www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
June 10 to June 16, 2021
BY HEIDI SIMMONS 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 Reefer Madness .......................................... 3-4 Casuelas Café Covid Jailbreak Party ........... 5 Unsung Heroes Benefit Concert .................. 6 Club Crawler Nightlife ...................................6 Consider This - Jenny Don't & the Spurs..... 9
E
veryone likes a makeover show and Palm Springs is no stranger to being in the before and after improvement spotlight. Airing this fall, High Design is Discovery Channel’s new reality makeover show, but instead of midcentury modern homes, it is marijuana dispensaries and lounges that are getting the facelift. “I got a call and they asked if I would be
interested,” said Steven Wijatyk, owner, Reefer Madness Dispensary and Lounge about the new design series. “We had a few Zoom meetings, they came into the store, and I guess they thought we would look good on TV.” The cable program will feature a weekly makeover of cannabis dispensaries and lounges across the country. High Design producers asked Wijatyk
what he wanted to improve or see redone to his Reefer Madness establishment. He was able to quickly give the designer his wish list: remove the lowered ceiling, fix the florescent lighting in the lounge, do something with the concrete floors, and add more storage for products. Wijatyk opened the 1,800 square foot Palm Springs dispensary and lounge last year, (March 2020) right when California’s Governor Newsom ordered shelter in place orders. Wijatyk remained open as an essential business, reaching new customers by waving signs on busy Ramon Road and provided extended hours. Today, Reefer Madness is a happening spot. There is a constant flow of customers who represent all demographics. The lounge has tourists enjoying a take-out lunch while sharing a joint, and having “edibles” for desert. The cool, relaxed vibe delivers a sense of fun and colorful escape. “A lot of the work they did was a surprise,” said Wijatyk. “It is a big improvement over what we had before. They did it in only five days.” continue to page 4
Rival Sons ................................................ 10-11 The Vino Voice ............................................. 12 Screeners...................................................... 13 Pet Place ................................................. 14-15 Cindy Burreson – Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert............................. 17 El Paseo "Time To Thrive" Event.................. 17 Haddon Libby .............................................. 18 Dale Gribow ................................................. 18 Health - Keto ................................................ 20 Travel Tips 4 U .............................................. 20 Safety Tips.................................................... 21 Swag For The Soul ....................................... 22 Free Will Astrology ..................................... 22
3