Coachella Valley Weekly - May 12 to May 18, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 8

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coachellavalleyweekly.com • May 12 to May 18, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 8

Joshua Tree Music Fest

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Louis Alexander

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CV Music Showcase Winner: BRIDGER

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Clementine

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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

Contents In Memory of Randy Hewitson................3 Breaking the 4th Wall - “You Make Me Laugh! A Love Song to Gilda Radner”.....5 Art Scene- Joe Novak: Godly Monsters...6

Randy Craig Hewitson

May 12 to May 18, 2016

Cover Photo by Scott pam

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andy Craig Hewitson, 60, Palm Desert, Ca passed away on Friday April 22nd at Eisenhower Medical Center. He suffered from complications of heat exhaustion and kidney failure which eventually lead to his death. He was born December 26, 1955, in Winnipeg, Canada son of Elbourne and Arlyn Hewitson. He had 3 siblings, Greg, Keith, and Rene. He was married in 2008 to Cindy Norman in Palm Springs, Ca and previously married to Esther Katz in 1984 in Palm Desert, Ca. His passion was music. He loved those who came to play as well as those who came to listen. One of his life-long accomplishments that he’s most publicaly known for is Musician’s Outlet, a retail music store and rental company started over 30 years ago in Palm Desert. What he’s most known for by his close friends, fellow musicians, and customers, is being there as a true friend, confidant, and someone who would bend over backwards for others in need. You’d be pretty hard pressed to find someone with bad things to say about Randy in life or even now after his passing. He was kind, considerate, and giving to so many people that it’s truly amazing how many lives had been touched, charities that have been helped, and great causes been enriched because of him.

He is survived by his wife Cindy, 3 siblings Greg, Keith, and Rene, and his only son Aaron who deeply mourn his passing and regretfully feel the void in a loss of a person who passed far too soon.

The family would like to extend an open invitation to all who knew Randy for a Celebration of Life Jam Session to be heldv on June 5th, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Jackalope

Ranch, 80400 Hwy 111, Indio. There will be live music from multiple musicians and bands, which is what Randy would have truly wanted. Keeping the music alive. For more information on the event, you can call Musician’s Outlet at 760-341-3171 or visit his Facebook Tribute Page at facebook. com/play4randy. Additional updates will be

posted as they become available The family would like to thank you for all the kind words, stories, and anecdotes you’ve shared over the past few weeks.

It’s truly heartwarming to hear about how many people who truly loved Randy. He will be deeply missed and loved forever. continue to page 5

Theatre - Broadway Bound......................6 Joshua Tree Music Festival.......................7

Photo By steve Young

Louis Alexander........................................8 Backstage Jazz - Adam Hawley................8 CV Music Showcase..................................9 Consider This - John Doe........................10 Art Scene - Collision Art.........................11 Pet Place..................................................12 The Vino Voice ........................................13 Club Crawler Nightlife............................14 Screeners.................................................18 Book Review............................................19 Safety Tips...............................................19 Children’s Discovery Museum ...............19 Haddon Libby.........................................21 Dale Gribow............................................21 Ask Jenny................................................22 Sports Scene...........................................22 Free Will Astrology.................................23 Mind, Body & Spirit ................................23 Beauty with Dr. Maria Lombardo..........24 Life & Career Coach ................................24 Photo By chris miller / imagine imagery

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

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RANDY HEWITSON continued from page 3

By Lisa Morgan I reached out to Randy on several occasions in the last few years. Every single time I did, he was Johnny-on-the-spot, never hesitating to contribute to any of the benefits or events that supported local charities or musicians. He was never too busy (even though in reality, he probably was), or too spent for any cause or need. I remember walking in the store, and noticing

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him really focusing on his customers, deep in conversation with them, with the effort that one only makes when they genuinely care.

You have to be a bad ass to own a business in this harsh, seasonal desert, and Randy seriously championed through every single set back life threw at him: The internet and Musician’s Friend, the Corporate invasion of Guitar Center, and his dreams

Breaking the 4th Wall

literally going up in smoke when Musicians Outlet burned down. Knowing Randy, I’m certain there were more, but he wasn’t one to ask for pity. When I interviewed him for CV Weekly’s Men’s Issue, I asked him what kept him going. He simply said, “The show must go on.” He also shared what inspired him: “Cindy. I am inspired seeing what a great mom and grandma she is. She came to work at Musicians Outlet five years ago. She runs the place now!” His voice continued to beam as he spoke about the 5 children and 8 grandchildren they shared.

Randy Hewitson opened Musician’s Outlet in 1986, and was one of the main resources for desert bands and the music that sprang them. For 25 years, Hewitson’s store was the only full-line music store in the valley. There isn’t much that this desert has produced musically from 1986 on that doesn’t have Randy’s fingerprints on it. Hewitson and Musicians Outlet were actively involved with M.O.M. Corp – “Making of Music,” a program he founded with his idol, Don Canady. “We supply elementary schools with approximately $30,000 worth of music instruments and a music curriculum.” Hewitson was doggedly determined to continue his legacy of providing music to the Coachella Valley. His presence can never be forgotten.

May 12 to May 18, 2016 family and the music community in general.

He was always there when I asked for his help for any of my events. Randy had been a close friend of mine for over 20 years. This last weekend was the first event I’ve ever done without Randy being involved in some way. It seemed unreal that he wouldn’t be walking through the door at some point.

He was loved and respected by many. I feel fortunate that I got to spend some time with Randy at the hospital the day before he passed. Although he was unresponsive, I shared with him all the people who had been reaching out with concern and wanting to know how he was. I felt it was important for him to hear how many people he truly touched and how much he would be missed. I feel certain he heard me. At least I hope he did. He was a true friend. I miss my friend. He left an indelible mark on this valley that will not soon be forgotten.

From the Publisher Tracy Dietlin Randy Hewitson was a small business owner with a big heart. He loved music, his

By Dee Jay Cox

A Stage Review of “You Make Me Laugh! A love song to Gilda Radner” “I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.

Delicious Ambiguity.” ― Gilda Radner here are few things that can make me laugh and cry simultaneously. So when I see a show that can reach in and tickle the funny bone while pulling on the heartstrings and cause the eyes to tear up with a touch of sadness, while laughing out loud at the humor, I know I’ve struck gold. Francesca Amari’s one-woman cabaret show, “You Make Me Laugh! A love song to Gilda Radner,” billed as a musical biography, brings to the stage the life and brilliance of comedienne Gilda Radner, in a compact evening of humor and poignancy.

Radner was one of those people that had the ability to play on so many levels of emotion. Her brilliance as a comedienne and the tragedy of a life cut short, dances across the spectrum of emotion and this poignant show pays tribute to the legacy of this incredible performer. Amari, has been on tour across the country with “You Make Me Laugh! A love song to Gilda Radner,” since

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its premier in 2011. This moving showcase is truly a tribute to a legendary comedienne and actress.

The show features Radner’s life from her early beginnings in Detroit to her career break with Toronto’s Second City, her marriage to Gene Wilder and her heartbreaking death at the young age of 42. Radner was a woman who broke ground when she was the first performer cast for the new show ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1975 as one of the ‘Not yet ready for prime time players.’ She had a successful one-woman show on Broadway and she made films. Through it all, Gilda Radner was a comic genius.

Amari, a former adjunct faculty for Aquinas College, Western MI University & Grand Valley State University, teaching

Drama in Education & Storytelling; as well as a teacher and director of children’s theater, relocated to California from Michigan in 2010. She has earned recognition from New York to Hollywood with her critically acclaimed cabaret shows.

Amari’s exquisite voice is apparent as she shows and tells the legacy of Radner’s life though song and story. And though clear to make the point that she is not impersonating Radner, her uncanny ability to recreate the persona of Radner, will leave you missing this much loved performer.

One of the legacies left by Gilda Radner was the establishment of the ‘Gilda’s Clubs’ first in New York, and then across the country. Gilda’s Club is a community organization for people living with cancer, their families, caretakers and friends. Free of charge and nonprofit, Gilda›s Club chapters offer support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events.

Part of the proceeds from “You Make Me Laugh! A love song to Gilda Radner,” were donated to Gilda’s Club Desert Cities in Palm Desert. (gildasclubdesertcities.org) ‘You Make Me Laugh,’ was presented at The Purple Room in Palm Springs, which is billed as the place where the locals go to play and is considered to be one of Palm Springs’

“original” ‘Rat Pack’ hangouts – where Frank Sinatra and the “Pack” would bring friends to eat, drink and play! It’s small intimate room and superior dining make this a top choice dinner club.

For show information and future performances visit FrancesaAmari.com The Purple Room, located at 1900 E. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 For Reservations visit the website purpleroompalmsprings.com Phone: 760.322.4422 Dee Jae Cox, is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project and the host of the hit radio show, “California Woman 411” in Palm Springs.

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

art Scene

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By rebecca pikus

Godly Mosters

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he collaboration between writers and artists has been historical throughout art history. And there is an exciting upcoming event that will continue this tradition on Saturday, May 21.

The Agnes Pelton Society and Rebecca Pikus present “The Godly Monsters Writers Group” from Los Angeles, a Performance of original works inspired by the current Exhibit of 75 artists at the Rebecca Fine Art Gallery, “Visually Speaking: Color and Light,” curated by painter Joe Novak. The participating writers include: Joe Novak, Tomas Benitez, Rose Portillo, Kym Ghee, Ken Cho, Simeon Den, Brenda Varda, Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough.

Joe Novak -- known for his images referencing the style of Transcendental, Color Field & Abstract Expressionist movements has amassed a major collection of museum-quality art by iconic painters & sculptors, including himself, Agnes Pelton, Peter Busa, Emil Bisttram, Louis Ribak, Beatrice Mandelman, Raymond Jonson, James Turrell, Mario Pikus, Robert Glover, Robert Tahar, Donald Spencer, and Robert Rauschenberg.

In his Artist’s Statement for the show Novak states that the genesis of the exhibition was Allen Ginsberg’s poem, Howl. “Although Allen Ginsberg’s poem was written about writers, its meaning applies to artists of all stripes, including those of us who speak visually. We are passionate about what we do, and our images become living beings in their own right. We often refer to them as our children.”

Broadway Bound opens Saturday, May 15

theatre

Joe Novak

The Godly Monsters Writers Group consists of accomplished writers/artists/ educators that have gained a reputation in Los Angeles for writing original works based on prompts from gallery art shows and performing pubic readings to enhance and extend the visual experience of an exhibit.

The Agnes Pelton Society is a 501c3 nonprofit arts advocacy for Coachella Valley artists and children’s art programs, whose mission is to celebrate the legacy of iconic American Modernist & Transcendental painter and former Cathedral City resident, Agnes Lawrence Pelton.

“The Godly Monsters Writers Group”, Sat. May 21, 4:00-6:00PM at REBECCA FINE ART GALLERY, 68895 Perez Rd, #7, Cathedral City, Ca (760) 534-5888 - Fineartvortex.com - Free event - Refreshments will be served.

Contact: 310.801.6538 or Simeonden@ gmail.com to Reserve a space.

Director Rebecca Havely surrounded by iterations of Eugene Jerome: Jericho McWilliams, l., (Biloxi Blues), Vincent Thomas (Broadway Bound), and Trevor Carpenter, r., (Brighton Beach Memoirs). Photo by Liyan Lagevardi

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he St. Joseph’s Players production of Broadway Bound opens Saturday, May 15, at Rusack Hall at St. Joseph’s of Arimathea Church in Yucca Valley. The play is the final chapter in Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical Eugene Trilogy.

The story follows the earlier parts of the trilogy, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues, which have previously been presented by the St. Joseph’s Players.

Directed by the energetic and indefatigable Rebecca Havely--who also directed the first and second installments of the trilogy-- this third play is magically cast: Vincent Thomas (Eugene), Cyrus Short (Stanley), Howie Cohen (Jack), Rebecca

Havely (Kate), Bob Noble (Ben), and Shelly Sheckler (Blanch) portray the Jerome family.

The plays runs Saturday evenings at 7p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2:30p.m., through June 5.

Broadway Bound will be followed in short order by the Players’ production of The Nerd, written by Larry Shue, running from June 25 through July 17 at Rusack Hall.

Tickets, and gift certificates, for both productions are available at Align the Spine Chiropractic, 55898 29 Palms Hwy., Suite B, Yucca Valley. Buy now and get a dollar off each ticket.

Call for reservations: (760) 362-9319.

The church is located at 56312 Onaga Trail, at Church Street, Yucca Valley.

Simeon Den in front of Novak’s painting “LIBICA”

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com RFA Gallery

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The 24 Joshua Tree Music Festival th

May 12 to May 18, 2016

by Lisa Morgan

May 12th through 15th. The Evolution of a Ten Year Old Kid’s Hyper Active Music Fetish

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lot of people have dreams and aspirations as children.

The determined ones fulfill them.

Barnett English began collecting music at the age of ten with whatever he could get his hands and ears on. As an adult, he collected music through music festivals. English attended over 600 music festivals before finding himself looking around the beautiful high desert and thinking, “This would be a great place for a music festival!”

In regard to booking the over 30 acts that perform on the multiple stages made of recycled materials, “There is no criteria per se,” shared Barnett. “We have all kinds of performers here and all types of genres. Basically, the performer / band has to really stand out in some unique way. I’ve been collecting and listening to music hyper-actively since I was 10, so I constantly research, listen to music, and I go to 20 plus festivals a year - I’m a music junkie.”

Repeat local entries to the lineup of over 30 artists include bands The Adobe Collective, Desert Rhythm Project, Gene Evaro, Jr., and the musical burlesque show Cactus Wine Experience.

I spoke with the supremely lovely and talented Byanna Evaro from Desert Rhythm Project about what makes this festival special to her, and who she looks forward to seeing most: “This year, I am really excited to see a lot of artist - Dumpstaphunk for sure, Stone Soul, and Dam Funk. I’m also really looking forward to seeing Trevor Green and his new project that he’s been working on. There are a ton of amazing upbeat funk fusion bands, which I love, so I’m really looking forward to watching them all. JTMF feels like a family holiday to me. Ever since we moved back to the desert, we’ve always had a hand in the happenings one way or another. Probably my most favorite part is cruising around the festival grounds and seeing that my sister Gabriella’s art work is everywhere. That is so special. It’ll be there long after the music fades... I love that! She is so multi-talented, and was really able to let her art and creativity flourish and grow at JTMF. That is kind of the theme for JTMF - ‘Community.’ Community is crucial. There is so much talent and beauty living right here amongst us. JTMF is a family affair. It’s for everyone. The young, the old, the freaks, the geeks and everything in

Bryanna Evaro & Mikey Reyes of Desert rhythm project

between. There is something for everyone.

It’s just so easy... so easy to get around, it’s super safe. Kids run the fest. I mean literally kids are running around everywhere, having the time of their lives! It’s the most amazing thing to witness! It’s just love...all love.”

Byanna Evaro’s little sister, Gabriella is not only a talented artist, but musician and dancer as well. She is the founder of the Cactus Wine Experience, a project she began to fuse her love of playing music with her family and her performance art. She has created, along with her talented collection of friends and family, a true musical “experience” that will take you back to an old watering hole in the 1800s. I had the absolute joy of seeing this wild west burlesque show at Pappy and Harriet’s and I promise, you will not be disappointed. Of their second performance at the Joshua Tree Music Festival, the younger Evaro teases, “Come walk into a true Cactus Wine Experience.

Bubble baths, Henry the horse on a stick, and juicy Watermelon love. We are anticipating this to be the best show yet! With music from Big Bill Broonzy to Harlem Hamfats, this show will have you wanting more!”

One duo who is playing in collectives throughout the festival is High-Def Horns which include the dynamic horns duo of Scott “Drago” Kisinger (trombone) and Clint Stoker (tenor sax). Kisinger shared, “I first played the Joshua Tree Music Festival in 2011 with The California Celts, featuring The Poland Brothers, Chris and Aaron. I’ve also played there with The Collective, featuring Gene Evaro Jr., Gabrielle Evaro, Kennedy Mike Madsen, Piper Robinson, Bobby Nichols and Mitchell Arganda. I’d say Dumpstafunk would get my vote for an awesome band not to miss at this year’s festival. They are crazy good! I am performing five shows at the Joshua Tree Music Festival starting Thursday at 7:15pm with Gene Evaro Jr., then Friday at 11:50am with The Adobe Collective, Saturday at 2:50pm with Desert Rhythm Project, Saturday at 11:30pm with the Cactus Wine Experience, and again on Sunday night with Gene Evaro, Jr.” Speaking to Tim and Faith Chinnock of The Adobe Collective, who are enjoying a second invitation to play the festival, it becomes clear that this unique festival experience had gifted them with many sweet memories long before they ever performed there.

The Adobe collective

Faith remembers being 37 weeks pregnant and listening to Tim Easton. “This festival is different from the others in how family focused it is,” shares Tim, now a father of two. “There are a lot of activities for kids, and the vibe is really laid back - the people who make their way to this festival are generally very open.” Performances on the Chinnocks’s must see list, include, Third Ear Experience and Megan Hutch.

The first Joshua Tree Music Festival took place on April 11-13, 2003. “There is a radical difference between that first festival and what it has grown into today,” Barnett shared with CV Weekly. “The first festival was 500 people and one stage. It was great fun, but very disorganized; we improve every time!”

Barnett has worked hard to make this festival a family friendly, global music experience, with a REAL community vibe and feel. He describes it as, “a restorative, instead of depleting, experience for attendees.” To help accomplish that goal, there are several things at this festival that you might not find at many others.

KIDSVILLE: The festival is a “family affair, and uber kid friendly.” Kids 10 and under get in for free and young ones aged 11-16 get an all weekend festival pass for $80. Family Camp is a designated area for those with families and for a quieter space after hours.

Gene Evaro Jr.

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The area provides fresh artesian well water for drinking, hot showers and cooling shower stations at no charge. Over 30,000 square feet of shade cloth is hung for daytime cover so kids (and adult kids) are comfy.”

YOGA & HEALING: Yoga from sunrise to sunset is available through 39 classes by 15 instructors over all three days of the festival.

POSITIVE VIBRATION STATION: Experience a Zuni Elders Ceremony and presentation, self healing techniques through breathing, sound baths, education, free movement and dance, gong meditation, instruction in how to play the Didgeridoo, and more.

LIVE PAINTING AND AUCTION: Artists will paint live at the festival, feeding off the energy of the music and audience. Their works will be sold via silent auction. Half the proceeds go to the artists, and the other half will go to a children’s music program.

RANDOM ACTS OF MINDFULNESS: This includes a photo booth, a create your own festival t-shirt booth, the Joshua Tree Astronomy Theater, Roaming Sounds Recording Studio, a Pop Up Tea Party and more.

Online ticket sales are over, but tickets can be purchased at the entrance. For more information on the bands, activities and camping go to joshuatreemusicfestival.com.

High-Def Horns

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

Local Music Spotlight

Louis Alexander

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by morgan james

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omposer, Producer, Engineer, and killer bassist Louis Alexander is on track to make a huge splash as he begins his career composing music for video games. Louis also produces and engineers music as well as plays bass in live bands and inspires high school kids to follow their dreams in music. I spoke with Louis about all he is accomplishing since graduating college just two years ago.

Morgan James: Tell me about composing music for video games?

Louis Alexander: Video games have always been a huge part of my life. They are my escape.

Writing for video games is entirely different than writing for films and TV. Films and TV are linear. Every single time you watch Star Wars, the music will always start and end at the same exact frame- it’s supposed to. The music will never change depending on the viewer’s actions.

I’m not saying writing for film and TV is easier.

It’s just a different beast to tackle. I love the challenge of having to figure out how the player is going to interact with the game and how that’s going to affect the music. I just finished a game called Storybook last week and am currently working on two other ones. They are all coming out sometime during the summer. Storybook will be coming out of IOS and the other two will be on web browser, Steam, and PS4. Because I just graduated in December, I’m starting off really small, but my dream is to eventually score the next Mario or Halo type game that will be as impactful to the industry as those titles.

Game Audio is 100% what I want to do with my life. I say game audio, because I also do the sound design for the games. I’ve been fortunate enough to be working on music since graduating.

I feel privileged that I get to wake up and do that.

The hours are extensive (sometimes 12-15 hour days) and the stress level is high, but I am on cloud 9 every day.

MJ: How did you come across that opportunity?

LA: I went to Berklee College of Music in Boston and received 2 BMs. I studied Film Scoring, Electronic Production and Design, and minored in Video-Game Scoring. Boston is home to a great indie game scene so I met a good amount of developers during my stay.

I’m currently working on two games since I just finished one last week. There’s a lot of networking and relationship building that needs to be done to be successful in this field. I try to go to as many game conventions as possible so I can play the latest games and meet the newest game developers for possible future collaborations. I’m thinking about heading to the Comic Con Palm Springs to see if there are any indie developers displaying their games. It’s all a collaboration!

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MJ: What other projects are you working on?

LA: My younger brother, Cristian Rabago, just finished his second year at Berklee College of Music studying Song Writing and Electronic Production and Design. We’re going to spend the summer working on his hip hop EP. I’m also a producer and engineer and have an outstanding love for hip hop, so Cris and I are both going to have a blast writing for the next few months.

Watch out for Beats and Beer towards the end of summer!!!

MJ: You also play music live as well?

LA: At the moment, I’m playing with Razor J and the Blades which consists of Juan Espino on guitar and vocals, Tomas Granillo on drums, and myself on bass. We all work well because Juan and I have similarly high ambition and as a bass player, finding a drummer that meshes well with you is important, and Tomas is that. I’m also playing bass for the Heatwave Jazz and Show Band. It’s as youth group full of high school kids that are all killer! I love mentoring the kids and watching them grow as musicians.

MJ: You play a wide array of instruments though, correct?

LA: Over the years, I’ve picked up a bunch of instruments, from clarinet to bari sax, piano to double bass, American dulcimer to ocarina. It’s funny because I wanted to play guitar first, but I lost my wallet full of cash and so I got stuck with my younger brother’s bass. I loved playing it ever since. When I got into college, I started playing piano seriously. Since I’m mainly a composer, I need to have my piano chops up the par. Double bass was actually another instrument I picked up during college. They are very expensive so I had to save up for a little to buy it. I also started playing guitar seriously upon leaving college and have actually picked up other string instruments like ukulele and American dulcimer since then.

MJ: What are your performance goals as a musician?

LA: I want to have my voice come out through my instruments. I’m not a very articulate guy in person so I feel the only way I can truly express myself is through my music. When you listen to a Miles Davis solo, you don’t just hear notes coming out of a trumpet, you can actually understand what he’s saying. That’s where I want to be. Many spend a lifetime looking for that. I think that’s why I love composing so much. I can take all the time in the world to write exactly what I want to say.

Check out Louis Alexander on Soundcloud at: soundcloud.com/xander-bitz

backstage jazz

By patte purcell

Adam Hawley ‘A List’ Guitarist

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interviewed Adam Hawley as he waited for his flight to play with Dave Koz as they have been opening for Barry Manilow for the last 2 years. That’s not a bad place to start with this rapidly rising star.

His first single release is at #6 on Billboard and in the Top Ten for the 3rd consecutive week. “35th Street” featuring Eric Darius is from his first CD entitled Just the Beginning, which was released on March 18 on the Kalimba Music record label, the jazz label of the late Maurice White of Earth, Wind, and Fire.

This is the first musician I’ve interviewed who has a Doctorate in music. He got his degrees, (Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate) from the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. He brings an impressive resume including touring with Manhattan Transfer, Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Cole, Dave Koz, and a host of contemporary jazz artists. Many of them including Gerald Albright, Eric Darius, Michael Lington, Euge Groove and Brian Culbertson are on his new CD. He’s also on many of their CDs as well.

Hawley is also part of the “LA Collective” consisting of bassist Darryl Williams, Greg Manning (producer and chart topping keyboardist) and Tony Moore on drums.

This is the same band that are regulars on the Dave Koz Cruise every year. Hawley has performed with almost every big name contemporary jazz artist you can name.

In addition to a very busy schedule of performing, Hawley also produces and

records his own music. In between he finds time to teach at Saddleback College, Chaffey College and Musician’s Institute.

Hawley was born to a non-musical family when he stumbled upon their vinyl record collection of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Brothers Johnson and Elvis. The guitar spoke to him but his mom was concerned and told him that he could play guitar if he took piano for a year. He did and never looked back.

His friend Greg Manning helped him land a record deal with Kalimba Records (Greg is also on the label) when they worked together in Las Vegas with Elan Trotman. His plans include releasing another radio single shortly and doing some touring to promote his new CD. He had a sold out show at Spaghettini and the Bamboo Lounge. He’ll be at the Catalina Jazz Festival, Laguna Festival of the Arts and the KSBR bash as well.

We are lucky enough to have him as our featured artist along with a host of national artists and some local favorites at the Celebrity Jazz Jam at Desert Willow Golf Resort on Monday May 16 from 6-9. There is an artist Meet and Greet at 5:30. Wine tasting, a special Chef Francois Jazz Jam buffet ($25 extra) Crater Lake Rye tastings and Alien Tequila specials will be available as well.

To contact Adam Hawley visit his website www.adamhawley.com. To get up close and personal come see him at the Celebrity Jazz Jam on Monday May 16, Artists Meet and Greet at 5:30. Get your tickets at www. purplepass.com/celebrityjazzjam5.

Local Music Spotlight

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The CV Showcase Finals Winner Is…

By esther sanchez Photos By scott pam

BRIDGER A

fter 20 local musical acts battled over five months of preliminary rounds it came down to one kick-ass night at the Hard Rock Hotel. Saturday night, finalists Razor J & the Blades, Wicked Jed, Monreaux, Murkocet and Bridger all gave performances worthy of what turned out to be an epic clash of desert, musical titans... any of whom could be considered worthy of the top-spot. Alas...as worthwhile as each competitor was...there was but one top spot and that went to a band that was undeniably deserving.

No stranger to receiving accolades, Bridger have been the recipients of multiple CVMAs in past years, new nominations this year, and have earned each one with gratefulness and class not to mention sweat and tears. A topnotch band on every level...a typical Bridger performance tends to leave everyone in attendance beyond impressed and just when I thought I knew how good Bridger was...

Saturday night they somehow rose to yet another level of face-melting, badassery.

When it came time for our judges, all of whom have experienced success in the entertainment industry, to give their remarks, they had heaps of praise for the winning performance. Judges included: Mikey Doling, Gold-selling recording artist from the bands Snot, Soulfly and Channel Zero. Doling has toured the world with Metallica, Ozzy, Pantera, Slayer, Megadeth, Tool, System of a Down, and a long list of others; Arthur Seay of House of Broken Promises, Unida and Apeshit, who has toured the world with his own bands as well as Slipknot, Godsmack, Limp Bizkit, Five Finger Death Punch just to name a few. He also owns DezLoSun Recording Studio; Esjay

Jones, currently signed to Universal Music as a producer and songwriter, has worked with the likes of Krewella to Nile Rodgers to Alien Ant Farm and many more; Dave Collins, Operations Manager at Music Depot LA, who previously worked with Fender for 12 years.

He has worked with bands such as Alabama, Slayer, W.A.S.P., Slipknot, Slash, LA Guns, Hatebreed and Eddie Van Halen and over the course of his 25 years in the business he has placed product on such shows as How I Met Your Mother, NCIS, Parenthood, CSI, Bones.

In his current position he places product for such manufacturers as DW, Music Man, Paiste Cymbals, Line 6, Taylor, Gretsch, Roland and

May 12 to May 18, 2016

Guild into recent shows including Grease Live!, NCIS, Modern Family and School of Rock; Astrella, singer, songwriter and fashion designer, she is the Head of Design & Creative and partner in her own Musical T’s lifestyle clothing line and is also the daughter of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Donovan; and Jason Rothberg, partner and A&R and Marketing at the Musical T’s, with 20+ years in the music business he headed up Creative and Promotions for IRS and Priority Records, together with Miles Copeland they founded the imprint label Lions Pride Recordings. He partnered with Sony Epic in 1996 where he produced and released tracks with Ice Cube,

Korn, No Doubt, 311, Moby and more. He most recently has partnered with film icon David Lynch to establish the first non-profit record label, Transcendental Music.

This impressive panel of judges seemed genuinely impressed by Bridger and honestly, there is no question as to why. The quality of their musicianship can only be surpassed by their energy, stage-presence, charisma and showmanship. To quote my colleague, music-writer, Lisa Morgan, “What more can I say about this band that has already been written?” As far as I can see, the only direction for Bridger is up and if you have yet to check them out, you really should remedy that situation asap.

On behalf of everyone at CV Weekly I would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone who has taken part in the Showcase series from the musicians to the judges to the venue workers and especially the fans who came out and supported all of our hometown rock-stars. You are all essential parts of what is arguably one of the coolest little music scenes on earth. The CV Music Showcase would also like to thank and acknowledge their sponsors: Hard Rock Hotel, Hot Purple Energy and the owners of The Hood Bar for sponsoring the $1000 cash prize and sound and lighting by RSP Productions. We hope to see as many of you as possible on Sunday, May 22nd as we continue to honor and celebrate local talent at the 3rd Annual CV Music Awards held at the Riviera Hotel. It will be a great time not only for scene vets but for any of you who want to finally see what all of the buzz is about. To purchase tickets for the CV Music Awards call 760-501-6228. facebook.com/thebandBRIDGER thebandbridger.com facebook.com/CVMusicAwards

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

Consider This

JOHN DOE

F

by Eleni P. Austin

“Westerner” (Cool Rock Records/Thirty Tigers)

orty years ago Punk Rock snarled, scratched, spit and elbowed its way into the cultural zeitgeist. The popular misconception is the genre was created in London, England. But it’s truly and purely American idiom.

Proto-Punks like the MC5 and Iggy and The Stooges laid the groundwork in the late ‘60s, offering up a scuzzy antidote to Hippy-Dippy Flower Power. A few years later four guys from Queens formed the Ramones. Donning leather jackets and ripped jeans, they adopted the surname Paul McCartney famously used as an alias when he toured with the Beatles.

Their music wed sharp sketches of urban decay, (sniffing glue and turning tricks) with impossibly hooky two minute melodies that owed as much to Iggy as it did to Phil Spector.

A few months after the release of their selftitled debut arrived, the Ramones played a gig at the Roundhouse in London, England. In attendance that night were members of the Sex Pistols and the Clash. Seeing Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy, spurred these nascent bands to adopt the same primitive approach. By the end of 1976 the English Punk scene had exploded.

Almost at the exact same time as Johnny Rotten and Joe Strummer were copping Joey Ramone’s stage moves and Johnny Ramone’s sped up, downstroke guitar style, Los Angeles was experiencing its own Punk Rock renaissance.

On the surface, mid ‘70s Los Angeles was still a bastion of sun, surf and mellow vibes. But beneath the sunshin-y crust was a sprawling metropolis, a melting pot of disenfranchised, dissatisfied denizens not living the California dream. Bands like the Germs, the Weirdos, the Plugz, Fear and X tapped into that dichotomy.

X came together when John Doe (ne’ John Nommensen Duchec) relocated from Baltimore and hooked up with protean guitarist Billy Zoom, (ne’ Tyson Kindell). Doe met budding poet, and Florida transplant Christine Lee Cervenka (soon to be re-christened Exene), at a poetry workshop in Venice. After they started dating, she began accompanying him to band practice. Soon, she joined the band as the primary vocalist. The lineup was complete when drummer D.J. Bonebrake left the Eyes.

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

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X was one of the first bands signed to Slash Records, a fanzine turned label. Their seminal debut, Los Angeles, was released in 1980 and less than a year later they followed up with Wild Gift. Both were critically acclaimed, and X was quickly signed by the major label Elektra.

Two more albums, Under The Big Black Sun and More Fun In The New World arrived in quick succession. All four records were brilliantly produced by Doors keyboardist, Ray Manzarek. With his imprimatur, it felt as though he was passing the L.A. music torch to the next generation.

X’s music transcended the narrow confines of Punk. They expanded on the short, sharp nihilistic attack of their first two records, adding Roots-ier elements to the second pair of albums.

Hints of Rockabilly, Country and Folk anticipated the Americana/alt.country movement by at least 10 years.

Their band’s lyrics, written by Doe and Cervenka tackled real life issues like poverty, drug addiction, politics and death. The couple had married in 1980, and their vocal interplay had the same frisson exhibited by George Jones and Tammy Wynette.

Despite critical plaudits, commercial success eluded the band. By 1985, John and Exene divorced, but continued their professional relationship. X switched producers for their fifth effort, the harder rockin’ Ain’t Love Grand. Their fortunes remained unchanged and Billy Zoom left the band.

Zoom was replaced, temporarily with Blasters guitarist, Dave Alvin and then more permanently with former Lone Justice guitarist, Tony Gilkyson. They released See How We Are in 1987, and an incendiary concert set, Live At The Whisky A Go-Go, before going on an extended hiatus.

X would return in the ‘90s, recording a final studio album, Hey Zeus! in 1993 and a live acoustic collection, Unclogged a couple of years later. Toured sustained them, and by the end of the 20th century, Billy Zoom rejoined the band and the original line-up has been on the road ever since.

When X isn’t touring, the band members have all remained busy with solo albums and side projects. John Doe began an acting career in the late ‘80s, creating a second career as a credible character actor. He has 65 credits to his name, from the ridiculous (“Slam Dance,” “Road House”) to the sublime, (“Border Radio,” “Georgia,” “Boogie Nights,” “Good Girl”).

Between 1990 and 2011 he recorded eight solo albums of heartbreak and introspection. He also found time to make a covers album with the Sadies and duet-heavy efforts with Jill Sobule and Exene Cervenka. 2014 saw the release of his 21 song career retrospective, The Best Of, This Far. Now, not only has John Doe written a memoir, “Under The Big Black Sun: A Personal History Of L.A. Punk,” but he’s also returned with his first solo effort in five years, entitled The Westerner. The record kicks into gear with “Get On Board.”

The song is powered my urgent, aerodynamic bass lines, meandering guitar, a spooky organ wash and an ever-accelerating locomotive rhythm. The lyrics offer a tart metaphor for life; “There’s all kinds of people on this train, but there’s no VIP or platinum reserved, ‘cause everybody’s on this train/There’s a mountain pass and a straightaway, there’s a water stop on a rainy day, we gotta get on board this train.”

The secret weapon behind X’s appeal has always been the vocal interplay between John and Exene. His rough-hewn baritone has always seemed more tender when he brushes up against a distinctly distaff energy.

On “A Little Help,” he’s joined on the chorus

by Chan Marshall, (better known by her nom de Rock, Cat Power). A contemplative track, it relies on graceful piano notes, subtle Hammond B3 and a high lonesome pedal steel. The lyrics send a plea to a spiritual benefactor; “Help me, help me, everybody needs a little help/Not all the time, or every day, just need a little help today.”

“Go Baby Go” is a throbbing slab of Psychedelic Garage Rock, anchored by a piledriving backbeat, pounding piano chords, slashing guitar and boomerang bass. Doe receives a fiery vocal assist from the Ice Princess of Punk, Debbie Harry. The lyrics feel like a sideways homage to his second wife, Gigi Blair, and their enduring union. “You’re a hummingbird, you breathe so fast, Your lungs are full, your lips are glass/Your wings so thin, work so hard/As I kneel down in our backyard.”

It’s kind of surprising that John Doe has never tried his hand at fiction. His deft and economical approach to storytelling echoes the cogent prose of other L.A. transplants like Nathanael West, John Fante, Charles Bukowski and James M. Cain. His novelistic approach is evident on the album’s best tracks, “Sunlight” and “Sweet Reward.”

The former is propelled by dusty percussion and courtly Spanish guitar. With just a few lines, Doe manages to sketch out a harrowing tale of childhood neglect and a lifetime trying to out run the lingering demons. “At 22 he changed his name, he tried to suffocate in a Hollywood bed, he tried to starve in an L.A. barroom he tried to bury his words with words.”

The latter paints a vivid portrait of a transient guy (maybe the same kid from “Sunlight”) fresh from incarceration, still searching for a soft place to land. Spare acoustic guitars lattice lyrics that recount redemption; “She talked to him quietly, and looked him in the eye and said, ‘You can stay as long as you like’/...She got him a job fixing cars for her uncle, he liked getting dirty and then

getting clean/And when he laid down at night and and held to her hand he thought ‘this is my sweet reward’.”

Although it’s been 23 years since X has released any new music, John Doe and Exene still co-write songs together and the results often pop up on their separate solo efforts. Here they collaborated on the rollicking “Drink Of Water.”

A thumping backbeat collides with roiling bass runs, swirly, psychedelic organ and shapeshifter guitar licks that pivot from parched to fuzzy to stinging. The stream-of-conscious lyrics provide some potent imagery; “Got a box of water, a liquid souvenir/ Now it’s raining blackbirds piled up at the back door like the constellations they don’t stay up in the sky.”

The most heartfelt track here is the Exene composition “Alone In Arizona,” a classic Country weeper that is cloaked in the shimmery Southwest heat. Guitars shudder and sparkle, salty accordion notes snake around prickly bass lines. Here John effortlessly slips into the skin of an estranged husband yearning to reconnect with his family, repeating the chorus, “my heart’s in California, I’m alone in Arizona,” like a mantra.

Other interesting songs include the melancholy marital lament of “The Other Shoe” and “My Darling, Blue Skies.” “My Darling...” weds gunslinger guitar licks to a sandblasted Bo Diddley beat. The urgent music is matched by a pointed commentary on our overly caffeinated society.

The album closes with “Rising Sun.” The melody begins quietly, as the lyrics unfurl a lonesome haiku. John’s subdued croon cradles lyric like “in his dreams, he still dreams.” The instrumentation slowly builds adding a clickityclack rhythm, stately piano and ghostly pedal steel.

Hazy organ notes ratchet up the tension, as layers of guitars salt the mix, there’s a clangorous instrumental break before the tune concludes with just his voice and a tinkly wind chime. It’s a dusty denouement to an epic song.

Produced by the legendary musician Howie Gelb (Giant Sand, The Band Of Blacky Blanchette, OP8) The Westerner was recorded in Tucson and Hollywood and features contributions from Tom Brousseau, Ryan Feves, Connor Gallaher, Eric Heywood, Stuart Johnson, Thoger Lund, Val McCallum, Ernie E. Mendoza, Jamie Muhoberec, Gabriel Sullivan and Dave Way. Cindy Wasserman is definitely the album’s MVP, playing and singing on almost every track.

The album was inspired by John Doe’s longtime friendship with Poet/Author Michael Blake. He was best known for winning an Academy Award for adapting his “Dances With Wolves” book into a hit Hollywood movie. Sadly, he passed away in 2015 after a long illness.

The evocative cover art comes from Shepherd Fairey, Aaron Huey and Jim Herrington for Honorthetreaties.com.

John Doe’s solo output has been consistently wonderful, but the new album reaches even greater heights. The Westerner is as close to perfect as it gets.

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The Collision of Art

Colliding Worlds Fine Art

T

he Coachella Valley has many reasons for someone to fall in love with it. The natural beauty continues to be enhanced by the artistic community living here. One of the latest editions to that landscape is Colliding Worlds Fine Art Gallery, curated by Angela Valente Romeo.

“Art is sustainable tourism and that tourism brings visitors back,” said Angela. “I have been pushing that idea for years!” With Colliding Worlds Fine Art Gallery, Angela continues that mission. “Firstly Colliding Worlds Fine Art Gallery is a dream I have had for many years. A gallery that is my own – unfettered, free to be. I have never shied from controversy. Art should make one feel and think. I encourage a dialogue with a respect for the diversity of opinion. This space is unique in character and eclectic in taste.”

“My journey to this place had twists and turns. I wanted to study art but my father was against it. ‘You will starve as an artist’ were his words. It was the one time I listened to him. I eventually worked as a lawyer with pit stops as a roofer, a model, actor, and artist.

Each experience helped me to get here.”

“I believe we are all born artists. But Colliding Worlds Fine Art Gallery is NOT a vanity gallery. I have 660 sq. feet of beautiful work from 7 artists. Five artists, Photographer Terry Hastings, Sculptor Tolley Marney, Ceramic Artist Eduardo Carriazo, Mixed Media Artist Jeff Coleson and Painter Ken Fisher, are local artists with global reach. Fiber Artist Robin Przybysz and Sculptural Artist Claudia Lamboglia have made significant impact with their work, their prestige is growing!” noted Angela. “I am planning to work with other artists. In July and August I have two shows scheduled – one with an artist from Joshua Tree and the other show with an Austrian artist. Other shows are in the planning stages, but will be inclusive. The gallery is an opportunity for the viewer to be the art.”

Angela is committed to the arts – as an artist, advocate, former Public Arts Commissioner, and host of the popular Colliding Worlds Radio and TV shows. These show focus on, wait for, art. “I continue to do my radio show and writing. Plans are to bring

Photo By Terry Hastings

art Scene

May 12 to May 18, 2016

By Declan McManus

Photo By Terry Hastings

Colliding Worlds TV back. As you may know we produced 81 half-hour episodes. We have a great loyal following of over 360,000 Twitter followers over 9 million minutes watched on our YouTube channel. I think between all media I have interviewed approximately 700 artists.”

“I made a commitment to the arts. I work very hard to support the arts – in all forms.

Public Art. Individual Artists. Art for Charitable Causes. Art on Walls. Art as Public Murals. Art just because. I have been criticized, vilified and praised and respected. Welcome to the art world!! I have no intentions to abandon that commitment. I will still be the pea under the mattress fighting for the arts and arts as sustainable eco-friendly tourism.”

The Colliding Worlds Art Gallery joins the growing Perez Art & Design District in Cathedral City. “This area is becoming a destination place. The newer galleries owe a debt of gratitude to the galleries that pioneered the area. They paved the way, and we continue the trend. Cathedral City is an art friendly destination. The Perez Road Art & Design District reflects a diversity in the art represented by the galleries and the studios of the artists working here.”

Colliding Worlds Fine Art Gallery is located at 68-895 Perez Road, I-13, and Cathedral City CA. For more info visit collidingwolrdstv. com or call 760-832-9580.

Photo By Dimitri Hallkadis

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

PET PLACE

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Keep Kitty Inside!

M

aybe you grew up on a farm or in a rural area where your pet cat was allowed to roam outside.

Today most cat rescue groups will require you to keep the cat you adopt from them indoors. Some people still think that cats are happier if they have the “freedom” to live outside. Here are some of the reasons to keep your cat inside, as much as you might think he would enjoy a romp out in the sunshine.

1. Outdoor cats are subject to predators Coyotes are the primary threat to felines in the Coachella Valley. They are frequently spotted inside our gated country clubs and other residential communities. Stray dogs can also kill a cat, particularly if they are running in packs.

2. Risk of Injury or Disease Thousands of cats are killed every year from cars. Other hazards on our landscape such as barb wire fencing, rodent traps, and poisons can cause grave injury or death.

Cats like the sweet taste of anti-freeze, but it is extremely toxic and will result in death within hours. Some feline diseases are transmitted from other stray cats. Fleas, ticks and ringworm can be picked up while Felix is strolling through the neighborhood.

3. Fights with other Cats Cats are territorial animals, and injuries from cat fights can run up some major veterinary bills. Their territorial battles can result in abscessed wounds which can be deadly if not treated.

4. Malicious Individuals Sad to say, there are people in our community who are cruel and sadistic. There was a report awhile back that someone in the city of Palm Desert shot and killed several cats near Hovley and Cook streets.

5. Theft Even if they don’t intend to harm your pet, thieves may decide to “adopt” your cat.

Tracking them down and proving ownership may be difficult. If your cat is a sought after breeds such as Siamese or Persians, thieves steal them to resell. Worse yet, “bunchers” steal and sell cats to laboratories for animal experimentation or research.

by Janet McAfee 6. Run Aways We hear incredible tales of cats that travel thousands of miles to return home.

But there are also stories of animals that wander off and are unable to return home for a variety of reasons. Unneutered Tom cats will wander in search of females in heat.

7. Public Shelters Your friendly cat could be taken in by someone who thinks he’s a stray animal.

They might take him to a public shelter where about 90% of the cats are euthanized.

8. Songbird Conservation Cats are predators, and it is an instinctual behavior for them to kill and eat birds and other small wildlife. Your well-fed pet may deposit a dead bird as a present on your doorstep.

9. Neighbor Relations Some of your neighbors might not appreciate a cat defecating and roaming on their property. Gardeners in particular are wary of animals that tromp through their greenery.

Ways to keep Kitty Happy Indoors - Cats are perfectly content to sit in the sunshine on a safe window ledge INSIDE your home.

You can provide exercise with a supply of toys, a carpet covered cat tree, and a cat scratching post. You can purchase “cat grass” at any supermarket or pet specialty

Sweet Scarlett Scarlett O’Hara, a beautiful 1-yr-old survivor, seeks a new mansion where she can love her “furrever” family. Rescued by ForeverMeow, contact (760) 335-6767.

alaska larry Larry is a precious snow white Tibetan Spaniel mix, an 18-lb love bug who enjoys hanging out with his humans. Loving All Animals rescued this handsome 6-yr-old fellow.

Call (760) 834-7000.

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shop. Get your cat a buddy...there is nothing more joyful than two cats at play.

Here’s the best reason to keep your cat indoors rather than outside. The average life span of indoor cats is between twelve and seventeen years, while that of outdoor cats is about five years. Isis, my wonderful British Blue cat, lived to the ripe old age of twentyfour years, happy to view the world outside from a sunny window ledge.

For information about where to adopt a rescue cat (or dog) contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000. You can view their adoptable animals at lovingallanimals.org.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

by Rick Riozza

A Rosy Outlook for Rosé

R

osé in the morning, rosé in the evening, rosé at supper time—be my little rosé, and love me all the time…

See!—this is what happens when a wine columnist stays out too long in the noonday sun; and I’m not even an Englishman. At least I’m enjoying a…well—you guessed it, a refreshing and tasty rosé wine.

We’ve written often on how dry rosé wines, either still or sparkling, are the vino ticket for any occasion, any meal, and especially to succor us desert dwellers to endure the full day sun and sustain the sultry nights. Rosé’s quality continues on the rise, and this fresh, fruity but dry wine is the perfect quaff for our evanescent spring and the increasing summertime season throughout the world.

The Provence region in the south of France has always been the hotbed for Rosé—it’s famous for it! And the Europeans have long embraced this wonderful wine for consumption as the weather warms and more dining is done al fresco. A temperate day, a bucket of ice, a bottle of Rosé, and life is good.

As to America, it’s been said, “Pink wine has traveled a wobbly road. “ At times it’s been all the rage. Other times, it’s simply been ignored. And until recently—it was kinda like the underdog of the wine world. But now, excellent dry rosés are produced throughout the vineyard biosphere.

I just read in the New York Times, “If you love wine and care about what you drink, you can raise your rosé game by seeking out wines that are made with integrity and care.

They cost more, yes, but what you get are wines that not only dazzle and refresh, but also welcome contemplation, if you’re in the mood. You would not want to serve these in plastic cups at a lawn party, but they would be perfect with an outdoor dinner. Your cookout guests may even do double-takes before asking for another glass.”

I’m currently enjoying an array of rosé— indeed, each one listed below deserves an entire article itself on the wine and the producing winery. And we’ll get to that during the season. For now, let’s do some quick introductions on some quaffs I’m heartily recommending: 2015 Truvée Rosé, $15: In a previous column, “McBride Sisters have found it! Truvée Wines!”(Dec. 10 2015), we reviewed their Red Blend and Chardonnay. Now they are producing a rosé, in the southern Rhone tradition of blending Grenache and Syrah.

You’ll remember the two sisters who grew up, unbeknownst to each other, on two different continents, only to find each other and each other’s talent for making wine: Such a great story.

Robed in some pretty sunset colors, this wine is tasty and refreshing. The nose shows strawberry, raspberry, and nuanced floral aromas and continues onto the palate with wild berry and Meyer lemon. It’s dry, crisp with very good acidity to match most meals.

2014 SAVED “Magic Maker” Rosé, $16: This crisp California wine from celebrity tattoo artist Scott Campbell and legendary winemaker Clay Brock (Wild Horse Vineyards) is a really fun wine to enjoy. It’s pale pink and bone dry and midway between a white and a red as to body and feel.

It owns alluring aromas of white peach, and tasting notes of tangerine, strawberries and green apple—a really interesting composite for a “pink wine”. Made in a Provençal-style with the winemakers stating, “it’s a refresher that’s perfect for everyone, including guys (who aren’t afraid to drink pink anymore).”

The intricate label, Scott’s design, (whose symbols include a coded message to his wife, Lake Bell) offers an affordable way for readers to get a piece of his in-demand art.

2015 Willamette Valley Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir, $24: An astonishing number of Pacific Northwest wineries are now making rosés — and Oregon’s Willamette Valley is making some of the region’s best. Willamette Valley Vineyards, using the region’s signature Pinot Noir, makes one of the most expressive and enthralling.

This is the rosé that one brings to a dinner party. A stately color of copper and salmon, it reeks elegance atop the table. It is vibrant with

May 12 to May 18, 2016

complexity; and maintains beautiful flavors of strawberry, nectarine, honeysuckle with a touch of vanilla. It has a wonderful finish of watermelon and raspberry.

This rosé is entirely estate grown from their LIVE certified sustainable vineyards. All of you Pinot Noir fans will fall in love with this one!

On the European side of things: 2015 Le Rosé de Mouton Cadet, $13: Everyone is familiar with this brand of easy

quaffing inexpensive Bordeaux—both the red and the white. As we’ve reported, everyone is jumping on the rosé band wagon—so why not Mouton Cadet as well. And when was the last time you enjoyed a Bordeaux Rosé? Exactly!

Le Rosé is a blend of traditional Bordeaux varieties: Merlot (53%) gives roundness and fruit, Cabernet Franc (20%) brings refinement and Cabernet Sauvignon (27%) the power and the structure typical of Bordeaux.

A glittering pale pink wine with a very fresh nose that opens with red currant, raspberry, and pink grapefruit aromas—some herby notes as well. The palate continues with the same and also shines with strawberry and cherry notes.

2015 Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé, $15: The Guigal family has made serious rosé wines since the 1940s. Their Côtes du Rhône Rosé, like all their Côtes du Rhône wines, is first class. The blend is made up of Grenache (60%), Cinsault (30%), and Syrah (10%).

This expressive dry rosé displays bowls of red fruits, raspberry, red currant and strawberry in particular, along with floral and citrus notes, and finally hints of savory Provencal herbs. A seductive, complex and flat out delicious wine!

Next time: Sparkling Rosés—Cheers!

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

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­­­THUR MAY 12

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co. 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Alex Harrington 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Francesca Amari Jazz Trio 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Dancing & DJ 9pm open 6pm-2am THE BLOCK; CC; 760-832-7767 Open Mic Hosted by Robert Poole 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Chad Freeman & Redline 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Rojer Arnold Band 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Veronica Munoz: A Tribute to Life w/ The CMFs, Scoonz, Solus Lupus, Upper Class Poverty, 2 Toxic, Paul Gihren and Razor J 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Sharon Sills 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Dracer 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI MAY 13

MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Dude Jones NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 9pm 8-1:15am 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry Daniel Horn 6:30pm 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Full House PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327Band w/ Nena Anderson 8pm 4080 Southbound & Co. 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm 345-0222 Meltdown 6:30pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Siobhan 6:30pm, The Divas 10pm Escondido and Among Savages 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm Karaoke 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND Dancing 9pm Open 6pm-2am COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 Karaoke 9pm The Carmens 6pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Jeremiah BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775Clark 7pm 5566 Lady Eris 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 212 Band 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Blues 8-11pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens Baker 6pm 8-11pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Wyte Gye, SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK Aphrodisiac Jacket and Grand Scovell 9pm CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228Furgo 9pm 1199 DJ 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 James 6pm Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm Gina Carey 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 3560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm House Band 8:45pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Singer/ TBA 9pm Songwriter Night 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 7606:30pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 7605391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm 345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Meet The Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley Live DJ 8:30pm King 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Blue 62 VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:308pm 4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3259-2am 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 New Breed 9pm Michael Keeth 6-10pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pm 999-1995 DJ 9pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 12 to May 18, 2016

THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 The Carolyn Martinez Show 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 Gutter Candy 9pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The Carmens 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the Mallet 6:30pm 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris New Breed 9pm Lomeli 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev 999-1995 In-A-Fect 9pm Michael Keeth 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; & Bill 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm T-Bone 9pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Mojito Boyz DJ Michael Keeth 12-3pm Set noon poolside, Stronghold Reggae 10pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; 8-1:15am IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm Cabaret Open Mic 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327- Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Pleasure AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 4080 Bohemio 9pm Principle DJ Set noon poolside, Slacker 7:30pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760Sunday w/ DJ Kave-In 10pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm 345-0222 Marko Russell 6:30pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Alchemy, PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Jazz Brunch w/ Carolyn Martinez 11:30am CIVX, Coyote Electric, Dani Rae and Pale Palace Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaries and AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 9pm open 6pm-2am Mothxr 8pm 7:30pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown, 5566 DJ 9pm Karaoke 7:30pm R&B and Funk 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND 6-10pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; Karaoke 9pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Scot 999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Bruce 7pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 212 Band 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 6pm continue to page 20 Baker 6pm 7-10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND ; 800Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm 827-2946 Rok of Ages and Atomic Punks (Van ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228Halen Tribute) 7:30pm 1199 Mohave Sky 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Brothers 8pm Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Jack Ruvio 6:30pm Blues 8-11pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S 8:30pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; 8-11pm INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK HARD ROCK; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay Jones & CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Friends 7pm Furgo 9pm th THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The Refills 5 SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Anniversary Party 9pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm James 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760Music 10pm 345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 3560 TBA 6pm TBA 8:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke TBA 9pm 8pm

SAT MAY 14

SUN MAY 15

15

May 12 to May 18, 2016

ThePamperedPalate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café

I

mmediately upon stepping inside the doors of Clementine I am brought back to the time I spent in Europe when I was 17.

It offers unique Mediterranean ambiance right in the middle of Palm Desert. Incredible! I am greeted swiftly as we stroll through a whimsical array of gift items and then seated at a quaint table bordered by Mediterranean blue chairs, in front of a delicatessen display case that looks simply scrumptious. I don’t even dare sneak a peek at my menu as my eyes are delightfully feasting upon the decor surrounding me, basking in the glow.

I sat down with owner, Jennifer Douheret, who simply radiated joy and pride as she shared the romantic story of how a food order of Clementine’s by her now husband, Christophe, turned into two children, dogs, and an absolutely charming restaurant. Six years strong this month, Jennifer shares Clementine’s mission statement which continues to hold passionately true: “We seek to bring the warmth, beauty, and soul of the “Countries of the Sun;” describing Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and other countries along the Mediterranean. We greet our guests as family, and share our passion for authentic European foods, fine gifts, and delightful treats. Anyone who enters Clementine arrive a stranger and leaves a friend; our success hinges on our authenticity, affordability, and gracious hospitality.”

16

While the service and food was delightful, the bakery was delicious, the coffee concoctions incredible, and bar area bright and beautiful, I was also mesmerized by the Take Away delicatessen, which offered a rich array of meals I could carry home. Using high quality ingredients, handmade doughs, hard to find cheeses, and local produce when possible, your evening’s gourmet meal is just one stop away.

In fact Jennifer shared that Clementine’s party platters are “the secret weapon of many local party hostesses here in the Coachella Valley.” A natural progression from the delicatessen to the party platters would be full-fledged catering, which Jennifer advises, is their next goal. For now, pick up fanciful summer creations such

by morgan james as Christophe’s “Tomato Flowers” which tout gorgeous local tomatoes from Wong Farms in Mecca topped with creamy burrata cheese; fresh orange juice from Perricone Farms in Beaumont; or a “Mango Summer Salad” with fresh mangos also from Wong Farms.

Jennifer explains that while great food is key, Clementine’s success is also largely due to the treatment of her guests. She and Christophe have always been “very hands on” and their staff is “simply amazing” she gushes. While Clementine is closed for the Summer, each Fall the staff continues to arrive back with travel stories of their own, many of them having traveled together, now finally understanding how true the ambiance of their workplace is to the real world. The close knit feel carries

throughout the community of guests that arrive to sip a caramel cafe latte while visiting friends, to gentleman who, like clockwork, arrive several days per week to enjoy breakfast while typing away on a work laptop. Guests very often pop into the gift shop on the way to a party, knowing they can count on finding the perfect $20-$25 gift of lavish dish soaps, salad plates, and unique kitchenware for that special occasion, or every day.

Another huge success of Clementine has been their social media presence. Currently the restaurant ranks number one on Yelp, providing credibility to out of towners. This was tremendous in bringing in Coachella Fest and Stagecoach goers this year. Follow Clementine on your choice of social media and be sure to get to know Jennifer and Christophe while experiencing the Mediterranean right here in Palm Desert.

One last note: Now that Clementine is open 7 days a week from 8am-3pm, the lovely spacious venue is open after 3pm for events such as wedding receptions, corporate meetings, reunions, and birthday celebrations. facebook.com/ClemGourmet instagram.com/ClemGourmet pinterest.com/ClemGourmet twitter.com/ClemGourmet

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 12 to May 18, 2016

17

May 12 to May 18, 2016

SCREENERS

WHAT’S THE BIG BEEF? CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

Will we ever tire of the endless seemingly stream od big budget, superhero smack downs? Clearly they are the cinematic flavor of the day. I for one would love to see a big action movie in which no one wears a cape.

Is that even a viable and profitable option for movie studios these days? Apparently not. The opening grosses of “Civil War” were the fifth biggest in history! What is it about these modern mythic gods duking it out on the big screen (preferably in 3D) that’s so enthralling? Does it reflect a kind of shared fascination with ancient, almost religious, themes of good and evil at war with all the inherent supernatural elements intact?

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Robin E. Simmons

No. 212

Maybe the attraction is that humanity itself is often at stake. Granted we live in a time of apocalyptic concerns, but there’s no profound religious analogy or philosophy that I am aware of that any of these superhero movies are espousing that makes these films more relevant in the real world. It’s been noted before that Superman is a kind of stand-in for a Christ figure. And Captain America represents (or could represent) the best, noblest ideals of America’s role in the conflict in the real world. Will the Cap ever take on ISIS? We can only hope.

What I hear most often from adult movies fans is: “I’ve never been much of a comic book reader so can I still enjoy these films without knowing the back story or seeing the previous iterations? My answer is always an enthusiastic yes, especially for “Civil War.” If you love the craft of film art, here is a terrific display of everything that makes a movie work. The Russo brothers have hit it out of the park. And for died-in-the-wool comic book fans the rewards are especially satisfying -- not only for the superb visceral action but for the drama as well.

In this one, there’s a demand for accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to severe collateral damage.

The team is deeply divided. Captain America (Chris Evans) believes superheroes should remain free to defend humanity without government interference. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) sharply disagrees and supports government oversight. The debate escalates into an all-out feud that includes Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy

Renner) who are now forced to pick sides!

In my opinion, this is among the better Marvel movies so far. In fact, it just might be the best. The crisp Imax 3D projection system is an incredible technological achievement, especially on a HUGE SCREEN! And of course the massive multi-track surround sound adds immensely to the fabulous immersive experience. No question that Chris Evans is a perfect Cap. Trust me, you’ll enjoy this one no matter how much you know about the back-story. Some fun surprises in it too, things not hinted at or spoiled in the trailer.

This fun spectacle about superheroes grappling with deception and dealing with the consequences of their actions has great action set pieces and a solid story. It hits all the right notes for the most part. A big plus is seeing Ant-Man (Pail Rudd), SpiderMan (Tom Holland), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), War Machine (Don Cheadle) and Black Panther in the mix. The fanboy in me doesn’t want to admit it, but “Civil War” far better than “BvS.” What’s really at stake here is the corporate showdown between Disney’s Marvel franchise and Warner Bros DC team. Now playing.

New for the home theater:

packed tale of a motley crew of Civil War escapees and shipwreck victims cast away on a remote Pacific isle. There they encounter the redoubtable mad genius Captain Nemo (Herbert Lom), and the startling products of his crazed scientific experiments: gigantic creatures of every description, all crafted with that special brand of Harryhausen magic. This pristine transfer features Bernard Herrmannn’s superlative score on an isolated track. Twilight Time Movies (limited edition of 3,000 units). Blu-ray. Recommended.

A PRAYER FOR THE DYING

DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS (1995) Writer director Carl Franklin’s rich, moody atmospheric American pulp noir compels with its tough moral center. Denzel Washington’s East Rawlins is a laid off factory worker turned private eye in post-World War II Los Angeles who finds himself in a world of trouble after accepting what at first seems to be a relatively simple assignment to find a white woman (Jennifer Beals) thought to be hiding out in the black juke joint along L.A.’s Central Avenue. Pretty soon, as Easy uncovers a tar pit of corruption, people are turning up dead. The terrific supporting cast includes Tom Sizemore, Don Cheadle, Maury Chaykin, Terry Kinney and Albert Hall. Recommended.

Twilight Time Movies. Blu-ray.

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MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (1961) Jules Verne’s sequel to his own “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” is brought to the screen in spectacular fashion by director Cy Endfield and special effects master Ray Harryhausen. They weave the adventure-

Mike Hodges directs this engaging screen adaptation of the best-selling thriller by Jack Higgins. The story focuses on a former IRA terrorist (Mickey Rourke) forced into killing a mobster in order to walk away from a lifetime of violence. Bob Hoskins co-stars as the priest who may offer him an opportunity for redemption. Alan Bates is a flamboyant London crime lord who’d had his fill with both the IRA and the man of God. Recommended.

Twilight Time Movies. Blu-ray.

Comments or questions?

Robinesimmons@aol.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Book Review

Lovely And Lethal

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“Maestra”

By L. S. Hilton fiction

----------------------------------------------------think it’s fair to say that women must work twice as hard as men to achieve equal wealth and power. I’m not sure women can ever truly have the power men possess. But some women try and they’ll do whatever they can to get it. In L. S. Hilton’s Maestra (Penguin Random House, 320 pages) an ambitious and class conscious woman finds that her climb to the top is deadly.

The story is about Judith Rashleigh, who, born on the wrong side of the tracks, wants to make something more of herself. From a broken home and raised by a drunken mother, her shame and humiliation runs deep.

Wanting to change her circumstances, Judith goes to graduate school and studies art history. She modifies her accent and tries to look the part of a posh, educated, well-bred young woman.

I

By Heidi Simmons

When she gets a job at a London art house, Judith can’t seem to make a mark until she discovers that a painting up for auction is a fraud. But, instead of recognition for her efforts, she’s fired. She quickly realizes the art house is part of the deception.

Upset and short of cash, she takes a job working at a high-end champagne bar where rich men buy expensive drinks so they can talk and spend time with pretty women. Judith uses her middle name, Lauren, as an alias.

Lauren finds the commission-only job tawdry, but lucrative. She can now afford to buy designer clothes, pay her rent and still have money left over to go out and party.

Judith is a swinger and enjoys sex with multiple partners. In fact, sex is her drug of choice.

After one of her “champagne” clients takes her and a female friend to the South of France, Judith realizes life is not fair no matter how hard you work. When her host dies, she becomes a predator.

Using the power of seduction and sex, Lauren manipulates her way up the social ladder. She gets what she wants but there is always a price – she becomes a killer and discovers she likes it.

Maestra gives the reader a new and

safetytips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

For Those About To Respond…We Salute You!

F

irefighters dedicate their lives to the protection of life, property and environment. In all cases it risks the ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter’s life reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

International Firefighters’ Day is a time where the world’s community can recognize and honor the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible.

International Firefighters’ Day is observed each year beginning the first week of May. Many Fire Departments also open their doors to the Public as “Fire Service Day” around May 7th- 14th.

Show your support and appreciation to the firefighters worldwide who continue to protect us so well throughout the year.

May 12 to May 18, 2016

Contact your local Fire Dept. and see if they are holding Fire Service day. If so, drop by give them a thanks and say hi.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Week is May 15 - 21, 2016. Giving praise to thank the men and women who tirelessly work each day to serve their communities whether it be through paramedics or private ambulance who respond to critical emergency situations.

Additionally, May 15th is Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Give a huge thank you to the men and women who protect and serve us as well – They deserve it – And their lives DO matter!

Thank You! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

complicated femme fatale. Judith/Lauren travels to exotic locations and spends time with beautiful people and ugly billionaires.

She is young, smart and decidedly deadly.

Much of what happens to Judith is not always her fault. In some cases she is a victim.

But she resents being used and abused so she turns the tables. Judith struggles to be a person that she herself admires. And as things get more complicated, Judith starts to accept the woman she is becoming. She finds her power and likes it.

Author L.S. Hilton takes the reader into the art world of great painters and fraud.

She introduces a connection between Judith and the 18th century Italian woman painter Artemisa Gentileschi whose work inspires and drives Judith. As an artist, Gentileschi would not be ignored and eventually she was recognized by the male painters of

her time. Gentileschi’s paintings become Judith’s road map.

The title is intriguing. “Maestra” is not a real word, but Hilton uses it as the feminine version of maestro to make an important point. Like a conductor of an orchestra, controlling and directing multiple elements to bring about a masterpiece, Judith is in charge. Not a male figure. But what Judith does not realize is that she is not actually in control.

Although I could keep count of those who Judith killed, I couldn’t keep up with her sex partners. There is detailed erotic and often sleazy sex throughout Maestra.

It’s raw, angry and self-destructive.

I didn’t hate Judith. She’s young, confused and lonely. But she is a killer and I was shocked and surprised by her viciousness -- all the while wearing designer clothes and accessories.

Maetsra is the first installment of a three-part series. This is not a Shades of Grey hardcore reboot. Judith is a troubled soul and her narrative is far from innocent.

But unlike “Shades,” I look forward to reading what happens next and how her life turns out.

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY By Carissa Cascio MUSEUM OF THE DESERT HOSTS a

eventS

SPRING FUNDRAISER WITH A FAMILY GAME NIGHT

C

hildren’s Discovery Museum of the Desert will host a spring fundraiser with a Family Game Night on Friday, May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and showcase its newest interactive exhibit “Playing Together: Games.” Admission is $20 per person or $70 for a family of four. This event is sponsored by Mitch’s on El Paseo.

“All families are invited to this event to experience the fun ways they can play and learn together at the Museum,” said Carol Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. “We encourage them to use the exhibit as an educational tool as it teaches young museum-goers about games kids play around the world.”

“Playing Together: Games” is a full-scale, colorful exhibit featuring classics like tic-tac-toe, dominoes, hopscotch, table ice hockey, Mancala, chess and checkers on an oversized board with giant pieces. Favorites from around the world are also included, such as Nine Men’s Morris, Pigs in a Pen, Skittles, Dutch shuffleboard, Senet and Bot-Tin. The event will feature golf professionals from local resorts that will give instructions using SNAG (Starting New At Golf), a program designed to teach golf fundamentals to players of all ages. Kids can also play soccer in giant clear inflatable balls and safely bounce and roll around, in partnership with Desert Bubble Ball.

Additionally, Family Game Night will feature prize drawings and gift cards from various restaurants around the Coachella Valley and attendees can purchase food and beverages from the onsite Carl’s Jr food truck.

Games of strategy, math, physical coordination and luck are featured throughout the exhibit and will reinforce cooperation, teamwork and critical thinking while trying and learning new things.

For more information, visit www.CDMOD.org or call (760) 321-0602.

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 & Friends 3-6pm Smooth Brothers 5:30pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 The Luminators 6pm Open Jam 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325Bill Marx 6:30pm 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 345-6466 Larry Capeloto 6pm 8pm-1:15am LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 2794 Hot Rox 7:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327Karaoke 8pm-1:15am 4080 Help for Ed Music Fest Fundraiser 6pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The 7pm Sunday band 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND PETE’S HIDEAWAY;PS; 760-322-6500 The COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Evaro Brothers 7pm Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Open Mic w/ 3560 T.B.A. 6pm Stacey Bear 5pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum Show 7pm 9-2am RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Karaoke 9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee Tony Grandberry 6:30pm 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm 3560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 The Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 John Stanley King 6-9pm Michael Lowe 6pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke

MON MAY 16

TUE MAY 17

with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Linda Peterson 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Open DJ Night text 760-799-8800 to sign up 6pm2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Shurp Town Get Down 9:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Jethro BoDidley 7pm

PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley and Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays 9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Closed for Private Event 6pm

WED MAY 18 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Three of These are Mine 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Pro Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald Trio 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Beer Pong Contest 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Tachevah Finals 7pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

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760-404-6325

6533 Gina Carey 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roger Lemieux 5pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz Trio 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Hive Minds Acoustic Duo 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Lizann Warner 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 TBA 6:30pm

Haddon Libby

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 12 to May 18, 2016

The Banking Underworld

I

n April, a data breach of Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca provided the largest look yet at the shady underworld of offshore banking. Called the Panama Papers, 11.5 million documents were leaked related to the organization of more than 214,000 offshore shell companies. While some of these entities operate in a legal ways, many do not. A substantial number of these shell companies were used in illegal tax avoidance schemes, corruption, international sanction avoidance and money laundering.

Mossack Fonseca would create complex multilevel shell company structures that could evade laws around the world. More than half of the companies that they structured were based in the British Virgin Islands with the majority of their clients having operations in Hong Kong, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and Cyprus. Mossack Fonseca also maintained offices in Nevada and Wyoming.

While more than 500 banks did business with Mossack Fonseca, their favorite bank was HSBC. Credit Suisse, UBS, Sweden’s Nordea and two little known Luxembourg banks were also preferred counterparties.

The Royal Bank of Canada is in the spotlight as they referred nearly 400 clients to Mossack Fonseca.

Some of the bad actors disclosed in the data breach include UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s father, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmund Gunnlaugsson (who resigned), Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi, numerous leaders within the Chinese government as well as leadership in the scandal-laden soccer association, FIFA. It is believed that Sandy Weill, the retired Chairman of Citibank, set-up questionable accounts with Mossack Fonseca as well as 200 other Americans.

President Obama said this of the Mossack Fonseca situation, “Frankly, folks in America are taking advantage of the same stuff.” He went on to say, “Laws are so poorly designed that they allow people…to wiggle out of obligations that ordinary citizens have to abide by.”

In response, President Obama announced that his administration would be taking action to combat money laundering,

Dale Gribow On The Law WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT

T

he following questions and answers are the plain facts to the most commonly asked questions after an accident. Each case is different and determining value requires your talking to an experienced attorney. My office offers a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to help you understand your rights and provide a more detailed explanation of how the personal injury (PI) claim process works in the Coachella Valley.

YOUR RIGHTS If you’ve been injured in an accident case of any kind, you have a right to be compensated for your injuries.

WHO SHOULD I TALK, OR NOT TALK, TO ABOUT THE ACCIDENT? Remember that “Silence is Golden and Handcuffs are Silver”. This applies equally to an accident or criminal case. Don’t talk to anyone...it can only hurt you. It is not just what you say but what the insurance company or officer thought he heard you say. Remember the police sometimes do not prepare the report for several hours after the accident and they may confuse or forget the facts.

Say as little as possible at a motor vehicle accident scene. Exchange information (insurance companies, driver’s license), make a police statement as required, then

call us and let us talk with all the insurance companies. That way if something you said could hurt you, we can always say we must have misunderstood what you said and apologize. If you said it directly to someone you can be impeached. Let us be the strawman that takes the heat.

Anything you say to the other person’s insurer could be introduced as evidence in the event you proceed with a claim, so the less you say the better. Worry about your health and seek medical assistance immediately if required, then contact my office so that there’s someone on your side and let us do the talking.

WHAT WILL THIS COST ME? Our consultation is free and if we represent you we will do so on a contingency.

We don’t get paid until you get paid. We will pay all costs during the case and when the case settles we will then be paid our fees and costs. We normally can work with your medical providers to see that you are not charged for their services until such time as we settle or bring your case to judgment.

HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO TAKE? We’ll work to settle your claim as quickly and efficiently as possible, but the process takes time. Your injuries need to be completely healed or become stable. Then a long-term prognosis can be established

corruption and tax evasion internationally.

The problem with this action is that it does nothing to combat similar problems that occur domestically because of the laws of Delaware, Nevada and Wyoming.

As an example, let’s use noted former billionaire, Tim Blixseth. He has been in jail for over one year because he is unwilling to tell a judge what he did with $286 million in fraudulent transfers from the Yellowstone Club of Montana, an exclusive resort for the ultrarich in Montana. Prosecutors have been unable to track funds from his accounts due to domestic laws that have made it impossible for them to track the movement of monies right here in the United States.

As a refresher, Tim Blixseth used to live in Rancho Mirage at Porcupine Creek, his private residence that included a 19 hole golf course.

With a net worth of $1.3 billion in 2006, Blixseth was forced to declare bankruptcy in 2012 for not paying $57 million in taxes.

and a fair assessment made of what compensation is appropriate. Small injury claims can be resolved quickly and more serious injuries take longer to heal and thus settle. No matter how long it takes to settle your claim, you won’t be required to pay any fees to us, nor will you be asked to pay any expenses that are required throughout the process.

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I EXPECT? This is the most common question we receive on an accident case. The amount of an eventual settlement is dependent on many factors, including the severity of your injuries; the cost of your medical care; the number of medical visits; your age and the long-term physical, financial and emotional impact your injuries had on your life. An experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to determine what a claim and eventual settlement might look like.

WILL I HAVE TO GO TO COURT? More than 90% all accident claims are settled out of court, but in some situations, reaching the most favorable settlement requires litigation.

DO I REALLY NEED A LAWYLER? WON’T THEY SETTLE WITH ME DIRECTLY? Without an experienced Accident Lawyer there is a high risk of not getting the settlement you deserve for your injuries.

Since then, the court has asked Blixseth for an accounting of that $286 million that he transferred out of the Yellowstone Club. The judge wants to know what happened was to the proceeds of a Credit Suisse loan on the Yellowstone property that ran through a Nevada shell corporation.

The Panama Papers do not show how the United States has some of the best financial secrecy laws in the world. As an example, one can set up a shell corporation in Wyoming, Nevada and Delaware via a financial intermediary called a Nominee Incorporation Service. These services fill out all of the documents needed to form the shell company and then act as the directors for the newly formed business. As the Blixseth case shows, this privacy can be used by bad actors to engage in illegal or fraudulent activities.

Obama would be doing the nation a favor if he used the Panama Papers case to coerce the states of Delaware, Nevada and Wyoming to stop providing these corporate shields that are often used by our country’s bad actors.

Haddon Libby is an Investment Advisor at Winslow Drake and can be reached at 213.596.8399 or HLibby@WinslowDrake.com.

If an insurance company deals with you directly you must remember their objective is to process your claim quickly and cheaply.

They will deny and delay settlement. The best strategy is to call me asap after an accident, and avoid any direct discussions with the insurance company.

WHAT IF I CAN’T COME TO YOUR OFFICE? Our office accommodates clients who face physical challenges due to an injury or disability. If for any reason you’re unable to meet at our office, we will come to you, wherever you are, at no charge. If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident or suffered a personal injury, it won’t cost anything to come talk with a lawyer.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at 760 837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

ask JENNY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Jenny Wallis

Q&A on Feng SHui

Dear Jenny, Could you tell me if pets are good Feng Shui?

Actually, pets are natural batteries of Ch’i and they can bring the loving spirit out in just about anyone. It is well known that bringing pets into hospitals and retirement homes strengthens the health and wellbeing of patients and residents. As is always the case in Feng Shui, the key is care. When pets are treated with love and dignity, they bring tremendous energy into a home. Keep pet homes fresh and clean to ensure the health and vitality of your pets, as well as the quality of Ch’i flowing through your home.

Keep cat and rabbit litter boxes extra clean, dog runs and horse stables need to be kept clean as well. The Ch’i is also enhanced in and around your home by inviting wild birds to visit your balcony or window. The more urban your domain, the more important it is to invite nature in.

A superb enhancement to any environment is the addition of an aquarium.

An aquarium with 9 living fish is ideal. It demonstrates using all 5 of the elements, providing perfect harmony. In the fish tank there should be 8 gold fish and 1 black, the 8 fish symbolize prosperity and the 9th abundance.

What about plants? Are they good Feng Shui?

Plants are superb Ch’i enhancements when they are healthy and vibrant. They help us to stay connected with the wonder of the natural world, while providing us with a sampling of nature’s variety and beauty.

They also supply us with clean air. Choose plants with a friendly appearance, such as those with rounded leaves or a generally soft, graceful appearance. Plants are often used in Feng Shui to soften the sharp angles and corners found in furnishings and architecture. Healthy vibrant plants improve Ch’i. When a plant becomes diseased or unsightly, don’t spend too much time trying to nurse it back to health, replace it as soon as possible.

Silk plants, as long as they look healthy and alive, are viable substitutes for living plants.

22

Fresh flowers add color and sensuality to most rooms and provide great Feng Shui.

Although, flowers are not good to have in the bedroom, they actually deplete the room’s Ch’i.

Dried plants and flowers are not recommended to enhance Ch’i. They often lose their vibrancy, after a short time.

Potpourri is also frowned upon in Feng Shui.

I am going to be putting together a dinner party for some close friends, are there any Feng Shui rules that have to do with the seating of guests at a dinner party?

The practice of placing guests of different genders next to each other is excellent for ensuring good yin and yang balance. Round tables are always preferred to rectangular tables, but rectangular tables are better than T-shaped or L-shaped arrangements.

If the number of guests is higher than the number of chairs you have available, it is better to make it a buffet dinner rather than adding chairs in order to have a sit down dinner.

Is there any special seating plan that I should consider for my dinner party?

Some suggestions of what NOT to do: • Never seat anyone at the corner edge of a square or rectangular table or directly facing a protruding corner • Never seat anyone directly facing a toilet door • Never seat anyone directly underneath an overhead beam * Another piece of advice when entertaining friends is never to serve coffee or tea in a cup with a chipped rim or drinks in a chipped glass. Drinking from a cup with even the smallest chip brings bad luck since this symbolically cuts the mouth. And that negatively affects one’s speech so that what you say will get you into trouble. The Chinese believe that drinking from chipped cups and glasses or eating from chipped bowls causes one to suffer bad luck in one’s livelihood - ❤Jenny Don’t forget to follow Jenny at www. askjennynow.com, find her on facebook or contact her at 760-505-0952

sports Scene

by Flint Wheeler

Cubs & Trump - Two underdogs stealing the spotlight.. .

T

he last time the Cubs started out this hot was back in 1907, when they also were 24-6 after 30 games.

Kris Bryant, born in 1992, was unaware he was part of the best Cubs start in 109 years.

“1907?” he said. “I didn’t know. Just knew we had a good start. It doesn’t play a factor in our minds. It’s just that we’re doing what we need to do early on, and that’s always good because you don’t have to climb back up the hill.

“You are where you want to be and just continue to do what you do on the field.

That’s kind of where we’re at.”

The 1907 Cubs were also where they wanted to be, led by player-manager Frank Chance, who was known as “Peerless Leader,” a nickname he learned at a young age mostly because it rhymed with “Fearless Leader” — the dictator of Pottsylvania and Boris and Natasha’s boss in the “Rocky and Bullwinkle” cartoons.

With a 768-389 record from 1905-12, Chance had the highest win percentage (.664) of any manager in Cubs history and still does. Joe Maddon is 121-71, a .630 winning percentage. Not too shabby either.

Is this start a harbinger of things to come? The 1907 Cubs went 107-45 and beat the Tigers in the World Series. They’d go on to win again in 1908, and in case you haven’t heard, have not won since.

Thanks to baseball-reference.com, you can follow the Cubs’ 1907 season to compare and contrast their start with the current edition. In Game 31, they beat the New York Giants 5-2 to improve to 25-6, moving into a first-place tie with New York.

In the American League, the White Sox were also on top that day in 1907 with a 21-10 record. Today they’re in first with a 22-10 record.

Dare I say it? “The Cubs will be your World Series Champions in 2016”. The curse of the Bambino is “No Mas”.

In other news…

And then there was one. After Ted Cruz and John Kasich suspended their campaigns, Donald Trump will cruise to the Republican

nomination. With a win in Indiana, Trump pushed himself over 1000 delegates and forced his remaining two opponents to bow out of the running. The Democrats continue to sputter along with neither candidate able to finish off the race. Many thought that a win by Hillary Clinton in Indiana would basically ensure her the nomination based on momentum, but Bernie Sanders shocked the talking heads and took the state.

The two remaining democratic nominees will battle it out, seemingly until the bitter end, with California (June 7) and its 546 delegates likely being the last battle.

Current bettable odds and my humble advice; Odds as of May 9 at Bovada.eu Hillary Clinton -275 Donald Trump +225 Bernie Sanders +3300 Take Trump with the early underdog odds, as I do not believe he will not be an underdog for long. Change is normally disguised as a crazy out of touch idea that the old established frown upon. Newsflash old America, that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Thank you Mr. Trump. For better or for worse; My generation has wanted, needed and called for this for a long long time. Change is not inevitable with a Trump presidency - Change is happening now with his candidacy. I say - “Savour the Flavor”.

It’s about time.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of May 12

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Russian writer Anton Chekhov was renowned for the crisp, succinct style of his short stories and plays. As he evolved, his pithiness grew. “I now have a mania for shortness,” he wrote. “Whatever I read -- my own work, or other people’s -- it all seems to me not short enough.” I propose that we make Chekhov your patron saint for a while. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you are in a phase when your personal power feeds on terse efficiency. You thrive on being vigorously concise and deftly focused and cheerfully devoted to the crux of every matter.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Approximately 30,000 sites on the Internet attribute that quote to iconic genius Albert Einstein. But my research strongly suggests that he did not actually say that. Who did? It doesn’t matter. For the purposes of this horoscope, there are just two essential points to concentrate on.

First, for the foreseeable future, your supreme law of life should be “creativity is intelligence having fun.” Second, it’s not enough to cavort and play and improvise, and it’s not enough to be discerning and shrewd and observant. Be all those things.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In Western culture, the peacock is a symbol of vanity. When we see the bird display its stunning array of iridescent feathers, we might think it’s lovely, but may also mutter, “What a show-off.” But other traditions have treated the peacock as a more purely positive emblem: an embodiment of hard-won and triumphant radiance.

In Tibetan Buddhist myths, for example, its glorious plumage is said to be derived from its transmutation of the poisons it absorbs when it devours dangerous serpents. This version of the peacock is your power animal for now, Gemini. Take full advantage of your ability to convert noxious situations and fractious emotions into beautiful assets.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Clear moments are so short,” opines poet Adam Zagajewski. “There is much more darkness. More ocean than terra firma.

More shadow than form.” Here’s what I have to say about that: Even if it does indeed describe the course of ordinary life for most people, it does not currently apply to you. On the contrary. You’re in a phase that will bring an unusually high percentage of lucidity.

The light shining from your eyes and the thoughts coalescing in your brain will be extra pure and bright.

In the world around you, there may be occasional patches of chaos and confusion, but your luminosity will guide you through them.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Dear Smart Operator: My name is Captain Jonathan Orances. I presently serve in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. I am asking for your help with the safekeeping of a trunk containing funds in the amount of $7.9 million, which I secured during our team’s raid of a poppy farmer in Kandahar Province.

The plan is to ship this box to Luxembourg, and from there a diplomat will deliver it to your designated location. When I return home on leave, I will take possession of the trunk. You will be rewarded handsomely for your assistance. If you can be trusted, send me your details. Best regards, Captain Jonathan Orances.” You may receive a tempting but risky offer like this in the near future, Leo. I suggest you turn it down. If you do, I bet a somewhat less interesting but far less risky offer will come your way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Some things need to be fixed, others to be left broken,” writes poet James Richardson. The coming weeks will be an ideal time for you to make final decisions about which are which in your own life. Are there relationships and dreams and structures that are either too damaged to salvage or undeserving of your hard labor?

Consider the possibility that you will abandon them for good. Are there relationships and dreams and structures that are cracked, but possible to repair and worthy of your diligent love? Make a plan to revive or reinvent them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Once every year, it is healthy and wise to make an ultimate confession --

© Copyright 2016 Rob Brezsny

to express everything you regret and bemoan in one cathartic swoop, and then be free of its subliminal nagging for another year. The coming days will be a perfect time to do this. For inspiration, read an excerpt from Jeanann Vernee’s “Genetics of Regret”: “I’m sorry I lied. Sorry I drew the picture of the dead cat. I’m sorry about the stolen tampons and the nest of mice in the stove. I’m sorry about the slashed window screens. I’m sorry it took 36 years to say this. Sorry that all I can do is worry what happens next. Sorry for the weevils and the dead grass.

Sorry I vomited in the wash drain. Sorry I left. Sorry I came back. I’m sorry it comes like this. Flood and undertow.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to the British podcast series “No Such Thing as a Fish,” there were only a few satisfying connubial relationships in late 18th-century England. One publication at that time declared that of the country’s 872,564 married couples, just nine were truly happy. I wonder if the percentage is higher for modern twosomes. Whether it is or not, I have good news: My reading of the astrological omens suggests that you Scorpios will have an unusually good chance of cultivating vibrant intimacy in the coming weeks. Take advantage of this grace period, please!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Some days I feel like playing it smooth,” says a character in Raymond Chandler’s short story “Trouble Is My Business,” “and some days I feel like playing it like a waffle iron.” I suspect that you Sagittarians will be in the latter phase until at least May 24. It won’t be prime time for silky strategies and glossy gambits and velvety victories. You’ll be better able to take advantage of fate’s fabulous farces if you’re geared up for edgy lessons and checkered challenges and intricate motifs.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Author Rebecca Solnit says that when she pictures herself as she was at age 15, “I see flames shooting up, see myself falling off the edge of the world, and am amazed I survived not the outside world but the inside one.”

Let that serve as an inspiration, Capricorn. Now is an excellent time for you to celebrate the heroic, messy, improbable victories of your past. You are ready and ripe to honor the crazy intelligence and dumb luck that guided you as you fought to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. You have a right and a duty to congratulate yourself for the suffering you have escaped and inner demons you have vanquished.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “To regain patience, learn to love the sour, the bitter, the salty, the clear.” The poet James Richardson wrote that wry advice, and now I’m passing it on to you. Why now?

Because if you enhance your appreciation for the sour, the bitter, the salty, and the clear, you will not only regain patience, but also generate unexpected opportunities. You will tonify your mood, beautify your attitude, and deepen your gravitas. So I hope you will invite and welcome the lumpy and the dappled, my dear. I hope you’ll seek out the tangy, the smoldering, the soggy, the spunky, the chirpy, the gritty, and an array of other experiences you may have previously kept at a distance.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “A thousand halfloves must be forsaken to take one whole heart home.” That’s from a Coleman Barks’ translation of a poem by the 13th-century Islamic scholar and mystic known as Rumi. I regard this epigram as a key theme for you during the next 12 months. You will be invited to shed a host of wishy-washy wishes so as to become strong and smart enough to go in quest of a very few burning, churning yearnings. Are you ready to sacrifice the mediocre in service to the sublime?

Homework: Whether or not we believe in gods, we all worship something. What idea, person, thing, or emotion do you bow down to?

FreeWillAstrology.com.

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

May 12 to May 18, 2016

Mind,body & Spirit

CELEBRATE YOU

C

by Bronwyn Ison

elebrating who you are along with possessing a good opinion of yourself will not prove deleterious.

In fact, it could be potentially harmful not to think you are absolutely wonderful. Yet, let’s not get confused with an exuberant approach. You want just enough healthy/ positive thinking to render you motivated, eager, and hungry for what the world has to offer you.

Similar to Spring-cleaning, you may want to do some pre-Summer cleansing as well. This could pertain to all areas of your life. Let’s commence with how you perceive yourself. Allow me to encourage you to think boldly. You may have been thinking to small as of late. If you think small, we will live small. And if you think big, we will live big. You have complete control over your thoughts. How you think is directly connected to how you perceive yourself.

If you have been stuck in a rut… it’s time to get extricate yourself. Why would you waste your time on thinking you are not capable of doing something? Attempt and confront your fear. You may find it wasn’t so difficult after all. Then you may wonder why you wasted so much time on something that seemingly became simple.

We need to think outside the box. Think big. Think bold. Be brave. Often times we identify ourselves by our previous

experiences. Most of us are terrified of attempting the same tasks twice because we may have not succeeded the first time. You are familiar with the quote, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!”

Just because you may have experienced a divorce doesn’t mean you should turn a blind eye to love or marriage. If you meet someone and the relationship prospers, try, try again. If you are victim of abuse, had a bankruptcy, or a substance abuse problem, this does not define who you are.

Your previous experiences are why you are who you are today. Transcend them. That may have been who you were then but it is not who you are now.

There is no doubt we are less than perfect beings. We make mistakes, we falter, and we demonstrate weaknesses.

We also make and execute poor choices and lack wisdom. Yet, this doesn’t mean you should be hard on yourself. Recognize and be responsible for your wrongdoings.

Move on from the past and press toward the future. Once you commence authentically celebrating your victories you will be less inclined to make poor decisions.

Make an effort each day to stop identifying with your problems and trust that you have the power to change your thinking to being positively you.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

BEAUTY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by dr maria lombardo

Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage.

She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program.

For a consultation or more information, visit lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

Should you get a consultation?

W

e often hear patients talk about how they have been wanting to do a cosmetic consultation for a very long time but they were “afraid coming to the doctor’s office would be intimidating” or “thought it would be expensive” or “I’m not ready to do a procedure right now”.

At Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery, we always make the consultation process as easy as possible. We offer complimentary consultations for all cosmetic patients both surgical and non-surgical visits. Sometimes a patient comes in not knowing what options are available to them and leave with a recommendation that is different than what they thought was going to be necessary.

When you come in to the office, some procedures like Botox, fillers and peels can be done at the same visit. Frequently, new patients just want more information about products or procedures and plan to do them at a later time. Of course surgery needs to be planned a bit further in advance but some patients are ready to schedule right away.

Other patients want to plan for surgery when they have an upcoming vacation or time off work.

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Women who come in for a breast augmentation (implant) consultation will try on different implants styles during that first visit to get an idea of what size they want to be. Usually a second “try on” is done before making the final decision on implant size. There is no pressure to make such an important decision at the first visit.

At the time of your consultation, you will need to fill out some paperwork before meeting one on one with Dr. Lombardo. Plan on spending 15 to 45 minutes in the office, depending on what types of procedures are being discussed. A personalized quote will be provided to you after the consultation is completed. Our office manager can schedule your next appointment or discuss outside financing if that is appropriate.

The bottom line is… if you are interested in a cosmetic procedure, surgical or nonsurgical, talking in person and directly to the doctor is the best way to find out all the options. When you have all the information, then decisions can be made about what course of action to take…

Call today for your complimentary consultation: 760-610-8990

Life & careerCoach

by Sunny Simon

Are You Autocorrecting?

T

he other day my friend Cassandra who lives in Germany posted this on Facebook: “I absolutely hate autocorrect!!! I’m typing in 3 different languages daily and it’s always picking the wrong language and trying to ‘correct’ all my words.” I sighed, understanding her frustration. Most people experience enough autocorrect interference working in one language.

On the bright side, this application has created a host of humorous tales when it guesses wrong. To alleviate my friend’s annoyance, the word on the street is Apple has filed a patent to solve the perils of autocorrect. Well, sort of. Any words or phrases changed by autocorrect will be highlighted alerting the reader your words have been changed.

Typing, texting and spelling bloopers aside, the correction theme should be applied to our daily lives. Self correcting is done in all walks of life.

Think about flying, pilots are constantly coursecorrecting. During my tenure at Xerox it was a common practice at the end of the meeting to create a “Did Good, Do Better” chart. Participants chimed in on the session highs and lows in an effort to both acknowledge the positives and reflect on correction for the next time.

Steve Jobs, a leader who relentlessly pushed his team to continually improve in an effort to build “WOW” products expressed it well when he

said, “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”

Whether we are talking about work life or life in general, incorporating a routine self correction process enhances our success meters. Often at the end of the day I review my interactions at home, and in the workplace. I reflect on what was accomplished, my completed actions and things left undone, owning the mistakes, learning from my missteps and vowing to take corrective action.

If you are not taking the time to track and review your day-to-day interactions, you may be more off course than you realize. Get back on track by observing your behavior, thought patterns and progress toward goals. End each day with either journaling your course and corrections, or, as it was technology that presented us with the loved/ hated auto-correct, use it to your advantage.

Download aps like 42 Goals, a tool for tracking goals and activities, or HabitForge, a site designed around accountability to motivate you in self correcting and creating positive habits with daily check-ins and progress reports. This week gain control of your life and move auto-correction to the forefront.

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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 12 to May 18, 2016

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

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Dr. Rebecca Diaz

760-325-3400 Dr. Rebecca Diaz is a cat-loving veterinary professional, dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens happy and healthy with top-quality care in a stress-free environment.

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Every aspect of our clinic is designed with the special needs of cats in mind.

From the quiet serene waiting room to the relaxing exam rooms and cat-friendly cages for hospitalized patients, our goal is to promote a peaceful, stress-free environment for your cats.

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

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May 12 to May 18, 2016

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