tools Disaster Preparedness tool kit: fema.gov/preparedness-checkliststoolkits Quake smart your business: fema.gov/quakesmart Now is the time to prepare, not during or after a disaster! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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DESERT MUSIC HAPPENINGS continued from page 6 had planned to release it this year, but all of this. I'm thinking the Hi-Desert we’re waiting to see what is happening Cultural Center in Joshua Tree.” Seay in the world, so probably late 2020!” has worked on many of HOBP and Unida’s graphics and artwork for asserted Seay. With working titles like “27 League,” t-shirts and tour posters. Make sure to follow Seay on his “Creature,” “Fear Me,” “Straight Jacket,” “Under Cover,” “Way Too social media pages and modelmayhem. Far” and my favorite of the bunch, com/9140 for more. EMPTY SEAT “Dystopia.” These songs are big and Empty Seat has had to endure powerful with the heaviest intros I’ve heard in a long time from any Rock the pandemic like all other artists artist. With these songs, HOBP is and it hasn’t been easy. Before the injecting into the Rock world in 2020 restrictions, they were ready for lift-off what Mötley Crüe did for the genre in and prepped to achieve the next level of success. As it stands now, the band the early 80’s. HOBP does what four and five-piece is sitting on a goldmine of new songs bands aim for. The trio envelopes an and a single and video that are being abrasive and melodic heavy sound readied for release. The first new music that is unmistakable and untouchable. from the band in over a decade will be The guitar solo to Seay is the feather thumping your ears real soon. The video in the cap of each song. Expect the for “Won’t Wait” is near completion showmanship and swagger from one with director and producer Zak Kupcha of the greats. Once 2020 truly kicks in, of Circulation Media at the helm. The HOBP absolutely belongs on the biggest video, mainly shot at Little Bar in Palm Desert, California, is part performance of stages. We know Seay is a man of many and part message. We spoke with Red, Ant and Rickey talents; guitarist, producer, engineer, photographer, trailblazer, etc., but did of Empty Seat to see how they are you know the man is an artist? “I’ve pushing through. CVW: Thanks to Zak I saw the most been painting during this downtime. I wanna do an art and exhibition show recent cut of your new video for Won’t of my paintings and photography after Wait. The aesthetics are awesome and

the song is dynamic and rocking! Ant: “This is just the start for ES. With the video, we wanted to capture the spirit of the nightlife and the fun side of life. I think we brought that vibe into this music video. The next track will definitely take you on another journey as we look forward with optimistic vibes and a future of ES sounds that are ever-evolving.” CVW: Red, you’ve stuck to your guns all these years and it seems to be paying off despite the pandemic. Red: “We are reflecting on a lot right now. We’re definitely excited for the video and single to come out soon! We have more to come as well. We have

April 23 to April 29, 2020

developed a certain sound and we are working on continuing in that direction; all uplifting that’s for sure, everybody needs that right now. We are in writing mode.” CVW: Ricky, the band has had to remain resilient and not give up. What are your thoughts? Rickey: “Yeah, there’s no quitting on this band, we continue to move forward each and every single day despite obstacles but regardless of what happens we ain’t stopping!” Find out more about Empty Seat on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

April 23 to April 29, 2020

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HADDON LIBBY

LET’S CONTANGO!

n April 20th, the price of oil went negative for the first time ever. At the close of trading, the price was a negative $35 per barrel. What this means is that Party A was willing to give Party B $35 per barrel in order to avoid taking the delivery of the oil. What happened was that a lot of unsophisticated investors charged into an investment with the intent of owning oil at these bargain prices via an ETF or Exchange Traded Fund. An ETF is essentially the same thing as the mutual funds used in most company 401k plans. When the investors charged into the oil ETFs, the fund managers had to buy futures contract where they agreed to buy oil at a future date. The contracts that they bought were to buy oil in the next month. As these underlying futures contracts got closer to maturity, the ETFs had to sell the contracts to someone who would take delivery of the oil or unwind these futures contract. Given that there are dwindling places to store oil, it cost quite a bit for the ETFs to buy their way out of these bad contracts. While only a few hundred contracts traded at these prices, the negative price was a first for the oil markets. This occurrence highlights a challenge to casual and some more sophisticated

borrowers - you need to understand how the ETF achieves the investment objective that caused you to buy the fund. For any investor would read the prospectus before investing, they would have seen the critical flaw in this type of investment. Investors who bought the oil ETFs did so with the idea that they would hold oil via the ETF until the markets recovered. Instead of buying into oil at roughly $20/barrel which might be held physically somewhere, investors actually bought expiring contracts that had to be liquidated. Given the unprecedented level of investors in the oil ETFs and the massive supply gluts meant that there were no buyers

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

overproducing in order to crater oil prices. Adding oversupply to a pandemic means that most U.S. and Canadian frackers and wildcatters will go bankrupt. With fewer oil producers on the other side of this pandemic, the hope amongst these state-owned oil producers is more stable and higher pricing over the long-run. The problem with their logic is that another company will buy these oil reserves at far lower costs adding to a long-term downward spiral in oil prices unless the oil producers of the world find a way to fix prices. Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. To reach Haddon, email Hlibby@WinslowDrake.com or visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

COVID-19: THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLY

ou may ask, "how can there be GOOD during the time of COVID 19?” Well, have you noticed the blue skies? How about there being no smog? Have you read that the rivers are cleaning up and what about bonding with your family? From a lawyer’s standpoint, I handle Accidents and DUI's. With the stay at home order there are no cars on the road and thus no accidents. Likewise with restaurants, bars closed and no parties, lawyers do not get calls on DUI's. The BAD is obvious. We have deaths, victims in pain, business's closing, bankruptcy for some etc. The stay at home order is not to punish, but rather to protect society. This is much like a checkpoint being used to get impaired drivers off the road. Neither the separation order nor check point order are illegal. Clearly they are legal and positive for all of us. UGLY: As a result of this virus, I predict that the lawyers who handle divorces, domestic violence and bankruptcy cases will have more than they can handle. PI and DUI cases are not only reduced during this period with no cars on the road, but they also have a lot in common with respect to what clients should or should not do. In both instances Silence is Golden. As a rule the less you share with the police or insurance agents, the better off you are. Don't admit fault in an accident or admit guilt with a DUI. It is not always what you say to them,

of the futures that the oil ETFs had to sell. As the ETF cannot take possession of the actual commodity, most contracts settled at an effective cost of $8/barrel. What made April 20th so weird was that ETFs that short the oil market were down on the day as well. Even though oil went from $20/barrel to $8/barrel, the ETFs that make money on a market decline had a bad day as well. Whether you tried to go long on oil or short on oil on April 20th, you lost money. The reason was because the spot price of oil was higher than the contract price. To have an intra-day contango of $55/barrel is a first. A contango is a situation where the future price of a commodity is higher than the spot price. April 20th was weird in that the actual spot price of the commodity for those looking to take possession of oil was $20/barrel whereas a contract due to mature in 26 hours was trading at a negative $35/barrel. The ETF holders were essentially over a barrel as no one wanted their contracts due to the fear that an issuer of a contract would force them to take possession of the oil. Worth noting, 50 million more barrels are on their way to the United States from Saudi Arabia. It is becoming apparent to many that the Saudis and Russians colluded in

but what the other side THOUGHT YOU SAID. Clients should also take down social media. Investigators for the DA or Insurance Company can save a lot of money set aside for investigation by just checking Facebook sites. Some accident victims post that they are going skiing or entering a marathon right after an accident. This is after they complained to the doctor how much they hurt and all the things they cannot do; arguably if they can play a sport then they were not that injured in the accident. A client shouldn't post that they were lucky not to have been stopped the day before when they were even drunker or any other post about their drinking etc. It is a good idea to also hire a local attorney who will know the judges and court employees and that should be done ASAP. Once one has a lawyer they can no longer be contacted by an investigator on either type of case. Preserving evidence by writing things down right away helps. Smart cell phones can be used to take picture of parties, cars, streets and to obtain statements from drivers and wits. The law arguably wins every time, no matter what kind of case one discusses. Whether you are found guilty or not guilty of a DUI you still lose. All defendants lose time and money from: the arrest; court trips; bail; retaining counsel; loss of earnings and dealing with the stress. When an accident victim files suit, they

can be served written questions, called interrogatories, or have their depo taken. Then one might be ordered to appear in court for a variety of appearances. Though a case is called for 8 am, it may not be heard until the afternoon calendar or it may be trailed until the next day or week. Thus, there is no way you can truly win when you are in civil or criminal litigation. The stress you experience is taken it out on your significant other. This leads to subsequent domestic violence arrests as well as divorces and disharmony with the family......not to mention the interruption of business and the financial losses incurred therein. Covid 19 is clearly Bad and Ugly, but if you put your glasses on you might see some good. However, you may have to increase your prescription.

DALE GRIBOW - Representing the injured and criminally accused "TOP LAWYER" - California's Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-20 "TOP LAWYER" - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating "DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER....THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME" SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLES? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

HEALTH

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

WHAT IS DIRTY KETO VS. CLEAN KETO?

eto Basics The basic macronutrient ratios of the Keto diet (no matter which version you choose) include a highly restrictive carb limit with a high intake of healthy fats and moderate protein. Fats account for about 75 percent of calories, protein around 20 percent and carbohydrates about 5 percent. When eating Keto, the ratios drive your body into ketosis and your body turns to its stored fat and protein for energy rather than carbohydrates. Clean Keto Clean Keto foods stay within the ratios above and are fresh veggies, meats, dairy, eggs and natural fats from butter, avocado oil, olive oil etc. It’s not restricted to just veggies and meat like a lot of people think. There are satisfying and delicious recipes for pizza, bread, cakes, cookies etc. that are amazing substitutes for foods we typically crave. These foods substitute approved clean Keto alternative flours (almond and coconut) and sugar (Monk fruit and Stevia). Benefits of Clean Keto Clean Keto is a “healing” diet first with quick weight loss a wonderful benefit. It was first used over 100 yeas ago at the Mayo Clinic for children with Epilepsy. Here are just a few of the benefits: Increased energy, reduced hungry, builds immunity, reduction in triglycerides, reduced blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation, reduced depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improved good cholesterol, eliminates brain-fog, improved neurological functions including dementia and much more. How Many Carbs Does the Typical American Diet Include? For most people, cutting carbs is a big adjustment, since the average American currently gets close to half of his or her calories from carbs according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Making real and permanent changes to your eating habits and food choices—that is not always so easy. Enter "dirty keto," into the mix which has become a trendy hack to this eating plan. As the name implies, it is the less clean version of Keto and doesn’t come with the healing benefits. With the dirty version, your macronutrient ratios are the same as clean Keto, but the quality of the foods you eat to hit those targets matters a whole lot less. How is Dirty Keto Different? Unlike clean Keto dieters, those on the so-called dirty keto diet might use some ratio

principles of keto to indulge on traditionally unhealthy snacks and food. Think processed foods like pork rinds, protein bars, fast foods. It’s pretty much anything goes as long as it fits into your macro ratios. Dirty keto dieters are also less prone to focus on the keto-friendly sources of fiber and nutrients, like vegetables, avocado or fresh berries. But overall, they zone in on the low-carb part of Keto and ignore the quality of foods. Clean Keto heals you physically and emotionally providing a sense of calm, nourishment and reduction in anxiety. This is all very important right now during our time sheltering at home. I encourage you to give clean Keto a try for your overall health, wellbeing and weight loss. Staying Clean Keto No Matter What Here are a few tips to keep you eating Clean Keto whether you are just starting out, starting over of currently eating Keto and want to stick with this lifestyle: 1) Find a KETO BUDDY you can partner with. If anyone is having a hard time, starting to feel guilty about it and wants support please contact me. 2) Only have KETO FOODS in your house. Makes it very simple not to cheat or indulge in old habits. 3) Spend time COOKING some easy recipes and freeze ahead. This will save you over and over and uncomplicate life. No added stress right now. Keep it SIMPLE. 4) Let the Keto lifestyle INSPIRE you, motivate you and find the courage to stay healthy, build your immunity and lose weight. Enjoy this time at home. Keep it Keto. Keep it Simple. Keep it Clean. Reap the benefits Keto gives you to increase your quality of life and stay healthy during this important time. I want to hear from as many of you as possible. I’m here to support and guide you. Together we will find a way. About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto Lifestyle coach, a Seasoned expert on Customized Keto. Keto weight loss results can be improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, meal plans, proprietary customization, goal setting and more. If you are interested in Keto and how it can work for you and your lifestyle, book a free 30 minute private coaching session online at KetoIsEasyCoach.com (based on availability on Tuesday or Thursday)

CANNABIS CORNER

April 23 to April 29, 2020

BY MICHELLE ANN RIZZIO

COVID-19 CANNABIS W

ith the current state of affairs, cannabis has been deemed essential and available for users across the state of California. After a brief closing of dispensaries in San Francisco in midMarch, advocates of cannabis stood up to the closures and cannabis became deemed essential. This has been monumental for the ride that is recreational and legal cannabis. To go from being outlawed to deemed essential in the midst of a pandemic within 5 years is historic. With 4/20 behind us and the quarantine unpredictable as ever, cannabis dispensaries in the Coachella Valley are continuing to offer curbside pickup and expanding to offer delivery options as well. In my opinion, I believe it is crucial for those that utilize cannabis in a medicinal fashion to stock up on their most effective options and to limit exposure to dispensaries and their workers by purchasing for 2 weeks at a time during visits. This allows for you to know that you have enough cannabis to meet your medicinal needs if something even more unpredictable were to occur--remember folks, this is all brand new. If you must go into a dispensary, most have lined their floors with 6ft reminders and require face masks for entrance. This is crucial for your health and the essential workers health. Remember, these workers are exposed to multiple people daily so it is for your utmost safety to interact as if they have been exposed and protect yourself if you know yourself to be immunocompromised or easily ill. Please please please avoid gathering and seshing with your friends. I know, it’s so difficult to not spark one up with a bud and puff, puff, pass. Instead, consider rolling separate joints or packing seperate bowls. One of my favorite ways to sesh with friends during this time is via facetime. As someone who has maintained dozens of online relationships this is not something new to me, but to some of my friends it is. Of course nothing replaces the real thing but at this time I’m more concerned about my friends health and wellness than blowing trees in the air with them less than 6ft away. During this time, I highly recommend utilizing sativas and hybrids. They have helped me immensely as a single mom

with a heavy to-do list. I’ve been saving my beloved indicas for late into the evening when the list of what if’s and anxiety fill my mind. Especially anxiety about COVID-19. I’ve found having a quaranteam and people to check in with regularly has been so helpful. Also, knowing the symptoms has helped me as well. Symptoms to watch out for include: • Fever over 101 • Dry cough • Shortness of breath • Have been in contact with a COVID-19 patient, or traveled recently to an area with ongoing spread. Having a quaranteam to check in with when you feel concern about symptoms, or the state of things has been so helpful to me--especially during a facetime e-sesh. Stay safe and remember, if you do have to leave your house, restart your symptom watch to day one starting when you get back into your home. Be responsible!

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

April 23 to April 29, 2020

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY BRONWYN ISON

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW

f you have experienced a recession, then you will find my list of ten things you need to do right now very helpful. Yet, if this is the first time you are navigating through challenging times, these helpful hints will be your starters kit to surviving through our uncertain times. I experienced my first recession in 2008. Upon losing everything, my home, car, a portion of my health and a big part of my mental sanity, I knew in the depth of my soul, I would survive. Yet, I wasn’t sure how long this dreaded period of my life would last. In other words, I could not see the forest for the trees. In 2008 I was not an entrepreneur. In 2012 I began my journey as a business owner. Today, I can tell you that I have learned a lot and I continue to prosper in my educational sojourn of being an entrepreneur. Here are five out of my ten “things” that I believe will be helpful for you as entrepreneur. Or, if you are venturing into the world of entrepreneurship or you’ve been on the fence about starting your own business. Decide what really matters. Right now, choose what you want to do while you’re in quarantine. If it’s to reorganize your home then do so with full intention to accomplish this task. If it’s to begin making a business plan for a future endeavor… then do so and ask for help if you don’t know how to start. If it’s applying all of your efforts into being a homeschool teacher to your child(ren), then make this your priority. Easier said than done. My point is, don’t scatter yourself. Remain focused and be the best at what you’ve chosen to do for yourself and possibly others. One task at a time. Gratitude. Look around and be grateful for EVERYTHING… even the not so good stuff. I can promise you the challenges are not so sexy stuff but they will be great survival tips in your future. I can firmly and confidently attest this without a doubt.

Resist to recede. To recede means to go backwards. We’re not about taking two steps or more back. We’re about two steps or more forward. Take what you have learned from your past and apply to forward thinking and actionable steps. Play it smart. Now is the time to bust out your street smarts. If you own your business, whether you are one, have a few or hundreds of employees… you cannot count on your company, the employees or your clients to protect you. As much as they want to… it may not be everything. You need to take small actions to everything place, interact with your clients and employees, remain engaged. You are awesome! Remember who you truly are in all that you are experiencing. Collectively, gather your skills and put them to work. This is no time to be stuck in a rut. In fact, this is the best time to innovate and be creative. Don’t lose faith in yourself or others. You’ve got this. We’ve got this. Get moving. Bronwyn Ison is the Founder of EvolveYogaOnline.com & BetterForItNow. com. Contact Bronwyn by email: bronwyn@evolveyoga.com

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF APRIL 23

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the future, when the coronavirus crisis has a diminished power to disrupt our lives, I would love for you to have more of the money you need to finance interesting new experiences that help you learn and thrive. Now is a good time to brainstorm about how you might arrange for that to happen. For best results, begin your meditations with vivid fantasies in which you envision yourself doing those interesting new experiences that will help you learn and thrive TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Renowned Taurus composer Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) completed his first symphony when he was 43 years old—even though he’d started work on it at age 22. Why did it take him so long? One factor was his reverence for Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer who had such a huge impact on the development of classical music. In light of Beethoven’s mastery, Brahms felt unworthy. How could any composer add new musical ideas that Beethoven hadn’t already created? But after more than two decades, Brahms finally managed to overcome his inhibition. He eventually produced four symphonies and scores of other pieces, and left a major mark on musical history. For you, Taurus, I see the coming months as a phase comparable to the time when Brahms finally built the strength necessary to emerge from the shadow that had inhibited him. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A Gemini friend sent me and three of her other allies a poignant email. “This note is a tender apology to those of you whom I’ve hurt in the process of hurting myself,” she began. “I want you to know that I have been working hard and with great success to eliminate my unconscious tendency to hurt myself. And I am confident this means I will also treat you very well in the future.” I received her message with joy and appreciation. Her action was brave and wise. I invite you to consider making a comparable adjustment in the weeks ahead. CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Ojibwe are indigenous people of North America. Professor of Ojibwe studies Anton Treuer writes that in their traditional culture, there have been men who act and dress like women and women who act and dress like men. The former are called ikwekaazo and the latter ikwekaazowag. Both have been “always honored” and “considered to be strong spiritually.” Many other Native American groups have had similar arrangements. Transcending traditional gender behavior is not unique to modern Western civilization. With that as inspiration, and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to explore any inclinations you might have to be your own unique gender. The time is ripe for experimenting with and deepening your relationship with the constructs of “masculine” and “feminine.” LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “The history of my stupidity would fill many volumes,” wrote Nobel Prize-winning poet Czesław Miłosz. Wow! If a highly respected genius like him has spawned so much nonsense and ignorance, what about the rest of us? Here’s what I have to say about the subject: Each of us should strive to be at peace with the fact that we are a blend of wisdom and folly. We should be tenderly compassionate toward our failures and weaknesses, and not allow them to overshadow our brilliance and beauty. Now would be a good time for you Leos to cultivate this acceptance and perform this blessing for yourself. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Helen Traubel (1899–1972) was best-known for her opera career, although she also sang in concerts, nightclubs, and musical theater. But in her autobiography, she confessed, “Opera bored me.” She reminds me of Georgia O’Keeffe, famous painter of flowers. “I hate flowers,” O’Keeffe said. “I paint them because they’re cheaper than models and they don’t move.” Now of course most of us have to do some things that we don’t enjoy; that seems to be a routine part of being human. And since the coronavirus arrived in our midst, you may have been saddled with even more of this burden. But I’m happy to inform you that the coming weeks will be a favorable time to

brainstorm about how you could do more of what you love to do once the crisis has abated. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What’s the current state of the relationship between your ego and your soul? Is there an uneasy truce between the ambitious part of you that craves success and recognition and the lyrical part of you that yearns for rich experiences and deep meaning? Or do those two aspects of you get along pretty well— maybe even love and respect each other? Now is a favorable time to honor your ego and soul equally, Libra—to delight in the activities of both, to give them plenty of room to play and improvise, and to encourage them to collaborate in ways that will further your well-rounded happiness and health. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio author Voltaire (1694–1778) was a crusader for freedom of thought and civil liberties, as well as a key player in the Enlightenment. He was very prolific. In addition to producing 2,000 books and pamphlets, his carried on such voluminous written correspondences with so many interesting people that his collected letters fill 98 volumes. Would you consider getting inspired by Voltaire’s approach to cross-pollination? According to my calculations, the next phase of the coronavirus crisis will be a favorable time for you to intensify your communication via the written word. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I like musician David Byrne’s views on what constitutes meaningful work. It’s not just the tasks you do to earn money. “Sex is a job,” he says. “Growing up is a job. School is a job. Going to parties is a job. Religion is a job. Being creative is a job.” In other words, all the activities he names, to be done well, require a commitment to excellence and an attention to detail. They are worthy of your diligent efforts, strenuous exertion, and creative struggle. I encourage you to meditate on these thoughts during the coming weeks. Identify what jobs you want to get better at and are willing to work hard on and would like to enjoy even more than you already do. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): At its best and brightest, Capricornian love isn’t frivolous or flighty. It’s not shallow or sloppy or slapdash. When Capricornian love is at its highest potency, it’s rigorous, thoughtful, and full-bodied. It benefits anyone who’s involved with it. I bring this up because I expect the coming weeks to be a Golden Age of Capricornian Love—a time when you will have the inspiration and intelligence necessary to lift your own experience of love to a higher octave. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I hope you’re not one of those Aquarians who regards stability and security as boring. I hope you don’t have an unconscious predilection for keeping yourself in a permanent state of nervous uncertainty. If you do suffer from those bad habits, you’ll be hard-pressed to stick to them in the coming weeks. That’s because the cosmic energies will be working to settle you down into a steady groove. If you cooperate, you will naturally enhance your ability to be well-anchored, calmly steadfast, and at home in your life. Please don’t resist this opportunity. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I foresee the likelihood that you’ll be having brilliant and evocative conversations with yourself in the coming weeks. Your heart and your head may become almost blissful as they discuss how best to create a dynamic new kind of harmony. Your left side and right side will declare a truce, no longer wrestling each other for supremacy, and they may even join forces to conjure up unprecedented collaborations. The little voices in your head that speak for the past will find common ground with the little voices in your head that speak for the future—and as a result you may be inspired to formulate a fresh master plan that appeals both. Homework: Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s Audio Horoscopes and Text Message Horoscopes. ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 23 to April 29, 2020