Coachella Valley Weekly - August 17 to August 23, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 22

coachellavalleyweekly.com • August 17 to August 23, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 22

Krystofer Do

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AVSU

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Slo Burn

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The Doobie Brothers

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The Lunch Box

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

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CANNABIS COMMERCE IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

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 Domingo Winstead Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Morgan James, Avery Wood, Tricia Witkower Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Laura Hunt Little, Jason Hall, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Flint Wheeler, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Esther Sanchez, Angela Romeo, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS Cannabis Commer in the CV............... 3 CVEP Weighs in On Pot........................ 5 CV's 9 Cities.......................................... 6 Growers & Dispensaries...................... 8 Krystofer Do......................................... 9 AVSU Event Services.......................... 10 Slo Burn.............................................. 10 The Doobie Brothers......................... 11 Backstage Jazz................................... 11 Consider This- Fernando Perdomo... 12 Art Scene - Christine Lamb................ 13 Pet Place............................................. 14 The Vino Voice ................................... 15 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 16 Good Grub - The Lunch Box.............. 18 Screeners ........................................... 20 Book Review ...................................... 21 Safety Tips ..........................................21 Haddon Libby.................................... 22 Dale Gribow....................................... 23 Cannabis Corner................................ 24 Ask The Doctor................................... 25 Cannabis Corner................................ 25 Sports Scene...................................... 26 Beauty with Dr. Maria Lombardo..... 26 Mai Beauty......................................... 26 Free Will Astrology............................ 27 Mind, Body & Spirit........................... 27 Sex Talk............................................... 28 Life & Career Coach............................ 28

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he Coachella Valley is expanding its horizons.

Already a premiere destination and global hot spot, the CV can now include the cannabis industry as a draw. For residents and visitors, cannabis commerce, along with music and art, creates an ideal trifecta bringing leisure and entertainment to an all-new high.

Ahead of the curve, the CV is poised to be a part of the budding, large-scale marijuana market, creating new businesses, jobs and a flowering economy.

CASH CROP For Fiscal Year 2016 -17, Coachella Valley’s weed cities made over $2,400,000 in tax revenue!

Money generated in California last year from the legal cannabis industry is conservatively estimated to be $3.3 billion. Once adult consumption becomes openly legal January 1, 2018, that figure is expected to more than double within two years!

California is the eighth state in the country to legalize adult consumption, another 29 states allow for medicinal use -- often the first step to total marijuana legalization.

The Coachella Valley and several of its cities are reaping the benefits as the cannabis industry grows, blooms and blossoms locally.

THE FEDS Even with 37 states embracing some form of legal cannabis use and with other states following suit, the federal government still considers marijuana a “Controlled Substance” and a “Schedule 1” drug – a list that includes heroin, methamphetamine and LSD. The current administration has given no indication that it intends to move towards any form of decriminalization.

As influential as the state of California is, the federal government can still intervene in the state’s marijuana businesses if it so desires. And, as long as cannabis remains on the schedule one list, banking commerce, medical testing and university research remains illegal.

These factors complicate the industry and create significant risk for local governments and legitimate businesses.

Currently, CV cities are actively taking the opportunity to carve out legal space for the cannabis industry, hoping to fill city coffers with much needed tax revenue as well as provide employment opportunities for their residents.

TAKING ROOT Medicinal marijuana has been legal in the State of California since 1996 under Proposition 215 the “Compassionate Use Act.” The City of Palm Springs was the first in the valley to recognize the community’s need for medical cannabis and allowed marijuana dispensaries to operate as cooperatives and collectives.

Today, four of the nine cities permit medicinal cannabis businesses (See CVW Cannabis Cities).

Medical cardholders, or those with doctor recommendations, will still be able to purchase medicinal marijuana after “adult use consumption” becomes legally sold. Some cannabis products will only be available to medicinal users, and the medicinal cost will be at a lower price point.

All nine valley cities are in the process of having to establish parameters for the selling, growing or manufacturing of cannabis and its related products as total legalization approaches.

Whether a community will allow cannabis

within city limits or not, every city in the state is preparing for what comes next when marijuana is legal for adult consumption, or, commonly referred to as “recreational use” --for those age 21 and older.

THE MAN Governor Brown recently signed the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), which replaced and repealed elements of the separately written acts for medicinal and adult use.

Tweaking and combining the regulations together, the new act provides more controls, distribution of power, public safety and environmental protection, to name a few. The document is over fifty pages in length.

As it stands now, the lead state oversight agency will become the Bureau of Cannabis Control (formally Bureau of Marijuana control), which serves within the Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the State Department of Public Health.

Generally, MAUCRSA imposes the same requirements on both commercial medicinal and commercial adult-use cannabis activity, of course with some specific exceptions. Now licensing of all cannabis related businesses whether it’s selling, growing, processing, delivering, testing, or manufacturing will be under one roof.

As the laws are refined, local governments must wait and see how much authority or jurisdiction the state will continue to allow for licensing, enforcement and taxation.

PRIVATE STASH As for personal adult use, when Proposition 64 passed in November 2016, it allowed adults 21 years of age and older to possess, transport, process, purchase, obtain or give away no more than one ounce of dry cannabis or eight grams concentrated cannabis for non-medicinal purposes.

Adults can currently possess, grow, cultivate and harvest no more than six live plants in a private residence and locked area out of public view.

Those 21 years of age and older can use, obtain, manufacture or give away marijuana paraphernalia to people age 21 or older.

For now, smoking cannabis is restricted to private property. It cannot be used in any form 1,000 feet of schools, day care or youth centers unless it is a private residence and the smoke is undetectable to minors.

August 17 to August 23, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

Cannabis use and open containers of marijuana or paraphernalia while driving is prohibited just like alcohol. It’s illegal to consume while driving.

It is also illegal to manufacture concentrated cannabis -- a method to extract and produce oil that requires using a volatile solvent -- without a license. The CV has had numerous home fires recently where kitchen extraction has damaged property and endangered lives.

Beginning January 1, 2018, it becomes legal to purchase retail, non-medical marijuana, from a state licensed business.

However, before you line up at your neighborhood dispensary, the state must work out all the details. And there are many!

Dispensary owners do not anticipate licensing to be ready by the “legalized” date.

The deadline for the state to start issuing licenses to pot shops is January 1, subject to the Bureau of Cannabis Control. At this point, dispensaries can only sit and wait for state licensing to open.

HOME GROWN Combined revenue from three of the four weed cities for the Fiscal Year 2016-17 is $2,419,632 and that does not include city fees.

The Coachella Valley currently has a total of 24 operating dispensaries in Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs with 38 in the process of approval. (See Weed Map for location and listing.)

The City of Coachella, Cathedral City, and Desert Hot Springs currently have six operational cannabis cultivators with 113 in various stages of approval.

At this time, the three cultivating cities combined are actively approving the development or have working facilities that total 9,129,234 square feet, or just over 209 acres, for the purpose of growing and manufacturing cannabis and cannabis related products. That is a fraction of the total available land and doesn’t include unlicensed, private, small-scale growers.

Building a platform for the cannabis industry to thrive within the cities has taken considerable effort. City council members and staff have worked diligently to ensure success for those choosing to open canna-businesses in their towns.

The City of Desert Hot Springs requires all canna-businesses hire 20 percent of their workforce from within the local community.

California’s legal canna-business is attracting continue to page 5

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CANNABIS continued from page 3

global interest and industry frontrunners.

Without being able to borrow or obtain lines of credit from US banks, cash-flush entrepreneurs, speculators, and developers have literally secured private seed money to build state-of-the-art grow facilities, cannabis industrial centers and planned business parks in CV cities.

While many other small communities across the state hope to establish canna-businesses as a way to generate badly needed tax revenue, the Coachella Valley stands apart.

With easy accesses to major transportation corridors -- trains, planes and automobiles – a

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well-established hospitality and agriculture industry, local labor force, large swaths of relatively inexpensive undeveloped land, and a globally recognized hip moniker, the Coachella Valley is an ideal location.

BUDDING INDUSTRY As more and more entrepreneurs choose the welcoming cities of the CV to start cannabusinesses, what may make the most difference in the lives of those who live in the CV are the ancillary businesses required to support cannacommerce.

Like any other agri-business, marijuana growers require supplies such as pots, soil,

GROWING LIKE A WEED: COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP WEIGHS IN ON POT

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he marijuana industry is taking root here in the Coachella Valley. Cannabis businesses are popping up in four valley cities creating jobs, tax revenue and adding to the vibrant, hip Coachella brand.

The growing, selling, and manufacturing of cannabis and cannabis related products is highly profitable and with adult consumption legalized in the State of California, it is likely to further flourish when it can be purchased over the counter sometime next year.

The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) is a local organization dedicated to enhancing the regions’ economic strength and status through business promotion, collaborative industry, job training and education. CVEP has taken note, and is watching, anticipating, the economic impact the canna-commerce will have in our valley.

“CVEP has been doing research on the wider impacts of the cannabis industry,” said Joe Wallace, President, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership. “There is more to the cannabis industry than just cannabis.”

The cannabis industry is something CVEP has considered in its “efforts to achieve economic vitality for the region,” which is an important part of its mission.

“The move to legalize cannabis seems to be expanding and that may increase demand for cannabis based products,” said Wallace.

Citing one example, Wallace shared how Mobile Farming Inc. moved from producing food to cannabis.

Mobile Farming Inc., a container agriculture business, was the first company admitted to the Palm Springs iHub, an accelerator campus, which Wallace helped launch, and is affiliated with CVEP. According to Wallace, Mobile Farming Inc. is now Cultivation Technologies and is planning a large marijuana grow facility in Coachella.

“At the time, they were primarily using the shipping container grow units for high value

food products like lettuce and peppers,” said Wallace. “To that extent, CVEP and the iHub are responsible for the initial presence of this group of entrepreneurs in the Coachella Valley. They seem to have moved on to a more lucrative agricultural product.”

The Coachella Valley’s leading industry is tourism, generating $4 billion a year. Agriculture is next with almost $1 billion in revenue.

In working to understand the nature of the canna-business and its potential fiscal impact, CVEP has spoken with community leaders in the State of Colorado -- the first state to make adult consumption legal.

“Any impact from the sales of cannabis products will be heavily impacted by how many other regions decide to jump on the cannabis bandwagon,” said Wallace. “There is the potential for massive oversupply if a substantial number of California cities go all in on cannabis.

A contact in Colorado has disclosed that some strains of cannabis have seen price decreases by as much as 75 percent in just two years.”

However, for cannabis users, medicinal or otherwise, lower prices might be considered a good thing, and could deter black market marijuana sales.

Last July, when Nevada allowed legal adult consumption sales over-the-counter, Las Vegas product quickly sold out.

Fifty dispensaries were unable to supply enough marijuana to meet the demand of their customers. The Governor called for a “statement of emergency” to allow more dispensaries to be licensed!

Here in the Coachella Valley there are 24 dispensaries already open and another 38 following suit in the next several months.

Cultivators are digging in with six growing facilities operating 24/7 with another 113 working daily to get up and running.

The local cannabis industry is on track to create jobs and employment opportunities for valley residents over the next decade.

fertilizer, etcetera, and rely on local utilities like water and electricity.

There is a multitude of canna-products made from the flower.

The oil from the weed is significant because it is used in so many medicinal and edible products. Refining and distilling the multifacetted marijuana plant compounds to obtain or extract the oils or cannabinoids (CBDs and THC) requires significant equipment and expertise for large-scale production.

Besides real estate needs and agricultural suppliers, there are legal demands, product packaging, IT requirements, creative marketing, skilled management positions, security details, tour opportunities, cannabis schools, testing labs, paraphernalia providers and so on. Each comes with another subset of jobs -technicians, artists, printers, drivers, secretaries, accountants, cleaning companies and so, so much more.

Like any successful industry, local cannacommerce is poised to generate more work for the surrounding area.

HIGH HOPES As cannabis growers dig in, they hope to be able to meet the demand when adult

August 17 to August 23, 2017 consumers begin purchasing canna-products over the counter.

After adult consumption was legalized in Nevada, Las Vegas adult users hit the dispensaries, and product sold out faster than expected.

Local growers intend to refine cannabusiness practices and create more consistent artisanal strains that will appeal to a wider market of discerning consumers.

Dispensaries expect to continue building their businesses to meet the needs of their clientele whether it’s medicinal or adult use.

The valley’s canna-cities are certainly enthusiastic about generating tax revenue for their communities, and are equally excited about the wide-range of potential jobs for their residents.

California is one of the largest economies in the world and it’s about to become even bigger.

The Coachella Valley is poised to be a significant player in the state, country and global cannabis market.

What wine is to the Napa Valley, cannabis can surely be to the Coachella Valley.

BY HEIDI SIMMONS No person or any organization has been able to say what the potential economic and fiscal impact may be to the valley as cannacommerce buds.

“It is too preliminary to speculate about with any accuracy,” said Wallace. “The one thing that is certain about any ten year projection at this point in time is that it will not be correct.”

As of now, four of the nine cities are allowing some form of canna-business. After adult consumption goes into effect in January, more valley cities will consider allowing cannabis operations whether it’s a neighborhood dispensary or cultivation in designated industrial areas. (See CVW Cannabis Cities.)

“One question is how much of the demand is already being met in the illegal market,” said Wallace. “The size of the cannabis market will most certainly grow with legalization, but the amount of growth may not be as high -- no pun intended -- as some are expecting.”

As with any industry, there are the ancillary businesses that serve it, creating more opportunity for valley residents.

“Every grow operation involves commercial real estate, light delivery, fertilizer management, water delivery and management, packaging and logistics,” said Wallace. “This is where the better jobs will be and this is where the opportunity for economic vitality really lies.”

Currently, CVEP does not have any cannabis entrepreneurs on their board or as investors.

“We have spoken with a few and attended a seminar in Desert Hot Springs,” said Wallace.

“At this point in time, we do not have any ‘ganjapreneurs’ on our board or in the iHub program.”

In November, CVEP will hold its annual “Greater Palm Springs Economic Summit” where the organization highlights and summarizes the economic status and looks ahead at the needs and changes here in the valley.

“Expert speakers on this topic with experience backing them are hard to find,” said Wallace. “I think in the future there is a

certainty that it will be addressed but this year may be too early.”

The organization has yet to decide if it will include the cannabis industry on the agenda at the summit.

So for now, CVEP may wait and watch, as the valley’s local cannabis industry puts down roots.

With the addition of a potentially prosperous cannabis industry, the CV’s popularity and economic status is also growing.

In fact, anything “Coachella” now has a wider brand value.

It has yet to be determined if the Coachella Valley’s emerging cannabis commerce will be considered part of the valley’s agriculture or tourism industries. Or both. And, how will cannabis further shape the valley’s economy?

Could cannabis one day become the valley’s most lucrative industry?

“Cannabis is illegal at the federal level, so there are issues with bank transactions and transport of products across state lines,” said Wallace. “It will take many years for this to stabilize and reach a level of being a mature and predictable business model. The time when there may be a drive up window where the fast food worker asks, ‘Would you like a joint with that’ is many years into the future.”

But for some, the future is already here.

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THE CANNABIS COMMUNITY: CV’S NINE CITY SUMMARIES

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s one of the first areas in the country to embrace a cannabis industry that allows the selling, growing and manufacturing of marijuana and its products, valley cities prepare for a future where marijuana is legal, not only for medicinal purposes, but also for adult consumption.

With local dispensaries and a growing number of cultivators, the valley anticipates a thriving canna-commerce that potentially can create jobs, provide badly needed tax revenue and bolster the economy.

The Coachella Valley consists of nine contiguous cities in about 675 square miles. Its population varies during the year. During the summer, resilient residents number around 200,000. As the temperature declines, the population increases quadrupling to almost 800,000 in winter months.

Beyond the additional snowbirds, tourism adds another 3.5 million annually to CV communities.

In January 2018, adult consumption becomes legal. Anyone age 21 or older will be able to purchase marijuana from a state licensed dispensary.

Cities are actively taking a position to either participate or not in the valley’s blossoming industry.

Following is a current cannabis snapshot of all CV cities. The summary includes how each city intends to navigate adult consumption and State legalization, and provides revenue totals for those engaged in cannabis commerce.

------------------------------------------------PALM SPRINGS The City of Palm Springs ordinance allowing medical cannabis cooperatives and collectives to operate legally was adopted March 2014.

“It is very important to our City Council that the City of Palm Springs be prepared for the state-wide legalization of adult use cannabis as of this coming January 1st,” said Robert Moon, Palm Springs Mayor. “We want to ensure that all cannabis businesses in Palm Springs meet strict operational, quality and safety guidelines in every aspect of the manufacturing, testing, packaging, distribution and safeguarding of cannabis products for both medical use and personal adult use.”

Dispensaries The city currently has six permitted medical cannabis cooperatives and collectives. Palm Springs has no set limit for dispensaries.

Unlicensed cannabis businesses operating in the city have been subject to enforcement.

The City has pursued a variety of actions in regard to unlicensed dispensaries through staff and legal counsel.

“Palm Springs has taken a leadership approach in thoroughly and meticulously preparing our City for the impending legal sale of adult use cannabis, just as we were leaders in the area of medical cannabis,” said Moon.

The city’s comprehensive new ordinance was passed in July.

“The City Council recently adopted (i) an update to Chapter 5.45 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, covering medical cannabis related businesses and activities,” said Edward Kotkin, Palm Springs City Attorney. “Making that chapter consistent with State law adopted since its original approval, and (ii) a new chapter of the Code (5.55) regulating adult-use cannabis businesses.”

The ordinances will be effective this month.

“However, no new permits will be issued

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under either Chapter 5.45 or Chapter 5.55 unless the cannabis tax ballot measure that the City Council placed before the voters July 26 is approved on November 7, 2017,” said Kotkin. “Further, no adult-use permits will issue prior to January 1, 2018. In the interim, the City anticipates that many cannabis businesses will apply to lawfully do business in Palm Springs. It’s unknown how many proposed dispensaries will be in the applicant pool.”

Through the new ordinance, the city has also set in place stringent specifications for cannabis testing laboratories.

“The safety and security of our residents and guests is always our first priority,” said Moon.

Since the 2014 inception of city allowed cannabis sales, nearly $4.5 million -- from all taxed entities -- has been generated. Fiscal Year 2016-17 was almost $1.5 million “Palm Springs’ six collectives/cooperatives are the only cannabis businesses currently generating tax revenue in the city,” said Kotkin.

Cultivation The city allows for cannabis cultivation.

“The only parties that cultivate in the City are among the permitted cooperatives/ collectives,” said Kotkin. “My understanding is that four of the permitted six cooperatives/ collectives are engaged in cultivation activity.”

The city’s revenue figures for dispensaries and cultivation function together and are not tallied separately.

At this time, the city does not have financial projections regarding its future cannabis industry.

“There will no doubt be considerable expense to the City in the enforcement and regulation of expanded cannabis manufacturing, testing and distribution,” said Moon. “The tax revenue from the cannabis industry is intended to cover those costs as well as provide important additional tax revenue which will be applied toward the general operations of our city.”

As city attorney, Kotkin, cannot speak to the challenges city staff has when it comes to working with the cannabis businesses.

“I can tell you that State law has been a moving target,” said Kotkin. “The Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), signed by the Governor on June 27, 2017, reconciles various inconsistent provisions, and provides more certainty than cities have enjoyed in the past. The State’s regulations for the cannabis industry remain a work-in-progress.”

The City Council will be taking further action regarding legal use for adult consumption in

the coming months.

According to Kotkin, Palm Springs anticipates and welcomes significant growth in cannabis industry activity within city-limits.

“The cannabis industry in the City of Palm Springs will hopefully expand and evolve to its full potential, and constitute a significant element of the City’s commercial and economic prosperity,” said Kotkin.

“With the rising costs of employee pensions, public safety, and city infrastructure maintenance, this additional revenue will be very important to contributing to the continued success and growth of Palm Springs,” said Moon.

------------------------------------------------CATHEDRAL CITY According to City Manager Charles McClendon, the ordinance allowing limited cannabis businesses was adopted in August of 2014.

“The first of the current suite of ordinances, which now regulate the businesses in Cathedral City, was adopted in January of 2016 and the City began accepting applications on April 1, 2016,” said McClendon.

“Cathedral City is well positioned to address the needs of the emerging cannabis industry,” said Mayor Stan Henry. “Voters in California including Cathedral City have overwhelmingly supported the use, taxation and regulation of medical cannabis and once again, have authorized the same requirements for recreational use of cannabis.”

Dispensaries Eleven Dispensaries are open and operational in the city.

Twenty applications include a dispensary facility component. Five Dispensaries have been approved are in the “Tenant Improvement Stage.” Three Dispensaries are licensed and awaiting Conditional Use Permit approval. One Dispensary is awaiting various conditions.

No additional dispensary applications will be accepted in Cathedral City for the area south of Interstate 10.

In Fiscal Year 2015-16 the tax collected totaled $46,881. For Cathedral City’s FY 201617, the City received $300,622 in cannabis taxes from dispensaries.

With only one dispensary and lacking a complete year, Cathedral City does not yet have an annual total. But, for the FY 201718, the city assumes it will collect $600,000 in taxes from dispensaries.

Cultivation There are two cultivations sites currently operating in the city, both run by PS Collective.

Sunniva, a Canadian company with nearly 20 acres for large-scale cultivation within

BY HEIDI SIMMONS city limits, just had its architectural plans approved last week.

The city’s applications with a cultivation component number 59, which total 470,000 square feet for cultivation, processing and manufacturing.

Of the total applicants, 20 are licensed and have an approved Conditional Use Permit, while 28 are licensed and are awaiting action on their CUP. Annexed to its north, between Desert Hot Springs and Thousand Palms, Cathedral City has approximately 3,000 acres, of which conservatively 1,500 acres could potentially provide light industrial space serving the cannabis industry.

As of now, Cathedral City has no limit for cultivators.

Through April 2017, operating growers in the city have paid $32,818 in cultivation taxes.

The city has no history on cultivation taxes, since none has been open for a full year.

However, the FY 2017-18 budget assumes, plus or minus $600,000, for cultivation and manufacturing tax revenue.

Financial Projections The city’s future financial projections for the coming FY2017-18 budget assumes $1.25 million in all marijuana taxes and the FY18-19 assumes $2.5 million.

“The City has established regulations that have evolved over a short amount of time to properly regulate the industry from seed to sale,” said Henry. “We mandate enhanced security, latest fire suppression technology, odor filtration systems, and building structures that are aesthetically pleasing from the curbside to the office cubicles.”

In return, the cannabis industry has responded eagerly improving and redeveloping the city’s industrial areas, bringing them into the 21st century.

“The most significant challenge to date regarding the city’s cannabis business has been the demands on staff time to complete the application, background check and CUP processes, the building and fire inspections required prior to the business opening, and the on-going code enforcement inspections and financial audits,” said McClendon.

As legalization of adult consumption approaches beginning next year, the City Council is considering code amendments in the upcoming weeks to allow adult use sales at businesses licensed by the City.

“The anticipated growth in revenue to the city is partially based on increases resulting from adult use,” said McClendon. “It appears that there continues to be strong demand for locations that are appropriate for cultivation and manufacturing.”

The City Council has acted to allow the businesses in a strongly regulated environment as part of a strategy to diversify the economic and tax base of the community.

“Our hope is that the revenue to the City will continue to grow and further support services to all in the community,” said McClendon. “It is also hoped that the industry can be a source of good paying jobs close to home for people in our city.”

“Best of all, our residents gain by having access to medical cannabis locally, good paying cannabis jobs that offer great employee benefits, and a new stream of tax revenue for city parks, additional public safety personnel, and improvements to our roads and bridges,” said Henry.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com DESERT HOT SPRINGS In November 2014, Desert Hot Springs voters passed two measures approving the selling and cultivation of marijuana.

“The city approved an ordinance which opened up a process by which medical marijuana businesses -- dispensaries and cultivators -- could get entitlements to operate within the city,” said Scott Taschner, Senior Planner, City of Desert Hot Springs.

Dispensaries Currently, the city has seven dispensaries operating, and another five approved with four more completing the application process.

Desert Hot Springs is no longer accepting applications for dispensaries.

“The city has a healthy budget and after very tough financial times five years ago, we are on the right track,” said Scott Matas, Desert Hot Springs Mayor.

Since enacting the ordinance, total tax revenue from dispensaries is $725,711 and for Fiscal Year 2016-17 cannabis sales generated $518,990.

Looking ahead, the city anticipates a five percent increase estimating the revenue from the dispensaries in FY 2017-18 to generate $544,939.

Cultivation Regarding cannabis cultivation, Desert Hot Springs has no limit on growing or manufacturing operations. Nearly ten million square feet have been dedicated to the canna-businesses with more undeveloped land available if the city should decide to expand the growing zone.

“We are receiving applications for cultivation facilities every week,” said Taschner. “We now have 60 proposed developments for cultivation, 36 of which have been approved by the City Council and the rest in various stages of the application process.”

The city allows cannabis cultivation only in the light Industrial or “I-L” zone where growers are subject to discretionary review and approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CPU).

Currently, the city has three growers in operation - Canndescent, Clonetics and San Jacinto Facilities -- with four more to open in the next months.

Desert Hot Springs’ cultivation revenue since the first growers began last year is $172,019. For the FY 2017-18 the city anticipates revenue upwards to $250,000.

“It’s hard to project the revenues generated by cannabis until the state issues licenses. We are all waiting to see how many businesses will be awarded regulatory permits from the state, in January 2018, so that we can be more confident in the projects of revenue in the future,” said Matas. “But if the numbers of developments in the process of CUPs and Development Agreements (DA) are awarded regulatory permits, I can predict the city council will be able to strengthen public safety, add much needed services and enhance much needed infrastructure.”

The city’s finance department is in the process of updating its projection for the midyear budget review in January.

However, when the issue was before voters, the city estimated the cannabis industry could eventually generate $20 millions in tax revenue annually.

The influx of cannabis businesses has created challenges for city personnel. One of the greatest, according to Taschner is “Keeping up -- processing, reviewing -- the large influx of applications with a short-handed staff.”

The City of Desert Hot Springs is actively working on addressing modifications once adult consumption becomes legal in the State of California and anticipates the cannabis industry will evolve.

“The percentage of cultivation vs. manufacturing/extraction is changing,” said Taschner. “There appears to be a shift from eighty percent cultivation to twenty percent manufacturing. Our clients say that in the next five years that may switch to more like 50/50 or even more - towards manufacturing.”

Regarding the city’s local cannabis industry, Taschner said: “I want to see our clients and their projects be successful.”

That success is already trickling into the community. Desert Hot Springs requires all cannabis businesses to hire 20 percent of their employees from within the city.

The city has collected over a million dollars in revenue from the cannabis industry in the past fiscal year -- two-thirds of that amount is from one-time development fees. With the new businesses producing significant tax revenue over the next fiscal year, Matas believes DHS can project at least a million dollars in annual direct tax revenue.

“Desert Hot Springs has always struggled with industry-based businesses,” said Matas.

“The cannabis industry has changed that for the city and as development continues, we are confident that the revenues will be strong and strengthen our future budgets for the benefit of all.”

------------------------------------------------COACHELLA The City of Coachella adopted ordinances in January 2016 to allow zoning regulations for medical cannabis cultivation and processing.

As of now, there is no plan to allow dispensaries in the city limits.

Currently, there is only one cannabusiness in Coachella, which is Del-Gro. The company has a temporary medicinal cannabis cultivation facility in operation that processes marijuana to extract its potent oil. Del-Gro’s permanent facility is under construction at the same location. (See CVW Weed Map) Del-Gro intends to cultivate its own marijuana for processing and extraction.

Cannabis oil is used as a key ingredient in many medicinal and edible marijuana products.

The city has designated approximately 320 acres of industrial land for future cannabis cultivation facility development.

“We anticipate about 75 percent of this territory -- approximately 240 acres, or 240 individually-licensed facilities -- to be in operation over the next several years,” said Luis Lopez, Development Services Director.

The city’s has eight cannabis related projects in development that when completed will be over 5,000,000 square feet.

The Coachella municipal code requires the city council to adopt a resolution setting the maximum number of licenses to be issued citywide.

“At this time, before the city council adopts a city-wide limit, the city is waiting to see what the new state guidelines will offer in terms of setting over-concentration limitations for cannabis cultivation facilities,” said Lopez.

Coachella’s approved projects are expected to generate between $3 million and $6 million annually in excise taxes.

“The cannabis businesses have caused industrial land values to escalate, which may price out other industries who may now have to locate elsewhere. It has also created a need for a major infrastructure expansion of the region’s electrical utility,” said Lopez.

But, Lopez hopes the cannabis industry will create an employment hub for the city’s residents, and generate needed revenues to pay for essential city services.

“The cannabis industry has brought a steady stream of industrial development, investors and businessmen to consider building and opening new cannabis related businesses in the City of Coachella,” said Lopez.

“The cannabis industry will allow our local economy to grow and provide residents with jobs and opportunities for learning new skills,” said Lopez.

------------------------------------------------INDIO According to PJ Gagajena, Administrative Services Manager, the City of Indio does not allow the sale, growing or manufacturing of medical cannabis, nor does it intend to, once legal adult consumption begins.

Further, no cannabis delivery is allowed in the city at this time.

“The City of Indio is committed to maintaining and improving the quality of life for our residents, visitors and businesses,” said Gagajena.

------------------------------------------------INDIAN WELLS The city of Indian Wells does not allow the sale, growing or manufacturing of medical cannabis.

Nor does the city allow marijuana delivery.

“As it pertains to private cultivation of marijuana, to the extent State law prohibits a local jurisdiction from prohibiting private cultivation of marijuana for personal use, then the City has a permitting process to ensure such cultivation is done so in compliance with health and safety code requirements,” said David Gassaway, Indian Wells, Community Development Director.

The city is processing the morphing state requirements.

“Like with all communities and regions in the state, the creation of this new industry will have wide ranging impacts on the Valley,” said Gassaway. “Determining whether those impacts are positive, negative, or a combination thereof, will take time.”

------------------------------------------------LA QUNITA The City of La Quinta does not currently allow the sale, growing, or manufacturing of medical cannabis.

“Unlike other surrounding areas, La Quinta doesn’t have an industrial area that is typically used for these types of sales and productions,” said Gilert Villalpando, Business Analyst for the City of La Quinta.

Cannabis delivery was approved April 2017. A delivery permit is required and the city has information and forms on its website.

“The City does have an Ad Hoc Committee that reviewed and recommended allowing medical cannabis delivery to patients,” said Villalpando. “The Committee consists of 2 Councilmembers, residents, business operators, and staff. We will have future meetings to review other possible opportunities.”

The city is staying on top of state developments pertaining to legal marijuana.

“The industry has slowly grown after Proposition 215, The Compassionate Use Act of 1996, was approved by the voters. The slow growth continues to bring new jobs to the valley which also brings new residents,” said Villalpando. “The passing of Proposition 64 Adult Use of Marijuana Act adds another opportunity cities can be a part of. La

August 17 to August 23, 2017 Quinta will continue to work with residents and business operators to develop a plan beneficial for the community.”

------------------------------------------------PALM DESERT The current Palm Desert ordinance prohibits all medical cannabis operations and deliveries in the City.

However, with legal adult consumption on the horizon, the city intends to allow cannabis businesses in the next 18 months.

“In 2016, a ‘Cannabis Committee’ was formed to explore language for a draft ordinance that would permit cannabisrelated businesses within the City,” said Eric Ceja, Principal Planner for the City of Palm Desert. “A draft ordinance regulating cannabis businesses was prepared, and on June 23, 2017, the committee recommended moving the ordinance forward through the public hearing process.”

As prepared, the ordinance would allow cannabis businesses in Palm Desert through the Conditional Use Permit process subject to certain requirements, including: that cannabis businesses obtain a State license from the Bureau of Cannabis Control; that businesses are not within 600 feet of a school or daycare; and that cannabis businesses are located at least 1,500 feet away from other cannabis businesses.

“Retail and dispensary uses would be permitted in all retail commercial areas of the city, while manufacturing, cultivation, distribution, and transportation would be allowed only in the City’s Service Industrial zoning districts,” said Ceja.

“Palm Desert is the retail center of the Coachella Valley and as such the draft ordinance would allow retail/dispensary cannabis uses in the City’s retail commercial centers, subject to permit and operational requirements,” said Ceja.

“However, the City has very limited industrial space, most of which is not equipped for large scale cultivation or distribution. The draft ordinance that will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council addresses the voter approved Adult Use of Marijuana Act and tailors it to Palm Desert’s unique circumstances and character.”

“The ordinance would allow for all types of cannabis businesses permitted by the State while establishing strict operational and separation guidelines to limit impacts to surrounding properties,” said Ceja. “It is anticipated that the ordinance will come before the City Council for its consideration in late August.”

------------------------------------------------RANCHO MIRAGE The commercial sale, growing, and/or manufacturing of cannabis products are not permitted in the City of Rancho Mirage.

However, according to Brian Kephart, Senior Code Compliance Officer, State law will allow for residents to grow a limited number of marijuana plants.

Cannabis deliveries are allowed from distributors outside of the City, pursuant to a City issued delivery (business) license.

“There have been no discussions about allowing cannabis businesses even once adult consumption is legal,” said Kephart.

Asked to comment on the cannabis industry as it pertains to the Rancho Mirage community and larger valley, Kephart had no comment relative to marijuana and its businesses.

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

LOCAL BUSINESS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY RICH HENRICH

GROWERS AND DISPENSARIES CONTEMPLATE THE INDUSTRY CHANGES FOR MARIJUANA UNDER PROP 64

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ccording to The Origins of Cannabis Prohibition in California by Dale H. Gieringer, California led the states as a national leader in the war on narcotics, outlawing marijuana in 1913. This law was passed as an obscure amendment, to the state’s Poison Law by the California Board of Pharmacy, an aggressive leader in the anti-narcotics campaign.

In 1875, San Francisco, inspired by anti-Chinese sentiment adopted the first known anti-narcotics law in the nation to suppress opium dens. This was later instituted by the state legislature in 1881. By 1907, seven years prior to the U.S. Congress restricting the sale of narcotics through the Harrison Act, the State Board of Pharmacy amended the poison laws once again to prohibit the sale of opium, marijuana, morphine and cocaine without a doctor’s prescription. Then the raids began, undercover agents and informants were employed and soon the criminalization of users as the Board flaunted its power with wellpublicized raids on Chinese “dope-dens” and “dope-peddling” pharmacists. These early tactics soon became the standard for drug enforcement.

The U.S. Government then passed the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, outlawing “marihuana” at a national level.

Now, over one hundred years have passed and with it a new law that will allow for recreational use of marijuana. California Proposition 64, the California Marijuana Legalization Initiative (also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act… adult is defined as an individual 21 years of age or older) was passed on November 8, 2016. The initiative passed with 57% voter approval and allowed for immediate growth and possession of marijuana. However, people will not have the ability to legally purchase nonmedical marijuana until the State issues licenses to stores. The State has until January 1, 2018 to begin issuing retail licenses. Officials estimate it will take up to a year to develop the regulations that will be placed upon those businesses that grow, sell, test, and transport marijuana. You will not be able to smoke in public unless a local ordinance allows it but still must follow laws in place, the state laws already prohibit smoking tobacco in places such as restaurants, theaters or within 1,000 feet of a school, youth center or day care facility.

According to a University of California Agricultural Issues Center study, California could see a $5 billion dollar boon to the economy with current sales of medical marijuana at $2 billion annually. Marijuana will be strongly regulated by the state for anyone desiring to grow or sell marijuana. It will also be taxed by the state and possibly municipalities, cities and counties. Prop 64 allows the state to impose a 15% excise tax on the retail sale and a cultivation tax of $9.25 per ounce for flowers and $2.75 per ounce for leaves.

Cities and counties will have the ability to impose their own taxes as well. It is important to note that medical marijuana patients would be exempt from paying sales tax. State officials estimate the taxes could generate up to $1 billion annually to be used for various expenses including running the program and enforcing its regulation as well as the study of the impact of Prop 64 on issues including health and safety. Still questions remain.

Locally, we have gone through similar phases, transitions and challenges and while no one can predict exactly the outcome, several of the Coachella Valley’s cannabis businesses are hopeful that the passage of Prop 64 will be a benefit to those seeking access to the medicine, but there are several concerns over policing and enforcement of

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those participating in illegal dispensing or delivery of cannabis. President of Operations at Desert Hot Springs based Inland Valley Therapeutic Health Center (IVTHC), Abe Robbin, says he is “not a fan of 64” stating his thoughts on what is to come for the industry is more uncertainty than celebration.

“The way (the law) was written is not very clear and can be misleading on several aspects,” he says. “A lot of people think they can do what they want and buy it anywhere or smoke it where ever.

That’s not accurate. I’ve seen shops open up and advertise that they are Prop 64 compliant. What does that even mean? There needs to be more specifics on the recreational side on how you can purchase. The way (Prop 64) was written, too much information is missing,” he stresses. He fears that for those individuals and businesses who have worked hard to be licensed and to pay taxes and work with the cities to not only be compliant but to work together for deeper understanding and community benefit, that Prop 64 could have some negative impact on the existing businesses as well as the city not receiving the taxes from pop up shops that do not understand the laws. “There just isn’t enough representation in 64 and that’s going to lead to lots of misunderstandings and a lot of misinformed people. From the tax side of things, there isn’t enough clear information to define how much tax is to be paid and how much is going back to schools for education,” he states with obvious concern. “There are too many illegal shops and delivery services opening up without a clue. This will need to be policed and enforced more.”

Gary Cherlin, President of Desert Organic Solutions, one of the first medicinal marijuana dispensaries legally sanctioned by the City of Palm Springs back in 2010, says he expects to see substantial growth in the industry with the passage of Prop 64. “I feel we are well positioned for the growth that is about to come from the recreational side of the business. Our billboards along the freeway will be attracting more business for sure. “We are already receiving numerous calls every day, but we have to turn the business away.

A lot of people calling don’t realize they still need a state issued license,” he says with anticipation. He believes Prop 64 will create a tremendous growth for not just his business, but the industry as well.

“I was reading an article in Forbes (magazine) and the report from New Frontier Data projects the legal cannabis industry will create over a quarter of a million jobs! That’s more than manufacturing, government or the utility industry will create!”

The February 22, 2017 Forbes article (Marijuana Industry Projected To Create More Jobs Than Manufacturing By 2020) goes on to state that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS says that by 2024 manufacturing jobs are

expected to decline by 814,000, utilities will lose 47,000 jobs and government jobs will decline by 383,000. This dovetails with data that suggests the fastest-growing industries are all healthcare related. He sees the changes in the law as a likely boost to the economy that can help stabilize the seasonal nature of many tourism based jobs across the valley.

Mr. Cherlin would like to see the public continue to be educated on the benefits of the medicine and the industry as a whole. “If you look at the studies, there is less crime in places that have legalized medicinal and recreational. I hope more states adopt the legalization of both.

All across the country, states are having major issues with opiates (addiction and abuse) but in all the states with legalization, opiate use and abuse is significantly down,” he says based on his research on the topic. “People are becoming more aware of the true medical aspects of cannabis.

I really want to encourage people to do more research, the benefits of CBD oil, (CBD hemp oil is made from high-CBD, low-THC hemp, unlike medical marijuana products, which are usually made from plants with high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Because hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, these hemp oil products do not have the “high” associated with marijuana). “You don’t have to get high for the benefits,” he states.

As CEO of PSA Organica, a medical marijuana dispensary in Palm Springs (managed by her brother), Julie Montante wants to keep the focus on the medicine and helping those that need access to the medicinal marijuana. “Legalizing recreational marijuana allows more people to have access to the highest grade, tested marijuana. It insures more people can heal and feel better.

With illegal delivery services and dispensaries, people do not have that security to know the product has been tested. I welcome everyone to come to PSA Organica to learn and ask questions, even if they are not buying. Our budtenders are extremely knowledgeable and eager to educate,” she says. She also noted that in January delivering marijuana without a license will become a felony.

Montante does not see the addition of more dispensaries as a benefit to the community. “There is only so much population and the businesses don’t need to have the current volume diminished.

We need to continue to support the businesses that have been here for the community,” she stresses. Montante says she would like to see the laws relax and allow more people to get the medicine they need and especially for anyone using opiates to be able to get off the drug and get the help they need with the support of marijuana.

“Pills are not healthy for the liver and the rate of abuse and addiction of opiates continues to climb in our state. Medical marijuana has been able to be used to assist in helping people get off of these drugs. With recreational marijuana, more

people will have access to the medicine that they need.” She believes that dispensaries are critical to community health and need to give back as much as possible to the community. “I’m tired of the people going on shows and talking about the money (in this industry), it is about helping and healing.”

As for the growers interest, Ben Levine, CEO of Del-Gro, a $33 million dollar manufacturing and cultivation facility in the City of Coachella says he has some concerns about the Governor’s Trailer Bill legislation that may impact Type 1 and Type 2 licenses. His facilities are rented out to other growers with strong vetting process and support by Del-Gro to help the independent growers succeed. “Right now, businesses will be grandfathered in before December 31st, but after that it is currently not known. This could impact our ability to rent to future growers. It is definitely putting a rush on us and there is a bit of uncertainty that we have to operate under,” says the head of one of the biggest facilities in North America. He notes that Coachella Mayor Steven Fernandez, the Council, City Manager and the City Planner have all been incredible to work with on this project and he has confidence that they will continue to work through whatever challenges may be ahead as the las shakes out. He adds that Coachella’s leadership has a vision that he is fortunate to be a part of and is very optimistic for what is to come in the next few years in Coachella.

“This Mayor and the Council recognize the sensitivity the issues surrounding the Trailer Bill and the unique opportunity we have to help build this project as part of the future for Coachella,” he says. “Enforcement will be key to the health of this industry. We definitely vet our tenets with background checks and check their financials as well. We should be lobbying for more Conditional Use Permits and those working with cities to be screened or already permitted should be given priority at the state level. We want to encourage those businesses that are conducting their businesses in a professional manner and striving to grow better product and protect consumers,” he adds.

As other states experience growing pains, California can learn from states like Colorado and Nevada, who recently legalized recreational marijuana and ran out of supply quickly due to the high demand. In Colorado, the increase in the number of licenses seems to not dilute the market but meet the increased demand for access. Indeed, the second California Gold Rush is upon us and with opportunity comes regulation to hopefully foster growth and not hinder business nor access to medical marijuana.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

August 17 to August 23, 2017

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

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LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

August 17 to August 23, 2017

BY MORGAN JAMES

KRYSTOFER DO: EP RELEASE PARTY

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ith the energy and drive of a shining star in the making, plus the incredibly engaging talent to support it, Krystofer Do entertains with enthusiastic charisma. Watching him careen about the stage, crooning a captivating melody, one would assume that Do has been performing for years, a consummate professional.

Encouraged by his father as a youth to pursue singing, Krystofer began studying Michael Jackson and performing impersonations.

Though this skillful artist was heavily influenced by the King of Pop and helped by talented teachers and band mates along his path, Do has evolved into his own confident, individualistic style, emerging polished and enterprising. I spoke with Krystofer Do about the journey of his budding career in music, and with the release of his upcoming EP this month, Krystofer shares his stories and invites readers to join in his accomplishments, engaging first hand in his live performance on Friday, August 18th at The Palm Canyon Roadhouse in Palm Springs at 8pm.

MJ: Where does your love and passion for music come from?

KD: “I’ve always had a love for music, but my first love was actually acting! I loved pretending to be someone else ever since I was a child. My family discovered my singing ability when I was in middle school, about 6th grade. Ever since then, my dad sort of pushed me to sing in public more often, and eventually, I grew to love it!”

MJ: What projects and bands have you been involved in musically in the Coachella Valley?

KD: “I’ve been involved in SO many different projects! I’m not even sure I can list them all.

I was in two junior musicals in middle school.

In high school, I spent most of my time impersonating Michael Jackson, who’s always been my biggest inspiration when it comes to entertainment. After high school, I got more involved in the community, performing at shows with the McCallum Theatre and also starring twice in a row as the lead role for the Indio Date Festival’s musical pageant. As far as the bands I’ve played in, I could name a few: Kyd Icarus, What The Funk, New Sensations. I’ve even jammed with a few other bands at various shows, whether it was in a backyard or at an open mic. One of my biggest accomplishments was helping raise over $1,000 at the Learning Tree in Bermuda Dunes for student tuition. I was the musical director for S.E.L.M.A. Grows, which was an educational organization for music and arts. That was a really great experience.”

MJ: How have those past experiences led to the accumulation of your current album?

KD: “I’ve learned so much about myself.

I didn’t start off as a musician; I was just a singer. I had no idea how to write music formally, but I would always hear it in my head. I ended up writing one of my signature songs, “Mastermind,” completely from scratch without knowing how to ‘write.’ I was just 16.

It took more time than I wanted. Now that I’ve gone to school at College of the Desert, I’ve learned from wonderful teachers like Tim Bruneau and Mark Almy about how to write, and most importantly, how to use my voice without damaging it. I play keyboard frequently, now, and it helps me write SO much faster. I’ve met some wonderful people in my musical endeavors, including Paul Cracchiolo, the man who helped produce my EP. I would be nowhere without him. I also met my great friend Anthony Diaz-Quevedo, who agreed to master my EP and my full album when it comes out! That should be some time in Winter. All my experiences have led to this moment. I’ve been talking about making an album since high school, and well, here I am, now!”

MJ: Tell me about a couple of your specific songs and why they are important to you?

KD: “Well, I mentioned “Mastermind” earlier. That song was the first full-length song I ever wrote on my own, and it was frustrating.

I had no idea what chords were, what melody was. I just ‘heard’ it in my head. It was a wonderful feeling to ‘finish’ my demo, but it obviously wasn’t complete. I ended up keeping it until I sang with Kyd Icarus. Juan Espino, Sean Poe, and Jordan Jones were my band mates, and they helped me make the song a reality. It was around that time I really started learning how to write music. Juan was a big help. He has incredible musical talent, and honestly, I don’t think I would’ve gone very far without meeting him or any of my other band mates. I love every song I write, but one in particular stands out.

It’s called “Missin’ You”. I’m not sure if it’ll be released by the time this will be published, but the song is about my father. He passed away when I was a freshman in high school. It was hard for me. Really hard! My grades suffered and I was never able to be as good of a student as I wanted to be, but I got through it. Now, I hope I’m making him proud. The music in the song is music he would’ve loved to listen to. He loved 80’s dance music, and I added my own little spice to it.”

MJ: What are some highlights in your music career so far?

KD: “I can tell you about the most memorable moment I’ve ever had in my life. I was a senior in high school and decided to audition for the Palm Desert High School chamber singers. I got in. We had a big trip to New York during

Spring semester because we were chosen as a part of a large honor choir. We were going to perform at Carnegie Hall! Can you imagine the excitement we all had? Most of us weren’t even 18, yet, and we were going to perform where most of the greatest legends have all performed before! That’s not even the best part. When we got there, rehearsals were life-changing. The choir director, Bradley Holmes, was famous for what he did. He looked at music like it was a giant painting, and every single detail had to be refined to the point of perfection. He taught me just how to treat music, how every little detail should be treated like a baby. Then, when it was time for the show, we sang. We sang like we never sang before in our entire lives (or at least I did), and by the time we were finished with the last piece, the crowd of thousands rose and cheered forever. It was like a dream. I had never felt so happy, so incredibly fulfilled. It was at that moment, I knew I was going to be a musician for the rest of my life. I owe it to Craig Gahnz, my choir teacher. He was a phenomenal man. I hope he’s doing well.”

MJ: You have a unique personal style. Who are some of your favorite performing artists and do they influence your performance?

Basically, where do you get those awesome moves!?

KD: “Two words: Michael Jackson. He knew how to entertain, how to dance, how to sing. He was the whole package, and any Pop musician who is anybody will tell you they’ve been influenced by him. It’s impossible not to be. He’s kind of everywhere. I’m not ashamed to say this. I know it’s sort of cliche to be a Pop artist and say you were influenced by Michael Jackson, but I’ll say this: He inspired me to be myself. After years of impersonating him, of studying him, his music helped me gain the confidence to be who I wanted to be. That’s why I loved MJ so much. He wasn’t just a Pop artist, he was a humanitarian. I don’t care what you’ve heard about him, he didn’t molest anybody. He just wasn’t like that. He was the most caring celebrity the world has ever known. It’s a shame he’s gone. As far as other musical influences, I’m in love with Phantogram right now. They’re a great band and you should really check them out. I also enjoy The Weeknd, Muse, Daft Punk, George Michael, Justin Timberlake, and a lesser known band called Little Green Cars. I love so much more, but I won’t bore you with a really

long list. You’ll just have to listen to my music and try to hear the influences!”

MJ: Please share some information about the album release show and what fans can expect when they go.

KD: “My show is going to be at the Palm Canyon Roadhouse on August 18th! It starts at 9pm, but I encourage everyone to get there early and grab a drink or two! There’s plenty of food and company to keep you lively for the whole night! I’ve been performing there for years, and they’re the most hospitable group of people I’ve ever met. A wonderful band called Bri Cherry & the Boys are opening the show for me, and that’s an incredible feeling. I’ve never had someone open a show for me. I’ve always thought it would be the other way around, at first. I guess I shouldn’t let that get to my head!

There’s going to be Pop, Rock, Soul, R&B, and Bri’s incredible violin playing! Everyone in attendance will also be able to get a free copy of my EP by writing your name down on my guest list!”

MJ: What are some of the next goals that you’d like to accomplish?

KD: “I have a lot of goals for the future, but the most important one right now is to try and get signed by a label. Life is hard when you’re an Indie artist. I’ve barely accumulated 50 or so “likes” on my Facebook page, and it’s been up for a few weeks (speaking of which, you should totally check out facebook.com/krystoferdo).

After my EP is done, I’m going to try getting gigs across the valley and sending my EP to every record label I find interesting. It’s the next step in my life and I’m going to be spending a lot of time on it. After that, I just want to be the best damn entertainer I can be. I want to inspire people. I want people to remember me and the experience they have watching me for a really long time.”

MJ: Where can readers listen to your album and buy your music?

KD: “Everyone can listen to my album for free on soundcloud.com/krystoferdo. I’m also making it available for purchase at krystoferdo. bandcamp.com for very cheap. The bottom line is, I’m still a nobody. No one important really knows who I am, yet, and it wouldn’t be fair to share my music for money. Buying it is only supporting me to help get to where I need to be, but everyone always has the choice to listen to it completely for free. Music should be an experience, not an expensive purchase. I would stream it on Spotify, but it costs a little too much money for me to afford it, right now.”

MJ: Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

KD: “I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who’s ever told me I COULDN’T do it. You’ve inspired me to push myself and show the world that anyone is capable of doing anything if they set their mind to it. Life happens, and it’s a cruel world, but there’s always a way to do what you love and be happy doing it. For those who believed in me from the start, I have always appreciated everything you’ve ever done for me. My friends, my family, my coworkers, I am so grateful to have you by my side. It means so much. Thank you, everyone, and I hope I can share beautiful music with you for the rest of my life!”

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

LOCAL BUSINESS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY AVERY WOOD

AVSU: PROVIDING EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE

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ehind the scenes of some of the Coachella Valley’s most interesting and important events is a local company that provides audiovisual support, AVSU, owned by Pete Greeson and managed by Brian Champagne. The company provides many services including teleprompting, set design, technical staffing and equipment rentals.

According to Greeson, AVSU provides services to all kinds of events in different industries, saying, “From rock and roll to corporate…. We produce them, put them together all around the nation. This includes events as far away as Washington D.C., Boston, Florida and even the Bahamas,” says Champagne.

“When AVSU started in 1986… I had just moved here from L.A. and there was very little work here. The season was January, February, March and so as I got to make a name for myself and for the company and for what we wanted to do. The visiting producers would ask us ‘Can you come to Phoenix, San Diego… San Francisco?’ and from there we grew… as people left companies and went to other companies and still knew us... They knew what they could count on us for… if they didn’t have a vendor they trusted or if they had a vendor that they could no longer trust, that’s where we came in,”

Greeson explains. “If you are a trusted vendor then they’re willing to bring you wherever,” he says.

AVSU has provided services to local events and venues such as Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, casinos, hotels, the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, An Evening under the Stars, CV Music Awards and Comic Con Palm Springs.

For Coachella Fest; Stagecoach; and Desert Trip, AVSU worked in broadcasting. “We provide camera ops… for the recording. When you’re watching Coachella live from Access TV or wherever… the filming you see is either our guys behind the camera… or they are right there on the stage,” Champagne explains.

One of the local events coming up that they are providing services to is Comic Con Palm Springs, which is one of Champagne’s personal favorite jobs. “It was fun. I don’t always get to go and be part of all the production, help do it all so, good experience… I’m looking forward to this year’s especially,” he says.

Comic Con Palm Springs Christopher Spellman is having the company do more than they do at other events. “As far as the stage design, we were able to work with him and work

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

out a concept for him that they were pretty happy with. And then we will facilitate quite a bit going on around the property… It’s good to start on something on the first year and watch it grow and watch it get bigger,” says Champagne.

One of Greeson’s personal favorite events that he worked on was Comic Con San Diego, which he worked on for two years in a row. “I was asked to do teleprompting on that back in 2014 and again in 2015 for Warner bros… that’s an honor to work on that.” While there, Greeson was able to take his teenage son and encountered many prominent actors. “As we were finishing setting up for Warner Bros for later that night… I happened to look over and I actually said to my son ‘What’s that guy’s name again?’ and he went ‘that’s Chris Evans, Captain America.’” Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. also appeared. Greeson and his son were excited to realize that the panel that they were working on was packed with thousands of people and were able to see the release of the Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer. “Even from backstage, watching it from right to left, it was incredible.”

Greeson and Champagne think that what sets AVSU apart as a company is their customer service and the quality of the team that they

have assembled. “In our business, everybody’s got the gear, or a lot of people have some of the gear, but it’s your service. No is not an acceptable answer. Our answer is yes,” Greeson says. “We were never a company that wanted to have overstaffing to where in the summer we laid people off or we cut their hours during the summer when there are less events. We are the trim outfit, 8 people that know how to do what they do. Everything else is supported by freelancers.”

Technical staffing is one of their core services.

They’re able to connect clients with trusted and reliable workers to provide audiovisual support.

They also provide their freelancers with training on how to use the equipment, which both ensures that their staff knows what they’re doing and builds the skill set of the workers. “A lot of companies don’t offer that they just tell you to show up with a pair of gloves… we try to be a little more involved,” Champagne adds.

AVSU’s goal is to ensure that their client’s events and content are impressive, energizing and high-quality. “It’s flattering to be invited to do something that you love to do that you think you do pretty well… It’s flattering to be asked to do it again… my intent is to always ace every job; to do a good enough job to be invited back is the highest compliment you can get,” Greeson says.

For more information about services or employment offered by AVSU, go to avsu.com.

BY JASON HALL

THE RETURN OF SLO BURN

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t was 1996. The generator parties were dying down and Kyuss had just broken up. This wasn’t going to stop John Garcia. Just a few short months later, he and guitarist Chris Hale, bassist Damon Garrison, and drummer Brady Houghton formed the mighty Slo Burn. Slo Burn took off quickly.

They released an EP called Amusing The Amazing in April of 1997 and played Ozzfest the same year. Unfortunately, they broke up just as quickly as they took off. In September of 1997, towards the end of the tour, they called it quits.

Fast forward 20 years. John Garcia hinted via an elephant photo on his Facebook page that Slo Burn may reunite. Not long after John hinted of a reunion, it was confirmed that Slo Burn would be reuniting for a few festivals in Europe and one festival in the US. This Friday, August 18, almost exactly 20 years after they last played in the US, Slo Burn will be playing Psycho Las Vegas.

We were lucky enough to talk to this iconic desert band about their rise, fall, and return.

Coachella Valley Weekly: Can you tell us a bit about the early days of Slo Burn? How did the band start? Why did it come to an end?

Brady Houghton: “We started the band just for the pure love of making loud noise. It’s been 20+ years, so if my memory serves me

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correctly, it was first only meant to be a jam session, but we quickly realized that there was solid chemistry. That can actually be a hard thing to find, so we seized the opportunity to keep pushing it. The band came to an end like most relationships do; lots of arguing about the smallest nonsense. It’s nice to get back to it 20 years later, when we’re probably all a little more level-headed.”

CVW: What was the desert scene like when you guys formed? It was sort of the end of the generator parties.

Damon Garrison: “A lot of the places that were locations for the parties became unnecessary country clubs and developments so people kept trying to find new places and eventually they dried up.”

Houghton: “Ya, the generator scene was in kind of a limbo. Many of the go-to locations were now part of the regular police patrol, so it was much harder to find a good spot that everyone knew how to get to. There were a few local venues popping up, which was a saving grace. The downside though, was that there were often age-restrictions on who could come out to the shows.”

CVW: What bands have you been a part of since the band initially called it quits?

Garrison: “A couple of the bands I’ve been in are Casino, Vega, Zoo, and currently Brave

Black Sea with Chris.”

Chris Hale: “I was a DJ and wore a mask and called myself Deadmau5 and starred, produced, directed, choreographed and played trumpet in the Blue Man Group. Also in a band called Brave Black Sea with the bass player of Slo Burn, his name is Damon and he sings like an angel.”

[I heard he was also part of a magic duo until his partner was attacked by a tiger.]

Houghton: “I spent most of my time in the years in between in a band called The Ross Sea Party, and a project called Life Leone.”

CVW: Did you guys all stay in touch throughout the 20 year hiatus?

Houghton: “Sure, yeah, we’ve definitely been in touch and remained friends and

mutual fans over the years.”

Garrison: “Yeah, of course.”

Hale: “Not really... No.” CVW: How did the reunion come about?

Houghton: “It’s been an idea that we’ve thrown around and entertained many times, but it took that perfect synchronicity to make it happen. A few show offers came up, which has happened at different times, but this time one by one, everyone chimed in with a yes.”

Garrison: “I kinda figured it was bound to happen eventually, when the timing was right.”

CVW: Any more shows planned after Psycho Las Vegas?

Houghton: “Not officially. That is, we don’t have anything booked. But...”

Hale: “I’m hoping to see Bette Midler before the year ends…maybe Penn & Teller.”

Garrison: “I’ll plead the 5th on grounds that I might incriminate myself.”

CVW: Any plans for new music? Maybe a re-release of Amusing The Amazing?

Garrison: “We’ve been playing a couple new songs on tour and yes, the plan is to finally get in the studio sometime in the next few months.”

Hale: “We’s off to the lab soon innit.”

EVENTS

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BY TRICIA WITKOWER

LONG TRAIN RUNNIN’: OUR ENDURING LOVE FOR THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

T

he Doobie Brothers are coming upon fifty years of making music and touring. Throughout that time, their popularity hasn’t waned with the American public. What is it that makes them so successful after five decades? The Doobie Brothers have a sound that’s contagious, if hard to define. This classic rock band has soul, country, gospel, folk, and R&B running through its veins. Their songs have universal appeal – connecting them to audiences both young and old, and fans of all varieties.

Local fans can hear them play this Friday, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

The band formed in 1969 in San Jose, California and is widely believed to be divided into three eras, the first from 1969 – 1975 featuring lead vocalist Tim Johnston. When Johnston had to leave the band due to a bleeding ulcer, Michael McDonald stepped into the lead vocalist role. The Michael McDonald years had a totally different flavor than when Johnston was their lead crooner. No matter, their hits still resonated with their audience and their fans clamored for more. The band took a five-year hiatus in 1982, reforming in 1987 with Johnston back in his old role. They’ve continued touring and selling out venues consistently since 1993. Over the course of the Doobie Brothers’ long tenure, their sound has gone through several evolutions, as their band personnel has gone through several incarnations. During their initial success with Johnston singing, they had the makings of a southern rock band – a little bit country and a little bit rock n’ roll. They were hard to define, but could be described as a feel-good, boogie biker band. When Michael McDonald came on board, their sound changed with his soul and R&B feel influencing their songs. With his voice defining their band during the seven years he was a member, their music felt miles away from where it began. This shift in gears is where mere mortals lose

their fan base. The Doobie Brothers’ only grew. When McDonald left for a solo career and the band, exhausted from touring for twelve years took a break that lasted five years, reunited for concerts that sold out in Beatles-like proportions. Patrick Simmons, one of the founding members, is the only one who has been with the Doobie Brothers through all its iterations.

The Doobies have toured or performed with many other equally iconic bands: Chicago, Journey, the Eagles, Steely Dan, Steve Miller Band, Fleetwood Mac, and Earth, Wind and Fire, to name a few.

They jammed onstage with String Cheese Incident at a music festival in Virginia.

In 2014, they released their 14th studio album, Southbound, a celebration of all their greatest hits in collaboration with many country music stars (Toby Keith, Love and Theft, Jerrod Niemann, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Chris Young, and the Zac Brown Band among them) providing lead and backup vocals. The Doobie Brothers stay relevant and their music continues to resonate with a wide audience. The reasons for their staying power are evident in all they do. Their soulful but rockin’ music transcends the confines of genre. Their simple but relatable lyrics are spoken from the heart and emotionally connect with listeners. The unity in their vocal harmonies make each song half rock ‘n roll and half spiritual experience. There have been rumblings on social media outlets that a new studio album is in the works. According to the band, four songs have already been cut, and the album is planned for release in the spring of 2018.

You don’t have to wait until then to hear them, though. You can see them live this Friday, August 18, at Fantasy Springs Casino.

84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy. Indio, CA 92203.

Purchase tickets at: fantasyspringsresort. com or (760) 342-5000.

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

August 17 to August 23, 2017

BY PATTE PURCELL

THE ART OF COOL: A 420 EVENT

A

n end of summer soiree entitled ‘The Art of Cool’ will be held on Monday Aug. 28 from 4:20 to 7:30 at the Colin Fisher Studios, a stunning art gallery in the Cathedral City Art District.

This event is the 3rd in a series of 420 friendly/industry events in the desert. Guests will be treated to multiple rooms of art and sculpture. Jazz duo Amsterdam Connection, from the Netherlands, will be performing songs from their new CD produced by smooth jazz great Paul Brown.

420 vendors will be on hand to introduce new products to the medical marijuana industry and guests. Current sponsors include Melissa Etheridge’s “Know Label” Cannabis Wine (tinctures), New Leaf Catering with “A selection of seasonal small bites,” Triple J “Original Mini Joints,” Coachella Valley Collective with the “vape experience,” Coachella Valley Weekly, Maribel Ishtar Sativa CBD Body Oil, and Desert Hot Springs Inn, where you can “Soak and Toke.”

Special Celebrity Guest “The Laughing Yogi” will get everyone in a happy mood. Surprise celebrity guests will be attending.

Vendors will be giving swag, discounts and vendor gifts to guests with medical marijuana cards. You do not have to be a Medical marijuana patient to attend, but in order to get the samples you need to bring your recommendation and you will get a wristband for access.

All guests will be treated to a Complimentary “Beverage Bar” with fruited water and iced tea made with alkaline water from “It’s the Water.”

Cocktails will be available through New Leaf Catering (cash bar). A selection of seasonal small bites are available for $10, tickets should be purchased in advance if desired.

A special VIP reception is available for a $25 upgrade and includes a variety of experiences to elevate your mind and spirit.

Melissa Etheridge’s “Know Label” wine tinctures will offer (3 different tastings) of a variety of these organic wines. The wine is made from biodynamic grapes from the Arroyo Grande Valley. They are infused with organic cannabis flower from the Santa Cruz mountains. Each bottle takes over a year to make and are tended with much love. They

are aged and there is a variety of types. The cabernet was in a barrel for 3 years and is slightly more expensive. Prices run up to $400 a bottle so this is a very special opportunity to taste some very special and delicious wines.

You will notice the taste of the wine first with the cannabis taste on the back side.

The wines give you a full body relaxation effect. It came on rapidly and is cerebral, very mellow, and relaxing. It will make you smile and laugh and is a great way to celebrate with your friends. It also promotes a very restful sleep.

Bottles and cases are available by donation.

In addition, the Coachella Valley Collective will be hosting a “Vape Experience.” You can sample different vapes and strains of cannabis cartridges. In addition he offers a host of other products available by donation to licensed patients.

A complimentary selection of seasonal small bites with and without cannabis will be served to VIP guests. Maribel Ishtar Products will be demonstrating some of her Sativa CBD body oils. Triple J Mini Joints will be on hand with samples of their popular Mini Joints. They were the hit of the last event.

Industry professionals, medical marijuana license holders, and investors will mix and mingle at this upscale event.

There is no fee to attend the party. However, you must RSVP in order to be admitted.

RSVP at purplepass.com/art When: Monday Aug. 28, 4:20-7:30 Where: Colin Fisher Studios 68929 Perez Rd. Suite M, Cathedral City, CA 92234 Attire: Desert Chic Contact: celebrityjazzjam@gmail.com or Patte Purcell, 702-219-6777

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“THE GOLDEN HOUR” MOTION RECORDS) FERNANDO PERDOMO (FORWARD

I

f it were possible for Harry Nilsson, Todd Rundgren and Electric Light Orchestra maestro Jeff Lynne to have a musical love child, his name would be Fernando Perdomo. Although the singer/songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist/producer’s music sounds as though it sprang to life in the verdant California canyons of Laurel and Topanga, Fernando was born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida.

He took to music at an early age and fed a vinyl addiction by haunting thrift shops and flea markets. At Miami Senior High School he was part of the prestigious Classical Guitar Ensemble and Rock Ensemble, learning his craft through the stewardship of Doug Burris. Pretty soon he was sneaking out of the house to play in local Miami clubs.

He cycled through bands with names like Avenging Lawnmowers Of Justice, Sixo and Trophy Wife. In 1999, at the age of 19, his guitar work was featured in a nationwide ad for Pier One Imports. Around this time he formed a lasting friendship and musical partnership with Chris Price. The pair, along with Roger Houdaille, formed the band Dreaming In Stereo.

For several years he earned his keep as a musician for hire, playing recording sessions and touring with established bands. Finally he landed a permanent spot as guitarist for Brit-Pop favorites, Ed Hale and Transcendence. He recorded several albums with them and this led to work with Hear Music recording artist Hilary McCrae and ‘70s music legend, Andy Pratt. In 2009 he and Ed Hale resurrected the Dreaming In Stereo band moniker and released three singles and three full length albums in the span of three years.

2012 proved to be a watershed year for Fernando, he recorded a solo debut EP, Home Is Wherever You Are, and relocated to Los Angeles. It was there he opened his own recording facility, Reseda Ranch Studios.

His first project was co-producing Linda Perhacs’ long-awaited, (44 years!) second album with old compadre Chris Price.

From there he was off and running, collaborating with acclaimed artists like

WESTFIELD MALL 72840 Hwy 111 #171 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-2017 www.recordalley.com

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Todd Rundgren, Fiona Apple, Jakob Dylan, Sam (of Sam & Dave) Moore, Emitt Rhodes and Cait Brennan. In between he found time to continue to record his own solo music, releasing three full-length efforts, Warm, Picks and Voyeurs, plus myriad singles and EPs. Fresh off producing Cait Brennan’s excellent Third album, he is just releasing his fourth long-player, The Golden Hour.

The album opens with a majestic piano interlude entitled “Sunset (Intro).”

Brief, but sumptuous, it hints at Baroque pleasures to come before segueing into “Sleep.” Sweeping, gently weeping guitar, thrumming bass, multi-tracked vocals and a hand-clap beat propel this meandering tune. “I can’t wait to dream,” he confides “cuz you know it’s gonna be the only time I see you again.”

The theme of the record can be summed up by the song “Love Loss Repeat.” A minor key charmer, the title offers a pragmatic mantra for navigating the rocky shoals of love. As Fernando notes “nothing lasts forever, (nothing really does) nothing lasts forever, (especially love) and I am over this.”

Layered backing vocals sigh like a languid Greek chorus. But a scabrous guitar solo undercuts his sanguine façade.

A pure Pop classicist, it’s clear that Fernando’s music takes its cues from the golden era of ‘60s and ‘70s A.M. radio.

“Spotlight Smile” is wildly ambitious and complex, blending urgent guitars with propulsive rhythms. The sound ping-pongs between Beatlesque Pure Pop and ELO-ish Prog Rock with just a hint of Rockabilly. The lyrics enumerate the subtle charms of the magic girl with the dazzling spotlight smile.

The crunchy Power Pop of “The Light” is accented by a galloping backbeat and hard charging guitars. The infectious arrangement and instrumentation nearly camouflage lyrics that detail feelings of disquiet and ennui; “Stressing out can be a part of this, my routine can be hit or miss.”

“I Feel (Therefore I Am)” is pretty straightforward. Ricochet guitar riffs pinball through slippery synths as the rhythm gathers speed. The lyrics feel like an interior monologue that catalogues the human frailty we all experience. “I live, I love, I bled, enough..I make mistakes,” he concedes, (but) “I am in love no matter what.”

The action slows on a few tracks, “Look At The Moon,” “Here With Me,” “Sunset” and “When You’re Next To Me.” The inspiration for “Look At The Moon” came while Fernando was in the studio recording and his girlfriend called and insisted he go look at the moon. Distracted, he abandoned what he was working on and wrote the song from scratch. The languorous lunar love letter features interstellar guitar chords wrapped around twinkly keys. Jordan Zevon, (son of singer-songwriter nonpareil, Warren Zevon, and a talented musician in his own right), added the airy bridge.

On “Here With Me,” weepy pedal

steel adds a high lonesome patina to the shimmery melody. Slightly dramatic lyrics; “If this was the last night of my life, it wouldn’t be a tragedy, because you’re here with me,” are leavened by celestial backing vocals.

“Sunset” picks up where “Sunset (Intro)” left off, quavery guitar chords and summery harmonies wash over over a gossamer melody. The lyrics pay homage to that legerdemain moment when day becomes night.

If Chicago (circa 1976), and The Raspberries ever collaborated, it might sound like “When You’re Next To Me.” Jangly acoustic guitar sidles between serrated shards of electric guitar, but

honeyed harmonies undercut the melody’s heaviosity.

Other interesting songs include “Fine” and “The Golden “Hour.” The former pulsates to life anchored by whipsaw guitar and a staccato rhythm. The latter feels sylvan and ornate, powered by diminished piano chords, a tumbling backbeat and lushly layered vocals. Here Fernando promises “We’ll fall in love in the golden hour and melt away.”

The album closes with “Gold.” Something of a magnum opus, the arrangement slowly builds adding layers of instrumentation, whooshing synths, delicate acoustic guitar, astringent electric riffs and plangent keys.

Throughout Fernando pleads “Take a chance on me, and I can make you happy…gold is hidden inside my soul.” It’s an ambitious end to a stellar record.

The Golden Hour recalls that halcyon era of California Pop that forged Nilsson Schmilsson, Fleetwood Mac’s Mystery To Me, Buckingham Nicks’ self-titled debut and Dennis Wilson’s Pacific Ocean Blue.

Fernando Perdomo has created a dreamy soundscape that feels timeless.

ART SCENE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

August 17 to August 23, 2017

BY ANGELA VALENTE ROMEO

CHRISTINE LAMB – ROARS LIKE A LION

C

hristine Lamb, who is she and should you care? Christine is an artist who brings a delicate beauty to life. Her work spans the whimsical to the ethereal.

But most interesting is that her work seems to embrace the traditions of art of Japanese Woodblock and the Art Nouveau Movement.

Currently making her home in the High Desert, Christine strives to bring beauty through her work. “My parents brought me to the desert in the early 70’s. It was first experience with the freshly washed air, smell of wet creosote and wide-open spaces. It was magical especially to a horse loving, out of place in the city girl,” said Christine.

“Many of the new people we met here were artists.” From here Christine explored her gift.

“There is a stillness that allows the creativity to flow, that you can’t find in the city. Though it is getting more crowded I still can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Christine is part of the upcoming Highway 62 Artist Open Studio Tour. The tour covers two weekends in October, October 14 -15 and October 21 –22 2017. Christine will be at Studio #21 and will be open both weekends.

Why is participating in this particular event of interest to her? “The Highway 62 Artist Open Studio Tour are a great way to connect to the artist and the collector,” continued Christine.

“At first, it is daunting to open up your home to strangers. But they don’t stay strangers long.

This is our fifth year; my artist husband is also part of the tour. We have many repeat friends and make new ones each year.”

“Like all artists we hope to find new homes for the growing collections of our work,” laughed Christine. “But the excited reactions of our new friends reenergize and validate what

we do mostly in isolation the rest of the year.

Working in a studio is also daunting. Many artists work in solitude with no immediate feedback. The tour gives that ‘feedback.’”

“We are always amazed by the diversity of, not just the participating artists, but the visitors. The only downside to participating in the doing the tours is not being able to go check out other artists’ work!”

But what is that makes Christine unique?

“My work - where do I begin? I asked my husband and his responded you are unique.

So I asked a friend. She said it is my creativity to take something discarded and turn it into something useful and durable. Another friend likes the organic nature to my drawing, how I made them wearable.”

“The question started a discussion on how all the things I have done. All the work in the last 50 years is connected. Sewing, knitting and crocheting as a small child have expanded throughout my life. Learning to be adaptable, to making changes, is so important. As a work progresses it changes and things do not always go as planned – you know like running out of materials! I continue because I see creativity as fluid.”

There is an innocence and sense of unbridled newness that emanates from the work. The studied studio approach that serves so many artists so well is an anathema to Christine. “I am completely self-taught just by playing with ideas,” she noted. “I don’t have anyone else’s processes or values, just my own instincts. I call everything I do ‘Playing with Creativity.’”

Sometimes running with scissors isn’t wrong.

For more information on Christine Lamb visit www.embellishedlamb.com.

For more information on the upcoming Highway 62 Artists Open Studio Tour visit www.hwy62arttours.org.

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

PET PLACE

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CANABIS OIL - A MIRACLE TREATMENT FOR SAPA?

O

ur eyes locked when I spotted this lovely large black dog in the shelter kennel. Her gaze had a magical, knowing quality. Her chances of making it out alive from the San Bernardino County shelter at Devore were not good considering her color and size. We rescued her from the shelter, and headed to a vet clinic for vaccinations and spaying. Sapa went to a wonderful foster home with dog lovers extraordinaire, Vanessa Ruggles and Curtis Sweesy.

Vanessa recalls, “Sapa was our first foster dog and our first ‘foster failure’. This 40-lb dog stole her dad’s heart when she silently snuck into bed every night to snuggle in her dad’s arms despite my ‘no dogs on the bed’ rule. She fit into our family immediately, and welcomed and guided numerous other foster dogs into her home. Sapa was the referee. She was the loving, brilliant Alpha dog who knew who needed protection and who needed comforting.”

Vanessa continues, “When she was 6 years old, we noticed Sapa was not finishing her food. The vet prescribed antibiotics and sent her home. However, she continued to lose a noticeable amount of weight. Back to the vet for multiple tests, and we got the worst diagnosis imaginable: terminal lymphoma. The vet gave Sapa 2 weeks to live.”

The couple knew their dog detested trips to the vet, and no vet would provide chemotherapy during house calls. Vanessa states, “We refused to torture her for what might have been only a brief extension of her life. Sapa declined quickly, and when she quit eating all together, we force-fed her which made us all miserable. She quit chasing birds in the yard, and trailed lethargically behind on walks. I began researching studies regarding holistic remedies for lymphoma, reaching out to friends in the dog community, and asked every ‘science minded’ person I could think of for ideas. After consulting with an expert as to dosage and administration, Sapa was soon taking CBD and THC oils. We consulted

BEAUTIFUL BECKY This gorgeous girl is 18 pounds of loyal doggie love! Just 4-yrs-old, Becky loves humans and other pups. Rescued by Loving All Animals www.lovingallanimals, Call (760) 834-7000.

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with a dog nutritionist, Lori Weiner, and dove into radical diet changes and a regimen of multiple supplements and essential oils.”

“Suddenly our feisty little girl did an about face at death’s door. She began eating, she trotted into the lead position on walks, and became joyful again. The results were shocking and thrilling. Sapa’s vet said she had never seen a dog whose body was so riddled with cancer survive more than a couple weeks.”

For three and a half months, Sapa thrived.

The dog accepted the bad-tasting doses dropped on her tongue like a champ. She had few side effects. Occasionally she peed on the bed, but her Dad wasn’t about to put her on the floor when she most needed comfort, and he devised a complicated system of potty pads and towels. Sapa enjoyed homemade meals with organic ingredients, snuggled with the other pups, and loved on her human parents. Her regimen was expensive and required dedication.

Four months after her diagnosis, Sapa again lost interest in food, developed skin infections, and rapidly lost weight. Curtis and Vanessa were devastated to learn the lymphoma was back. They arranged for a vet to put their beloved dog to sleep in her

BY JANET McAFEE own home, surrounded by their love and the loving comfort of the other dogs.

Vanessa states, “We said goodbye to our precious girl, this brave fighter, on May 18, 2016. Although it did not cure her, we are confident that cannabis oil caused Sapa’s remission. It gave us 4 months that we otherwise would not have had.”

AS WITH ANY MEDICATION, PET PARENTS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR VETERINARIAN FIRST BEFORE TREATING A DOG WITH CANNABIS OIL. From there, those who have a medical marijuana card can visit a reputable dispensary and purchase the product that best meets their pet’s needs. Dosages and administration must be carefully monitored depending on the dog’s weight, temperament, and other factors.

You should not experiment freely with your dog’s health. The number of marijuana toxicosis cases at Colorado veterinary hospitals has quadrupled since that state legalized marijuana, and some dogs have died after eating baked goods containing the substance.

Canine cancer is epidemic (50% of deaths in dogs over age 10 are due to cancer), and desperate animal lovers look to alternative treatments. There is enough anecdotal evidence to warrant scientific research exploring the effect of marijuana on canine cancer pain.

Additional resources include a YouTube video “Shorty Beats Cancer” and the book “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide” by Dr. Damian Dressler, DVM. (photographs by Alicia Bailey) Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

WEED AT THE WINE BAR

A

lthough one can say that marijuana infused wine is one of the latest trends in the vino world, we know that the Chinese, two thousand years ago, used wine fortified with cannabis resin to reduce pain during surgery. And just a decade ago, a personal wine cellar in Israel was uncovered, dating back to 1700 B.C., and found it once held more than 500 gallons of wine infused with cinnamon, honey, mint and … psychotropic resins.

Throughout the course of history, we humans have enjoyed the company of cannabis, taking advantage of its different uses, medicinal, spiritual and recreational.

Due to the powers that be, politically and economically, the medicinal use of the plant is a resource that has not been completely developed. These days, through sanity and progressive science, cannabis is recovering an important position as medicinal plant, taking full advantage of its therapeutic properties.

As you will no doubt glean from the interesting articles in this issue, CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from cannabis sativa L. plant. The discovery of these cannabinoids, together with the knowledge about their interaction with the human body, has resulted in a new medicinal approach. The

use of CBD has proved to be effective with different pathologies, reducing symptoms and improving users’ quality of life.

While many states have laws on the books that prohibit mixing legal marijuana with alcohol or other drugs for sale, as far as I can tell, California has no such law—but things can be complicated; anyway, winemakers of all sorts are not only operating in a weird gray market at the moment, they’re also putting a lot of product on the marketplace.

Scientific and medical studies have been very positive and have found cannabis wine to be effective as a stress reliever, as a mood elevator, and as a medicine. The combination of wine with non-psychoactive cannabinoids

August 17 to August 23, 2017

like CBD, allows one to experience good savor, aroma, and taste while enjoying therapeutic qualities.

On the other hand, the director of NYU’s Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, Dr. Stephen Ross is skeptical about the wine having any therapeutic benefits. His comments, however, seem to be directed to cancer patients particularly. Ross comments, “Alcohol is carcinogenic and highly toxic. Mixing cannabis with alcohol is not a good idea from a perspective of wanting to introduce cannabis as medicine.” (As to that last point, it seems that Dr. Ross is equating the amount of alcohol in wine to that of a bottle of vodka!— who wants to consume all that?)

We Californians actually have a colorful “weed-wine lore” that dates back to the late 70s and early 80s. It was a time when so many young wine makers were out and about in the new burgeoning wine regions from Santa Barbara up to Sonoma, experimenting with uncultivated soils and nontraditional vines.

People were fermenting grapes and smoking a lot of weed. As the fine art of wine making improved through those years, marijuana infused wine surely had its participants.

I, personally, have not had the pleasure yet to enjoy a mary jane wine. For this article, I called up to my northern Cal vino brethren and asked about their experience. It just so happened that over the last weekend, they had just tried a new batch of cannabis enriched Syrah and Grenache wine.

As most of us know, these types of varietals—especially the Syrah, are quite bold and fruity on the palate. I was told however that the cannabis aromas definitely take over the setting. Those who had never had the cannabis concoction were at first a bit startled

at the flavor, but they all warmed up to it quickly. They simply enjoyed a small glass of wine with some appetizers, found that they could, after a few sips, distinguish the Syrah from the Grenache and waited a while or so to gauge the effects.

The “buzz,” so to speak, was subtle, but quite apparent and very pleasantly soothing to body and mind. Everything was mellow and sooner or later under the easy heat of the late afternoon most went on to enjoy a nice nap. A two to three ounce pour is generally sufficient for what ails you.

Currently, the prices for a half-bottle of cannabis wine go for around $120.

The winemaking process is pretty straight forward. As soon as the grapes are crushed, the juice and a measured amount of dried cured cannabis buds are stored into barrels from six months for whites and up to two years for red wine. Since the cannabis is never heated, a “cold extraction” takes place during fermentation, meaning the marijuana plant’s unique compounds are transferred into the wine in an acidic form that’s far less psychoactive than the compounds found in marijuana smoke and edibles. But stay tuned!

It’s a whole new world when working with different cannabis strains while matching with different vino varietals.

Musician, artist and activist, Melissa Etheridge says she smoked medical marijuana daily during the chemo treatments that followed her 2004 breast-cancer diagnosis.

“It opened my mind to a new way of thinking about my body, my health and the future,” said the singer-songwriter. “Once I considered it medicine, I became much more interested and have taken it into my lifestyle to keep stress down and keep my GI system level.”

Within a few years, in partnership with the owners of Greenway Compassionate Relief, a medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Cruz, California, Etheridge was cultivating a line of “cannabis-infused fine wines.”

Etheridge is clear about her mission to help reduce the social stigma associated with marijuana. She wants to galvanize social change and make people more comfortable consuming cannabis products. Clearly the move is firmly afoot, especially with so many winemakers now joining in on the craze.

Cheers!

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

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THUR AUGUST 17

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The Emotron vs. Fritz Sender, Fashion Club and Corea Blue 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Country Night w/ Jerrod Niemann 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Neon Indian and Black Paw 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 TBA 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Slime Kings and Upper Class Poverty 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Wayne Boyer 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 DJ SafeT 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Elaine Woodard 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI AUGUST 18

16

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Andres Renteria 10pm

AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Carmens Duo 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Dessert ! R&B Party w/ DJs DXSKO, Amavida and Skywalker Mike 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Dude Jones 8:30pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 TBA 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CLUB 5; IND; Tribesmen, Brightener, Kayves, Toen Troubles and Graveyard School 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760228-1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Black Water Gospel and The Sieve & The Saddle 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 CVxHC and The Hood Present: Terror Cult, Humor Me, Yoni, The Fashion Club and CKeelay 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Dana Larson 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY;PD; 760-2002597 TBA 7pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Dax Band 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 TBA 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Krystofer Do’s EP Release Party 8pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 TBA 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Johnzo West and The Wayward Souls 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Chill Magnet and Daytime Moon 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7-10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Dead Ringer and INXS-Live (INXS Tribute) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Stereoflux 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm

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TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-3259264 Karaoke 8:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft.

Lisa LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

August 17 to August 23, 2017

SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Cinch 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Dennis Michael 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ 10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 5th Town and Courtney Chambers 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Mark Gregg and Andy Cahan 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth noon-4pm poolside, 7-11pm Fireside Lounge WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ David Macias and Todo Mundo 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Arthur Seay Presents: Michael Jackson Night #2 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-2282589 Karaoke 7pm Bev & Bill 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Live 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in Comedy w/ McQueens 8pm the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of 2450 Dax Band 9pm Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 The Basix 9pm Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm Carter 7:30pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Bob Garcia 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ Karaoke 8-1:15am Imdead and Friends 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 7pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin continue to page 22 BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Erin’s Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm Going Away Party w/ Southbound and Co. PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roadhauz 9pm 8:30pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760760-345-0222 TBA 6:30pm 775-5566 DJ 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Dungen and Shadow Band 9pm Carey 6-10pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT Karaoke 7:30pm CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm Rockstar Karaoke 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329RED BARN; PD; 760-3466787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm 0191 Chalice 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 7-10pm 228-1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Steel Rod and Bonfire (AC/DC Tribute) Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro 6533 TBA 6pm Brothers 8pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S 760-365-6633 Dana Larson & Friends MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S TBA 8:30pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; Carmens 8-11pm INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm

SAT AUGUST 19

SUN AUGUST 20

17

August 17 to August 23, 2017

GOOD GRUB

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY DENISE ORTUNO NEIL

TASTY AFFORDABILITY AT THE LUNCH BOX

F

abulously tasty sandwiches and salads are at the core of The Lunch Box in Palm Desert. All offered at reasonable prices.

In a secluded little spot in the industrial area off Joni Drive in Palm Desert, sits an awesome little sandwich shop. The interior is cheery, featuring an adhered white picket fence against a colorful painted mountain scape wall. Opened 5 years ago by Kari Kniegge and her business partner Steven Brock, The Lunch Box has been on the radar of local sandwich lovers and even visiting foodies who are in the loop.

Kniegge’s love for sandwiches started as a child, when her mom had a sandwich shop of her own in North San Diego. Kniegge learned the ins and outs of the business, and waited until the time was right for her to open one of her own. While living in the Coachella Valley for over 20 years, she ripened her skills in the restaurant industry. After some time, she came face to face with an excellent opportunity to open a place of her own. Although not easily seen by mainstream diners, the little spot is very well known to the multitude of businesses and those working in the Joni Drive area.

Their menu is a combination of some sandwich recipes from her mother, and some of her own creations. But there is a mainstay in all of the recipes; they are made with the freshest of ingredients, from high quality meats and vegetables, to homemade dressings and soups, and top notch breads from Bosch Bakery in Thousand Palms.

18

Speaking of the bread, one of the reasons that make The Lunch Box’s sandwiches so good is what they do to the bread. On the sandwiches that don’t require toasting, or being pressed to melt cheese, the bread is steamed. That’s right, I said steamed. I didn’t even realize that it was a thing that you could do to bread, but apparently it is, and makes an amazing impact on a sandwich. The bread is steamed in a special bread steamer, and makes the bread super soft.

It’s especially beneficial when used on sour dough, which can have a tendency to be a little on the hard/dry side.

When I asked Kniegge which one of the sandwiches was her favorite, she quickly pointed out that they all are. However, she did hone in a couple (most come with mayo, tomato and sprouts), one being the Pocket Full of Fallbrook, which is an homage to the decorated capital of avocados. The pocket refers to the pita bread which is steamed and filled with sliced avocado, jack cheese, tomato and alfalfa sprouts. The California Split is also a crowd pleaser, and one that I had the pleasure of trying. It is served on steamed sour dough bread, with alfalfa sprouts, tomato, bacon, jack cheese and avocado. The sandwich was very well constructed, which is important as the filling to bread ratio needs to be balanced (I’m a stickler for it). All the ingredients married well together, as Kniegge said, this popular sandwich is like a super charged club. The bread really stood out to me.

I’m telling you, that steaming of the bread thing

is incredible, and brought a creamy element to the sandwich. So good!

Other sandwiches include the Turkey Terrific, with sliced turkey piled high on steamed squaw bread with alfalfa sprouts and tomato.

The Cheese Makers Grilled Cheese, with sharp and jack cheese, tomato and red onion. And one sandwich that I will be trying on my next visit is The Missile, this taste adventure has pulled pork, thinly sliced ham, pickles, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce and Swiss cheese, all smash grilled on a French roll, can’t wait! There are many more sandwiches to choose from, even some hotdogs as well.

Of course paring a sandwich with some comforting soup, or some chili is always a good idea. The Lunch Box offers some fantastic soups, such as Beef Stroganoff, Garlic Mash and Chix Tortilla (offered mainly in cooler months).

The Lunch Box also offers salads as well if you’re not in the mood for a sandwich. Salad selections include the Postal Salad, which has romaine, avocado, turkey, feta, cucumber and house made croutons. Also on the menu is their Chin-Chik Salad, with chicken, purple and green cabbage, carrot shreds, green onions, cilantro, chow mein crunchies, tossed in their own peanut-sesame dressing, plus many others.

And if all of this weren’t enough for the little nook, they also offer limited breakfast from 7am to 10:30. Patrons can get a quick egg sandwich, burrito or bowl with jack cheese, ham, bacon or turkey. You can get a special bagel named after her mother. Sandwich prices start at a mere $6.95, which is very impressive.

For excellent well priced sandwiches, salads and more, The Lunch Box is the perfect answer.

As Kniegge says, “We just want to continue to provide quality food at reasonable prices.”

The Lunch Box is opened from 7am to 3pm, Monday through Friday and is located at 74-868 Joni Drive #1A, Palm Desert, 92260 760-6101136.

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

19

August 17 to August 23, 2017

SCREENERS

MARIJUANA MOVIES

T

here are two kinds of weed movies.

Those that are better experienced when high and those that are about the comic misadventures of being high. Of the latter, there are numerous titles, most made since the 1970s. The majority are dumb teen movies that don’t really hold up very well except for the nostalgia factor – that is, assuming the viewer’s memory is fully functional.

Of the latter category, the first title most people think of is Cheech and Chong’s classic first movie, now considered a masterpiece and prototype of all stoner movies that followed.

UP IN SMOKE (1978) Director Lou Adler delivered on the promise of following two misfit tokers as they go about their daily routine that sometimes involved cops and dog turds.

Most memorable line: “You mean we’re smokin’ dog shit, man?”

This movie can still trigger big laughs whether you are high or not.

Space does not allow a full list of films in this genre, but probably the single most popular and best title in this group of comic weed films must be 2008’s “Pineapple Express.”

Director David Gordon Green handles the great dialogue and rowdy, slapstick, action with an authentic understanding of the subversive and sometimes silly pot subculture. The plot

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 278

THE DEVIL’S HARVEST (1942) Although it unfolds as a detective story, it’s really a thinly held together exposé that played to millions in the 1940’s, helping to sway prohibitionists onto a new target, marijuana.

follows the misadventures of disenchanted process server’s (Seth Rogan) uneasy friendship with his dope dealer James Franco).

MARIJUANA (1952) You probably haven’t heard of or seen this John Wayne oddity. Two edits and posters were created for different markets.

This hybrid Cold War anti-marijuana propaganda movie starring John Wayne and James Arness comes across as a wanna-be film noir dressed up like a political thriller.

The Duke plays a detective working for the infamous House Un-American Activities Committee that was set up to weed out (no pun intended) communists from America. The plot follows Wayne and partner (Arness) as they try to break up a nest of commies operating in

Hawaii.

“Marijuana” was distributed in the USA under the title “Big Jim McLain,” but in some European markets the film was retitled “Marijuana” and the “communist angle” was edited out, making the villains drug dealers instead of commies. I wonder how the Duke felt about this, or was he behind it?

I’m guessing the producers didn’t think the anti-communist angle would go over well in Europe so in markets like Italy, the film was re-dubbed to make Wayne a hunter of dope smugglers and not political dissidents! This says a lot about the red -scare political hysteria of the time and how easily one fear can be translated to another.

Decades old vintage grindhouse exploitation films are “marijuana movies” that are said to be best appreciated in an altered state. The wonderful posters, all collectibles now, say it all.

Consider the following titles and images! You have been warned.

MARIHUANA: WEED WITH ROOTS IN HELL (1936) Not much is known about director Dwaine Esper or his screenwriter wife and filmmaking partner Hildegarde Stadie.

The twisty, sensational plot follows a young girl named Burma (Harley Wood – what a great name) to a beach party with her boyfriend where she smokes some dope with a bunch of other girls, one of whom drowns while skinny dipping in the ocean. Burma soon discovers she’s pregnant and she and her boyfriend go to work for the “pusher” in order to make enough money to get married. Makes sense, right? Unfortunately, a drug deal goes bad and her boyfriend is killed leaving a desperate Burma, now on her own, to fend for herself.

Burma, without resources, gives up her baby for adoption and becomes a major dope dealer. Is this a success story or a cautionary tale?

20

REEFER MADNESS (1936) The granddaddy of all anti-marijuana propaganda films relates its story via high school principal Dr. Alfred Carroll (Josef Forte) in a lecture to parents at a PTA meeting. Carroll tells about the dangers to their innocent children using marijuana. He narrates a cautionary tale of what happened to brother and sister Jimmy (Warren McCollum) and Mary Lane (Dorothy Short), and Mary’s boyfriend Bill (Kenneth Craig) after frequenting a “reefer” house where they become hooked into smoking dope and the High-school principal Dr. Alfred Carroll (Josef Forte) relates to an audience of parents that marijuana can have devastating effects on teens. In his story, a drug supplier entices several restless teens, including sister and brother Mary (Dorothy Short) and Jimmy Lane (Warren McCollum) and Mary’s boyfriend, Bill (Kenneth Craig), into frequenting a “reefer house.” It’s not long before Bill and Jimmy are habitually smoking dope, which dramatically impacts their family lives and leads to a horrific crime.

SHE SHOULDA SAID “NO’! (1949) This exploitation film follows in the spirit of morality tales like “Reefer Madness” where one joint will spiral your life into chaos where death is the only escape. Director Sam Newfield used the pseudonym “Sherman Scott. The film starred Lila Leeds and was positioned to capitalize on the widely publicized arrest of Leeds and movie star Robert Mitchum on a charge of marijuana conspiracy.

As time passed, the film was issued under many titles. It struggled to find a distributor until grindhouse presenter Howard W. “Kroger” Babb picked up the rights, reissuing it as “The Story of Lila Leeds and Her Exposé of the Marijuana Racket.” Its relative success came only after the posters were redone and a story fabricated that the film was being presented in conjunction with the United States Treasury Department.

In it, a former dancer whose life was nearly destroyed by marijuana joins police in their efforts to stamp out the plant.

Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

WEED READS

T

he good people of the State of California voted to end the prohibition of marijuana and legalize cannabis for adult consumption. How will that change our cities, state, country, and world? It’s hard to say.

Whether or not you consume marijuana, or think of it as good or bad, it’s time to have an understanding of the natural weed product and its culture.

As is the beauty of books, of course there is much written on the subject.

If you prefer to get your cannabis information through nonfiction adventure, nonfiction experts, creative narrative fiction, or through cures and cuisine, here are some weed reads to enlighten and get you in the groove.

NONFICTION Heart of Dankness: Underground Botanists, Outlaw Farmers, and the Race for the Cannabis Cup by Mark Haskell Smith (Broadway Books, 256 pages).

This is my favorite book on cannabis culture, growing and weed varieties. Smith is so much fun to be with as he journeys around the world in search of the best – or dankest - marijuana.

It’s a blast as he shares his highs and lows.

The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan (Random House, 271 pages).

This is a wonderful book about the

August 17 to August 23, 2017

relationship between four specific plants and the people who cultivate and consume them. Pollan reveals the evolution, complexity and success of apples, tulips, potatoes and marijuana. Pollan shows that the plants use humans as much as we use them. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis—Its Role in Medicine, Politics, Science, and Culture edited by Julie Holland (Park Street Press, 576 pages).

If there is a marijuana bible, this could be it. The tome covers the whole spectrum of cannabis from its reputed benefits to it side effects. Holland edits a range of information

that includes scientific research, medicinal uses, psychological effects, neurochemistry, and politics, to the safest way to consume marijuana – water pipe vs. rolled joint or edibles. Interviews include health guru Dr. Andrew Weil and stoner Tommy Chong. The citations are numerous, and this book provides a wide scope of pertinent information.

FICTION Point Dume by Katie Arnoldi (Overlook Press, 240 pages).

A local Malibu girl sees her quaint beach town being exploited by rich developers, while her old boyfriend finds it easier to steal from cartel growers in the canyon than grow his own marijuana.

Baked (Grove Press, 288 pages) also from author Mark Haskell Smith, is his fictional story about a California grower who enters his tasty mango flavored marijuana in Amsterdam’s Cannabis Cup and wins, only to find himself celebrated in ways he didn’t imagine or desire.

Budding Prospects: A Pastoral by T. Coraghessan Boyle (Penguin Books, 336 pages).

Californian and award winning author, Boyle, tells the story of Nor-Cal growers who have their eyes set on growing a crop worth a half a million dollars, but find that the great outdoors and gangster competitors don’t make it easy.

COOKBOOKS The Cannabis Spa at Home by Sandra Hinchliffe (Skyhorse, 160 pages).

For thousands of years, marijuana has been considered a healing herb.

This book specializes in potions, poultices, lotions, scrubs and salves for managing pain to

creating an euphoric sensation. Recipes include teas, tinctures and toddies.

The Official High Times Cannabis Cookbook

by Elise McDonough with other magazine editors (Chronicle Books, 160 pages).

The monthly “High Times” magazine, which was established in 1974 and continues to be the most popular periodical pertaining to all things pot, the cookbook’s tried and tested recipes covering everything from holiday dinners to mouth-watering munchies.

Cooking with Herb: 75 Recipes for the Marley Natural Lifestyle

by Cedella Marley and Raquel Pelzel (Penguin, 240 pages).

Author Marley is the daughter of Bob Marley the famous and beloved ganja smoking reggae artist. She and fellow author Pelzel share the restorative and spiritual properties of using cannabis for healthy eating and general wellbeing.

The book serves as a guide to using cannabis safely for pleasure, healing and cooking.

Best of all, the authors provide insights and recommendations for choosing a strain and potency that may be most suitable for your personal use.

Cannabis is now locally available, grown and processed. Whether you will be walking into your neighborhood dispensary tomorrow, next year or never, cannabis is here to stay and is part of the eclectic CV culture.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY

M

illions of Americans will watch the Aug. 21 solar eclipse and have already purchased (or will) eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to do so. Some of these people may be at risk from counterfeit glasses and viewers sold by disreputable vendors trying to cash in on this rare event. Watching the eclipse with fake protective gear can cause permanent eye damage, making this a community risk reduction issue.

Only glasses and viewers verified by an accredited testing laboratory to meet ISO 12312-2 are safe to use when viewing the eclipse. This standard requires glasses and viewers to be thousands of times darker than typical sunglasses.

It may be hard to tell the difference between genuine protective gear and fake glasses/viewers as some counterfeit makers are placing ISO labels on them. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has guidance to help eclipse watchers determine if their eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers are safe. In addition, NASA recommends

that eclipse watchers refer to the AAS’s website for a list of reputable vendors selling solar glasses and viewers.

Community residents can experience the eclipse safely, but it is vital that they protect their eyes at all times with the proper solar glasses and viewers. NASA safety tips for watching the eclipse.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

21

August 17 to August 23, 2017

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CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 16 PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey & Friends 6pm

AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-7998800 Bartland w/ DJ LF, Richie Rich 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Sunday Brunch w/ Carrie Wilson & Pat Mahon 10-2pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-365-6633 Dana Larson &Friends 5-8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Singer/ Songwriter Night w/ Giselle Woo, Lance Riebsomer, Wonderwench and more JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Sunday Night Jam Session w/ Jos Burrell 7pm

MON AUGUST 21

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close

HADDON LIBBY A Parallel in History: Prohibition

O

ur national debate over the legalization of marijuana bears a striking resemblance to something that happened nearly a century ago.

Back on January 17th, 1920, the United States banned the sale of “intoxicating liquors.” Initially proposed as a way to conserve grain during World War I, this affront toward personal liberties was due to the efforts of a well-intentioned, but misguided group of Protestant women in rural regions.

It is easy to understand why these activists railed against the consumption of liquor. Alcoholism was rampant, family violence caused many women and children to live in fear of the patriarch of their families and government corruption often occurred in the smoky recesses of a saloon.

Alcohol was viewed by many as an evil sent

by Satan himself.

Catholics and Lutherans tried to organize ‘wet’ supporters to fight the ‘dry’ Protestants to no avail. By 1920, the 18th Amendment shut down the nation’s legal production of beer, wine and spirits despite a veto from President Woodrow Wilson. Private ownership and consumption of alcohol was not made illegal under federal law although many states made the possession of any type of liquor a crime.

Municipalities lost significant tax

22

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 The Mighty Sweet Nothings 6:309:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6pm

TUE AUGUST 22

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bob Garcia Band 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Pleyhouse w/ Alf Alpha 9pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-8327767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company

NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night w/ Rock-A-Holics 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Boliver and Yve Evans 6pm

WED AUGUST 23

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Acoustics w/ Eric McEntee 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Totally Radical 90’s w/ DJ Richie Rich 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-8624581 TBA 6-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 TBA 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760228-1199 Karaoke 7:30pm

FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 TBA 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Nite hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Roger & Friends 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Katheryn White 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 80’s DJ Night 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm

A PARALLEL IN HISTORY: PROHIBITION

revenues. While a criminal element, the most notorious being Al Capone, saw a dry America as a chance to get rich quickly.

Violence and disorder grew - a result that was the opposite of that expected by supporters of a dry country.

The federal government assigned 1,520 people to enforce the alcohol ban - a woefully insufficient effort to patrol the vast borders of a non-compliant country.

Presidents during the fourteen-year alcohol ban had their own ‘liquor cellars’ transported with them when moving to Washington DC. A New York Post article estimated that 80-90% of all politicians in Washington DC consumed alcohol regularly whether at home or at one of the nation’s 100,000 speakeasies. Noted alcoholic, Winston Churchill, called Prohibition “an affront to the whole history of Mankind.”

Today’s battle over marijuana sales

echoes many of the themes experienced a century ago. The primary difference this time is that it is the states fighting for self-control on the issue while the federal government vacillates between passivity and enforcement.

Alcohol sales create $350 million in tax revenues for the state of California alone.

Many believe that marijuana sales will add upwards of $500 million to the state’s ever thirsty coffers. ICF International estimates that annual marijuana sales in California alone will exceed $15 billion once fully legal in 2018.

In an era where good-paying middle class jobs are eroding with every technological advancement, a legal marijuana trade in California has the potential to create more than 100,000 new, good-paying jobs.

Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron estimates that the legalization of marijuana

may save our judicial system as much as $13.7 billion annually.

Given the dramatic and positive economic effects that legalization will have for workers, businesses and governments, why would we want to prohibit a substance that is as widely available today as alcohol was during Prohibition?

Legalization means that our police and court systems will be freed of approximately 750,000 petty crimes. Nearly half of each year’s 1.5 million drug arrests are related to marijuana with 90% related to possession.

To show how marijuana arrests simply clog the judicial system, 0.2% of prison inmates are incarcerated for marijuana possession of which half are first time offenders.

Those fearing that legalization will cause more crime and societal problems need to look back at the well-intentioned but flawed efforts of the dry days.

Haddon Libby is a Registered Investment Advisor, Fiduciary and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at HLibby@ WinslowDrake.com or 760.449.6349. Visit WinslowDrake.com for more information.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

August 17 to August 23, 2017

YOU CANNOT GET A MARIJUANA LICENSE! (THE ABC’S OF MJ)

WHAT? YOU THOUGHT MARIJUANA WAS LEGALIZED AND YOU COULD GET A LICENSE OR PERMIT TO SMOKE!

I

t is not that you cannot smoke, but it is correctly called a Physician Statement and Recommendation. It is not a license or permit, as I too thought.

It is the same as saying there is no such thing as a DRUNK DRIVING. Yes it is illegal to drink too much and drive, but it is not called a drunk driving. The correct term is DUI, Driving Under the Influence.

The Code Section for DUI has evolved from 502 to 23102 to 23152 of the Vehicle Code. Because the code has always ended with a 2, people under the influence are said to be deuced.

Though drunk driving has changed vehicle code numbers, for Possession of MJ have remained as 11357 of the Health and Safety code. In those early days I represented about 1000 defendants for this charge. Unlike today, it often resulted in a jail sentence and in Texas a larger amount could mean prison. Today you can get a Deferred Entry of Judgment for a first offense under Penal Code 1000 conviction and for a second offense Prop 36 applies and also results in a dismissal.

Currently there is no way to determine current MJ use while at the scene. It would involve testing that takes time. Law enforcement is working on an “on the scene test.” Soon you will be arrested for DUI/ Drunk Driving on MJ too. As MJ becomes more mainstream MJ may be the substance of choice for “chillin”.

Many years ago as a young Criminal Trial Attorney after I left my job with the government, I wrote an article for the paper.

It was entitled ONE TOKE AWAY! Over 30 years ago I thought MJ legalization was around the corner, but I did not know how many corners it would take. Well the time has come.

Legalization has created new jobs: dispensaries, doctors to handle recommendations, as well as office employees to handle paperwork and phones.

New businesses like Weedmaps, home delivery and medical evaluations are thriving.

Legislations starts in January of 2018 that requires PRE packaging of products and

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not loose buds etc. However, recreational marijuana became legal state wide, but not federally, after Yes on Prop 64 passed in Nov ‘16. MJ became decriminalized for possession of under 28 grams under the compassionate use act (Prop 215) in 1996. Our local laws were drastically relaxed in 2016 after voters approved adult use of MJ act under Prop 64.

Adults 21 and over may purchase, possess and consume up to 1oz. in a private residence or establishment licensed for MJ. It is legal to grow up to 6 MJ plants as long as there is a secure place not observable by the public. To qualify for protection afforded by CA Medical Cannabis laws one must be a qualified patient or primary caregiver.

Becoming a qualified patient necessitates getting a doctors letter entitled “Physician Statement and Recommendation”. You make an appointment with a MJ Doctor that all shops can recommend. In preparation for this article I researched not only the laws, but made an appointment and got my Letter of Recommendation, which involved a short exam where a real MD asked questions.

In my attempt to research MJ for this article I learned the most common forms of cannabis are Concentrates, Edibles and Flower. There are 3 types of medical Cannabis: 1. Indica: is high in CBD or Cannabidiol, very low THC therefore not psychoactive.

Used for pain, seizures, antioxidant, appetite suppression, neuroprotection.

2. Sativa: is high in Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive substance, and is low in CBD. Used to assists insomnia, appetite stimulant, pain, migraines, anti-inflammatory diseases, seizures.

3. Hybrids: cross breeding of Indica and Sativa which have characteristics of both and are a mixture of various ratios of THC: CBD. All have a warning to keep out of reach of children.

The Modalities of Medical Cannabis use are: 1. Vaporizing is preferred because you are not burning the toxic carbon into your lungs. Vaping involves a cartridge. All

combinations and strengths can be obtained for vaping. Dabbing is a form of vaporization in which potent cannabis concentrates over combustible flower. Rugs and Buds are other names for flowers.

2. Edibles: cookies, brownies, candy etc.

These have the psychoactive THC, and nonpsychoactive CBD, molecules in edibles, depending on the extracts used. They are contraindicated for new users due to the THC molecule that is converted by gastric enzymes into a highly potent TCH that is ten times what was originally ingested. 3.

Tinctures/sublingual: tiny drops of the oil is put under the tongue, held for a minute and swallowed. It is the preferred method due to rapid absorption.

4. Lotions/ Creams/ Salve/ Massage Oil/ Body Oils are applied to skin and for localized pain like arthritis. Also for rashes.

For Cannabis consumption the second most important consideration, after the flower, is the delivery method. The Inhalation delivery allows the gases to enter the lungs before being absorbing in the bloodstream.... this includes smoking and vaporization.

The Term 420 is used for MJ and there are 420 parties referencing April 20, the date the law changed (and also Hitler’s birthday) and 710 which upside down spells OIL. It is a concentrate and also a term associated with MJ. Cities like Coachella just shortened the distance needed between cultivators and residents from 1000 to 600 ft. and cities are jumping on the band wagon in legalizing MJ because of all the money involved. I know people from Wall Street who made $500,000/ year, who quit their jobs and moved to Colorado, because of all the potential money.

Unfortunately one of biggest challenges is that the banks will not accept money from MJ growers etc. MJ is still not legal federally and banks are not allowed to do biz with MJ companies. In addition it is hard to get a location in some cities as landlords on El Paseo will not lease to them. They worry their other tenants will complain about the type of people “hangin”.

If a minor is arrested for possession it is an Infraction if under 18. As part of the sentence the defendant is required to take a drug class for education.

The Sale of MJ without a license is a misdemeanor and carries up to 6 months jail sentence and or a $500 fine. However in our current climate not much will happen.

We still may not use MJ in public, while driving or as passenger in a car, plane or boat/ golf cart. In addition landlords can restrict the use of MJ on their property by including it in the lease. However medical marijuana patients can have it in their car. They should keep a copy of their Recommendation in the glove compartment.

Here’s what you need to know: 1. Anyone 21 or older can buy recreational marijuana in many states.

2. You can possess pot and get high legally in many states, as long as you’re at least 21.

Recreational marijuana was legalized last year in California and other states.

3. Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states.

4. You can still be fired for using marijuana.

Even if you show up for work as sober as a judge, you can be fired for flunking a drug test in most states. This has happened to some medical patients.

5. The government owns and operates a pot store. The city of North Bonneville, Washington, opened the Cannabis Corner in 2015. It’s the first municipally owned pot shop. Profits go to special city projects, like upgrading the local playground. The Desert Sun reported this week that some people are trying to buy very small cities so they can set their own law.

6. There’s a black market for pot, even where it’s legal. That’s not just because old habits die hard. Illegal pot is cheaper because it’s tax-free, while legal recreational pot is taxed heavily... 28% tax in Colorado; 37% tax In Washington; Oregon 17% and 20%, depending on the city and county. Growers, processors, retailers and buyers all pay taxes.

Medical marijuana tends to be cheaper than recreational because it is taxed at a lower rate.

7. Banking is a buzzkill for pot shops. Pot remains illegal in the eyes of the federal government, which classifies it the same as Heroin. Banks are regulated by the feds, which means that most banks won’t go near dispensaries, forcing many of them to deal in cash. In 2014, the Justice Department issued guidelines for banks on how to legally provide financial services to state-licensed marijuana businesses. But many banks remain wary of weed.

8. You can’t take marijuana across state lines. Even when two legal states share a border, as Washington and Oregon do, carrying weed across state lines runs afoul of federal law. Don’t bring it on a plane, and don’t mail it. Nevada does allow reciprocity for medical marijuana patients.

9. You can’t smoke and drive. Driving while stoned is illegal and dangerous, just like drunken driving. But there’s no Breathalyzer for weed, a conundrum for cops...for now.

That could change, because two companies Hound Labs and Cannabix Technologies - are testing Marijuana Breathalyzers.

10. You can’t smoke weed in public anywhere. Sorry, but those 420 pot parties in city parks are illegal, even in states where cannabis is legal.

FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500 OR dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW - “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life-(DUI)-2011-17 “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov. ‘16 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

23

August 17 to August 23, 2017

CANNABIS CORNER MARY JANE AND THE BRAIN

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

R

ecreational marijuana or technically, adult consumption, is legal. At some point next year, cannabis will be available to purchase over the counter, potentially, as easy as buying a six-pack of beer.

If you’ve been waiting for the end of marijuana prohibition since 1970, and are looking forward to once again sharing a bong with your pals at poker night, or smoking a fat blunt while watching the sunset, you may be surprised by the potency and addictive qualities.

“The cultivation industry has been able to concentrate the THC,” said Harry L. Haroutunian, M.D., President, Dr. Harry Recovery and Wellness Network in Rancho Mirage. “Pot today has enormously high levels, so it has a very significant affect.”

Haroutunian, who goes by “Dr. Harry,” is an internationally known speaker and presenter specializing in Addiction Medicine and Recovery Issues. He came to the CV in 2001 and worked for a decade at the Betty Ford Center.

“Craving for the substance, loss of control, persistent use, adverse consequences, are the primary hallmarks of addiction,” said Harry. “The definition of addictive symptoms is pretty much the same for marijuana as it is for alcohol. There’s some tolerance built. So there’s a need for more and more to produce the desired effect.”

Harry has seen an up-tic in marijuana-addicted patients over the last year. Especially disconcerting to Harry is the younger people who come to him for help.

“Many are still minors or in their early 20s,” said Harry. “It becomes a failure to launch situation. The lack of motivation is more specific to marijuana than other drugs. Marijuana’s continued use in these developing brains has significant consequences, especially since the marijuana today is so much stronger than it was years ago.”

Harry has seen kids using marijuana medicinally for everything from pre-menstrual cramps to headaches. Marijuana edibles appeal to kids and are particularly dangerous.

“It’s really in the younger population that marijuana scares me the most,” Harry said.

Since 2014, more of Harry’s patients claim marijuana as being the primary drug of choice, whereas before in treatment, it was rarely mentioned. Marijuana was an ancillary drug.

Doctor Harry strongly believes marijuana is indeed a gateway drug.

“I don’t have any problem saying that,” said Harry. “More patients present marijuana as a significant part of their history. Let there be no doubt about it, the middle age and older people I treat on a regular basis have certainly identified marijuana in many, many cases as the gateway drug to their addiction.”

Harry also says that marijuana is the main gateway to tobacco products and nicotine addiction, which kills 480,000 Americans a year!

For those folks who use medicinal marijuana with a pointed purpose for sleep, pain relief, arthritis, cancer, chemotherapy, nausea, weight gain, glaucoma, Harry sees the marijuana as beneficial.

“If they are able to take a hit or two, and be satisfied that life is in a well-balanced state, and if it helps avoid the use of opioids, I don’t have a problem with that,” said Harry.

With opioids over-prescribed and opioid deaths at epidemic proportions, many believe marijuana is a way to help people overcome their opioid addiction.

“I don’t know of any studies done to know if that is even possible,” said Harry. “If someone has legitimate chronic pain and can get some relief, it certainly seems to be a better alternative than reaching for the Vicodin or Oxycodone.”

“There is a reason the human body has so many

24

CANNABIS CORNER

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

FINDING HELP FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Y

cannabinoid receptors,” said Harry. “Cannabis has been around in Chinese medicine for thousand of years. I’m not a naysayer. I do think there is probably some wonderful place [in medicine] where it can be used.”

Marijuana is a “Schedule 1” Controlled Substance on the same list as heroine and crack.

Harry believes that segments of our society have been unfairly prosecuted because of marijuana. And, he would like to see some of the money cannabis businesses are making go to the testing and research of marijuana.

But, for those things to happen, marijuana would have to be decriminalization by the federal government. The current administration has shown no interest in the subject.

“Marijuana does not have an exact strength,” said Harry. “It is not cut in exact dosages. You can take 325 mg of aspirin, without a problem. Because it’s been measured and the dosage is reproducible from pill to pill, and the size of the pill will tell you the milligrams you’re getting. Marinol is out there as THC. Why not just go to a pill form? I think it’s because people want to smoke the product instead.”

For the time being, marijuana is nonpharmacopoeia – there are no directions or exact formulas to guarantee or accurately reproduce dosages of marijuana, edibles or other marijuana based products.

“It’s just a crapshoot. It’s like having a shotglass of tequila, and then the next minute you’re having a water bottle of tequila. It’s 50-proof one time and maybe 150-proof the next. It can be twice as potent, or three, or seven times! That’s the problem.”

According to Harry, the long-term dangers of marijuana include cognitive difficulties, respiratory problems, “failure to launch” and socio-economic impact due to the lack of motivation -- a known syndrome related to marijuana use.

As a doctor, Harry is not a proponent of recreational use marijuana.

“You are either straight or you’re stoned.

Marijuana seems to be designed just to do that,” said Harry. “There are more limitations on people’s ability to perform or earn a living, they leave school and are unmotivated. There’s a reason they call it ‘stoned.’”

Marijuana users and advocates consistently point out that there have been no deaths caused by marijuana.

“There are people who have more than they are able to handle, and end up in the emergency room, where the diagnosis is ‘overdose,’” said Harry.

“You’re not supposed to go to the emergency room with a panic disorder because the pot you smoked was too strong. Maybe there is no such thing as marijuana stopping your breathing. But, there is such a thing as too much marijuana and you drive into a tree. So there are marijuana related deaths.”

Doctor Harry recommends people go to the California Society of Addiction Medicine’s website and read the position papers listed pertaining to “Marijuana legalization in California,” “Heavy Cannabis User,” “Prevention of Youthful Marijuana Use.” csam-asam.org/evidence-based-marijuanainformation.

ou hopefully have read my articles on medical cannabis in the past several months. Now I would like to tell you about myself and explain why I am convinced that medical marijuana or medical cannabis (MC), as we in the cannabis industry call it, will be the next medical revolution in treating diseases.

I graduated over fifty years ago from the University of Connecticut in 1966 with a baccalaureate of science degree in nursing.

I remember vacillating back and forth over the safety of smoking pot. I am very into traditional medical practice. I taught nursing students in associate degree programs. Went to Teachers College Columbia University and received a Masters of Arts in Teaching.

In the sixties we walked slowly to call a code blue. Those were the days before “no code” orders were initiated, before advanced directives, patients’ choice, and patients’ right to refuse treatment.

I have a nephew who died at the age of 24 from opiate overdose. I cannot remember when I was not against marijuana. I even voted against prop 64. That’s how conservative I have been. The last 15 of my 50 years practicing nursing have been in hospice and infusion. I have been certified in hospice and palliative nursing for over twelve years.

Getting certified in any nursing specialty is a very hard and industrious accomplishment.

When you encounter a nurse caring for you who is certified in any specialty, you are being cared for by a very dedicated and advanced skilled nurse. My encounter with MC came in the last eight months as I searched for an alternative to my escalating chronic back and neck pain.

I am also a writer, having written professionally in nursing journals, and newspapers on palliative care. In March I started writing about MC. The more research I did on this plant lead me to the millions of hidden underground people who use it and the scientific literature written in medical journals. MC is the new specialty. After drowning in books and lectures and being tested on MC, I am becoming certified. We should all be angry that the corrupt swamp

in the deep state has forbidden physicians and pharmacists from prescribing this miracle herb.

A keyword search on PubMed using the term “marijuana” yields over 25,131 scientific journal articles in the peerreviewed literature as of 4/17/14 such as the JAMA, Neurology, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The Lancet, Nature, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, Endocrinology, American Journal of Medicine, and others to the numerous to detail.

Since I have retired from hospice care I am devoting the autumn of my nursing profession to propagating the benefits of this plant in relieving disease and suffering, to physicians, nurses, and the public. It is a shame what the politicians, the media, and the lobbyist have done to keep this knowledge from us. There are many folks who get help to obtain a legal California Recommendation from a marijuana physician. Afterwards the person then goes to a dispensary and relies on a nonmedical person to determine what to purchase.

I now devote my nursing to the role of nurse cannabis navigator. I fill the huge gaps between you, the marijuana physician, who gives you the Recommendation, and the dispensary. If you have taken cannabis and it is not working I can navigate you towards products that are safe and effective.

I am also dedicating myself to pressuring our legislators into declassifying MC. There is a petition on the Whitehouse website for everyone to sign. We have until September 4th to get 99,999 signatures so we can put it on President Trump’s desk. I ask you to please go to this website: petitions. whitehouse.gov/petition/resolutionsupport-de-scheduling-cannabis and sign the petition. Call Senator Kamala Harris and Congressman Raul Ruiz to get involved in this effort. Senator Feinstein is already ahead of her colleagues and has a bill to help remove the travesty of secrecy towards the American people. If you need any help learning about MC, want to use it, and/or do not know where to go for help please email me at hilruth@gmail.com. Continue to look for my articles in CV Weekly.

ASK THE DOCTOR

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY DR PETER KADILE

Dr. Peter M. Kadile is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He has an integrative, osteopathic medical practice and is also known as the local, house call doctor; Desert House Call Physician. He is on staff at Eisenhower Medical Center and medical director for Serenity Hospice. His office is located in beautiful Old Town La Quinta, 78-100 Main Street, Suite 207, La Quinta, CA 92253. (760) 777-7439. DesertHouseCalls@aol.com. deserthousecalldoc.com.

MEDICAL WORLD OF MARIJUANA

P

rop 64 was passed in California last November, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.

Medicinal marijuana use has been legal in California since 1996. While I have heard with great skepticism from some people that marijuana can essentially cure just about every ailment, there are medical benefits from the use of marijuana.

In a recent presentation to the American Academy of Family Physicians National Conference by Dr. Jose M. David of Albany Medical College, Dr. David discussed the medical evidence regarding medicinal marijuana. A Medline (database of medical journal articles) search from 1948 to 2016 found 562 articles mentioning cannabis.

There have been 40 clinical trials published about the benefits of medical marijuana.

The strongest evidence for the use of medical marijuana was for chronic pain, neuropathic pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. The use of cannabis for chronic pain is worth noting since opioid abuse was just declared a national emergency and it has been shown that cannabis can be substituted for opioids and can be just as effective in controlling pain.

What has the evidence shown thus far for medical marijuana: Cancer treatment- studies have reported that medical synthetic cannabis inhibits certain cancer growth and spread of cancer Epilepsy- conflicting results in studies Headaches- lack of randomized controlled trials Neuropathy (pain due to nerve damage)limited studies Inflammatory Bowel Disease- can help reduce inflammation and pain Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting – Not enough comparison studies with conventional medications to prove superiority of medical marijuana.

Despite the lack of consistent benefits

of medical marijuana seen in the current medical literature thus far, I have personally seen the benefits of medical marijuana in some of my patients with chronic pain.

Now marijuana is a drug and all drugs have side effects. The side effects can be harmful.

Medical Adverse Effects • Cannabis Induced Arteritis • Cannabis Induced Posterior Circulation Stroke • Chronic cough, bullous emphysema, COPD • Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome • Pancreatitis Adverse Effects • Impaired short term memory • Impaired motor coordination • Poor judgement • High risk for motor vehicle accidents • Paranoid ideations, psychotic symptoms As more states are legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use, the medical research on the benefits of medical marijuana will continue to grow. The strongest evidence thus far is that medical marijuana has been shown to be effective for chronic pain, especially neuropathy. It is also worth noting that marijuana does not kill patients (no case of overdose has ever been reported).

August 17 to August 23, 2017

CANNABIS CORNER

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

THE WORLD IS ON FIRE LEGALIZING MEDICAL CANNABIS

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he Americans for Safe Assess (ASA. org) held its fifth conference in April 2017 and shared how the world is on fire with discussing, cultivating, producing, regulating, researching and using medical cannabis (MC). The U.S. Government continues its 80 years of lying to the public, manipulation by the media and the pharmaceutic companies, and research with contaminated government grown cannabis.

It’s time to end the discriminatory prohibition of this miraculous plant. The public is taking the government kicking and screaming into the real world.

Let’s identify all the countries in the world that now have some form of legalization.

First let me identify a controversy between CBD from hemp which has less than 1% TCH and whole plant cannabis which has various ratios of CBD and THC. Hemp is a cousin of cannabis. It gives us fiber, plastics, clothing, beauty products etc. CBD oil produced from hemp is very inexpensive and thus it is more readily available in poorer countries where the populace is not into the 2,000 strains of the whole cannabis plant. Hemp CBD may not work for you but it’s working in many of these poor countries.

The International Cannabis Cannabinoid Institute (ICCI) detailed at the conference progress in the European Union. Portugal, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Poland, Greece, Italy Croatia, the Czech Republic all have, or are in the process of, legalizing some form of MC. The biggest impetus is for children with intractable seizures, or for pain due to breast and lung cancer.

Many EU countries are waiting for Germany to design the regulations because Germany is the biggest country with 80 million citizens. Italy licensed the army to be the only one to cultivate cannabis. Most countries distribute only in pharmacies except for The Czech Republic. The UK already reclassified cannabis from Schedule I to a Schedule II. The hemp crop was developed by the French who are the largest cultivators. Framers grow it everywhere. But the problem is they have no regulations on testing, cultivation, quantity or distribution. Buyer beware. All agriculture in the EU is subsidized.

South America has Columbia, Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile, developing, in some form or another, legalization of MC for specific diseases. Again most of the drive has been the parents of children with intractable seizures. Venezuela limits the quantity, Argentina provides it free of charge for those enrolled in the program. Uruguay provides it through the pharmacy and charges $1.30/ gram, (U.S. average is $20/gram). Every country has a patch work of regulations: distribution limits, plants/person, plants/

farmer, government distributes, pharmacy distributes, etc.

Jamaica made MC popular with their national song by Peter Tish. MC is legalized for medicinal purposes. Their law also expunges the record of anyone incarcerated for an ounce of cannabis. Certain categories of people can farm the hemp, and they support research.

An emotional story came out of Mexico this year. One hundred thousand people were killed due to the drug war, consequently less than 30% of the Mexican population was in favor of legalizing marijuana. Raul Elizalde, the parent of Alina, who has intractable seizures, became the hero of Mexico’s children with his activism. His efforts resulted in the Mexican Congress overwhelmingly approving, in June 2017, the cultivation production and use of cannabis with less than 1% TCH (hemp CBD).

Now 80% of the Mexican population are in favor of legalizing MC. Mexico is now importing RSHO-X a hemp based CBD made in America. Hemp based CBD is acquiring an improved reputation over the whole plant enthusiasts. The best news is that Cory Booker (D-NJ) has introduced the Marijuana Justice Act which mimics Jamaica (see above) a law to declassify cannabis.

Go to his Facebook page to see the video.

There is also a petition on the Whitehouse. gov site to ask the Trump administration to declassify cannabis. Please go to: petitions. whitehouse.gov/petition/resolution-supportde-scheduling-cannabis. Petitions on the website must receive 150 signatures to be available to the public, then must receive 500,000 signatures for the petition to be put on the President’s desk.

Send responses to hilruth@gmail.com

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

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SPORTS SCENE

BY FLINT WHEELER

BRYCE HARPER INJURY HAS HUGE IMPACT ON NL MVP ODDS

BEAUTY

BY DR MARIA LOMBARDO

Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage.

She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program.

For a consultation or more information, visit lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

PATIENT SAFETY AND PHYSICIAN EDUCATION: THERE ARE LOTS OF GROUPS LOOKING OUT FOR YOU!

W

Y

ou can tell voters place the most emphasis on WAR with the average rank in the league for the eventual winner at 1.6 in the category. Second thing you notice - good god was Harper amazing in the 2015 campaign. That’s a lot of 1s on the board.

OPS is the next stat category getting the most love with an average rank of 3.0, followed by slugging at 3.2.

Reference the Odds chart above.

Who we can rule out Justin Turner +2000 Winning the batting title is cool but that won’t get you close to winning the league MVP trophy. Turner leads the NL in batting at .346 going into Monday’s games, but he’s scored and batted in just 111 runs. To put that number in perspective, his teammate Cody Bellinger has scored or knocked in a combined 147 runs.

Anthony Rendon +2000 He may be an all-star but there are too many other big names having career years on the Nationals for the 27-year-old third baseman to stand out and above his club mates.

Charlie Blackmon +2000 Can’t be the league MVP when you aren’t even the MVP of your team. That honor goes to dude holding court at the hot corner in Colorado, Nolan Arenado Nolan Arenado +800 Baseball writers have awarded the Rockies with one MVP season (Larry Walker 1997) and that was before they fully understood how much of an advantage it

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was for batters to play half their games at Coors Field. Look at those splits for Arenado.

Doesn’t have all the stats but can’t be ruled out Cody Bellinger +1500 We’re four and a half months into the season and the Dodgers are still winning over 70 percent of their games. Clayton Kershaw won’t win the NL Cy Young award unless he returns from that back injury in the next couple of weeks. Baseball writers like to reward historically good teams.

Bellinger is in the best spot among the Dodgers position players to nab the MVP honors.

Who’ll win?

Paul Goldschmidt +120 Not an exciting pick, but certainly a welldeserved one. Goldschmidt was the runnerup in the 2013 and 2015 NL MVP award voting. The Diamondbacks first baseman is first in the senior circuit in WAR (5.7), third in OPS (1.030) and second in RBIs (92).

hen you go into your Cosmetic Surgeon’s office there are usually several certificates framed and hanging on the walls. Most of these are diplomas from medical school and residency training programs or Board Certification in a specific specialty but some of them are for membership and participation in professional organizations.

When I look around my office, I see a certificate of appreciation for being an oral board examiner from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and a certificate of appointment to the Board of Trustees from the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

But what exactly are these organizations and why are they important to patients? The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, for example, is a national organization dedicated to patient safety and physician education.

According to their website “The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) is committed to the development of the field of cosmetic surgery as a continuously advancing multispecialty discipline that delivers the safest patient outcomes through evidence-based information that informs best practices and technologies in service delivery globally.”

For doctors they offer educational conferences, surgery workshops, patient education materials and a community of physicians to interact with. But for patients they offer a great deal too. There is a whole section on the AACS website for patients: “choosing a surgeon”, “reality vs. myth”,

MAI BEAUTY

“about cosmetic surgery” and they can even help you find a cosmetic surgeon near you!

Checking out the websites, signing up for a newsletter and liking a Facebook page are great ways for patients, or potential patients, to get familiar with the doctors and procedures that they are interested in.

The California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is another, more local, example of a group offering continuing medical education and other resources for physicians as well as a wealth of information for patients. If you haven’t explored the websites of these, and other, patient safety and education groups….

What are you waiting for? You might learn a little something…

If you have questions or want to make a complimentary consultation with Dr. Maria Lombardo call 760-610-8990 to set up an appointment.

BY MAILY O’NEIL

MAI SALON’S NEWEST STYLIST

R

ich Stylez is also known as Richie, a hairstylist and freelancer associated with Mai Salon. Over the many years of experience with hair

cutting, hair coloring, technical styling, and well-known and requested scalp massages, Richie’s passion is not only to help grow and maintain your hair’s health, but to help keep it as manageable as possible for you.

Her biggest passion is doing runway fashion shows.

“I enjoy the fast-paced on your toes environments. It’s fun, exciting, creative and a continuous learning experience every time working behind the runway.”

She has worked well and teamed with other talented artists at Palm Springs Fashion Week, La Fashion Week, El Paseo Fashion Week and Wedding Warriors Fashion Bridal show.

With vision and dedication to her artistry, Richie continues an endless pursuit of education to learn and grow, to be successful in the hair industry.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of August 17

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “To disobey in order to take action is the byword of all creative spirits,” said philosopher Gaston Bachelard. This mischievous advice is perfect for your use right now, Aries. I believe you’ll thrive through the practice of ingenious rebellion -- never in service to your pride, but always to feed your soul’s lust for deeper, wilder life. Here’s more from Bachelard: “Autonomy comes through many small disobediences, at once clever, well thought-out, and patiently pursued, so subtle at times as to avoid punishment entirely.”

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Congratulations!

I expect that during the next three weeks, you will be immune to what psychoanalyst Joan Chodorow calls “the void of sadness, the abyss of fear, the chaos of anger, and the alienation of contempt and shame.” I realize that what I just said might sound like an exaggeration. Aren’t all of us subject to regular encounters with those states? How could you possibly go so long without brushing up against them? I stand by my prediction, and push even further. For at least the next three weeks, I suspect you will also be available for an inordinate amount of what Chodorow calls “the light of focused insight” and “the playful, blissful, all-embracing experience of joy.”

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The coming days would an excellent time to celebrate (even brag about) the amusing idiosyncrasies and endearing quirks that make you lovable. To get you inspired, read this testimony from my triple Gemini friend Alyssa: “I have beauty marks that form the constellation Pegasus on my belly. I own my own ant farm. I’m a champion laugher. I teach sign language to squirrels.

Late at night when I’m horny and overtired I may channel the spirit of a lion goddess named Sekhmet.

I can whistle the national anthems of eight different countries. I collect spoons from the future. I can play the piano with my nose and my toes. I have forever banished the green-eyed monster to my closet.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your education may take unusual forms during the coming weeks. For example, you could receive crunchy lessons from velvety sources, or tender instructions from exacting challenges. Your curiosity might expand to enormous proportions in the face of a noble and elegant tease.

And chances are good that you’ll find a new teacher in an unlikely setting, or be prodded and tricked into asking crucial questions you’ve been neglecting to ask. Even if you haven’t been particularly street smart up until now, Cancerian, I bet your ability to learn from uncategorizable experiences will blossom.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “If you love someone, set them free,” said New Age author Richard Bach. “If they come back, they’re yours; if they don’t, they never were.” By using my well-educated intellect to transmute this hippy-dippy thought into practical advice, I came up with a wise strategy for you to consider as you re-evaluate your relationships with allies. Try this: Temporarily suspend any compulsion you might have to change or fix these people; do your best to like them and even love them exactly as they are. Ironically, granting them this freedom to be themselves may motivate them to modify, or at least tone down, the very behavior in themselves that you’re semi-allergic to.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1892, workers began building the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. But as of August 2017, it is still under construction. Renovation has been and continues to be extensive. At one point in its history, designers even changed its architectural style from NeoByzantine and Neo-Romanesque to Gothic Revival. I hope this serves as a pep talk in the coming weeks, which will be an excellent time to evaluate your own progress, Virgo. As you keep toiling away in behalf of your dreams, there’s no rush. In fact, my sense is that you’re proceeding at precisely the right rate.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In accordance with the astrological omens, I hereby declare the next two weeks to be your own personal Amnesty Holiday.

To celebrate, ask for and dole out forgiveness. Purge

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

and flush away any non-essential guilt and remorse that are festering inside you. If there truly are hurtful sins that you still haven’t atoned for, make a grand effort to atone for them -- with gifts and heart-felt messages if necessary. At the same time, I urge you to identify accusations that others have wrongly projected onto you and that you have carried around as a burden even though they are not accurate or fair.

Expunge them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): How many countries has the United States bombed since the end of World War II? Twenty-five, to be exact. But if America’s intention has been to prod these nations into forming more free and egalitarian governments, the efforts have been mostly fruitless. Few of the attacked nations have become substantially more democratic. I suggest you regard this as a valuable lesson to apply to your own life in the coming weeks, Scorpio. Metaphorical bombing campaigns wouldn’t accomplish even 10 percent of your goals, and would also be expensive in more ways than one.

So I recommend using the “killing with kindness” approach. Be wily and generous. Cloak your coaxing in compassion.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You know about the Ten Commandments, a code of ethics and behavior that’s central to Christianity and Judaism.

You may not be familiar with my Ten Suggestions, which begin with “Thou Shall Not Bore God” and “Thou Shall Not Bore Thyself.” Then there are the Ten Indian Commandments proposed by the Bird Clan of East Central Alabama. They include “Give assistance and kindness whenever needed” and “Look after the well-being of your mind and body.” I bring these to your attention, Sagittarius, because now is an excellent time to formally formulate and declare your own covenant with life. What are the essential principles that guide you to the highest good?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Here’s a definition of “fantasizing” as articulated by writer Jon Carroll.

It’s “a sort of ‘in-brain’ television, where individuals create their own ‘shows’ -- imaginary narratives that may or may not include real people.” As you Capricorns enter the High Fantasy Season, you might enjoy this amusing way of describing the activity that you should cultivate and intensify. Would you consider cutting back on your consumption of movies and TV shows? That might inspire you to devote more time and energy to watching the stories you can generate in your mind’s eye.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 43 cartoon stories, the coyote named Wile E. Coyote has tried to kill and devour the swift-running flightless bird known as the Road Runner. Every single time, Wile E. has failed to achieve his goal. It’s apparent to astute observers that his lack of success is partly due to the fact that he doesn’t rely on his natural predatory instincts.

Instead, he concocts elaborate, overly-complicated schemes. In one episode, he camouflages himself as a cactus, buys artificial lightning bolts, and tries to shoot himself from a bow as if he were an arrow. All these plans end badly. The moral of the story, as far as you’re concerned: To reach your next goal, trust your instincts.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You temporarily have cosmic permission to loiter and goof off and shirk your duties. To be a lazy bum and meander aimlessly and avoid tough decisions. To sing off-key and draw stick figures and write bad poems. To run slowly and flirt awkwardly and dress like a slob. Take advantage of this opportunity, because it’s only available for a limited time. It’s equivalent to pushing the reset button. It’s meant to re-establish your default settings. But don’t worry about that now. Simply enjoy the break in the action.

Homework: What thing do you yearn for that would also benefit other people? Testify at Truthrooster@gmail.com.

---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

August 17 to August 23, 2017

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

BY BRONWYN ISON

CLEVER NUTRIONAL BOOSTS

D

o you care to maintain great health but often struggle with clever ideas on how to add extra healthy boosts to your diet? The human body requires so much maintenance and fueling your diet with proper foods can make or break how you feel daily. As a wellness advocate, yogini, and mother of two, I often need to be “exceptionally” creative in how to sneak nutritional boosts into our diets.

We’re all on the go but it’s no excuse not to eat properly.

For some, eating healthy requires effort. For others it comes more naturally.

Fortunately, I was raised with an incredible foundation of healthy eating habits and the importance of exercise. However, don’t be fooled by thinking “naturally” doesn’t require effort or discipline. Effort and discipline are synonymous. Plus, you have to want to feel good, look great, and have supercharged energy all day.

As a wellness aficionado I love to learn how clever I can be with sprinkling, dashing, dusting, hiding, or drizzling savory nutritional ingredients into my food. One of my favorites, I conjured up twelve years ago: Pamela’s baking and pancake products are some of my favorite Gluten Free items. Most children love pancakes. When my oldest daughter was ready for pancakes I wanted to treat her to the best. She wasn’t big on greens.

Spinach is one of the healthiest greens you can ingest. So, I’d steam spinach, puree, and

add to the pancake mix. Yes, the batter was bright green and rather difficult to disguise. I decided to call them, “leprechaun pancakes.”

My daughter found this to be fun. If you’re wondering whether or not you can taste the spinach in the pancake batter… not at all.

Today, our Pamela’s pancakes are much of the same but with other added flavorful boosts the entire family enjoys. I sprinkle Nutiva superseed blend (Organic ground flax, chia and hempseed with coconut), Hemp Hearts (for a nutty taste), and blueberries and a splash of organic Vanilla for a little kick. Plus, we drizzle organic honey (the new syrup) to decrease an abundance of sugar. Packed with goodness and love, it’s a hearty meal.

Use herbs and spices to dress up foods you consider bland. Experiment a new fruit or vegetable regularly. Swap out mayonnaise on sandwiches with spreads such as avocado, hummus, pesto or miso. Add garlic to everything you can. Purchase colorful foods.

Explore options, get creative, and have fun implementing for yourself, friends, and your family. A colorless diet, processed foods, a lack of fruits/veggies, and a deficiency low protein diet could lead to future health problems.

We are what we eat. Out body is our temple. You only get one opportunity to feed your body with superfoods. Eating healthy will assist in you living a vibrant life, looking and feeling younger.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

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August 17 to August 23, 2017

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SEX TALK

BY LAURA ANNE ROWELL

SEX, DATING & INTIMACY COACH

Q

: When is the right time to tell someone you’re are dating about a STD? A: There is no real “right time” other than before you have sex. In California it is against the law to engage in sexual behavior without disclosure of a known STD. Now for the good news, 1 out of every 4 people has some sort of STI (STI sexually Transmitted Infection is now used instead of STD Sexually Transmitted Disease, due to not everything being a disease). The most common is Herpes. Herpes falls into 4 different stages (like chickenpox, shingles, cold sores are all in the herpes family), but let’s stick to Herpes type 2 (HSV-2) which is genital herpes. The best way to approach the subject prior to being all hot and bothered, is over dinner or coffee, not phone, email or text. Being upfront and honest is always the best even if it is the hardest way. A good note to stress is that in today’s age it is almost better to have sex with someone who knows they have it and are taking precautions than with someone who might have a false negative (this is very common, which is why 2 different forms of testing is recommended) and is not taking suppressant medication or using condoms or dental damns. Let your partner take in all the info and processes it. Do not expect them just to be okay with everything right away. Give them space. Be ready to answer any question they might ask (some common questions: Who gave it to you? How many outbreaks have you had?

When was your last outbreak?).

Herpes have been given a bad stigma and you can get it from just having one partner. There is no need to feel embarrassed or shame. It happens; it is not the end of the world. Educate yourself and others and don’t worry, you can still have plenty of fun fulfilling sex.

Q: My Husband and I each work full time and have 2 little ones under the age of 10. We haven’t had sex in months and neither of us is feeling that sexy. Is there a way to get our “mojo” back?

A: YES! A good healthy sexual relationship requires work (just like other parts of your marriage). Once kids come along sex seems too often be the first thing that goes out the window. A good simple first step is to do a date night. Schedule it! Put it on your calendar like you would a business meeting or workout with a trainer. Get a sitter or possibly exchange date

night babysitting with another couple who has children (This also sets up accountability and you can’t back out as easily). Start with monthly or biweekly and see if that works for your schedule.

Neither of you are allowed to break it for any reason (unless death or some REAL emergency).

The day of your date start building sexual tension first thing in the morning. Maybe leave sexy notes in each other’s car or wallet or someplace they will see. Perhaps a little “I can’t wait to own you later” or “I can’t wait to taste you tonight”; something about the evening that is coming. During the day call the others office.

Not cell phone (unless this is their work number).

Start with just a few simple dirty sentences or if you are into role play use that character and tone (like a naughty school girl or perhaps a disciplinarian), start this NOW over the phone and keep it up at the hotel or in your home.

If you decide for dinner prior to sex, keep it light, without too much alcohol (you can drink all you want after). Make sure you have any toys or outfits ready to go. You can make it romantic with candles or raunchy with some good porn or even fun BDSM. Whatever keeps you excited and the spark going.

The hopes is, that you like this so much you will be counting down the days until next time and might even begin sooner. Remember what you found attractive about your partner and rekindle that feeling. This is a beginning to your new sexual relationship with each other.

Laura Anne Rowell is a professional sex and intimacy coach living in Pam Springs. As a journalist she wrote feature articles, interviewed musicians, and was editor of newspapers. She has also worked as a publicist for international music festivals and a free-lance researcher for online journals. She is currently finishing her first book, “F*ck Like a Slut,” a frank, female-oriented sexual self-help guide. For more information please visit PrimitiveBalance.com.

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

THE PERFECT TIME TO JOURNAL

W

henever Amanda walks in my office the first thing she does is pull out her constant companion, her journal, and bring me up to date on what transpired since our last session. I admired my client’s dedication to journaling. The process of chronicling her thoughts and insights on daily happenings works well for her.

People journal for a variety of reasons ranging from improving focus and mental clarity to experiencing a sense of accomplishment in recording achievements. I rarely recommend journaling to my clients although I probably should. It can be a viable stress reliever, used to catch insightful thoughts and creative ideas, but frankly, journaling is not my thing. Why don’t I journal? It’s a process I don’t enjoy. Suffice it to say, different strokes. What works for Amanda doesn’t necessarily work for me.

But keep reading, as I do have one important singular exception to my personal journaling outlook. You can journal whenever you like, or not, but when a stressful situation results in a multitude of negative thoughts bouncing around in your brain, I recommend you sit in a quiet place and take pen to paper or tap away at your keyboard.

According to studies at UCLA when participants wrote down their negative emotions, versus verbalizing, activity in the

alarm center of the brain (called the amygdala) decreased. In layman’s terms, brain scans proved committing your feelings in writing stopped the madness. Once you quiet those gremlins in your head tranquility sets in and you can calmly begin to sort the problem that had you bouncing off the walls.

Stop and think about a time when a stressful experience occurred that you did not handle very well. No doubt you stayed inside your head and held negative thoughts captive. Without a pathway to clear those pessimistic feelings, you ended up reacting to emotion and making poor decisions. Perhaps you blurted out things you regret or acted impulsively.

Of course it’s too late to rewind what’s said and done, but never too late to employ this particular journaling strategy. The next time you feel overwhelmed by a boatload of stress take a time out to steal away and capture all the pent up negativity on paper. No judging and no editing anything out. Remember, this is for your eyes only. Write until you feel totally empty of all those bleak thoughts. Then take some cleansing breathes and calm yourself.

At that point, you will be able to rationally and successfully deal with the issue.

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog www.lifeonthesunnyside.net

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