Coachella Valley Weekly - July 15 to July 21, 2021 Vol. 10 No. 18 by CV Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com • July 15 to July 21, 2021 Vol.10 No.18

“Pride Edition” Drag Brunch Spotlight Showroom Charlie Brown Musical pg5

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Summer Eats Pass

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Ace Hotel Craft Beer Weekend

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July 15 to July 21, 2021

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July 15 to July 21, 2021

BY CARA VAN DIJK Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby, Raymond Bill Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Esther Sanchez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Tricia Witkower 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, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

Pole Fitness Discovery ................................. 3 "Pride Edition" Drag Brunch ......................... 5 Travel Tips 4 U ............................................... 5 Act For MS - "Marx On Marx" Cabaret......... 6 Spotlight Showroom Tribute Bands............. 7 Consider This - Nina Simone........................ 8 Club Crawler Nightlife ................................. 9 Screeners..................................................... 10 Breaking The 4th Wall - “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown" The Musical.................... 11 Safety Tips ................................................... 11

ive women, ranging in age from 1650 years, came out of the reclusive pandemic world and entered a new and safe space to learn more about themselves and how they can thrive. By name alone, “pole fitness” may not seem like a practice of selfdiscovery, however, that’s exactly what these women – once all strangers – found by the time they graduated from the eight-week course at Hot Yoga Plus Palm Springs. “We were all feeling a little lost and not connected with ourselves,” said Kylie Sedillos, a 25-year-old, who is pursuing a career in health and wellness. “But, we bonded with each other. The class really showed me my potential strength and that I can pretty much do anything.” Pole fitness combines aerobic and strength training with self-awareness to burn calories quickly, improve flexibility, develop kinesthetic awareness and reduce stress. Although pole fitness is not a new way to exercise, it is fresh to the Coachella Valley, as Pole Fitness Discovery is the only offering like it in the area. Annmarie Lynn, owner Hot Yoga Plus Palm Springs, happened upon adding pole fitness to her studio’s varied schedule, when she was offered a dance pole that was removed from the former Zelda’s Nightclub as it was being transformed into the new Desert Rose Playhouse. “At first, when they offered me the pole, I just thought it sounded kind of novel,” said Annmarie. “But I had done some pole fitness, so I researched it further and saw the potential of this full discovery experience that isn’t offered anywhere else in the area.” Annmarie partnered with Leslie Gerber and Chelsea Carter, additional pole fitness instructors, to create this special eight-week course, which introduced students to pole fitness as well as body expression, chakra

awareness, meditation, dance, trapeze yoga and more. Students enrolled in the workshop are able to participate in all other classes offered at the studio, which allows them to learn more about their fitness interests and keep them moving and motivated during the two months. “Once students embrace pole fitness, the physical strength transcends into an amazing inner strength and self confidence that supports people in all areas of their lives,” said Annmarie. “The past eight weeks have been amazing to watch these women find themselves. We have all learned something during this journey.” Each student joined the class for different reasons and goals. Most women who joined the first session were looking for a fun way to get active again, after being more sedentary during the pandemic. After the eight weeks, all students admit that Pole Fitness Discovery health benefits go beyond strength training. “There was a good energy in the class,” said Abby Galindo, a 16-year-old student who drove from the east valley to participate. “I enjoyed every session and every class I took, like meditation and yoga as well. It was a wonderful experience. I learned a lot about myself.” “It’s a very mind, body and soul experience,” said Sedillos, who enjoyed the classes so much that she purchased a pole to install in her own home. “It’s one of my passions, I found.” Recently wrapping up the first eight-week workshop, Pole Fitness Discovery held its first graduation ceremony on July 11. Family members and friends were invited for a final performance by each of the participants and an official graduation ceremony to mark the women’s achievements. Rajashree Choudhury, world-renowned yogi, who taught several meditation sessions during the course,

presented the graduation certificates with Annmarie. As one session wraps, a new Pole Fitness Discovery session will begin on July 25. The workshop is limited to only 10 people, who will meet on Sundays from 2-5 p.m. Applications are now available at hotyogapluspalmsprings. com/pole-fitness. After the application is submitted, Annmarie speaks to each potential student to discuss whether the Pole Fitness Discovery is a good fit. Private pole fitness classes are also available by contacting the student. Hot Yoga Plus is also offering private burlesque classes, taught by Caitlin Litzinger. These classes as well as other offerings at Hot Yoga Plus have become popular themes for bachelorette parties, birthday parties and other special occasions. Hot Yoga Plus offers various party packages, all hosted at the Palm Springs location. Two poles are installed in a beautiful studio space that looks out to Mount San Jacinto through a full wall of glass. At night, the room can change dramatically with colored, disco-style lights and high energy music on stereo surround sound. The exercise space is equip with a unique padded, sweat-proof floor that is easily sanitized. A state-of-the-art steam room, well-appointed locker rooms, a shopping boutique, plus private yoga and massage options are just a few elements of the spa-like studio. Hot Yoga Plus Palm Springs is located at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive (in the same shopping center as the Revivals resale store). For more information about Pole Fitness Discovery or Hot Yoga Plus Palm Springs, visit hotyogapluspalmsprings.com or call 760-8328655.

Plant-Based Palate...................................... 12 Summer Eats Pass....................................... 12 Ace Hotel - Craft Beer Weekend................. 12 The Vino Voice ............................................. 14 Keg Whisperer ............................................ 15 Pet Place ................................................ 16-17 Haddon Libby ............................................. 18 Dale Gribow ................................................ 18 Health - Keto................................................ 19 Free Will Astrology .................................... 19

July 15 to July 21, 2021

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EVENTS

he 35th annual Greater Palm Springs Pride is to take place on November 1st through the 7th, celebrating equality and the LGBTQ community. There are several events scheduled to be held throughout the week, including a Hate Crime Vigil, a Pride 5K Run and Walk, a Pride Parade, and a Drag Brunch hosted by Roly China Fusion. The “Pride Edition” Drag Brunch will take place on November 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Roly China Fusion—a flavorful Chinese restaurant serving delectable dishes. Cuisine can be enjoyed in an intimate dining room setting or guests can try dim sum and other light bites on the outdoor, pet-friendly bar overlooking Palm Canyon Drive, and wind down in the lounge with a cocktail while a live DJ performs. Guests also have the chance to indulge in the Chef’s Table, which is a private VIP dining experience featuring the most exquisite food offerings. Tickets are already on sale for this highly anticipated event with all proceeds benefitting the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization. “We wanted to have the theme of ‘flower power’ because it feels like we’re all coming out of a very long winter with the pandemic. People are itching to get out and party, so this Drag Brunch will be even more special than the ones we have hosted before,” stated owner and chef at Roly China Fusion, Chad Gardner. Unlimited drinks and dim sum will keep VIP guests satiated, while SoCal’s best drag

TRAVEL TIPS4U PALM SPRINGS, CA

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TICKETS ON SALE FOR ROLY CHINA FUSION’S “PRIDE EDITION” DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH

entertainers and bikini dancers amp up the entertainment for the Drag Brunch. Dreamy, “flower power” decor will transport guests to a happy place and colorful appropriatethemed attire is encouraged for guests. The event will be hosted by the legendary drag entertainer, Rosemary Galore. Rosemary Galore has entertained audiences for 30 years as a dancer, award-winning choreographer, and dance competition judge. As a drag performer since 2019, she has been dubbed the “Newest & Brightest Drag Sensation,” was a New York Fashion week featured model Vaughn Berry, and is a featured performer at many venues in Palm Springs and around

Southern California. Roly China Fusion’s Drag Queen Brunch is already known as the hottest show on the strip, but the Pride Edition promises to be a parade party like no other. Two ticket tiers are available for the event, The Divas Terrace and The Mean Girls Lounge. The Divas Terrace offers the ultimate VIP experience, happening on the terrace overlooking the very spot where the Pride Parade steps off. This tier also includes an open bar, passed dim sum, brunch bites, exclusive balcony access overlooking the Palm Springs Pride Parade, and additional entertainment provided by the fabulous PS Drag Queen Brunch show. Ticket prices are 150 dollars per person before September 15, and 175 dollars after. The Mean Girls Lounge tier allows access to the Roly “Flower Power” Lounge and street-side Buddy Bar. It also includes a “Welcome to Pride” cocktail, passed dim sum and brunch bites. Ticket prices are 75 dollars per person before September 15 and 100 dollars after and do not include open bar or balcony access. Chef Chad Gardner brings in 20 years of restaurant, catering, and fine dining experience to Roly China Fusion. As the founder of Gardner Hospitality Group, his passion for entertaining extends to his other local hospitality concepts, including Dash a

July 15 to July 21, 2021

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL Handful—a full-service events and catering company—and 533 Viet Fusion—a popular fast-casual restaurant located near Palms Springs’ Saguaro Hotel. “I have a great team in each restaurant I work out that supports me and allows me to bounce around each place I work to check in. I’m pretty hands-on when it comes to the Drag Brunch because it is a very fun event. Events are my career background and we are striving to put on something elevated and memorable for this year’s Pride event,” said Gardner. Gardner Hospitality Group is a collection of hospitality concepts conceived by Gardner himself and he is proud to offer his clients and guests of his restaurants the culmination of his culinary experiences, blending global spices with classic techniques to create sumptuous global modern cuisine. “I think everyone is ready for the chance to let loose and we want to show them that we are prepared too. The Drag Brunch is considered one of the best Drag performances in Palm Springs and we have entertainers coming that will guarantee a great time,” explained Gardner. Tickets to the Pride Edition Drag Brunch can be purchased at rolychinafusion.com.

FOREVER MARILYN BY SCULPTOR SEWARD JOHNSON

elcome to the site of Marilyn Monroe in Palm Springs CA, the 26-foot tall, 24,000 pound monumental sculpture with stainless steel and aluminum. This dramatic sculpture is extremely realistic, especially in the skin tones. Her unique patina involves ten layers of hues with a matte finish, except for the glossy elements of her lips, toe nails and the pearlized glaze on her earrings. A passion of detail and an uncanny realism of pose are qualities often associated with the works of sculptor Seward Johnson. Well-known for recreating life in our times in vivid realism, with this series titled “Icons Revisited,” the artist explores in three dimensions why some visual images so captivate us that they become larger than life. These subjects outlive their own time periods and come

to stand for something metaphoric and universal. Welcome Home Marilyn!

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

July 15 to July 21, 2021

CT for Multiple Sclerosis is hosting its first live event since the pandemic shut everything down. ‘Marx on Marx Cabaret’ stars Bill Marx, pianist / composer; and Gregg Marx, Emmy award-winning actor / cabaret singer. This very special fundraiser will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Bellatrix at the Classic Club, at 75-200 Classic Club Blvd, Palm Desert, CA 92211. Individual Tickets at $150 each include hosted cocktails and appetizers; live performance followed by buffet dinner, and a tax-deductible donation, per IRS guidelines. Cocktails start at 4 PM; Performance starts at 5:15, followed by buffet dinner around 6:15. VIP tables of 8 in the front row go for $1,500. Tickets are available online at ACTforMS.org or by calling the office at 760-773-9806 and leaving a message. The non-profit ID number for ACT for MS is 33-0880635. You may also mail a check made out to ACT for MS to ACT For MS, 73710 Fred Waring Dr. #118, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Bill Marx, son of Harpo Marx and Gregg Marx, grandson of Gummo Marx, will perform songs from The Great American Songbook. They will also engage in unique anecdotes about the famous family of vaudevillians and film stars. Pianist and composer Bill Marx attended Juilliard School of Music for composing. He has a full repertoire of compositions for theatre, ballet, chamber music, symphonies,

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TV and film scores. He has also toured with many jazz artists. Once Bill moved to the Coachella Valley in 1993, he started playing at local clubs and restaurants. Bill Marx started the Jazz It Up summer series for ACT for MS in 2008. He has been on the Board of Directors since the org’s founding. Gregg Marx recently moved to Palm Springs from the Los Angeles area. He is an Emmy Award winning TV actor (Days of Our Lives, As the World Turns, Doogie Howser, MD and more). As a singer, Gregg has appeared in some of the most celebrated cabaret venues in the country, including the world-famous Hollywood Cinegrill, Herb Alpert’s Vibrato, Catalina Jazz Club and The Gardenia in Los Angeles, The Rrazz Room at The Nikko in San Francisco and The Metropolitan Room in New York, thrilling audiences from coast to coast with his interpretations of classics from The Great American Songbook. Bill and Gregg are thrilled to be able to perform together for a wonderful cause, and to introduce Gregg Marx to the Coachella Valley. ACT for MS provides assistance for Coachella Valley residents living with Multiple Sclerosis, helping clients live stronger longer. Founded in 1999 by well-known local journalist and TV host Gloria Greer after daughter Norma was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the organization offers free programs which enhance clients’ quality of

life. Programs offered free include strength training and massage; mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and scooters; adaptive yoga; aquatics; wellness education; peer support activities and electric bill assistance for low income clients during the hot summer months. Quarterly luncheons and a resource center round out the free programs. All funds raised are spent here in the Coachella Valley. In order to become a client of ACT for MS, clients must have a letter from their neurologist and reside in the Coachella Valley. The pandemic shut down gyms for extended months, so ACT for MS clients are in dire need of receiving

COMMUNITY

more workouts and massages to help them get back to where they were physically before the pandemic closed everything. Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable and incurable disease of the central nervous system in which the insulating, protective covering (myelin) surrounding the nerves is destroyed or damaged, resulting in interference with the brain signals to the muscles. ACT for MS has one full time employee and an active board: Anne Pope, President Linda Williamson, Vice President Penny Mason, Secretary Ann Greer, Treasurer Andy Clark Richard DeSantis Norma Greer Fishkind Jo Ann Horwitz Suz Hunt Nelda Linsk Bill Marx George Turner www.ACTforMS.org

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SPOTLIGHT SHOWROOM TO FEATURE FREE TRIBUTE BAND CONCERTS

potlight Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, California announced today that starting in early August it will offer a regular series of free concerts in the recently refurbished performance space. Bands who look, sound, and perform like the real thing will soon wow audiences as they perform versions of beloved classic songs. All shows are free and the doors open at 7 pm in the Spotlight Showroom. No reservations are required. For more information go to www.spotlight29.com. Starting August 6 the Spotlight Showroom will offer these free tribute band concerts: August 6: Mirage – Visions of Fleetwood Mac. Named after Fleetwood Mac’s third best-selling album, “Mirage” features Michelle Tyler as Stevie Nicks, Bob Weitz as John McVie, Annie Boxell as Christine McVie, Gary Hagen as Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Graham as Mick Fleetwood. Based in Los Angeles, “Mirage” has earned the top honors among tribute artists – endorsed by AXSTV as one of “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” and heartily praised by the ‘real’ Stevie Nicks after she heard a performance. “Mirage” recreates the classic lineup with a strong stage show and every detail to authenticity. From the

custom wardrobe to the spot on musical and vocal performances, “Mirage” takes you on a journey celebrating the hits of Fleetwood Mac in its prime. August 13 – One of These Nights – Eagles tribute band. This show is a 2+ hour note-fornote tribute to the Eagles and the solo work of Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh. You will hear all of your favorite hits from “Take It Easy” to “Hotel California” with some surprises in between. One of These Nights does not simply play the music of the Eagles, they become the Eagles. Whether it is guitarist Dave Carl perfectly matching Don Henley’s distinguished voice, Chris Siebold ripping through a Don Felder or Joe Walsh guitar solo, Randy Riley nailing a Timothy B Schmidt vocal or Dave Calzaretta recreating a Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh or Randy Meisner classic, this show will leave you in awe wanting more. August 20: Piano Men: Generations ~ The Music Of Billy Joel & Elton John. “Piano Men: Generations” celebrates the musical influences of Billy Joel and Elton John brought to you by the amazing father and son team of Terry and Nick Davies. Not only have Billy and Elton written and performed music that transcends four decades of music lovers –

both have done so, not standing center stage, but seated behind the ebony and ivory of an instrument that will forever define the spirit their music: THE PIANO. Join Terry and Nick on this journey through the careers of two music icons. August 27: Mick Adams and the Stones. Mick Adams and the Stones® have been named one of the top ten tribute bands in the World by Backstage Magazine. They have appeared on National Televisions, The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands, as the world’s greatest tribute to The Rolling Stones twice with Mick Adams appearing on the show two additional times as the World’s Greatest Mick Jagger impersonator. Not only is Mick Adams a dead-ringer for Mick Jagger, but he also brings Mick Jagger’s intense energy to each and every performance. Mick Adams and The Stones feature all look-alike performers, custom made replica costumes and replica instruments, full choreography, and an incredible video show that accompanies each song. Come to a show and check them out as they unleash a half-century of unforgettable hooks. Mick Adams is the only Mick Jagger impersonator to be endorsed by Mark Cuban and Ryan Seacrest and to appear on their AXS TV show. It’s not just a concert, it’s an experience. September 3 – ABBAFAB. Having played to sold-out crowds across the U.S. and abroad, ABBAFAB is a stunning tribute to the music of ABBA featuring the sensational talents of some of the most talented and loved artists and musicians. This multimedia production is a tribute to some of the greatest music produced in the 70s and 80s including monster hits such as Waterloo, Fernando, Honey Honey, Dancing Queen and countless others. From ABBA’s earliest hits to Mamma Mia, ABBAFAB will take you on a Technicolor journey that is unmatched. Our vocalists and

July 15 to July 21, 2021

EVENTS

musicians have toured the world as solo artists and band members and have come together to create the most entertaining ABBA tribute on the market today. September 10 – VOYAGER – a tribute to Journey. VOYAGER is a spectacular tribute to the music of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist, Journey. This high-energy production will take you on a musical tour of classic songs like Faithfully, Open Arms, Who’s Crying Now, Wheel In The Sky, Anyway You Want It, Don’t Stop Believin’ and so many more. Featuring extraordinary musicians and vocalists who have toured nationally and internationally, VOYAGER provides today’s most entertaining and accurate Journey experience. September 24 – Hot August Night – Neil Diamond tribute. Dean Colley and his “Hot August Night” band is the best Neil Diamond sound-alike and look-alike tribute act currently performing. Prepare to be rocked as this spectacular tribute of the legendary Neil Diamond brings you everything from the classic 60s to contemporary Neil Diamond hits. “Hot August Night” covers Neil Diamond’s most memorable songs, and captures the heart and soul of a Real Neil Diamond concert. Dean has been wowing and thrilling Neil Diamond fans and audiences for over a decade. For more information, call 760-775-5566 or go to www.spotlight29.com.

July 15 to July 21, 2021

CONSIDER THIS

ina Simone aspired to be a Classical pianist. She studied and trained from childhood until her 20s. She was gifted, she was a prodigy, but she was never accepted into that rarified world. Her talent was never in question, but she was marginalized because of the color of her skin. Although she became a celebrated Jazz pianist and vocalist, forever known as The Empress Of Song, the pain of that rejection was never far away. A native of North Carolina, Eunice Kathleen Waymon was born in 1933. She got her start playing piano in church, soon she was receiving private lessons, and mastering music by Chopin, Schubert, Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. She completed her formal training at Julliard in the early ‘50s. Denied admittance to the prestigious Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, she began earning a living playing piano at a club in Atlantic City. She knew her devoutly Christian mother would never approve of her playing “the devil’s music,” so, she adopted a stage name. Nina was originally a nickname from an ex-beau. Simone was an homage to the French actress Simone Signoret. Following her first gig, the club owner insisted she sing, as well as play piano. Incorporating Jazz, Blues, Gospel, BoogieWoogie and most conspicuously, Classical forms into her playing, she began making a name with herself, performing up and down the East Coast. In 1957, she signed her first record deal. From the outset, she insisted on creative control, and her obstinance paid off, her first single, “I Loves You, Porgy,” landed in the Top 20. Her debut album, Little Girl Blue, arrived in 1958 and a star was born. Throughout her career, Nina cycled through a series of record labels. Still, by the late ‘80s, she released 43 albums. Wary of the music business, she made her money out on the road and toured relentlessly. By the early ‘60s, she was married with a young daughter. Her husband, Andrew Stroud, was also her manager, while their business relationship stayed solid, their marital bond began to fray. Trapped with a man who was physically and emotionally abusive, she immersed herself in the Civil Rights movement. Following Medgar Evers murder and the church bombing that killed four young girls in Birmingham, Alabama, Nina responded by writing the scathing cri de couer, “Mississippi Goddam.” She performed and spoke at freedom marches, including Selma and Montgomery. Nina was close to both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, she was devastated when each of those charismatic leaders were assassinated in 1965 and 1968, respectively. Rather quickly, she began channeling her grief and rage into songs like “Backlash Blues,” “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free.” She also wrote and recorded “Young, Gifted And Black,” which also became a hit for Aretha Franklin. Reaching beyond Jazz and Soul, she began re-working songs associated with Rock & Roll artists like The Animals, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, the Bee Gees and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. But by 1970, she began to suspect that her political views and her strong commitment to social justice, had prompted the industry to covertly boycott her music. She fled her marriage, pretty much abandoning her daughter, Lisa in the process. Initially, she disappeared to Barbados before

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NINA SIMONE

settling in the Republic Of Liberia, located on the West African Coast. Although her daughter joined her in Africa, Nina became physically abusive and Lisa returned to live with her dad in the States. Much later in life, Nina was diagnosed with a Bi-Polar disorder. Thanks to a sympathetic management team, she relocated to Europe and spent her final years in France. Her music experienced a resurgence in the late ‘80s when Chanel used “My Baby Just Cares For Me” in an ad campaign. For the rest of her life, she recorded sporadically but toured consistently. Her autobiography, “I Put A Spell On You,” arrived in 1992. She quietly battled breast cancer and died in her sleep just a couple months after her 70th birthday. Ironically, two days before her death, she was awarded a degree from the Curtiss Institute. The Montreux Jazz Festival first began in 1967, curated by Claude Nobs, Geo Voumard and Rene’ Langer. Still going strong nearly 65 years later, it has hosted everyone from Miles Davis to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Now the fine folks at BMG Records have collected some of Nina’s seminal appearances together in a twodisc set, Nina Simone: The Montreux Years. She played Montreux five times between 1968 and 1990. Disc one jumps back and forth between her 1976 set, with one selection each from 1981 and 1987 and several songs from her final performance. The collection begins with a dazzling solo piano rendering of the Gershwin classic, “Someone To Watch Over Me,” the lone offering from 1987. Her 1976 set is well-represented, Nina seems genuinely stunned by the applause that greets her entrance, remarking, “You didn’t forget me, that’s what’s so wild, you didn’t forget me.” Her mien is surprisingly coy and flirtatious as she talks of her life in Liberia, before launching into a searing version of “Backlash Blues,” which she wrote with her friend, poet and social activist, Langston Hughes. Spiraling piano notes wash over a clattering backbeat, the arrangement is spare and bare-bones. The lyrics’ opening salvo detonates like alike a sharply phrased smartbomb; “Mr. Blacklash, Mr. Backlash, just who do you think I am, you raise my taxes, freeze my wages and send my son to Vietnam/You give me second class houses and second-class schools, you think that all colored people in this country got to be second class fools.” As a ripple of applause breaks out she instructs the crowd to “give the drummer some,” and they oblige. It’s clear from that moment on that she has them in the palm of her hand. Although “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free,” was written in 1963 by Jazz pianist Billy Taylor and Dick Dallas, Nina made it her own a few years later, co-opting it as a civil rights anthem. Her trilling piano runs are augmented by a syncopated rhythm. Here she randomly rearranges the verses positioning the last and most heartbreaking one first; “Well, I wish I could be like a bird in the sky, how sweet it would be if I found I could fly, I’d soar at the sun and look down to the sea, and I’d sing cause I know how it feels to be free.” As the tune progresses, piano notes take on a churchy cadence and her tone shapeshifts from Jazzy chanteuse to Gospel-inflected calland-response. Here, she pointedly ad-libs “Everybody should be free, cause if we ain’t, we’re murderous” She offers up a tender version of Janis Ian’s “Stars.” Plaintive piano shadings elide

“THE MONTREUX YEARS” (BMG RECORDS) BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

the melody’s margins, as the drummer hangs back behind the beat. Nina caresses the introspective lyrics, and it’s fascinating to hear midway through, she completely loses the lyrical thread. She quietly detours down a more personal path and then returns, righteously exclaiming, “I’m trying to tell my story, Janis Ian told it very well, Janis Joplin told it even better, Billie Holiday even told it even better/We always, we always, we always have a story.” Reaching back to her very first album she presents a fractious version of her own instrumental composition, “African Mailman.” Breakneck piano chords ride roughshod atop a galloping drumbeat. This arrangement veers wildly away from the original’s infectious Afro-Cuban groove. She also conjures up a delicate read for one of her signature hits, “Little Girl Blue.” Gossamer piano notes still slyly quote the yuletide carol, “Good King Wenceslas,” and her smoky contralto remains suffused in sadness. But her playing becomes stormy and turbulent, as lyrics ponder the gender inequities for “little liberated girl blue.” There’s a measure of irascibility surrounding her final Montreux set from 1990. Launching into “See-Line Woman,” a song whose roots can be traced to traditional African Folk music, she asks the crowd if they know the song and then becomes impatient when they don’t automatically participate in the infectious call-and-response, growling “I can’t hear YOU! The word is see-line.” The audience catches on, powerless to resist the undulating rhythms powered by conga and pulsating percussion. By this point, Nina was living in the Netherlands, but it is clear, her years in Liberia still affected her deeply. That’s made evident by the inclusion of two tracks, “No Woman, No Cry” and “Liberian Calypso.” The former, of course, is one of Bob Marley’s most beloved songs, and she gives the late Reggae Revolutionary a shout-out before instructing the crowd to sing along. The original, first released in 1974, was a melancholy trip down memory lane. In Nina’s hands, lyrics take on a decidely feminist perspective. Meanwhile, the arrangement is lithe and supple, nimble guitar riffs thread through a tapestry of joyful piano, plangent vibraphone, Tuff Gong conga and a Rock Steady beat She added her own lyrics to the traditional African melody on the latter. Her joy is palpable, as the song completely captures her heady, happy, slightly hedonistic days living on Africa’s West Coast. Twinkly percussion connects with buoyant piano, slinky guitar and a agile rhythm. The lyrics chronicle her escape from “the stench and smells”

of America and her homecoming, of sorts, to Liberia. They also explicitly touch on an episode where she danced the night away in a local discotheque, shedding her clothes and going au natural. Of course, at the start of the song she becomes thoroughly irritated by the audience’s inability to punctuate each verse with the exultation “run Nina.” So she adopts a cranky schoolmarm tone until the crowd masters their part. Other highlights of the set include the torchy kiss-off, “Don’t Smoke In Bed,” the bitter, brittle and Brechtian “Four Women” and the breezy standard, “What A Little Moonlight Can Do.” Oddly, she offers a curiously flat take of Jacques Brel’s “Ne Me Quitte Pas.” But she closes with the effervescent kick of “My Baby Just Cares For Me.” Powered by Nina’s pounding piano and a limber, shuffle-rhythm, her manner is equal parts blissful and blasé as she confides “Liz Taylor is not his style, and even Lana Turner’s smile is something he can’t see, my baby don’t care who knows, my baby just cares for me.” On the break her hands fly across the keys executing a series intricately playful flourishes that kind of take your breath away. The song exhibits a real joie de vivre, despite Miss Simone’s contrary demeanor. The second disc in this collection presents Nina’s 1968 Casino Kursaal concert in its entirety. Here, she is at the height of her powers. Although four songs overlap from disc one, (“Backlash Blues,” “I Wish…,” “SeeLine Woman” and Ne Me Quitte Pas”), it also features a furious “Go To Hell,” and tender renderings of “When I Was A Young Girl” and “Just In Time.” At this point in her career, Nina managed to put her imprimatur on several Rock & Roll hits. For the Casino Kursaal show she offers up blistering versions of two recent hits from The Animals, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and “The House Of The Rising Sun.” She is also in fine fettle on a couple of Bee Gees’ cuts, the knotty “Please Read Me” and the bittersweet “To Love Somebody.” Best of all, she includes her mash-up of two songs from the counterculture Broadway musical, “Hair.” By stitching “Ain’t Got No” and “I Got Life” together, and rearranging the lyrics to suit her own purposes, she transformed an outre’ Hippie chant into a stinging indictment of White privilege coupled with a jubilant evocation of Black Power. This performance harnesses her outrage and vitriol, and redirects it toward joy and exultation. Nina Simone may have never realized her Classical music aspirations, but her impact is still felt today. The Black Lives Matter movement owes a bit to her persistent commitment to Civil Rights. Her influence is evident in the music of Jeff Buckley, Norah Jones, Cassandra Wilson and John Legend. If you only know her via 30 second snippets on commercials selling cars or toiletries, and taking a deep dive into her extensive oeuvre feels a bit intimidating, then “Montreux Years” offers an excellent jumping-off point. These recordings present Miss Simone in all her contradictory glory. By turns, gracious, aloof, coquettish and imperious, her haughty grandeur remains on full display. That’s exactly as it should be.

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July 15 to July 21, 2021

The Slice – Sergio Villegas – 5-8pm The Village – Rapmarz - 10pm Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6-9pm

Thursday, July 15

Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:30-9:30pm Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic – 7pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Rye Brothers – 7pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm The Nest – Bryan Magsayo – 6pm The Slice – Leanna Rogers – 5-8pm The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30-8:30pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm

Friday, July 16

Bart Lounge – DJ Manny and Friends – 8pm Casuelas Café – The Myx – 7pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30-9:30pm Coachella Valley Brewery – An Evening w/ Uncle Ben and Friends – 7pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Damian Navarro – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Rhythm Nation – 9pm Mastro’s – Nikki Dickinson – 6:30pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm O’Caine’s – St. Christopher’s Bazooka – 6pm

Pete’s Hideaway – Darci Daniels – 7pm Rockyard@Fantasy Springs – Core (Stone Temple Pilots Tribute) and Lifetime Rockers – 7pm The Hood – Drag Queen Bingo – 8pm The Nest – Jojo Malagar – 6pm The Slice – Marc Antonelli – 5:30-8:30pm The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30-8:30pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6-9pm

Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – SJ and the Ruckus – 9pm Rockyard@Fantasy Springs – Generation Idol (Billy Idol Tribute) and Rock Stallion – 7pm The Hood - Comedy Night – 9pm The Nest – Nikki Dickinson – 6pm The Slice – Leanna Rogers – 5:30-8:30pm The Village – Rob & JB – 1-4pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6-9pm

Saturday, July 17

Sunday, July 18

Ace Hotel – Reverbnation Radio DJ Set – noon – poolside Bart Lounge – Goth Night w/ DJs Danza De Luna, Luna Divina and Dead Romeo – 8pm Casuelas Café – Flashback Boyz – 7:15pm Chef George’s – Leanna and Miguel – 6:309:30pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Hotwyre – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Rhythm Nation – 9pm Mastro’s – Jojo Malagar – 7:30pm

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF – 8pm Coachella Valley Brewery – Acoustic Afternoon w/ Matt Davin, Mario Quintero and The Sieve and the Saddle – 2pm Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Mastro’s – Nikki Dickinson – 6pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – Mikole Kaar Jazz Event – 2-5pm, Sunday Night Jam – 6-11pm The Cantina – Tribe-O – 6pm The Hood – Open Mic – 8pm The Nest – Jojo Malagar – 7pm

Monday, July 19

The Nest – The Trebles – 6:30-9:30pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Tuesday, July 20

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30-9:30pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Mikole Kaar and the Kaar Club – 4:20-7:20pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Brad’s Pad – 7-10pm The Nest – The Trebles – 6:30-9:30pm The Slice – Sergio Villegas – 5-8pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Wednesday, July 21

Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 7:30pm Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:30-9:30pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm The Cantina – T- Bone Karaoke – 7pm The Nest – The Trebles – 6:30-9:30pm The Slice – Marc Antonelli – 5-8pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm, Philly Saturn – 10pm, Banda Reyna Del Valle – 10pm

July 15 to July 21, 2021

SCREENERS

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No. 482

RITCHIE & STATHAM TOGETHER AGAIN BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS search for Meteroium 245, the only proven defense against the atom bomb, leads him to mythic Pendrang. Obstructing his deranged and deadly plan to rule the world are Rod Stanton (Russell Hayden), United Peace Foundation (is that code for United Nations?), Tal Shan (Key Luke), Pandrang Native and Marjorie Elmore (Jane Adams), daughter of scientist Dr.Elmore (John Elderedge), Sir Eric’s unwilling assistant. VCI/MVDvisual. Blu-ray. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com.

WRATH OF MAN Guy Ritchie’s latest crime movie (his fourth directorial collaboration with Statham) is based on a 2004 French film “Cash Truck” (“Le C’onvoyeur), written and directed by Nicolas Boukhrief. What’s missing in this nice looking action-packed but formulaic remake is Ritchi’es trademark caustic humor. According to the studio’s synopsis: “ A mysterious and wild-eyed new security guard for a cash truck service surprises his co-worker when he unleashes formerly hidden precision skills during a heist. The crew -- and audience -- is left wondering who he is and where he came from. It’s

not long before the newly revealed marksman’s ultimate motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and irreversible steps to settle a score. This reviewer wondered if Ritchie still has fun making movies. Stathan’s charismatic screen personae is on full display and fans of his “Transporter” character will not be disappointed, although this film is most certainly not a character driven story but a rather brutal, dark and stark examination of thuggery, revenge and mob rivalries. The action is edgeof-your-seat, intense and big. It pops on a big screen display whether at home or in a the-

ater. MGM, MIRAMAX and WB. Blu-ray. ALSO AVAILABLE NOW… LOST CITY IN THE JUNGLE (1946) Sometimes, for a change of pace, it’s fun to loop old-time Saturday Afternoon movie serials for uninterrupted play. Among the most popular is certainly VCI’s “LOST CITY IN THE JUNGLE.” All thirteen thrilling chapters have been remastered in 2K (from original 35mm fine grain). The fast-paced plot is set in the aftermath of WWII. War-monger Sir Eric Hazarias (Lionel Atwill) is the catalyst for starting WWIII! His

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

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July 15 to July 21, 2021

SAFETY TIPS FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

BY DEE JAE COX

ike a long drink of ice-cold lemonade on a sweltering summer day, Palm Canyon Theatre’s, “You’re a good man Charlie Brown, the Musical,” hits the exact right spot in quenching your thirst after this drought of live theatre we’ve endured. Beginning in October 1950 through January 2000, Charles M. Schulz created and published one of the most popular and highly acclaimed comic strips in history. “Peanuts.” Featuring Charlie Brown, his dog Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, and a cast of characters that reflected world views through the eyes of children. Schulz’s comic strip did not explicitly address topics such as racial and gender equality, so much as assume them to be selfevident in the depiction of his characters. In 1967, the inevitable happened, the musical, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” was created with Book, Music and lyrics written by Clark M. Gesner. Who could resist bringing these internationally popular characters to the theatre? When looking for a show to light-up the stage and bring them out of the pandemic-imposed lockdown, Palm Canyon Theatre, decided that a small cast, minimal set requirements and loads of laughter would be the best ticket in town. And they were right! The Layne Family dusted off their never empty bag of magical talent and staged this light hearted, poignant and humor filled musical production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” This perfectly cast ensemble kept me engaged and smiling from start to finish. Watching Schultz’s beloved characters brought to life was pure magic. Through music and laughter, Gesner’s script exemplified both the simplicity and struggles of an average day in a child’s world. Keith Alexander (Linus Van Pelt,) Allegra Angelo (Sally Brown,) Leslie Benjamin (Lucy Van Pelt,) David Brooks (Schroeder,) J.W. Layne (Charlie Brown,) and Paul Grant (Snoopy.) Singing, dancing, teasing, loving and learning, this group of friends took us through their school day, baseball practice, homework, and rabbit chasing. Snoopy chased the Red Baron, Lucy psychoanalyzed Charlie Brown (for a 5cent fee,) Linus sang an ode to

his blanket and Sally taught us about her new philosophical approach to life. Schroder made a futile attempt at leading a choir practice and Charlie Brown was the average kid just trying to be noticed by the little red headed girl. Each new musical performance made me think, oh this character is my favorite, until the next number was presented and choreographed and I was once more swayed by the talent of the following performer. All of the actors presented their role with exactly the right amount of familiarity and uniqueness, allowing them to capture the essence of each individual character. While I secretly might wish for an updated version of this musical which would include some of Schultz’s later characters, Peppermint Patty, Franklin, Pig Pen, Woodstock, these would only be icing on the cake for an already stellar cast of characters. Watching this show was pure joy and I cherished every minute of being back in a theatre, with the anticipation of a fun musical experience (and air conditioning) bringing us all together for a night of theatrical pleasure. Charlie Brown, was wonderfully directed by Dr. William Layne, magically Choreographed by SE Layne, with just the right amount of creative scenic design by William Layne and JW Layne. Lighting design by J.W. Layne, costumes by their in-house magic man, Derik Shopinski, And Musical Direction by Scott Smith and his orchestra, David Bronson (drums,) Larry Holloway (bass,) this show shined from curtain up to curtain down. If you are looking for an opportunity to feel pure elation at being a part of the world again, this is the show to see! You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, the Musical, runs through Sunday July 18th. For ticket information visit the Palm Canyon Theatre’s website, www.palmcanyontheatre. net. Call 760-323-5123. Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomenstheatreproject.org palmspringstheatre.com

hen you wake up in the morning and the light is hurt your head — The first thing you do when you get up out of bed — Is hit that streets a-runnin' and try to beat the masses — Now go get yourself some good sunglasses" – ZZ Top. Listen while you read: https://lnkd.in/ g8ZWAqF July is UV Awareness Month! “During the summer we put a lot of emphasis on protecting skin from UV rays and it is important,” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. “But we cannot forget about protecting the eyes — the most exposure to bright sunlight increases the risk of developing these four: cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye and cancer.” Here are some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology: Check for 100 percent UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV-A rays and UV-B rays. Choose wrap-around styles. Ideally, your sunglasses should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun's rays cannot enter from the side. Wear a hat. In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes. Do not be fooled by clouds. The sun's rays “

can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime. Protect your eyes during peak sun times. Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside, and it is especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense. Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, damage to the eye's retina from solar radiation. Speaking of eyes, let us not forget that August is Cataract Awareness Month: https:// lnkd.in/gyNkXpQ.

July 15 to July 21, 2021

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PLANT-BASEDPALATE

t has been nearly a year since I made the decision to embrace a plant-based lifestyle and in that time, I have learned many vegan substitutions for the foods I used to love that are just as good, if not better than the original. One of my favorite comfort foods has always been tacos, but it did not take long for me to learn that finding plantbased options at a Mexican restaurant is nearly impossible. So, I decided that I would find a way to recreate as many Mexican dishes as I could with healthy, easy to make recipes of my own. As I was walking through our local Palm Springs Farmer’s Market one Saturday morning, I found my inspiration in king oyster mushrooms. I had heard that some mushroom varieties were able to achieve a shredded, “meat-like” texture, including King Trumpet and King Oyster mushrooms. I decided to put this to the test and the results were better than I could have

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BY RAYMOND BILL

imagined. These tacos are plant-based, glutenfree (with the corn tortillas) and incredibly delicious. Here is how you can recreate this new favorite of mine. What you will need: 1 pound of king oyster mushrooms 2 tsp dried oregano 2 tsp cumin 1-2 tsp chili powder or chipotle powder 2-3 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion (white or yellow) 5 garlic cloves, minced 1 jalapeno, diced 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce (optional but delicious) ½ cup fresh orange juice Salt & pepper to taste Cilantro Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large

mixing bowl, shred the oyster mushrooms between two forks The caps will easily pull apart while the stems will be tougher and more fibrous. This will give it the meaty texture. Add to the mushrooms (or mix separately and combine) cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper to taste, and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss the mushrooms to evenly coat them with your seasonings. Feel free at this point to be creative and add seasonings that you prefer such as ground coriander or specialty taco seasoning blends to make this recipe uniquely yours. Once you have coated your shredded mushrooms with the dry ingredients and the olive oil, spread them evenly over a pre-lined baking sheet. I use a silicon mat, but parchment paper works just as well. Place in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the edges are crispy. For even cooking, be sure to stir them halfway.

BY LAURA HUNT LITTLE

Participating restaurants include Blue Coyote Grill, Heirloom Craft Kitchen, Johannes, Azure Palm Cafe and more. For those looking to take advantage of the region’s latest openings, pay a visit to Boozehounds, a dog-friendly dining concept, Bar Cecil, a swanky lounge paying homage to bon vivant Cecil Beaton, and 1501 Uptown, a classic American gastro pub. The Summer Eats Pass is easy to use! STEP 1 - GET YOUR PASS This mobile exclusive passport is a collection of curated attractions, retailers, restaurants and more and offering deals and discounts to redeem during your visit. STEP 2 - RECEIVE TEXT Your passport will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and is ready to use immediately! There is no app to download. Your pass can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy one-tap access. STEP 3 - REDEEM When visiting a participating business, simply present your phone to the attendant or staff member to redeem available discounts. Find additional information on the Summer Eats Pass and a full list of participating restaurants at summereatsgps.com.

While the mushrooms are baking in the oven, heat a large skillet on the stove at medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil along with chopped onion (I prefer the onion chopped into strips, but diced onion is fine too), minced garlic, diced jalapeno, and a pinch of salt. I prefer my onions caramelized but feel free to sauté the onions to your desired color, this should take about 10-15 minutes. Finally, add the mushrooms to the skillet and combine with the orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, and any additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture until the juice has been absorbed and the mushrooms are slightly crisp. Try not to over stir at this point so that the mushrooms can achieve the desired texture. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Once this is complete you are ready to enjoy. I like to have fresh diced white onion and chopped cilantro and avocado but dress your tacos however you like and have fun with it! These are not going to taste exactly like carnitas, but you will have transformed the mushrooms into something amazing that will impress your friends and family.

EVENTS

GOOD GRUB

he Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) launched the digital Summer Eats Pass last month to help support local restaurants, while also providing deals and offerings to the community and visitors. Each time diners use the pass to check in to a local eatery, they become eligible for a weekly drawing to win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant. To unlock the savings, guests can download a FREE mobile pass to access exclusive offers from Greater Palm Springs restaurants. Offers range from special prix fixe menus to free items with purchases. To date, the Summer Eats Pass has been downloaded more than 2,000 times and five winners have been selected to each receive a $50 gift card. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer the Summer Eats Pass to encourage the community to help support our local restaurant scene and even encourage exploration of new favorites,” said Davis Meyer, Director of Partnership. “Despite a challenging year for the restaurant industry, Greater Palm Springs offers a rich and diverse culinary scene with a variety of new offerings available for people to experience this summer.”

July 15 to July 21, 2021

ur ninth annual frothy festival celebrating the micro-brewers, hop heads, cask masters and maltsters who make the world a better place for beer lovers everywhere. Over 30 craft breweries will keep the golden elixir flowing all day from noon-3pm, with live music and a vegan BBQ (we'll have meat, too). Tickets are $75 per day and are limited. They can be purchased online. (Ticket price includes unlimited beer tastings and a BBQ lunch with traditional or vegan selections. This event will be held on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3pm. Choose your day in the EventBrite link.) Two-day lineup includes (subject to change): Second Chance Brewery, Artifex Brewing Company, Two Roads Brewing, Huyghe Brewery, Local Roots, Jiant, El Segundo Brewing, Sour Cellars, Calidad, Ojo Rojo, On The Mark, Desert Beer Co, Las Palmas Brewing, Bells Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing

Company, Claremont Craft Ales, Brewery X, Mumford Brewing, AleSmith Brewing Company, MadeWest Brewing Company, 29 Brews, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, La Quinta Brewing Co, Coachella Valley Brewing Co, The Bruery, Pizza Port Brewing, Mother Earth Brewing. Plus more. Sip slow, then stay the night. Book a room with code CRAFTBEER and we'll throw in two festival passes plus two limited edition beer glasses to boot. This event is 21+.

July 15 to July 21, 2021

THE VINO VOICE

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BY RICK RIOZZA

CV RESTAURANTS SCORE COVETED WINE AWARD

ur local valley restaurants finally have some wonderful news to share as they open for business: Close to 20 restaurants, eateries, and culinary venues have earned the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for their respective wine programs and wine list. This is the news our wine community is so happy to hear! “Restaurants were put to the test this year. Many were forced to pivot, reinvent, or reimagine their business entirely. Some were unable to endure. But the owners of those who did are now grateful for the opportunity to do what they do best again: offer great food, wine and memories.” as recently declared by the famed publication. Despite the challenges, more than 2,900 restaurants have earned Restaurant Awards from Wine Spectator in 2021. Winners represent all 50 states and 72 countries and territories. The awards are given across three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. "Winning a Restaurant Award from Wine Spectator means that you are in the company of the world's greatest beverage programs," said Zachary Kameron, wine director of new Best of Award of Excellence winner Peak in New York. "For me personally, it means validation for all of the overnights, marathon stocking sessions, tirelessly poring over distributor inventories and offerings, and all of the other efforts that go into putting a wine program together." The Award of Excellence is given to restaurants with thoughtfully chosen selections appropriate for the cuisine and representative of a range of regions and styles. These lists can vary in size but typically offer 90 options or more. This year 1,673 restaurants earned the Award of Excellence. Since 1981, Wine Spectator has been giving awards to restaurants with excellent wine programs. This year they write, “Every wine list tells a story, and like life, it evolves over time.” The publication continues, “Representing everything from neighborhood wine bars serving small plates to opulent palaces with star chefs and elaborate tasting menus, the just-revealed 2021 Restaurant Award winners all share one thing—a passion for exploring and sharing the world of wine, whether through eclectic flights with a sense of fun or cellars laden with well-aged gems from Burgundy and Bordeaux. Now I don’t have to remind us foodie enthusiasts that putting together such an impressive program takes time, and, especially money. It’s a brave group that takes on this endeavor. And we hope to show our appreciation to these establishments, and other eateries and restaurants that devote time, funding, and consideration in their wine lists. Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers. To qualify for an award, a wine list must present complete, accurate information, including vintages

and appellations for all selections. Complete producer names are mandatory, and the overall presentation of the list is also considered. Award of Excellence: These wine lists, which offer at least 90 selections, feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Whether compact or extensive, focused, or diverse, these lists deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers. And now—let’s name a few of our valley winners so we can congratulate them by a visitation. You know they are very proud of the accomplishment and I’m certain that they will appreciate your wine interests and show you their collection, if there is time to do so. Of course, sitting for a meal and ordering up a nice bottle of wine is the supreme compliment. First off, let me congratulate, again for yet another Best of Award of Excellence year, restaurateur Mindy Reed, owner and beverage director at one of Palm Springs iconic restaurants, Zin American Bistro. I’ve known Mindy for some time now and respect her wine knowledge; I featured her in a past Tasting Panel Magazine article, which is posted on her website. Besides the fine dining and patio joie de vivre in the heart of downtown, I’ve enjoyed so many fantastic wine pairing dinners and I’ve met a variety of winemakers who love coming into our town. 198 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. zinamericanbistro.com. Another shout-out is to congratulate one of the newer restaurants in town that opened just before the pandemic and unfortunately felt the brunt of the layover is Eddie V’s Prime Seafoood. 73040 El Paseo Palm Desert 760.340.9455. We’ve enjoyed their delicious seafood and have had some fun times at happy hour at their spacious bar. It’s great to see Trio Restaurant as an Award recipient again. One could easily forget about their wine program with all of the happy hour cocktails going on, but when was the last time you checked out their wine list. They have so many wines by the glass or bottle at the best prices to match all of the weekday specials and three course prix fixe meals. Allow me to repeat: The wine prices here (and the cocktail prices as well) at Trio’s are probably the lowest in town. This is not only the place “where Palm Springs eats” but probably “where Palm Springs drinks”. 707 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262. triopalmsprings.com. It’s interesting to note that three dinner restaurants in our valley’s casino have also won the Award of Excellence: Cielo at the Morongo Casino & Resort Spa, and at both locations of The Steakhouse, Spa Resort Casino and Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. And of course, we always wish to keep in mind the wonderful restaurants about town who are also Award of Excellence winners such as Bellatrix, Mitch’s On El Paseo, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Vue Grille and Bar, Mastro’s Steakhouse, and Spenser’s Restaurant. No doubt, some of these fine eateries are on your favorite list. Bon Appétit & Cheers!

KEG WHISPERER

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eer lovers are most certainly as passionate a group as any; and craft beer lovers? Well, even more so. While novelty may be considered their call to arms, it is scarcity which enables their game to ratchet up another notch or two. But raise a doubt about the latest one-time release from a favored brewer and watch passion morph to fury in less than a heartbeat. The evolution of internet beer scoring has certainly changed over the past three decades. In the early days of the internet, BeerAdvocate.com became the leader of the pack in terms of advancing beer education and chat forums. Founded by Jason and Todd Alström with the tagline Respect Beer, the brothers gave lovers of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage a place to gather, review, and discuss beer in greater depth than any platform before or since. As a seventeen-year member, I’ve seen the progression of passion of craft beer fans all over the globe. BeerAdvocate has single-handedly led to the growth of what brewers refer to as the hype train. So, you might ask, what exactly is a hype train? Simply stated, it’s an underground swell of support for a particular beer, brewery, of brewer (and often a combination of the three). In the past 10 years, BeerAdvocate has become less of a dominant force, acquiescing to more local themed pages on Facebook and

July 15 to July 21, 2021

BY BREWMASTER ED HEETHUIS

Instagram. These local pages include local and regional groups such as the Coachella Valley Craft Beer Drinkers on Facebook, currently sporting exactly 350 members as of press time. The CV Craft Beer Drinkers page gives the local populace a chance to show off their cans (ahem) so to speak and to give props to brewers both distant and local. It also allows

Coachella Valley Retailers who are members to occasionally post special beer events or simply to remind desert residents that they are open and ready for business. Far and away, the biggest gainer in the online beer review market goes to (drum roll, please) the Untappd application for iPhone and Galaxy. Free to download and use, Untappd has almost singlehandedly turned every user into an unqualified critic. The app not only encourages users to check in the beers that they sample, it does so by rewarding badges for everything from the ‘Untappd at Home’ badge (thanks Covid!) to various endeavors such as ‘God Save the Queen’, awarded for checking in British beers, to stylistic check ins such as ‘Haze for days’ which reward the user for exploring the many variations within a particular beer style. Untappd realized early on that the awarding of badges would turn their userbase into Train Spotters…folks who would purchase and sample a beer just for the privilege of checking it in on the app. They created Local Badges (for the benefit of regional brewers and beer destinations), Beer Badges for every style, country, and occasion imaginable. The Liquid Lunch badge rewards those who check their beer in between 11am and Happy Hour…and if you cannot possibly wait that long to begin your beer exploration, there is also a Top of the Mornin badge for check-ins from 5-11am. For good or for bad, Untappd badges seemingly encourage and motivate the younger drinking sect. in looking at my personal account, I’ve checked in over 4,600 different beers over the past nine years. Since I pay little to no attention to the badges, imagine my surprise when I realized that I had earned a total of 3,201 badges for my efforts. Now, if I could trade those badges for something worthwhile like $1 per gallon off a fill-up, I might be motivated to pursue, collect, and trade them with my friends, to borrow a phrase. Since they are in electronic form only, my mantra is that we don’t need no stinkin’ badges. (But, I’m not the target audience) The real dilemma of Untappd is that each beer checked in by a consumer also awards each participating member with the ability to rate said beer on a scale of 1 (bad) - 5 (outstanding) in quarter-point increments. This is where the true fun begins; Craft

beer enthusiasts range from Expert (Such as brewers, Beer Judge Certified Members, Cicerone levels 2-4, etc.) to everyday folk who just like to try different beers while out and about. As someone who has toiled for the better part of thirty years to understand and judge beer, the rankings of the untrained general public can not only be confusing, but confounding as well. What the general populace using Untappd doesn’t understand is that all of their cumulative scores result in an overall rating for not only a particular beer, but for a brewing operation as a whole. Owners and Brewers tend to keep an eye on Untappd ratings in an effort to not only look for emerging market trends, but to track the performance of both core and specialty offerings. Paying attention to these numbers reaps dividends in terms of continuous improvement and future stylistic exploration. When Joe or Jane Untappd User enters a ranking for a beer, the tendency is to rate on the “how much do I like this” standard. This may serve the individual user quite nicely, but it has a way of skewing the beer’s overall rating for a beer in a negative way. It is quite common for reviews to have rating explanations such as, “I don’t really like IPA’s, but this is pretty good. Don’t like the deception with naming your IPA ‘Ale’ though. Do better”. To a true craftsman and beer judge, there are a couple of things that are really wrong here. If you ‘don’t really like IPA’s’, then please don’t rate them. You will still get your checkin and presumably your three stinkin’ badges, so not including a rating is really a no harm, no foul way to go about this. My second point is that it is far better to remain silent and have folks think you are a fool than to begin typing your unqualified comments and suddenly remove all doubt. In case you haven’t guessed it, every IPA made since the beginning of time has fallen into the Ale category.

Please, my gentle readers, be nice to your local brewers when clicking away at your beers. As my Father always reminded me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all”. When Ed Heethuis isn’t brewing at Spotlight 29 Casino for 29 Brews, you will find the Certified Cicerone® / Brewmaster out on his road bike, training for the next Competitive Sleeping competition, or talking beer with the patrons at Taproom 29. He may be reached at: heethuis.ed@gmail.com or wherever beer may be found in the wild.

July 15 to July 21, 2021

PET PLACE

his precious Shih Tzu spent the first three years of his life suffering in a small cage inside a garage in the sweltering high desert heat. Other dogs were caged above, below, and next to him. Frankie was part of an illegal large scale “backyard breeding” operation also known as a “puppy mill” where dogs are bred indiscriminately, confined to small cramped spaces, frequently mistreated, and often experience untreated illnesses and death. The facility was raided and Frankie was rescued by Loving All Animals. These cruel facilities operate out of the public eye, posting cute pictures of puppies costing many thousands of dollars online and in newspapers. There is a fine line between smaller local operations, and large scale operations that ship fragile and often sick puppies across the country to

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FRANKIE’S MESSAGE, DON’T ADOPT A PET ONLINE! standing on the wire mesh of my cage in the sweltering garage. I could barely stand up in the small cage. I could not turn around, and my legs cramped with pain. The stench was overwhelming, and the wail of the dogs beside and above made it difficult to sleep. Sometimes waste products from the dogs above me dropped into my cage, and it was awhile before someone came to clean it. Some days we had no food. We dogs in the garage never saw the sun, the moon, or the clouds. We never smelled the flowers, saw the rain, or felt the soft grass underneath our feet. We never knew a loving touch from a human. Sometimes one of the men got angry and hit me as he shoved me back into my cage. We were roughly removed for brief times to mate with the females who were weak from having so many puppies. In the summer, the heat was sweltering and I smelled death coming from some of the cages. Many of the dogs were sick. My fur was so matted it felt like a painful helmet encasing my body. I was shut down and frozen from the endless suffering. One day the garage door opened! Humans in uniforms took us away, and a nice woman took me and a few of the other dogs to Loving All Animals. I was scared when my new foster mom tried to touch me, and even more afraid of being groomed and going to the vet. I went to live

unsuspecting buyers. In 2018, California unanimously passed Assembly Bill 485 which banned the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores unless they were from rescues and shelters. The supply of animals in pet stores came mainly from puppy mills. Dishonest puppy store merchants then “forged” records to circumvent the law. Additional legal efforts and public pressure eventually closed their businesses in California. The unscrupulous became more creative, hiding behind computers as they lure prospective adopters with cute photographs and deceiving information on social media. How are the parent dogs treated? Frankie tells you his story, hoping to help save some of the millions of animals still suffering in these cruel operations: “My feet were sore and swollen from

MEET CHRISSY

KITTENS! KITTENS!

This lovely 3-yr-old mixed German Shepherd girl waits patiently for a home at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley in N. Palm Springs. Sweet & loyal Chrissy had a long wait at the San Bernardino County shelter at Devore when abandoned, then her adopted human pass away from cancer. Chrissy will do best with a dog experienced family. Call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet Chrissy.

It’s raining kittens during kitten season! These two 11-week-old siblings wait for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter located at 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, www.rcdas. org, (760) 343-3644. Black female is cat ID#A1628574, and her gray brother is ID#A1628575. Spayed and neutered and ready to go!

BY JANET McAFEE with Kim Bledsoe and Linda Williams who have another dog who was also different. My new sister Willow only has one eye. Willow seemed happy and wanted to play. I wondered if I would ever be like Willow.” Linda Williams recalls, “I learned that dogs like Frankie lacked socialization and feared people because of their horrible treatment and living conditions. I prayed I was up to the challenge of helping Frankie. He wouldn’t look at me in the eye, and it took me five days to get him to walk. He slept standing up with his head drooping. I pushed Frankie in a pet stroller around the neighborhood to introduce him to the world. Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, cars, people talking….all were new and frightening. I was determined he would get the chance at a new life he deserved. One night a miracle happened. It was late in the night when Frankie had a bad dream, and I woke him up. He ran to me and put his front legs around my neck and gave me a huge hug. It took a while, but that was a turning point. He is still a bit timid around strangers, but he is a happy boy and alaways stays near me. When I’m coming home and I’m a block away, he knows it and becomes overjoyed. I have never been loved to the extent of how

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much Frankie loves me.” As the demand for puppies and kittens increased during the pandemic, puppy mills operating online are seeing a boom in their business. A recent national news broadcast described how some “scam” operators require large deposits and airline fees in advance, and then no dog ever arrives. Don’t be fooled by how friendly the seller might be! They don’t care about the dogs’ welfare, as “pets for profit” is about the dollar signs that come with each litter. Sadly, many breeders are profit motivated, and won’t let you see the conditions for the breeding parents. If the pet you purchased online or from a backyard breeder arrives with a medical or behavior problem, don’t expect to be compensated or have your emails and phone calls answered. Sandy Miller, local dog trainer, warns her clients they are asking for problems when they purchase a pet online. The problems are compounded if the animal has to undergo the dangers of airline travel in the baggage compartment, where animals get lost or suffer health problems. Sandy warns, “You don’t know what problems you are getting when you adopt online. When the animals are unknown and unseen, adopters may experience the tragedy of having to put a new pet down due to the extreme medical and behavior problems these pets can come with. Many of my clients have adopted from pet stores and online sellers only to have huge medical bills.” The list below can help in your search for a wonderful new rescue pet. Did you know that 35% of the dogs and cats in shelters are pure breeds? Rather than pay thousands of

dollars for a pet, you can adopt a vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered animal from shelters and rescues for a nominal cost. One of these organizations may have the pet you seek. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, the San Bernardino City Shelter, and the Coachella Valley Animal Campus are large shelters with many animals. Kittyland has lots of cats and kittens. Don’t forget the middle aged and older animals who need homes too, and they often arrive house trained! If you seek a specific breed and age of dog, go to www.perfinder.com and type in the breed along with your zip code for a list of dogs close to your home. Rescue dogs and cats rock! (photograph by Alicia Bailey) Janetmcafee8@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a cat or dog. Please check their websites in advance for updates on adoption procedures during the quarantine. COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt. Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 3433644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through

Monday. View their animals online at psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs and some cats. View some of their animals at orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at ForeverMeow.org, (760) 335-6767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at prettygoodcat.com, (760) 6603414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them

July 15 to July 21, 2021

at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, lovingallanimals.org, (760) 8347000. (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, view animals at living-free.org, and call (951) 659-4687 for an appointment (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public). DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/San Bernardino area. Contact them through website DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

July 15 to July 21, 2021

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HADDON LIBBY

MID-YEAR VEHICLE SALES

ccording to GoodCarBadCar.net, 8.2 million new cars were sold in the United States during the first half of 2021. This is up 1.8 million from the same period last year when the pandemic was in full force. While most vehicle brands have seen strong sales this year, there are a few that are finding it increasingly difficult to connect with drivers. Top selling brands for the first half were Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet and Honda with Hyundai posting the strongest sales growth amongst vehicle manufacturers with at least 250,000 units sold during the second quarter. During the second quarter ending June 30th, Toyota sold the units at 573K, up 225K from last year. Ford saw sales rise only 35K to 449K as chip shortages curtailed production and sales. Honda was third at 436K followed by Chevy (432K), Nissan(280K) and Hyundai (237K). Another South Korean vehicle manufacturer, Kia, saw sales nearly double from $125K to $206K. Struggling brands include Cadillac, Infiniti, Land Rover and Fiat. Fiat was the only automaker to sell fewer vehicles in 2021 than during the pandemic. Fiat sold 892 vehicles nationally during the second quarter, a 450 vehicle decline. Cadillac also struggled with sales flat with last year. Automakers with the lowest sales were Fiat (892), Jaguar (4,883) and Alfa Romeo (5,019). Other notably weak performances came from Land Rover (17,254), Infiniti (17,867) and Chrysler (18,900). Of vehicles that have sold at least 50,000 units in 2021, the Chevy Suburban had the strongest sales growth, up nearly 50,000 to 62,000 units or nearly a 400% growth rate!. The Honda HR-V grew by 85% to 68K units. Toyota Highlander saw the best unit sales growth of the top three 83% growth translating into an additional 144K units sold.

Vehicles with at least 10,000 units sold in 2020 that have not resonated with car shoppers in 2021 include the Dodge Grand Caravan, off 90% to 2,867 units sold. The Ford Fusion saw sales fall 50,000 to 11K in units while the Infiniti QX60 fell 65% to 4,307 units. Toyota posted impressive growth across most vehicle classes with the RAV4 and Camry leading the way. The vehicle showing weakness in Toyota’s product mix appears to be the Tundra with sales dropping 10%. Despite chip shortages, Ford sold the second most vehicles led by their F-Series trucks. Its Fusion saw sales drop by more than 80%. The Chevrolet Silverado powered sales for this vehicle maker with 291K units sold. Fourfold growth in Suburban sales to 61K units made this the 4th most popular Chevy vehicle behind the Equinox at 119K and Traverse at 83K. Hyundai’s growth during 2021 was different than other manufacturers in that no one vehicle served as a best seller like the Silverado for Chevy or F-series trucks for Ford. Hyundai’s top seller was the Tuscon at 84K units, Elanta with 74K and Santa Fe at 63K.

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

Like Hyundai, South Korea’s Kia saw solid performance across most models with the Sedona being its weak link. The new K5 sold 42K in its first year, placing it fifth amongst Kia offerings. The Forte (59K) and Sorento (48K) led sales. Tesla sold 76K Model Ys while the rest of its lineup saw sales fall by one-third. Land Rover, owned by Tata Motors of India, experienced weakest across most models with the Range Rover Sport (9K) being

BY HADDON LIBBY the only model to post higher sales than a pandemic impacted 2020. Tata Motors’ Jaguar brand also posted poor results. The top selling F-Pace saw sales drop 18% to 4,838 units with the F-Type (1,113) being the only model to sell more than 1,000 units. How Fiat continues to operate in the United States must be on the minds of dealerships and company executives. Their top selling car, the 124 Spider managed to sell 875 during the first six months, a 10% drop from last year while its 500 series 832 units, down from 1,498 in 2020. Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management, a State-Registered Investment Management company that performs to the Fiduciary Standard of Care. To find out how this differs from your typical broker-dealer, please visit www. WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

WHY DID YOU REJECT MY 2021 ACCIDENT WHEN I WAS NOT AT FAULT?

or a Greater Palm Springs Accident to have value, a lawyer looks at several factors. You may not realize it, but who is at fault is only one of them. A lawyer does not want a case where the client has told the police s/he was not hurt or that no police were called. An experienced Palm Desert Accident Attorney looks at how long after the accident did the victim seek medical attention? Was it by a chiropractor or an MD? Was it the family MD or a new doctor. Most clients don’t realize that a family doctor has the past records of ALL complaints. This could be a slip and fall in the shower, or an injury playing tennis. In addition it could include your advising your doctor of a substance abuse problem, an affair, or a sexually transmitted disease that you don’t want others to know about. Does this treating doctor know how to write a proper Med/Legal report? I personally lectured for many years to an Annual Convention of Orthopedic doctors on “How to write a medical/legal report”. Preparation of a report for a legal matter is

not taught in Med School. Furthermore, did the doctor recommend physical therapy or advise the client to go home and soak in a hot bath and take aspirin? How many doctors visits were there and over what period of time. Is the medical bill mostly diagnostic with X-rays/MRI’s/ CT’s? How long was the treatment? Did the victim talk to the insurance company or have prior accidents for which they brought a claim? If so, how long ago were those accidents? For the first time in over 30 years I have received calls from potential clients who are notably upset when I will not accept their accident case. I explain that any accident case places the Burden of Proof on the injured plaintiff to prove Liability (that someone else is at fault) and Damages (that they were injured). In addition, it is more expensive than ever during the Age of Covid, for a Palm Desert Accident Attorney to litigate a Personal Injury case. A Greater Palm Springs Accident Lawyer should advise a potential client, that when

the case settles some of those costs get passed on to them. I do not want a client that will be unhappy in the end because most of the money went to costs and not them. All this is especially true during our Covid restrictions. It is hard to find doctors in their office to examine and treat the injured client. If you can see a doctor how difficult is it to go to the pharmacy to get prescriptions filled? Who wants to wait in line with people that are picking up drugs because they are sick? Unless you are rear ended, the defendant often lies and claims you were at fault…….. or partly at fault. They will argue they had the right of way……especially if there was no witness or police report. It becomes “liar’s poker”, and a lawyer must evaluate how likely it is that the jury will believe the plaintiff. During Covid and the arguments to lessen funding for the police, good luck in getting a police report prepared. California has Comparative Negligence and thus if the defendant can show the plaintiff was partly at fault, that degree of fault is deducted from the settlement. For

instance, if the Plaintiff client was 50 % at fault, s/he would lose 50% of the value of their case. If you have any questions or suggestions for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER………IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HAVING AN ARREST OR ACCIDENT AND CALLING ME ………SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER DALE GRIBOW Legal Representation Of The Injured and Criminally Accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 201121 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016-19 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

HEALTH

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BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF JULY 15

he emotional connection to food is more powerful than we recognize. Especially if we decide to change our diet and eliminate foods that we perceive to give us “comfort”. We eat certain foods when we feel lonely, bored, or stressed. We eat other foods when we are happy and want to celebrate. And, sometimes we just don’t want to cook so we eat foods out of convenience. Whatever the reason, when you start changing your diet your body goes through a detox period and craves that sugar rush and carb binge. It doesn’t understand why you aren’t complying like you used to and giving in to the cravings. This can be overwhelming. What do you do to manage this emotional roller coaster so you can get healthy and lose weight? Here are some of my tried-and-true hacks for overcoming emotional challenges with food so you can reach your diet goals and keep it Keto/Low carb. Gratitude. Find something to be grateful for each day. Start to notice the things you are grateful for especially the small everyday details of your life and things you take for granted. These are moments when you say to yourself, "Oh, wow, this is amazing!" or " “I’m doing this Keto thing and it’s working!”. Start showing your heartfelt appreciation not only to yourself but others as well. By “paying it forward” our world becomes a better place and somewhere along the way we stay grateful for our food, our healthy lifestyle and newfound confidence because of our Keto diet. Not Having Food in the House. Don’t have food in the house that doesn’t support your diet. Period. You will just set yourself up for failure when you have a moment of weakness…and it will happen! Have plenty of Keto foods that you enjoy in your refrigerator, freezer of pantry at all times. You will avoid temptation and it will keep you satisfied. Empty your cabinets full of sugary snacks and salty, over-processed junk food and get rid of it. Not only does this keep any “cheating” at bay but it also demonstrates a strong emotional commitment to your desire to get healthy!

Some Form of Gentle Exercise Daily Keep exercise simple and be kind to yourself. Take a walk for 20 minutes a day. Ride a bike. Do a gentle form of yoga. It’s not about sweating at the gym or pounding a treadmill. Just keep moving every single day and find an activity you enjoy. This will affect your mindset and keep you happy and confident. Your Keto Why Honestly, this IS the foundation upon which you build your Keto… t’s your WHY. Ask yourself WHY are you doing this? WHY will you stay on this diet plan and convert it to a lifestyle? Make this a living document that changes as you grow. Keto is often an emotional mindset shift. Use your Why to keep you on solid footing when things feel shaky, or hard or frustrating. It will get you past many temptations and you will feel stronger, more confident and committed. These tips will help and there are many others. If you feel you cannot gain control and find tactics to help with your emotional eating, please reach out to me for support to manage your Keto diet. There are lots of healthy ways to deal with food, one bite at a time, and keep it Keto. Keto On! About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto customization expert and coach. Keto weight loss results can be greatly improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability, and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, goal setting, ongoing support and more. If you are interested in a Keto lifestyle designed to get you lasting results, book a 30-minute complimentary private coaching session online at KetoIsEasyCoach.com.

July 15 to July 21, 2021

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In his poem “Litany,” Aries poet Billy Collins testifies that he is “the sound of rain on the roof.” He also claims to be “the moon in the trees, the paper blowing down an alley, the basket of chestnuts on the kitchen table, and the shooting star.” He does make it clear, however, that he is not “the bread and the knife” on the table, nor the “crystal goblet and the wine.” What about you, Aries? What are all the earthy and fiery phenomena that you are? Are you, as Billy Collins suggests, “the dew on the morning grass and the burning wheel of the sun and the marsh birds suddenly in flight”? Now would be an excellent time to dream up your own version of such colorful biographical details. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Why else keep a journal, if not to examine your own filth?” wrote poet Anne Sexton. And yes, Sexton did have a lot of filth to explore, including the physical abuse of her daughters. But most of us don’t need to focus so obsessively on our unlovely aspects. Keeping a journal can also be about identifying our ripening potentials and unused riches. This approach would be especially fun and wise for you Tauruses right now. The coming weeks will be an auspicious time for deep introspection that frees capacities and powers you have only partially activated up until now. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Journalist Sam Anderson marvels at his young daughter’s project: a small plastic dome-like structure that houses a community of ladybugs. All they need to consume, for weeks at a time, are “two water-soaked raisins.” I don’t think you’ll need to be forever as efficient and hardy as those ladybugs, Gemini, but you may have to be like that temporarily. My advice? Don’t regard it as a hardship. Instead, see it as an opportunity to find out how exquisitely resourceful and resilient you can be. The skills you learn and refine now will be priceless in the long run. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian poet Linda Hogan says she doesn’t like to be parched. She wants to be like “a tree drinking the rain.” I think every Cancerian has similar dreams: to be steadily immersed in engrossing feelings, awash with intimate longings, flowing along in rhythm with the soul’s songs. The coming weeks will be prime time for you to relish these primal pleasures. It’s probably best to avoid an outright flood, but I think it’s wise to invite a cascade. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Actor Lupita Nyong’o had a starring role in Steve McQueen’s film 12 Years a Slave. She praised his directorial skills. She loved the fact that he told her, “Fail, and then fail better.” Why? “That kind of environment, where failure is an option, is magical,” she said. It allowed her to experiment freely, push herself beyond her previous limits, and focus on being true to the character she was playing rather than trying to be a “good actor.” I think these are excellent principles for you to keep in mind during the coming weeks. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo-born Wayne Shorter is a legendary jazz composer and saxophonist. He has been making music for over 60 years, often with other legendary creators like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. The New York Times described Shorter as “jazz’s greatest living smallgroup composer and a contender for greatest living improviser.” Bass prodigy Tal Wilkenfeld, who is 53 years younger than Shorter, tells the story of a show she performed with him. Just before going on stage, Shorter came up to her, sensing she was nervous, and whispered some advice: “Play eternity.” Now I’m offering that same counsel to you as you carry out your tasks in the coming days. Be as timeless as you dare to be. Immerse yourself in the most expansive feelings you can imagine. Authorize your immortal soul to be in charge of everything you do. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran author Paula McLain says the word “paradise” is derived from the ancient Persian word pairidaeza, meaning “walled garden.” For her, this association suggests that making promises and being faithful to our intentions are keys to creating happiness with those we care for. Paradise requires walls! To scrupulously cultivate freedom, we need discipline. If we hope to thrive in joyous self-expression, we must focus on specific goals. I bring these thoughts to your attention because now is a pivotal time to work on building, refining, and bolstering your own personal version of paradise.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Thousands of 28-pound bars of 24-carat gold are stored in the Bank of England’s underground vault. To gain entry to the treasure trove, bankers use metal keys that are three feet long. They must also utter a secret password into a microphone. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you Scorpios can now gain access to a more metaphorical but nevertheless substantial source of riches. How? The key is a particular scene in your imagination that has recently begun to coalesce. It is an emblem of a future triumph or breakthrough that you will accomplish. As for the password, which you will also need, it’s vigorous rigor. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Somehow, I have lived all these years without ever coming across the rare English word “selcouth.” Today, as I meditated on the exotic astrological portents coming up for you, that word appeared—arriving on my phone via text message from my Sagittarius friend Lila. She told me, “I have a feeling that life is about to get intensely SELCOUTH for us Sagittarians.” I looked up the unfamiliar word and found these synonyms: unusual, marvelous, strange, magnificent, scarce, wondrous, weird, rare, and exotic. Those terms do indeed coincide with my interpretation of your immediate future. So Happy Selcouth to you, dear Centaur! Celebrate with awed appreciation! CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Lexicographer Jonathon Green provides us with the following 19th-century slang words for the sex act: horizontal refreshment, strumming, playing at romps, cullyshangie, taking a turn at Mount Pleasant, dancing the blanket hornpipe, honeyfugle, giving a hot poultice for the Irish toothache, and—my favorite— fandango de pokum. In accordance with astrological potentials, I recommend that you consider trying them all out in the next four weeks. In other words, experiment with shifting your approach to bellybumping and libido-gratifying. If you don’t have a human partner, do it alone or with an angel or in your fantasy life. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If a lover or spouse is perpetually churning out fantasies of you in their imagination, they may be less than totally tuned in to the real you. Instead, they may be focused on the images they have of you—maybe so much so that they lose sight of who you genuinely are and what you are actually doing. The same possibility exists for other allies, not only lovers and spouses. They may be so entranced by their stories about you that they are out of touch with the ever-changing marvel that you are always evolving. That’s the bad news, Aquarius. Here’s the good news: The coming weeks will be a decisive time to correct such distortions— and revel in the raw truth about you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If a lover or spouse is perpetually churning out fantasies of you in their imagination, they may be less than totally tuned in to the real you. Instead, they may be focused on the images they have of you—maybe so much so that they lose sight of who you genuinely are and what you are actually doing. The same possibility exists for other allies, not only lovers and spouses. They may be so entranced by their stories about you that they are out of touch with the ever-changing marvel you are. That’s the bad news, Aquarius. Here’s the good news: The coming weeks will be a decisive time to correct such distortions—and revel in the raw truth about you. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Here’s how art critic Walter Pater characterized the work of Piscean artist Michelangelo: “sweetness and strength, pleasure with surprise, an energy of conception which seems to break through all the conditions of comely form, recovering, touch by touch, a loveliness found usually only in the simplest natural things.” I’ve been waiting for the arrival of astrological aspects that would mean you’d be an embodiment of that description. And now they are here. Congrats! For the next 13 days, I will visualize you as a fount of ever-refreshing grace—as a fluid treasure that emanates refined beauty and wild innocence. Homework: Tell me how you like it the best. Write to Newsletter@FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

July 15 to July 21, 2021

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July 15 to July 21, 2021

! H S A R T Y A W A L U A H E W

July 15 to July 21, 2021