Coachella Valley Weekly - July 16 to July 22, 2020 Vol. 9 No. 18

Vol.9 No.18

Photo by Jack Hartin

coachellavalleyweekly.com • July 16 to July 22, 2020

CVREP - John Nelson

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Kyuss World Radio Interviews Josh Homme

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The Southern Belle Café

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Katherine Wehler

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

CONTENTS McCallum Theatre - Open Call 2020........ 3 Breaking the 4th Wall The Desert Rose Playhouse .................... 6 Theatre - CVREP Presents Josh Nelson... 6 Kyuss World Radio Interview with Josh Homme by PJ Boston.................... 8 Consider This - Pheobe Bridgers ............. 9 The Vino Voice ....................................... 10 Good Grub - The Southern Belle Cafe ...11 Brewtality .................................................. 12 Screeners ............................................... 13 Pet Place .............................................. 14-15 Safety Tips .............................................. 15 Haddon Libby ........................................ 16 Dale Gribow ........................................... 16 Katherine Wehler ................................... 17 Cannabis Corner...................................... 17 Mind, Body & Spirit ............................... 18 Free Will Astrology................................ 18 Travel Tips & Local Happenings 4 U..... 19

MCCALLUM THEATRE TO PRESENT OPEN CALL TELEVISION PROGRAM

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or more than twenty years, the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert has put on an annual showcase of local talent with its Open Call competition. As with most events in 2020, the spread of COVID-19 has made it impossible for a live Open Call to take place in front of a full theatre audience, but the tradition will not be broken this year, as Open Call will be a special half-hour television program presented on KESQ News Channel 3 on Saturday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m.

The Open Call program will be hosted by Patrick Evans and instead of a competitionstyle format in a sold-out theatre, the televised showcase will feature a large cast of local performing artists, ranging in age from 8 to 89.

Not only will the televised Open Call feature short interviews with all of the performers, but there will also be a behind-the scenes look at what went into shooting the finale video which was filmed in the wild desert adjacent to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Traditionally, Open Call would consist of different cast members performing in a competing fashion, eventually culminating in a final original song that is written specifically for the finalists and inspired by them.

“This year, it was very tricky to do the competition element because a lot of our acts are grouped and we knew they could not gather and practice together. With Open Call trying to promote a level of polish, we decided that the competition couldn’t happen, but this opened up more opportunities about what could be done with our finale number,” stated Kajsa Thuresson-Frary, Vice President of Education at the McCallum Theatre and Producer/Artistic Director for Open Call.

The finale number includes every cast member, and has themes centered on inspiration, hope, the spirit of community, and promotes the idea of being a creative individual for the audience. The consensus was that the finale number would be turned into a music video, but there was still uncertainty about how the artistic team would go about doing that safely, depending if the state mandates would be lifted or lightened.

The song had already been written in the meantime and cast members would rehearse their parts through Zoom.

“Our vocal finalists got parts to sing in the song, our clarinet ensemble got an arrangement, our pianists got parts, as well as our jazz ensemble. Those who were recording had to do it remotely and send them in to our musical director Paul Cracchiolo, who started to put it all together.

In addition to Cracchiolo in the role of musical director, other members of the Open Call team include choreography director Jenny Backhaus, production manager Joanna Fookes, filmmaker A. Wolf Mearns and film director Douglas VanSant of Tracker Studios, who worked on this year’s Open Call music video, and a collaboration with Point7West on the artist video vignettes.

For the music video, the vision was to be able to have it filmed somewhere open, and with the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens being prominent supporters of Open Call, they gave

July 16 to July 22, 2020

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL PHOTOS BY JACK HARTIN

permission to have the video filmed in the stretch of desert beyond the park, leading up to the Eisenhower Mountain. The music video was filmed in June, when even more social restrictions were lifted.

Pleased with the quality and final cut of the music video, Kajsa sought a way to have the video reach the Coachella Valley. Initially, when she contacted KESQ to broadcast the finished music video on television, she was told that it needed to be a 30-minute time slot, and the final cut of the music video was roughly only seven minutes. It was then

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

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OPEN CALL

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

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decided that in addition to showing the music video, previously recorded interviews that were filmed at the theatre with the participating artists would be added to the program, as well as a short behind-the-scenes film about the making of Open Call.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kajsa feels that the Open Call televised program will not only keep the McCallum tradition alive, but also instill a sense of unity during a very difficult time in a world filled with uncertainty.

“I do think that the arts have an even bigger, more important role to play in our lives when we are experiencing hardships and when people see this video on Saturday, they’ll realize that even though you can’t do things the way you usually do, if you apply a certain amount of creativity, you can find a way to do extraordinary things,” said Kajsa.

Participants of Open Call are also grateful to be able to share their talent and dedication to the Coachella Valley, and are extremely thankful for the support of the theatre and those who lent their efforts and support to make the music video happen.

“We are so grateful Natasha was selected to be one of this year’s finalists! A different year indeed! The theatre went dark and not one finalist took the McCallum stage nor did they meet together in person. And still, the show went on. Together, we would like to thank the McCallum Theatre, the talented team, creative partners, along with the generous supporters and sponsors for making this unique and wonderful project happen. Natasha has been so excited to be part of Open Call 2020, an unforgettable and rewarding experience!” stated the Terrell family, in reference to their 13-year-old daughter Natasha.

To learn more about Open Call or to become a sponsor of the McCallum Theatre, visit their official website at www. mccallumtheatre.com.

Natasha Terrell

Dan Westfall

Marianne Capetz

Abigail Carter

Angela Delaire

Alana Romero

Antoine Forehand

Natalie Hushaw

Rachel Sanford & Jenna Wood

Daniel Manaloto

Coachella Valley Youth Ensemble

Tapestry

Dance Dimensions

Revae Reynolds

Earl Mitchell

Christine Michele & Miguel Arballo

Glen Arsua & Isabelle Martinez

Xavier Varsity Dance Team

Palm Desert Charter Middle School Jazz

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

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THE DESERT ROSE PLAYHOUSE RENAISSANCE …NEEDING A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS

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ne of the best shows that I have seen in the Coachella Valley, was Nathan Sanders’, “The Sugar Witch.” Leanna Rodgers’ brilliant presentation of Sisser Bean, was absolutely riveting from start to finish. When Judith Chapman, embodied Tallulah Bankhead in Matthew Lombardo’s “Looped,” I was so captivated by her stunning performance, that I don’t think I blinked during the entire show.

What do both of these incredible productions have in common? They are examples of the talent and creative genius of Robbie Wayne and the Desert Rose Playhouse. Since taking the helm as the Producing Artistic Director, Wayne has raised the bar on quality productions. Time and again I have been reminded of why I love theatre.

Promoted as the Coachella Valley’s only LGBTQ theatre, the Desert Rose Playhouse has continued to work within the desert theatre community to showcase the best of performing arts. But just as with all theatres across the Coachella Valley and the country, they have been forced to go dark. Theatre, the heart of any community, is going through a renaissance, (a rebirth) and changes are emerging. We cling to what we know until there is nothing left to hold on to and then we look for new directions.

Due to lack of productions –and ticket sales—the Desert Rose Playhouse, is no longer able to hold on to their current venue in Rancho Mirage, a sad by-product of this pandemic.

But as the saying goes, when a door closes, a

BY DEE JAE COX

window opens. And with that, they have found an incredible potential new home in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. The old Zelda’s nightclub located on Palm Canyon Dr in Palm Springs, which offers the perfect opportunity for the Desert Rose Playhouse to spread their wings.

Wayne, stated the following; “The New space opens the option of booking National A List Entertainers for the venue to appear with their one man shows, cabarets, ensemble tours, etc. It triples our current audience capacity. They already have several local bars involved to cater our productions through their catering liquor license.

We are partnering with other Coachella Valley theatre companies that have smaller venues or no home venue so they too can use our stage during the social distancing regulations that we know will be implemented during the first months of reopening.

The new home is walking distance to major downtown Palm Springs hotels, restaurants,

“Looped” – Photo By Matthew McLean

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

and bars growing our patron base. Relocating to Palm Springs takes the theatre to a whole new level of possibilities. Production value is definitely important and our top priority but Location is Everything. This particular location along with everything the facility itself offers is absolutely ideal for creating an iconic theatre that will have its own place in the history of the Palm Springs Arts Community for many years to come.”

This will be an incredible new theatre space in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and with Wayne’s experience and creativity, it will no doubt be a success. But no theatre is an island and the Desert Rose Playhouse, is in need of a little help from their friends. They have raised

“Sugar Witch” – Photo By Tim McIntosh

COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY PRESENTS THEATRE THURSDAYS AT HOME WITH PIANIST & COMPOSER JOSH NELSON

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oachella Valley Repertory’s Theatre Thursdays presents “At Home with Pianist & Composer Josh Nelson.”

On Thursday July 16, 2020 at 6 pm, Josh will perform selections from the classic Great American Songbook as well as some of his original music.To register for this one-hour virtual concert visit www.cvrep.org. This and other Theatre Thursdays presentations are offered virtually via Zoom.

Josh Nelson is a jazz pianist, composer, teacher and recording artist. He has performed with some of the most respected names in jazz including Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, John Clayton, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Dave Koz, Joe Chambers and Peter Erskine. Josh toured with legendary vocalist Natalie Cole for six years and continues to tour with legendary vocalists and instrumentalists. He taught jazz for four years at Soka University and recently at Cal State University Northridge. In 2006, Josh was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition.

Nelson's work has appeared in TV shows and films including Jack and Bobby, The Division, and a national Johnson & Johnson commercial, Nelson also makes time for his own projects: Anticipation (2004) and Let it Go (2007, Native Language Music) that both garnered international critical acclaim. In 2011, Nelson introduced his Discovery Project, an immersive multi-media presentation combining video, performance art, light, and art installations with his original music.

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To continue CVRep’s mission of providing educational, entertaining and thoughtprovoking presentations, CVRep is offering Theatre Thursdays, a weekly, virtual entertaining and learning opportunity. All presentations are offered via Zoom webinars to observe social distancing guidelines. Information on upcoming presentations can be found on the website, and registration links are included.

Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) is an equity theater company, designated a Small Professional Theatre under the Actors’ Equity Association. CVRep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide thought provoking theatre of substance.

Josh Nelson Bio: Josh Nelson, born and raised in Southern California, maintains an active and creative schedule as a jazz pianist, composer, teacher, and recording artist. At 38 years old, he has already performed with some of the most respected names in jazz, including Natalie Cole, Anthony Wilson, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Richard Galliano, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, Greg Hutchinson, John Clayton, Seamus Blake, Matt Wilson, Sara Gazarek, Dave Koz, Joe Chambers, Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Lewis Nash, and Peter Erskine.

In 2006, Josh was one of only twelve semi-finalists in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition.

He’s happy about that. Josh has recorded for countless albums, films, and TV shows, but also makes time for his own projects: Anticipation (2004) and Let it Go (2007, Native Language

the first $5,000 dollars, but need an additional $15,000 by August 1st, in order to secure the space.

If you are one of those generous people who are wondering how you can make a difference in the midst of this crazy time, here’s your chance.

This new venue has unlimited potential that can only benefit the desert community. I was incredibly excited after seeing the space and imagining the potential, check it out and take a look at their wonderful promotional video… then give. https://youtu.be/lhXNeG2q2rc.

Donate at: desertroseplayhouse.org - Under the support tab charity.gofundme.com/drp2020 Venmo: @DesertRose-Playhouse Paypal: paypal.me/DesertRosePlayhouse Mail: PO Box 2256 Cathedral City, CA 92235 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

Music) both garnered international critical acclaim. Josh’s fourth album, I Hear a Rhapsody (2009), featured his original compositions, standard interpretations, and re-imagining of rock and pop tunes.

Discoveries (2011), introduced a pairing of classic science fiction ephemera with new compositions for a brass and wind ensemble (featuring a live ongoing video projection and art installation component as well, called The Discovery Project).

His new album Exploring Mars (2015) explores musical themes on the Red Planet, along with spectacular NASA/JPL Martian video footage. Original music and performances of Josh’s have appeared on various prime-time and cable shows and short films, including “Jack and Bobby”, "The Division", and a national Johnson

THEATRE

and Johnson commercial. He has also worked with film composer Michael Kamen, and actors Eric Idle, Clint Eastwood, and Jon Lovitz. Josh has earned many awards, scholarships, and accolades over the years, some of which include the Louis Armstrong Award and the John Philip Sousa Award.

Josh has collaborated with vocal talent Sara Gazarek for 10 years. He penned the title track of her debut record, “Yours” (among many others), and that album climbed to the Top 10 on the Billboard Jazz Charts in 2005. Their new duo album “Dream in the Blue” was released in August 2016, and also charted well on Billboard, iTunes, and Amazon.

Josh toured with legendary vocalist Natalie Cole for 6 years. He continues to tour with artists Sara Gazarek, Richard Galliano, Tom Scott, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Christian Howes. He taught jazz for 4 years at Soka University and more recently at Cal State University Northridge.

“Josh is that rare young musician who has not only a wealth of study and experience under his belt (all but assuring him a prominent place in jazz music), but he also possesses those rarest of musical attributes: a touch, a tone, and a “sound” that are all identifiably his own.”

- Peter Erskine, legendary drummer “A definite fresh sound by a guy who should be in everyone’s iPod.” - George Harris, All About Jazz "Nelson distinguishes himself as a firstrate player and composer with a fresh, wholly personal take on the music." - Bill Milkowski, Jazz Times www.joshnelsonmusic.com.

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

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MUSIC KYUSS WORLD RADIO INTERVIEW WITH JOSH HOMME BY PJ BOSTON

TO COMMEMORATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF “…AND THE CIRCUS LEAVES TOWN”

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yuss World is abuzz about the recent interview with Josh Homme and the revelation of a potential one-off Kyuss homecoming to punctuate the legacy properly. Kyuss Radio’s PJ Boston spoke with Homme by phone for the podcast, now available for free streaming at fccfreeradio. com.

The special episode is the show’s 58th and celebrates the 25th anniversary of the release of …And the Circus Leaves Town, the fourth and final full-length Kyuss studio album. With the help of Kyuss World founder Nathan Lawver, Kyuss World Radio, based in San Francisco, CA, has become a platform for all desert rock music.

Here’s an excerpt from the exceptionally candid hour-plus interview: On a Kyuss Reexamination and Farewell: “Kyuss was a band for fans when it existed.

My philosophy has always been, never do a

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reunion, never do a sequel, it’s not ‘what it was’, it’s ‘what it is’. A legacy that’s been the epicenter of a theme, it’s so fragile, like an ice sculpture, I don’t want to be a blow dryer on that thing. With that being said, I was in full support of Kyuss Lives and I would go to the shows and I told them as much. To be honest with you, there have been times I thought, it cannot end that way. You don’t punctuate the end of a band with a lawsuit. And the only real way to end it correctly now, would be to play. They knocked a wing off this beautiful dragon of an ice sculpture and the only way to put a motherfuckin’ wing back on would be to go (sings the intro to a Kyuss tune). I have thought about this especially in the last year to do something special, play and give all the money away, play for the fans. Figure out a way this is how the punctuation will end the sense of this band. It was never about money.

It was never about fame.”

Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with radio host PJ Boston and Kyuss World organizer Nathan Lawver to expound on the interview and the furthering of Kyuss World.

PJ Boston Host of Kyuss World Radio and San Francisco’s Metal Groove Radio CVW: You did a wonderful job of conducting the interview with Josh. I know this was a lot of work and a long time coming.

Boston: “A lot of people don’t realize that my show is 100% live and there’s no editing. I am engineering the whole show as I’m doing it. Manning the phone line, producing all content, and all streamed live with no safety net. For this show, everything was perfect!

Josh was amazing and engaging. A lot of people are tripping that Josh isn’t conceited.”

CVW: How did you feel speaking to Josh live and uninterrupted?

Boston: “I’m just a big fan. I have interviewed a few artists that aren’t necessarily my favorite, but this one was easy because I am such a huge fan. I know certain things to ask like the subject of Frank Kozick of Man’s Ruin Records and how he was the inspiration for Desert Sessions.”

CVW: How would you like to see Kyuss Radio grow?

Boston: “We like to showcase bands.

I haven’t interviewed Chris Cockrell or Alfredo Hernandez yet. I enjoyed the times I interviewed Fu Manchu and Dave Dinsmore, I would love to keep it going.”

CVW: In your opinion, what has to happen next for this potential decisive Kyuss show to take place?

Boston: “I think Josh is being sincere. He put the ball back in the other guys’ courts.

Now that Josh said he would be open to it, we have to see if the others are. I think Scott Reeder would play in 5 minutes. Brant, John and Josh would need come to an agreement.

If it happens, I’m gonna be there!”

Nathan Lawver Founder of Kyuss World CVW: The live interview with Josh Homme was great to listen to and seemed to go off without a hitch. It’s what was expected from the down-to-earth desert musician.

Lawver: “Josh obviously still has a lot of love for Kyuss, for ALL the players involved and for the desert rock scene. Hearing him speak fondly of the origins of Kyuss and developing their sound gave me chills in the same way that hearing them for the first time did.”

CVW: You’ve been a Kyuss fan for quite some time. What initially drew you in?

Lawver: “It’s that low frequency wavelength humming from the distance like there’s a Mad Max caravan on their way to annihilate everything in their path. You can hear that sound in the first moments of ‘Thumb’”.

CVW: Kyuss World is now in its 7th year and growing. What is its ongoing mission?

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

Lawver: “Kyuss World has been around since 2013 with the mission to spread the love for Kyuss and the desert rock scene and bring the fans together from across the globe.

Today we can say that we’ve built a huge social media presence, gathered people from all over the world in the desert at events like Stoned and Dusted and at the Sky Valley sign where we had 100+ people from 10 countries and 15 states.”

CVW: Now the off-shoot Kyuss World Radio is creating new followers of the music and your united purpose of celebrating Kyuss and those artists that have been influenced by Kyuss.

Lawver: “Everyone that’s heard Kyuss has felt it, in their souls. After doing this radio show for the past five years and interviewing so many players and fans that is abundantly clear.”

CVW: Josh alludes to a potential return of Kyuss for a one-time live celebration. What are your thoughts on the subject?

Lawver: “Kyuss is alive and well and living in a cave somewhere down in the desert… and these guys still have that opportunity to band together, find that cave and ride that glorious dragon back out into the world for us all to marvel at! If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to appreciate your life and the opportunities that it gives you, and not take a single day for granted.” kyussworld.com Lsten to the entire Josh Homme interview: fccfreeradio.com/kyuss-worldradio-58-josh-homme-25-years-of-and-thecircus-leaves-town-7-12-20.

CONSIDER THIS

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hen the speed kicks in, I go to the store for nothing, and walk right by the house where you lived with Snow White/I wonder if she ever thought the storybook tiles on the roof were too much, but from the window it’s not a bad show, if you’re favorite thing’s Dianetics or stucco..”

That’s Phoebe Bridgers trafficking in a bit of trademark snark on the title track of her new album. The inherent appeal of this young artist, is that her music effortlessly swivels between wry observations and intensely intimate revelations.

Born in Los Angeles in 1994, Phoebe grew up in Pasadena. Even as a little kid, she was obsessed with music. Her parents’ record collection included plenty of Classic Rock, Bluegrass and Country. While piano lessons felt like a chore, she became pretty proficient on guitar, and the first song she mastered was Hank Williams Sr.’s “Lovesick Blues.”

Her mother supported her artistic ambitions and sent Phoebe and her younger brother, Jackson, to Los Angeles County High School for the Performing Arts. She studied Vocal Jazz at LACHSA, but also began busking around campus. She became less interested in musical theory when she started playing bass in the all-girl Punk combo, Sloppy Jane. At this point her musical heroes included Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits and Elliott Smith. She was also drawn to the complex confessional music of Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes, Bon Iver, Sun Kil Moon and Blake Mills.

Before she finished high school, Phoebe was already booking solo shows around town.

Prolific alt.country artist Ryan Adams became a fan. The night after he saw her perform he invited her to record some songs in his studio.

(It later came to light that his interest was less musical and more prurient. In 2019, several women, including Adams’ ex-wife Mandy Moore, alleged that he offered support with the expectation of some sexual quid pro quo.)

Adams released Phoebe’s three song EP, Killer via his Pax Am imprint.

The EP created some buzz and the gigs got bigger and better. Soon, she was opening for artists she really admired like Julien Baker, the Violent Femmes and Conor Oberst. Not long after, she signed with the Dead Oceans label, and connected with producers Tony Berg and Ethan Grushka. By late 2017 she released her first, official long-player, Stranger In The Alps.

Critical acclaim was immediate, and the album topped plenty of Top 10 lists. The breakout single, “Smoke Signals” received airplay from taste-making L.A. radio stations like KCSN and KCRW. Her sui generis vision drove the album, but she received from superstar assistance from Greg Liesz, X frontman John Doe and her musical crush, Conor Oberst.

Instead of concentrating on a follow-up, she hooked up with fellow singer-songwriters Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker and formed boygenius.

The trio of songbirds wrote and recorded a selftitled EP in just four days.

2019 found Phoebe taking another detour when she began collaborating with Conor on their side project, Better Oblivion Community Center. The self-titled, 10 song set took the music industry by surprise. Their vocal blend was less Johnny & June, and closer to the Folky harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, with a dash of emo and Country Rock.

Between 2018 and 2019, Phoebe recorded her second effort, Punisher. It was supposed to be released later this summer, while she was

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

“PUNISHER” OCEANS RECORDS) PHOEBE BRIDGERS (DEAD

on tour, opening for The 1975. But COVID 19 put the kibosh on those plans, so now it is out, well ahead of schedule.

The album opens tentatively with the dour instrumental, “DVD Menu.” Ominous guitar chords partner with shapeshifter violin before folding into the slightly sunnier “Garden Song.”

Quavery acoustic notes lap over serpentine electric riffs, wily bass lines and a thumpy beat. Phoebe’s voice is suitably spectral as she revisits childhood haunts and checks in with a friend. She sifts through a panoply of emotions rather efficiently, revealing little nuggets of truth along the way; “And when I grow up, I’m going to look up from my phone and see my life, and it’s going to be like my recurring dream/I’m at the movies, I don’t remember what I’m seeing, the screen turns into a tidal wave, then it’s a dorm room, like a hedge maze, and when I find you you touch my leg and I insist, but I wake up before we do it.”

Both “Halloween” and “Kyoto” match vividly personal experiences with irresistible melodies and instrumentation. The former began life as an ode to her favorite holiday. Meandering guitar chords partner with vroom-y synths and minimal percussion. The opening couplets land the listener in the middle of an intimate exchange; “I hate living by the hospital, the sirens go all night, I used to joke that if they woke you up, somebody better be dying/Sick of the questions they keep asking you, they can make you live in the past, but I can count on you to tell me the truth, when you’ve been drinking and wearing a mask.”

She relents on the sweet, cajoling chorus; “Baby, it’s Halloween, and we can be anything, come on, man, we can be anything.” Even as the tempo becomes more insistent, plaintive keys thread between verses, and quietly verses underscore her Conor Oberst lazily trails her vocals on the final chorus as swiveling guitars and plinky-plunky keys fade to black.

The latter is a little more upbeat, a blend of floofy synths, jangly guitars, thrumming bass and a chugging backbeat. Shrugging off the ennui of touring the Far East, Phoebe can’t seem to make herself explore the culture of this ancient, Japanese city. The lyrics offer a catalog of ephemeral activity before slipping in a few revelations; “Day off in Kyoto, got bored at the temple, looked around at the 7-11, the band took the speed train, went to the arcade, I wanted to but I didn’t/You called me from a pay phone, they still got pay phones, it cost a dollar a minute to tell me you’re sober and you wrote me a letter but I don’t have to read it.”

Her voice soars on the chorus, suffused with yearning, disdain, and bookended by a peppery horn section. Then locations shift and it’s back to the City Of Angels. It’s tempting to infer the final chorus is aimed at a certain #metoo-y alt.country predator, but she’s supposedly addressing her dad; “I don’t forgive you, but please don’t hold me to it, born under Scorpio skies, I wanted to see the world through your eyes until it happened, then I changed my mind.”

The album’s best tracks find Phoebe stepping out of her comfort zone and expanding her musical horizons. Take “Graceland Too,” the winsome melody and instrumentation bear down on her childhood love of Bluegrass. On this back-porch ballad, bent banjo notes brush up against arch fiddle runs and plucky guitars.

Veering between first and third-person angst, Phoebe creates a stark narrative that mines the richly relatable Southern Gothic vein pioneered by writers like Eudora Welty, Carson McCullers

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

and Flannery O’Connor.

Only she gives it a 21st century twist; following a successful mental health check, the song’s protagonist hits the road; “So she picks a direction, it’s 90 in Memphis, turns up the music so thoughts don’t intrude, predictably, winds up thinking of Elvis, and wonders if he believed songs could come true, I’m asking for it if they do.” Joined by her boygenius cohorts, Lucy and Julien, their heartbreaking harmonies dovetail on the chorus.

The theme of living outside your life, first explored “Kyoto” is revisited on “Chinese Satellite.” Braided guitars and ambient noise envelope Phoebe’s fragile confession; “I’ve been running around in circles, pretending to be myself...” The song quickly gathers speed layering angular guitars, tensile bass, and strings that saw and swoop, to a clattering beat. Unable to wish on a star, she pins her hopes on a Chinese Satellite instead, insisting “I want to believe, instead I look to the sky and feel nothing, you know I hate to be alone, I want to be wrong.” Stacked vocals and dissonant guitars end the song on a fragmented note.

“Moon Song” begins up close and personal, fingers on frets accompany breathless vocals, but suddenly, the arrangement opens up, leaning into a Waltz-y reverie. Over shimmery keys and a kick-drum beat, she sifts through the ashes of a dying relationship; “You couldn’t have, you couldn’t have stuck your tongue down the throat of somebody who loves you more?/I will wait for the next time you want me, like a dog with a bird at your door.” Delicate and devastating, by the final verse it feels as though she’s finished with this wrecked romance; “You are sick and you’re married, and you might be dying, but you’re holding me like water in your hands/When you saw the dead little bird, you started crying, but you know the killer doesn’t understand.”

Finally, “Savior Complex” cycles through a plethora of emotions as the instrumentation and arrangement follow suit. Initially dirgelike and intimate, it slowly opens into a languid dreamscape as jangly guitars give way to stuttery synths. Things become positively Beatlesque as searing strings and hollowed-out keys are folded into the mix. Fragile and woozy on the break, this gauzy soundscape can’t completely camouflage the need to revisit old psychic wounds; “Baby, you’re a vampire, you want blood and I promised/I’m a bad liar with a savior complex, all the skeletons you hide, show me yours, and I’ll show you mine…”

Other interesting tracks include the aforementioned title track, which is swirly and hypnotic in all the right ways. Then there’s “ICU (I See You),” which offers this poignant confession; “I’ve been playing dead my whole life, and I get this feeling whenever I feel good,

it’ll be the last time.”

The album closes with the restless tour travelogue of “I Know The End.” This was the first song she started for the record and the last one she completed. Brittle guitars jitter and buzz like live wires on a downed power-line, as keys sidle and ache over roiling bass and a ticktock beat. The opening verse effortlessly sets the scene; “Somewhere in Germany, but I can’t place it, man, I hate this part of Texas, close my eyes and fantasize, three clicks I’m home/When I get back I’ll lay around and I’ll get up and lay back down, romanticize the quiet life, there’s no place like my room.”

Homeric in scope, it offers snapshots of the road; “Went looking for a creation myth, ended up with a pair of cracked lips, windows down, scream along to some ‘America First’ Rap-Country song/A slaughterhouse an outlet mall, slot machines, fear of God.” On the break, the arrangement accelerates locking into a majestic cacophony, adding yowling Mariachi horns and a raucous chorus of backing vocals.

The final verse is equal parts reassuring and disconcerting; “Either way, we’re not alone, I’ll find a new place to be from, a haunted house with a picket fence to float around and ghost my friends/No, I’m not afraid to disappear, the billboard said the end is near, I turned around and there was nothing there…Yeah, I guess the end is near.” That last refrain is repeated as the instrumentation spirals, lurches and shudders.

A war cry, Morricone-flavored horns and skronky guitar wind it down, and the listener is left with heavy breathing and whispery, wordless vocals. A fractious end to a great record.

Recorded at the infamous Sound City studio in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Punisher was produced by Phoebe, Tony Berg and Ethan Gruska. Plenty of famous, and notso-famous pals pitched in, including Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, Lukas Frank, Jeroen Vrijhoef, Malcolm McCrae, Kane Richotte and Tomberlin on backing vocals. Anna Butteress, Jenny Lee Lindberg and Emily Retsas on bass. All manner of guitar was played by Joseph Lorge, Harrison Whitford and Nick Zinner. Strings and horns were provided by Rob Moose and Nick Walcott, respectively. Nick White played piano and Mellotron. Phoebe’s on again/off again beau, Marshall played drums and percussion.

Superstar assists came in the form of legendary drummer Jim Keltner, as well as Sara Watkins added fiddle. Blake Mills tackled baritone guitar, slat drum and clarinet.

Christian Lee Hutson played guitar and celeste.

Connor Oberst added vocals. Phoebe and her co-producers all played guitar, but Tony provided autoharp, syndrum, mellotron, banjo and bandura, while Ethan handled programming, synths, mellotron, pianospocket and otherwise, vocoder, optigan flutes and pump organ.

Whether she’s juxtaposing her antipathy for Eric Clapton with her affection for John Lennon, or baring her soul, Phoebe Bridgers’ music is an intensely personal roller coaster ride. She has deftly sidestepped the dreaded sophomore slump that typically accompanies second albums. Punisher displays artistic growth without sacrificing her signature sound.

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE VINO VOICE

I

n this column, I always like to remind our own valley’s vino lovers that they are a really savvy wine group. You guys and gals already know it because you live it— even in the time of the pandemic. C’mon— smile, you like the positive reinforcement.

Anyway—along those same lines, a majority of you valley vino heads not only know of the JUSTIN wine brand, but, are in love with the stuff! In my wine department, where sometimes the powers-that-be get a little scared that I’m ordering too much wine (in this pandemic!!), no one ever questions

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my case orders for JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvingnon. It sells off the shelves and off the charts.

(By the way—do you folks know that the Ralph’s Market in Indio is the number one Ralphs in the country when it comes to the sales of alcohol beverages! And during these tough times, sales continue to soar! My friend and fellow associate, Wine Steward Michael at the Indio store probably set a U.S. record over this last 4th of July weekend; and I have to report, that at the Palm Springs Ralphs, we may as well have come in at a

“JUSTIN” TIME!

BY RICK RIOZZA

close second!—whew!)

But getting back to business at hand, we’re just in time for JUSTIN wines. Last week, we again got in on a virtual winery tasting; this time it took place at the beautiful surrounds of the JUSTIN Estate Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles. As these virtual tastings work their way into the wine ethos norm, the activities continue to expand.

Hosting this Zoom encounter, we enjoyed both the company of Allison Crawford, JUSTIN’s Certified Sommelier, and JUSTIN’s Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom.

That’s right! Not only did we virtually and actually taste three delicious Justin wines but we virtually prepared and experienced some dishes that classically paired with the wines—well, as best as we could under the circumstances: using our eyes, ears, and gastronomic memory!

For those of us who remember attending the Miramonte Resort & Spa’s JUSTIN wine pairing dinner over seven years ago (hey— wine quaffers have very good memories), we recall the event as both elegant and fun. It was a fabulous Four-Course & FiveWine Dinner with the winery founder, Justin Baldwin, who spoke between courses.

And (at that time) Executive Chef Robert Nyerick’s Pan Seared Sea Bass on Wilted Arugula and Truffled Tiny Greens along with the Vegetable Linguini paired with the JUSTIN 2010 Estate Chardonnay was the media table’s match-up of the evening.

So as many foodie and wine enthusiasts already know, JUSTIN has pride itself on crafting their wines with food pairing recommendations in the culinary scene.

And this lofty goal was accentuated with the talents of Chef Rachel and Somm Allison.

To begin the program, the ladies virtually took us into the beautiful JUSTIN estate gardens to show off their game. We media folk received three JUSTIN wines prior to the day’s tasting event and had the opportunity to chill down the 2019 JUSTIN Rosé, and, to open up and areate the two red wines we were experiencing, the 2017 JUSTIN TRILATERAL and the 2017 JUSTIN JUSTIFICATION. A surprise to a few wine lovers, JUSTIN

wines has produced a rosé for the last eight years or so. Winery notes include, “The 2019 JUSTIN Rosé, ($20) is a dry, aromatic, refreshing wine that reminds us that while rosé is great on a hot summer day, it is also a versatile wine worth reaching for all year long. A Rosé of mostly syrah that is whole cluster pressed and fermented like a white wine, it shows a beautiful salmon color in the glass with bright red fruit, crisp apple and subtle herbal notes.

Somm Allison expressed that the rosé is a perfect match for a wide variety of pairings or just on its own; a wine that is meant to be enjoyed at the table, poolside, beach-side, outside, but “especially with someone by your side!” Chef Rachel paired the rosé with a summer salad of micro-greens, pistachios seasoned with sumac, Santa Rosa plum slices, radishes, local sheep milk cheese, mint, basil, and Myer lemon juice.

The 2017 TRILATERAL ($55) is what we wine folk refer to as a GSM: a Rhônestyle wine blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre . Remember—we are dealing with Paso Robles wine country which has a great history of Rhone varietals. For those of you who consider a Côtes du Rhône a little too foreign for your taste, this Cal GSM with a JUSTIN twist, produces a bold Paso Robles Syrah which imparts a rich intensity.

When I poured this wine into a glass, I was amazed at its unique color of which I had not really perceived from any other wine; a soft purple, Heirloom tomato hues, with red gray notes—just lovely. It’s very aromatic with attractive ripe black cherry, wild berries, vanilla and cinnamon, oak, cracked pepper, smoke, and leather. It’s a wine you could stare at and smell for a few minutes at least!

The aroma moved into the palate and Chef Rachel paired the TRILATERAL with some BBQ ribs lathered in a sauce utilizing the wine because of similar flavors. Too bad Zoom doesn’t have Smell-a-Vision button.

The final wine we experienced was the famous JUSTIFICATION ($60). This 2017 wine is a blend of 65% Cab Franc and 35% Merlot. It’s long been touted as a “Right Bank Bordeaux blend taking on the California Turf”. It’s a good call because the Cab Franc does temper the fat juiciness of the Merlot.

And it has good acid for food pairing.

The wine has aromas and a palate of ripe black, red cherry and blackcurrant fruit, vanilla and cinnamon spice with cedar, autumn leaves, oak, graphite, red licorice, and some dusty tobacco notes.

Chef Rachel did the right thing and paired the wine with some savory lamb chops, which has always worked great in Bordeaux and apparently great here in California.

JUSTIN Estate Vineyards & Winery, 11680 Chimney Rock Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 805.238.6932.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE SOUTHERN BELLE CAFÉ

BY DANIEL PARIS

July 16 to July 22, 2020

GOOD GRUB

T

he opening of a new restaurant is an exciting endeavor. Last March, Bill Schneid opened The Southern Belle to share the family recipes from his time in Baton Rouge, LA. Southern food is sacred to those raised in the steamy, spicy climate of the bayou states. The Southern Belle stays true to the classics like cheddar grits, biscuits and andouille sausage gravy, and chicken fried steak. Spicy shrimp and grits, catfish, and soft-shell crab po-boys, blackened catfish, shrimp etouffe, and jambalaya are featured as well. Sides include mac n' cheese, black-eyed peas, Cajun fries, collard greens, fried green tomatoes, fried okra, fried pickles, hush puppies, and tater tots are perfect company for the well represented mains.

Even though the COVID virus became an unwelcome guest in our world, southern hospitality will be waiting for us all at The Southern Belle. There will be a time when we

can go out and enjoy a meal and the company of others to share food and experiences. Until that time comes, The Southern Belle Café will serve takeout daily, except Monday, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Along with the takeout service, Bill’s staff prepares and delivers 240 meals every day to eighty seniors-in-need program funded by state and county funding. They provide seniors the same high quality meals you find on the menu. Free range and organic ingredients give the dishes a depth of flavor not often found in southern cuisine.

The Southern Belle Café 35400 Date Palm Dr., Cathedral City, CA 92234 – (442) 615-0344.

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

BREWTALITY

O

n January 24, 1935, Virginia’s Gottfried Kreuger Brewery took a calculated risk in being the first ever brewery to can its beer. Two flagship beers were packaged in color coded cans, red for Special Beer, Green for Cream Ale, both featuring a simple art-deco design of the company’s logo, the “K-Man”.

A stylized waiter in the shape of the letter K, the first ever beer can art was minimalist, to the point, and paved the way for 85 years of evolution. Today, beer cans have become very similar to record album covers in their use as functional art. Protecting the product inside, while advertising the content through use of graphic design, photography, and/or illustration, a badass beer label can make all the difference when choosing which new brew to try out.

Let’s be honest here. When you go to Bevmo or your favorite bodega or bottle shop, there’s

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DOES LABEL ART MATTER?

an overwhelming number of IPAs to choose from. Some are in bottles, others in cans, a few you’ve no doubt had repeatedly, most you’ve yet to try (unless you’ve already tried all of them, which means you should maybe look into a recovery program or something), but if there’s one thing that catches the consumers eye, it’s flashy things; bright colors, big fonts, provocative imagery; that’s what gets our attention. In an online poll, 90% of suds lovers admitted to buying beer because of the label. The days of simple branding and modest design are firmly in the rear-view mirror. If you want to attract new fans, you need a beer they can show off on the ‘gram.

Bay Area Instagrammer spokes_and_sudzz is a beer influencer who believes that can art is a major factor in 2020. “The can artwork has definitely become a driving force for many

breweries, especially when they are just starting out”, says spokes_and_sudzz, “It draws not only the consumer to buy, but it also draws followers on social media visually”. Erik DeBellis, head brewer at Torrance, CA’s Absolution Brewing Co. agrees. “Label art is definitely more important now more than ever,” Erik explains, “With so much liquid out there, you have to have a way to get yourself noticed. Making great beer is the first step, but if you can’t catch the consumers eye, they may just pass it by for something else.” Graphic designer and rock guitarist Bobby Taffolla sums it up perfectly. “If I’m just cruising the boozin’ isle, usually a striking image/art on a can or bottle of beer is what potentially draws me to a potential passenger-seat twelver. Maybe it’s the hasher genetics in me, picking a new beer is very similar to how I would search out bands in the old days, by the vibe of the artwork.”

Not every bottle of brew you see is decked out in splashy label art. Much like album covers, there’s a spectrum of label design that goes from over-the-top to minimalist, and everything in between. The iconic Pliny the Elder is an example of minimalist artwork on a best-selling beer.

More often than not, it’s the elder statesmen of the craft brewing world who aren’t seeing the advantage of eye-popping graphics and design.

Samuel Adams line of beers got a logo makeover in 2016, taking the old-timey, tavern aesthetic off of the label, and replacing it with a bolder and more mature version. While an improvement over the old, dated design, Samuel Adams beer looks plain and unimpressive on shelves next to

BY AARON RAMSON more exciting labels. Other companies like Alpine Brewing, Anderson Valley, and San Diego’s Mission Brewery feature artwork on their bottles and cans that border on being antiquated, and do nothing to attract new drinkers, unaware of the quality that’s within. Firestone Walker managed to successfully redesign and update their label art to reflect the superior products they offer, while Hangar 24’s new label design felt flat and uninspired right out the gate.

It’s hard to know what drives the choices made by each brewery, but it seems like smaller, start-up breweries are quicker to reboot when needed. Absolution Brewing did just that, a major reboot to the beer recipes as well as the art accompanying each product, to great success.

“I think a lot of the bigger guys are scared to take risks”, offers Head Brewer DeBellis, “A lot of bigger breweries are missing the mark, and it’s puzzling.” If one thing is clear, it’s that quality art and beer combine to create a memorable product that consumers will want again, and this is far more important to the little guys in craft beer than it is to an established mega-brewery.

Absolution Brewing Company may not have a team of Clydesdales and a trademark on the term “beechwood aging,” but they employ millennials who know what imagery people aged 26-40 are attracted to, and flavors to match the bright, big designs. Santa Rosa, CA’s Cooperage Brewing Company spared few expenses in wrapping their Diamond Puddles hazy IPA can in glitter, which is as eye catching as beer could possibly hope to be. Bobby Taffolla asserts, “A craft beer with a striking image will always have me give it a closer look. And if the artwork and the taste go hand in hand in quality, I may just have to throw down for a second go of it!”

BURDEN

SCREENERS

Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker and Garret Hedlund (Mudbound) give powerful performances in the moving and courageous and timely true story from 101 Studios and the producer of Dallas Buyers Club.

Set in a southern community scarred from deep-rooted racism, an unlikely friendship is formed when an African American reverend (Whitaker) helps a KKK

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No. 430

July 16 to July 22, 2020

A RACIST’S REDEMPTION

member (Hedlund) leave the Klan.

When a museum celebrating the KKK opens in a small South Carolina town, the idealistic Reverend Kennedy resolves to do all in his power to prevent simmering, deeply embedded racial tensions from boiling over.

However, some members of the preacher’s congregation are shocked to discover that his plan includes sheltering Mike Burden (Hedlund), a Klansman whose relationships with both a single-mother (Andrea Riseborough) and a high-school friend (Usher Raymond) force him to reexamine his long-held beliefs.

After Kennedy helps Mike step away from his violent past, the Baptist preacher finds himself on a collision course with manipulative KKK leader Tom Griffin (a terrific Tom Wilkinson). In the face of death threats to himself and his family, the determined Kennedy bravely pursues a path toward peace, setting aside his own misgivings in the hopes of healing his wounded community.

From Oscar® nominated filmmaker Robbie Brenner and writer/director Andrew Heckler comes this compelling true story of compassion and grace in the American South.

The portrayal of everyday racism and the seemingly impossibility of healing

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

and forgiveness against and the power of social conditioning is bluntly and brilliantly examined. Tom Wilkinson as the KKK’s top dog is truly frightening.

This difficult but rewarding story is told with an authenticity, simplicity and courage that is rare in similar themed, “faith-based” films. I can think of no other film that so effectively explores Jesus' words: "Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you” It deserves an audience. Maybe it should be shown in Evangelical churches as a reminder of what true Christianity is really about.

This well-crafted and meaningful film deserves an audience. A standard Behind the Scenes featurette is the only bonus on this DVD. Universal.

------------------------------------------------Wind down this weekend and check

out some of the most popular home entertainment with the latest and greatest titles thanks to our friends at DEG (The Digital Entertainment Group) for the latest ‘Watched at Home Top 20’ list.

This week’s slate includes classic films perfect for a re-watch with the family, as well as recent thrillers, action-comedies, dramas and superheroes! Looking for trendy content recommendations has never been easier thanks to DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group.

Trolls World Tour (Universal), Yellowstone: SSN 1,2& 3 (Paramount), The Outpost (Screen Media Films), Sonic the Hedgehog (Paramount), The Invisible Man (Universal, 2020), Independence Day (Fox), Jumanji: The Next Level (Sony), Bad Boys for Life (Sony), Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (WB), The Call of the Wild (Disney, 2020), Jungle Beat: The Movie (Sandcastle Studios & Sunrise Productions), The Gentlemen (STX/Universal, 2019), 1917 (Universal), The Hunt (Universal), Force Of Nature (Lionsgate), Bloodshot (Sony, 2020), Harry Potter (WB, complete 8-film Collection), Onward (Disney). robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

O

PET PLACE

ur soaring summer weather can bring distress and even death from heat stroke to our beloved dogs.

This week the temperature in Palm Springs rose to 121 degrees, as people and their pets sought ways to keep cool and comfortable.

Every year this column tells the story of a little Silky Terrier who died from heat stroke on August 15, 2015, in a Desert Hot Springs car lot. The dog sought refuge underneath one of the cars, but the scorching sand beneath her paws raised her body temperature even higher, and the site became her coffin. Help didn’t arrive in time to prevent the horrific and painful death she suffered, her throat parched from thirst. Summer is pictured here just before passing away. Ironically Summer died on International Homeless Animals’ Day. Local animal advocates were alerted to the dog’s plight. Jo Venegas-Cebrun contacted Cathie Coats who was near the dog’s location. Cathie crawled underneath the car only to discover the dog had just passed away from heat stroke. Cathie recalls, “I was heartbroken, this dog is the face of neglect, this dog is the face of what heat does to animals.” The Silky Terrier was another sad

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SUMMER'S LEGACY, KEEP DOGS INDOORS TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE

casualty in the battle to prevent animals from suffering and dying in the heat.

Jo Venegas-Cebrun wanted to pay tribute to the dog she named Summer. This dedicated “rescue warrior” drove to Desert Hot Springs to retrieve Summer’s body, determined she would receive the love and dignity in death she may not have known in her short life. Jo took the dog to a pet crematorium, and kept her ashes in a memorial tribute. Summer had no ID tag or microchip that would have identified an owner.

Summer’s death and photographs went viral on Facebook where animal lovers posted sad and angry comments. Her story was featured on KESQ televised news. Rescuers gathered in memory of the little dog they never knew. Countless “outdoor only” dogs are suffering during this scorching 2020 summer. Some of them will perish without public attention.

Summer’s legacy is to save the lives of more animals from the blazing summer weather. Even if it does not cause death, overheating can result in irreversible kidney, heart, liver and brain damage. Dogs cannot sweat the way we humans do, as their only

BY JANET McAFEE

sweat glands are in their nose and on the pads of their feet. Imagine being thirsty and drinking out of a bowl scalding hot water bowl outside. The hot weather only adds to the distress experienced by lonely “backyard only” dogs.

Dr. Andrea Walters, a veterinarian specializing in emergency and critical care, helps us understand from a medical perspective why heat stroke can be so deadly for dogs. “Heat stroke occurs when an animal’s body temperature increases so much that it cannot be regulated property and brought down. Dogs don’t sweat like people do. Instead, they pant to cool themselves down. Heat stroke causes damage to proteins and cells, which can lead to severe shock and cellular dysfunction when blood vessels near the skin dilate dangerously.” Dr. Walters explains dogs’ need to cool through panting is why extreme heat is more dangerous to flat nosed breeds such as Pugs, Boxers, Bull Dogs and Shih Tzu’s. While heat stroke can kill dogs of any breed, seniors and puppies are at most risk.

More precious dogs will die from heat stroke this summer, some left in cars, others left on hot patios, some kept as “outdoor

MEET KIKO

MEET SAVANNAH

Kiko’s hobbies are cuddling in bed and laying in the sunshine (indoors of course). This 3-yr-old girl is fully vetted, and ready for her “furever” home. She would love to get a home that supplies catnip treats. Rescued by www. prettygoodcat.com in La Quinta.

Contact info@prettygoodcat. com or (760) 660-3414.

Savanna is 60-lbs of doggie love! Her hobby is cuddling up with you. This 7-yr-old shepherd mix girl likes meeting other large size dogs. Savanna is dog ID#A44398071 at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. For more info or to schedule appointment, contact adoption@psanimalshelter.org (including dog’s name & your phone) or (760) 416-5718.

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only” dogs in yards. This cannot be said enough – – – BRING YOUR DOG INDOORS DURING THIS HOT WEATHER! NEVER LEAVE A DOG UNATTENDED IN A CAR! Your dog needs potty breaks and walks outdoors. What should you do to protect him? What are the signs of heat stroke in a dog, and what life saving remedies can you take?

Take your dog on long walks in the mornings and evenings, avoiding outings when the sun is at its highest. Avoid asphalt and concrete when you walk, and stick to shaded areas whenever possible. This is not the time to have him run alongside while you bicycle ride, or allow him to engage in strenuous play at the dog park. Bring a bottle of water to sprinkle on him.

Know the symptoms of heat stroke. These can include glazed eyes, heavy panting, and pulling back on the leash. Other symptoms include excessive thirst, hyperventilation, dry gums that are pale or grayish, or bright red tongue or gums. Your dog may quickly suffer weakness, staggering, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and ultimately collapse. Finally, if the overheating isn’t stopped, his breathing will slow, and he may

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com have a seizure or fall into a coma.

Dr. Walters advices, “if you suspect heat stroke, it is important to begin lowering the animal’s temperature as soon as possible, even before transporting them to a veterinarian. A hose can be used to cool the animal, focusing on the belly and paw pads. Be sure the water is cool, neither hot nor cold. If the garden hose has been sitting in the sun, the water will be very hot. It’s very important to not cool the animal too fast.”

Lay the animal on a cool towel, but don’t wrap them in one as this could trap the heat.

Get vet care immediately.

What can you do to continue Summer’s legacy? Talk to friends and neighbors who think their dog should be outdoors 24 hours a day. Calmly ask them why their dog is always outside. Provide them with information on heat stroke. To start off, suggest they get a baby gate and keep their dog in a kitchen or laundry room during the hot days. Give them a copy of this article. Anyone needing additional suggestions to transition their dog from outside to inside can email me.

Share Summer’s story. Meanwhile, enjoy the companionship and unconditional love your best canine friend provides INSIDE YOUR HOME! Janetmcafee8@gmail.com ------------------------------------------Below is a partial list of shelters and rescues in the Inland Empire with animals for adoption. Most of these shelters remain closed for walk-ins; Call for an appointment.

You can view most of their animals online in

SAFETY TIPS

advance of calling.

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

(Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday, closed on Tuesday. View their animals online at www.psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718.

(Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER

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

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

View their animals at www.orphanpet.com.

Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700.

(Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, call (760) 335-6767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue

July 16 to July 22, 2020 for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com,call (760) 660-3414 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – Shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Call (909) 386-9280 daily between 9am & 5pm.

View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

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

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

CHEAP SUNGLASSES – PUT YOUR EYES ON THIS FIRST!

D

id you know your EYES can get sunburned? Just thinking about it makes me squint. Though there is a lot of songs that have titles about sunglasses – Enjoy the music in this article. July is National UV Awareness Month.

Before you even check the price tag, read the label. Do these glasses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays? If not, leave them on the rack. You want both of those blocked 99 to 100% It’s not too much to expect your glasses to do that. Too much UV light can cause cataracts. It can also destroy the retina, the lining at the back of your eyes that helps you see clearly. It could even cause tissue to grow over your eyeball.

During the summer we put a lot of emphasis on protecting our skin from UV rays. But we do a much worse job of

protecting our eyes. In a survey of more than 10,000 adults, the Vision Council found that only 39% of adults wear sunglasses when they are outside for two or more hours and only 14% are likely to protect their eyes at an outdoor sporting event. Less than half wear sunglasses at the beach! That's going to mean a lot of squinting.

We understand the risk of skin cancer from the sun's rays, but when it comes to our eyes, we tend to regard the sun as more of an inconvenience. In fact, protecting your eyes is essential, because exposure to bright sunlight increases the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye and, yes, sunburn. UV damage to your eyes can occur in as little as 15 minutes — often without symptoms to let you know it’s occurred. And our eyes are at risk to UV

rays all year round.

Following are a few tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on how you can start better protecting those peepers.

Get the right sunglasses. Our sunglasses selections are too often made for fashion rather than protection. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A rays and UV-B rays. If possible, get a wrap-around style so the sun's rays can't enter from the side. And take note: Price doesn't dictate protection. Expensive sunglasses may sacrifice protection for fashion, while inexpensive lenses that protect fully can be found at your neighborhood Target or Walmart. So, go get yourself some cheap sunglasses! (Just avoid any mirrored lenses, as many public safety agencies forbid them.)

Add a hat. A broad-brimmed hat provides additional eye protection.

Don't be fooled by clouds. Just as you can burn when it's cloudy, sun damage to your eyes can occur when the sun's not out, too. Wear your sunglasses anytime you're outside during the day (no need to wear your sunglasses at night).

Never look directly at the sun. Catch yourself staring at the sun? Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can damage your retinas.

Eat healthy! Taking care of your eyes means watching what you eat, too.

Antioxidants protect your eyes from sun damage and air pollution. And it's not just carrots, although that's a great place to start. Incorporate fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, broccoli, kiwi, grapes, grapefruit, strawberries, oranges and green peppers. And don't forget nuts and seeds such as sunflower seeds, almonds and pecans. Finally, boost your omega-3 fatty acid intake by eating salmon, sardines, halibut and tuna.

But if you're having trouble remembering all that, just remember this: Things are going great, they're only getting better... You're future's so bright, you gotta wear shades!

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

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HADDON LIBBY

THE CASE AGAINST FACE MASKS

W

inston Churchill once said that Americans would always do the right thing after everything else has been tried. If the pandemic has proven anything, it is that Winston Churchill words of 75 years ago are truer today than during World War II. Surveys suggest that as many as one in four people doubt the severity of the impact of COVID-19 on health and society as shared with us by health experts and public officials.

Younger adults and the healthy were the more likely to doubt the warnings of dire health consequences.

Social media postings have belittled the dangers of COVID-19. ‘If you must be tested to know that you have the disease, it must not be something to worry about, right?’

Many question ‘convenient’ inconsistencies like allowing people to fly or keeping Walmart open while the mall is closed. Others have mentioned the pandemic as Nature’s way of thinning the herd.

While ignorance or selfishness is alarming in its prevalence, the more concerning folks are those using the pandemic to advance political agendas. People on the left and right, Democrats and Republicans alike have injected politics into a time when the nation should unite in a war against a virus that is effective at killing at-risk groups like seniors, those with diabetes or a compromised immune system.

Because people are too selfish or stupid, the economy is being shut down for a second

time. Hard working folks who were willing to take their risks with the disease over the economic consequences are having that option taken from them. With cases rising and hospitals at capacity, governors of Republican and Democratic controlled states both had to restart business shutdowns.

More people will die from untreated diseases because of fear or hospital overcrowding.

The economic and mental consequences are going to be severe and felt for a long time to come by a large percentage of Americans.

Because some people could not follow the advice of health experts, more businesses will fail, more people will be out of work and economic times for large segments of our population will be forever ruined. All because people were too selfish or stupid and could

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

STEALING 101

T

oday's thieves are less confrontational as they do not have to use guns. You won't read about Bonnie and Clyde and they don't need Tommy Guns to steal.

Instead they scam us with cons. The Greater Palm Springs community is the ideal location to take advantage of the unsuspecting elderly here who are the best "suckers".

There are over 500,000 robocalls a month that cost almost 10 Billion a year. The biggest robocalls are (1) Google listing scams, (2) Loan related scams and (3) Fraudsters that offer a free vacation. Most of our parents taught us "if it sounds too good to be true...it probably isn't."

The robocalls escalate when the phone is answered. The fraudsters have call centers, often from India, that make these, one after another 24/7. They often appear to be coming from a legitimate entity like the IRS or Riverside County Sheriffs because of their spoofing software.

The scammer may say they are an enforcement officer acting on behalf of the IRS, the Palm Springs Police or The Riverside County Sheriff.

Sometimes the caller ID may even confirm the same. This has happened to me several times and I initially thought it was legitimate

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not look out for the greater good of all.

While there is a small minority who believe this is an international conspiracy to keep President Trump from a second term, most psychiatrists consider these people to be amongst those in need of assistance.

While you and I may consider the use of a mask and social distancing to be a courtesy to others, there is a sizable group who think this is some effort by the government to take away our civil rights. These undoubtedly patriotic folks should focus on more important rights that have been taken from us. Things like mandatory seatbelts, child restraints in cars, the bankruptcy code without debtor’s prison and the use of metadata from your phone and internet by business and government alike. The use of a mask to get the economic

going again and protect those at risk just doesn’t sound like an issue worth fighting for when hospitals are overwhelmed.

How Did South Korea Beat the Virus?

The economies of the world that are doing the best have one trait in common – they were united in their approach to eradicating the disease. In South Korea, the public was united in the wearing of facemasks and gloves, social distancing and mandatory quarantines of the infected.

When someone was found to be infected, they were housed in business centers until the disease passed or they required medical assistance. After past respiratory outbreaks, the South Koreans as well as the Taiwanese and Vietnamese were exceptionally well prepared and united in doing what was best for all.

In 1941, Winston Churchill spoke the infamous words that speak to the United States in 2020: “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Wear a mask and be hygienic to save lives, jobs and the economy.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. Please visit www.WinslowDrake.com or email hlibby@ winslowdrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

until I called the Riverside Sheriff.

It is imperative that you know that the IRS does not call you. If they want to contact you they will send a letter. If you get a call, please contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or forward their emails to phishing@IRS. gov<mailto:phishing@IRS.gov>.

Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling, and use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may also use the victim's name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently reported that California remains in the top 10 on the FTC's list of states with the highest per-capita identity theft complaints.

Tax-related identity theft is a top source of those complaints, according to the FTC. I fear that with Covid 19 more people are home and the scammers have probably doubled their efforts to get your money.

California residents are more vulnerable to fraud, particularly identity theft. It is exacerbated by recent data breaches. A caller may demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill, and con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. "Urgent" callback requests through phone "robo-calls," or via a phishing email are also common.

Many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. The caller may even threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the license of their victim if they don't get the money, according to the IRS. There are five things the IRS will not do that scammers often do. Any one of these five are a tell-tale sign of a scam. For instance the IRS will never: * call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill; * demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe; * require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card; * ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone; or * threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, you should hang up immediately and report the call.

If you think you are the victim of an ID Theft then cancel your credit cards ASAP, place a fraud alert on them and call the police to make a report.

REPORT POTENTIAL ID THEFT to:

Equifax – 800.525.6285; fraud alert – 888.

766.0008 Experian (formerly TRW) 888.397.3742 Trans Union – 800.680.7289 Social Security Administration (fraud line) – 800.269.0271 PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI, LYFT 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 - Representing the Injured and Criminally Accused "TOP LAWYER" - California's Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-20 "TOP LAWYER" - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating "DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER....THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME" If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow at 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

HEALTH

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

KATHERINE WEHLER HELPS WITH SOUL (RE)DISCOVERY

020 has been a year of tremendous change. Society has faced a period of disillusionment, whether it be towards government, the pandemic, or their own internal unrest. While many are being physically and psychologically affected by unemployment or the uncertain future ahead, more people are finding ways to search within themselves to find peace from the outside world. Katherine Wehler is an Activation and Ascension Guide that also does professional Blueprint Astrology and Human Design Coaching/Classes, in addition to being an Akashic Record Keeper.

The kind of work that Wehler does with her clients has been described as therapy meets life coaching and business coaching meets getting a reading using the modalities she uses. Wehler helps guide her clients in unlocking their true authentic self and highest self -worth as well as life’s purpose through the process.

“The fundamental truth is that when we learn to look at every aspect of our lives as an adventure and exploration versus a chore, and we connect with a higher purpose and higher guidance, life becomes a beautiful and fun co-creation that can be a dream instead of a nightmare. So much of what we are conditioned to believe and think, even within spirituality, goes against our true nature and holds us back.

I help clear, heal, and unblock that for and with my clients. It is about helping empower them to truly and deeply love themselves, even the

shadows, and learn to love life and build the life they authentically want,” explained Wehler.

Wehler coined the term “soul (re) discovery” in 2016, which means to come back to and remember the soul self. As a young child, Wehler considered herself highly intuitive, however, following a shooting that took place at UC Santa Barbara while she was attending college, she experienced extreme PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which meant that she could no longer put off healing her inner anguish.

She now offers Activation + Ascension Sessions centered on integrating metaphysical modalities like Astrology and Human Design into everyday life, as opposed to just

receiving a reading, in addition to Elevated Moon Ceremonies called Soul + Blueprint Sessions and business coaching for conscious “soulpreneurs.” Wehler has recorded meditations, classes, and a podcast called Soul (Re)Discovery. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wehler has moved all her services online and has begun offering more group sessions and classes.

“My clients range in all ages too, so I’ve helped 20 year-olds start businesses and make moving decisions and transmute anxiety or depression, 50 year-olds heal their inner child and build healthier relationships with their spouse and kids or their sexuality, and late 60 to 70 year-olds retire and be more loving with themselves about their whole life journey. Each day is a miracle, that’s what I love most about what I do. My clients are magical and their soul knows they’re ready for these changes so they happen almost instantly. They also inspire me so much and help me in my own soul’s growth.

I had one client who in our first session 20 minutes in, told me she got more out of that 20 minutes than six years in therapy. I obviously cried a river for her, but also because I thought back to my younger self wishing how much I’d had a guide like me to speed up the process,” said Wehler.

Wehler is also a personal fashion stylist at Anthropologie and a professionally trained actor and singer, recently playing Blanche

Dubois in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire. To those skeptical of her work, Wehler encourages those to try it, as it is accessible to everyone. The practice is also based in real neuroscience, physics, and studies that scientists are now researching and exploring.

“I want people to know that they too are capable of anything my clients or I have done.

We all started this journey back to the soul self from a place of feeling broken and lost and anything but sparkly and whole. Now that’s all completely transformed. I love every aspect of my life and am only growing more daily and can say that with full honesty and confidence.

There was once a time when I was ready to end my life and I’m really glad I didn’t because I’ve helped change a lot of lives since and now those people are helping change lives. If you want to change and improve the world, begin with yourself. Tap into that infinite source of love where you are no longer hiding from who you really are and what you really want and quite literally your life and all the lives around you will change,” stated Wehler.

To schedule a session or to contact Wehler, visit her website at katherinewehler.com.

and refreshingly artisanal approach. Learn more about Autumn Brands’ commitment to achieving superior quality through persistent innovation at AutumnBrands.com and explore new citrus-inspired, pesticide-free Orange Crush and Mandarin Glue strains (available now at select California dispensaries). Visit the company’s website to locate the nearest participating seller and browse a full selection of premium flower, pre-rolls, and pre-filled cartridges made from sun-grown, hang-dried buds, each hand-trimmed and cured to preserve maximum potency and full healing benefits.

Follow on Instagram @AutumnBrands for the latest product releases and updates.

The following Coachella Valley Dispensaries carry Autumn Brands: West Coast Cannabis Club – 74 HWY 111, Palm Desert, CA Harvest Palm Springs – 312 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA

Mr. Nice Guy – 1059 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA Leaf Industries – 3700 E Vista Chino, Palm Springs, CA Dessert Care Connection – 740 Vella Rd, Palm Springs, CA About Autumn Brands: Autumn Brands is a licensed California cannabis cultivator dedicated to the synergy of health and wellness. The Autumn Brands’ family farm started in Holland more than a century ago, and today, sixth-generation farmers apply the same expertise garnered in growing the world’s finest tulips to producing pure and potent strains of cannabis in sunny, coastal Santa Barbara County. Autumn Brands is proud to be 50 percent woman-owned, united by the vision of two families, free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For more information, visit autumnbrands.com or email leighanne@ anderson-pr.com.

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

CANNABIS CORNER ACHIEVING SUPERIOR QUALITY THROUGH INNOVATION,

AUTUMN BRANDS INTEGRATES CUTTING-EDGE AIR PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY BYHILLRUTHR.N. FARMING OPERATION AUTUMN BRANDS INTRODUCES FIVE MOLEKULE AIR PRO RX UNITS TARGETING A BROAD SPECTRUM OF AIR POLLUTANTS AND ODORS INTO PRODUCTION PROCESS SUSTAINABLE

I

n relentless pursuit of the purest Cannabis and stewardship to the community, sustainable farming operation Autumn Brands integrates cutting-edge air purification technology from Molekule into their pesticidefree production process. Autumn Brands has already implemented COVID-19 safety measures that far surpass industry standards, and they are now adding another layer of protection by deploying five Molekule Air Pro RX units throughout their grow facility.

The Molekule Air Pro RX uses PECO air purification technology that is proven to destroy viruses, bacteria, and mold. In addition to providing added protection for workers, Molekule’s PECO technology also captures and destroys terpenes in the air that can cause the characteristic smell of cannabis.

Autumn Brands tested Molekule’s PECO technology for three months in late 2019 early 2020 with the priority of reducing terpenes and protecting against airborne mold in the warehouse. Autumn Brands was impressed with the results of the study and decided to implement Molekule’s PECO technology throughout their facility. With the additional concerns over COVID-19, Molekule’s PECO technology provides another valuable benefit to Autumn Brands: the potential to reduce exposure to viruses in the air.

“Our passion is providing customers the finest quality, clean-grow product for a safe, smooth Cannabis experience they can trust,” explains company Co-Founder Hans Brand. “We do this through persistent innovation, exploring

tools, methods, and technologies that can help us reach our goal without sacrificing purity.

We also deeply value the community we live in and our employees, and we do the utmost to provide a safe and pleasant workplace and neighborhood ” “Over the past two-plus decades, we’ve looked at a myriad of ways PECO technology can be effective in aiding with air pollution. As we expand our enterprise offerings, we’re pleased to be working with leaders in the Cannabis space to not only offer the industry new innovation, but to help make the manufacturing process of Cannabis better, and provide benefit to the community,” said Dilip Goswami, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Molekule.

More than two decades of research went into the development of PECO technology, the revolutionary air purification technology inside the Molekule Air Pro RX units, and the underlying technology in all of Molekule’s air purification products. Validated through rigorous testing by third-party laboratories, each unit destroys a broad spectrum of pollutants, including VOCs, mold, bacteria, viruses, and other allergens in the air. Autumn Brands will utilize five Molekule Air Pro RX units throughout their facility, including in the drying, trimming, and packaging rooms, and other high traffic areas. The company also plans to continue using two Molekule Air units in the office area.

Backed by decades of sustainable farming expertise, 50% woman-owned Autumn Brands stands out as a sixth-generation, family-run operation with a health-centered holistic focus

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

HEALTH

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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR KETO TO WORK? BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

A

common question asked by most everyone considering Keto is, “How long will it take Keto to work for

me?”

After asking this most people readily admit they’ve made their decision to lose weight and get healthy, so they are ready to jump in now. And, may be a bit impatient. They have researched Keto and read testimonials about how you can have crazy weight loss in a short time on Keto. Sometimes, they go on to say, “If I don’t get noticeable results quickly, I’m vulnerable and could cave in and go back to bagels, bread, chips, desserts and pasta.”

That’s where I step in to help them manage their expectations and challenge them to give it their best and see what happens. Everyone is different but I can guarantee that Keto works amazingly fast when done properly and with customization nuanced to your body, health, and lifestyle.

Another factor to consider when starting Keto is how aggressive do you want to be in your weight loss. I have some clients who want to go fast and others who prefer to go slow and steady. Either way Keto works and will get you to your goal!

Is Keto Worth It? In my own personal experience, it took me about a week to realize keto worked and was worth it. In my first week of easing into Keto and cutting carbs and sugars, I dropped 7 pounds without any exercise.

And, while that may seem like a lot, many people lose up to 10 pounds in their first week on Keto. To be honest, it’s not the weight loss that convinced me this was more of a lifestyle than a diet. It was actually “living” these benefits that won me over: I no longer thought about food ALL the time.

My cravings for sweets were diminished and manageable.

I stopped feeling grumpy, uncomfortable, and bloated.

I had a lot more energy and motivation.

And, not just with food but every area of my life.

My face looked thinner in the mirror, my eyes were brighter, and my skin looked amazing.

My clothes felt looser around my stomach and weren’t tight anymore.

I felt confident and optimistic that “this” way of eating was right for me. My body was loving Keto foods.

Fast forward – It’s been over two years and I continue to experience these benefits.

In addition, I feel happier, healthier and it’s been easy to maintain my goal weight. I love having one size of clothes in my closet and no longer yo-yo dieting. It’s no wonder I’m still doing keto to this day…and loving every moment of it.

Don’t Wing It What advice would I give anyone looking to do the same? Don’t “wing it”, because

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figuring out what to eat on your own, figuring out macros and making the lifestyle adjustments takes time and can be confusing when using “Google Coach”. There is a lot of misinformation online about Keto. It isn’t a one-size-fits all diet and it requires customization.

Instead of gutting it out on your own, and to greatly increase your chances of success, reach out to a trained coach, like myself, to help you with the lifestyle changes needed.

Learn the basics of the diet in the proper way from the very start and jumpstart your progress.

If I were coaching you, we’d review Keto food lists, eating plans, basic do’s and don’ts, personal goals, common mistakes, proven diet hacks, etc. Then we’d start by you “Telling me Your Rules”. We’d spend as much time as needed on that one topic and look at what foods you crave, what foods you can’t live without, your expectations, goals, health, sociability, etc. that you expect Keto to deliver.

Why? You can have the perfect Keto food plan mapped out, use an app to track your food and macros but without the right mindset and comprehensive customization you are setting yourself up for failure.

When all these important factors are considered, and perfected, you'll end up with a workable action plan to help you past any barriers you might have. Combine that with expert guidance, accountability, and support...the true magic of Keto happens!

About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto Lifestyle coach, a Seasoned expert on Customized Keto. 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, meal plans, proprietary customization, goal setting, ongoing support and more. If you are interested in customizing Keto for you and your lifestyle, book a 30 minute complimentary private coaching session online at KetoIsEasyCoach.com.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF JULY 16

ARIES (March 21-April 19): "If the time is not ripe, we have to ripen the time," wrote Aries educator and activist Dorothy Height. This approach worked well during her 98 years on the planet. Her pioneering advocacy for African American women generated a number of practical improvements in their employment opportunities and civil rights. In accordance with the current astrological omens, Aries, I highly recommend her guiding principle for your use. You now have the power to ripen the time, even if no one else believes the time is ripe.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): "Whatever inspiration is, it's born from a continuous 'I don't know.'" A wise and talented woman said that: Nobel Prize-winning poet Wisława Szymborska.

According to my analysis of the astrological omens, it's excellent advice for you to embrace during the coming weeks. You're close to finding and accessing a mother lode of inspiration, and one of the best ways to ensure that happens in an optimal way is to make "I don't know" your mantra. In other words, be cheerfully devoted to shedding your certainties.

Lose your attachment to the beliefs and theories you tend to overly rely on. Make yourself as empty and clear and spacious as you possibly can.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini-born author Djuna Barnes (1892–1982) was a world traveler who wrote in several different genres, ranging from lesbian fiction to essays on boxing to plays that used poetic language. She was experimental and empirical and experiential. On one occasion, she voluntarily submitted to the force-feeding endured by hunger-striking suffragists so she could write about what it was like to be tortured. Another fun fact about Djuna: Every morning, she did up her hair and put her make-up on, then climbed into bed and wrote for many hours. In the coming weeks, Gemini, I recommend you draw inspiration from every aspect of her life—except the torture part, of course. The coming weeks will be a fine time to be versatile, exploratory, and committed to expressing yourself purely in whatever ways make you comfortably excited.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): As a Cancerian, you have a natural propensity to study and understand what author Margaret Atwood describes as "echoes and emptiness and shadow." I believe this aspect of your repertoire will be especially active and available to you in the coming weeks. For best results, regard your attunement to these echoes and emptiness and shadow as an asset, even a precious talent. Use it to discern what's missing or lost but could be recovered. Invoke it to help you navigate your way through murky or confusing situations. Call on it to help you see important things that are invisible to others.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): "Time can turn a scab into a beauty mark," said actor and screenwriter Nia Vardalos. That's a rousingly poetic speculation— and more metaphorically true than literally.

But I suspect that if it ever might have a useful and meaningful application to an actual human struggle, it will be yours in the coming months. In my view, you are in fact capable of harnessing the magic necessary to transform a wound into a lovely asset. Be bold and imaginative as you carry out this seemingly improbable feat—which is actually not improbable.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Would you like to boost your mental and physical health in the coming weeks? Try this: Immerse yourself in the understanding that you're interconnected with everything in the world. Tell yourself stories about how the atoms that compose your body have previously been part of many other things. This isn't just a poetic metaphor; it's scientific fact. Now study this passage by science writer Ella Frances Sanders: "The carbon inside you could have existed in any number of creatures or natural disasters before finding you. That particular atom residing somewhere above your left eyebrow? It could

© Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

well have been a smooth riverbed pebble before deciding to call you home. You are rock and wave and the peeling bark of trees, you are ladybirds and the smell of a garden after the rain."

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It's a favorable time to celebrate the fantastic privilege of being alive.

Are you willing to believe that? Will you cooperate with my intention to nudge you in the direction of elation and exaltation? Are you open to the possibility that miracles and epiphanies may be at hand for you personally? To help get yourself in the proper mood, read this passage by Libran author Diane Ackerman: "The great affair, the love affair with life, is to live as variously as possible, to groom one's curiosity like a high-spirited thoroughbred, climb aboard, and gallop over the thick, sunstruck hills every day."

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): '"Deciding to remember, and what to remember, is how we decide who we are," writes poet Robert Pinsky.

That's useful counsel for you right now, Scorpio.

You're entering a phase when you can substantially reframe your life story so that it serves you better.

And one of the smartest ways to do that is to take an inventory of the memories you want to emphasize versus the memories you'd like to minimize. Another good trick is to reinterpret challenging past events so that you can focus on how they strengthened you and mobilized your determination to be true to yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): "A person must dream a long time in order to act with grandeur," wrote Sagittarian author and activist Jean Genet.

"And dreaming is nursed in darkness." According to my analysis of your astrological omens, this is an apt description of what has been unfolding for you, Sagittarius—and will continue to play out for you in the next two weeks. If you're aligned with cosmic rhythms, you have been nursing your dreams in darkness—exploring and cultivating and learning from the raw creative energy that is simmering and ripening in your inner depths. Keep doing this important work, even if there are not yet any productive results. Eventually, it will enable you to "act with grandeur," as Genet said.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau said, "There are truths that one can only say after having won the right to say them." In my estimation, you have recently earned the right to express a fresh batch of scintillating and useful truths. Please do us all a favor and unveil them—preferably with both candor and tact. In behalf of everyone who will benefit from your insights, I'm sending you congratulations for the work you've had to do on yourself so as to win them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): "After you make a fool of yourself a few hundred times, you learn what works," testifies musician and singer Gwen Stefani. In my own life, I've had to make a fool of myself more than a few hundred times to learn what works. My number is closer to a thousand— and I'm still adding new examples on a regular basis. In the coming weeks, Aquarius, I highly recommend that you try what has served me and Gwen Stefani so well. You're entering a phase when your foolishness will generate especially useful lessons. Being innocent and wildly open-minded will also be very useful.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): "It is better to err on the side of daring than the side of caution," wrote author and futurist Alvin Toffler. While I hesitate to declare that idea to be absolutely and always true, I do recommend it to you in the coming weeks. Given the fact that you have recently been expanding possibilities and cultivating breakthroughs, I'd love to see you keep on pushing forward until you climax your momentum. To boost your courage, try to think of a crazy cry of exhilaration you might exclaim as you make your leaps, like "YAHOO!" or 'HELL YES!" or HERE I COME!"

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TRAVELTIPS&LOCAL HAPPENINGS4U

UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS

T

he Underwood Family Farms is a grower of a wide variety of fresh vegetable and fruits in Ventura County, California. They offer a wide variety of services and activities tailored for the entire family including pick-your-own produce, birthday parties at their Farm Animal Center, school tours, gift baskets (shipped anywhere in the United States,) and the Fall Harvest Festival in October.

Every day, the mission of their team is to cultivate a relationship between the customer and the farm. They do that through direct marketing of high quality produce and positive farm experiences while adhering to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

They encourage their visitors to ask questions and give them their feedback.

A frequent question is “are we organic?”

July 16 to July 22, 2020

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

MOORPARK, CA

On their farm, they practice a method of farming called sustainable agriculture. Using integrated pest management, compost and minimal pesticides, they are committed to growing healthy and flavorful product while also using the best farming practices.

You can visit them at either of their Farm Markets, located in Somis or our location in Moorpark, where you can purchase their field-fresh produce and say “hi” to their farm animals. You may also visit them at one of the 16 Certified Farmers’ Markets that they participate in throughout the week.

They invite you to discover more about Underwood Family Farms.

Hours: Sunday -Saturday 9AM - 6PM ONLY THEIR FARM MARKETS AND PICKYOUR-OWN FIELDS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FROM 9AM - 6PM DAILY. ADMISSION TO

THE FIELDS IS $5.00 PER PERSON DAILY TO HARVEST YOUR OWN PRODUCE. Social distancing and masks are required.

For more information visit www. underwoodfamilyfarms.

Think DayCation and Have Fun! Lynne Tucker A Passion 4 Photography 818.298.7007

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July 16 to July 22, 2020

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