Coachella Valley Weekly - June 11 to June 17, 2020 Vol. 9 No. 13

coachellavalleyweekly.com • June 11 to June 17, 2020

Vol.9 No.13

Photo by Laura Hunt Little

Protest In Palm Springs

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Desert Music Artists

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Fantasy Springs Entertainment

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Rick’s Restaurant

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

JOSH HEINZ:

MUSICIAN, HUSBAND, FATHER, FRIEND, AUTISM PROMOTER, & INTEGRAL PART OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC SCENE

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

Josh Heinz - "Made In Memphis 2003" ... 3 Protests In Palm Springs.......................... 6 Travel Tips & Local Happenings 4 U........ 6 Desert Music Artists ........................... 8-11 Consider This - Bebopalula .................... 12 Fantasy Springs Entertainment............... 13

Photo by Laura Hunt Little

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

ince moving to the desert from Memphis, Tennessee on his 26th birthday, back in May of 2001, Josh Heinz has become a fan favorite, a driving force and integral part of the CV music scene. I remember the first time I heard Heinz perform; I was so impressed with his passion for singing and his soulful grungy vocals, but most of all his lyrics. To this day his song “Sunburn in the Shade” is one of my Top 5 Favorite Songs from any performer ever.

Back in Memphis he performed with his band Wyndom Earle. A few years after moving here to the desert in 2004, he connected with Nathan Marchi, Dave Virginia and Greg Lesenjak , to form the band Dufreign. Then in 2009, he formed Blasting

Echo with Mondo Flores and Jeff Fortson.

Later, his future wife Linda Lemke, would join the band in 2011. Moving forward, Josh also became part of the band 5th Town with his wife Linda, Chelsea Sugarbritches, Troy Whitford, Martin Barrera and Mondo Flores.

Heinz was performing on a regular basis at venues across the CV with both Blasting Echo and 5th Town until the quarantine happened and he and Linda started doing virtual concerts on FB live to keep their fans involved and happy.

Heinz along with all of his bands have been nominated for numerous CV Music Awards over the last 7 years and in 2018 he took home the award for Best Live Music Event for his Concert for Autism Benefit.

Heinz started and has been producing this popular and very successful benefit every year for the last 12 years along with his wife Linda, as it holds a very special place in both of their hearts. The couple have been together for 10 years and met because they both have autistic sons. They are raising Linda’s teenage son Jimmy and her son Christopher who has autism and together they have a young son Jack.

Heinz was also one of CV Weekly’s Top 10 Men in 2015. He has released the following albums: Wyndom Earle - Out of the Garmonbozia / Dufreign - Far Too Long / Blasting Echo - The End is Still So Far / Blasting Echo - Uso-tsuki Mendax / 5th Town - Road to Nowhere NOW, Heinz is releasing his first solo album, Made in Memphis 2003, which is available Thursday, June 11 on several musical platforms.

Listening to the album, you can hear in his older music where Blasting Echo was born; remnants of grunge swirled with alt garage rock. It is truly vintage Josh Heinz; early 2000s raw alternative rock at its finest.

The track “Bottle it Up,” which is the only track that made it on to a Blasting Echo CD, this version is more raw and stripped down than the Blasting Echo version.

BY TRACY DIETLIN

A few of my favorites are: “The Same,” with the lyrics: The past is dangerous cuz that’s where I want to be. It’s melodic angst with a Weezer-ish feel.

“Under My Skin,” I love the electric guitar and Josh whispering some of the lyrics.

Heinz took some time to answer a few questions about the new CD and the CV Music Scene.

CVW: Tell us about your early years in Memphis with your band Wyndom Earle?

Heinz: “Like any young band, we were trying to discover ourselves and what we were together as a band. We were suburb kids trying to break into a world that we had no experience dealing with. We had a lot to learn. But for a time there we shared an intensity and belief that what we were doing really meant something. I think that our best performances were in practices, where we tried to figure out life together, with no outside influences.”

CVW: What made you move to the CV? Heinz: “My first wife had family out here.

Her daughter was about to start school and we made the decision that we would rather her be raised in an environment that wasn’t so racially divided - which unfortunately the Memphis area has a problem with. Wyndom Earle ran its course and it was time for a change.”

CVW: Talk about your early days here in the CV trying to break into the music scene and what it was like back then?

Heinz: “It took me a while to start playing here. Since I didn’t know anyone and there wasn’t any social media to connect with other musicians, I had no idea what and where the music was. I didn’t play out for the first time in the valley until sometime in 2003 at Frankie J’s, which was at the corner of San Pablo and 111, where Angel View is now. Through Frankie J’s I met Mike Mozingo’s band, Pause for Beer. They asked me to open up a show at Frankie’s with them and The Hellions. But it wasn’t until I continue to page 5

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE ...................... 14 VIRTUAL VIEWING ..................................... 14 The Vino Voice ....................................... 16 Good Grub - Rick's Restaurant .............. 17 Brewtality .................................................. 18 Fantasy Springs Restuarants.................... 19 Hello Palm Springs .................................... 19 The Living Desert....................................... 19 Pet Place .................................................... 20 Screeners ............................................... 22 Safety Tips .............................................. 23 Haddon Libby ........................................ 24 Dale Gribow ........................................... 24 Mind, Body & Spirit ............................... 25 Free Will Astrology................................ 25 Swag For The Soul.................................... 26 Cannabis Corner......................................... 26

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JOSH HEINZ

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played your Mystic Avalanche showcase in 2004 that I really got exposed to the scene and met the guys that started Dufreign with me.”

CVW: Who were some of your first allies in the music scene here as I do know back then it wasn’t that easy to connect and be part of if you weren’t “desert rock”?

Heinz: “I wouldn’t use the word allies, because that gives the connotation that it was competitive - and I feel like most of the musicians in the desert really pull for each other. For sure, you were one of the first people that really encouraged me. I would say that my biggest supporters in the early days were the guys that started Dufreign with me - Nathan Marchi, Dave Virginia and Greg Lesenjak. They lived here before me and for them to be into what a complete stranger was doing was a big encouragement. Certainly Ming Bob was supportive. The guys in The Hellions, Wiseman, Vega and Fateful Day were also super supportive.”

CVW: How was the music scene different in Memphis compared to the CV? Heinz: “Much different. It is a big city.

You have blocks of the city that had more live music venues than what we have in this entire valley. I can’t speak for the way it is now, but at the time you had North Memphis that was Metal/Hard Rock, you had Midtown Memphis where it was more punk and alternative. There was downtown where you had Beale with the Blues. The north end of downtown had venues with different types of music. Here, we have very few venues that will support live original music, so you go to any show - regardless of genre. In a big city, you can find whatever genre you want every weekend. Is that great to appease your tastes? Sure. But does it limit you from experiencing other great bands that play different things? Yes. So I feel like I’ve been exposed to more diverse music and people here in the desert than I ever would have been in Memphis. And that’s not because it wasn’t there. It’s because I had so many opportunities to listen to bands similar to my tastes, that I didn’t broaden my horizons. Here we have much more of a close knit music community.”

CVW: Let’s talk about this particular album and why you’re releasing it now and what it means to you?

Heinz: “These recordings have never had a release. Ironically, the title, “Made in Memphis 2003” might make you think I wrote the material there. But all of these were written here in the desert between 2001-2003. I just had no way of recording them here. I knew no one with a studio.

I contacted Wyndom Earle’s producer, Robert Picon, to see if he could help me out.

He is a fantastic and encouraging person. He agreed to do it on a shoe string budget, so I went back there in the spring of 2003 to record. We hired the drummer of his band, Dawayne Gaspard, to play the drums. Then my good friends and former bandmates from Wyndom Earle - Michael Spann and Von Ralls - came in to do leads. It was meant to be a calling card I could give to musicians

here in the valley. That worked in a way. But once I got into a band, we started writing about what we were at the time - not what I was a few years before. Dufreign performed a few of these songs, but only re-recorded one of them. That is the same for Blasting Echo. Of the ten songs on the record, all but two of them have been played at some point. Most of them I’ve done acoustically.

“With digital distribution becoming more affordable, I figured why not put it out there? The pandemic provided me with time to focus on it and Michael was happy to master it for me. He has been super supportive of the project and I couldn’t have completed it without his help.”

CVW: How does this CD differ from the ones you’ve made since you moved to CA with your current bands?

Heinz: “The biggest difference is one word: collaboration. What I made in 2003 was primarily a singular vision, which was ok because these songs were written alone without a band. Fortunately, I had Robert, with Justin Short and Spann assisting, to give me some ideas during recording. Though with certain songs I want that singular vision, I appreciate the collaborative effort with bandmates much more. Certainly you want your bandmates to be into what you hear in your head, but you also want your bandmates to take what they hear and pull it in a direction you wouldn’t go. More often than not it makes the song better. You want that trust with the people you are making music with. And everyone gets more excited to play that song because they were a part of it; even if it is a tiny bit.”

CVW: What is your favorite track on this CD and why?

Heinz: “They all have special meaning to me, but I would have to say “Closure”. I think we’ve all had a moment in our life where we didn’t get closure with a certain person or situation that we probably needed. It was the first song I wrote after 9/11 and started out as a song addressing what 3000+ families and friends might have been experiencing after their loved ones were taken away from them so suddenly. Then part of the song became about my own personal need for closure. The song allowed me to have it.”

CVW: How does it feel to have this rich arsenal of songs over the years that fans love to hear?

Heinz: “I appreciate anyone who shows up to the shows - Blasting Echo or solo shows - and asks for a song that I created or had a hand in creating. I’m grateful. There is nothing like having a group of people at a show singing along with your lyrics.”

CVW: What are your favorite songs to perform live?

Heinz: “Right now my favorite songs to play are the newer Blasting Echo songs that will be on our next record: “Look Around,” “It Breaks,” “Cynic,” and “Make It Right” amongst the others - these are songs that really excite me every time we play them.”

CVW: What do you feel are the best 3 songs you’ve ever written in that order and why?

Heinz: “I think that my ‘best’ songs

June 11 to June 17, 2020

Photos by Laura Hunt Little

depend on the listener. I appreciate the question, knowing full well that some people may not like any of them. And knowing that there are many more musicians than myself that deserve that question, and I’d love to hear their answers. If I had to pick 3 that I hope the message resonates the loudest, I would say “Closure,” “It’s Not My Time” and “Begin Again.”

CVW: You are a very active and passionate performer. How has it been for you doing the virtual shows versus the live shows?

Heinz: “I miss playing with the full band for sure. I miss the moments we share with each other when the music feels right and the energy in the room is powerful. I miss the volume and intensity. I can’t wait to get back in the room together. But these are challenging times, and I’m glad we have the virtual medium to play music together and share it with our family and friends.”

CVW: You and your lovely wife Linda perform in 2 bands together. How does that work for you?

Heinz: “In our household it works very well for us. We support each other’s passion.

Playing music is a healthy outlet for us.”

CVW: Where are we with the Autism benefit for this year?

Heinz: “Right now we are in a holding pattern as far as the benefit. We’d love to have it, as long as it is safe. And I don’t believe we know enough about what is going on to commit to it. It seems like info is changing all the time. Do I have dates reserved for it? Yes. Will it happen? We just don’t know.”

The new album Josh Heinz Made in Memphis 2003 is available now at Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify and Google Play and is coming to all major streaming services shortly.

Go to: joshheinzmadeinmemphis2003. hearnow.com to preview and purchase.

For physical CD's, contact Josh directly on Facebook. blastingecho.com concertforautism.com facebook.com/blastingecho facebook.com/joshheinzmusicpage facebook.com/5thtown 5thtown.hearnow.com To watch a short video go to: https:// youtu.be/Zvrn38ExsHc

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

COMMUNITY

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string of protests in the Coachella Valley continued this week to raise awareness against police brutality.

Cities like Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Indio, and Palm Springs have held demonstrations to bring attention to the pressing concerns for reform sweeping the nation.

The one of the largest demonstrations was held on Saturday, June 6, at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The “Enough Is Enough” peaceful protest was organized by a group of eight teenagers who refer to themselves online as the “Young Justice Advocates”.

“This protest is not to degrade police officers or call out any race. We are here for unity and equality for our country,” expressed one of the Young Justice Advocates during the event.

The protest was originally scheduled to be held on Palm Canyon Drive, but the location was changed to Ruth Hardy Park to safely accommodate a large amount of people. Nearly two thousand people were

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BLM PROTESTS CONTINUE IN PALM SPRINGS

in attendance to support Black Lives Matter, with 100 people showing up 15 minutes prior to the protest even starting and gradually increasing through the duration of the protest.

“We are grateful we have our community’s support behind this very important event.

Let us stand in unity as we protest for the injustices that have happened throughout our nation,” encouraged the Young Justice Advocates group.

Chief of the Palm Springs Police Department Bryan Reyes and Congressman Raul Ruiz also made appearances to show support for the protest. The Palm Springs Police Department worked closely with the organizers of the event and showed their appreciation of the peaceful demonstration

throughout the morning.

“The work does not stop after one protest.

We need a better future for our youth. We need to be better. If you want a better future for your kids and others, an equal world; you are a Young Justice Advocate,” the Young Justice Advocates posted on their Instagram page.

Another protest was held following “Enough Is Enough” by the Coachella Workers’ Coalition at Ruth Hardy Park on June 8, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The demonstration started at the park and later marched through the Downtown Palm Springs strip before returning to the original meeting place.

According to the Coachella Workers’ Coalition’s Instagram, the march was in

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n the city of Indio, you’ll find mostly older murals created in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, though a few were made within this decade. All reflect the history of the Coachella Valley, as well as the people,

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representation for “racial and economic justice,” and how racial injustice is seen in lowwage labor, poverty, education, and policing.

As the country continues to protest for Black Lives Matter and point towards the direction of societal change, the Coachella Valley community strives to uphold peaceful protests that will promote a better future. For more information on these local activist groups, visit their Instagram pages: @youngjusticeadvocates and @ coachellaworkers_coalition.

Photos by Crystal Harrell

TRAVELTIPS&LOCAL HAPPENINGS4U

INDIO MURALS

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

events and aspects that make up the desert’s heritage.

To start, park near La Tarasca Restaurant (82-231 Indio Blvd.) to see the first of two murals on separate walls of the eatery.

The rest of the murals are relatively spaced out, so it's best to drive to each one and park on the street or in a nearby parking lot.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

Practice Social Distancing and Stay Safe!

Think Art and Enjoy the Talent “It is not about being all the same, it is about respecting differences.”

Lynne Tucker - A Passion 4 Photography 818.298.7007 Contributing Writer and Photographer for: CV Weekly (Coachella Valley)

The Tolucan Times (San Fernando Valley) Conservation Ambassador for The Living Desert

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

LOCAL MUSIC

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he Day The Music Died II In March I wrote an article titled The Day The Music Died II where I talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic dropped an anchor on all live music and seemed to suck the combined oxygen of all musicians across the world. In the last three months we have witnessed the bouncing back of music communities around the globe and the Coachella Valley and High Desert have done their part to adapt and set the pace of their own comeback with live social media performances and the continued release of new and inventive music and cutting-edge videos.

Music is professedly the universal art form, language and culture that links us all. Music is that unspoken understanding between us that keeps humanity connected no matter the circumstances.

Because of the pandemic, some of us have gone through significant stressors, tremendous suffering, and extreme hardship. These world events have shut us down and set us back but we have responded with equal force and are compellingly closer to a unified self-awareness.

What is Resilience?

Our composers, vocalists and instrumentalists have remained resilient throughout the quarantine and Coronavirus pandemic. Resiliency is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and develop toughness. This of course does not mean we will not experience difficult times, to the contrary, with resilience comes adversity.

We are not necessarily equipped with behaviors, thoughts and actions associated with resilience but they can be learned and developed. Our brains have the capacity to continuously change over time and adapt to new information accordingly thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to undergo structural changes in response to our environment.

Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with a number of musicians who are a part of the framework that supports the desert music scene.

We asked the following questions: In regard to your music, what has kept you balanced and sensible during this time?

What are your plans to remain pertinent as an artist and keep your music viable and alive in the near future?

MARIO LALLI (FATSO JETSON, YAWNING MAN) “This has actually been a very creative time, in part by life being simplified quite a bit. I had a six week tour canceled and several festivals postponed or canceled so this normally is a very crazy busy time that just opened up, but all this energy to create and do things was raging, I had to adjust and channel it.”

“I’ve done lots of home recording. The main project that grew from the time was a live performance film shot at Giant Rock in the High Desert. We recorded a 45 minute

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RESILIENCY: COACHELLA VALLEY AND HIGH DESERT MUSIC ARTISTS

Yawning Man performance in front of the boulder and it came out really nice. It was a webcast for a past weekend but now we will refine it and release it on DVD and digitally.

I’m also working with Pappy & Harriet’s to develop a filmed series of performances from the venue.

They’ve started to open for dining but the music is still on hold for now.

I’m hoping soon it will be safe and the music will be flowing at Pappy’s again. I’m also looking into drive-in performances at a couple different locations. It’s about adaptation, but exciting.” fatsojetson.bandcamp.com

but creators will never stop creating.”

RONNIE KING (Multi-Platinum, Oscar & Grammy Nominated Producer) “My balance has been sustained by having the time to complete my solo record and get my studio really popping. I’m doing so much online music with many clients sending tracks and going back to playing the keyboard has been great. With the installation of my CNN type video studio making music Episode for my ‘How-to’ podcast.’” ronniekingofficial.com

BY NOE GUTIERREZ have an impact on each other. Honestly, I don't know if I've ever been balanced or sensible in the first place. Music has always been something that allows me to escape and sometimes reflect the environment around me. This has definitely been a time when it has been one of my most important medications.”

“I have absolutely no plans to remain pertinent. I'm not really sure that being pertinent is all that important. I think that what's important is to create what you love and enjoy what you create and the rest all takes care of itself. I am not really sure if I'm that interested in my music being viable either. For as long as I have played, I have enjoyed the experiment of making sounds and arranging them in a way that soothes me and takes me to different emotional and psychological places. Maybe for me being viable is always making sure I'm keeping the experiment alive.” dandybrown.com

DINO VON LALLI (BIGPIG, FATSO JETSON) “In these weird times music does what it has always done, it provides an escape from our regular lives or our ‘new regular lives’. It lets us take a second, minute or an hour and forget that we’re stuck at home. As for the future, at this point, most of it is unknown,

DANDY BROWN (HERMANO, ORQUESTA DEL DESIERTO) “Dawn Rich and I keep working on The Fizz Fuzz material, and we've always got our toes in the water with some kind of project.

Music just becomes one of the many outlets that we focus upon. We paint, write and create all kinds of knick-knacky kind of things around the house. Eventually, one hand just washes the other and all of these outlets

ROBBI ROBB (3RD EAR EXPERIENCE, TRIBE AFTER TRIBE, THE ASYLUM KIDS) “Lust, absolute lust! The lust to be able to play the guitar so well that it is physically impossible for my technique, the muscles in my fingers, or my lack of knowledge to get in the way of dream-space and the expansion of consciousness and the deep well of colors that I fall into when I touch the sweet spot in an improvisation. The lust to go beyond my limitations of being trapped in a physical body. And so, as you well know, that to reach these wonderful states of consciousness, it can only be done in extreme solitude, one on one with inner hierophant, the eternal shaman. You can practice scales all the day long, but unless you expand your innervision and your psychic magical potential, you will merely become a ‘good player’ like

Dino & Mario Lalli

Ronnie King

Dandy Brown

Photo by Steve Thornton

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June 11 to June 17, 2020 the band details, but they’re heavy and I’m stoked for people to hear it.” criticalartaudio.com COURTNEY CHAMBERS “I have been practicing and getting to everything that I felt I didn't have enough time for. Currently, working on my next record ‘Evolver’ and excited to release new music to the world.” courtneychambers.net

Lootenant

Gene Evaro Jr.

Angel Lua Photo by Brian Blueskye

some kinda technical shredder. But when your inner magician touches the void of things, then you play a guitar like no other, then you touch a music that hasn’t been heard before. So to be told, to be ordered into solitude and quarantine is a dream come true! Oh, so you mean I HAVE to go and be in that very place that one has to go into in order to attain the highest potential of human nature and express it through my desired art which is the rock guitar? Hahaha and you’re going to give me money to do this? Oh boy! I am in heaven! And as you may not know, I am a chef, l love cooking.

So having time to surf the inner waves of consciousness, to sit down with the invisible teachers, to practice the guitar for hours, while eating the best food, I’m in heaven!”

“Prior to the quarantine we had been jamming for a year with a new drummer and have about 30 cover versions under our belt. We’ve done some gigs, done a lot of free-form jamming and finally started recording the jams all in preparation to make a new album. We set up the band in the gallery and was just about to mic the band for some serious recording, when we realized we are being a bit too cavalier with the Coronavirus thing, so we tore down everything and went into quarantine. Later, I scoured the jams that we recorded in my studio to find some wonderful gems and started trimming the shit, leaves and the storks out so now we have some good buds left haha! Got hooked up with Gary Barnacle the sax player who has the longest CV list of people he has played with including David Bowie, Tina Turner, Paul McCartney and The Clash. He has been overdubbing on the jams, and lo and behold, a great album has appeared. Some things you cannot force, as you well know. And then also I have been preparing FurstWurld to be a viable entity should another pandemic strike in the fall. And so in preparing the gallery I have created a situation that is valuable for us to get music out and to maintain the 3rd Ear Experience community and keep nourishing our friends and fans in even the severest of lockdowns. We are ready technologically, but if all goes back to ‘normal’ we have a

long list of festivals and a tour on hold and a great new album ready to go.” robbirobb.com BOBBY NICHOLS (LISA LYNN AND THE BROKEN HALLELUJAHS) “We are living in times the Ancients foretold, packaged confusion is heralded as some new shining reality while clarity of vision is to be feared and demonized.”

“What’s kept me balanced and sensible throughout has been to stay on course and trust my intuition on a much deeper level than ever before. In turn, my music flows from a deeper, more authentic place. What more can an artist ask for than a well-spring of healing ideas and visions? Rob Peterson and I are collaborating on some of these ‘babies’ and are looking forward to sharing them in the near future.”

LOOTENANT “I can honestly say that my live shows before the pandemic took up a majority of my time, so creating new music wasn’t an easy task. Since I’ve had the past four months of gigs cancelled from my bday bash at Date Shed to LooPac Live in different cities across the US and Mexico, I took this time to create two new projects that I plan to release this summer. I was really depressed during the first month but then I picked up where I left off and made some dope new music.”

“I’m currently performing live sets with other artists from all over the world via Instagram Live on my showcase ‘Lootenant Live at 5’ every Sunday at 5 p.m. It features four new artists each week to show off their new music and perform it for the live audience. Due to everything going on, I pushed my next show to June 28th. Feel free to join the fan base on my Instagram @lootenantmusic. I’m hoping that with safety guidelines, we can reopen with live shows again, but until then we’ll continue to network through live online segments and entertain our fans as much as possible.”

RACHEL DEAN (STARLIGHT CLEANING CO) “In regard to what’s keeping us balanced

and sensible during this time, each of us and music we love. Tim and I and our dogs are spending lots of time watching sunsets and listening to music that inspires and soothes us. For me personally, I’ve been digging back into Bakersfield Country and the artists that scene inspired.”

“We’re still planning on getting our record out sometime soon. And we have an online performance coming up this month. But Tim’s been writing up a storm and recording demos, inspired by all that’s going on in the world. So I’m sure you’ll be hearing some of that soon. Personally, I’m dying to get out and play again. That’s where my heart is, on the stage. We had to cancel so many special shows, so I’m ready to get back into it as soon as it’s safe again.”

STEPHEN OTERO (OWNER/OPERATOR CRITICAL ART AUDIO) “The bands I’ve been working with locally, I actually tracked prior to COVID-19.

The mixing and mastering worked out well because they didn’t need to be present for that and we exchanged mix notes online.

The band is named Order of the Wolf they’re from Joshua Tree and they just released a second single I did for them this week titled ‘No Hope’ available on YouTube and Spotify. Tyler Ontiveros is the drummer and he just released a drum play-through for the first single I recorded for them titled ‘Convictions’, which is cool for me to see how the bands I work with are still getting the music we worked so hard on out there in creative ways.

“I have been seeing more bands record themselves at home and then they bring me in for the mix and master which has actually been a lot of fun. I like to put myself and work out there, but I mainly get work from previous bands telling their friends and word of mouth. My plan is to keep making records and helping artists get their music out for all to hear. I just got hired by a band that used to be signed to Mediaskare Records (The Ghost Inside, Volumes, As Blood Runs Black, Bury Your Dead) out of North Hollywood to mix and master their music.

I cannot release much more information on

DEREK JORDAN GREGG (THE HIVE MINDS) “In times like these you have to persevere. Never stop creating. You don’t need the validation of an audience to create.

Make something, it’s the purest thing you can do. Give all of yourself. That’s how you stay balanced.”

GENE EVARO, JR. “In addition to constantly writing new music, TV and Commercial opportunities, I’ve been busy producing records for other artists including female Australian artistabout-to-break-large Jamie-Lee Dimes, also an awesome new female artist from Austin, TX named Sarita, and South African Rock legend Dino Archon’s new full-length album. I’m also producing Gabriella Evaro’s debut album which is of course my favorite of them all! Being creative on other people’s projects is a cathartic way of stepping out of my own ‘brand’ mentality and do what I love best, produce great music with artists I believe in!”

“Well, there is no touring and no live shows but nonetheless, the world needs meaningful music now more than ever.

Thats my cue! I grew up listening to music that spoke of a world quite similar to the one we are stepping into now. Think Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix. I feel rather prepared to rise to the occasion!

Songs that UNITE are needed now more than ever, music that speaks to the SOUL of the individual can transform one’s psyche.

We need a ‘Love Awakening' and what motivates me and my constituents most is our call to a greater purpose, contributing something meaningful to the world is perhaps the longing that all creatives, healers and lovers alike have been waiting for. In the wise words of Stevie Wonder…I am singing of tomorrow, I am singing of love, I am singing someday sweet love will reign throughout this world of ours. I am singing of love from my heart.” soundcloud.com/gene-evaro-jr ANGEL LUA (THE HELLIONS) “For me, music and art has been a huge factor for remaining balanced in life—and even for keeping my sanity intact! This quarantine has enabled me to not only be reflective but also situate the messages we convey through art in the absurd world around us. We have been exploring new avenues to take The Hellions music into deeper, more subversive, territories and really thinking about how revolutionary Punk Rock—or any art—can still be. We continue to page 10

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wanna make it dangerous again and scare the shit out of bigots and people who bully those who they think are lesser than them. For The Hellions, this has been an introspective moment for us and has only solidified us as a group of friends who use Punk Rock to glue our resilience and friendship.”

“As for the last question, we are writing new material, dusting off stuff that never truly saw the light of day, and continuing to spread the Rock ’n’ Roll gospel! Can’t wait to do what we love for everyone who has continually supported us!” thehellions1.bandcamp.com

CHARLIE ELLIS (MIGHTY JACK, THE AGENTS, EDITH & ALICE) “Desert musicians have always been resilient AND innovative when we are faced with the adversity of having no real available venue to perform at. I guess with COVID-19, social media has become the new ‘Nude Bowl’ or ‘Iron Door’ for a new age. Hey, at least my vehicle won't burst into flames! The virtual gigs have been sort of a silver lining to all this ‘covid-craziness’.

I've enjoyed being able being to watch a Blasting Echo show from the pool...or catch the Michael Keeth dinner show from my own dining room.”

“And for better or for worse this pandemic has given birth to my alter ego ‘Elvis Cooper’...just like a phoenix rising from the ashes. It's 3/4 Elvis with 1/4 Alice Cooper...and kablam! I'm that much closer to my lounge singing dream...so ‘Welcome to Your Nightmare!’”

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track called ‘Fear Me’ through an Australian label called Desert Highways. It was good to have the time to focus on that track. I produced, mixed and mastered it.

We’re finishing up a new video for a song called ‘Under Cover of the Law’ which is coincidently spot-on with what's going on right now. I've always been a ‘Doomsday Prepper’ so the time was well spent practicing and training. I shoot competition and getting that aspect of my life to a higher level was essential. I’ve been writing riffs like a maniac and painting which kept me sane and or insane? Pertinent? Viable?

And alive in the near future? Who knows what the near future will hold, I guess we'll see. I believe the universe and the riff gods from outer space have always sent me riffs that stand the test of time and my guys have always stepped up to the plate and delivered their part amazingly, so that's pertinent and viable lol.” modelmayhem.com/9140

ARTHUR SEAY (HOUSE OF BROKEN PROMISES, UNIDA, DEATH IN PRETTY WRAPPING) “Balanced and sensible? I’ve actually really enjoyed the break from the world and the stress of being a ‘one-man-army’ in all of my bands, it made me realize I was definitely burned-out and needed this break lol and very much enjoyed said break, just focusing on nothing and doing projects around my studio. HoBP released a new

JOSH HEINZ (BLASTING ECHO, 5TH TOWN) “The pandemic has been so unfortunate for everyone and for some it has been so much more devastating than others, so I want to keep my answer in proper context. Music has always been my outlet to share, connect and express at any time.

I’m grateful to have some people out there that enjoy what we do. I certainly had no plans of doing webcasts for 12 weeks in a row when we first participated in the CVCV Fest on March 22nd. But they have been a good way to focus our attention on something creative and distract us from the uncertainty of the times. It’s been a good challenge creatively for us. Linda has been really good about getting me to try different things, doing songs I wouldn’t normally do and reimagining some of our songs in a different way. We are also fans, and have certainly enjoyed watching and listening to other members of our community share their music. It has made me sing, smile, laugh and cry.”

Perhaps the most positive thing that has

Charlie Ellis

Arthur Seay

Photo by Steven Young

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happened is that we have been forced to use a tool that was available…webcasting, but we didn’t use it. As a result, we are now spending a half hour a week with not just those in our local community, but with people across the country. Typically we have family and friends watching from Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, New Hampshire and down in Florida. They have expressed how much they enjoy getting to see us play and look forward to it each week. This virtual congregating has been something we look forward to. Once this is all over and we can get back to performing in the typical way with Blasting Echo and 5th Town, we certainly will. But we will probably continue to webcast, maybe not every week, but perhaps once or twice a month. Our plan is to just keep putting out new music that we enjoy to play and create together. Blasting Echo was working on our new record with Rob Peterson when the pandemic started and we look forward to completing and sharing that. Hopefully it’s music that resonates on some level with everyone.”

In regard to my solo album, ‘Josh Heinz - Made in Memphis 2003,’ these are songs I recorded 17 years ago, that I was never able to properly release. Getting music onto streaming services has become much more affordable and with the pandemic occurring I had the time to focus on it. Ultimately, Michael Spann, my friend and former bandmate from Memphis sealed the deal when he said he’d master it for me. I can’t thank him enough. I’m proud of the songs and I wanted to be sure to release them at some point. It’s another way to keep the music alive.” blastingecho.com

opportunities to concentrate and plan our next move. We have consistently facilitated pre-production via Zoom, over the phone and through emails.” reverbnation.com/emptyseat GREG SAENZ (JOHN GARCIA AND THE BAND OF GOLD, SLEAZY CORTEZ, THE DWARVES, EXCEL) “Between JG and the BOG festival tours being postponed until 2021 and getting laid off from work, I have been enjoying my downtime working on my home with my wife, Ali Saenz. I also have been taking advantage of this time to jam out with friends like Mario Lalli and Gary Arce, and I have been embracing my love for heavy Blues by indulging myself by listening to old records and rehearsing with the fellows from Sleazy Cortez to record an EP in the near future.” smarturl.it/JGATBOG JUAN ESPINO (RAZOR J) “I used the months of April and May as a boot camp, I created a schedule for writing songs, watching tutorials and practicing.

I had days and hours set up for vocals, guitar and beats. The routine was good for my mental health but also made sure this time wasn't a waste. My momentum was stalled but I studied Facebook ads and music business books and actually gained 150 followers on Spotify during this time.

Now that things are heading back, I'm going to release new music with all my new knowledge.” songwhip.com/song/razor-j/higher

ERIN ‘RED’ FERRER (EMPTY SEAT) “We’re writing new music and focusing on creating fresh ideas and staying connected with each other on a regular basis by collaborating from home. In the near future our plans are to keep dropping singles and to make more videos. The most important thing is to keep creating original music. The down time means more

LISA LYNN MORGAN (LISA AND THE BROKEN HALLELUJAHS) “I am sorry, is this question for me, or did you mean to send this to someone else? From my perspective, ‘balanced' and ‘sensible’ don’t describe the array of thoughts and feelings this new abnormal is inciting, but thank you. I will be honest with you. I spend more time staring at my piano than playing or creating on it. I have come to find out that my creative mojo gets

Erin “Red” Ferrer

Juan Espino (Razor J) Photo by Chance

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Jaime Hargate Photo by Chance

shaken up and sparkles best when I’m with other people, so I’ve experienced a level of dormancy in the last couple of weeks, trying to take everything in. There is a lot of negative, fear-based data out there which makes my heart wretchedly heavy if I focus on it too much. I know I am not alone in this.

However, I feel the innate need that I think lives in every artist to communicate, inspire, heal or incite is coming to a boiling point, and when it does, I think it will be interesting.

For me and my music, I hope it looks and sounds like soulful hope, inspiration, and fearlessness.”

“I want to create ways for our local musicians to perform safely and be heard and seen. Outdoor venues, backyards with plenty of space to be safe… I’m not sure what that looks like exactly, but I want it for myself and all the other musicians around here. Performing is like oxygen to the creatives in our community. It can be the same for those who love live music. On a more personal level, I want to avoid thinking about pushing my ‘product’ per say. I just want to dig deeper and give harder, and let the cards fall where they may. If it meets the people where they are at and moves them to a place they like to be, then I think things will take care of themselves. We just need a place to be heard loud and in 3D, not just behind the glass wall of our devices.” reverbnation.com/lisalynnmorgan AREK RELIGA (AREK & THE LOST TRIBE) “To stay balanced, I practice meditation and the guitar every day. I do my best to post performance videos on social media and stay connected to my fellow musicians and anyone interested in my music. I, of course, love spending time with my family and they keep me levelheaded”.

“I’m really eager to get out and perform live again, whether it’s solo acoustic or fully plugged and electric with my band Arek & the Lost Tribe. I will be booking as many shows as possible once I am able.” youtube.com/user/arekreliga JAMIE HARGATE (THE HELLIONS) “As far as how the quarantine has affected us or what we have been up to

Bri Cherry Photo by George Duchannes

since March as a band... well, besides the initial effect of canceling shows and shuffling schedules just to come to a complete halt, we have been staying busy rehearsing and writing. Personally I have been listening to a lot of new music and venturing into the unknown along with some older music I may have been familiar with but never gave a good listen too. The band did take some time off to look at the ‘new’ reality and focused on the now. As of today, The Hellions are moving forward like we always have and continuing to play loud Rock ’n’ Roll! We are looking at possible upcoming shows, recording new music, supporting local music venues and ready to move forward. The future looks positive if you look hard enough. R-n-R!” thehellions1.bandcamp.com MARC DIAZ (MOZAIQ) “We haven’t been doing much...just writing...because we've been inactive on social media with the exception of the Date Shed Desi Live Stream back in April.... just been writing new songs...and finishing pending projects that have been lost in the ether but we've been able to expound upon because we've gained a lot of inspiration by what's been happening in the world, especially the events of late.”

DANI VINCENT (VAN VINCENT) “I’ve been busy working on new Van Vincent music and my solo stuff. As well as a re-release of an EP from my band Chili Cow from 2000. I’m always doing music. I’ll be going off grid the rest of the week.”

BRI CHERRY “What has kept me balanced and sensible? It’s actually the music in the chaos.

It’s allowed me to acquire a silence during a very loud time, it’s allowed me to reflect due to the slowed down pace, to remind myself of what inspires my motivation. It’s been a very trying time, but the beauty about being an artist, especially during a unique time, is that we are given the opportunity to get creative in a space we haven’t experienced before. And with that happening, new

Erica & Zack Huskey Photo by Laura Hunt Little

avenues are explored or brainstormed that weren’t even a thought before. Opportunity is everywhere. This gave me the opportunity to develop and truly exercise a creative side I wasn’t able to touch before. Therefore my product is getting stronger for the day I start to release more of my content. My business strategy has fewer holes and seems more approachable. If anything, this has proven to me that it’s hard to fail. The only way to fail is to not try. And when we try, it has to be a true try. If it isn’t a true try, well, then that’d be the fail.”

ZACH HUSKEY (DALI’S LLAMA) “Dali's Llama is currently working on a new album. Five songs are already finished and we’re waiting for the studio to open back up to record another six songs.

Also, we’re working on the cover art. This forthcoming album will be our 15th Dali’s Llama album in 27 years together! This is what is keeping us motivated.”

RICK SHELLEY (RICK SHELLEY AND THE DESERT DOGS, WOODSHED) “I have laid low through the last few months...catching bits and pieces of performances, both local and national. I have mixed feelings about seeing artists online, but I am happy artists remained connected as much as can be. Pertinent?

Not sure I ever was. I just write. Maybe one day I’ll be pertinent.” rickshelleymusic.com ARMANDO FLORES (BLASTING ECHO, 5TH TOWN, COURTNEY CHAMBERS, THE PEDESTRIANS) “Well, I gave up being a singer/ songwriter years ago. Being a sideman (or hired gun... take your pick) my quarantine has been filled with requests to record or learn new material by a few different solo artists and bands. It keeps the chops up, and depending on the request, some people just let me off the chain to do what I do best on the bass... and sometimes on the drums.”

“2020 has been a bitch. It's tough to keep music viable sans live music venues. I hope we all come out of this better on the other

June 11 to June 17, 2020

Rick Shelley Photo by Laura Hunt Little

side. But as an artist, I'll just keep doing what I do. Play my instruments to the best of my ability, be as creative as possible, and wait for the phone to ring.”

5thtown.hearnow.com DAVID BURK (DROP MOB, DRB) “These uncertain times have definitely shaken us all. We are watching history unfold before our very eyes and music has always been the soundtrack and the road to healing. I'm proud of our music community and the awesome talent we have in the desert. I'm struggling and having my music people to share ideas with is a beautiful thing.” reverbnation.com/dropmob5 BRETT MCLAUGHLIN (CAXTON, REBORN

BY THE SUNSHINE) “Music is probably the one the thing that has helped us stay sane. I know for me personally, I think that writing, practicing and listening to music makes me feel more calm and lets my mind escape. During the past few months I’ve tried to listen to more music and let myself go down that rabbit hole to discover new music that I wouldn’t normally listen to.”

“As far as remaining a band during this unusual time, we each have been writing individually and sharing songs back and forth. I think it’s helped us grow significantly in the way we are creative. Since we all have this time off, we have more focus in the way we individually practice and write. That being said, I can’t wait to get together with the guys and see what we can create as a group. I definitely think we are going to be a stronger and tighter band.” caxtonmusic.com Noe Gutierrez is Head Music Writer at Coachella Valley Weekly and is the Founder of Desert Music, an artist management company. He also guides the Desert Music Alliance, a large group of organized individuals that mutually supports all music artists in the Coachella Valley and High Desert.

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

CONSIDER THIS

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f there’s one 21 century band out there that’s able to channel the filial harmonies of “SMiLE” era Beach Boys, the candy-coated Psychedelia of the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” and the Baroque grandeur of the Zombies’ epochal “Odyssey And Oracle” album, and whip it all into their own frothy concoction, it’s Bebopalula.

An ad hoc super group, it’s members, Chris Price, Alex Jules, Ben Lefcourt, Corey Perez and Emeen Zarookian came together rather organically. Chris and Alex met in 2015, and when Chris agreed to produce Alex’s first, official solo album, Chris asked his pal Ben to play drums and Emeen was recommended by a mutual friend to engineer the sessions. The chemistry felt electric, once they added Chris’ younger brother Corey to the mix, their lineup was complete.

Chris had been in Los Angeles less than a decade, but had already made a name for himself. Something of a wunderkind, the Miami native had grown up in a musical family. His dad, Rudy Perez, a Grammy Award winning producer, had a recording studio right below Chris’ bedroom. He was playing piano not long after he could walk.

He taught himself guitar by placing it flat on his lap and figuring out the chords. (He still plays any stringed instrument this way). He was fronting his first band before puberty hit. At age 21, he formed a band with his brothers, Mikey and Corey. Price The Band got signed to the Geffen label and relocated to L.A. Although the album they recorded was inexplicably shelved, Chris stuck it out in L.A. and has carved out a niche as a simpatico producer, working with reclusive ‘60s geniuses like Linda Perhacs and Emitt Rhodes. He also made time to create three brilliant solo albums whose sound echoed progenitors like Harry Nilsson, the Jackson 5 and the Beatles.

Alex, who grew up in New York, also took up piano before starting Kindergarten. He was heavily influenced by Classical demi-god Leonard Bernstein and by adolescence he was obsessed with John Phillip Sousa and Electric Light Orchestra. After college he moved to New York City, intent on a music career. To make ends meet, he played in cover bands and cocktail lounges. In 2014 he moved to L.A. and gave himself a year to jump-start

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BEBOPALULA

his career. Rather fortuitously, he connected with another Florida transplant, musical Mad Hatter/producer Fernando Perdomo, and within a few months was sharing the stage with Chris.

Alex began to earn his keep as a touring musician, hitting the road with Denny Laine, formerly of Wings and The Moody Blues, Joey Molland, the last surviving member of Badfinger, and ex-Monkee Mike Nesmith. In between those commitments, he released his solo album, “Topiary” in 2019.

Ben was born in Le Mans, France and took to the drums pretty quickly, he studied Classical and Jazz drumming from childhood until his early ‘20s. For him, drumming deities included the usual suspects like Beatle Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts of the Stones, as well as Jazz legend Roy Haynes. Although he was based in Paris for several years, he also spent time in New York. Moving to Los Angeles was a dream that came true for him about eight years ago.

His musical touchstones included the Beach Boys, as well as British Invasion stalwarts like the Beatles, The Hollies and The Zombies. Ben became an in-demand session drummer, recording with members of the Bee Gees and the Killers. He has also toured with Denny Laine, Joey Molland and ex-Jellyfish leader, Roger Manning, Jr. After meeting through a mutual friend, he has pounded his kit on nearly every Chris Price solo effort.

Emeen is a Boston transplant who moved to L.A. about six years ago. The talented guitarist grew up listening to classic music from Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Beach Boys, Kinks, Ventures, Nilsson and Electric Light Orchestra. He’s played with several L.A. bands, also toured with Joey Molland, as well as Jeremy Clyde, formerly of Chad & Jeremy.

A multi-instrumentalist, he has also created original music for commercials and video games. He recently released an album under the Spirit Kid moniker.

Corey was also part of Price The Band, Chris’ younger brother is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and counts ‘60s/70s antecedents like the Kinks, Beatles, Beach Boys and Nilsson as seminal musical influences. A bit of a nomad, over the years, Corey has ping-ponged between L.A. and his hometown of Miami.

The guys bonded over shared influences and began throwing “songwriter parties,” where they would pair up, draw random song titles from a hat and allow themselves 30 minutes to create a song from scratch.

Pretty quickly, they began playing shows together, rotating solo numbers with freshly minted collaborations.

Soon there was a serious conversation

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN about becoming a full-fledged band. A discussion of band names ensued, and Emeen’s roommate suggested Bebopalula.

Making sure the moniker wasn’t already in use, they discovered hand-painted on the guitar George Harrison used during the “Magical Mystery Tour” era. That seemed like more than a coincidence, it felt like destiny.

Crowding into Emitt Rhodes’ home studio (as Emitt assisted with production chores), the five-piece knocked out their debut EP, All Fall Down in an astounding two days. Not long after, Fernando Perdomo went out of town, and turned over the keys of his Reseda Ranch studio to the guys. Ben was also out of town at the time, so 4 out of 5 Bebopalula-ers tracked all the instrumentation except drums.

Ben returned, drums and vocals were added, the result is their self-titled long-player.

The album opens with the Soul-Pop perfection of Coloring Book. Mellotron, organ colors and plangent guitars wash over meandering bass and splattery cymbals.

Chris’ tender croon is front and center, braced by a clutch of harmonies that are equal parts SMiLE-y and beatific. The arrangement immediately shapeshifts on the chorus, locking into a joyful, Pop-tastic groove accented by a stompy beat, fluttery horns and carnival keys. The pattern repeats from verse to chorus, as lyrics chart moods by chroma key; “I found a secret hideaway on which I keep all my sets of crayons, now I go looking for the grey and paint it on by/When I look up I see the soft light, monochrome deep black and the pale white it makes me wanna shine a green light and rewrite the night.”

Most bands are ruled by benign dictatorship, Bebopalula is a purely democratic enterprise. This means everyone takes a turn on the mic. That breaks down to four songs a piece for Chris, Alex and Emeen.

Ben got one, and Corey got none, perhaps because he moved back to Miami before the vocals were recorded.

Alex’s four tracks marry Pure Pop instincts to elegant, Classically-tinged arrangements.

“Gone For So Long” is anchored by braided 12-string guitars, plush keys, blocky percussion and wily bass. Alex’s intricate vocal delivery is abetted by sighing harmonies. Opaque lyrics hint at a moribund romance that continues to haunt; “Gone for so long but not forgotten, silently shapes each day/I could hold on but why go on that way..”

Caffeinated keys and wobbly bass lines open “What If You Love Her.” Rattletrap percussion pulsates and whirs over a chunky backbeat. Following in the sublime tradition of Todd Rundgren’s “We Gotta Get You A Woman,” Alex seems intent on helping a pal score; “If you come in so hot, you’re gonna wreck it all, she’s up so high and all you can do is help her fall.” His helpful hints are shaded by twinkly piano, swirly Mellotron notes and

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com ethereal harmonies, all propelled by a rat-atat-tat martial cadence.

There’s a nervous, New Wave energy to “I Think You Own It.” Effervescent synths fold into prickly piano, and whispery acoustic guitars are bookended by elastic bass lines and a jittery rhythm. The skittish arrangement perfectly mirrors Alex’s fidgety mien; “I smoke a pack then take a break, another drink to stop the shakes/My mind’s a loop an endless race, I can’t catch up, can’t keep the pace.” The amphetamine rush instrumentation suddenly shudders to a halt, collapsing in a heap.

His final contribution, “Out The Door” is a bit of a cinematic shimmer. Lapping keys pool and eddy as Alex’s warm tenor wraps around a tale of global heartbreak; “Berlin was cold all winter long she lit a fire there, on the marquis the bourgeoisie followed her everywhere/But now my back’s against the wall, she doesn’t write she doesn’t call.” A whistle-y outro echoes the continental savoir faire of Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains at the close of “Casablanca.”

While Alex and Chris have both garnered a lot of attention with their solo albums, Emeen has kind of flown under the radar with his Spirit Kid project. Consequently, his songs offer the sweetest surprises.

First up is the jangly Power Pop of “Rotten Apple.” Although the lyrics namecheck the We Five’s “You Were On My Mind,” the skeleton of the melody shares some musical DNA with the Miracles’ Motown classic, “Tracks Of My Tears.” Stacked electric and

acoustic guitars lattice over vintage EKO Tiger, and Major Morgan The Electronic Organ notes, tensile bass, handclaps and a tumbling beat. Honeyed harmonies envelope Emeen’s boyish tenor, nearly camouflaging his caustic words for a toxic ex; “So call it what it is, you think you’re happy but you missed, you led it on, Rotten Apple on my mind.”

If Phil Spector had ever collaborated with The Quick, it might’ve sounded like “We Remain.” Canned applause is quickly supplanted by a synthesized ping, rippling castanets, roiling bass, handclaps and a percussive assault. Jabberwocky lyrics are manic on the verses and slightly soporific on the chorus, and the harmonies are positively incandescent on the bridge cryptic bridge; “Ballad of unknown men, children decide, living and breathing we die.”

“No Suzanna” is a Paisley/Power Pop combo platter that could easily sandwich between the Raspberries’ “Go All The Way” and The Three O’ Clock’s “Jet Fighter.” Ringing guitars connect with rumbling bass, spacey keys and a stutter-y high-hat beat. Gossamer harmonies really sell non-sequiturs like “Hot enough to go out and try to find somebody, and get a haircut again, now you’ve got it made.” Plinky piano trills and some angelic “la-la-la-la-la-la’s” on the break give way to a stately pas de deux between brittle piano and stinging guitar riffs which build to a stunning crescendo.

“The Charmer” is the best AM Pop radio hit you’ve never heard. Slinky and selfassured, it’s powered by a hiccupping beat,

lithe keys, low-slung guitars, piquant horns and slithery bass lines. Breezy and Burt Bacharach-ian, the song cements it’s easygoing allure with this sing-songy couplet; “Red things and mood rings, it’s cool to be together in the middle of the sundown with present company/Bad news and blue shoes and meanwhile we didn’t want to go outside ‘til we’re satisfied.”

Ben’s lone number, “The Spectre,” is at once spacious and ornate. A Psychedelic tone poem, it opens with Ben’s slightly detached vocals and a lumbering backbeat, but blissful “oooh oooh oooh’s” bolster each verse. A Sgt. Peppery horn fanfare laps over woozy keys and spidery guitars on the break. Right before Ben issues an invitation that feels positively lysergic; “Lying down under the windows, you wish to sail where the wind blows/So let’s climb on my flying rug, let’s ride, together, to the New World.”

Aside from “Coloring Book,” Chris weighs in with three more tracks. The divine liturgy of “Mockingbird” feels seamless; a mostly acapella hymn, it’s fueled by church-y keys and bare-bones guitar and bass. Veiled lyrics note that a by-product of progress is greed and corruption, nevertheless, humankind must take a moment and be still; “In silence watching the Mockingbird compose a sonnet, gift to her mother who provides the light she knows.”

There’s a bloopy pulse to “So Much To See,” which gently chides our instant gratification culture, urging us to put down our phones and take a look around. One verse

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS TO FANTASY SPRINGS THIS WEEKEND WITH THE ROCK YARD, ACOUSTIC & UNPLUGGED AND MORE

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ive entertainment resumes at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino this Friday and Saturday with the return of The Rock Yard, Acoustic & Unplugged, and Rockin’ Lit Weekends, followed by Brad’s Pad (Tuesday), Noches De Fuego (Wednesday) and Country Night (Thursday). All performances are FREE; guests are required to wear protective masks and adhere to Fantasy Springs’ social distancing guidelines.

THE ROCK YARD This outdoor concert venue features two side-buy-side stages and the most in-demand tribute bands in Southern California. Always live and always FREE, guests must be at least 18 years old to attend. New drink specials offered weekly. The upcoming schedule is as follows: Friday, June 12: Jumping Jack Flash (Rolling Stones tribute) with Crimson Crow Saturday, June 13: No Duh! (No Doubt tribute) with Rok of Ages Friday, June 19: We Belong (Pat Benatar tribute) with One Less Monkey Saturday, June 20: Motley Inc. (Motley Crue tribute) with Steel Rod Friday, June 26: Totally Go-Go’s (Go-Go’s

tribute) with Anthem Road Saturday, June 27: Escape (Journey tribute) with Thank-U-Drive-Thru Friday, July 3: Rad Company (Bad Company tribute) with Know Illusion Saturday, July 4: Madam Ozz (Ozzy Osbourne tribute) with The Moon Colony Friday, July 10: Styxology (Styx tribute) with Pulp Vixen Saturday, July 11: Desperado (Eagles tribute) with Weekend Warriors Friday, July 17: Generation Idol (Billy Idol tribute) with Sonic Boom Saturday, July 18: Hollywood U2 (U2 tribute) with One Less Monkey Friday, July 24: Wild Child (Doors tribute) with Hollywood Blonde Saturday, July 25: Damage Inc (Metallica tribute) with Almost Famous Friday, July 31: Three Lock Box (Sammy Hagar tribute) with Midnight Rider Saturday, August 1: Which One’s Pink (Pink Floyd tribute) with Revolver *All performances are from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.

ROCKIN’ LIT WEEKENDS LIT Bar & Lounge hosts the hottest Top

40, hip-hop, funk and R&B bands in the region. Guests 21 and over can groove to today’s biggest hits and old school favorites.

The upcoming schedule is as follows: June 12, 13: Six Hot Live June 19, 20: Remix June 26, 27: The Champagne Band July 3, 4: Vice Versa July 10, 11: Six Hot Live July 17, 18: Groove Inc. July 24, 25: In-A-Fect July 1, August 1: Vice Versa *All performances are from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at LIT Bar & Lounge.

ACOUSTIC & UNPLUGGED Mark Gregg and Misty Howell performing stripped-down covers by Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Heart and more in an intimate setting high above the desert floor on TWELVE. *Every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

BRAD’S PAD Led by popular radio personality/ local music legend Brad Mercer, this tight, eightpiece band performs a loose set of classic rock hits with special guests at LIT Bar & Lounge. *Resumes Tuesday, June 16th from 7 to 10 p.m.

NOCHES DE FUEGO Dance the night away with the best live Latin music and a DJ spinning Tejano,

June 11 to June 17, 2020 seems to resonate with right now; “Every day somebody needs help, better not rest our eyes/Every day another protest asking for my time, every second in the here and now, every moment we are all around.”

The album closes with Chris’ “Rock Two Step.” Something of a stream-of-conscious twist & shout, it features buzzy guitars, static-y percussion, angular bass lines, pounding piano, threading keys and blustery vocals. Speaking to the current musical climate, he insists that “Rock, Rock music lost it’s movement, drop this new shit, make ‘em turn it up, uh-huh-huh, oh, don’t let it go now.” A duck-walking guitar solo crests over the break, and a shred of optimism is offered; “Today is over, and tomorrow is looking worse/The sky is burnin’ and the fire is bright, but I roll on, cause everything could turn around overnight.”

While the band played nearly everything, they received some assistance from L.A. music legends like Kaitlin Wolfberg on violin and viola and Probyn Gregory on flugelhorn, trombone, trumpet and French horn.

Although Bebopalula endeavored to create a modern day fusion of SMiLE, Odyssey And Oracle and Magical Mystery Tour, this record also seems to take some inspiration from The White Album. Much as John, Paul, George and Ringo each brought an independent vision to the studio, Chris, Alex, Ben, Emeen and Corey’s contrasting styles have coalesced. Consequently, they’ve created an indelible collection of songs, rich in texture and nuance.

MUSIC

Merengue, Cumbia, Norteño, Salsa and Rock at LIT Bar & Lounge. The upcoming schedule is as follows: June 17: Bohemio June 24: Renacimiento Norteño July 1: Bliss July 8: Uniko July 15: Flamingo July 22: Orchestra La Ibarra July 29: Tania y Su Nueva Era COUNTRY NIGHT Line dance and two-step to country hits performed by the live bands and hosted by Randy Houston of KPLM The Big 106. The upcoming schedule is as follows: June 18: Rye Brothers June 25: Jimi Nelson Band July 2: Sarah Winchester Band July 9: Rye Brothers July 16: Country Nation July 23: Dynamite Draw July: 30: JB & the Big Circle Riders For more information, please visit FantasySpringsResort.com.

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

Thursday, June 11 AJ’s on the Green - Chris Bennett and Mikole Carr – 6:30pm

Friday, June 12 AJ’s on the Green – Marc Antonelli – 6:30pm Fantasy Springs - 12th Floor – Mark and Misty – 7pm Lit – Six Hot Live – 9pm Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Saturday, June 13 AJ’s on the Green - Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Joel Baker 6:30pm Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:30pm Fantasy Springs - 12th Floor – Mark and Misty – 7pm Lit – Six Hot Live – 9pm

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Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm Desert Fox – Lance Riebsomer and Friends – 10pm

Sunday, June 14

Casuelas Café - Lisa Lynn & the Broken Hallelujahs – 12-3pm

Tuesday, June 15

Casuelas Café – Michael Keeth – 6-8pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm Fantasy Springs – Lit – Brad’s Pad – 7-10pm

Wednesday, June 16

AJ’s on the Green - Doug MacDonald Jazz Band 6:30pm Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Thursday, June 11

Warsaw Poland Bros – Facebook – 11:30am Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Hey Bertha – Facebook – 5pm Lisa Lynn & the Broken Hallelujahs – Facebook – 7:30pm Cody White and the Easy Ride – Facebook – 7:30pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Friday, June 12

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Slim Man – Facebook – 5pm Rose Mallett – Facebook – 5pm Michael Keeth – Facebook – 7-8pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Saturday, June 13

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Coachella Valley FB Page – Alex Harrington – Facebook – 6pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Sunday, June 14

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

Sergio Villegas – Facebook – 3pm Blasting Echo – Facebook – 5pm Bonnie Gilgallon – Facebook – 5pm Coachella Valley FB Page – Alex Harrington – Facebook – 6pm Krystofer Do – Facebook – 7-9:30pm Nicholas J. Sosa – Facebook – 10pm

Monday, June 15

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

Tuesday June 16

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

Wednesday, June 17

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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

June 11 to June 17, 2020

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

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THE VINO VOICE

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ell—right at the last possible moment, when we were picking out our summer wear from our quiet closets, we almost got dressed up; but again, with nowhere to go.

Just days ago, the world famous—papa daddy food & wine extravaganza, the Aspen Classic Food and Wine Festival, issued the statement that “out of concern for the safety of our community and the world beyond, they were canceling this year’s classic annual Aspen event that was schedule to play out during the 2020 Father’s Day weekend.

And, as you can tell, they waited until the last hour to make the right decision in these times of COVID-19. Most of us wine enthusiasts and foodies who were watching the signs of the times and hoping for easy miracles, agree, it’s still too early to risk our health for wine & food games.

We Coachella folks have already witnessed these abrupt cancellations, as with our beloved BNP Paribas/Indian Wells tennis tournament and the Palm Desert Food & Wine fest. We understood the action, but it still kind of took us off guard: Just like that, the disease can take down lives and in lesser things, take down big established sporting and social events.

The Classic Aspen event first began

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ARRIVERDERCI ASPEN 2020!

as an international wine festival back in 1983. It gained popularity quickly with the wine world because, indeed, wine making and wine consumption were fast becoming the game of the rich and famous and pulling us lesser souls along for the ride—in a very good way!

Taking place in the beautiful surrounds of Aspen and Snowmass—where in the wintertime, it was the destination for the European jet set skiers. And in the summertime, simply a gorgeous venue for the enjoyment of world class wine.

As opposed to these days, (previous to the quarantine times), where we could find a wine and food event on every weekend in the year; not so back in the early 80s. One could see how enlightening it was to wonder, and, experience “la dolce vita di far niente”—the good life of doing nothing but enjoying and talking about wine.

In 1987, it became a food and wine fest where its program is expanded to include food exhibitors, food authorities as speakers and cooking demonstrations by master chefs, in addition to wine tastings and seminars. With more than 1,000 people attending the Classic, it became an immediate international destination for famous wine makers, celebrity chefs, and gastronomes.

Unfortunately—a bit of notoriety attached itself to the event: Because

it was the destination for the rich & beautiful, and that it had to do with experiencing world class wines that most vino lovers may never get to taste (back then), it gathered some speed of snobbery. Stuff like that happens—and it did happen. But those times are over.

The event is for the masses—if you can afford it at $1600 a ticket for the 3-day affair, excluding lodging and winemaker dinners.

(By the way: Are there still some wine snobs in your wine circles? Can you imagine that sensibility still! Maybe one can tolerate them if we assume them as comics? I’ll admit it though; if I am in their company for any appreciable amount of time—it’s because they’re sharing some fantastic wine they’ve been hoarding!)

Anyway—with all the many food & wine festivals all about, the Aspen Classic still rates at the top with the world’s most accomplished winemakers, celebrity chefs and culinary luminaries coming together in three event-filled days in one breathtaking and unique setting beneath Aspen Mountain and kicking off Aspen’s summer season.

Back in 1990, I was able to convince a couple of my wine friends to bite the bullet and afford the very pricey ticket to the event. And the costs just started from there: we flew in a large jet from L.A. to Denver; then we took a smaller plane to Boulder; then we took even a smaller plane to Aspen, flying fast into a beautiful crevice of an airport i.e., scary.

Gorgeous lodging was at a premium; and making it to any of the scheduled de rigueur wine maker dinners—featuring the evening’s wine & wine maker and the talents of the various famed restaurant’s Executive Chefs, was all the rage in the resort city of Aspen.

At the 1990 Aspen Classic event—the largest attendance to date, Julia Child was the featured speaker. And she was all over the place! First she was doing a food demonstration in the beautiful

BY RICK RIOZZA

outdoors; and her voice, echoed throughout the sound system used at that time and brought to light her most interesting but beloved tone and accent that I’m sure you foodies have caught on her early food shows; a voice full of interest, precise articulation, and a tone of aristocracy and frivolity.

Right after completing her demonstration, I rushed up to her—a very tall lady—and asked if she would pose with me for a photograph. She happily obliged; I requested however that she act as if she were the student and that I was showing her how to cook! She gave a rousing laugh—in her inimitable voice, and posed with her hands to her face along with a look of awe! Too cool!

Later that day, while I was attending a tasting of Vintage Port at the Brown Palace Hotel, one of the wine masters couldn’t get to the demonstration on time so—lo and behold—enter Julia Child to take over and discuss her knowledge and attitude on the state of the Port wine business. By this time, I felt Julia and I were old friends; maybe she felt that too, as she quietly shared with me some 100-year-old Port from her private stash.

Cheers to fun memories!

Contact Rick at winespectrum@aol.com

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RICK’S RESTAURANT & BAKERY

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reakfast at a diner is one of the most uniquely American dining experiences in the world. In most countries, breakfast means a strong coffee and a roll eaten in haste on the way to work.

Americans believe the most important meal of the day is a huge platter of eggs, breakfast meats, and hash browns often bathed in a peppery gravy. Endless refills of coffee, fruit juice, and an array of condiments complete the picture.

Rick’s restaurant fulfills the breakfast fantasies of the whole spectrum of appetites.

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes, chicken and waffles, eggs benedict several ways, gigantic omelettes stuffed to bursting, biscuits and gravy, Mexican breakfasts, Cuban specialties, baked in-house cinnamon rolls, muffins, and biscuits. Oh, and attractive fruit plates as well.

Service is friendly and welcoming. Rick’s is in the northern part of Palm Canyon Drive, so it is perfectly located to catch on the way

BY DANIEL PARIS in or out of town. I particularly enjoy some of the Cuban specialties like the Media Noche sandwich which is layered with roasted pork, ham, and pickles, and toasted in a panini press. There is also a delicious black bean soup with garlic and smoked ham hocks.

Enjoy with a side of crispy plantains.

Lunch consists of the typical diner fare including patty melts, turkey, meatloaf and steak dinners, hamburgers, massive club sandwiches and an impressive variety of house-made soups and chilis. There are plenty of choices for vegans and pescatarians.

There are different daily specials listed on a board at the entrance. Rick’s is open with limited indoor seating. Call ahead to check availability.

June 11 to June 17, 2020

GOOD GRUB

Rick’s 1973 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 416-0090

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

BREWTALITY

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here are few markets indeed that innovate as quickly as craft beer does. While some breweries have carved a niche and found success adhering to the Reinheitsgebot, many more choose to experiment with unusual adjuncts like granola. I shit you not, granola ales are a thing, and several breweries have done what literally no one has asked for, and made beer out of hippie food. Black Hog Brewing from Connecticut has a 5.5% Granola Brown Ale, While Oregon’s Rogue Brewing makes Shavasana, an 8% ABV imperial blonde ale brewing with granola, coconut, and sweet oats. While researching the origins of this unusual style, I found an old homebrew chatroom from 2012 in which intrepid amateur brewers argued the hypothetical pros and cons of pouring a cup of oily, sugar laden granola to the liquid gold that was their homemade beer. It took 8 years to go from concept to reality, but someone took a gamble on creating a bold new style for craft beer fans to enjoy.

Spoiler alert: granola ale is not going to be one of my picks for the latest beer trends we’ll be seeing go viral in 2020.

First of all, you can’t take anything Rogue does too seriously. These are the guys who infamously made Beard Beer out of yeast taken from their Brewmaster’s chin-bush.

This is the company who made a pretzel, raspberry, and chocolate ale because it was a

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NO NEW TRENDS: PART DEUX

donut flavor that people at the time enjoyed, and get ready for this twist ending of a surprise, not a one person liked that beer. Just like bubble gum, novelty beers are appealing for all of 5 minutes before becoming tasteless and uninteresting, and the consumer moves on to the next fresh novelty.

Judging by what catches on, craft beer

consumers want the comfort of something familiar while getting the thrill of a twist. They loved bourbon barrel aged stouts, so they were more than happy to embrace imperial stouts aged in maple syrup barrels. Beer Geeks love new hop varieties, so all you have to do is make an IPA out of a brand-new hop from New Zealand for them all to give you their money. Craft connoisseurs don’t ask for much, they just want something new that’s not too different from what they already know.

With that in mind, here are a couple of styles on the market with the potential to become the next big thing, or at the very least, a style more memorable than fricken granola beer.

Hazy Session IPAs This one is a no-brainer; we’ve all just spend the last quarter of a year locked up in quarantine, eating Door Dashed fastfood in our sweat pants while pretending we were totes sad that the gym was closed.

Breweries offered growlers to-go, Applebee’s chicken tenders were ready curbside, and the “covid-15” became shorthand for weight gain during the shelter in place order. So now that businesses are slowly beginning to reopen, and people are having to put on clothes without elastic waistbands, lowcalorie drinks are sure to be all the rage this summer. Session IPAs have been around for a number of years now and even enjoyed a brief moment of popularity, but that was before the haze-craze of the NE IPA. In the true spirit of giving people what they want, Hazy session IPAs are here to give people all of the creamy, tropical hop flavored, low IBU goodness of the NE IPA style, all for under a hundred calories. Firestone Walker’s Flyjack doesn’t say the word session anywhere on the can, but the bold red lettering of “96 CAL” is the most eye-catching font on the can of this 4% ABV offering. Unita Brewing’s Hazy Nosh might come in at a few more calories than Flyjack, but the 5% ABV and 45 IBU mark

BY AARON RAMSON makes it more suitable for poolside drinking than your standard full strength hazy. These are only two of several light-hazies on the market; we’re sure to see more as the summer progresses.

Japanese Lagers While Japan’s craft beer scene has more than a few independent brewhouses making porters, stouts, fruit beers and IPAs, it’s the country’s big four that has popularized a type of beer known as the Japanese lager.

Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory all have a flagship pilsner made from rice and featuring the herbal, lemony flavor of the Sorachi Ace hop. Much like the California Common style revolves around the use of crystal malts and Northern Brewer hops, the Japanese lager exists around a couple of narrowly defining guidelines. That doesn’t stop North American craft breweries from creating exquisite versions of this style.

Bottle Logic’s Hanamachi displays a brilliant clarity and a very prominent rice character that is hallmark of the style. Gaijin Dream by Stickmen Brewing is a little more aggressively hopped, displaying the lemon-and-dill flavors of the Sorachi Ace hop while maintaining a hint of rice-sweetness. With its light body, dry finish, and balanced profile, the Japanese lager is a very crushable, summer beer that could rival the popularity of the Mexican lager. Both styles offer an alternative to the somewhat-bland American style, and we’ve seen the Mexican-style craft lager take off in popularity over the past several years. It could only be a matter of time before you see your hometown breweries all serving their takes on the crisp, delicious Japanese interpretation of the style.

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

LOCAL BUSINESS FANTASY SPRINGS’ SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS POM, JOY ASIAN CUISINE, AND THE BISTRO SET TO RE-OPEN THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 12TH

ABOUT THE BISTRO Specializing in exciting contemporary cuisine including fresh seafood, sushi, premium USDA steaks, chicken, lamb and pork chops. Pair your gourmet meal with handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, scrumptious appetizers and delicious desserts.

Hours: 5-10PM daily Reservations: (760) 238-5654 Also re-opening is Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, offering a wonderland of classic treats including caramel- and chocolate-covered apples, plus pretzels and cookies dipped in milk, dark and white chocolate.

For more information, please visit FantasySpringsResort.com.

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asual and fine dining returns to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino this Friday, June 12th with the reopening of its signature sit-down restaurants: POM, JOY Asian Cuisine, and The Bistro. All three venues will require employees and guests to wear protective facemasks and adhere to Fantasy Springs’ social distancing guidelines. Kitchen staff is required to wear gloves while preparing food and diners will be issued disposable paper menus. Seating at each restaurant will be limited to 50 percent capacity.

ABOUT POM The freshest, healthiest ingredients creatively prepared, fusing traditional California Cuisine with flavors from around the globe. Enjoy fresh salads, seafood, pasta, burgers and more.

Hours: Breakfast 6-11:30AM daily; Lunch noon-4PM daily; Dinner 5-11PM SundayThursday; Late Dinner 11PM-2AM FridaySaturday; Country BBQ Night 5-11PM Thursday. Reservations: (760) 238-5834

ABOUT JOY ASIAN CUISINE The textures and bold flavors of modern East Asia meld with traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai recipes. Enjoy dim sum, pho, congee, wok-fried noodles and curries for a quiet lunch or a fun night out with friends.

Hours: 11:30AM-11PM daily Reservations: (760) 238-5919

LOCAL BUSINESS

PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM LAUNCHES NEW AD CAMPAIGN

“HELLO, PALM SPRINGS”

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he Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism has partnered with marketing agency JNS Next to create and roll out a new advertising and marketing campaign today to welcome visitors back with the leading campaign message “Hello, Palm Springs.” Ancillary messages aimed at targeted drive markets and diverse imagery include messages such as “hello, poolside,” hello, sunshine,” and “hello, open road.”

Demographic and geographic targets are based on extensive research. This campaign describes Palm Springs as a safe and fun travel destination that has wide open spaces and dramatic views to juxtapose the time people have recently spent indoors. True to

the Palm Springs brand, it includes vibrant colors, is light, energetic, and slightly nostalgic to complement our retro vibe. Palm Springs is a great destination choice now, just as it has always been.

“The City of Palm Springs has been working closely with our local businesses to provide a safe experience for our guests and residents,” said Geoff Kors, Palm Springs Mayor. “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Palm Springs in a fun and safe manner.”

The campaign launches today on digital drive market platforms. Additional support and expanded markets will occur throughout 2020 and into 2021.

LOCAL BUSINESS

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS TO REOPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON MONDAY, JUNE 15

TWO "MEMBERS-ONLY" DAYS WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 13 & 14, 2020

T

he Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is pleased to announce it has been authorized to reopen by the State of California Resilience Road Map and the Riverside County Department of Health with specific COVID-19 precautions. The Zoo and Gardens will first open for two special members-only days on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, and will open to the general public on Monday, June 15, 2020.

“We look forward to welcoming our community to safely enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces of The Living Desert,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “The health and wellbeing of our guests, staff, and animals remains our top priority. We have been working diligently on our reopening plans to ensure that we follow all CDC, WHO, and local health and safety recommendations and orders.”

In collaboration with Riverside County Public Health Department, the following protocols will be implemented as conditions of entry to visit: Guests are required to: • Refrain from entering if they are showing any signs of illness, including fever and flu-like symptoms • Wear face coverings (mask, bandana, or neck gaiter) while on grounds and in the parking lot for all guests 3 years and older; Face shields are acceptable for those who cannot wear other face coverings • Maintain proper social/physical distancing of at least six feet • Refrain from congregating with others that are not within their household • Obey all posted signage, conditions for entry, and staff instructions • Reserve advanced timed entry tickets for all guests and member visits “Situated on over 80 acres, The Living Desert affords visitors ample opportunity to follow social distancing practices when

they visit,” said Mark Miller, Director of Park Services and Guest Relations. “We are requiring guests to purchase their tickets in advance so they can utilize our contact-free admission process of showing their ticket on a mobile device. We will also be limiting the number of guests who can enter the Park each hour to reduce congestion.”

Guests are encouraged to maintain proper personal hygiene including frequent hand washing and utilize hand sanitizers available around the Park. Furthermore, food and beverage outlets are take-away only and the following areas and programming of the Zoo remain closed: keeper chats, carousel, Gecko Gulch Play Park, Wildlife Wonders Show, Village Reptile Show, and Tennity Wildlife Hospital.

“Our members, donors, and the community at large have been so supportive during these last two months,” said Jan Hawkins, Director of Development at The Living Desert. “We are so grateful for their donations, membership renewals, and messages of support and encouragement during these challenging times.”

For the full list of closures, conditions for entry, and additional safety procedures, please visit LivingDesert.org/Health. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with last admission at 1 p.m.

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

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PET PLACE

areful planning avoids the horrible hissing and fighting that can occur when some cats meet for the first time. Too many newly adopted cats are returned to shelters because their humans did not take the time to properly introduce them to their resident cat(s).

A great introduction method, explained in detail in the book, The New Natural Cat, by Anitra Frazier allows you to adopt a second cat without worry. What could be more fun than 2 cats engaged in joyful play, happily pouncing and chasing, twirling like circus acrobats?

INTRODUCING A NEW CAT TO THE HOUSEHOLD Many owners think their "Fluffy" would be jealous or miserable if they adopted another cat. To the contrary, cats that live with another cat friend live longer, healthier and happier lives. If you have an elderly cat, a mature and calm companion works better than an active kitten. If you have an energetic cat, one that is equally playful or a kitten would be a good match. The steps below may take several hours to complete, but are well worth the investment when they ensure you can successfully adopt a second or third cat.

1. Have someone outside the household arrive with the newcomer cat in a carrying case with plenty of air holes. Have torn strips of newspaper in the bottom of the case for later use.

2. All family members must act completely oblivious to the new cat. The visitor sits in the living room with the cat inside the carrying case on his lap for about 20 minutes.

3. Next the visitor moves the carrying case to the floor next to his feet. If your cat comes over and sniffs the case and walks away, ignore him, continue chatting and proceed to step 5. If your cat stays away from the case, include step 4.

4. The visitor takes a few of the newspaper strips from the carrier, makes a trip to another room dropping a trail of the strips behind them. This gives your cat a chance to become familiar with the new cat's scent.

5. The visitor continues to sit and talk.

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TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE! PROPERLY INTRODUCING A NEW CAT!

BY JANET McAFEE

without paying obvious attention to the cats.

At this stage, hissing is perfectly normal; disgruntled muttering is less desirable but still to be ignored. If loud growling occurs, you may need to separate them, and this may mean one of the earlier steps was not carried out properly.

10. When the cats cease pacing around and sit in the same room together, the humans leave the house for about a 30 minute walk.

11. When you return home, greet your own cat while continuing to ignore the newcomer. If there is nothing worse than hissing going on, the visitor can leave at any time.

12. The final stage of the introduction occurs at the cats' own pace over the next few days or weeks. Hard as it might be, you must continue to ignore the new cat until your first cat has accepted him into the household.

Chasing can be a good sign, especially if they reverse roles. Another sign of progress occurs when the cats sit in the same room without

When your cat sits calmly in the room without staring continually at the carrying case, you may proceed to the next step.

6. Have all family members take your cat into the kitchen for a snack, closing the door behind. The visitor in the living room now opens the carrying case and lets the new cat out. Your cat won't feel like its family put the newcomer in its territory, and this gives the new one some time to explore the new home.

7. When your cat finishes his snack and returns to the living room, the family stays behind in the kitchen.

8. When the cat returns to the living room, the visitor joins the family in the kitchen.

Everyone acts oblivious to the cats who are now roaming free in the home.

9. At no time should anyone offer expression of encouragement or interest in the cats. If you must check on things in the living room, have one person enter but

MEET ERIN

MEET BUDDY

Pregnant and homeless, this sweet 1-yr-old Torti was rescued

by Kittyland in Desert Hot Springs.

Her kittens were all adopted, and now it’s this sweet mama’s turn to get a loving home. Call Kittyland at (760) 251-2700 for an appointment to meet and adopt Erin. www.kittylandrescue.org

Buddy would love to be your new “best buddy”. This Labrador Retriever mix fellow is extraordinarily affectionate, walks well on a leash, likes other dogs, and his hobby is going with you on car rides. This long term shelter resident was rescued by the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley in N. Palm Springs from a shelter that closed down.

Now 9-yrs old, this sweet dog deserves a loving family. Call HSOCV for appointment to meet Buddy (760) 329-0203.

Application at orphanpet.com/adopt

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com staring continuously at each other. Encourage activities for the 2 cats to do together, such as putting a couple of cardboard boxes together in a room for them to play on.

The reward for all this work comes from the strong bond of communication and affection that develops between the two cats. Eventually that bond extends to their human companions. Watch the drama unfold, be proud of your success, and enjoy having two little furballs greet you when you arrive home! Now your cat will never be lonely when you're away.

Looking for second or third cat? Local shelters remain closed to walk-ins as we go to press, but you can still adopt a pet from them.

The Riverside County Shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, www.rcdas.org, has many to select from, call (760) 343-3644 with the animal ID number.

View more wonderful cats and kittens needing homes at www.kittylandrescue.org, and call (760) 251-2700 for an appointment to meet them. With the proper introduction, one of these wonderful cats or kittens will become a joyful addition to your household.

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com ---------------------------------------------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, consider making a donation to one of the private rescues that rely on those funds.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – This 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 www.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 www.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 www. animalsamaritans.org.

Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833.

(Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat.

View their animals at www.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, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700.

(Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them through website www.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, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – Shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours

June 11 to June 17, 2020

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) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (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 www.sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

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

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

SCREENERS

LAUREL & HARDY: THE DEFINITIVE RESTORATIONS

Just when we need them the most, Stan and Ollie are back in a beautiful hi-def restoration of some of their key movies. It’s been said that every second of every day 24/7, someone, somewhere is laughing at a Laurel and Hardy movie! What a great legacy for mankind to see their foibles magnified on screen for laughs.

Arthur Stanley Jefferson and Oliver Norvell Hardy were both in the motion picture business when it was just beginning. But they

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never performed together until producer Hal Roach fortuitously paired them on screen.

Some of their early short silent films, like Big Business were a hit, but it was when sound came in that they really took off, with their singular voices a perfect fit for their onscreen personas.

But the main thing that ensured the widespread popularity is that despite all the bickering and fine messes, their was no doubt these two characters really loved each other and so did the men who played them. And somehow that seeped through the screen and lodged in our minds and hearts.

Scrawled on the bathroom wall of the Silent Movie Theater on Los Feliz after a Laurel & Hardy marathon: “Laurel and Hardy forever.

Why can’t we just love each other?”

If you’re wondering how the lineup for the Blu-ray edition of LAUREL & HARDY: THE DEFINITIVE RESTORATIONS differs from the DVD...here’s some info: The official release date is next Tuesday, June 16, (the 130th anniversary of Stan Laurel’s birth.

All of the material on the four-disc Blu-ray edition is included in the six disc DVD version, but in different configurations. These discs are all region-free. Generous extras, photo galleries, interviews and featurettes.

All films -- including the interview films and trailers -- have optional English subtitles.

The theatrical films (including The Tree in

THE BOYS ARE BACK!

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS Marshall, director • Roy Seawright, special effects designer • Venice Lloyd, widow of cameraman Art Lloyd • Richard Currier, film editor • Bert Jordan, film editor • Walter Woolf King, actor • Lucille Hardy Price, Babe’s widow • Marvin Hatley, musical director (including performances of “Ku-Ku,” “Honolulu Baby,” and “Will You Be My Lovey-Dovey?”)

a Test Tube and That’s That) have optional commentaries by Richard W. Bann (for The Battle of the Century and The Music Box) and

by Randy Skretvedt (all others).

Presented by Kit Parker Films and The Sprocket Vault.

Film preservation by Richard W. Bann, and the UCLA Film & TV Archive & Library of Congress. Digital restorations produced by Jeff Joseph/SabuCat and performed by Thad Komorowski/Cineaste Restoration. A.R.T. by Point 360. Final Conforming and Clean Up by The Finishing Touch. DVD and Blu-ray element assembly, design and authoring by Tiffany Clayton.

DISC 1 Feature: Sons of the Desert Shorts: • The Battle of the Century, presented nearly complete with original amber tint and a new score by Donald Sosin.

• Berth Marks, with original 1929 soundtrack and 1936 reissue soundtrack Photo Galleries: • Sons of the Desert Publicity Portraits • Scene Stills • Deleted and Candids • Posters and Publicity • Early Script • Dialogue Continuity • Contracts and Documents • Battle of the Century (including Press Sheet and publicity material) • Berth Marks including production stills, press sheet articles, music cue sheets, poster and lobby card art. • Portraits in Costume • Early Career: Stan • Early Career: Babe Extras: • Anita Garvin Interview • Joe Rock Interview • Roy Seawright Interview (all filmed

by Randy Skretvedt, October 1981; in color) • Ship’s Reporter interview with Babe Hardy June 10, 1950 • Sons of the Desert trailer (in Spanish) DISC 2 Shorts: • Brats, with original 1930 soundtrack and 1937 reissue soundtrack • Hog Wild (from full aperture 1:33 source) • Come Clean • One Good Turn • Me and My Pal • Photo Galleries: • Brats • Hog Wild • Come Clean • One Good Turn • Me and My Pal (all including production stills, press sheet articles, music cue sheets, poster and lobby card art) • Babe Hardy’s Vim Comedies Scrapbook • L&H with Hollywood Friends • Catalina July 1934 Extras: Audio Interview excerpts 19731981 from Randy Skretvedt (accompanied with photo galleries): • Billy Bletcher, actor • Joe Rock, producer • Hal Roach, producer • Anita Garvin Stanley, actress • George

DISC 3 Shorts: Helpmates, The Music Box, The Chimp, County Hospital, Scram!, Their First Mistake, The Midnight Patrol, Busy Bodies Photo Galleries: Helpmates • The Music Box • The Chimp • County Hospital • Scram!

• Their First Mistake • The Midnight Patrol • Busy Bodies (including production and candid stills, press sheet articles, poster and lobby card artwork, call sheets and production reports, music cue sheets) • A Short History of the Hal Roach Studios • Supporting Players • Crew Members • Studio Hijinks • Snapshots from the 1932 UK Vacation DISC 4 Feature: Way Out West Shorts: • Towed in a Hole • Twice Two • That’s That • The Tree in a Test Tube Photo Galleries: • Way Out West: Portrait Stills • Scene Stills • Candid Stills • Pressbook Articles and Artwork • Poster and Lobby Card Artwork • Original 1913 Sheet Music • Script and Synopsis • Dialogue Continuity, Music Cues, etc. • Towed in a Hole • Twice Two (including production and candid stills, press sheet articles, poster and lobby card artwork, call sheets and production reports, music cue sheets) • That’s That • The Tree in a Test Tube • Portraits out of Costume • Laurel & Hardy and Golf • Special Occasions • Odd Publicity Shots • Stan in Retirement Extras: • Marvin Hatley music tracks (from Sons of the Desert, Them Thar Hills, Way Out West, Block-Heads, A Chump at Oxford and Saps at Sea) • Original Trailers for Beau Hunks, Pack Up Your Troubles, Babes in Toyland, Way Out West, The Flying Deuces, A Chump at Oxford and Saps at Sea. This great set is essential for the home theater llibrary. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

June 11 to June 17, 2020

SAFETY TIPS

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

JOIN THE FIREFIGHTER SAFETY OUR FIRST RESPONDERS ON ROADWAYS! STAND DOWN 2020 PROTECTING

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aking place each year during the third week of June, Firefighter Safety Stand Down highlights critical safety, health, and survival issues for the fire and emergency services.

Departments and personnel are asked to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week to focus their attention on safety and health education and training. A week is provided to ensure all duty shifts can participate.

The 2020 Safety Stand Down takes place June 14-20. This year’s theme calls attention to the hazards that responders face while performing their duties on roadways.

Operating in roadways continues to be some

of the most treacherous incident scenes we respond to.

Here is this year’s Safety Stand Down: safetystanddown.org.

Firefighters across the country want you to be safe while on the road. Thousands of people die every year in over 5.4 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA. That averages out to crashes causing the deaths of 90 people each day, one every 16 minutes.

We will look out after you, please look out after us while on the roadways. Here are some safety tips for you while on the road courtesy of the AAA - aaafoundation.org Be Safe!

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

HADDON LIBBY

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hen I hear people use the phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ I agree wholeheartedly and think to myself that ‘All Lives Matter’ as well. Abuse of power or position should not happen in any manner toward anyone. Treating people differently because of their skin color, sexual orientation or other differentiator should have no place in society.

It was then suggested to me that I might be looking at this through the lens of accidental privilege. By growing up white in an average American suburban community, I was never exposed to some of the inequities that others experienced as a daily part of their life.

While I learned of racial disharmony while at university in Boston in the Eighties, I was simply not aware of the different treatment that others might be receiving because they were not white. When I started working, it became clear to me that family status, connections and university alma mater often mattered more than capability. I saw privilege in action where many did not have to work as hard as me to gain entrance to this small fraternity.

If you are like I was and do not fully understand the issue, think of it like this all lives matter just as all cancers should be eradicated. When we recognize and raise money for breast cancer every October, you do not hear people shouting down breast cancer supporters with chants that all cancers matter.

There are unique problems facing black Americans that need our focus and better understanding as a country.

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THROUGH THE LENS OF ACCIDENTAL PRIVILEGE

If America was functioning as its best, you would seldom see the police. People would be gainfully employed, and crime would be low.

An active police presence is simply an indicator that we have failed as a society in availing a hopeful future and economic opportunity to a large group of our neighbors.

I would hope that you agree with me when I state that most people in law enforcement are exceptional people who risk their lives for our benefit. For that, we should be humbled and thankful. In any job or part of life, there will be bad folks.

The challenge confronting law enforcement is like that facing Major League Baseball players. As a reminder, the last two World Series Champions, the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, were caught for illegal sign stealing. In each case, the rank and file has such a strong brotherhood meaning that they look out for each other through thick and thin. When a bad actor is discovered, both groups have a tendency toward protecting the accused. The ‘nobody likes a snitch’ mentality

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

of these brotherhoods, are what allows a cancer to grow and create an ever-widening disconnection between peace officers and the people whom they protect. As independent video has repeatedly shown us, cover-ups of abusive acts have weakened the relationship between the citizenry and its peace officers.

For many peace officers here in California, lax sentencing efforts have demoralized many in the rank and file. Crimes under $700 are rarely prosecuted while convicted felons often serve minimal time relative to the crime committed. With bail set at zero in the state during the pandemic, many of the illegal/ undocumented bad actors simply walk out of jail to disappear into the populace where many continue in their criminal ways. With probable cuts in city budgets on the horizon, law enforcement like many others will be asked to do more with less further demoralizing our embattled protectors.

While there is no solution on the horizon, as a community we need to begin building a framework from which thoughtful solutions

can be developed.

Any solution must start at addressing the vast opportunity gaps facing at-risk youth.

Educational opportunities need to be availed to anyone looking to change their lives through higher education. Active community outreach needs to establish programs to help the disadvantaged in changing their lives for the better.

In closing, one of the most demoralizing aspects of the riots was the emergence of a class of American loosely labelled as the Antifa. These ‘anti-fascists’ were responsible for helping to break windows and throw Molotov cocktails along with countless other actions that helped expand the chaos to over more than 100 cities. These folks are actively connected to the Democratic party just as neo-fascists are connected to the Republican party.

Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, the thought that some looking for our votes in November could be fanning the flames of dissent should be highly troubling to all of us.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more info, visit WinslowDrake.com or email Hlibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

Haddon Libby - Managing Partner Winslow Drake Investment Management

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

ESTATE PLANNING IN THE AGE OF COVID 19

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he French author, Alexander Dumas’s main character’s motto, in The Three Musketeers, was “All for One and One for All”. It could be argued that in the Age of Covid 19 we are also being told to Stand Together as 1…as We Stand 6 Feet Apart. We should all consider encouraging our family and friends to now get their financial house in order …as life is a little slower than normal. Consider contacting a lawyer to discuss a Will and Trust.

A living trust is a legal document that, just like a will, contains your instruction for what you want to happen to your assets when you die. However, unlike a will, a living trust avoids probate when you die. It can control all your assets and prevent the court from controlling your assets if you become incapacitated.

A Living Trust avoids probate and prevents court control of assets at incapacity. This is because when you set up a living trust, you transfer (at that time) the assets from your name to the name of YOUR TRUST, which of course you control.

Legally, you are no longer the owner of anything, but do not panic because everything now belongs to YOUR trust. Thus

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there is nothing for the courts to control when you die or become incapacitated. This is an easy concept that keeps you and your family out of court.

You do not lose control of your assets as you keep full control. As the trustee of your trust, you can do anything you could do before such as buying/selling assets, changing or even cancelling your trust etc.

That is why it is called a REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST. YOU CAN REVOKE IT DURING YOUR LIFETIME. In addition you even file the same tax returns. Nothing changes but the names on the titles!!! All this takes less time than you would think...but it is the type of thing you can do now as we wait out Covid 19, or have the courts do so at your death. The old adage I quote kicks in yet again....People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. So look into this NOW. Some clients ask whether joint ownership can avoid probate too? Unfortunately that is usually not the case. Using joint ownership usually just postpones probate. With most jointly owned assets, when one owner dies, full ownership does transfer to the surviving owner without probate. But if the owner dies without adding a new joint owner, or if both

owners die at the same time, the asset must be probated before it can go to the heirs.

Some clients consider using a corporate trustee. Though you can decide to be the trustee of your trust, some people select a corporate trustee which is often a bank or trust company to act as trustee or co- trustee now. This is often because you do not have the time, ability or desire to manage you own trust. This is also true if one spouse is ill. The corporate trustees are experienced investment managers and they are objective and reliable. Surprisingly their fees are usually very reasonable.

A Durable Power of Attorney lets you name someone to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so. However, many financial institutions will not honor one unless it is on THEIR OWN FORM. Sometimes it works too well by giving someone a blank check to do whatever they want with your assets when that was not your intent. It can however, be very effective when used in concert with a Living Trust. Of course, it can be risky when used alone.

Clearly this is a confusing decision for the average lay person so do yourself a favor and call a lawyer now for an explanation. Don’t

wait for the courts to make that decision for you.

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

Remember unless you want your estate plan to kick in right away... when you drink don’t get behind the wheel and get in an auto accident (whether it is your fault or not) or get arrested for a DUI…I don’t need the extra business....and you do not want your estate planning to take effect TO SOON. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER...… IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME! DALE GRIBOW Selected ”TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 2011-2020 Perfect AVVO 10.0 Peer Review Rating 2016-19 “Preeminent” Rating by Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory Selected for Rue “Best Attorneys of America” (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys per state)

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

PASS IT ON

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BY BRONWYN ISON

ow, more than ever is the best time you could “Pass It On.” With so much happening in our world today everyone could use a little boost or extra help. Passing it on is also known as paying it forward.

The phrase “Pay it Forward,” was coined and popularized in 2000. The movie, Pay It Forward starring Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey is inspirational. A young boy is given a school assignment. The assignment is as follows, how can he change the world?

The boy initiates a chain of events when he develops a pay it forward concept. How would you pay it forward?

Offering to do something kind for someone else should come naturally. It should be consummated with a selfless spirit.

The act of altruism should not be done with an attitude of “Look at me and what I have done for you.” Or, “Check me out!” Clearly this defeats the intent and the act of paying it forward loses its luster.

This concept has a deep and firm foundation in history. Ben Franklin loaned a friend, Benjamin Webb in 1784, some money with the intention of helping him out of a situation. Ben Franklin did not seek repayment but rather hoped Mr. Webb would help someone in need at a later date. Paying it forward simply means:

helping another person without ever seeking repayment or good deeds in return. Consider how many charitable organizations receive gifts or money by anonymous donors. This is truly a selfless act. The organization or person does not expect any recognition.

They are giving from their hearts.

Do not misconstrue that you must give in the form of money. It could be as simple as opening the door for someone or allowing someone to go ahead of you in line because they are in a hurry. Therefore even if you do not have deep pockets it does not negate a simple act of kindness. How surprising would it be if you secretly treated the person behind you in line to their morning coffee?

This simple act of kindness would be the beginning of a great day for someone.

The next time you recognize someone displaying kindness, reciprocate or wait for another opportunity. Fortunately, you may have several chances throughout your day to give to another person. You will also notice how great you made the other person feel.

Remember it is not about YOU! Act selflessly and your smile will be brighter and your heart will soar. How will you pay it forward today?

Bronwyn Ison is the Founder of EvolveYogaOnline.com Contact Bronwyn, bronwyn@e-volveyoga.com

June 11 to June 17, 2020

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF JUNE 11

ARIES (March 21-April 19): During her 90 years on the planet, actor and singer Marlene Dietrich reinvented herself numerous times. She had superb insight into the nature of shifting rhythms, and a knack for gauging the right moment to adapt and transform. Good timing, she said, came naturally to people like her, as well as for “aerialists, jugglers, diplomats, publicists, generals, prize-fighters, revolutionists, financiers, and lovers.” I would add one further category to her list: the Aries tribe. Make maximum use of your talent in the coming weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Author and theologian Frederick Buechner writes, “There is treasure buried in the field of every one of our days, even the bleakest or dullest, and it is our business to keep our eyes peeled for it.” In alignment with current astrological potentials, Taurus, I’ll name that as your key theme. More than usual, breakthroughs and revelations and catalysts are likely to be available to you in the midst of the daily slog—even when you’re feeling bored. Make it your business to be on high alert for them.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): According to novelist Octavia E. Butler, “Positive obsession is about not being able to stop just because you’re afraid and full of doubts.” That’s what I wish for you in the coming weeks, Gemini: positive obsession. It’s also what I expect! My analysis of the astrological omens suggests that you will have the pluck and craftiness necessary to veer away from murky, disturbing versions of obsession. Instead, you’ll embrace the exhilarating kind of obsession that buoys your spirit in moments of uncertainty. I foresee you making progress on your most important labor of love.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): William Thomson, also known as Lord Kelvin (1824–1907), was a Cancerian physicist and mathematician who contributed to the understanding of thermodynamics and other areas of scientific and engineering knowledge. Despite his considerable intelligence, however, he was myopic about the possibility that humans might one day fly through the air while seated inside of machines.

In a 1902 interview—a year before the Wright Brothers’ breakthrough experiment—he declared, “No aeroplane will ever be successful.” I suspect you could be on the verge of passing through a Lord Kelvin phase, Cancerian. You may at times be highly insightful and at other times curiously mistaken. So I urge you to be humbly confident and confidently humble!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Marianne Williamson tells us, “Spiritual growth involves giving up the stories of your past so the universe can write a new one.” And what exactly does it mean to “give up the stories of your past”? Here’s what I think: 1. Don’t assume that experiences you’ve had before will be repeated in the future. 2. Don’t assume that your ideas about the nature of your destiny will always be true. 3. Even good things that have happened before may be small and limited compared to the good things that could happen for you in the years to come. 4. Fully embrace the truth that the inherent nature of existence is endless transformation—which is why it’s right and natural for you to ceaselessly outgrow the old plot lines of your life story and embrace new ones.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Philosopher and astrologer Marsilio Ficino wrote, “Mortals ask God for good things every day, but they never pray that they may make good use of them.” I hope that in the coming weeks, you Virgos will disprove that cynical view of human beings. As I see it, you will be more likely than usual to actually receive the blessings you ask for. And I hope—in fact, I predict—that when you receive the blessings, you will then aggressively seek the help of God or Life or your deepest wisdom to make good use of them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I was hiking under a blue sky in a favorite natural location: the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, just north of San Francisco, where sublime vistas provide views of ocean and mountain. Although I was in a good mood, at one point I spied empty Budweiser cans amidst the wild jewelflowers. “What kind of nature-hater

© Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

was so careless as to despoil this wonderland”? I fumed. For a few moments I was consumed with rage and forgot where I was. By the time I recovered my bearings, the bobcat and red-tailed hawk I’d previously been observing had disappeared. That made me sad. My anger was justified but wasteful, irrelevant, and distracting. It caused me to lose touch with some glorious beauty. Don’t be like me in the coming days, Libra. Keep your eyes on the prize.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “I have more memories than if I were a thousand years old,” wrote poet Charles Baudelaire. Was he bragging or complaining? Did the weight of his past feel like a burden or did it exhilarate him and dynamize his creative powers? I’m hoping that in the coming weeks your explorations of your past will feel far more like the latter—a gift and blessing that helps you understand aspects of your history that have always been mysterious or murky.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you’re primed to navigate your way through a sweetly gritty, tenderly transformative, epically meaningful turning point in the history of your relationship with your favorite collaborator or collaborators. If that sounds too intense, you could at least accomplish an interesting, stimulating, educational shift in the way you fit together with your best ally or allies. It’s up to you, Sagittarius. How much love and intimacy and synergy can you handle? I won’t judge you harshly if you’d prefer to seek the milder version of deepening right now. Besides, you’ll probably get a chance to go further later this year.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Actor Emma Thompson tells us, “I wish I wouldn’t have to say this, but I really like human beings who have suffered.

They’re kinder.” Adding to what she observes, I’ll say that for many people, their suffering has also made them smarter and more soulful and more compassionate. Not always, but often, it’s the pain they’ve suffered that has helped turn them into thoughtful companions who know how to nourish others. I urge you to make a special point to converse with people like this in the near future. In my estimation, you will benefit from intense doses of empathetic nurturing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Lake Elsinore is a city in southwestern California. Last spring, torrential rains there caused a “superbloom” of poppies. Millions of the golden-orange wildflowers covered many acres of Walker Canyon. They attracted another outbreak of beauty: thousands of painted lady butterflies, which came to visit. The magnificent explosion was so vast, it was visible from a satellite high above the earth. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re experiencing a metaphorical superbloom of your own right now, Aquarius. I hope you will find constructive ways to channel that gorgeous fertility.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Lucumi is an Afro-American religion with Yoruban roots. Its practitioners worship their ancestors, and seek regular contact and communion with them.

According to Lucumi priestess Luisah Teish, “Sometimes the ancestors deem certain information so important that they send it to the subconscious mind without being consciously asked.” It’s my belief that all of us, whether or not we’re members of the Lucumi religion, can be in touch with the spirits of our ancestors if we would like to be—and receive useful guidance and insight from them. The coming weeks will be a time when you Pisceans are especially likely to enjoy this breakthrough. It’s more likely to happen if you have an intention to instigate it, but it may come to pass even if you don’t seek it.

Homework: This devastating moment in history has the redemptive effect of calling forth our deepest longings to care for each other. Do you agree? RealAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

SWAG FOR THESOUL

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BY AIMEE MOSCO

SIDING WITH LOVE

“The key to healing your energy field and fostering the creation of new outcomes is through inviting love to fuel your creations.

Love is the most powerful creative force in existence.” Gratitude + Forgiveness x(Love) = Happiness, by Aimee Mosco and Donald L. Ferguson, pg. 69 e have all heard the warning “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” While it may speak to good manners and diplomacy, it is not necessarily sound advice in this ever-changing, volatile world in which we currently live. And truthfully, it is only a mask to cover a darkness that inspires a person to say something that isn’t “nice” in the first place.

Speaking up is how we grow our collective consciousness. There is not a single person who has all of the answers to humanity’s challenges. Our best solutions come from a chorus of voices. Thoughtfully formed opinions, views, and perspectives are change-makers when we share them.

What a person says has never been the real problem. It is the belief structure, mindset, and emotions feeding those words that need refinement even more than the tongue!

The true test of a person’s ability to affect an outcome in the most meaningful way lies in his ability to steer beliefs, thoughts, and emotions to align with the most powerful force known to humanity and beyond – LOVE. Of course, this steering effort is easier said than done because one unmistakable marker for knowing when change needs to occur and when voices are needed is when injustice occurs. The thoughts and feelings that surface from this are the motivation for action. This is a critical junction point and where an opportunity is born. This is the point where you can choose to contemplate your beliefs and consider how the injustice conflicts with them. You can choose to acknowledge your emotions but refuse to

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

REMEMBERING JUNE PRIDE MONTH DURING PANDEMIC ISOLATION

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CANNABIS CORNER

allow them to hijack your thoughts. You can choose to actively manage your mind-set and consciously align yourself with the greatest possible outcome. You can choose to resist anger and disappointment, and instead reroute your focus. Give your energy to outcomes of peace and invite love to guide you forward.

What happens when you do this is that your visions for successful outcomes and justice change. Your language changes. There is little need to censor your words because the words you feel compelled to speak are words that align you with the highest possible potential. If someone is offended by words that promote accountability, peace, gratitude, a request for forgiveness and anything else based in love, it means that they have inner work to do. Side with love and show them the way.

In my pursuit to help humanity side with LOVE, 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 Co-Founder 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.

t is hard to get away from all the negativity on the TV, the Internet, or print news delivered to my driveway.

Just as I was comfortable with reopening the economy I watched in shock as a police officer puts his boot on the neck of George Floyd, a black Minneapolis man, that squeezes the breath out of him. He dies before he is transferred onto a stretcher. I watched over and over this senseless brutality as protests erupted all over the country followed by riots and looting. Where did all this hate come from? Has our lack of human contact turned people into raging animals? I stopped watching the news and after three months of nonstop streaming Netflix I am bored.

Usually reading leaves me sleepy. During this shocking two weeks of riots I have pushed through that sleepy barrier, finishing My Grandfathers Son a memoir by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. This book should be required reading for high school graduation. If you want to feel true racism this is the book to read. I also finished reading Plague of Corruption Restoring Faith in the Promise of Science by Dr. Judy Mikovits and Kent Heckenlively, JD. It is third on the best sellers list. If you want to gain insight into why there is resistance to vaccines this book will offer an explanation.

Are you getting sick of Zoom? I am. I need to set my alarm ten minutes prior to the event, or I will miss it. Sorry for my stream of consciousness this stay-at-home makes it hard to be creative. Surfing the net has finally given me a topic to write about: National Pride Month.

NYC LGBTQ 2020 Pride March for June 14 to 28 has been canceled for the first time in a half-century due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

The first pride march, in June 1970, honored the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising the year before, which helped sparked the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Here are events to take away your doldrums.

Kiva will be donating $15,000 to GLAAD for Pride month, as well as working with drag queen Jinkx Monsoon to put on a National Virtual Pride Parade on Saturday, June 13th through Instagram. InterPride,

an international organization will hold a 24-hour virtual "Global Pride" event on June 27, to be broadcast around the world.

Generation Pride is a multi-event, monthlong virtual celebration produced by celebrity florist and cannabis advocate, The Flower Daddy, Tree Femme Collective, and nonprofit hub Social Impact Center. Hosted on June 27th, the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, “The Summit” will feature a full spectrum of influential speakers, educational programming, and unique performances highlighting the intersections of LGBTQIA+ and minority communities in the cannabis space.

A sample of Pride-themed cannabis products includes the following. Passion Pride Fruit Slab, (Courtesy Fruit Slabs, Laganja Estranja), is a vegan, single serving of fruit containing 10 mg of THC, and the combination of mango, passion fruit, lemon and lime that will tickle your tongue with tangy sweetness. It is also kosher. PlusRainbow Sorbet gummies, a favorite for microdosing throughout the day is a precisely dosed gummy containing 5 mg of THC, making this a fun way to share cannabis with friends. SPARC, based in San Francisco, will launch its exclusive cartridge called Unicorn OG, and will donate $1 of each sale to the GLBT Historical Society.

Kiva re-released their super popular Proud Camino gummies found at Zen Noho in Los Angeles, CA. Each tropical punch gummy features a mellow serving of 5 milligrams THC, perfect for a novice user. In addition, Kush Queen, the female-founded topical and wellness brand famous for exploding the cannabis bath bomb trend suggests turning your tub into a club with their Pride Edition Bath Bombs, complete with THC or CBD, and a heavy dose of eco-friendly glitter. Find these products at the West Coast Cannabis Club in Palm Desert, CA. or Bare Dispensary in Palm Springs, CA. or other dispensaries found on weed maps.

Lastly pray for the George Floyd’s family while partaking in these events this month For questions on medical cannabis email hilruth@gmail.com.

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

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June 11 to June 17, 2020

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com