Coachella Valley Weekly - May 14 to May 20, 2020 Vol. 9 No. 9

coachellavalleyweekly.com • May 14 to May 20, 2020

Find Your Oasis

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Michael Keeth, Cody White & Krystofer Do

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Palm Canyon Theatre

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V o l .9 N o .9

Dickey’s Barbecue

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

CONTENTS

Surviving COVID-19 in the CV ............. 3-7 Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. ........... 8-10 Five-Point Checklist To Open Safely........ 10 Local Business - Phase 2 Reopening........ 13 CVB's "Find Your Oasis" Music Video ....... 14 Local Musicians - Micahel Keeth, Cody White & Krystofer Do.................... 16 VIRTUAL VIEWING ..................................... 17 Consider This - The Claudettes .............. 18

Breaking The 4th Wall - Spotlight on Palm Canyon Theatre............................. 19 Pet Place .................................................... 20 The Vino Voice ........................................ 21 Good Grub - Dickey's Barbecue............. 22

SURVIVING COVID-19:

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

THE HEALTH AND WEALTH OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY

T

his year cancellations in the last two months alone have deprived Coachella Valley businesses of roughly $2 billion in revenue and caused approximately 600,000 visiting tourists to abort their plans,” said Joe Wallace, CEO, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership. “The current disruptions mean that the visitordependent Coachella Valley is among the most negatively impacted places on the planet.”

The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) released the “Employment Impact of Covid-19 Coachella Valley” report May 4, as the debate whether or not to open nonessential businesses confronted Mayors across all nine cities of the valley. Wallace authored the report.

Leaders in the valley, county and state are finding that surviving the health crisis is creating an economic disaster that -- like the Covid-19 virus -- is difficult if not impossible to contain and is not yet over.

INDIAN WELLS “It’s all very serious. It is not a game,” said Indian Wells Mayor, Ty Peabody about keeping the community safe and reopening local businesses. “We are working on how to appropriately reopen the valley using the guide lines (see inset) to make sure we are prepared for whatever comes next.”

The City of Indian Wells took immediate actions after the Tennis Garden cancelled the PNB Paribas Tournament on March 9, the first in a series of large seasonal events that evaporated from the Coachella Valley. The city of Indian Wells has 13 cases of the corona virus and no deaths.

“We lost $11 million. We immediately stopped all capital improvements and worked on our projected budget for 20202021,” said Peabody.

For all nine CV cities, the fiscal year ends June 30, 2020.

In 2012, Indian Wells started an “emergency fund” where they committed $2 million a year.

“It was intended for use after an earthquake or natural disaster. No one anticipated a pandemic,” said Peabody. “As a city, we are happy where we are right now considering this could be worse than the great depression. Our citizens have behaved well and we encourage residents to continue to follow social distancing, wear masks, and consider their health first.” “

May 14 to May 20, 2020

“Even when the tourism and hospitality industry resumes, it is not going to be the same.”

Peabody is working with other valley Mayors and County Supervisors to better distinguish and define “essential businesses.”

“The rules have some discrimination,” said Peabody. “How do you choose what is essential? Mathis Brothers carries furniture but had to close. [The store has reopened] Target also sells furniture, but they were allowed to stay open. Why shouldn’t some businesses open as long as they follow the protocols that are in place?”

Peabody has opened dialogue with professional golf and tennis organizers in hopes to get new events scheduled for this fall.

BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY According to the CVEP report, in December 2019 there were 15,840 registered CV businesses with a total of 187,218 payrollbased jobs.

Approximately 1 in 4 jobs in the CV is dependent upon the tourism and hospitality industry which generates -- when there isn’t a global pandemic -- $7.5 billion annually.

Hotels, resorts and short-term rentals pay a transient occupation tax (TOT), which provides significant revenue to cities.

Visitors spend $5.9 billion each year in retail store, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses across the valley.

The CV’s permanent residents number over 450,000. When snowbirds and tourists arrive during season, the population nearly doubles.

LEISURE & GROUP TRAVEL Scott White, President/CEO, Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) forecasts a $3.5 billion loss in tourism revenue through the end of the year.

“Models show the pandemic will have a significant impact on our destination,” said

White. “We are still trying to understand the Governor’s metrics and how it’s applied. The Coachella Valley is lumped into the entire county, which is large and diverse. We are such a different physical area and are tourism dependent.”

Riverside County is the state’s fourth largest. It has a population of nearly 2,500,00.

White is advocating that the Governor’s metrics be applied by region so the valley and its top revenue producing industry can be supported and recognized during this financial crisis. At this point in the pandemic, he worries how many businesses are going to survive.

“There is so much unknown. Every week things change sometimes for the positive and sometimes for the negative. Certainly, I think we will be in uncharted territory for the next 12 to 18 months.”

The CVB is tracking demand through research and “sentiment polls.” As the weeks pass, White has seen that more people are becoming positive about travel and want to resume as much normality as possible in a safe way.

“What’s great for us is our proximity to the rest of Southern California,” said White. “We have a ‘drive market’ where people will get in their cars and take an extended weekend.”

Travelers are less likely to get on a plane or take a cruise.

“One of the challenges for us is not just the leisure travel, but ‘group centric’ travel,” said White. “Most hotels rely on a solid base of conventions, which make up 40 to 60 percent of their business. ‘Group’ travel is critical and they typically stay mid-week.

We are asking ourselves when will groups come back? Will people be willing to travel continue to page 4

Screeners ............................................... 24 Safety Tips .............................................. 25 Haddon Libby ........................................ 26 Dale Gribow ........................................... 26 Health - Keto ........................................... 27 Sawg For The Soul .................................. 27 Mind, Body & Spirit ............................... 28 Free Will Astrology................................ 28 Cannabis - Anxiety................................. 29

Joe Wallace CEO of CVEP

Ty Peabody

Mayor of Indian Wells

Scott White

President/CEO of CVB

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

SURVIVING COVID19 continued from page 3

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“At a county level, there is going to be a $100 million deficit in 2020/21 .” to the CV for a conference? Loss of group travel will likely have a long-term impact as opposed to leisure travel. But for ‘leisure centric’ travel to resume, it must feel safe. It is going to be a long process.”

White is thinking about the future of the tourism and hospitality industry, and how he and his organization can be a resource and advocate for the valley’s businesses.

“We try to stay involved and be apart of the conversation,” said White. “The CV does not attract business travel because our area does not have a diverse enough economy.”

The valley is primarily dependent on leisure and group travel.

“We are all trying to help each other and make sure we are in this together,” said White. “Travelers must feel safe with whomever they are interacting. Whether it’s a hotel, restaurant or retail store.”

CVB is committed to a regional pledge getting all the businesses aligned and putting in place guiding principles that can be used as a source for all valley businesses.

“We post protocols from area businesses on our website so consumers can know what a particular business has in place in terms of their safety,” said White. “We want to communicate to the traveler that the valley has a commitment to their health and safety.

Everyone will do it a little differently and protocols will vary, but that’s okay as long as they are following the guidelines. It may create a dynamic level of competition that we haven’t seen before as businesses reach out for visitors.”

White has seen projections that valley tourism will loose 56 percent, over 25,000 jobs this year. The difficult part is how to bring employees back and reintegrate as leisure and group travel begins to resume.

While the Coachella Valley is playing by the Governor’s rules, some coastal cities have been taking leisure guests. While their season is just beginning, the CV was forced to shut down during the peak months of March and April.

“We’re here to advise hotels with the rules and mandates and the potential risk they are taking if they open too soon,” said White.

“Our status has always been the sooner that we adhere to all of the mandates, we flatten the curve, we reduce the number of cases, the sooner we are going to get reopened. We want to make sure that our actions don’t increase Covid cases. Which would delay openings.”

White hopes the valley will be at a point where it can allow large gatherings and the festivals can operate even if it’s not at full capacity. Under the Governor’s guidelines all stages have to be met. Phase Four allows for large gatherings. (see inset)

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“That would be Christmas for the industry if we could get back to gatherings and large groups. But it is too soon to tell,” said White.

“If large events can provide an environment where people feel safe, and the government and hospitals systems are comfortable with it as well, then that would be great.”

White points out that it’s not just the visitors who have to feel safe and comfortable but also the valley’s residents and workforce.

“People have to get use to visitors navigating through our communities,” said White. “We all have to be safe and respectful of one another. Over the next few months it will be about finding the balance of the visitors comfort level, and more importantly, that residents feel comfortable and safe.”

White and his organization will be advocating for a 30 to 40 percent hotel and resort occupancy in a phased approach.

“Employees need to be trained and procedures implemented,” said White.

“There are a lot of variables that need to be developed so that we can open effectively.

It’s going to take all summer to get there.”

White would have preferred the pandemic hit in June and July to allow the industry to finish its lucrative season. Meanwhile, CVB waits to see what happens.

“With this pandemic shutting the industry down, there is a lot that needs to happen before we reopen our hotels,” said White.

“We have to make sure employees have protective gear and the materials they need to stay safe and healthy. There are quite a few barriers before we can open successfully.”

Even when the tourism and hospitality industry resumes, White believes it is not going to be the same.

“It’ll be awhile before we get to the same numbers,” said White. “People will be cautious. I don’t see that the same level of travel is going to take place. A smaller percentage of people will be traveling. I don’t see us back where we were in fall 2019. The landscape will look more like it did post recession and continue for the next 18 months or two years.”

Some CVB research has indicated that one third of travelers said, they are not going to travel until 2021; another third said, they would take shorter trips where they feel safe; and the last third said, it is not a big deal especially if they can take advantage of the cost savings and reduced crowds.

“This is a very resilient destination,” said White. “We have to collaborate and be unified as one destination. We talk about the CV as nine cities -- one oasis. We are of the mindset -- one large city with nine different neighborhoods where each has its own personality and identity.

When it comes to something like this we

have to find a way to work together so we are all safer. I believe we will succeed but no one knows how long it will take. The last thing we want to have happen is the virus boomerangs and we go back to where we were in March -- or worse. It’s important that we have a plan, it may be slower than people like, but it’s out of our hands. Hopefully we can get to where there is one voice, one direction, and we all work hard to get there.”

JOBS & UNEMPLOYMENT CVEP’s numbers for the valley’s unemployment rate prior to the Corona virus was 7.2 percent. This May, Wallace believes it will be over 40 percent.

“To see such devastating impacts on employment is disconcerting,” said Wallace.

“We could see the closure of 4,752 businesses as a result of this crisis. Because many businesses serve the tourism industry, it is not unreasonable to expect the casualty rate among small business to be higher than the state, national and international estimates.”

CVEP projects that the top three largest occupations will suffer the greatest. Sales and Sales-Related, Food Preparation and Serving-Related, and Personal Care and Service make up much of the CV’s workforce.

The economic partnership estimates a total of 33,860 or 63 percent of jobs will be lost.

The report notes that these top three business sectors are also the three lowest paying jobs. Although 1 in 4 jobs is directly hospitality related, about 50 percent of all valley jobs rely to the industry.

“The most vulnerable members of society are bearing the highest burden of job losses,” said Wallace. “The ‘timing’ of the Covid-19 crisis has been lethal. Businesses with high concentrations of jobs in tourism, hospitality and food have missed their busiest season, effectively creating six months of summer for Coachella Valley businesses.”

DESERT HOT SPRINGS Desert Hot Springs Mayor, Scott Matas, is proud that the residents have been so diligent in following the stay at home orders.

The city has suffered no deaths to the virus.

There are 50 Covid cases.

“Kudos to the community,” said Matas.

“They have taken the pandemic seriously and it’s helped. Even though it’s difficult right now, people seem to be getting through it.

We have residents who are essential workers and still working, but a lot of the workforce is in retail and hospitality. Maybe 20 percent are unemployed. We won’t know the exact figures until later this year.”

Considered a bedroom community, Desert Hot Spring is geographically surrounded by undeveloped desert. Eighty-nine percent of working residents commute to other CV

Scott Matas

Mayor of Desert Hot Springs

cities.

Cannabis is considered essential business and has helped with employment and keeping the city afloat, but according to Matas, it will be another three to four years before it’s built out and becomes the city’s main industry and top revenue source. Fortunately, the new city hall and the street improvement projects underway were funded years ago.

“We have to consider changes to our budget for the next fiscal year,” said Matas.

“We put city hiring on hold, but there’s not a lot we can do. We put together a task force and want to get to Phase Three as quickly as possible. Otherwise we may lose businesses.

We have to be careful how we move forward, because we can’t put ourselves in a position where we could lose future county funding.”

Phase Two is a challenge for the city, but it has allowed some businesses to open.

Government leaders make changes and announcements everyday and they do not always align. It is taking cities time to sort out the information coming from both the County and Governor.

“The biggest worry for all the politicians besides the economy crashing is the health of our communities,” said Matas. “The county and cities survive on the valley’s economics, so if the virus comes back in December like some have predicted, we could lose more people and businesses.

Last week, the city’s senior center, Rotary Club and the CV’s food bank delivered 520 meals to families and shut-ins. I worry about our economy getting back on track, but the health of our community is a priority.”

THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE Riverside County follows Los Angeles County with the second largest number of coronavirus cases 5,248, 185 hospitalized and 225 deaths. The county has tested 75,069.

It is over 7,000 square miles. It spans from Orange County to the Arizona border. The population is 2,440,124 with 28 incorporated cities.

V. Manual Perez, Chairperson, Riverside County Board of Supervisors, represents the fourth district, which begins at the west end of the Coachella Valley and extends across California’s desert, covering 5,000 square miles.

Most valley mayors are in favor of “regional variances” as the county’s west and east regions have such different communities and economies. The county received $436 million from the Federal government to deal with the public health crisis.

“We need to make sure we suppress and fight against the pandemic,” said Perez.

“It is still among us and continues to be. We strongly recommend that we all continue

V. Manuel Perez

Chairperson, Riverside County Board of Supervisors

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com to follow the protocols, do our part – stay in place, use facial masks, wash hands, and social distance until we see a downward trend (sic), which we have over the course of months.

However, its also very import to balance that with thinking about what does economic recovery look like and how do we transition.

How do we do this in a way that can garner the support of the Governor? Because in the short term, although it’s important, it seems like we need to open, but in the long term we don’t know if it will spike a surge.”

Perez is working in coordination with the Governor’s office so that in the future the county is able to receive funding from the State.

“The state funds things like disaster relief and supports Cal State University, Palm Desert. We want to be able to fund programs that diversify our workforce and economy, and insure we get funding streams for the Salton Sea restoration,” said Perez. “There are a lot of other areas we need to be mindful of. We need to get people back to work safely and at the same time keep fighting this pandemic.”

For the most part, the County Board of Supervisors has had a lot of support, but there are people who are not happy with the direction the Board is taking. Perez is doing his best to bring along those who disagree.

“At a county level, there is going to be a $100 million deficit in 20/21 [fiscal year],” said Perez. “I know cities are facing large deficits as well. On one end, we need to suppress the pandemic and on the other end, we have to open up the economy in which we are cautious, taking care of customers and workers, so that we are not hard hit to the degree of the great depression. This is something that concerns me very much.”

Although Perez has not directly met with the Governor, and the Governor has not threatened counties with withholding funding, there are counties in the state who tried to reopen only to find the state revoked licenses and emergency funds.

“I want to work as closely as I can with the Governor to do the right thing,” said Perez.

“Even though our Covid case numbers are rising, the county is testing at a much higher rate than any other county in the state. We have a 2.8 percent testing rate per capita in relation to our population. As a result, it seems we have more cases and deaths.

This week, we will have 13 sites in addition to the private sites already testing. We are adding 75 to 200 tracers [people who track the infected] so we can insure the safety of both those who tested positive and those they came in contact with.”

Riverside County has 17 hospitals.

The county is actively coordinating with healthcare professional to share resources, stock supplies and consult with doctors to prepare in the event there is a surge.

“We have two areas of concern regarding the thresholds required by the Governor,” said Perez. “For a county our size it is impossible to meet the 14 days without a death and to reduce cases to 1 in 10,000.

Other required thresholds are possible and we are moving to ramp up contact information, house the homeless, provide safety material to protect workers, and so on.

Steven Hernandez Mayor of Coachella

We are demonstrating breakthroughs and seeing downward trends. The Governor’s requirements are challenging. Why not use the CDC guide lines?”

Perez recognizes that valley mayors are getting antsy and each has challenges within their own cities. The Coachella Valley’s tourism and hospitality business is the most lucrative industry – at $7.5 billion – of the county’s five districts. The crisis and subsequent economic disaster has affected everyone in the valley either directly or indirectly.

“They want to open now. I get that,” said Perez. “I believe we have to think in terms of regional variances, but it doesn’t mean it will change the requirements. People are saying its either one or the other, save lives or the economy. I’m saying it has to be a balance.

We have to do both. No one knew this was coming even though we talked about it when it first appeared in China.”

The first person infected came into the United State from Wuhan, China, arriving at March Air Force base which is in Riverside County.

GROUND ZERO “We were ground zero. Then the first death of corona virus was in in the CV,” said Perez. “When the workers at the Murrieta nursing home didn’t show up, it was the county that mobilized a team and moved the people even though it’s a state regulated business. We are doing everything possible to demonstrate to the public that public health is number one and we work everyday to meet the Governor’s requirements.”

The County has received $436 million in Federal Funding. The County Board of Supervisors is still deciding how to best use and distribute the funds. Some of it will go to cover their deficit.

“We cannot grant the money to cities, but potentially, the funds can be used for small main street businesses who didn’t qualify for the PPP – Paycheck Protection Program.

Restaurants, hotels, retail can receive some relief to help keep them a float and prepare them for Phase 2.5 openings.”

For Perez, funding more testing is an option and he is open to other ideas that will directly help the public health crisis. When it comes to recognizing the CV as a singular regional entity reliant on one major industry, Perez doesn’t necessarily have a problem.

He understands and recognizes the valley’s unique conditions.

“I have to think about the state, the county, the district and the micro areas,” said Perez. “Our economy has been hard hit and it will take some time for the region to recover. We need to convince the Governor

Linda Evans

Mayor of La Qunita to fast track where possible to help the valley reopen.”

Riverside County is funded in part by the Federal government, and revenue is generated through sales and property taxes.

CITY OF COACHELLA The City of Coachella has set their goal to be absolutely safe. It has had 169 cases of Covid-19 and three deaths.

“Coachella is not a tourism economy,” said Steven Hernandez, Mayor of Coachella. “We are not reliant on the festivals, tournaments or large events like other cities. The city is okay financially. But a lot of our residents work in the tourism industry. They save during season for the summer months.”

Hernandez has been in public service since leaving college. He is 37 years old, and this is the second economic crisis he’s experienced. He has seen the fallout of financial disasters and how they devastate families and businesses.

“Nothing worse than folks losing their jobs,” said Hernandez. “Domestic violence, substance abuse, depression, suicide – there’s a whole lot of stresses when there is a loss of economic opportunity.”

Hernandez does not see the cancelled “big” events returning in the fall and plans to be in lock step with the county requirements.

He does not want to draw the ire of the government.

“We have to be creative and nimble,” said Hernandez about local leadership. “I’d like to see personal protective equipment (PPE) manufactured here in Coachella instead of China. Businesses need to have the necessary supplies to operate. There are opportunities here for entrepreneurs.”

LA QUINTA On May 1, La Quinta Mayor, Linda Evans sent letters to California Governor Newsom and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors requesting the “sub-region” of Riverside County -- the Coachella Valley -- be allowed to open more businesses. The letters were signed by mayors Evans, Nestande, Miller, Peabody and Matas.

The letter to the Governor requested specific dates through May 22, to reopen valley businesses – restaurants, services, and hotel/resorts in order to be prepared to accept leisure guests in a limited capacity for Memorial Day weekend.

In part, the letter to the Governor read: “We believe that the health data provided

by Riverside County for our respective cities, in addition to our valley’s ability to continue to monitor cases, should allow our cities a thoughtful reopening of our economy.”

The two-page letter mentions that the extensions of the stay at home orders “…

May 14 to May 20, 2020

Geoff Kors

Mayor of Palm Springs are not only mentally and emotionally intolerable, but also an economic disaster.”

Evans also wrote that valley cities support delaying the reopening of large gatherings, group sports, movie theaters, and schools.

Evans works in the health care industry for Desert Care Network.

The letter to County Supervisors concluded: “With the collaborative knowledge and guidance from the cities and county used to keep the public’s health and safety maintained, it’s time for our residents to decide on their own if they choose to remain sheltered in place or if they decide they want to work, shop and live – for the betterment of our communities and our health.”

Whether or not Evans’ letters were making impossible demands, the message was received by the Supervisors and Governor.

That same week, the Governor moved to make some adjustments and address the very serious issues in Evans’ letter.

“Reopen safely is the mantra,” said Evans.

“We need to forge ahead and learn to coexist with the Covid virus. It’s out there, but we can’t live in fear.”

La Quinta has 83 Covid cases and seven deaths.

PALM SPRINGS With Federal leadership lacking, local governments are taking steps to set public health mandates within their own jurisdictions.

When the County rolled back protective facemasks, the Palm Springs City Council voted to require face coverings when anyone is in an open business, masks are to be provided to employees and in places where people cannot maintain physical distancing.

The city has 108 cases of the coronavirus and nine deaths.

“I have to say, I am very appreciative, as always, and even more so to live in the valley and to be in Palm Spring,” said Geoff Kors, Mayor, Palm Springs. “Everyone has acted with thoughtfulness and kindness.”

The city is following the Governor’s orders and is doing everything they can to be ready for the tourism and hospitality industry to rebut.

“Yes, the county is aware of the unique economic crisis in the Coachella Valley as well as the state and nation,” said Kors. “We have advocated that the Governor consider looking at parts of counties separately from the entire county. In the CV we have a disproportionate number of Corona virus cases. We have also bent the curve faster than the state as a whole. So, if we can meet the criteria, the question is, can we be continue to page 6

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

SURVIVING COVID19 continued from page 5

considered a separate region? At this point it hasn’t been allowed but we will continue to advocate for it.”

The city is looking at a $28 million hole in their budget just from mid March through June. Next year, they are looking at a $47 million shortfall in a $125 million budget.

Many of the construction projects continue and building plans are still being submitted.

“Without tourism able to safely resume, we are going to have significant reductions in the services we provide,” said Kors. “Palm Springs and other cities in the valley will have to adapt to the circumstances.”

“Overwhelmingly, the residents and businesses in Palm Springs have been wonderful,” said Kors. “People have really stepped up and taken the situation seriously.

As a result, we went from a hot spot in Palm Springs, in the number of cases and deaths, to fortunately, not having had a death since April 18th. The rate of increases in infections spiked with Palm Springs having testing sites early on at Desert Aids Project and Desert Regional hospital.

We have seen the increases flatten. That’s all thanks to our residents and businesses for doing the right thing. By continuing to wear face masks and practice physical distancing, we will not only be able to protect the health of our residents and workers, but we are able to help our economy.”

When it comes to the big events returning to the valley, Palm Springs would gladly welcome the visitors as long as the criteria is met and there is no longer a threat to the community. People who use the Palm Springs International Airport, whether flying in or out, is a public health concern. Flights have dropped more than 90 percent.

“The Governor has made it clear that those big events will be the last phase to be allowed,” said Kors. “We are always hopeful that we will reach the criteria he has set. In order for those events to happen in Palm Springs and the valley, there needs to be a treatment or vaccine in place. The large events are so important to our residents, our workers and economy, but of course public health comes first and we will follow the Governor’s guidelines.”

Forty percent of Palm Springs’ population is over 60 years old. Both the city and valley have higher incidents of asthma, heart and pulmonary disease, diabetes and HIV, which are underlying conditions making those residents more vulnerable to the Corona virus.

“Given the vulnerability of our community, it’s really important that we not only take care of ourselves, but take care of our families,

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

friends and neighbors,” said Kors. “That’s what Palm Springs residents and businesses have been doing and the results speak for themselves.”

Kors has discovered the need to provide the community with as much useful and thoughtful information as possible so people know exactly what the rules are, can see the data on the virus for themselves, and feel they are getting the most reliable information.

“Our website gets updated daily. It has sections for employees, employers, residents, renters, businesses so people can get information easily,” said Kors. “We have done several webinars. When people have the answers to their questions, they have less anxiety.”

As restrictions continue and some lift, there are people in the valley who fear their civil liberties are at stake. Part of Kors’ career was spent as a civil liberties attorney.

“I take civil rights very seriously,” Kors said. “You have the right to drink. You have the right to drive. But if you drink and drive, and put someone else at risk, you’ve broken the law. We go even further because of cost issues. You have to legally wear a seatbelt when you get in your car even though the only person who is going to get hurt is you for not wearing it.

Why, all of a sudden, is not wearing something that would protect you, those around you, and who are bravely serving you during this emergency, become acceptable to anyone? I don’t understand it. If we do things to protect public health, we get the economy open faster, there will be fewer infections, and people will feel safer going out and spending money.

There is no benefit that anyone can show in allowing someone to go into a business without a face covering. If people are allowed to go to stores without face coverings, a lot of people who do wear a face covering won’t go because they don’t want to be put at risk.

Our workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and hardware stores who see hundreds of people a day and are acting with such kindness and professionalism shouldn’t be compromised.”

During the crisis, the city has reached out to its districts, residents and businesses to consider how to make the most of the new normal.

“An idea came from a meeting I had with the Arenas Districts Merchants Association and it moved into a broader plan that we are working to get it done and do it throughout the city by the time were are allowed to reopen,” said Kors. “We are advocating to the state, and have had meetings, to allow

“By continuing to wear face masks and practice physical distancing, we will not only be able to protect the health of our residents and workers, but we are able to help our economy.”

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Gina Nestande

Mayor of Palm Desert restaurants and bars to expand their outdoor dining in parking lots and potentially closed downtown streets like Palm Canyon and Arenas, so they can increase the space to serve people when they reopen, making customers feel more comfortable. Who doesn’t want to eat outside in Palm Spring, right? It’ll be lovely. That’s the way we are going to come through this. We have to be creative.”

At this point, the Governor is not allowing leisure travel and the stay at home order is still in place.

“We have to work really hard to meet the criteria he set as a region,” said Kors. “If they are not possible, but we are close and can meet public safety, then we should be proposing those to the Governor. If travel is allowed this summer, Palm Springs is a great place to come. Summer nights are magical.”

PALM DESERT “This is not about lives versus money,” said Gina Nestande, Mayor of Palm Desert.

“I view it as lives versus lives. All lives matter.

Every day people are being pushed into poverty, which shortens life expectancy and creates other social problems. This is a very difficult situation.”

Nestande watched the Governor’s Friday, May 8, press conference four times to get an understanding of the second phase.

“I thought the Governor’s message was confusing. He moved the goal post even further making it more difficult than the CDC’s guidelines,” said Nestande. “I can’t find it in the constitution where it says what businesses are essential and which ones are not. It’s not a crime if you want to work and provide for your family. It feels like we are in a dictatorship. For those who want to get back to their lives, we need to. This isn’t sustainable.”

Palm Desert has 123 cases of the Covid-19 and 11 deaths.

“If we can get Coachella Fest to happen in the fall, we will come out of this sooner than later,” said Nestande. “For every one person who says they are afraid, I have five saying they want to get back to work.”

Nestande is compelled to get an antibody test for her community in hopes to lower the denominator, which could reveal a lower death rate, and hopefully put things right again. She has been in touch with a USC research doctor who has been conducting repeat testing.

Unlike the Corona virus test where it shows only if you have it or not, the antibody test reveals if you had the virus, carry antibodies or never contracted the virus. The test is a pinprick of blood and the results are available in minutes. It does not however,

John Aguilar

Mayor of Cathedral City reveal if you have the virus or are a carrier.

“Data is showing that for every positive Covid-19 case there are 50 to 85 times the population that have had the Corona virus.

They may not have known it, or only had mild symptoms,” said Nestande. “What the antibody test does is increase the denominator of those who had the virus. If we know there are more people who have had the virus, it will push down the mortality rate. This data is the information we need to push-up to the county and the Governor to remove restrictions and open business.”

Nestande is working with Chad Mayes, California Assemblyman, 42nd District, to find a project manager and obtain funding for a random sample antibody test of 2,000, like USC’s testing program.

“The county has received $436 million that is sitting in an account,” said Nestande.

“There is also FEMA money available. To do the test properly it would cost $200,000.

Researchers get a cross section of volunteers.

And it has to be done again in another month to see if the numbers are going up or down.

It’s a major operation, but they are doing it in Los Angeles County now. This is the kind of data we need to move ourselves forward.”

CATHEDRAL CITY Cathedral City has the largest concentration of small businesses in the valley numbering 1,065. The city is less reliant on transient occupancy tax (TOT) than other communities and the car dealerships, the largest in the valley, contribute tax revenue.

The dealerships have remained open as essential businesses with service and repairs.

The city has 106 cases and one death from Covid-19.

“The city has planned for a rainy day and if there ever was one, this is it,” said John Aguilar, Mayor, Cathedral City. “We do not know where this is going to lead. The city is very strong financially and has strong reserves that this council and those before planned for. All cities are going to be struggling. We want to maintain our current level of service, balance our budget and increase our reserves if we can in this environment. We are not in a position to offer grants.”

Residents and businesses have reached out to the mayor, and the city has used social media to make sure people have the information they need to get through the challenges of the pandemic regarding both personal health and with ways to save their businesses.

“You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t have some anxiety,” said Aguilar.

The County’s efforts to relax some of the protocols and take steps to open the economy are appreciated by the mayors, but many

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Isaiah Hagerman

City Manager of Rancho Mirage disagreed as the county rolled back safety precautions. Aguilar is aware that many in his community have underlying conditions, which make them more vulnerable.

“I would love to see all the festivals return. We have festivals here that were cancelled,” said Aguilar. “Events should be looked at on a case by case basis. My perspective is: why would I want to put any of our citizens in harm’s way if we don’t have all the answers in place. If you practice good health protocols and can save lives, why wouldn’t you continue to do that until we are over the hump and have a vaccine in place.

We will do nothing that might jeopardy the community’s health.”

When it comes to local governments making decisions for their communities, city councils have limited authority, but are able to implement their own mandatory orders.

Civil liberties versus public health have become an issue for some communities.

“They are both important. We shouldn’t have to choose one or the other,” said Aguilar. “The restrictions that we are all operating under now are difficult and they do impede our normal way of life. This pandemic is something we didn’t create so we are just trying to manage it. Managing it as you would a natural disaster, sometimes we have to do things that are uncomfortable.

If someone could show me a way – they haven’t yet – that we could lift all the

Glenn Miller Mayor of Indio

restriction and go back to the way of life we were living two months ago, I’d be the first to say sign me up. But we’re not there yet.”

As cities weigh the benefits and risks to keep our way of life in the Coachella Valley healthy and functioning, a common analogy is the light switch. It is not just turning the switch on or off, it is like a dimmer that gradually turns up the brightness.

RANCHO MIRAGE The city of Rancho Mirage projects it will lose between $4 and $5 million in revenue from March through June 2020 due to the pandemic. The city has 29 cases of Covid-19 and three deaths.

City Manager, Isaiah Hagerman submitted financial information and a statement as the mayor’s seat transitioned last week from Iris Smotrich to G. Dana Hobart.

Hagerman: “The City of Rancho Mirage, its businesses and citizens are extremely resilient and giving. The City Council have stewarded the City’s financials to weather unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt its economy. We are often referred to as the Heart of the Palm Springs Valley so we are confident we will continue to be a top destination in Southern California. Although this pandemic is having a devastating effect, we are a close-knit community filled with brilliant, innovative and hardworking people.

It’s too soon to tell how long the rebound will take, but spirits and optimism will remain

May 14 to May 20, 2020

high.”

INDIO Indio’s mayor, Glenn Miller, knows exactly how many days until the October return of the postponed Coachella Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach. The city has a contractual obligation with Goldenvoice, and Miller is confident the events will take place.

“Our number one priority is the safety of everybody in the city,” said Miller. “We are looking at what we can do to move forward hopefully with all the proper procedures in place. We are working toward those goals.”

Indio has the largest population of the nine CV cities. They have 163 confirmed cases and five deaths. Miller believes the city is ready to reopen all businesses.

“We have a lot of mom and pop businesses,” said Miller. “You can’t treat all businesses the same. Give us the guidelines and we will do what we have to do to make it work to their advantage. If someone is uncomfortable opening, they don’t have to open. They set their future. As long as businesses have the proper procedures in place and are making sure they, their families, guests, and employees are safe, we are here to support them.”

HOTELIERS “I have a strong feeling that we will recover faster than other communities,” said Aftab Dada, Vice President, Managing Director, Hilton Palm Springs. “I believe we will see gas and oil prices lower, creating a greater ‘drive market.’ We are a society that likes to move, to get out and around and spend money. We still have 360 days of sunshine with lots of space.”

Hilton Palm Springs is one of two hotels allowed to remain open providing housing for essential workers from airline employees to quarantined health workers.

Shannon Anderson, Hilton’s General Manger, does her best to focus on the future and consider what hospitality looks like from behind a mask.

“People can’t see us smile, we can’t shake hands,” said Anderson. “We are in the business of hospitality so how do we take this on board and move forward. How will roomservice, breakfast and buffets look? How many guests will be able to enjoy the pool?

This is something we have never experienced before. There’s no historical data or a Ted Talk to reference. The landscape is changing, and it’s a constant conversation.”

Conservatively, Dada believes the pandemic will set the valley back three to five years with lingering and lasting effects.

He is glad the government has infused the economy with so much liquidity, and hopes there will be another round as people and businesses get back on their feet. He sees social distancing, masks, and hand washing as something that may become the norm.

Coachella’s Mayor Hernandez, who grew up in the CV, considers what the valley might be like in the future without the festivals.

“In the 80s and 90s, the valley didn’t have events with 100,000 plus people coming here during a single weekend,” said Hernandez.

“People came for Spring Break, golf, tennis and the sun. It could be that way again.”

“This is a resilient destination and we will get through it together,” said CVB’s White.

“I’m of the mindset that we are all one city with nine distinct neighborhoods. We can be safe together.”

Local governments have had to step up and deal with the public health crisis and the resulting economic disaster. It is a global event. The survival of the Coachella Valley depends on the people who live in our desert communities. It absolutely seems to be the truth when folks say we are all in this together whether they like it or not.

“Social distancing is the worst thing that can happen to a tourist-based economy. It is worse than a 7.5 earthquake or a toxic Salton Sea,” said CVEP’s Wallace. “It will not be a death blow, but it will be a life-changing event.”

COVID-19 REOPENING PHASES STAGE 1: SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS Make workplaces safe for our essential workers.

STAGE 2: LOWER-RISK WORKPLACES

Gradually reopen retail (curbside only), manufacturing & logistics.

Later, relax retail restrictions, adapt & reopen schools, child care, offices & limited hospitality, personal services.

STAGE 3: HIGHER-RISK WORKPLACES

Adapt and reopen movie theaters, religious services, & more personal & hospitality services.

STAGE 4: END OF STAY HOME ORDER Reopen areas of highest risk: e.g. Concerts, conventions, sports arenas.

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

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PANDEMIC & POLITICS: CONGRESSMAN AND DOCTOR RAUL RUIZ SPEAKS ABOUT DEFEATING COVID-19

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

Raul Ruiz, m.d.

U.S. Representative, 36th Congressional District “

T

he Corona virus is not going to disappear,” said Representative, Raul Ruiz, M.D., 36th Congressional District. “We need to reduce the transmission rate until we have a safe vaccine and stop the spread around the globe. We need to focus right now, because we haven’t reached the levels for containment.”

Ruiz has stepped up as a leader not only for the district he serves, but also for the country.

It may be great luck that our Representative is also a M.D. from Harvard Medical School, a former emergency room physician, and has a Master of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and a Master of Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. It doesn’t hurt that he is the first Latino to earn three graduate degrees from Harvard University – all with honors.

When Ruiz has something to say about public health, he is credible. Maybe even more important, on his Curriculum Vitae, is that he is a local graduated from Coachella Valley High School.

Ruiz knows the people here, our communities, and the significance of our valley and its industries.

Busy these days, Ruiz is in demand as a leader, medical expert and media spokes

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person. He is also a man of science and faith.

Ruiz is not intimidating and he is generous with his time and is never condescending. He believes in education and telling people the truth.

If you want to know the truth about the Corona virus and what scientists actually know, he can tell you with as much detail as you want to hear.

When Ruiz talks about the nature of Covid-19 and its evolution, he is describing a monster lying in wait to invade your body and spread itself throughout your system.

That is exactly what Covid does.

The Corona virus requires a host, and while the strangely invisible and beautiful floret–like sphere loiters on surfaces or disperses tiny droplets in the air, it bides its time when it can get close enough to enter your body without you knowing, multiply until it steals your breath away depriving your brain and organs of oxygen.

As health care professionals, virologists and a myriad of scientists and genome specialist try to get a handle on the nature of this deadly invader it moves around the globe unimpeded. It currently has no know natural enemies making it very powerful.

I asked the Congressman about the evolution and life span of the virus.

So, as I listened to Doctor Ruiz explain in

layperson terminology how humans have been able to survive these sophisticated organisms, I begin to see the only way to stop it is to out smart it. But how? You already know the answer.

Stay away from it! Don’t let the virus anywhere near you! Pretty simple.

But, it is not that simple. As Aftab Dada said in the CVW story “Surviving Covid-19: The Health and Wealth of the CV” (see this issue), “We are a society that likes to move, to get out and around.”

The good doctor explained the me that the Corona virus is just beginning to get its footing as it explores its evolutionary path towards mass duplication and global take over.

But Ruiz was much more scientific. He wasn’t just telling me a scary bedtime story or waxing poetic pandemic.

With a few examples, Ruiz explained what scientists call the “Ro” pronounced R-naught -- the rate of transmission. He shared with ease the “Ro” as a basic reproduction ratio, a metric used by scientists to evaluate how a pathogen can spread -- and how it can be stopped.

Ruiz made perfect sense as I listened carefully about the nature of a virus like Corona. The “Ro” formula determines the rate of transmission as well as containment.

The virus is clever, efficient, and even elegant. If one person has it, then it can move to another.

When Ruiz made the “Ro” perfectly clear, I diligently wrote it all down so I could share this amazing bit of human ingenuity. Then, he kindly simplified it -“It’s strategy,” he said in his impish enthusiasm. “It is a way to stop the spread.

We want active immunity.”

Ruiz clarified how we can stop the Corona virus monster.

“Two things,” Ruiz said, like he was holding up his fingers to me even though we were on a phone conversation.

“One: Use of a vaccine here and around the globe.”

“Two: Bring down the “Ro” so individuals cannot infect someone else and it just stays with that person, and they don’t infect other people.

Those are the only two scenarios to eradicate the virus.”

I get this, and it isn’t too challenging for a right- brain person.

“Of course, the challenge is the virus can mutate,” said Ruiz. “Once it mutates, it’s a whole new threat, because the vaccine can be rendered non-effective for the mutated virus, but also,” he said like a science fiction writer, “Our own immune system can be rendered non-effective, therefore people who got sick with the first virus, can get reinfected with the mutated virus. So that is how it is always evolving. There are reports that there is a second more aggressive corona virus out there.”

I ask about similarities to the flu?

“The flu has many different strains and every year based on early infections, epidemiologists pick a handful of strains with an educated guess, put it in a vaccine so you are protected from those strains and it decreases the severity if you get sick.”

“In this case, there are not dozens of corona virus,” he said making perfect sense.

I think to myself, “novel” Corona virus. It means unique.

“If we [Ruiz, doctors, scientists, Coachella Valley residents?] can get it right and get the one predominate strain, then we can make a bigger difference with a vaccine for this virus. “In terms of its lifespan, the corona virus is not going to disappear.”

I had to ask. We live in a desert where temperatures reach triple digits. Does heat stop the spread?

“Heat does not kill the virus and is not a form of treatment,” Ruiz says definitively.

“Those who are carriers, and if they sneeze, cough, or spittle lands on your face, you may get infected and the heat won’t change that.

If droplets land on a surface of something, extreme heat may shorten the lifespan on some objects based on bench studies, not case studies. Even with our heat, we are still seeing people get infected, and still seeing deaths. Other areas around the globe with warm environments are not seeing any change just because it’s hot. We can’t lower our guard or have a false sense of security during summer because the virus is still going to be in our community even at 100 to 125 degree heat.”

In the companion article “Surviving Covid19,” Palm Desert Mayor, Nestande, is compelled to get an antibody test for her community in hopes to lower the denominator, which could reveal a lower death rate, and hopefully put things right again.

“There are numerous types of platforms to test for antibodies. It’s very important to understand that while we are still increasing in the cases of new positives with the antigen -- the PCR test which is to see if someone is actually infected. The reason is because, if they have the Corona virus, then they are infectious. That test [PCR] is the most helpful right now because we need to determine if someone is infectious and they can quarantine to prevent others from getting infected.”

The antibody test is more for prevalence studies in the downslope, or when we contain the virus. A current antibody test does not mean if you are positive or you are immune, and therefore, you’re safe to go back to work and you won’t get infected.

The reason is this: We do not have the science and don’t now if there is a certain level of antibodies that a person needs to render them immune towards the Corona virus. There is a possibility that a minimal infection or the viral load in the body, which

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com produces a small amount of antibodies, and that small amount does not render you immune to the Corona virus, in case you get it at a higher load.

Those studies still need to happen and we need to determine what those levels of antibodies are to say you are immune to the virus. These antibody tests are qualitative test that tell you whether or not you have been exposed to the virus, doesn’t tell you if you are actively infectious, or if you are immune to the virus.”

Ruiz turned to his alma mater, Harvard University to seek out a professor there and brainstorm about how he could simplify a metric for cities to deal with such a severe pandemic like they do for governments, important scientists, and big pharmaceutical companies. He titled it “Five Point Plan” (see this issue).

“The Five Point Plan follows a national strategy treatment standards and vaccine development,” he said, a little of his nerdself coming through the airwaves.

“I wanted something that was useful at a local level for cities and counties and for people to understand what it means to have the framework in place to safely open business and ease up on precautions. First thing to ask is it the right time? The right timing is always based on do you have the current levels of Corona virus in your community under control and is it at a safe level.

There are different criteria’s for that. The White House states we should be on the downward slope and every public health official will agree with that. Meaning, we have at least two weeks with consistently decreasing new cases. That’s the downward slope.

The Governor chose 14 days -- no new deaths, which means you are pretty much near the bottom and a plateau consistently and no higher than 1 case per 10,000 population. The common sense is that you don’t want to remove precautions until you are at the downward slope and a safer area of the transmission curve. So far it seems we cannot say we are at a downward slope in the valley or Riverside County consistently.”

“The other spec is the ICU bed capacity,” said the M.D. Ruiz on the other side of the call. “We use all the patients in ICU because we want is to know how many ICU beds are available in the event there is a surge at any moment when we reopen, and hospitals are back to normal. It doesn’t matter if the patients are Covid-19 or not. It’s the amount of beds available that is the determining factor. The Governor said, we should have 35 percent more beds on reserve to handle a surge. That’s different because we are in a different context. This time last year, we weren’t under a pandemic where we could easily have an outbreak and a surge at any moment. How we best handle an outbreak proposes a month and a half of enough tests and the use of contact tracers. Resource managers are essential to help make sure people have what they need. Without “tracers” we can’t contain the virus.”

“We have been under the third component,” he said regarding his steps.

“Are we undercounting the rate of corona virus positive cases? To what extent is unclear. It’s about prevalence. We need testing to get an accurate picture of the Corona virus in our communities.”

Metaphorically, my head spins. And, like a good doctor, he senses I need clarity. He is focused and articulate.

“This is what is important to understand,” Ruiz said.

“This virus is real and very contagious. It effects more systems – organs—than the flu and is more lethal than the flu,” Ruiz spoke with authority maybe a little frustrated after repeating it for the last two months.

“As evident, that we’ve had 80,000 deaths in three months! Even with aggressive social distancing practice in different states.

Anyone who is trying to minimize the lethality due to any kind of formula or equation, put the calculator down and count the dead bodies of Americans who succumbed to Covid-19. There are those who have died even with aggressive treatment and then you can understand that if we loosen the interventions prematurely and without the safeguards in place you will see the mortality rates increase across the county.”

Doctor Ruiz gets quiet. I wonder if my cell phone died. Then, I hear Representative Ruiz continue: “This is a public health crisis. Our economy depends on how well we address the public health crisis. When you hear politicians saying there needs to be a balance then they have subscribed to a false and erroneous way of handling the economy, because then they define our public health response, and our economy as mutually exclusive. That is false! In fact, our economy is dependent on how we address the public health crisis. If you open the economy too soon without the safeguards in place, you will have an exponential rise in new cases and we will get a surge that will require businesses to shut down again. Keep doing that and there will be repeated opening and closings, which will hurt workers and delay our economic recovery and in addition, you will have more loss of life.”

Now I’m the one who is quiet, maybe for the first time I truly comprehend the seriousness and the consequences of the pandemic. The doctor/politician finishes, either way I have received his message and

May 14 to May 20, 2020

continue to listen with respect and gratitude for his expertise and passion.

“Balance is the wrong way of opening our businesses. The right way is to practice social distancing, and bring the numbers of new cases down so we can contain and make sure flair-ups don’t become surges.”

For a bit, I wonder why people haven’t been listening, or heard this succinct message. Why would anyone want to take unnecessary risks?

“When you create the public health safeguards, you build a resilient business community where they don’t have to shut down. In the long-term, that is going to help our business and workers and community.

It is not an either or, it is both at the same time. If you do not address the public health crisis, adequately with the scientific safeguards then you are going to hurt businesses, and the economy, and have an increase in spread and more deaths.”

Ruiz makes his point crystal clear.

“The no deaths in14 days is one of the safest criteria. Overall, the point is we shouldn’t be removing precautions and opening businesses until we are on the downslope of the transmission curve and we are clearly on a consistent decrease of new cases throughout the county. Some counties can indeed meet those benchmarks, like the rural communities where there haven’t been outbreaks.”

I flash back to all the information I gleaned from the Mayors, CEO and community leaders for the article about “Surviving Covid19”.

Riverside County Supervisor Manual Perez and others told me the Governor’s 14 days no deaths was impossible or unattainable. I mention this to the Congressman. There is a pause.

“I don’t subscribe to the idea that the 14 days without a death is impossible or unattainable,” he said, without any hesitation.

“What the criteria elucidates, is the fact that Riverside County has a higher than average vulnerability towards transmission as well as death due to our demographics.

We should plan our preparations and precautions according to our local risks and vulnerabilities -- not drop our precautions to the bottom floor that the state provides for all counties.

The fact that it is difficult for the county to meet the criteria, just highlights indeed we have a bigger issue with the Corona virus than other counties. Our vulnerability is this: We have the fourth largest population; we know that density increases transmission because the virus depends on human interactions at close proximity.

There are other serious issues that put us at risk especially in the Coachella Valley where we have an older population. We are higher than the national average in cardio pulmonary illnesses, diabetes, and many of our communities live in poverty and do not have the luxury of quarantining. Many of the workers in those communities, due to our industries, have to go to work and are more exposed and vulnerable. If anything, the county should reflect on not reducing their precautions but actually increase them to reflect the vulnerabilities, risks of transmission, and those dying from Covid19 in the county.”

I get it. I have other questions. I ask about Federal funding and if the amount dispersed in the CV can be quantified? Ruiz rattles a list of entities that received money: Palm Springs International Airport-- $11 million; food bank – a lot as well.

“Federal aid has been coming into our county and valley, but we need more. The bill I am going to vote in favor for on Friday, is going to provide up to $3 trillion for the American people. The focus is another stimulus check $1,200 per person including children. It will extend unemployment through January, and provides a trillion dollars for cities, counties and states. This time cities that have a population that is less then 500,000 will receive benefits that will reach essential workers and lost revenue based on city projections.

“It highlights how important it is to have the public health safeguards in place. We want to be able to safely open our businesses and provide consumer confidence and keep workers protected. Otherwise, we could hurt tourism. Imagine if we reported surges and deaths in the Coachella Valley because we opened too early. Who is going to want to come and vacation here?”

I hear what he is saying and I can’t imagine the repercussions on the lives and livelihoods of those of us in CV. continue to page 10

Raul Ruiz, along with the Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, helping to administer COVID-19 tests to farmworkers and people experiencing homelesness in our community.

(Photos courtesy of Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD Facebook page)

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

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RAUL RUIZ continued from page 9 fear – or hope – this global pandemic is a

I mention that Indo Mayor Miller told me that he is confident that the festivals will take place in fall. I think I hear Ruiz exhale.

“Fall is going to be when most public health experts predict another surge due to, not only the winter environment, but also the concomitant burden that our health system is going to have due to other respiratory illnesses.

Already in the fall and winter, we see our emergency departments full due to the cold and flu, then add the Corona virus and we are going to have to accommodate for that.

There are a lot of milestones we need to create in order to safely have the festivals.

If we meet the milestones, in terms of local cases, and transition the airports and hotels, the festivals will have to implement accountable and enforceable precautions.

What we don’t want is a massive increase in our density with people congregating in a very vulnerable community. We don’t want that.”

I agree with the congressman. But he used the word “enforceable” in his step number four which has language that concerns me – or at least the freedom-loving hippy who has a little problem with authority and government over reaching, stepping on my civil liberties.

I ask him what he says to people who

sign of the “end times.” I mention plagues, volcanoes, the destruction of the earth, how people can’t buy or sell. Briefly, it makes sense and I get why people are protesting and afraid.

“There is no conspiracy theory here that many have touted to bring fear of some of these orders. This is simply a way to help people stay healthy and a way for the vulnerable to stay healthy during a pandemic. What we don’t want is everybody, due to misunderstanding, misinformation, or biased beliefs that are not based in science to make decisions that jeopardize individuals who are taking all the precautions and making an effort to weather this storm.

The more we can encourage people with incentives through community to follow the public health recommendation and the orders to do so, and the more people who do it, the better our economy. And, we prevent loss of life. That’s the whole point of it.”

I am sure he is right and I believe in science. But still, some people are behaving crazy.

“How do we influence behavior in order to get a sense of social responsibility to everyone in the community. This is not a virus where the consequences are solely

(Photo courtesy of Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD Facebook page)

on the individual who chooses to engage in risky behavior. That’s not the case with this virus. Unfortunately, people may be virus positive without symptoms and may spread it in the grocery store, wherever they go and the virus spreads to some one who has

FIVE-POINT CHECKLIST TO OPEN UP SAFELY

O

ur nation is now entering a new phase in the COVID-19 pandemic, as we seek to reopen the economy while protecting the public’s health. These two objectives are not in conflict. Indeed, we must do both together.

We developed a five-point checklist to guide efforts to open up safely, based on the best available scientific thinking. Our checklist sets standards for evaluating whether the healthcare system, government and community institutions, and the public are ready.

1. Is the timing safe to remove precautions?

COVID-19 has delivered a gut-punch to our collective well-being. To start easing restrictions on movement and public gatherings, we need to establish that the transmission rate is slowing significantly and consistently, as recommended by the White House Task Force, and that our hospital system has recovered so that it can handle another surge, especially with adequate ICU beds in local hospitals.

2. Are our communities ready to prevent a new flare-up, especially in high-risk situations?

If the economy is going to safely reopen, governments need to assure that effective public health measures are adopted to protect people from infection. These measures should

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apply to all locations where groups of people gather, especially nursing homes, businesses, schools, churches, transportation systems, and group events.

Our health system needs to have the capacity needed to test, treat, and monitor the cases that are identified.

In coordination with local governments, every Governor needs to delineate clear responsibilities for testing and monitoring in their state. Each jurisdiction needs a defined testing strategy (testing everyone, random community testing, high-risk group testing, or another, based on local needs). That strategy should include an explicit methodology, responsible officials, funding, and goals, along with ongoing assessments of need and performance based on science and

underlying condition. Then that patient puts the hospital’s frontline workers at risk if they don’t have enough PPEs to help that patient.

That needs to be understood. A public health approach is to protect the public’s health in a population based structure.”

Congressman Ruiz knows what he is talking about. I squeeze in another question I promised a mayor I would ask anonymously.

I don’t mention his/her name but I am pretty sure the Congressman knows who I am talking about. It’s about the manufacturing business opportunities in the City of Coachella.

Ruiz answers the question about the Federal government working with existing US companies to make more PPE, but it is clearly not enough.

“We are dependent on importing these products from other countries. I am all in favor for internalizing our production process and manufacturing, and am supportive if a business wants to ramp up their production and I can connect them with resources from the federal government. I am here to help all I can.”

Yes, indeed, he is helping. I thank the Congressman for his public service and wish him well.

I feel grateful our valley has Doctor Ruiz as our Representative during this difficult global pandemic and economic crisis.

BY RAUL RUIZ AND MICHAEL R. REICH

facts, not wishful thinking.

3. Is our health system ready to save lives and contain a flare-up?

Hospitals need adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPEs), tests, and ventilators to protect our frontline healthcare workers and to save the lives of patients, so that we can handle a COVID-19 surge for a month.

Each responsible government entity also needs to set up an effective system for contact tracing when cases of COVID-19 are identified. Timely contact tracing of confirmed cases is essential to contain the virus, lower transmission, and prevent a surge of infections.

In addition, newly infected individuals need to be isolated and quarantined so they don’t spread the virus further.

People who cannot isolate in their own living space need assistance.

Governments and local institutions must employ “support and resource managers” to help place those infected individuals in safe quarantine or isolation locations and help address their nutritional and medical needs.

4. Are we ready to establish and enforce requirements, set expectations, and clearly communicate those to the public?

Assuring safe public behavior as the economy reopens will require effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms that demonstrate

COMMUNITY

compliance matters and non-compliance has consequences. Government officials need to communicate regularly with their constituents to explain the reasons for those regulations and the standards for gradual relaxing of social distancing.

5. Are there clear guidelines to help government determine when to reinstate stay-at-home precautions?

Finally, governments need to establish and communicate the triggers for restoring stay-at-home measures if the infection rate starts to rise again. The triggers need to be clearly defined, such as a sustained increase in new cases over 14 days.

Creating community support in the coming months requires public trust. Establishing and communicating guidelines will help build that trust, and also reinforce the principle that opening up is conditional on continued progress in controlling transmission.

A downloadable checklist and related key references are available at: ruiz. house.gov.

Congressman Raul Ruiz MD, MPH, MPP is trained in humanitarian and disaster aid and is the U.S. Congressman for California’s 36th District, serving since 2013.

Michael R. Reich is Takemi Research Professor of International Health Policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 14 to May 20, 2020

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

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HOW BUSINESSES ARE RESPONDING TO REOPENING IN PHASE 2 WITH CURBSIDE SERVICE

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nder Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan, we are now seeing local Coachella Valley retailers welcoming customers back via curbside service. A welcome sign for many to see after being hunkered down at home for two months, especially the small business owners themselves. While some have offered online ordering, others have been completely closed.

We spoke to a few merchants on El Paseo who shared their excitement about getting back to business.

While The Body Deli continued to offer online ordering the past two months with a healthy online client base in place already, those that like to come to the shop in-person have begun placing orders for curbside pick-up now that they can. What has helped, according to Co-owner David Parker of The Body Deli, is providing something extra. “Just offering marginal discounts are not enough, we’ve found that offering a gift with purchase that people find value in, has worked incredibly well.” During this time with the doors closed, The Body Deli created a 75% organic alcohol sanitizer to use in their workstation and store, and now provides it free as a gift with purchase of $50 or more, and with $100 or more the gift also includes a comfortable unisex black face mask, and orders for curbside pickup have

been well embraced.

Others have also been busy behind the scenes in absence of customers in-person.

Nicole on El Paseo has a new website to showcase their latest fashions, and now has the ability to take orders online, something they did not do in the past. But, that didn’t stop sales with the doors closed as people called orders in, especially when they early on introduced designer-inspired masks, prior to the mandate even. “We were able to fill a need in the community for in-demand masks, and provide sharp looking fashionable ones, that are also very comfortable,” stated Owner Nicole Pascale. They kept in touch with clients through e-mail newsletters and social media efforts, and then via word of mouth people were calling in to get these, including orders from far away folks in Chicago, Hawaii, and other locations.

Another boutique, House of lolo El Paseo, featured their entire store inventory on their website for online shopping, and experienced consistent orders from clothing to home décor, and of course, face masks. “We pivoted entirely to online as we started to see the impact of COVID-19 hitting our communities,” says Owner Laurie Moulton. “Our entire team focused 100 percent on shooting and posting as many products as possible online for both

TRAVEL&LOCALHAPPENINGS4U ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

LA QUINTA COVE OASIS

C

ove Oasis Trailhead is a 114-acre natural open space area that is located at the southernmost part of the Cove. Access to the Cove Oasis area is located on Calle Tecate. Trails such as the Boo Hoff and Bear Creek can be accessed from the trailhead.

• Amenities include: • Picnic tables & benches • Hiking trails • Water fountain • Public Art • Available for event rentals Bear Creek Canyon Trail is an 8.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near La Quinta, California that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers several activity options and is accessible year-round.

Boo Hoff Trail is a 12.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near La Quinta, California that features beautiful wildflowers

and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from September until May. For more info please call the Community Services Department at (760) 777-7090.

Due to the Covid-19 virus please practice social distances and stay safe.

Think One Day at a Time and Enjoy Nature!

BY CHRIS CLEMENS

May 14 to May 20, 2020

LOCAL BUSINESS

of our locations two weeks before we had to shut down. It was the best decision we could have ever made – our communities and clients have provided amazing support for our small business!” As did The Body Deli, House of lolo offered a value-add to purchases with 20 percent off on all online orders, in effect through May. According to Moulton she and her associates have provided ongoing communication to clients on a consistent basis using email outreach, text messages and calls to check in and offer assistance with any needs.

JC’s Patio Café has offered restaurant takeout service since the closure of dining rooms, and has found his regular patrons supportive. “They want to have social interaction so badly, they thank us for being open and have been very consistent and incredibly generous with gratuities and purchasing gift cards,” said Owner Casey Hutchinson. In preparation for reopening the dining room they have been reformatting the menu to be a disposable placemat for the upcoming “single-use menu” requirement that will go into effect.

If you take a drive down El Paseo now, you’ll see some restaurants and some of the shops have placed window signage with contact information for curbside orders. “This is definitely a very first recommendation we make to retail clients in preparing for reopening and to continue increasing online orders – having window signage is a must for increased business,” said CEO Stephanie Greene of FG Creative, a full-service marketing firm located in The Gardens on El Paseo.

“Having represented the El Paseo Shopping District for 20 years, we want to help the merchants as much as possible to reopen AND thrive, and have continued to provide 100 percent support throughout this entire closure to keep them in front of the community as much as possible.”

FG Creative has developed a unique Marketing Retail Reopening Package to assist retailers in most effectively reopening their businesses. With a rich history in the

retail industry of 35 years, the team provides a comprehensive evaluation of the store including recommendations for the entry appeal, window signage and messaging, instore signage and best wording and graphics for welcome and appeal. They also help plan impulse item buys and their positioning, merchandise bundling appeal and movement, ways to create unique displays, and the best locations to draw people into all areas of the store. In addition, marketing material can be reviewed to determine any changes needed considering the ‘new normal’ and recommendations made for improving marketing materials overall.

FG Creative is also working in partnership with PlanIt Printworks of Palm Desert to provide branded, customized signage packages that include window clings, floor decals, banners and other key elements to let customers know the store policies and that wellness is the top priority, and can coordinate creation of these materials for the retailers as well.

“We developed this comprehensive package because we see a great need for these services in this uncertain time, in unchartered territory,” said Greene. “These services can be beneficial in the regular course of business, but especially in this time of crisis when businesses have suffered and need to make a strong come back.”

FG Creative, Inc. opened its doors in 2002 and continues to offer cutting-edge design and effective solutions for a variety of clients both locally and regionally with branding, marketing, advertising, social media, website development and public relations services.

The well-rounded client list includes El Paseo Shopping District, El Paseo Jewelers, The Body Deli, J Russell! The Salon, City of Palm Desert, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Desert Cancer Foundation, Dr. Carreon Foundation, Joslyn Center, Palm Desert Aquatic Center, Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center, and others. For more information on FG Creative, Inc., visit www.fgcreative.com or call (760) 449-0803.

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

LOCAL MUSIC

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FIND YOUR OASIS

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FROM THE GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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ith almost 4K views in its first several days, the official music video and tourism campaign titled, “Find Your Oasis” is a beautifully orchestrated art piece a year in the making.

Focused on the storyline of a young woman played by cellist Michelle Packman “chasing paradise” by being carried away by the allure that is Greater Palm Springs, the five-minute plus video reminds desert residents of why we stay and sends the message around the globe of why everyone should visit.

Finding your oasis is doing what brings you joy and passion in life. The message behind Greater Palm Springs’ destination theme song, “Find Your Own Oasis,” has never been more appropriate than now. In this original music video produced in collaboration with Summerland Creative, a traveler finds herself enveloped in a spirit where genres of music and beats seamlessly blend from one to the next to showcase our diversity in people, cultures and geography. Local musicians such as Jesika Von Rabbit, Derek Jordan Gregg, Sean Poe, The Flusters, Meagan Van Dyke and artists such as Chris Sanchez, Sofia Enriquez and Ryan Campbell come together to tell Greater Palm Springs’ story with unbridled affection. It has become an anthem of their pride, freedom and passion, played with heart and soul.

Drawing upon the inspiration of the region’s natural charisma, the music video for “Find Your Oasis” was designed to create an experience that inspires listeners to visit the desert, famed for its beauty, spirit and abundance of outdoor activities. The project brought together a stellar roster of local artists—including vocalists, bands, pop artists, visual artists, muralists, a cellist, a tap dancer and a poet—who convey unbridled affection for the destination through their soulful performances. Iconic locations throughout the valley also are celebrated in the video.

Viewers will recognize the Empire Polo Club, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree National Park and a variety of local hotels, resorts and public art pieces.

Coachella Valley Weekly had the opportunity to speak with Jeff Miraglia and Brian La Belle of the production team as well as several artists involved.

JEFF MIRAGLIA, Chief Creative Officer, Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau CVW: What is the concept behind a music video about the destination of Greater Palm Springs?

Miraglia: “About three years ago we created a song. But we felt that we needed to use all the senses to tell the story of our destination. We have beautiful visuals and

music is a big part of everyone’s life. This is the home to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival so to have something that is part of the local music scene is what we wanted. We talk about wide open spaces, being able to enjoy the freedom of the open air, the art scene and the sunrises - - all the things that make our destination really special, it’s a very personal thing. For some, ‘finding their oasis’ is lounging in the sun or being amazed under the stars. For others, it could be sitting by the pool, or attending a party or event, or taking a mountainside hike.

‘Finding your oasis’ is whatever brings you joy and brings your passion to life. My vision for the video was to create a story around the journey of a woman. We feature some of the more beautiful and natural experiential places that any traveler or visitor would experience here.”

CVW: Who brought the music video to life?

Miraglia: “I have to give a lot of credit to my production partners at Summerland Creative, Brian La Belle and Tom McDonald.

Tom has a music pedigree. He used his talents to create a way for each of these diverse artists to contribute, and have it blended so that it feels like one song. With one voice and melody arrangement, it feels like something a Pop artist would produce. However, this was created with seven different genres.

We wanted to tell the story of our

destination through music. That’s where I had the idea to split up the song into several different music genres. I brought it to the team and asked, why don’t we look at it in terms of all the music festivals we have, the nightlife we have and different cultures? I wanted to tap into multiple genres starting with combining Pop and Classical. Cumbia is evident in our Latin community. We have a little vibe of the DJ beat through Alf Alpha.

We included the High Desert music scene. We wanted to bring it all together to represent this community. It ended up being an amazing track. It all has to do with all the contributions of our local musicians.”

CVW: Why is now the right time to release this video?

Miraglia: “It took us almost a year to do this project. When you think about the scale, sound, music arrangement, filming locations, the various artists and schedules, it took a while for the parts to come together. This was going to be released as part of our summer campaign but with all that is going on now, we feel it has the ability to take on a bigger purpose. Music unites. When we set out to create the video, we knew we had a strong message in the lyrics of our song, but we also recognized what the song’s emotions can bring. Today, it has real power. This is a tribute to our residents and artists. When we recently saw citizens in Italy stepping out on their balconies to sing songs to stay connected, we understand the power of music.

Another reason that now is the best time for this video release is that all proceeds from the original song’s downloads will benefit GPS Tourism Foundation’s Hospitality Workforce Relief Fund. This fund is designed to support families in the hospitality and tourism industry facing hardship as a result of COVID-19. In a few weeks we will have the video version of the song available for download on iTunes and Spotify. There are more than 50,000 jobs that are supported by tourism in the Coachella Valley. This industry has been devastated by the crisis and many in our tourism community are facing extreme financial hardship. One

Angie & The Deserters

Assata Grooves

The Flusters

Mack & Gold

DJ Alf Alpha

Dante Mitchell

Matt Sorum

Chris Sanchez

Ryan Campbell

Sofia Enriquez

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Jesika von Rabbit

hundred percent of the proceeds will provide economic relief to local families.”

CVW: Did you find your oasis in making this video?

Miraglia: “This is a labor of love. We wanted to do something that has a greater purpose and embraces an aspect of our destination that is so unique, distinct and full of heart and soul. If we can help distinguish ourselves as a music destination and artist destination, why not? I’ve learned to love all of these artists and I would never have met them in any other way except through this project. I’ve been doing this a long time. I feel this is the best work of my life. We created a village of creativity.”

BRIAN LA BELLE, Creative Director at Summerland Creative CVW: What is some of the history of this project?

La Belle: “When we set out to create this music video it was the summer of 2019.

Production started in October and ended in January of 2020. We never expected to face the trials our world is facing now. That said, we knew going in that we wanted to tell a story about what makes our community so incredible through the point of view of a single traveler. And we realized early on that our local artists help shape us and define us. That to all of us was the key.”

CVW: The pandemic really threw a wrench in our tourism industry but many communities are persevering and the Coachella Valley is no different.

La Belle: “Today this music video feels even more important. Now I think of how music holds us together through darker times.

I think for me, this video has become a similar message, one of hope and dreams. I would like people to see our destination in the light of what makes us so special. While we are faced with the challenges ahead, we can always have great memories and so much to look forward to and certainly hope for.”

CVW: How would you describe the intent behind the project?

La Belle: “‘Find Your Oasis’ is a state of mind. From my perspective, I directed it to feel like a daydream, like the best memories you have back home after you have experienced a vacation. Or perhaps even better, it's the feeling you imagine, of the vacation you are planning and the moment you return.”

CVW: You and Tom are unmistakably emotionally connected to the desert. Tell us more about your background.

La Belle: “It’s an honor for Summerland Creative to represent our hometown. Both my business partner Tom McDonald and I were best friends when we went to Palm Springs High School in the early 90’s. I love the way the Coachella Valley has become a mecca for artists and musicians of all kinds. We have

Michelle Packman

made our mark and through thick and thin. It's important to let the world know we are still here and waiting to open our doors again.”

CVW: The collaboration between Summerland Creative and CVB really does raise the bar on future projects coming from this area.

La Belle: “We have enjoyed a wonderful collaboration process with Jeff Miraglia and his brand team and through the wonderful trust and support of Scott White we were able to challenge ourselves to create this piece of work. I hope it brings smiles and reminds the world around us that we have a land of dreams waiting for them.”

JESIKA VON RABBIT The Queen of the High Desert needs no introduction. Jesika Von Rabbit has delivered the musical goods for years and this performance is no different. JvR is stellar in the video and she sets the tone for the other local artists.

CVW: You do not disappoint in this video.

How are you feeling about the end result of “Find Your Oasis” and what it can do for our area?

JvR: “I think it’s already a pretty popular place and it’s a beautifully shot video. It’s a rich and diverse community, there’s lot of great musicians and a beautiful landscape; this is going to show that off a little bit more. It’s done very well, they filmed a nice slice of our world out here and I’m happy to be a part of it. It’s hard to sing someone else’s song. I’ve written Country to Rock and Roll to Electronic music. I did my best and it’s all good.”

MICHELLE PACKMAN Michelle Packman was born and raised in Orange County, CA and is a North American Tour Scholar of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where she studied Contemporary Writing and Production. She has a Bachelor’s of Music in Cello Performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music in Long Beach, CA. CVW: Your performance in this project is amazing and it seemed like you were a natural ‘desert rat’.

Packman: “This was the most relaxing work I’ve ever done. Everyone was extremely positive and it’s gorgeous out there. We were taking hikes in between shooting. I want to move there! It’s so much more relaxing than Los Angeles. They let all the artists truly be themselves and that’s the most special thing.

As you’re watching it, you really get a feel for all the artists in and around Palm Springs.

I don’t live there but I work there a lot and I would love to work there more because I really like it, it’s a special place.”

CVW: What portion of the project are you most enthusiastic about?

Packman: “The part I’m happiest about

May 14 to May 20, 2020 Meagan Van Dyke

is writing my own music and having it in the video. I wasn’t just on camera because I fit some visual profile, it was really my actual creativity. Working with Tom McDonald, Brian La Belle and Jeff Miraglia was superpositive. Everyone was nice and they wanted to showcase what I could do as an artist, not just my face. It was a little strange seeing myself on camera like that because I’m primarily a musician. Getting to hang out with the other artists between shots was really fun. I wish everyone a lot of success with this.

You go onto sets sometimes and it’s kind of a bummer, people don’t talk to each other, this was a totally different experience, everyone was there to have a good time.”

MEAGAN VAN DYKE Meagan Van Dyke grew up in the Coachella Valley, singing and performing since the age of 8 and in 2019, she was voted Coachella Valley Music Awards’ Best Female Vocalist. She has starred in numerous musicals throughout her career as well as performing as a solo artist and in a duo with Dougie VanSant. Van Dyke also writes for her lifestyle blog Mad About Meg. CVW: What are your thoughts on the final

outcome of “Find Your Oasis”?

Van Dyke: “When I was approached about this project, I knew immediately that Jeff Miraglia at Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau and Summerland Creative shared the same vision I do for this valley. They took that vision and cultivated a piece of video art with beauty and depth that expresses the very heart of this place we call home. To be a part of something that showcases a place where I grew up, work, live, play and perform in such a beautiful portrayal is an absolute honor.”

CVW: The concept of Find Your Oasis can be interpreted in many different ways. How do you understand it?

Van Dyke: “‘Find Your Oasis’ is doing what brings your life passion and joy. In moments of uncertainty, we sometimes forget where our passion lies. Now, more than ever, it is so important to be present, to keep our community evolving, to continue to build momentum and to celebrate life! ‘Find Your Oasis’ is a living, breathing representation of all of these things.”

Watch “Find Your Oasis” at https://youtu. be/Xr7Mn1fd7x0.

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

LOCAL MUSIC

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

CATCHING UP WITH LOCAL MUSICIANS DURING QUARANTINE:

BY TRACY DIETLIN

MICHAEL KEETH, CODY WHITE AND THE EASY RIDE, KRYSTOFER DO M

ICHAEL KEETH: The Voice Michael Keeth is a soulful singer-songwriter and fulltime musician. He was working 6 days a week, many days performing 2 gigs to support his family, until quarantine happened. He has a loyal following and gains new fans at every show. I tagged him with the nickname “The Voice” several years ago and it has stuck.

Michael won Best Male Vocalist 5 years in a row at the CV Music Awards. Keeth is also the frontman for the hard rock band Death in Pretty Wrapping. He is currently performing on FB Live where you can tune in and offer support through the virtual tip jar. In September 2019 he released the emotional track “I Won’t Run.” A song many of us can identify with. Check it out on YouTube.

CVW: What projects are you working on while in quarantine?

Michael: “I’m working on some new songs and streaming live performances on Facebook. I’ve also been enjoying quality family time and working on home projects.”

CVW: Do you feel motivated to write new songs right now?

Michael: “There’s definitely a well of feelings to draw from. I’ve written some lyrics- but it’s more like journaling. I know I’ll be able to bring fully formed songs to life after all of this passes. Just taking it one day at a time for now.”

CVW: I know you’re doing FB live shows from home. How do they feel compared to real shows?

Michael: “I definitely miss playing Live.

But my friends have been awesome to keep tuning in and giving me the opportunity to perform! In some ways it’s even more engaging than playing at a venue because I’m able to be part of the conversations and play requests on the spot!”

CVW: Do you feel like you’re getting a lot of support?

Michael: “Oh yes. I feel like, against all odds, there’s a lot of love being put out

Photo By Jodi James

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there. The world stopped and people are making it their priority to take care of each other.”

CVW: Have you been checking out other artists as well?

Michael: “Definitely. Josh Heinz, Derek Jordan Gregg, Lance Riebsomer, Doug and Meg, and so many others are playing their hearts out online! It’s awesome to be able to hear them.”

CVW: What music has helped get you through this time?

Michael: “U2 is always my go-to when times are tough:)” CVW: What else are you doing to get through? TV Shows? Stuff around the house?

Michael: “Lots of home projects! We’ve painted, put in laminate flooring, worked on the yard and more. We’ve also watched all the Star Wars movies with our kids (gotta raise em right:)” CVW: How is everyone in your house dealing with each other?

Michael: “Everyone is doing pretty well.

The kids are coping in their own ways and sometimes they get on each other’s nerves.

But they also have these beautiful moments when we see them bonding more because they’re not in school several hours a day.

As hard as all this is for adults- kids have less experience with the ups and downs of life. So we’re doing our best to keep a positive and constructive vibe.”

CVW: Would you like to share what your thoughts are about everything we’re dealing with?

Michael: “It’s hard, but there are silver linings. A lot of the rat race, chaos and clutter has been removed from daily life.

We’ll come back from this, even stronger. I hope when we do- we’ll take better care of each other than we did before the pandemic.

We’ve been given a reset of sorts to adjust our priorities. I hope we don’t waste it.

Also- wanted to express how thankful we are for our nurses, doctors, and all the essential workers risking their health on the front lines.”

CVW: What do you most look forward

to when this lock down is over?

Michael: “Date nights:)” CVW: Anything else you want to share?

Michael: “Thank you for interviewing me! Everyone be safe and take care of each other. This will pass.” www.michaelkeethmusic.com CODY WHITE and THE EASY RIDE Cody White and the Easy Ride is a 3 piece rock and roll band based out of the high desert of Joshua Tree CA. With influences that range anywhere between Neil Young and Radiohead. They paint sonic landscapes that range from ambient, to stripped down rock and roll. Their songs tend to lean toward the issues at hand; calling out things that may not be right in the world, and issues that need addressing. They are currently in the middle of their second LP which should be out somewhere in summer or early fall.

I caught up with Cody to see how they are doing during quarantine.

CVW: What projects are you working on while in quarantine?

Cody: “I just got the awesome opportunity to write, record, and produce my first solo record at my analog studio I've been building in my garage the past couple of years. It's up on codywhite.bandcamp. com.”

CVW: Do you feel motivated to write new songs right now?

Cody: “Absolutely. A lot of the stuff I've been writing has been focused on the inequality I've seen through this time. Crisis unfortunately not only brings out the best, but also the worst in people.”

CVW: I know you’re doing FB live shows from home. How do they feel compared to real shows?

Cody: “The live streaming has been a real blessing through this time. It's a little more personal and intimate than I'm used to, but it's been a great way to stay sane.

The live experience is definitely a different animal but I feel grateful to still be able to perform.”

CVW: Do you feel like you’re getting a lot of support?

Cody: “I do. There is such a diverse audience. Old friends, local fellow musicians, and just people who need a little something to get through.”

CVW: Have you been checking out other artists as well?

Cody: “Yea definitely. It's been cool to see some of my fellow local musicians, as well as a bunch of big artists join in too.”

CVW: What music has helped get you through this time?

Cody: “I think a wide variety really. Old staples like Petty. Songs that just remind you we're all in this together Like U2s ONE. Songs that remind you we'll get through this like Sam Cooke's A Change is Gonna Come.”

CVW: What else are you doing to get through? TV Shows? Stuff around the house?

Cody: “I've been trying to balance working on my property(we're blessed to have an acre and a quarter up here) and either countless hours wiring my studio, learning more engineering technique, and of course playing and recording. Of course sometimes some good shows or inspiring docs are great. I finally got to watch Gimme Danger the Stooges documentary.”

CVW: How is everyone in your house dealing with each other?

Cody: “For the most part it's been great.

I've got to spend a lot more time with my 2 year old, which has been great. We have our occasional freak out and tension, but I think we've handled it the best anyone can considering.”

CVW: What do you most look forward to when this lock down is over?

Cody: “I know normalcy will take a while.

But I just miss community, and being around people. I think once live music is a thing again we'll be so much more grateful and appreciative.”

CVW: Anything else you want to share?

Cody: “If there's one thing I've learned is we need to be grateful for what we do have. So much has been taken for granted

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

as a society. Hopefully this is a great lesson to us all.”

KRYSTOFER DO Krystofer Do is a singer/songwriter, keyboardist, model, thespian, and film actor. He just released his new song “Soul” and is set to release his debut full-length album later this year. His performances are passionate and high energy and in the vein of Prince and Michael Jackson.

He has performed across the Coachella Valley, including Fantasy Springs Casino, where he won the 2017 Fantasy Star voice competition, earning him a spot on a

billboard on the CA-60 Highway and his own show at the casino. He is a unique young man who walks to the beat of his own drum unapologetically.

CVW: What projects are you working on while in quarantine?

Krystofer: “I’m currently working on my brand new album, which will be set to release this Winter!! I’m also working on this AWESOME Star Wars fan film that I wrote and will be directing, so I’ve been keeping busy. Mostly, though, I’ve just been hanging out with my sexy girlfriend, Bronte, and my cat, Figaro.”

CVW: Do you feel motivated to write new songs right now?

Krystofer: “Absolutely. What’s been really helpful is having some time to myself to reflect on the vision I have for my album.”

CVW: I know you’re doing FB live shows from home. How do they feel compared to real shows?

Krystofer: “It’s so different. I actually prefer real shows because of the energy I get from the crowd. I get to receive it and then give it back at least twofold. It’s been weird having no one with me while I perform, but it’s important that artists stay relevant, so here I am.”

CVW: Do you feel like you’re getting a lot of support?

Krystofer: “I do. My friends have been so supportive of my journey. My family has questioned my clothing style (or lack, thereof), but overall, I feel truly loved. I’m so grateful.”

CVW: Have you been checking out other

artists as well?

Krystofer: “I have here and there. I’ve been pretty loyal to my favorite artists and bands, but I’m actually gonna start asking my friends to send me some of their favorite music so I can expand my mind.”

CVW: What music has helped get you through this time?

Krystofer: “Honestly, it’s hard to say. I’ve got a lot of music to listen to. One song I listen to when I feel kind of down is a choir song called ‘I Am In Need of Music.’ If you’re unfamiliar with choir music, look it up on YouTube, specifically, the Texas All-Star version. It’s blissful.”

CVW: What else are you doing to get through? TV Shows? Stuff around the house?

Krystofer: “I’ve been working out, taking care of Figaro, and playing video games.

I’ll binge watch ‘Supernatural’ with Bronte while eating some ramen I made in the nude. I call it “nude-les”. It’s fantastic.”

CVW: How is everyone in your house dealing with each other?

Thursday, May 14

Warsaw Poland Bros – Facebook – 11:30am Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Hey Bertha – Facebook – 5pm Coachella Valley – Courtney Chambers – Facebook – 7pm Cody White and the Easy Ride – Facebook – 7:30pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Friday, May 15

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Slim Man – Facebook – 5pm Rose Mallett – Facebook – 5pm Derek Jordan Gregg – Facebook – 6pm Michael Keeth – Facebook – 7-8pm Carlos Cruz and Frank Villa – Facebook – 8pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Saturday, May 16

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Jetta King – Facebook – 3pm Coachella Valley - Derek Jordan Gregg and Jetta King – Facebook – 7pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Sunday, May 17

Sticky Doll – Facebook – 11am Rob Pickett – Barflys – Facebook – 2pm

May 14 to May 20, 2020 Krystofer: “It’s just me and Bronte. I technically live with my landlords, but I don’t consider them that. They have their own place that’s connected to ours (we live in a casita). They’re great friends.”

CVW: Would you like to share what your thoughts are about everything we’re dealing with?

Krystofer: “I think people need to stop acting so entitled. I recently went back to work at Coffee Bean on El Paseo, and there are some people who won’t even wear masks, even if it’s policy. I feel like even if Corona was ‘fake’ news, why risk it? You’re also just making yourself look bad.”

CVW: What do you most look forward to when this lock down is over?

Krystofer: “I wanna have sushi and wine with my friends. That’s it.”

CVW: Anything else you want to share?

Krystofer: “I wish everyone safety and compassion. Every generation deals with some turmoil and this is part of ours. Our ancestors have dealt with way more than this, so stay strong and have fun!”

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Pete Campbell (Versastyle) – Facebook – 4:20pm Blasting Echo – Facebook – 5pm Lootenant Ldoubleo – Instagram - @ lootenantmusic – 5pm Jesika von Rabbit – Facebook – 5pm Krystofer Do – Facebook – 7-9:30pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Monday, May 18

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Slim Man – Facebook - 5pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Tuesday May 19

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Rose Mallett – Facebook – 6:30pm Lizann Warner – Facebook – 6:30pm Michael Keeth – Facebook – 7-8pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Wednesday, May 20

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Slim Man – Facebook - 5pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm Contact Phil Lacombe to have your Virtual Performance listed here. philip@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

CONSIDER THIS

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tylistically, the music of The Claudettes is all over the map. That’s a good thing. The Chicago four-piece refer to their sound as Garage Cabaret, but that doesn’t completely cover their nonpareil approach.

The band began life as a duo in 2011.

Johnny Iguana (piano, keys) and Michael Caskey (drums) had made their bones as part of Chicago’s legendary Post-Punk combo, oh my god. Their original sound was strictly instrumental. That iteration managed to release three albums, Internal Piano Plot…

HATCHED, No Hotel and Pull Closer To Me: Live In The Piano Room. Through the years, there were myriad personnel shifts. But they locked into the current line-up, adding oh my god alumnus Zach Verdoorn on bass and guitar, along with vocalist, Berit Ulseth, just in time to record and release their acclaimed fourth effort, Dance Scandal At The Gymnasium, in 2018.

After relentless touring, The Claudettes returned to the studio with producer Ted Hutt. An original guitarist for Celtic-flavored Punkers, Flogging Molly, the British born musician has spent the last decade or so carving out a career as a producer, working with bands like Gaslight Anthem, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dustbowl Revival and Violent Femmes. The result is their newest long-player, High Times In The Dark.

The album opens with the one-two punch of “Bad Babe, Losin’ Touch” and “24/5.” On

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THE CLAUDETTES

“Bad…” majestic piano notes are quickly supplanted by wiggly guitar riffs and Berit’s sultry vocals. Tart lyrics take a formerly attentive lover to task; “I used to hear the doorbell ring, out the window hear you sing and I’d come racing down the stairs/Find only flowers sitting there, you don’t come over that much, bad babe losin’ touch.” On the break, Johnny’s pounding keys slink sideways into a “We Are Siamese If You Please” vamp matched by rolling drums and rippling, Spectoresque castanets. The wily Wall Of Sound reaches a cinematic piano crescendo.

Conversely, “24/5” bargains with a clingy Casanova to downsize together time.

A cascading piano intro is bookended by (Boris The) spidery bass, slashing guitar and a bludgeoning beat. This trenchant couplet says it all; “We’ll always be together, ok, every year, not every day…This is like a comedy act and you’re the Smothers Brothers/Smothering me with your love, Dick and Tom, go and visit your mother.” A skittery guitar solo swivels around Big Easyflavored piano notes, underscoring the lyrics’ blunt message.

A couple more tracks, “I Swear To God, I Will,” and “Declined,” chart the highs and lows of romance. On the former, A breezy, Bacharach-y melody belies an admission of compulsive behavior. Pounding piano, roiling bass lines, shang-a-lang guitar and a staggered rhythm punctuate Berit’s sly vocals. She quickly confesses that her

“HIGH TIMES IN THE DARK” (FORTY BELOW RECORDS)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

predilection for unrequited obsession can be flipped on like a switch; “Smile at me and I swear to God, I’ll dream about you tonight.”

The latter gives prospective beaus the brush-off in the form of a rote rejection letter.

Grandiloquent piano fills and buzzy guitar flutter atop rubbery bass and a cantilevered beat. Berit’s Soulful delivery almost removes the sting of “Dear Sir: I appreciate your interest in working with me, Dear Sir: there is no committee, it’s only me/Dear Sir: I wish you the best in all your future endeavors, But Sir: there is no interest whatsoever…you have been DECLINED, 100% DECLINED.” The album’s best tracks nearly line up in a row. If Todd Rundgren had ever collaborated with Martha And The Vandellas, it might sound something like “One Special Bottle.”

Urgent piano runs, tensile bass and spiky guitar licks are wed to a rock steady beat.

Stacked harmonies evince a sugary GirlGroup rush, but a yearning, “Something/ Anything ache emerges in lyrics like “I really thought I’d get to drink it last year, but just like me, it’s sitting here/There’s no buzz, there’s nothing to savor, no one does anyone any favors.”

Berit and Zach share vocal duties on “I Don’t Do That Stuff Anymore.” Their dissonant harmonies wash over a thwock-y backbeat, shuddery keys thrumming bass and subdued guitars. Perspicacious lyrics reflect on a shared history of lurid, nocturnal adventures; “I must’ve driven home but I don’t remember a thing, vile mess in the back seat, a side mirror missing/He said “DON’T CALL ME,” my head is pounding, I don’t do that stuff anymore.” Searing guitar riffs and brittle piano chords on the break mirror the ambivalent throb of the song’s denouement; “Such a dangerous place but I want nothing more than to abandon all hope and walk right out the door/To when we were all just fun-loving whores we treated the night like it was ours, not yours, I don’t do that stuff anymore/God, I loved life so much, I was just so in love with it, I kissed it so hard and held it so tight/I loved it, I loved it, I loved it, I don’t do that stuff anymore.”

Angular guitar, slinky bass, plunky piano and a tenacious tribal thump powers “Most Accidents Happen.” The lyrics take a swipe at media-driven fear mongering, which feels wildly apropos in this era of jingoistic news; “The experts agree that most accidents happen, there’s no persuasive gap in the

data here, the numbers don’t lie, that most accidents happen/If you don’t want to die then you’ll listen, and be afraid of those unlike yourself, or anyone who claims to need your help.” Gritty guitars on the break manage to dirty up the pretty, on this sleekly Jazzy song.

Finally, “You Drummers Keep Breaking My Heart” pairs a wry and witty narrative with a sweetly meandering melody. Sparkly piano trills lattice over bristling bass lines, see-saw guitar licks and a teeter-totter beat.

The lyrics offer something of a cautionary tale and the romantic pitfalls associated with dating a drummer. The first one “loved to kiss me, but he loved his whiskey more,” with the second one “there was an accident and he went and found religion, I wasn’t done carousing yet, I couldn’t go there with him.”

On the break, the tempo powers down, locking into a moody blue groove and an epiphany is reached; “The third and fourth were both named Nick, one got sick of me, the other just got sick/Ooh, I should switch to guitarists, that would be smart, ‘cause drummers keep breaking my heart.”

Other interesting tracks include the rickety blur of “Creeper Weed” and gilded splinter walk of “Grandkids, Wave Bye-Bye!” The album closes with the timorous Torch song, “The Sun Will Fool You.” Spare and bare bones, it’s pared down to just piano and vocals, placing the spotlight on Berit’s protean vocals and Johnny Iguana’s sui generis piano style. It’s a quiescent end to a great record.

The Claudettes effortlessly offer a smorgasbord of sounds, building off the tandem timekeeping of Michael Caskey and Zach Verdoon, allows the vocals and piano to shine through. Berit’s elastic style lands somewhere between Teutonic chanteuse Ute Lemper and the willowy grace of Sundays front-woman, Harriet Wheeler. Johnny’s inventive keyboard prowess anchors each song, mercurial one minute and tranquil the next. Ultimately, High Times In The Dark is a rollicking good time.

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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SPOTLIGHT: PALM CANYON THEATRE

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heatre is most often referred to as a collaborative art. Though it is easy to imagine the isolated playwright, pounding away on a keyboard, blood and sweat pouring onto the pages in their creation of unique characters, twisted plots and storylines, filled with a plethora of emotions, those words on the page are meant to been seen and not just read. They require actors to breathe life into the characters. Producers who gather all of the puzzle pieces necessary for a production. Directors who visualize and create the staging. Choreographers who light the fires for dance. Lighting and sound designers, costume and prop professionals, stage builders and set designers. It is a mythical, magical world where different breeds of artists come together in a collaborative effort that results in a full, breathing, moving piece of performance art.

Palm Springs, the desert oasis long known for decades of hosting Hollywood stars, Rat Pack performances, follies and cabarets, wasn’t always brimming over with the live theatre productions that it now offers. And then along came the Palm Canyon Theatre, exemplifying the artistry of the collaborative art!

In 1997, the Layne family, while on an annual vacation from their home in Morehead Kentucky, realized that in the midst of this star-studded oasis that something was missing. Dr. William Layne, who received his Ph.D. from Northwestern University and served as chair of the theatre department at Morehead State University, used his collaborative skills to coordinate

BY DEE JAE COX

with his family, his wife, Sylvia, their son, J.W., and daughter, Se, along with their extended family, Mike and Connie Layne, and decided to bring their knowledge and talents to the desert. After submitting a winning proposal to the City of Palm Springs, gaining access to the historic Frances S. Stevens School on Palm Canyon Drive and investing $750,000 of their own money for the renovations, The Palm Canyon Theatre, opened with its first production, “The Desert Song,” by Romberg, Harbach, and Hammerstein in September 1997.

In the twenty plus years since their open, this dynamic family has continued to upgrade their performances, producing approximately a dozen shows each year. Often thought of as ‘Broadway in the Desert,’ their productions of Tony Award winning and classic Broadway shows, has brought elegance, entertainment and new perspectives to the residents of the Coachella Valley. They have garnered a multitude of awards from the Desert Theatre League and in 2015 were honored with a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars (Located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive.)

Se Layne, a classically trained singer, dancer, and actress with a Master in Fine Arts from Michigan State University serves as Palm Canyon’s volunteer co-artistic director in partnership with her brother, J.W. Layne, who works as the theatre’s technical director and holds a Master in Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota.

In addition to the abundance of talent within the Layne family themselves, they have managed to gather an extended family

May 14 to May 20, 2020

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

of artists (staff and volunteers) that work together to create the magic both on and off the stage. A few members of the Palm Canyon theatre’s outstanding team includes, Derik Shopinski, the resident costume designer, who has won numerous awards. Not only is Shopinski one of the most talented in the desert, his choreography and directing skills have also contributed to the theatre’s long-standing success. The talented actor, Morgana Corelli, who runs the office and supervises Palm Canyon Theatre’s Box Office, also graces their stage in many its productions.

Cara Van Dijk, Palm Canyon theatre’s Public Relations and Publicity Manager, is also a playwright who will have the opportunity this fall to stage a new musical that she has penned. Van Dijk, describes her new musical as, “a nostalgic romp through Palm Springs, with historical vignettes of the 1800s to hysterical scenes of the 40s, 50s and on through today. The original script manages to pack in about 150 years of oasis stories by combining Palm Springs melodies, celebrity sightings and shenanigans - all reasons to love Palm Springs!”

SE Layne stated that; “We are standing

by for state, county and city guidelines and policies, before we make any concrete plans. As soon as we can re-open and start a production, we’d like to, even if that means doing so with social distancing in place. We have heard from our performers that they want to be on stage again, and we have heard from our patrons that they want to be entertained. We want to bring back live theatre to the community as soon as it is considered safe to do so, and do it in a manner that protects our performers, staff, volunteers and audiences as best we can. Reopening will be a new normal, but we are hopeful that we can find a groove that everyone is comfortable with.”

Palm Canyon Theatre, is a long-standing Palm Springs treasure. Like all local businesses they are riding the wave of this new normal. The community eagerly awaits their reopening.

Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomenstheatreproject.org palmspringstheatre.com

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PET PLACE

ne day in 2013, Lindi Biggi was at her Loving All Animals’ office in Palm Desert when a woman rushed in carrying a beautiful tan and white Spaniel dog. She excitedly explained she was a volunteer at the old Indio Animal Shelter (now closed), and she stole the dog upon learning he was about to be euthanized.

Lindi, founder and past president of Loving All Animals, wondered what might happen to her if she accepted this “stolen” dog. Her eyes locked with the soulful big brown eyes of the sweet creature, pleading eyes that seemed to sense the desperation of the moment.

It didn’t take long for Lindi, an ardent animal lover and rescuer, to decide to take in the precious pup. Next she noticed the animal’s front right leg was limp and badly deformed. But there was no way she was going to have him returned to the shelter to be killed.

Cassidy, named after the cowboy HopAlong-Cassidy, became part of the Loving All Animals rescue organization while Lindi fostered him. Lindi recalls, “We put a lot of effort trying different things to save his leg.

The vet believed his injury was from an old accident. Different remedies were tried. But there was no saving his leg and finally it had to be amputated. Sometimes we try too hard, and the animal suffers. In this case we came to realize how painful it was for Cassidy to walk. He quickly recovered after the surgery, and walked and ran with the other dogs.”

When it came time to find Cassidy a forever home, adopters passed him up, perhaps due to his missing leg. One day he decided to take things into his own paws, and escaped from an adoption pen during an event at the Shadow Mountain Golf course.

He searched for the human he so loved, and ran into the arms of Lindi Biggi, his foster mom and savior. Again his pleading brown eyes sent a message, and the rest is history.

Lindi describes her dog Cassidy, “He is one of the smartest dogs I’ve ever known.

When I get a new foster, he takes them under his wing and shows them around. He is the kindest spirit. When I go out in the golf cart, he enjoys riding on board and then going

MEET PANDA Pretty Panda is ready to go home and cuddle with you during the quarantine! This mellow 5-yr-old Tuxedo girl is truly a love bug. Rescued by www.forevermeow. org, call (760) 335-6767.

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CASSIDY, THE STORY OF A 3-LEGGED DOG

for short runs alongside. He has absolutely no concept of being “disabled”, he just lives happily enjoying everything that happens.”

Cassidy was Lindi’s “nurse” while she was temporarily bedridden after an injury, never leaving her side. Cassidy resides with his active Husky brother Balto, blind brother Pug Baby, deaf sister Maltese Lollypop, and a duck named Lilly who has difficulty walking. This is one of the happiest loving group of animals you could ever meet!

Cassidy shows us what a wonderful life a “differently abled” dog can have. Almost all tripod (3 legged dogs) do very well both physically and emotionally. While removal of a limb is a big-deal operation, most dogs are up and walking without assistance within 12 to 24 hours. Bone cancer and accidents are the most common reasons why a dog needs a leg amputated. Being a dog, Cassidy does not have body image issues to deal with. It’s advisable to keep a tripod dog at the proper weight, as excess weight can put a strain on the remaining limbs.

Care needs to be taken to avoid sprains and additional injuries. Physical therapy, including swimming, can help a new tripod build up the strength in his remaining limbs and improve balance. Most tripods easily navigate stairs, but supervise initially to ensure he can do so safely. There is a huge website and online community devoted to tripod dogs at Tripawds.com and a You Tube

channel called Tripawds.

Cassidy and his crew send a message to give animals with “special needs” a second chance, be they seniors, fearful, or disabled.

Cassidy lives in the moment, showing us humans how to overcome whatever challenges we may face, and move beyond them to a better life.

Below is a partial list of shelters and rescues in the Inland Empire with animals for adoption. You can view most of their animals online in advance of calling. If you cannot adopt right now, consider making a donation to one of the private rescues that rely on those funds.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – This large county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all 4 Riverside county shelters at rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Email them with the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@ rivco.org and call (760) 343-3644. Located at 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

(Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday, closed on Tuesday. View their animals online at psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833.

(Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can

BY JANET McAFEE

call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. View their animals at orphanpet.com.

Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them through website ForeverMeow.org, or call (760) 335-6767. (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, lovingallanimals.org, (760) 8347000. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – Shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 3841304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt.

Call (909) 386-9280 daily between 9am & 5pm. View animals at sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/San Bernardino area. Contact them through website DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private Janetmcafee8@gmail.com

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

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THE VINO VOICE

HOT OFF THE BARBECUE

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ow that we’re finding stay-at-home family patio parties the norm, I thought we’d chime in on some BBQ wine suggestions to enjoy before it gets too hot here in the desert to even go out and grill!

By now we desert dwellers know that a juicy Zinfandel goes great with juicy burgers; a nice chilled brut rosé Champagne can pairup nicely with salmon; and interestingly, both a heavy oaked and an un-oaked Chardonnay can shimmy-up to your charred BBQ chicken.

And it seems like those three proteins are the most popular items on the grill. As to veggies, salads, or fruits—well, we’ll save those pairings for another hot kebobin’ time.

But as with most things these days, it can get complicated. As in—with all the imaginative and inventive sauces that one is plying on the food items, can our wine handle the task of meeting their match? Will we embarrass ourselves in front of our socially distant neighbors when they sample our dishes and find the pairings a poor reflection of our wine prowess? (Remember those recent days when silly stuff like that was on our vain thoughts?)

So let’s have fun and think out loud about some of the pairings that have worked:

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No breaking news here: Bold red wines match excellently with grilled beef and pork.

The umami and high fat in the meat balances out the tannins in the red wine. Therefore, we can pig-out big time with out-of-the park fruit bearing wines that can often be overthe-top without the comfort of a steak.

However, we’ve noticed that with pork, the wines can be considered by sweetness versus savory. Wines with a high fruit factor or a touch of sweetness: Don’t be scared—ruby port on ice works well with pork; Dry Riesling is always a palate cleanser and a world-wide match: think German Riesling and German sausage! Pinot Noir and Zinfandel (or the Italian Primitivo) are surely the savory saviors of pork ribs, chops & butts!

With beef, we often like to highlight the pepper and tobacco flavors of the grilled & charred meat: Everyone is on-board here with our favorite Chianti, aka Sangiovese, Syrah, aka Shiraz, Rioja, aka Tempranillo, and of course the classic Bordeaux blend with lots of Cab Sauv in the mix.

But as we’ve hinted above, with a lot of grillers—it’s all about the sauce. We can make life easy and do as the Italians do: use the wine as the sauce on your meat. But we Americans have such an entrenched love

BY RICK RIOZZA affair, especially with pork, with the sweet, spicy, smokey, tangy side of life.

So, what we’ve learned from the food shows is that North Carolina BBQ sauce, although vinegar based, it has a prominence on the sweet. I don’t have a sweet tooth but I love the sweet combat between the pork and Petite Sirah. Yea—baby, all of you red vino fans know that combo! The French Mouvedre/ Spanish Monastrell along with a French or Uraguayan Tannat works the same sweet magic!

To the south, South Carolina’s sauce is the spicy-mustard side of things. Here, we find many Italian varietals matching up well with their medium-bodied flavors. Such as Sangiovese, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and the “tears of Christ” red wine from the volcanic hills of Napoli—Aglianico [ah-yeeAHN-nee-koe].

Another classic BBQ sauce is the Kansas City style—everything going with some molasses to boot. So, this catch-all style is caught-up easily with the catch-all Cabernet Sauvignon. We Californians are always in heaven with this hefty wine from our wine country.

And a reminder: In our desert heat, it’s always wise to chill your red wines a bit.

Throwing your bottle of red in the fridge for around 20 minutes always helps.

Even the most powerful red wines are best at “room temperature”, which is no more than 65°F.

For those of us who prefer the lighter fare of simple grilled chicken or fish, we already know our desert’s go-to wine: Sauvignon Blanc—or, the lighter Pinot Grigio (as we wrote about in our Coronavirus Love Story a couple weeks ago). Along with Chef Johannes’ Austrian Grüner Veltliner, the Italian Orvieto—aka Grechetto, or even the IberianVerdejo & Vinho Verde, these wines are citrusy, sometimes, grassy & herby but almost always on the light side of life.

It’s often said, “Think simplicity, but also think sophistication.” So if the recipe is simple enough, chicken—and fish—almost always pair well with a good unoaked to lightly oaked Chardonnay. A grilled salmon goes both ways with Chardonnay, and, Pinot Noir—even a light Beaujolais works.

A true BBQ Chicken checks all the boxes with a Rosé, White Zinfandel, Gewürztraminer, or an Off-Dry Riesling.

We mentioned the Gevurst—that spicy aromatic wine, because your fancy styles of BBQ chicken can include the sticky sauces and the spicy sauces and all the grill marks that can get intense. Therefore, an intense Gewürztraminer is an excellent choice as it cuts through the spice and heat.

Don’t know about you—but I’m feeling a bit hungry & thirsty! Bon Appétit & Cheers!

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THE TAKEOUT SERIES: DICKEY’S BARBECUE

I

n 1941, Travis Dickey opened first in Dallas, Texas. The menu featured brisket, polish sausage, spicy cheddar sausage, smoked turkey, marinated smoked chicken, pulled-pork shoulder, and St. Louis cut smoked pork ribs. Sides include jalapeno beans, mac & cheese, criss-cut fries, and buttery rolls. The menu has remained intact even though there are now five hundred franchises throughout the country.

The several dishes I tried remain true to the roots of Texas barbeque; moist brisket with a nicely defined pink smoke ring seasoned simply with salt and pepper. St. Louis ribs are meaty and smoky and have a good firm texture and the right amount of smoke so you can still taste the meat. You can feed the whole family at a reasonable price.

Lisa Weaver, owner of the Rancho Mirage

location (42452-4 Bob Hope Drive) has been stocking hard-to- find items such as masks, gel hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, bleach, and toilet paper for purchase. She is offering delivered boxed lunches to any organization at cost to help feed people and keep her employees working. A box lunch includes a sandwich, side, and dessert all for $4.80. She is offering to deliver supplies to medical workers, grocery employees, and first responders. People can enjoy a free lunch by calling Lisa directly at 760898-5984 or the store at 760-851-0955.

Lisa is currently accepting donations of canned foods, dry goods, and cash to start a weekly delivery to agricultural workers in Mecca. The first delivery will be this Friday, May 15.

I do not usually review franchise restaurants as I am drawn to the

May 14 to May 20, 2020

BY DANIEL PARIS

community-building of family-owned establishments. Lisa Weaver epitomizes the neighbor you are proud to have as a friend. Instead of worrying about herself during this unprecedented crisis, she is using her business acumen and resources to help those who have always served the community with little recognition and even less compensation. I encourage you to patronize her restaurant and join her efforts to aid the underserved in the Coachella Valley.

Monday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Open for takeout and delivery 760-851-0955

GOOD GRUB

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

D

SCREENERS

uring this unprecedented era where many of us have to stay home first quarter 2020 movie purchases and rentals hit $596 million in March, showing a massive 48% increase over last March’s numbers and making March the biggest month ever for digital transactions.

Have we shifted our movie going experience to sitting in front of our huge 4K screens in a home setting? Is this our future if theaters choose not to open in the near future? And if they do, will film fans stay away for fear of contamination?

As for this week’s selection of the biggest and best at-home movie options, the ‘Watched at Home Top 20’ will help you figure out what everyone is watching. The list is made of the most popular titles consumed on disc and digital during the previous week (except for outside subscriptionbased streaming platforms). Compiled each week with the most up to date studio and retailer data, it showcases current consumer enthusiasm for home viewing of the newest movie releases.

BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (Sony), SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (Paramount), STAR WARS: EP IX – SKYWALKER (Disney), JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (Sony), THE GENTLEMEN (STX/ Universal, 2019), DOLITTLE (Universal), THE CALL OF THE WILD (Disney), 1917 (Universal), LITTLE WOMEN (Sony, 2019), BIRDS OF PREY: HARLEY QUINN (WB), UNDERWATER (Fox), LIKE A BOSS (Paramount), BLOODSHOT (Sony, 2020),THE WAY BACK (WB, 2020), IP MAN 4: THE FINALE (Well Go USA), KNIVES OUT (Lionsgate), MORTAL KOMBAT LEGENDS: SCORPION’S REVENGE (WB), SPIES IN DISGUISE (Fox), FROZEN II (Disney), FANTASY ISLAND (Sony, 2020).

If you missed any of these popular films in the theater before the big Corvid-19 pandemic, these current and recent titles are available for physical disc purchase and/ or streaming on various VOD platforms.

TIME magazine noted we prefer streaming and bingeing on what they categorize as “Lurid Distractions,” i.e., true crime documentaries and shows like “DATELINE” and “12 DARK DAYS OF SERIAL KILLERS.” But when we watch these shows, does it actually make our disturbing reality feel any less so – or just the opposite?

Let me know what are you watching?

Some movie buffs are discovering older, overlooked and obscure films that are surprisingly engaging in spite of their sometimes poor preservation and simpler, even primitive, production values. I’m enjoying pre-code (1930-1933) movies with their surprisingly adult images and themes, (see below).

THE SIN OF NORA MORAN (1933) A young woman (Zita Johann) is prosecuted by her lover’s brother for confessing to a murder she did not commit.

The movie starts with Mrs. Edith Crawford (Claire Du Bray) storming into the office of District Attorney John Grant (Alan Dinehart), also her brother, demanding to

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No. 421

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN Actress Johann, forgotten now, costarred in 1931’s “The Mummy” with Boris Karloff. She deserves to be rediscovered, and not just for great poster art. DVD. Alpha Video.

NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: GRETAL & HANSEL

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

of haunting menace and imagery.

The film stars Sophia Lillis as Gretel, newcomer Samuel Leakey as Hansel and an unforgettable Alice Krieg as The Witch.

Warner Bros.

FREAKS

know about the steamy letters written by Nora Moran (Zita Johann) to her husband, Dick (Paul Cavanagh), the governor.

John patiently explains how Nora not only came to write those letters but also how she ended up on death row at the age of 21. In flashback, the audience is sees how Nora’s tale of woe began with her being adoption as a young child and then cruelly orphaned again shortly thereafter. Nora pursued a career as a dancer in New York City, which was fruitless until the circus rolled into town.

We are left with no doubt that Nora is innocent and that she has taken the blame to protect and shield her lover, the governor Bill Crawford (Paul Cavanaugh), the only man who can issue a pardon that will save Nora!

At the time, some novels employed a stream of consciousness narrative, but it was very unusual and innovative for a movie like "The Sin of Nora Moran" to use it. To the movie’s credit, the technique is mastered to great effect in this suspenseful story that keeps the twists and turns going without letup until the very end. That's not the only way this movie is ahead of its time as it also takes well-aimed shots at moral hypocrisies while also detailing the horror of the death penalty via the electric chair.

A long time ago in a distant fairy tale countryside, a young girl leads her little brother into a dark wood in desperate search for food and work, only to stumble upon a nexus of terrifying evil.

Experience the nightmare behind the fairy tale in Osgood Perkin’s lushly photographed reimagining of the beloved Brothers Grimm folktale for a new generation. If you liked “THE WITCH,” you may appreciate this striking film that makes real a dreamscape

Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein’s little sci-fi horror diversion tells the story of 7-year-old Chloe (a terrific Lexy Kockler) who lives in fear locked inside the house under her father’s (Emile Hirsch) harsh, paranoid control. She has a dangerous fascination of the prohibited outside world, where Anomalies create a constant threat, or so Chloe believes based on her dad’s almost constant warnings.

When a mysterious stranger (Bruce Dern) offers her a glimpse of what’s really happening outside, Chloe soon finds that while the truth isn’t so simple, the danger is very real!

This film has unmistakable, but unintentional pandemic metaphors that make it all the more unsettling – and fun.

Well Go USA. Stay well, safe and sane. And remember, movies matter more now than ever. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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SAFETY TIPS

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER

May 14 to May 20, 2020

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

TIME TO SNAKE RATTLE AND RUN – SNAKE SEASON!

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ecent rains have provided snakes the opportunity to mate a little longer.

Generally, rattlesnakes emerge from hibernation into April, or when the average daytime temperatures reach and remain about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.

Rattlesnakes are not confined to rural areas. They have been found in urban areas, in lakesides, parks, and at golf courses. There are several safety measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of startling a rattlesnake.

The dos and don’ts in snake country: • Be alert. Like all reptiles, rattlesnakes

are sensitive to the ambient temperature and will adjust their behavior accordingly. After a cold or cool night, they will attempt to raise their body temperature by basking in the sun midmorning. To prevent overheating during hot days of spring and summer, they will become more active at dawn, dusk or night.

• Wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through brushy, wild areas.

Startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively.

• Children should not wear flip-flops while

playing outdoors in snake country.

• When hiking, stick to well-used trails.

Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.

• Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. Step on logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use.

• Never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.

• Be careful when stepping over doorsteps as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side.

• Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.

• Do not handle a freshly killed snake, as it can still inject venom.

• Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

• Leash your dog when hiking in snake country. Dogs are at increased risk of being bitten due to holding their nose to the ground while investigating the outdoors. Speak to your veterinarian about canine rattlesnake vaccines and what to do if your pet is bitten.

Keeping snakes out of the yard:

The best protection against rattlesnakes in the yard is a “rattlesnake proof” fence. The fence should either be solid or with mesh no larger than one-quarter inch. It should be at least three feet high with the bottom buried a few inches in the ground.

What to do in the event of a snake bite: Though uncommon, rattlesnake bites do occur, so have a plan in place for responding to any situation. Carry a cell phone, hike with a companion who can assist in an emergency and make sure that family or friends know where you are going and when you will be checking in. In the event of a bite, stay calm but act quickly. Remove watches, rings, etc., which may constrict swelling. Call 911 or transport the victim to the nearest medical facility.

What you should NOT do after a rattlesnake bite: • DON’T apply a tourniquet.

• DON’T pack the bite area in ice.

• DON’T cut the wound with a knife or razor.

• DON’T use your mouth to suck out the venom.

• DON’T let the victim drink alcohol.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

HADDON LIBBY

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espite wall-to-wall news coverage on COVID-19, it is hard to know how the Coachella Valley is doing relative to the rest of California, the United States or the rest of the world.

John Hopkins University hosts a COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems, Science and Engineering. Using their realtime data through May 10, 2020 along with local data from Riverside University, we find that the United States has the most reported cases globally, yet we are also the largest population in the world amongst countries with reasonable reporting standards. As a reminder, the largest countries in the world are China at 1.43 billion, India at 1.38 billion and the United States at 331 million.

Rather than looking at things based on the absolute number of people infected, a better measure would be on the infection rate amongst a population. The infection rate is the number of COVID-19 cases divided by the population. Using this benchmark, the infection rate is the highest in Spain with 48 infections per 10,000 people. The United States is second with 40 cases per 10,000 followed by Italy at 36, the United Kingdom at 32.5 and France at 27. Other notables include Iran at 13 cases per 10,000, Brazil at 7, Japan at 1 and China at 0.6 infections per 10,000. As you can see, the integrity of the reporting data is not without concerns.

Data shows us those countries closer to China who are accustomed to wearing face masks and dealing with novel viruses have fared better than other parts of the world.

Globally, the average death rate from

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COVID-10 STATS: HOW COACHELLA VALLEY COMPARES

COVID-19 is 6.9% amongst those infected.

Through May 10th, COVID-19 was marked as the cause of death in 6.6% of all deaths during 2020 globally. These percentages are likely to be higher than the actual death rate as most people have not been tested. As an example, if you thought you had food poisoning for a night, but it was actually COVID-19, it is unlikely that you were tested. As the availability of tests has been limited around the world, the testing to date in most countries has been on those who were most ill or with access to healthcare.

So far, France has the highest death rate at 15% of all people diagnosed with the virus. The United Kingdom is second at 14.5% followed

by Italy at 14%, Spain at 12% and Mexico at 10%. The United States is slightly better than average at 6% while Germany’s death rate is 4.5%, Japan 4% and South Korea an impressive 2.4%. China has reported a mere 4,637 deaths from the virus amongst their 1.4 billion

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

SCAMS IN THE AGE OF COVID 19

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he COVID 19 Stay Home Orders are perfect for scammers because we are all home to receive the scam calls which usually suggest it is too good to be true. These phone scammers will say ANYTHING and push any button to get you to say yes. They will threaten, praise, act like the consummate expert or speak like your best pal - whatever it takes they will often say something like: "Give me 1% of your confidence and I will earn the other 99%".

Some of the scams are: Coin Scam: "I have a gold coin currently trading at X$ and it will go up 6,000% in the next few years".

Oil and Gas Scam: "Most of the big boys can throw $150,000 into the fireplace and burn it and it will not bother them. If you play this game you have got to be able to lose money and not think twice about it."

Con Man Threatening Customer that lost money and stopped sending more money: Why don't you pick up the phone? You want me to come over there and burn your home."

Con Man Talking to Undercover Agent: "Are you stupid? I'm not trying to insult you, but are you mentally ill? I'm going to pass you

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people. Most do not believe Chinese numbers to be a full count of the cases and deaths that they have experienced.

Looking around the United States, the New York City metropolitan area became the epicenter of the pandemic. With 1.7% of all New York State residents having been infected, 8% have died. Where the United States has 40 cases per 10,000 citizens, New York has 170 per 10,000 or nearly 2 in 100.

After New York, New Jersey has the second highest infection rate at 1.55% of all residents of which 6.6% die.

Here in California, only 17 in every 10,000 people have been diagnosed with the virus – a 90% lower number than New York. Of Californians infected, 4% die. In Michigan where the governors’ residence was picketed by gun-wielding Michiganders, 47 in 10,000 have gotten sick while nearly one in ten die.

Texas has been a shining star during the

pandemic like California. With only 13 in 10,000 contracting the virus, fewer than 3% die. On the other end of the pandemic, Massachusetts has been harder hit than any area outside of New York with 110 in 10,000 getting sick with a little more than 6% dying.

Looking at our county and region, both Riverside County and Coachella Valley have infection and death rates comparable with Germany. In fact, if we exclude the New York metropolitan area from our COVID-19 calculations, infection and death rates across the rest of the United States are also in line with Germany. Considering the size of our country and the political divide that makes everything more challenging to implement, we appear to be doing a good job across most of the country with special recognition to the good work done in Texas and California.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Director of Winslow Drake Investment Management, a fiduciary-only investment manager. For more information on their award-winning services, please contact Haddon directly at hlibby@WinslowDrake. com or www.WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

to my manager because you are making me sweat and if you were in front of me I would have slapped you by nowzzzz" Con man confirming info he says he has but does not yet have: It's illegal to hang up on verification. Do you understand this? This is the law Pres X passed himself. You can't hang up. We have your info and just need to verify it.

Con Man states he is with a Consumer Protection Agency or local police or FBI. IRS Notice: "This is final notice from IRS that we are filing a lawsuit for failure to X. To get more info dial on our dept number that they leave that will be answered like the local police, FBI etc/ Medicare Scams: The Federal Government is replacing Medicare cards and have updated the cards to display 11 letters and numbers and no Social Security numbers. There is no cost for it. However, some Scammers call requesting processing fee or to get your information.

Posing as Medicare representatives: They tell beneficiaries they are owed a refund from a transaction on their old card. They ask for your bank account information to process the

reimbursement. Medicare will never call nor will they ask for your Social Security Number.

Numerous fraud schemes involve outstanding tax collection, jury duty, overdue utility bills, and even family member claims of injury etc.

If you wire money do so through Western Union or Money Gram. You should also use reloadable debit cards like MoneyPak. Don't use gift cards, itunes or amazon, nor send cash.

The most common scam in the Coachella Valley and I have had it happen to me 5 times: phone call showing it is IRS, Sheriff, the courts and grandparents scam IRS calls: they threaten you with arrest or a lien against your property for failing to pay past tax debts. Scammers obtain credit card info or instruct sucker to obtain prepaid debit card for the outstanding tax debt. Note that the IRS does not call about unpaid taxes.

If you get a call hang up and call IRS at 800 829 1040. IRS reps can help with payment questions. If you do not owe taxes fill out the IRS Impersonation Scam form on TIGTA's website, treasury.gov/tigta, or call TIGTA 800 366 4484. With the Impersonating law enforcement or court call: the "sucker" is told there is an outstanding Bench Warrant

for failing to appear for jury duty or for unpaid red light camera traffic tix. The Caller demands payment for the warrant via credit card or Green Dot card. You should know that No Riverside Co Court or Sheriff's employee will ever contact the public and ask for financial info or payment in lieu of attending court proceedings or to make up for failure to appear for jury duty.

Grandparent Scam: this usually to a senior from a young person claiming to be their grandchild. They ask for money for med expenses, to avoid arrest, post bail or purchase food. The Scammer tells the senior target, not to tell the family members.

If you are over 65, contact the CARE (Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly).

Remember the scammer wants you to act fast and not tell anyone.

For more information go to the FBI website: fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud. You can also contact Crime Prevention Officer Codi Mix 760 324 4511 x 291

HEALTH

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BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

YOU MIGHT NOT NEED A KETO COACH.. HOW DO YOU TELL?

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here is a newfound willingness to give Keto a try after sheltering at home for a while. I’m finding people reaching out because they’re tired of gaining weight, living in a carb coma, they are finally motivated to get healthy and build their immune system.

The questions I’m getting are: “how do I start the Keto diet” and “should I start on my own” and “am I better to hire you from the start” or “I want to do the Keto diet right and there is a lot of confusing information online”.

People find success every day without a coach. It’s totally possible for you to find success without a coach. But perhaps that’s not the best question.

Instead of asking if you NEED a coach, perhaps you should ask if a coach will allow you to avoid the frustrating mistakes that can plague your journey to Keto success; can a coach get you there faster? And the answer to that is: absolutely.

Why Coaching?

Having a coach as a partner for your weight loss journey can make a huge difference in whether you successfully achieve your goal and sustain weight loss.

The Keto diet isn’t complicated but there is a learning curve to be successful. It takes time to change your behavior and wrap your brain around the Keto diet. By having a coach to guide you in your weight loss program you will jumpstart your progress and have the opportunity to participate with your coach as a partner to create action plans, work on your mindset and decide on your level of accountability.

Because of this interaction it allows you to follow through and achieve the results you set for yourself.

Expect your coach to do more than give you a diet plan to follow with recipes, have you log your weight or tell you what foods to eat. You can find that online with “Google Coach”. An excellent coach will support you with motivation, coping skills, proven diet hacks, expert advice, customization and realistic action plans that will always be moving you to reach the next challenging attainable goal! Your coach will be there to support you through the ups and downs and celebrate every success.

If you are looking for an expert to guide you on your weight loss journey

with a completely customized program and to be an active partner in your progress, then you are ready for a coach. That can be from day one or several months into Keto. It truly is up to you.

Don’t Struggle. Reach Out for Help.

Are you looking to lose weight but still struggling? Think about coaching.

With the help of a coach, you’ll break down unhealthy barriers to weight loss and develop a healthy relationship with food. Coaching isn’t for everyone but check it out. It just might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto Lifestyle coach, a Seasoned expert on Customized Keto. Keto weight loss results can be improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way.

Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, meal plans, proprietary customization, goal setting and more.

If you are interested in Keto and how it can work for you and your lifestyle, book a free 30 minute private coaching session online at KetoIsEasyCoach. com (based on availability on Tuesday or Thursday)

SWAG FOR THESOUL

May 14 to May 20, 2020

BY AIMEE MOSCO

TO BE (WITH) OR NOT TO BE (WITH)

“Before we choose to incarnate in a physical body, we lay out an intricate plan of what intend to accomplish and experience during the lifetime. We specify with whom we will connect and engage, and we form agreements with other souls…” Gratitude + Forgiveness x (Love) = Happiness, by Aimee Mosco and Donald L. Ferguson, pg. 13 e are in curious times. We are finding that the ways of the old world have outlived usefulness as we position ourselves to land in the new era termed “the golden age of peace”. Old systems are breaking down to make way for new and anything that does not fit with the principles of the new paradigm is calling for our attention so we can revisit its function and shift it accordingly.

As we stumble through uncharted territory during this unprecedented transition, our relationships are coming into question. Relationships of any kind represent opportunities from which to grow spiritually, so it is fitting to take stock of them as we grow into this new world.

The rules that govern our souls in the new paradigm are different than the rules we have come to know.

They are based on the idea that we have expanded our hearts and minds to a point where pain and suffering no longer honor us. We are able to integrate the greatest growth from joy not pain and we will meet our highest spiritual potentials when we are in alignment with happiness.

Many of the relationships we forged in the old paradigm spoke to remarkable growth through trauma and turmoil because that is how we learned most effectively. These relationships

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were “spiritual set-ups” as a result of soul contracts initiated before we were born into the world. This model is outdated is the new era where love and joy dominate, so old paradigm soul contracts are disintegrating. We are stepping into a realm where we are no longer bound by these spiritual contracts, and relationships result from conscious choice.

The primary purpose of any new paradigm relationship is to fortify joyful learning. If a relationship in question is not fueling happiness in some way, it is out of alignment with Universal order and worth assessing. It is, however, important to understand that our evaluation process must shift for us to make truthful assessments of the value each relationship holds. In the old paradigm, we naturally identified the elements of relationships that caused discomfort because we grew from that. To be in alignment with growth in the new paradigm, we will identify elements of relationships that inspire happiness first, and then determine if that outweighs discomfort to know if the relationship honors greater good.

In my pursuit to help humanity connect deeply with happiness, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella, BB Ingle, and me. Go to facebook.com/groups/ evolvethroughlove and share with us your joy.

Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Spiritual Teacher and CoFounder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s passion for helping others inspired her book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. Find Aimee at www.ihsunity.com.

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May 14 to May 20, 2020

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

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BY BRONWYN ISON

SILENCE YOUR THOUGHTS

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uring our uncertain times I’m sure most of us have taken to some silent moments. It may be that you’ve been able to collect yourself or you are finding that you are confused. As we navigate through all of this together, finding stillness and silence may reveal a lot of what you can do and plan for in the future.

Silence is extraordinarily powerful. We need and should remain reticent several times per week. Embracing silence allows us to gather our thoughts, foster cohesiveness and maintain overall calmness. There are a couple ways you can observe the topic of silence. You may need a quiet domain to relax, pray, or meditate. Or, you may require silence between you and another person.

Either way, silence speaks volumes. Each of us needs a quiet void for greater peace of mind.

Whether you are an early riser or not, the best time to observe silence is at the commencement of your day. If you are a parent, rise prior to your child/children. Sit quietly and prepare your mind and body.

Commencing your day in silence will allow you to gather your thoughts. You will be less likely to experience stress. While in silence, you may want to find a calming breathing pattern. Most of the time our breaths are short and shallow. Find length in your breath and your central nervous system will thank you!

Have you needed to observe quiet with a person or some people in your life? It doesn’t translate to completely shutting the person and/or people out of your life but rather, you need a break. If you are cognizant you need to find stillness and quiet time away from someone, listen to that inner voice. If you have felt unappreciated or mentally abused, break your silence by observing space and quiet time away from the environment.

Your peace of mind is far more important.

It is not your responsibility to continue to accommodate and succumb to a destructive relationship.

Overall, silence can be somewhat foreign

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to us. Our society is inundated with so much noise. How do you start your day? Do you immediately turn on the news or listen to music first thing in the morning? If you think about it, you instantaneously cluttered your mind from the moment you stepped out of bed. Though you have rested all night, the last thing your brain requires is immediate stimulation.

Try these five tips the next time you feel overwhelmed with noise, need some quiet time or desire to give yourself a break from someone who may not deserve your time and attention.

Reconcile your EGO! The next time you are experiencing a disagreement with someone, remain silent. You can preclude saying something that could be very hurtful to the other person.

Stay away from the water cooler and from gossiping with friends over coffee.

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING good will result from talking about others.

Listen to what others have to say rather than feeling you must talk all the time. Your friend, partner or spouse has something to offer too.

You have the house to yourself. Relish in the silence.

Begin and end your day with positive reflection. Establish your goals in the morning and recognize at the end of the day if you completed the tasks at hand.

Lighten your load and find time each day to be still and quiet. This is one of the resolute avenues of taking care of you!

Bronwyn Ison is the founder www.evolveyoga.com - www.evolveyogaonline.com Contact bronwyn@e-volveyoga.com

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF MAY 14

ARIES (March 21-April 19): During a pandemic, is it possible to spread the news about your talents and offerings? Yes! That’s why I suggest you make sure that everyone who should know about you does indeed know about you. To mobilize your efforts and stimulate your imagination, I came up with colorful titles for you to use to describe yourself on your résumé or in promotional materials or during conversations with potential helpers.

1. Fire-Maker 2. Seed-Sower 3. Brisk Instigator 4.

Hope Fiend 5. Gap Leaper 6. Fertility Aficionado 7.

Gleam Finder 8. Launch Catalyst 9. Chief Improviser 10. Change Artist TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Of all the signs, Tauruses are among the least likely to be egomaniacs. Most of you aren’t inclined to indulge in fits of braggadocio or outbreaks of narcissism.

(I just heard one of my favorite virtuoso Taurus singers say she wasn’t a very good singer!) That’s why one of my secret agendas is to tell you how gorgeous you are, to nudge you to cultivate the confidence and pride you deserve to have. Are you ready to leap to a higher octave of self-love? I think so. In the coming weeks, please use Taurus artist Salvador Dali’s boast as your motto: “There comes a moment in every person’s life when they realize they adore me.”

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When I was young, I had a fun-filled fling with a smart Gemini woman who years later became a highly praised author and the authorized biographer of a Nobel Prize-winning writer. Do I regret our break-up? Am I sorry I never got to enjoy her remarkable success up close? No. As amazing as she was and is, we wouldn’t have been right for each other long-term. I am content with the brief magic we created together, and have always kept her in my fond thoughts with gratitude and the wish for her to thrive. Now I invite you to do something comparable to what I just did, Gemini: Make peace with your past. Send blessings to the people who helped make you who you are.

Celebrate what has actually happened in your life, and graduate forever from what might have happened but didn’t.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “You have two ways to live your life, from memory or from inspiration,” writes teacher Joe Vitale. Many of you Cancerians favor memory over inspiration to provide their primary motivation. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, although it can be a problem if you become so obsessed with memory that you distract yourself from creating new developments in your life story.

But in accordance with astrological potentials and the exigencies of our Global Healing Crisis, I urge you, in the coming weeks, to mobilize yourself through a balance of memory and inspiration.

I suspect you’ll be getting rich opportunities to both rework the past and dream up a future full of interesting novelty. In fact, those two imperatives will serve each other well.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Anne Lamott has some crucial advice for you to heed in the coming weeks. “Even when we’re most sure that love can’t conquer all,” she says, “it seems to anyway. It goes down into the rat hole with us, in the guise of our friends, and there it swells and comforts. It gives us second winds, third winds, hundredth winds.” I hope you’ll wield this truth as your secret magic in the coming weeks, Leo. Regard love not just as a sweet emotion that makes you feel good, but as a superpower that can accomplish practical miracles.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Theologian St. Catherine of Siena observed, “To a brave person, good and bad luck are like her left and right hand.

She uses both.” The funny thing is, Virgo, that in the past you have sometimes been more adept and proactive in using your bad luck, and less skillful at capitalizing on your good luck. But from what I can tell, this curious problem has been diminishing for you in 2020—and will continue to do so. I expect that in the coming weeks, you will welcome and harness your good luck with brisk artistry.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “I’m curious about everything, except what people have to say about

© Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

me,” says actor Sarah Jessica Parker. I think that’s an excellent strategy for you to adopt in the coming weeks. On the one hand, the whole world will be exceptionally interesting, and your ability to learn valuable lessons and acquire useful information will be at peak. On the other hand, one of the keys to getting the most out of the wealth of catalytic influences will be to cultivate nonchalance about people’s opinions of you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): On the kids’ TV show Sesame Street, there’s a muppet character named Count von Count. He’s a friendly vampire who loves to count things. He is 6,523,730 years old and his favorite number is 34,969—the square root of 187. The Count was “born” on November 13, 1972, when he made his first appearance on the show, which means he’s a Scorpio. I propose we make him your patron saint for the next four weeks. It’s an excellent time to transform any threatening qualities you might seem to have into harmless and cordial forms of expression. It’s also a favorable phase for you to count your blessings and make plans that will contribute to your longevity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “No one ever found wisdom without also being a fool,” writes novelist Erica Jong. “Until you’re ready to look foolish, you’ll never have the possibility of being great,” says singer Cher. “He dares to be a fool, and that is the first step in the direction of wisdom,” declared art critic James Huneker. “Almost all new ideas have a certain aspect of foolishness when they are first produced,” observed philosopher Alfred North Whitehead. According to my analysis of astrological omens, you’re primed to prove these theories, Sagittarius. Congratulations!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Few people have a treasure,” writes Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro. She’s speaking metaphorically, of course—not referring to a strongbox full of gold and jewels. But I’m happy to inform you that if you don’t have a treasure, the coming months will be a favorable time to find or create it. So I’m putting you on a High Alert for Treasure. I urge you to be receptive to and hungry for it. And if you are one of those rare lucky ones who already has a treasure, I’m happy to say that you now have the power and motivation to appreciate it even more and learn how to make even better use of it. Whether you do or don’t yet have the treasure, heed these further words from Alice Munro: “You must hang onto it.

You must not let yourself be waylaid, and have it taken from you.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): At this moment, there are 50 trillion cells in your body, and each of them is a sentient being in its own right. They act together as a community, consecrating you with their astonishing collaboration. It’s like magic!

Here’s an amazing fact: Just as you communicate with dogs and cats and other animals, you can engage in dialogs with your cells. The coming weeks will be a ripe time to explore this phenomenon. Is there anything you’d like to say to the tiny creatures living in your stomach or lungs? Any information you’d love to receive from your heart or your sex organs? If you have trouble believing this is a real possibility, imagine and pretend. And have fun!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “A myriad of modest delights constitute happiness,” wrote poet Charles Baudelaire. I think that definition will serve you well in the coming weeks, Pisces. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, there won’t be spectacular breakthroughs barging into your life; I expect no sublime epiphanies or radiant transformations. On the other hand, there’ll be a steady stream of small marvels if you’re receptive to such a possibility. Here’s key advice: Don’t miss the small wonders because you’re expecting and wishing for bigger splashes.

What has been your favorite lesson during our Global Healing Crisis? FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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CANNABIS CORNER

May 14 to May 20, 2020

TREATING ANXIETY WITH CANNABIS IN THESE TRYING TIMES

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

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ith prolonged mandated house confinement anxiety is becoming an unwelcomed friend. You feel it when you try to sleep when you wake up in the morning and during the day when you worry how to feed your children with no income. Your two-year old is running around the house oblivious to the reason he cannot go outside. You follow the lesson plans for your 6-year-old but after 55 days of no job unable to go out and earn money the anxiety clings to you like a wet blanket. What do you do?

Thankfully, your endocannabinoid system (ECS) works as a buffer to ensure your organisms do not develop some kind of illness as a result. It also plays a crucial role in regulating fear, anxiety and how we cope with stress. You normally handle the external stressors of pollution, poor sleep, that argument with your boss, but the 24/7 news reports about the millions of people dying worldwide from the coronavirus tips your ECS into overdrive. You cannot make enough of your natural anandamide the chemical in your brain that mimics 9deltatetrahydrocannabinoid (THC) and 2-AG the chemical mimicking cannabidiol (CBD).

High prolonged stress eventually impairs your ECS and downregulates CB1 receptor signaling in brain regions involved in emotional processing resulting in increased levels of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme that breaks anandamide down in the body. This results in lower concentrations of the feel-good endocannabinoids. In simple terms the more anandamide deficient you are the more anxious you become.

Pharmaceutical companies are researching synthetic drugs that inhibit FAAH to slow the degrading of anandamide in your system. Thus, boosting CB1 signaling could be a potential therapeutic target for both protecting against and treating anxiety disorders – a theory explored in a preclinical study on mice with low anandamide levels caused by stress-induced anxiety.

Researchers observed how FAAH inhibitor synthetic drugs given to animals can reverse anxious behaviors.

Campos, AC et al. (2013) and Elmes MW et al. (2015) observed giving CBD, the nonintoxicating compound found in cannabis,

to mice can inhibit anandamide reuptake and delay its metabolism by FAAH. Studies also confirm that CBD enhances CB1 signaling, in turn promoting the creation of new neurons in the hippocampus, which scientists believe further contributes towards the compound’s ability to relieve anxiety. In one study, administering CBD to rats submitted to 60 minutes of enforced restraint not only lowered their heart rate and mean arterial pressure, but also reduced anxiety levels.

An open-label and nonrandomized study by Scott Shannon, MD (2019) in The Permanente Journal showed CBD to be better tolerated than routine psychiatric medications and displayed promise as a tool for reducing anxiety in clinical populations.

“Seventy-two psychiatric patients with anxiety or sleep disorders were given between 25-175mg of CBD a day, alongside existing psychiatric medications. After two months of treatment, 78.1% of patients reported feeling less anxious and 56.1% experienced improved sleep.”

Mary Biles in a May 06, 2020 issue of Project CBD, an online website reporting on cannabis research, tells us “a number of clinical trials to study the effectiveness of CBD for anxiety are in the process of recruiting, including one using 25mg of full spectrum CBD soft gel capsules over a period of twelve weeks; and a phase II clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of CBD for social anxiety, which will also measure changes in endocannabinoid levels. And a Harvard Medical School research project will compare whole-plant and singleextract CBD solutions for anxiety.” Contact: Annick Metcalf, M.SC at annick.metcalfe@ canopygrowth.com. Or if you want to enter into other clinical trials on cannabis go to clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/ NCT03549819.

In the meantime, it would not hurt to ingest a low dose of CBD from your local dispensary during these stressful times. Do not let anyone tell you there is not enough research on medical cannabis. The PubMed. org site has thousands of published papers demonstrating the effectiveness of this miraculous plant.

Submit questions to hilruth@gmail.com

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