Coachella Valley Weekly - September 11 to September 17, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 25

News Community NEWS MUSIC Music ART EVENTSMovies MOVIES DININGDining SPORTS HEALTH &BEAUTY BUSINESSEvents COMMUNITY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • September 11 to September 17, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 25

REMEMBERING 9/11 AMFM Fest

pg 7

Blake Lansing

pg 12

Mama Rags

pg 12

Pocket Yellow

pg 13

Kaiser Grille

pg 20

September 11 to September 17, 2014

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Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Raymond Bill, Lisa Morgan, Alaina Majiros Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Sulkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Writers/Contributors: Lisa Morgan , Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Lola Rossi, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Heidi Simmons, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Amanda Dorta, Eleni P. Austin, Curtis Hendricks, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Patte Purcell, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, John Paul Valdez, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Scott Pam, Richard Noble, Karen Creasy, Trooper Ramsey, Monica Morones, Shawn Mafia Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

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November 15 & 16, 2014 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rancho Mirage Community Park 71-560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage For more Info Visit

www.lovingallanimals.org or call: 760-834-7000 General Admission $5 - Children under 12 Free Event Sponsored by Natural Balance, Pacific Premier Bank & Saxony Group Loving All Animals is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization.

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Contents

Chaplain Frank Riley............................3 Fallen Heroes Project...........................5 Rock Out to Knock Out Hunger..........6 Zombie Walk 2014...............................6 AMFM Fest 2014...................................7 WLF Luncheon......................................8 Education & Career Fair.......................8 Center Stage Gala................................9 Local Business- Simon Kitchen+Bar.. 10 Desert DJs - Sean Knight.................. 10 LMS - Whiskey & Knives.................... 11 LMS - Blake Lansing.......................... 12 LMS - Mama Rags.............................. 12 LMS - Pocket Yellow.......................... 13 Tilted Kilt Open Mic Week 12........... 13 Consider This - Meshell Ndegeocello.. 14 Pet Place............................................. 16 The Vino Voice................................... 17 Club Crawler Nightlife...................... 18 Pampered Palate - Kaiser Grille....... 20 Screeners........................................... 22 Book Review...................................... 23 CV Economic Partnership Events.... 25 Palm Spring Local............................. 26 Real Estate......................................... 26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.............. 27 Dale Gribow....................................... 27 Safety Tips.......................................... 28 ShareKitchen..................................... 28 Y Be Fit Challenge............................. 28 Sports Scene...................................... 29 Sports................................................. 29 Health & Fitness................................ 30 Body Mind Spirit Weekend.............. 30 Free Will Astrology............................ 31 Mind, Body & Spirit........................... 31 Life & Career Coach........................... 32 Ask The Doctor.................................. 32 Comics - Weiss Cracks....................... 30

A View From The Front Lines of Iraq and Afghanistan Following 9/11

September 11 to September 17, 2014

by lieutenant commander frank riley aka “chaps”

United States Naval Reserve Lieutenant Commander, Frank Riley, left his home, family and a church that calls him “Pastor Frank” to serve in active duty on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan as an unarmed chaplain to America’s finest.

Lieutenant Commander Riley’s honest reflections represent the everyday realities and perspectives of those brave men and women on the front lines. Please remember them and their families as we embrace everyday American freedoms that most of us have never had to live without or sacrificed anything to enjoy.

— Lisa Morgan

“We wear that Chaplain cross. People notice it right away, and know what we’re there for. It’s not uncommon for people to pull you aside. All of a sudden, you find yourself having a spiritual conversation.

Because you wear the uniform, you’re going to have access in a way that no one else has.

You can go anywhere as a Chaplain. That is a great gift. But with that, comes a great responsibility. We want to make sure that each person has the right and the ability to worship as their own faith dictates. And for me, that’s a sacred duty.”

— Chaplain Frank Riley, LT, USNR

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had brought my two children to the pit that had once been the site of the World Trade Center. On this winter’s night, the temperature was just below freezing, the hour late, and the site deserted.

Still, it was important for us to be there. It was this place and the events that unfolded here that were about to directly impact my little family, as I was to begin a journey that would include combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. We needed to be here, to linger and to think about the great loss that had occurred here. It was also a time to contemplate and prepare for the impending loss of our time together, not just for our family but also for so many like us serving in our Nation’s armed forces.

For some, that time of separation would only be for a season. For others, that time of separation would be for a life time, as the specter of loss of life overseas loomed immediate and real.

Years later, I would be looking back on that night, far from home, a veteran of one campaign, now donning the combat gear of flak and Kevlar (bullet proof vest and helmet), for a flight that would take us into Afghanistan. The mood was somber, as each service member joined one of two lines, each step taking us toward danger as we walked on board the aircraft. Seated now with the others, the thought struck me that I was in unique company. Together, each of these Americans had volunteered and were willing to give their life for our country. It was an exclusive group here, but not an unexampled gathering for the Nation, as time and time again, from the Revolution through two world wars, Korea and Vietnam, others had formed the same lines.

Thinking about those who had risked or given their lives for my country, I was reminded that we often define too lightly the terms “Patriot” or “Hero”. Oh, many will love, believe and support our country, history and ideals. While that may reflect being patriotic, a patriot will take it a step further. A patriot is one who combines their love of country with a willingness to give their lives for it. As to a hero? A hero is one who braves real threat to self or life for the sake of others. On that horrible day of September 11, 2001, terror and fear struck those within the World Trade Center.

A majority were victims of terrorism. On that day, there were those who survived as well as those who paid the ultimate price, shaking off fear with a determination to help others.

In this war on terror, members of the armed forces stood up not only to protect your country, but for the people in far off lands as well. There was the forward surgical team who raced to save the lives of two children who had been on their way to school and been drenched with acid by the Taliban. There were the teams in the country that had set up agricultural projects, and courts of law and building projects, including schools, to allow the people of that place to have a chance at the freedoms we seek constantly to protect and defend for ourselves. There were dangers on every side, and in many places, incessant attack. And yes, there were fallen men and women; military service members of our Nation who had paid the ultimate price for not only our freedoms, but so others might have a chance for them as well.

Having experienced sniper attack, rocket fire and road side explosions, the day came when I found myself returning from war. There had been times when I did not believe I would return, and times when I grieved for those escorted home as fallen heroes. The season definitely changed me.

In some ways I was quieter in spirit; in other ways more restless. My love of country had grown, as well as my understanding of those two terms: Patriot and Hero. On the backside of war, being a patriot or a hero was no longer as important as remembering patriots and heroes. And with that had come an understanding of the price and return of our conflict. I thought perhaps, the price of freedom is not always about winning it absolutely, as much as it is absolutely giving a people the chance for freedom.

Leaving Afghanistan, it dawned on me that I was departing from one nation with a chance for freedom, to my own nation with a chance to guard freedom. How will both stories end? We never know on this side of history! And there lies the truth, the question is not how will the story end, as much as what we do with the chances that the patriots and heroes of our nation have transferred to our keeping?

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

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Community

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

by Lisa Morgan

Remembering, Honoring, Teaching & Leading by Example

One Local High School Teacher and Veteran Spearheads a “Walk of Heroes” Project for the Fallen “

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esus Gonzales was the first former student from the valley killed in action in Iraq. I remember making my students write about him in their daily news journals. Four years later, my students wrote about Ming Sun. In 2012, my students wrote about Suresh. All three were born outside of the US.” This is the somber yet passionate reflection of Lee Wilson Jr., a Cathedral City High School teacher who has been teaching World and US History since 1997. The Peace Corp AND Marine Corp veteran who served as a Russian Cryptologic Linguist, breaking Russian codes for the Marines, holds a Bachelors in Russian Language and a Masters in National Security, is spearheading a project to honor these and many others from our school district. This Fallen Heroes Project has received huge public support and is very near accomplishing it’s goal: to honor all local residents of Palm Springs and Palm Springs Unified School District who in time of war gave their lives for our freedom with castle or “Hero Banners” creating a “Walk of Heroes” along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs and at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

The project is sponsored by the Palm Springs American Legion, Owen Coffman Post 519. It is Wilson Jr.’s hope that the other neighboring cities will follow suit.

Since 9/11, Wilson has been at the helm of walking his students through the tragedy that spawned the “War on Terror”, that ultimately cost the lives of students that he knew and held dear:

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Marine Cpl. Jesus A. Gonzalez Died April 12, 2003 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom Assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms was killed while manning a checkpoint in Baghdad. Gonzalez was married and had a 2 year old daughter, is remembered as a respectful, outgoing young man who wanted the adventure and education he could get from joining the military. Known to be patriotic, both as a Mexican and for the country where he lived, Gonzalez graduated from Indio High School and attended the College of the Desert. He was but the first of many to follow in the costly, heroic footsteps of our valley’s school districts since World War II.

Army Pfc. Ming Sun Died January 9, 2007 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom Sun, age 20, of Cathedral City, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado. He died in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire during combat patrol operations.

“I was Ming Sun’s teacher his sophomore year,” shared Wilson, Jr. “He was a Class of ‘04 Cathedral City High School graduate. Ming was a good kid, the kind of kid that every teacher wants to have.” According to the Associated Press, Ming Sun wanted two things: to be a soldier and an American. Ming came to the United States with his parents when he was 8. Acquaintances said he wanted to become a soldier, especially after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The Chinese immigrant got both wishes, but the latter came after his death in Iraq. At his funeral, his parents received his Purple Heart, Bronze Star and certificate of U.S. citizenship. “For what Ming did, we can never repay him,” Cathedral City mayor Kathy DeRosa said. “This will always be Ming’s home.”

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Suresh Abayasekara Krause Died August 16, 2012 Serving during Operation Enduring Freedom Krause, born in Sri Lanka, was 14 years old when he was adopted and brought to the U.S. by his aunt and uncle, leaving behind his biological parents to live in the Coachella

Valley. Krause, also a student of Wilson Jr.’s, graduated from Cathedral City High School in 2001 and later earned a degree in aeronautical science in Arizona. Five years later, he was shot down over Afghanistan when his UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter went down in Kandahar near Shah Wali Kot, killing all 11 on board. Seven of those on board were Americans including 2 Navy Seals, 4 Soldiers and One EOD Technician Sailor. The crash was under investigation by the Pentagon. The crash happened in a Taliban stronghold area, and the Taliban have claimed responsibility; however, this has not yet been confirmed by the DOD. It is not difficult to see how close the Fallen Heroes Project is to Wilson’s heart, the place from where his undaunted motivation stems. But these are just a few who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Wilson has spent uncounted hours at the local library, pouring over micro-phish and the internet, searching for photos and information on each serviceman, in order that each fallen hero’s story might be told and honored: World War IIRichard Francis Gill Norval William Kelley Jr. Benjamin F. Ward Owen Baylis Coffman Earle B. Pinckard Albert James Reaume Stephen Joseph Levi Allen R. Hall Jr. Herbert H. Lienau Leonard Ray Bryant Pete Nila Stephen P. Pavel Jr. Thomas (Tomas) Villa Vernon M. Troutt Roaul R. Prieto David K. Manson Korean WarRussell G. Torres Vietnam WarThomas Eugene McKee Gary Lee Saxton Dennis Dale Reed Adam Serna Najar Leveret Roscoe Prosky Robert Phillip Levin Ronald Lee Young Joseph Lamar Stone The support from the community has been inspiring. Immediately upon contacting them, the City of Cathedral City, the Palm Springs Air Museum, the Palm Springs Teacher’s Union and the owners of Palm Canyon Road House, among many others, jumped on board to be part of this worthy endeavor. At a fundraiser held at Palm Canyon Road House all the banners for these 27 soldiers were sponsored for both the Palm Canyon Drive and the Palm Springs Air Museum. Now, only the funds for the hardware to hang the banners (estimated at $3000) is needed as well as sanctioning by the City of Palm Springs to hang the banners

during select national holidays.

“I stopped counting after 100 the number of cities in Southern California that honor those in active duty overseas. The difference here is, we are honoring those who died serving our country during war, who gave the absolute sacrifice, some of whose stories were never told.” Sponsored by the Palm Springs American Legion, Owen Coffman, Post 519, friends and family of our 27 heroes are invited to leave photos that can be used during patriotic events and to keep as a permanent record in our archives. We especially need photos and information about our World War II, Korea and Vietnam heroes.

People wishing to donate to the Palm Springs Hero Banner project: Please send a check or money order made out to the Palm Springs American Legion Post 519. In the memo portion of the check; please write HERO BANNERS. Mail to: Palm Springs American Legion Post 519 Attn: Dave Stevely, Finance Officer 400 N. Belardo Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92262 In the unlikely event more money than needed is raised for our banner project, all additional funds will be made to the Legion Scholarship Program.

You can find updated information by requesting to be added to the Facebook group page: Palm Springs Fallen Hero Banner Project: facebook.com/groups/762280353855000

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

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City of Palm Springs, P.S. Resorts and Goldenvoice Present

2nd annual “Rock Out to Knock Out Hunger” Dance Party to Benefit FIND Food Bank, Sept. 26 at Hacienda Cantina Sept. 8, 2014

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eptember is National Hunger Action Month and the City of Palm Springs, in support of FIND Food Bank of the Coachella Valley, is encouraging residents to help feed the hungry by dropping off canned food throughout the month at City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way and at the Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S. Sunrise Way. Hunger Action Month culminates in Palm Springs on Friday, Sept. 26 as the City, in partnership with P.S. Resorts and Goldenvoice, present the 2nd annual “Rock Out to Knock Out Hunger” Dance Party and Fundraiser to benefit FIND Food Bank. The event, slated from 6 p.m. to midnight, is the season opener for the Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club, 1555 S. Palm Canyon Drive and will feature popular Santa Monica-based rock cover band “Famous for Nothing” at 7 p.m. followed by an up and coming DJ provided by Goldenvoice.

A $10 donation will be accepted at the door and all proceeds will benefit FIND Food Bank of the Coachella Valley. Honorary Co-Chairs are Mayor Steve Pougnet, community leader Harold Matzner, Goldenvoice’s Paul Tollett, Aftab Dada, Chairman of P.S. Resorts and Greg Burton, executive editor of the Desert Sun. In addition, Palm Springs Council member Paul Lewin, Agua Caliente Tribal Councilmember Reid Milanovich, his sister Tristan Milanovich

and local architectural designer Chris Pardo have joined together to spearhead a “Young Guns” committee to spread awareness to the younger generation about the growing problem of food insecurity in our valley.

In an effort to give attendees from all over the desert and beyond the opportunity to come experience great music and spend the night in ultra-cool Palm Springs while promoting local tourism, the City has partnered with P.S. Resorts to feature limited special hotel rates at three Palm Springs properties on the night of the event. Participating hotels include: • The Hard Rock Palm Springs, $99 special rate, group code is FIND • The Hilton Palm Springs, $99 special rate, group code is ROK • The Curve, $95 special rate, group code is RCKOUT “I want to thank the City of Palm Springs, Goldenvoice, P.S. Resorts and the Desert Sun for taking the initiative during Hunger Action Month to help feed the hungry and spread the word about food insecurity in our desert,” said CEO, Lisa Houston. “We believe it is vital for all cities to join together in a committed coalition to make the Coachella Valley a Hunger Free Zone and this a tremendous step in helping us engage the younger generation in this important cause.”

Houston added even small donations to the food bank make a big difference to those in need and that a $1 donation equals seven meals while a $10 donation adds up to 70 meals. Throughout the month of September, Coachella Valley residents can donate by visiting FindFoodBank.org or text FIND to 2022.

“The City of Palm Springs is committed to helping FIND Food Bank in its mission to wipe out hunger and truly make our valley a Hunger Free Zone,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet. “I

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costumes purchased at a discount from Halloween Gear, a pop-up Halloween Store in the Palm Desert Costco Center (near Ethan Allen), hundreds of would-be “undead” don full zombie character. Then, shuffling their way through VillageFest, hand out balloons to children, all the while moaning and groaning in the tradition of the creatures catapulted into popular culture by director George Romero in his 1968 film “Night of the Living Dead” and continuing to rise in popularity thanks to AMC’s “The Walking Dead.”

Participants needing help perfecting their zombie look can meet at 6pm on Thursday, October 30th in front of the Starbucks at Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Drive to have zombie make-up applied affordably.

A group of student and professional make-up artists led by Lynda Shaeps, an instructor at College of the Desert’s Theater Department and herself a professional hair and make-up

encourage everyone in the Coachella Valley to take part in Hunger Action Month and to join us on Sept. 26 as we rock the night away to knock out hunger. Whether you donate your time, food or money, we are all in this together and the City of Palm Springs is proud to lead the way.”

Lead Media Sponsor is The Desert Sun newspaper. Other much appreciated sponsors include CBS Local 2 News, RR Broadcasting, Cord Media, Coachella Valley Weekly and Desert Health News. For more information, visit palmspringsca.gov or FINDFoodBank.org.

designer will even “blood” spatter clothing giving them that authentic zombie look.

Then at 7pm, participants in the free event will meet at the corner of Baristo Road and S. Palm Canyon Drive, when they will take to the street, heading up Palm Canyon Drive through VillageFest handing out balloons to kids and swarming the street like a herd of the undead come to life.

The event benefits Safehouse of the Desert, a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter, intervention and outreach services to youth in crisis from family troubles, addiction, despair, depression, bullying or other causes. They also offer housing and job training services and other important lifeskills training for homeless young adults age 18 to 21.

Lynn Abdelnour, owner of Halloween Gear, the Official Zombie Walk Headquarters located next to Ethan Allen in the Costco Shopping Center in Palm Desert, has been participating since the event began in 2011, offering discounts of 20% available on the event’s website, ZombieWalkPalmSprings.

events com. “Zombie costumes and makeup are more popular than ever, so we have more gear this year than ever before. We have everything for men, women, boys and girls who want to be part of this year’s Zombie Walk.”

Zombie Walk Palm Springs on Thursday, October 30th kicks off a full long weekend of festivities in Palm Springs including a special VillageFest for all ages with a Kids’ Costume Contest and Treats for the little ones, a Halloween Street Show and Costume Party on Arenas Road on Friday, Saturday’s Playa de Los Muertos – a Day of the Dead Pool Party featuring DJ Von Kiss at Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club, and many other activities in and around Palm Springs. “It’s a good week to come to Palm Springs,” added Gardner.

Photo Courtesy Matt Cauthron Student Photos

September 11 to September 17, 2014

2nd Annual Art, Music, Film & More (“AMFM”) Festival

Filmmakers, Musicians, and Artists from Around the Country Will Gather in Cathedral City November 13 - 16

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Record Number of “Undead” Expected to Invade Downtown for Zombie Walk Palm springs

roducers of the 4thAnnual Zombie Walk Palm Springs are expecting a record crowd of more than 400 re-animated corpses staggering through VillageFest on Thursday, October 30th as part of what has become a staple Halloween event in Downtown Palm Springs. Event participants of all ages create an interactive parade of zombies meandering through the crowd of onlookers along Palm Canyon Drive.

Event producers Chad Gardner and Roly Carvajal Paz have seen the event grow each year as more and more people become engaged with the zombie experience.

“Zombie Walks are a cultural phenomenon in general. It’s a global experience, making this event become larger and more impactful every Halloween,” says Gardner.

Each year, with the help of sponsors including make-up experts from College of the Desert’s Theater Department and

Community

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he AMFM Fest: Arts, Music, Film and More sponsored by Cathedral City celebrates its second season opening with the raucous one-act comedy, Oxymorons, starring iconic actor, Ed Asner, and Oscar nominated director, Mark Rydell, as brothers hashing out their sibling rivalries whether they be women, money, and even Lincoln Logs! The Festival takes place at the Mary Pickford Theater in Cathedral City, California, in the Greater Palm Springs area. Celebrities slated to attend include Robert Loggia (Scarface), Booboo Stewart (Twilight) and Naomi Judd (“The Judds”) in support of their film, An Evergreen Christmas, which screens on Friday, November 14.

AMFM is a festival that celebrates the interconnectedness of all art forms and features programs that include films, art exhibits, live music, and parties that

amfm fest

bring artists together from all the various creative mediums in the world. The festival will also feature a strong selection of panels and workshops to encourage growth in the arts. The Festival’s vision is to broaden the creative canvas. Stephanie Bell, AMFM’s newly appointed Festival Director, says “We are excited for our second year partnering with the city of Cathedral City and UltraStar’s Mary Pickford Theater. Educating the public to the incredible impact that Mary Pickford had on the arts, makes it a fitting location for this wonderful and exciting Festival. We know that attendees will enjoy the four days of art, music, film, and much, much more this coming November!”

“The city of Cathedral City is proud to be a premier sponsor and host of the AMFM Festival as it adds to the cultural experience revered by our community and visitors alike,” says Christopher Parman, Cathedral City Events Manager. “Attendees are going to enjoy several special days and evenings filled with Hollywood stars, amazing original art from local and regional artists, and live performances from some of the leading musical acts in the nation.

There is something for everyone and it’s all happening in downtown Cathedral City.”

Additional Sponsors include Film4Change, Ultra Star Cinemas, The Mary Pickford Theatre Cathedral City, Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, Brad Mercer’s Bands ’n Fans Syndicated Radio Show, CV Weekly,

Desert Princess Palm Springs Golf Resort, The Christopher Foundation, Machin’ Militia Music, and Palm Springs Women in Film & Television.

AMFM strives to make art accessible to a culturally diverse region and will launch a scholarship program this year for students wishing to pursue the arts, with a matching grant from the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (“CVEP”). AMFM’s goal is to step into the void left by the elimination of Arts programs in middle schools and high schools to support students interested in the multitude of artistic mediums, whether they be film, music, theater, dance or the visual arts. AMFM believes that the arts matter and invites the entire global community to come together around the power of story in all its artistic forms. Art helps us become like ourselves instead of more like everyone else. Last year, artist Viggo Mortensen, AMFM’s inaugural Dennis Lee Hopper Award recipient, had this to say: “AMFM Fest was the most unpretentious festival or award ceremony I’ve ever been to… it was a big honor and a lot of fun! The real artists will come.”

The Art Component includes the works of internationally renowned artist,

Chuck Hamilton, and L.A. based artist and photographer, Kim Zsebe, along with Santa Fe-based artist, Grant Kosh as well as Artists’ booths outside the Cathedral City Civic Center; the Music Component features local bands and national bands including, Machin’, Gene Evaro, Jr., Giselle Woo & the Night Owls on Friday, November 14, and Bo & The Bluesdrivers, Alyce Bowie and Chris Daniels Project on Saturday, November 15; and the Film lineup includes World and West Coast Premieres, including the award-winning Sci-Fi Feature Inverse.

VIP Ticket Prices include admittance to all screenings, events and the VIP Lounge for $150.00. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the AMFM scholarship fund.

Day Passes and Individual Passes are also available. Go to www.amfmfest.com for information on the Festival programs and events and how to purchase tickets, which will go on sale Friday, September 12. Tickets are also available at the Mary Pickford Box Office starting the same day.

Media Inquiries: Rich Henrich, Executive Director rich@amfmfest.com (505) 919-8882

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

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INDIAN WELLS COUNCILMEMBER AND WOMEN LEADERS FORUM FOUNDER MARY ROCHE TO KEYNOTE LEADERSHIP AND NETWORKING LUNCHEON

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Luncheon to be held Thursday, September 18, at Miramonte Resort & Spa

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omen Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley, (WLF), is pleased to announce its founder, Indian Wells City Council member Mary Roche, will keynote the organization’s annual Leadership and Networking Luncheon on Thursday, September 18 at the Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.

Roche, who will retire from the City Council at the end of the year, along with several other local women councilmembers, will present her speech, “Women in Leadership: The Coachella Valley Needs You! Why It Is Imperative Women Step Up for Leadership Roles in Business, Politics and Beyond.”

“If women want a greater voice in our community, it is imperative they consider stepping up for leadership roles in their work place, in local government and in the community at large,” says Roche. “It concerns me that with the retirement of so many elected women in our valley, there will now be far fewer women making decisions at the local level. The mission of WLF is to empower and develop local women leaders in our community and I hope my story can inspire more than a few good women to

members, community influencers and reconnect with friends while learning about upcoming educational and networking events throughout the year.

The 11:30 a.m. event will be held at the Miramonte Resort & Spa, 45000 Indian Wells Lane. Tickets are $25 for WLF members and $35 for non-members.

Founded in 2001, the mission of Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley is to empower and develop women leaders of all ages and backgrounds in our community.

To date, more than $350,000 in college scholarship funds has been raised for the best and brightest enrolled in WLF’s

step up and make a difference.”

This event is a must-attend and a great kick off to WLF’s 2014-15 season. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet new

College of the Desert Hosts Free Annual Event “Which Education, What Career”

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irlFriend Factor, dedicated to helping women reach their potential and achieve their goals through higher education and occupational training, is holding the annual educational fair “Which Education, What Career?” on September 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the multiPurpose room on the first floor of the Cravens Student Services Center at College of the Desert.

“Which Education, What Career?” showcases the desert’s many diverse academic and training programs that result in employment opportunities. Representatives from a variety of industries will be available to counsel with attendees. Included in the program are College of the Desert, Cal State University San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus, California Desert Trial Academy, Emeritus College, Loma Linda Medical Center School of Dentistry, Kaplan College, Real Estate School, International School of Beauty, and Center for Employment Training.

These organizations offer the expertise and training that can lead to rewarding careers in accounting, dentistry-related professions, legal occupations, architecture and drafting, early childhood education, hospitality management, landscape and turfgrass management, solar power, HVAC/air conditioning, alternative fuels, cosmetology,

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Young Women Leaders Mentoring Program seeking higher education.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the luncheon, visit wlfdesert.org.

human resources, real estate, retail management, supply chain management and logistics, and others.

While increasing the awareness and understanding of readily available educational resources, this event is open to both women and men and is free to attend. It also offers the opportunity to establish a rapport with educators and network with business professionals in the community. Financial aid and scholarship information will be available.

“Education is a world-wide asset that offers an advantageous commodity no matter where you go,” said Joan Busick, CEO of GirlFriend Factor. “Securing an education can instrumentally change the course of your life, and this event gives attendees the opportunity to consider the possibilities and learn more about the various options out there today.”

Leaders in the community will be presenting information about career possibilities and sharing their personal stories about the course of their careers. These guest speakers include Assistant Dean Doris Wilson of Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus and a former superintendent of Desert Sands Unified School District; and Vice President Sheila Thornton, Workforce Excellence, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership.

The event takes place at College of the Desert located at 43-500 Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert. For more information about GirlFriend Factor and “Which Education, What Career?” contact www.thegirlfriendfactor.org or call 760.772.9594.

About GirlFriend Factor Founded in 2005, Girlfriend Factor is a nonprofit organization that aims to ensure that higher education and occupational training are financially accessible to adult women, ages 25 to 63, who choose to improve their economic position in life and who strive for self-sufficiency. GirlFriend Factor has awarded over $250,000 to almost 100 recipients to

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Hanson and Walker to be Honored by The Center M

ariah Hanson and Judge Vaughn R. Walker (Ret) are to receive the Legacy and Vanguard Awards respectively at this year’s 5th Annual Center Stage Gala to be presented by Eisenhower Medical Center, and held on Friday, November 7, 2014, announced Randy Lowe, Chairman of the Board, today.

Hanson, Founder & Producer of The Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend, is being honored in recognition of her exceptional work on behalf of creating a lasting impact on LGBT people living in the Coachella Valley, said Lowe. For the past 24 years, Hanson has produced The Dinah, the largest lesbian event in the world and the original version of the modern Dinah Shore Weekend festivities. As a voice to be reckoned with, Hanson has not only turned the event into a life-changing experience for myriads of women who come from all over the world to attend the festivities, but also into a trendsetting hotspot that entertainment industry insiders watch and jockey to book their artist’s performances.

More than just an event promoter extraordinaire, Hanson is first and foremost an avant-garde business entrepreneur who, in the span of two decades, has created an unsurpassed cultural and social phenomenon and built an impressive empire, from a small, one-night event with 1,500 participants to a five day event with some 15,000-plus attendees and major corporate sponsors under her belt.

Judge Vaughn R Walker (Ret) is being honored for his courageous leadership on behalf of LGBT people, said Mike Thompson, Executive Director of The Center. From 1990 to 2011, Walker served as a United States District Judge in northern California.

During his distinguished career, Judge Walker presided over a number of notable lawsuits. These include Apple Computer, Inc. v Microsoft Corporation, involving the copyrights to the graphical user features of the computer desktop; United States v Oracle Corporation, involving the acquisition of PeopleSoft Corporation; In re Terrorist Surveillance Cases, involving federal government wiretapping for national security purposes; and numerous patent, antitrust, securities and other complex business disputes. He is perhaps best known for his ruling on Hollingsworth v. Perry. The

Mariah Hanson case was a federal-constitutional challenge to California Proposition 8, a voter initiative constitutional amendment that eliminated the right of same sex couples to marry, a right which had previously been granted after the California Supreme Court found that Proposition 22 was unconstitutional. On August 4, 2010, Walker ruled that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional “under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses” and prohibited its enforcement.

Judge Walker was named to the bench by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H W Bush and was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 21, 1989, on unanimous consent; he received his commission on November 27, 1989. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan (1966) and Stanford Law School (1970). After clerking for Judge Robert J Kelleher of the United States District Court in Los Angeles (1971–72), he practiced in San Francisco at Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro, now Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

Center Stage will open with a Reception & Silent Auction at 5:30PM, followed by a sit-down Dinner and Entertainment at 7PM, hosted by the quick witted Kate Clinton and concert by the nationally recognized singing string quartet Well-Strung. “This will be a sold-out event,” said Thompson. It’s definitely going to be one of the highlights of the Coachella Valley social season, and a fun kick-off to Palm Springs Pride.”

“We are thrilled to honor these two remarkable individuals, and have such incredible talent come and support The Center,” said Thompson. “The support for this line-up and the work of The Center

September 11 to September 17, 2014

Judge Vaughn R. Walker is overwhelming. We are thrilled to have Eisenhower Medical Center return as our Presenting Sponsor. Eisenhower’s commitment to health and wellness is evidenced in their programmatic partnership with The Center, which launches this Fall with new and expanded offerings. They truly provide healthcare as it should be.”

Martin Massiello, Eisenhower COO, is this year’s Honorary Chair, and Honorary ViceChairs are Gary D. Hall, Wells Fargo Senior Vice-President, and David Hood & George Sellers, all of whom are sponsors of the event.

Other sponsors as of press time include Palm Springs Pride, Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, The NestEggg Group,

events

Randy Lowe, Burke Rix Communications, City of Palm Springs, Rivieria Palm Springs, Streetbar, Joe Giarrusso & Charlie Paglia, WBB+McCormack, Desert AIDS Project, Reaction Marketing, O’Kane & McKee LLP, Ginny Peacock & Michelle Madison- HOM Sotheby’s International Realty, LuLu California Bistro, Trick Dog Films, and Family Hospice Care. Media Sponsors include The Standard Magazine, California Woman 411, Coachella Valley Independent, CoachellaValleyNews. com, Desert Daily Guide, Desert Outlook, Gay Desert Guide, Frontiers Media, LIVE Magazine, and Nicholas Snow Live.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, call 760-416-7790 or go to www. thecenterps.org/events/centerstage.

The mission of The Center is to enrich the lives of the LGBT community. A thriving, community-based organization, The Center provides a safe and supportive environment for members to enjoy health, wellness, educational and social programs, where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The Center advances its mission through senior programming, a clinical counseling and internship program, a weekly food bank, youth suicide prevention and support, extensive social and recreational offerings, a David Bohnett cyber center, growing volunteer program and periodic special events in the community.

BECOME ONE OF OUR SALES TEAM info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

date. While providing educational grants to women to achieve their educational goals, the organization also celebrates and explores the powerful influence women have on each other’s lives through building friendships, and sharing experiences.

Host Kate Clinton

760.501.6228 9

September 11 to September 17, 2014

Local Business

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desert djs

By craig michaels

SIMON KITCHEN+BAR AT HARD ROCK HOTEL PALM SPRINGS Sean Knight, Rockin’ Both on and Off Air HIRES EXECUTIVE CHEF JEREMY SACCARDI Restaurant opening set for September 24th

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imon Kitchen + Bar, the latest venture from celebrity chef Kerry Simon, set to open September 24th at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, proudly announces Jeremy Saccardi as executive chef.

Dubbed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chef by Rolling Stone magazine, Simon Kitchen + Bar is Simon’s newest creation and one sure to continue the legacy of the famed chef’s legendary eateries in Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, and abroad.

Saccardi brings with him a vast array of experience from locations across the country and around the world. Beginning his career in Santa Barbara, California and later moving to the rainforests to Costa Rica to serve as chef for a popular resort, the culinary enthusiast moved back to the States to pursue top positions at leading hospitality destinations, including the RitzCarlton, Hilton, Mandalay Bay and Aria, among others. Saccardi previously worked at Kerry Simon’s establishment, “Simon at Palms Place” in Las Vegas, and most recently, at The Parker Palm Springs.

Palm Spring’s culinary focus on local, organic, and seasonal products, coupled with the chef’s edgy, fun and contemporary style made him the perfect fit for Simon Kitchen + Bar.

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“Jeremy’s experience, combined with a natural sense for flavor combinations, and unadulterated ingredients is what really impressed me,” said Cory Harwell, the President of Simon Hospitality Group, which is leading the efforts to open the new restaurant at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs.

“Jeremy is fantastic. His skills as an executive chef and his ability to lead a team focused on the highest levels of customer service are exactly what we were looking for. We are always excited to hire and promote local talent,” says Andy Carpiac, owner of Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs who was particularly pleased to hire the local talent.

The menu at Simon Kitchen + Bar complements the establishment’s welcoming and social environment, featuring shared plates, sandwiches, entrées and stone-oven flatbreads. Social plates include tempura green beans made with pepper jelly and cream cheese; bacon jam served with baked brie and toasted baguette; and “Devil’s Eggs” complete with crispy pancetta and caviar. Simon Kitchen + Bar will be open to the public beginning at 7:00am Wednesday, September 24th.

For more information, visit www.

HRHPalmSprings.com.

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hile in high school, Sean Knight was asked to write a paper on his choice of a career field. At 16, he wasn’t interested in pursuing many of the careers chosen by his class mates (doctor, teacher, firefighter, etc.). That paper would influence the next 16 years of Sean’s life. “I always had a passion for music and thought ‘I’ll be a dj.’ As part of my paper I interviewed the night jock at the Oldies station in town and even went to sit in with him for a couple hours of his shift. I liked it so much that I was able to get an internship,” remembers Sean.

While he admits rock is his thing, Sean says his radio name was inspired by a 60’s Motown R & B group, “If memory serves me correctly, I heard a Gladys Knight and the Pips song and thought, Sean Knight has a nice ring to it.”

After getting his feet wet at the Oldies station where he grew up in Spokane Washington, Sean made a pit stop at a Christian station in town before he would eventually work for a string of rock stations.

He would move from the Northwest and travel to Minneapolis and Arizona before landing in Palm Springs. Currently he works at 93.7 KCLB, a classic/mainstream mix rock

Local Music Spotlight continued from page 11

The High Energy and Chest Pounding Punk Ruckus of Whiskey & Knives

Schmidy’s Tavern, Palm Desert THIS SATURDAY, September 13th @ 9PM $5 Cover/Ladies Free

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station. You can hear Sean in the afternoons from 2pm to 7pm. He has been working with the Desert Radio group since January of this year and in addition to his on-air duties, Sean also helps with production and programming.

Sean’s love for rock music goes beyond just playing it on the radio. “I started playing guitar when I was 10. I’ve been in a handful of cover bands, an original band (I actually played drums for it), and I’ve been in several tribute bands (Nickelback, STP, Green Day, Godsmack.) I have done some solo-acoustic cover gigs and written some solo original stuff. I’m also currently working on an original project.” explains Sean. Besides playing the guitar and drums, this multi-talented musician and radio personality also plays the bass and sings.

Always looking to expand his resume, Sean would like to take on the duties of the music director (MD) and Assistant Program Director (APD) as he continues his radio career. Sean is also open to booking casuals or corporate events as a solo guitarist with vocals. If you would like to contact Sean about his radio show or to book him, he can be reached at: rock945knight@gmail.com.

Written by: Craig Michaels Musical Affair Entertainment www.musicalaffair.com

September 11 to September 17, 2014

rom some lost desert of ol’ Mexico (Palm Springs, California) comes Whiskey & Knives: a band of pure exhilaration from the ever evolving punk scene of Southern California. Whiskey & Knives’ high-energy, driving sound is the product of high temperatures and busted up asphalt. Formed from members of previous influential bands of the original punk/stoner rock scene of the Coachella Valley, these four California natives: Drummer Alfredo Hernandez (Across the River, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Family Butcher, currently in Brave Black Sea), lead guitar, Jon Arnold (Family Butcher), Bassist, Mike Smith (The Traces), and vocalist Jason Baseley, have

taken it upon themselves to rekindle the lost and forgotten art of “kickin’ out the jams...Mo Fo”! Their music is a mix of desert rock/punk and a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them challenging to categorize.

Whiskey & Knives embodies the true spirit of the desert rock jam songs of high winds, rolling thunder, and blissful intoxication.

In other words... YOU GOTTA HEAR THESE GUYS! This band has been giggin’ around So Cal and recording for the last few years and are now ready to take it global with their high energy style of modern punk rock in a way that only desert rockers know how to do. Just shut the fuck-up and play man.

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

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Local Music Spotlight

Blake Lansing

Local Rising Star’s “Potential is Reality” -Ronnie King

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our father is Michael Lansing, a wellknown name in the music industry having been the tour manager for The Carpenters. Your brother is a highly paid and coveted photographer and videographer filming for MTV and national television commercials. Your sister was an established writer for People Magazine. Then some of your music heroes who just happen to be monsters in the industry go and say things like: “Blake, I love your music video! Keep up the hard work, it will pay off. I’ll send it out to some people in the trade.” Fergie “Blake’s music is really good. He’s extremely talented. He sounds like a cross between Justin Timberlake and Calvin Harris.” Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) “All Blake needs is great management and he’ll be on his way.” Stevie Nicks On the surface and beyond, the connections, relationships and encouragement are incredibly valuable. Any artist would cherish such things. Blake Lansing most definitely does. But, like all great gifts, it comes with great responsibility; it comes with little room to be anything less than... well, GREAT! I had the chance to talk to Blake this week, and based on the conversation we had, I have no doubt that this young artist has the vocal skill, ever developing, strong song writing skills, a good head on his shoulders, an excellent work ethic and giant heart. But perhaps his most winning attribute is the fact that he is teachable. There is no arrogance or pride getting in the way of him being able to learn and grow from those around him. And Blake Lansing is surrounded by some of the best in the industry, including our own iconic musician and producer, Ronnie King. King, who is best known for his multi-platinum collaboration with the late Tupac Shakur and his signature Moog synth/Hammond sound, says of Lansing, “With Blake, potential is reality. He has grown into what I have coined, ‘A badass in the studio’. It’s a pleasure to work with such incredible talent.”

A fun fact that Blake shared with me, was what sparked his interest in music in the first place. Like any other red blooded American boy, the inspiration to pick up the guitar was a girl. “The universe came together in a strange

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and perfect way,” he shared. “I was 15 years old, and my Jewish mother decided that she wanted to send me to a Scientology school. I met an older girl there who brought her guitar with her to school. She was amazing,” he gushed.

Following high school, Blake attended San Francisco State. “I got caught up in the college scene and had put music aside.” Apart from the typical college revelry, he found himself pretty miserable. “I took a class that was kind of a spiritual study. It was all about facing fears.

It led me to decide to go to the desert, hang out with my dad, and really re-think what I was going to do. I had previously auditioned for X Factor and got all the way to the judges round, so I knew I was good enough to consider pursuing music. When I came to the desert, my dad encouraged me to connect with Jimmy Fitz and Ronnie King. Ronnie saw potential with the first song I showed him. It was the first pop song I’d ever written. I’ve been working with him for two years now, growing relationships with artists like Stevie Nicks and Rob Thomas. You can get really down on yourself in this industry, and it has been a huge encouragement and inspiration to have such support. After recording 25 songs, I released my first single, ‘Hit That’, and this year released my second song, ‘Dangerous’. We released it with a video shot by my brother all done here in the desert.”

“There’s a lot of expectation to do well,” he shared honestly. “My whole family is ridiculously successful. But I really believe that if you are passionate about something, you can’t have a backup plan. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I’m not in this to make a lot of money. Only the top 1% in this industry do. I want people to hear my music, make that connection, and I want to inspire emotion. That’s why I make music. Not just for myself, but for other people.”

Need I say more? Blake Lansing’s music will tell you the rest. Follow Blake at the following links and be part of what is staged to be an incredible, heartfelt adventure: blakelansing.com itunes.apple.com/us/album/dangeroussingle/id887591813 twitter.com/Blake_Lansing instagram.com/blakelansing youtube.com/watch?v=np2mRknGn5s

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Lisa Morgan

Mama Rags

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West Coast Tour Reviving the Spirit of Rock and Roll. This Friday 9PM @ Schmidy’s Tavern, Palm Desert.

September 12th @ 9PM. FREE SHOW!

f you’ve ever wished you could have been at the small local club where your favorite rock band played just before launching into the big venue stratosphere... say, like the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin or The Who...I would encourage you to clear your calendar to see, up close and personal The Mama Rags. Making Schmidy’s Tavern their last stop before meeting with some major players in the music industry in Los Angeles, this very original, but very roots rock and roll band is sure to win your respect and fan-ship. Considered to be one of the best in the recent surge of 60’s 70’s rock revivalists, this young but tenured band has caught the eye of world renown producer, Don Gehmen (John Mellencamp, R.E.M., Neil Young, to name a few) as well as established, LA entertainment management, both of whom they’ll be meeting with directly following their show here in the desert.

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, home to the Grunge Era of the 90’s, now home to a significant Hip Hop and EDM scene, The Mama Rags figured they had better hit the road to grow their fan base if they wanted to create opportunities for their music. “We live in the city that is surprisingly, the least inclined to embrace our genre,” shared drummer/vocalist/relentless tour manager, Ian Cunningham. “LA, Nashville and Texas, however, are hugely receptive venues for

rock and roll. We figured we better get out of town,” he laughed. Much in the spirit of the era from which their music is inspired, the guys of The Mama Rags have shown great networking skill, reaching out to other bands and finding kinship and mutual respect in return. “LA has been surprisingly hospitable. What we thought would be incredibly intimidating turned out to be really friendly and helpful. We got to know other LA bands. They in turn spread the word about our music. We were introduced to the former manager for Rage Against the Machine who offered us valuable advice. I think the most important thing any band can do is tour.” Ian also shared, “We’re seeing a growing trend of other original bands like us, inspired from old school rock from 60’s and 70’s.”

The Mama Rags also includes TJ Kelly at lead vocals. “It’s really great to work with a guy who can REALLY sing,” Ian noted.

Ian also boasts heartily on the “insane musicianship” of bassist/vocalist, Peter Booker. Guitarist/vocalist, Colin Moen is described by his peers as nothing short of a prodigy. Listening to their rooftop recording, “Change You”, which is part of the reason for the industry attention they are currently receiving, one is captivated by the vocal blend of harmonies behind the soulful and downright beautiful vocals of TJ Kelly. One of the few bands who list their music under the simple genre “Rock and Roll”, this band is going to be a pleasure to experience.

Joining them on the Schmidy’s stage is local blues rockers, Voodoo Hustlers. Those in attendance will enjoy some of the best musicianship and vocal skills around.

This free show starts at 9 PM, this Friday, September 12th at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert (on the corner of Hwy 111 & Fred Waring Drive). 21 and over after 10 pm.

Links to follow: The Mama Rags: themamarags.com Voodoo Hustlers: facebook.com/profile. php?id=100001595855537 Schmidy’s Tavern: schmidystavern.com

Local Music Spotlight continued from page 11

Pocket Yellow

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organ James will tell you she was a late bloomer when it came to the music business. If you have heard her sing and perform you’d believe that she’s been doing this for most of her life. The reality is she is new to the limelight and struggled at an early age with stage fright. “While I always dreamed of being a vocalist and involved in entertainment as a child, I was extremely shy,” James admits. “Last year I attempted karaoke, took a musical theater class, joined my church music team and sang for an audience for the first time. It was exhilarating! While I was still terrified and nervous, I knew I had to push myself to follow my dreams.” Those butterflies have turned into a passion that is unmistakable every time she sings. “I am still new to the biz, but I am very happy with my experience in the music world so far and the Coachella Valley has been very good to me. I am proud to call this home.”

That pride will be on display as Pocket Yellow, James’ band, will be celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday 9/13/14 at 8pm at Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails.

This will also be the cornerstone venue’s 3rd Anniversary Party. Plan B owner and operator Jeannette Krehbiel has been one of Pocket Yellow’s biggest fans and supporters in the band’s short time.

Pocket Yellow has less than a year under its belt and has rapidly become a frequent performer at some of the more unique venues in the valley. Places like The Tilted Kilt, Johnny Rockets and Schmidy’s Tavern have hosted the band in its infancy. In addition they have performed at private birthday parties, charity events, weddings and festivals.

The versatile band is made up of James, also a flautist, on lead vocals and Johnny Carmona on guitar and background vocals. “I started singing country with one of my theater classmates and was introduced to Johnny. We wanted to experiment with several genres of music and try to find our sound so in September 2013 we formed Pocket Yellow and the two of us got to work writing original music and pulling in meaningful cover songs.”

Pocket Yellow uses a rotation of close friends to fill the other traditional positions of bass and drums. “Over the last year we have played several gigs with great musician friends like Isai Munoz on bass and Sean Poe and Lucas Buendia on drums. All were high school friends and former bandmates of Johnny.”

James grew up in Huntington Beach, California where she developed a love for all types of music. “Musical influences for me ranged from my favorite musical- The

Phantom of the Opera, to Boys 2 Men, Mariah Carey, Nirvana to anything Chris Cornell. Right now my favorite bands are Two Door Cinema Club, the Fratelli’s, Cage the Elephant, Arctic Monkeys and The Black Keys.” Influences for the band include an eclectic mix of blues, alternative and progressive rock citing inspiration from bands like No Doubt and Muse.

James wears many hats in addition to lead vocalist for Pocket Yellow. She is a dedicated mother with a wide range of life experiences. “I received my bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies while on the education path to becoming a teacher. I supported myself through college by selling insurance.

Once I graduated I decided to continue with insurance and opened my own agency. Soon after I had the first of two children and decided to be a stay at home mom, homeschooling my children while teaching at our homeschool coop.”

Along with those achievements came the open door to migrate to our area and cultivate a musical career. “I moved to the Coachella Valley four years ago and the musical bug kept nagging at me. I just never felt completely satisfied without music and knew I had to pursue it to fill my soul as well as be an example to my children that you can do anything you put your heart and mind to.

I’ll keep surrounding myself with talented musicians. I am trying to better my guitar playing skills and would like to learn piano, especially because Pocket Yellow operates many times as a two piece band.”

James has also used the mic for reasons other than singing. “In the last few months I decided to use my not-so-long-lost sales and marketing skills and create events for venues such as the successful Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition, The Jam Sessions at Plan B, Desert Beatz and even more in the works.”

There is a sincere enthusiasm that emanates from James when she is involved in a live show or as a host. She truly loves what she is doing. “I love all music. I am inspired

September 11 to September 17, 2014

by noe gutierrez every day by musicians I meet who refuse to be pigeonholed into a specific genre because of their age, ethnicity or gender. I got a late start in music and have met musicians much older than me just starting out. The pop industry may label a person expired after age 25, but music itself beautifully has no bounds.”

She does not waver from the self-imposed responsibility to her voice and advocating for others. “Rock music may seem male dominated, but it doesn’t mean that women should keep themselves from pursuing their passion in that style. Just as someone who may dress in a hip hop style should be free to play heavy metal. Songwriters, singers & musicians all play a part in music’s uniqueness and diversity by offering a different perspective that might not often be heard. I have found my passion in music and I hope to encourage others to follow their passion and I will do all I

can to help others achieve success and create a sense of community here in this valley and beyond.”

Look for new Pocket Yellow music coming soon. In the meantime go to iTunes and download their single ‘Royal Affair’ released on May 15, 2014. Pocket Yellow will again be performing at Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails with Kyd Icarus and Justin Beepboop on Tuesday 9/16/14.

Check out pocketyellowband.com Facebook.com/MorganJamesOfficial facebook.com/PocketYellow facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition Facebook.com/TheJamSessions Facebook.com/Desert Beatz

Tilted Kilt Open Mic week 12 Winners events

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eek 12 of 12 for the Summer Session of the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition brought more new talent, plus many familiar faces all vying for the coveted last spot in the Finals competition Sep 17th. Many begged to sign in and be added to the lineup which closed at 7:45pm. 19 were able to perform, while 8 more waited the night away on stand-by for a chance. The crowd got their applause ready and warmed up with fantastic audience giveaways from the Mary Pickford Theater like movie tickets, cell phone cases, movie t-shirts and hats! The crowd and the musicians cheered each other on and brought an electric energy to the Tilted Kilt.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd places were extremely close as many of the performers brought a cheering section. In the end, 1st place was awarded to newcomers, The Classy Mother F’ers who totally rocked the house! They chose to take home 2 tickets to Wet & Wild Palm Springs and are now entered into the Grand Finals on Sep 17th competing for $500 of music gear from Musicians Outlet, a studio demo recording from S.I.R. Entertainment Services and a 3 day trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka! A very close 2nd place was awarded to Kyle Paras who’s unique tone wowed. Kyle chose to take home a movie tickets package from the Mary Pickford Theater.

Additional close to call winners were Tanya Nunez & Brianna Finnell who sung their hearts out to Adele with the instrumental aides of Juan Espino and Dillan Bailard and took home 3rd place. The girls each took home a Dermaplane treatment from EstheticX.Obsession Massage &

Wax Bar. Then came the Wild Card! All of the previous 2nd and 3rd place winners over all 12 weeks came up to the stage where their names were placed into a container and one name was drawn to be automatically entered into the Grand Finals to fill the last and final spot. That name was Emerah Marie, a talented vocalist and wonderful addition to the Grand Finals competition.

Thank you, as always, to the talented musicians and singers who came out to compete and share their passion for music- you all rock: Stephen, Metal Craze, Aero Mystic, Kirk Kelly, Richard Finn, Mike Sick-boy, Qeu, Jim Holiday & Richard Peregrina, Hannah, Daytime Moon, Damien De Leon, Marco Thoma, Freddy Live, Practically Paranoid, Look for coverage of this week’s event in Coachella Valley Weekly. Special thanks to all of our sponsors: S.I.R. Entertainment Services, Musicians Outlet, EstheticX.Obsession Massage & Wax Bar, Wet & Wild Palm Springs, Mary Pickford Theater, Vargas Arts, Abe’s Brand, Crater Lake Vodka and CV Weekly.

We hope to see you all at the Grand Finals on September 17th at the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm!!! Also, the week immediately following (Sep 24th) will begin our new Fall/ Winter Edition with new prizes and 12 more weeks of fun and chances to win!!! See you there. Check out details at Facebook.com/ TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition and for questions please contact creator and host, Morgan James at (714)651-1911 or OpenMicContact@gmail.com

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

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MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

wenty years ago, Meshell Ndegeocello burst on the music scene with her incendiary single, “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night),” from her debut, Plantation Lullabyes. That album sparked the Neo-Soul movement of the early ‘90s.

Ndegeocello was born Michelle Lynn Johnson in Berlin, Germany. Her father, Jacques, was a career military man who played saxophone. Her mother, Helen, was a health care worker. Growing up in Washington, D.C., she attended Duke Ellington School Of The Arts.

At 17, she changed her last name to Ndegeocello, which is Swahili for “Free As A Bird.” Drawn to the vibrant Go-Go scene, she began playing bass with bands like Prophecy, Little Beenie & The Masters, and Rare Essence. She auditioned for Living Colour, intent on replacing departing bassist, Muzz Skillings. When that didn’t work out, she decided to go solo.

Ndegeocello was one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s boutique label, Maverick. Not unlike her hero, Prince, she played nearly all the instruments on

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

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“Comet, Come To Me” (Naïve Records)

Plantation Lullabyes. The album was a revelation, incorporating Jazz, Funk and Hip Hop. It was nominated for three Grammys, for Best R&B Album, R&B Song and R&B Female vocalist. (It also inspired future NeoSoul superstars, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Maxwell, Jill Scott and Tony! Toni! Tone’!)

John Mellencamp was so impressed he invited Ndegeocello to duet on a rollicking version of Van Morrison’s “Wild Night.” The track was a huge hit, peaking at number three on the Billboard charts.

Ndegeocello’s sophomore effort, Peace Beyond Passion reflected her political beliefs. Openly bi-sexual, she rallied against intolerance on songs like “Deuteronomy: Niggerman” and “Leviticus: Faggot.” The melodies were steeped in Funk grooves, but the message was heavy-handed.

She was back on track by 1999 with her third album, Bitter. A deeply felt song cycle about a broken romance, the moods shifted from graceful to acrimonious to wistful all in the same song. The album rivaled k.d. lang’s Ingenue as the soundtrack for any listener wallowing in the mire of heartbreak, or experiencing the sting of unrequited love.

Ndegeocello carried on at a prodigious pace, releasing the ambitious Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape, in 2002. The sultry Comfort Woman arrived in 2003. Two years later she included all-star Jazz players on Spirit Music Jamia, her vision of “spiritual groove music.”

By 2007, she had switched to the Decca

Consider This

record label, recording the experimental Jazz of The World Has Made Me The Man Of My Dreams. She followed up in 2009 with the restless Devil’s Halo. By the decade’s end, she got back to basics, enlisting singer-songwriter, Joe Henry to produce the stripped down Weather. She even took time to record Pour Une Ame Souverlaine: A Dedication To Nina Simone. It was a perfect fit, since the late great mercurial Jazz legend and Ndegeocello seemed like kindred spirits.

Comet, Come To Me is Ndegeocello’s 11th release. It opens with a cover of Whodini’s “Friends.” The trio, along with Afrika Bambaataa, Run D.M.C. and randmaster Flash And The Furious Five, were NYC Rap pioneers. Thirty years ago, the Whodini track was a straight ahead discourse on loyalty. In Ndegeocello’s hands the mood is jazzy and oblique.

Four songs, “Tom,” “Comet, Come To Me,” “Conviction” and “Folie A Deux” negotiate the delicate complications of (to paraphrase Gwenyth Paltrow), “conscious uncoupling.”

“Tom” is a slinky ‘70s throwback blending sweet soul guitar licks, a warm horn section and a kick-drum beat. A tart meditation on the shifting sands of attraction, Ndegeocello is blunt. “There is nothing between us except the feeling of nothing/The force that passes through our hearts, and the truth of knowing something’s wrong.”

The easy Skank of the title track belies

Ndegeocello’s dry reportage. “Thought I’d make you happy, thought I’d make me happy too/So I never admitted these feelings, something in me has stopped pretending.”

Sugar rush guitar riffs, layered piano and organ, plus a swoony violin and multi-tacked vocals almost cushion the blow.

“Conviction” is a Stones-y groover powered by a hand-clap rhythm, wahwah guitars and “Philadelphia Freedom” styled strings. Here, Nedegeocello chastises a weak-willed friend for returning to a destructive relationship... “You choose delusion, so you can take him back.”

Finally on “Folie A Deux,” (French for “a madness shared by two”), Ndegeocello channels a classic Curtis Mayfield vibe as she extricates herself from a decaying relationship. A stop-start back beat wockawocka guitars and skeletal piano tones accentuate the brutal honesty of “We look good together, like shiny fool’s gold.”

Two tracks, “Forget My Name” and “Modern Time” lock into an irresistible Reggae riddim. The former blends gamboling bass lines, a rock steady beat, tinkling piano, Ska-accented horns and chicken-scratch guitar. The lyrics caution “beware of certainty and doubt.”

The latter mixes clickity guitars, swirly keys and a two-step rhythm, Ndegeocello hopes her children will know the complexity of life. “I want my sons to know sweet joy, I want my sons to know sorrow.”

Other interesting tracks include the breezy “Good Day Bad,” which is propelled by a percolating rhythm, Folk-flavored acoustic guitar, shimmery vocals and piquant banjo notes.

Both “Continuous Performance” and “Shopping For Jazz” traverse an angular sonic landscape, while “Choices,” which decries sensory overload, is awash in ambient synths.

The album closes with the gentle benediction of “American Rhapsody.” Over plangent guitar tones and a bleak melody, the lyrics offer a tone poem of cautious optimism… “A bona fide like will arrive at last.”

It’s comforting to know that Meshell Ndegeocello is still here, 20 years later: Navigating her own course, not tethered by the commercial vagaries of the recording industry, still following her muse, making amazing music, on her own terms.

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

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PET PLACE Brianna, An Amazing Adoption T

he tiny Brindle coated Chihuahua wandered into a classroom at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Indio at the end of May. The school year was about ready to wrap up, and the children were thrilled to have a four-legged “fur” friend interrupt the tedium of school work.

The dog looked like a tiny Tigress with her striking markings, but she had no collar or identifying tags. Teacher Christina Stockdale immediately sent a text with the dog’s photo to her colleague, teacher Anna Harris, an ardent animal lover.

Anna Harris took the dog to a local vet to check for a microchip, and there was none. She bought some dog food and fed the starving pup. No one came looking for the dog, and the school staff began to conclude she was a homeless stray. One of her students took the dog home over the weekend, but brought her back to school on Monday to report her family would not let her keep a fourth dog. Anna was still grieving over the loss of her dog Buster, and was unsure about adding a second dog to her household. The dog remained in the classroom, a welcome novelty to the students.

aye chihuahua

Meet Tiara, another adorable Chihuahua girl dreaming of a “furever” home. This 10-month-old cutie is dog ID#A1125384 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644.

sweet godzilla

This 3-yr-old mellow fellow was nicknamed “Godzilla” due his larger than average size. He’s a gorgeous Lynx Point with mesmerizing blue eyes! Cat ID#A1138224 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644.

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Finally, a school security guard called animal control and the dog was transported to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, the large Riverside county shelter that services most of our Valley. I happened to see this unusual Brindle dog at the shelter. Chihuahuas are the second largest breed, after Pit Bulls, to enter public shelters, and the second largest group to be euthanized.

However, I thought this beautiful young dog had a good chance of getting adopted. Then two days later I got a urgent phone call from the rescue coordinator informing me the dog had become “fearful” and was scheduled for euthanasia.

I rescued the pup we named Brianna for Loving All Animals. Her wonderful foster parents, Alicia and Matt Bailey, were ready and waiting to provide lots of loving care. Initially, Brianna didn’t play with their other two Chihuahuas, and instead followed Alicia from room to room. Gradually Brianna came out of her shell, enjoying playtime with the other pups. Brianna prepared for her first television appearance on the Chanel 2 pet segment with Jenifer Daniels, decked out in an adorable

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by Janet McAfee

by Rick Riozza

Breaking the Ice with Moët & Chandon

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outfit from Spoiled Dog Designs. However, she barked at the TV crew during the taping which may have put off prospective adopters. One early morning viewer was teacher Christina Stockdale who recognized the brindle dog from the school yard, and she forwarded the video to Anna Harris.

In July, Anna Harris was in Palm Desert for an appointment that was cancelled. She decided to drop in to Evans Eye Care and make an appointment, and was amazed to see the same Chihuahua in an adoption flyer displayed on the counter. Alicia Bailey’s lovely photograph highlighted the dog’s beauty.

Anna reports, “I believe God put this dog in my path a third time. I believe this was his way of helping me heal after losing Buster. There were just too many coincidences here, and this was a message that it’s now time to get another dog.

I immediately called Loving All Animals.”

Anna was thrilled to be reunited with the little dog she’d first met months earlier at the school. She recalls, “Brianna remembered me from the days at Jefferson school. She is more like my baby, and the bond between us is amazing. She knows I saved her back then, and she knows now she’s home with me forever.”

Anna still has photos on her cell phone of her students reading stories to a captivated Brianna.

Daniel Harris, Anna’s husband, added, “Brianna is a unique, special little dog, and she does all the guarding at our home. She took to me from day one, immediately sitting on my lap.”

Brianna shares a home with the Harris’ other dog, Elvis. Anna reports, “Brianna has

Speedy Speedy promises to run happily through your house!

This sweet little 3-4 yr-old Chihuahua gentleman is already neutered and ready to go home. Dog ID#21932207 at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs. Call (760) 416-5718.

brought so much happiness to Elvis who is eating better and become more joyful since her arrival.” During my recent visit, the two pups played tug-a-war, tag, and happily raced through the house. Once a starving, homeless dog abandoned in a school yard, Brianna now lives the life of a pampered princess with Daniel and Anna Harris. And Brianna found her Elvis, her “Hunk ‘O Burning Love” who lights up her life with play dates!

My heart aches for all the other fabulous Chihuahuas filling the rows of public shelters in the Western United States. They peer out hopefully from behind kennel bars. Most of them will never experience the joy of Brianna.

Most of them will never come out alive. The vast majority are as loving and fun to be with as the “white fluffy” pups that are quickly chosen.

If you would like to adopt or foster a rescue dog, contact Loving All Animals at (760) 8347000. Read about their programs at www. lovingallanimals.org. You can meet over 200 wonderful dogs and cats seeking homes at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place in Thousand Palms. You can view their adoptable animals at www.rcdas.com, or call (760) 343-3644. If you own a business, post flyers of homeless adoptable animals on a bulletin board. Share their photos on Facebook.

Make sure your friends and neighbors spay and neuter their pets. If everyone helps, we can reach our goal of creating a “No Kill” Coachella Valley. Help Brianna’s buddies at the shelter get a happy ending!

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

September 11 to September 17, 2014

ho would have thunk?! Never in a hundred harvests would I have expected a world famous premium Champagne producer to be encouraging all God’s creatures (well—the adults of course) to pour their liquid gold into a tumbler of ice for the ultimate chill libation.

It’s a brave new wine world out there that we need to embrace.

Sure we know about wine cocktails which are sometimes poured on ice but who’s really using a Napa Cab for that! I personally don’t run with the crowd that cooks with Krug and uses Cristal as mouthwash. For me, it’s definitely a treat to be quaffing a world class Champagne on any occasion. And for certain, I haven’t been pouring any of that over ice.

So here was the scene: Pavilions pooled all their wine stewards from Southern California to taste a bevy of brew and vast amount of vino that the store showcases. After tasting a set of 25 wines in the morning session, the group was treated to some craft beer with a catered meal for lunch. We were told that a representative from the Champagne House of Moët & Chandon would be on hand to commence the afternoon session with a quick discussion to showcase and then to taste a premium Champagne from their portfolio. I seconded that, and, looked forward to liquid dessert.

The PR for this Champagne house is definitely up-beat and modern: “Established in 1743 by Claude Moët, around the world the name Moët & Chandon is instantly linked with both venerable tradition and modern pleasures—a luminous, longtime presence at glamorous venues ranging from the red carpet festivals and awards ceremonies of international cinema to the winner’s circle at the most prestigious athletic competitions.”

Sounds like a Champagne for the jet-set.

Returning from lunch to our seminar room, we saw at each of our settings, a large crystal tumbler containing three chubby cubes of pristine ice sweating away in gilded liquor. Very happy to be enjoying a premium champagne, but a bit uneasy watching the ice slowly melt into the wine. And things got more uneasy— where the heck is the Champagne rep to get things started? Had they made a mistake by even pouring the stuff over ice!? Did someone stroke out? Am I stroking out!? And where the heck is the Champagne rep?

Ok-ok. Things happen—relax. Forget the intro, I’ll just handle this myself and gulp this

baby down before all the ice melts away! Brave new world or not, it’s still fun to experience how a great French Champagne maker can be in hot pursuit of some cold company. In spite of the melt-down, (which was of course planned) this “iced” Champagne broke out with a beautiful bouquet of tropical & stone fruit notes, with a touch of raspberry. Very tasty and smooth with a round generous palate of fresh fruit salad cradled about with a balanced acidity of grapefruit and ginger. And the bubbles were there, but obviously, not so frenzied.

The winemaker’s notes: “Moët Ice Impérial, the first and only champagne especially created to be enjoyed over ice. A new champagne experience combining fun, fresh and free sensations while remaining true to the Moët &

Chandon style, a style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity.” Be the first to shock your block being seen drinking Premium Champagne on ice!

The winemaker’s “secret” in producing a wine to match with ice is a variation on the classic three grape Champagne recipe (Actually, “real” French Champagne can only utilize the three grapes). The Impérial Ice Champagne assemblage is about 40-50% Pinot Noir for structure and intense fruitiness; 3040% Pinot Meunier (30-40%), for a full, fleshy, and rich melting sensation on the mid-palate; and, 10-20% Chardonnay for a tasty refreshing finish. The other part of the recipe is that from one-fourth to a third of the bottle is from specially selected reserved wine to complete its intensity, richness and constancy.

Actually, this product has been out for a couple of years—but definitely under the radar here in our desert. Well—it’s out and about now, and sells for a “re-newed” introductory price of around $55 at Pavilions in Rancho Mirage. Clearly a treat for those special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and when you wish to splurge with the jet-set, or, simply staying in for a romantic afternoon in the desert.

Moët’s representative of course did make

it back and had a fun time of it all. And the fun times will continue at Pavilions, where a special tasting of Impérial Ice Champagne will take place in the fall. So please keep in touch.

Cheers!

Rick is the wine steward at Pavilions in Rancho Mirage and wittily titles himself the “sommelier-about-town” in this Vino Voice column, where his beat is to eat, drink, and cover the gustatory scene of the CV. A freelance writer and contributor to Tasting Panel Magazine, a wine reviewer for palmspringslife. com, he is also the Brand Ambassador for the historic Galleano Winery. Rick conducts & entertains locally at wine tastings, food & wine pairing events and fun wine seminars.

Contact winespectrum@aol.com

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

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Club Crawler Nightlife

340 N PALM CANYON DR. PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262

Scan the QR Code to get the Club Crawler Nightlife on your Mobile Device via the Smartphone Phone Book!

THUR SEPTEMBER 11 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 John Bolivar 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Courtney Chambers 5pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 T.B.A. 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Rob Martinez & Todd Ashley 8:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Locals Night w/ WII Bowling 9pm

KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Shotgun Wedding 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Kickoff For Campout 10 w/ David Lowery and Johnny Hickman PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Machin’ RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am TERRA LAGO GOLF CLUB; IND; 760-7752000 The Carmens 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Sharon Sills 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Tropicana Nights 9pm

FRI SEPTEMBER 12

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Full House Band Ft. Nena Anderson 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Noches Azul Latin Night 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJ 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ PWee 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 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm

CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby, THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Ming Bob Productions presents: Brookhurst, Crime Rock and Eevaan Tre and the Show 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 7:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 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; 760-3274080 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 T.B.A. 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Campout 10 w/ Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven and Paul Chesne & The Dangers PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Johnny Meza and Company 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm, Mercedes Moore Sidebar Lounge 10pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 Voices ( Pat Mahon and Lisa Lynn Morgan ) 6:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Mama Rags and VooDoo Hustlers 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin

Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Alyce Bowie 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tattooed Nanny 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT SEPTEMBER 13 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ noon poolside, Stronghold Reggae 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green w/ Les Michaels & Joel Baker 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Chix Mix-LAW 7pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJ 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Music 6-10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Music 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 T.B.A. 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The 2nd Nesteggg Food Bank Benefit Show w/ Burning

Bettie, The Hellions, The Yip Yops and Sunday Funeral 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 6pm, Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Fluid in Motion 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm 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; 760-3274080 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 T.B.A. 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Campout 10 w/ Cracker, Camper Vam Beethoven and special guest Brant Bjork PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 3 Year Anniversary Party w/ Pocket Yellow 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext230 Kal David & The Real Deal 8:30pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Chiki Pool Party w/ DJ J Dean noon poolside, Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 8pm, Mercedes Moore Sidebar Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Red Ball Jets and Led Zepagain ( Tribute to Led Zeppelin ) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Whiskey & Knives, Brain Vat, Subourbon Outlaw and DJ Habenero 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm 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; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985

September 11 to September 17, 2014

212 Band 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Jeff 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Walt Young 6pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Band 7pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

continue to page 24

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

The Pampered Palate

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

By judith salkin

Out with the Chop House and in with Kaiser Grille

Eric Morcus brings one of Palm Desert’s favorite eateries back to life with a new look and updated menu

T

here’s a good side to being restaurant writer and that’s getting the gossip on what’s going on in the local restaurant scene before everyone else finds out.

Even when you’re sworn to secrecy.

That’s what happened this past spring at the annual Restaurant Week Kick-off party when I sidled up to Eric Morcus of Kaiser Restaurant Group.

“We’re closing Chop House in Palm Desert after Restaurant Week,” he confided. “And reopening it as Kaiser Grille in August, in time to be ready for season.”

That was a significant piece of news.

The Chop House had been a part of PD’s restaurant scene for more than a decade and was known for its prime quality meats and seafood and the old boys’ steakhouse atmosphere and décor.

And in truth that was also the reputation of the original Kaiser Grille that has started the Morcus family business in the Coachella Valley back in 1992 just a couple of blocks east of Chop House’s location in the historic Desert Magazine building.

“It’s time,” Morcus said. At the time, KRG had also recently closed Hog’s Breath Inn in La Quinta and he hinted that there might be

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some cross-over between the two popular dining spots.

In what seems like an incredibly short time span, Chop House quietly closed in June and in just about eight weeks, Kaiser Grille reopened.

Gone are the dark wine red awnings and draperies, carpets and most of the trappings of the old steakhouse. And what now shines in its place is a brightened cross of industrial and history that looks like a restaurant you’d find in the Meatpacking District in New York City or downtown L.A.’s revival.

“This used to be such a classic steakhouse, which is what everyone expects,” Morcus said recently sitting in the KGPD’s bar. “I wanted it to be more inviting.”

For this redefined space Morcus researched everything from which colors for the awning and linens to use for warmth and to invite interaction between the restaurant and its customers to the flooring (polished and sealed concrete) and cut sandstone bricks that now cover some of the walls. It’s a clean, inviting look.

He chose a bright orange, “it was going to be red,” Morcus said. “But I came across orange and it was a happy color, which is what I wanted.”

More than color and décor, what Morcus wants his clientele to remember is the food and it’s here that the new Kaiser Grille menu makes some departures from the old. While the company is known for its menu of prime meats and top-grade seafoods, “We’ve all become more conscious of what we eat,” he said. “I know I don’t eat the same way I used to.”

The menu is blend of Kaiser Grille favorites and some from the now-closed La Quinta Hog’s Breath Inn. “It’s more varied and inclusive and there are more options,” he said.

The new menu includes “something for every taste,” Morcus said. “Not everyone wants a steak.”

Using as much local and naturally grown products as he can, “But I can’t get everything locally,” he said. When it comes to meats, he’s using San Joaquin Valley Pitman Farms’ Mary’s chickens and some meats from RR Ranch in Loomis, Wash.

The stone hearth pizzas, burgers and rib eye steaks are from the Hog’s Breath Inn, while the seafood and Prime Rib (available on weekends) are from the Kaiser Grille menu.

Morcus sees this menu as something that will grow to meet the tastes of his customers.

“Everyone’s tastes change,” he said. “If we find something isn’t working, we’ll listen to what our customers have to say and adjust.”

And when it comes to what his guests have to say, Morcus wants to be the one who hears it first-hand. He knows that a restaurant can have a great menu and service, but if it doesn’t respond to what the guests want, it won’t last.

“One of the things I love about the restaurant business is talking to guests,” he said. “This business is all about people and I want to hear what they have to say.”

21

September 11 to September 17, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

SEPTEMBER TREATS

S

eptember brings an end to summer’s big, loud, popcorn, tentpole extravaganzas about super heroes, robots and monsters. Fall ushers in a time of indie, art, foreign dramas and sly comedies. It’s a favorite movie time for adult movie fans. Some of these films will play in the CV, others in LA. But finally most, if not all, will be available on-line or for the home theater. Here are some random titles that have caught my attention. Keep an eye out.

MY OLD LADY

Kevin Kline plays a depressed, alcoholic, down-on-his-luck New Yorker who unexpectedly inherits a few books and a multi-million Euro apartment in Paris from his detested, estranged father. His plan is to go to Paris and sell the place and buy himself a new lease on life. However, he soon discovers there’s an elderly tenet (Maggie Smith) who, based on an obscure French real-estate law, rightfully refuses to move. And her daughter (Kristin Scott Thomas) also lives in the building.

What sounds like a dark comedy is more an angst ridden extended conversation about failures and resentments. I though of Ibsen. Nice production design and exterior locations help flesh out Israel Horowitz’s stage play. Horowitz, who is 75, has written over 70 plays but this adaptation from his 2002 play is his first produced screenplay.

From Cohen Media Group THE DROP A great cast brings life to a riveting thriller with a big twist. Tom Hardy’s a loner

Screeners No.129

beyond the budgetary restrictions.

I realize that’s a big, risky wish. Press and production notes tell a simple story about a young couple (Rose Leslie and Harry Treadaway) who honeymoon in a remote lake country. One night, the husband finds his wife wandering disoriented and suspects something is very wrong. And apparently he’s right. Co-written by Leigh Janiak and Phil Graziadei. Janiak directs. From Magnet Releasing

Driver). John Curran directs Marion Nelson’s screenplay. It’s been a while since we’ve had a lushly photographed, epic romantic adventure. From The Weinstein Co. HECTOR AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS

ROCKS IN MY POCKETS

who tends bar and on the side channels cash to local gangsters when he’s suddenly caught between a heist gone very wrong and an intense investigation that’s closing in. Besides Hardy, who is very hot right now, there’s Noomi Rapace and the late James Gandolfini. Dennis Lehane wrote the story and Michael Roskam directs. From Fox Searchlight Pictures HONEYMOON

I’m hoping this unseen by me movie is a loving homage to 1950’s low budget drivein B horror movies. I’m basing this on the multiple posters that suggest a cleverness

Latvian-born but U.S. based filmmaker Signe Baumane’s personal, complex and dense animated film tells five fantastical stories of brave women battling madness.

This fascinating feature film debut was not only written and directed by Baumane but also voiced by her with her thick accent intact. Filled with irony and wit, the film also tells a mini-history of 20th century Latvia along with a surprisingly personal look at mental illness. I love the stream of consciousness narration along with the eclectic mix of stop motion and classic hand-drawn images – all 30,000 of them.

This surreal, sometimes silly (in a very good way) milestone is showing in only two theaters (NY & LA) during September. More art houses will follow in a wider release.

From Zeitgeist films

Oh, how we love our quirky Brits.

“Avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness. You hold all the cards,” says a wise man on a mountain to seeker Hector (Simon Pegg), a psychiatrist dissatisfied with his humdrum life on a global quest to uncover the secret of true happiness.

Toni Collette and Rosamund Pike costar in a screenplay by Maria von Heland, Peter Chelsom and Tinker Lindsay and directed

by Chelsom. This wise film discovers anew the fundamental truth that it’s not the “pursuit of happiness” that matters but the “happiness of pursuit.” From Relativity

22

Book Review

Heeeeere’s Bushkin!

J

oan Rivers had an amazing life as a comedienne and businesswoman.

When she first performed on “The Tonight Show,” Johnny Carson immediately liked her. Rivers said she was grateful to Johnny for giving her the big break that launched her to stardom. But later, Carson also blackballed her, derailing her career for years. In Henry Bushkin’s Johnny Carson, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 294 pages) Rivers is not the only one who suffered Carson’s wrath.

Author Bushkin was Johnny Carson’s personal attorney for eighteen years. In this biography of Carson, the reader gets an inside view of what it was like doing business with the superstar of television, the crowned King of Late Night.

Only 27 years old, Bushkin hadn’t been an attorney for long when he met Carson in 1970. He was an associate at a small New York entertainment law firm, married with a baby when he found himself swept up into Johnny Carson’s world. Carson was 45 years old.

On their second meeting, Bushkin accompanied Carson and a small group of armed-men to raid Carson’s second wife Joanne’s secret apartment. Their mission: To document evidence of an affair. Sadly, it was a success. The overwhelming evidence

Johnny Carson

By Henry Bushkin Biography confirmed Johnny’s wife was indeed cheating on him. Bushkin watched Carson weep.

It was Bushkin who come up with the legal justification for the “break-in.” Since Joanne had no money of her own, the purchase of the love-nest came from Carson’s earnings and therefore was communal property.

It would be the first of many clever legal maneuvers by Bushkin to help Carson protect his interests. Carson became Bushkin’s most important client and singular focus.

As the divorce against Joanne began, Bushkin realized Carson was cash poor. His earnings were being withheld by NBC as a tax strategy. But the tax laws had changed and Bushkin saw to it that Carson was compensated, thus putting millions of dollars into Carson’s coffers.

Besides doing business with Carson

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Feline Veterinary Service I love off-beat, eclectic movies that follow eccentric characters on crazy quests – especially if the characters dwell in the UK. Here we have an unemployed slacker (are there other kinds?), his elderly mum mother and a young niece in a desperate race race to recover mum’s stash of nearly one million Euros they’ve inadvertently thrown out while tidying up her disorganized apartment.

This heartfelt, deadpan “recession comedy” is about a family struggling to stay afloat is all the funnier because it stays real. Well, mostly. Pat Shortt, Fionnula Flanagan and Eva Birthistle co-star in writer director Lance Daly’s first Irish film since KISSES. From Magnolia Pictures

September 11 to September 17, 2014

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TRACKS

This incredible true adventure from the producers of THE KING’S SPEECH stars Mia Wasikowska as a young woman who leaves her ordinary, every-day city life behind to trek through nearly 2,000 miles of rough Australian outback where she runs into a National Geographic photographer (Adam

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nearly everyday, Bushkin and Johnny played tennis together. In an interview, Carson said his best friend was Bushkin. This surprised and flattered Bushkin. Although he was the closest person to Johnny next to his wives, Bushkin never felt they were intimate friends.

When Carson married his third wife, Joanna, Bushkin became friends with her as well. She convinced Bushkin and his wife to move to Los Angeles. Joanna was astute enough to realize that Bushkin made Johnny happy and she wanted to keep Johnny in a good mood. When Carson was happy, he was a pleasant man, but when he was mad, everyone suffered. According to Bushkin, Carson could be up one minute and down the next.

Carson was born in 1925 and grew up in Nebraska. His moodiness was a result of growing up with a mother who was always unhappy. Johnny could never please her – not as a boy nor as a successful television personality. When she died, Bushkin says that Carson said, “The wicked witch is dead.”

This biography mainly focuses on Carson and his business dealings that Bushkin oversaw. At Carson’s request, Bushkin became a business partner with Johnny. Bushkin and his wife socialized and traveled with the Carsons. But, being wholly committed to Johnny was a 24/7 job, which took a toll on Bushkin’s own marriage.

Bushkin acted on Carson’s every whim.

When Carson suddenly decided to quit “The Tonight Show” before his contract was up, Bushkin found a way out. When Coke-aCola offered $100 million to partner with Carson, Bushkin delivered the news that Carson wasn’t interested. It was Bushkin that negotiated Carson’s new NBC contract that gave Johnny ownership of the show, immediately quadrupling Carson’s worth.

The only trouble was, Carson was no longer interested in business or money – now that he had so much of it.

Over the years, there were all kinds of business deals made: a Las Vegas hotel, Houston real estate and the purchase of a California bank. Bushkin oversaw it all, including the business of divorce. With Johnny’s third marriage failing, the business opportunities had to be carefully worked out.

A deal made while still together with his wife would cost Carson half the profits.

There are plenty of times where Bushkin writes about Carson’s irresistible charm and incredible generosity. One of the best moments is when Johnny, Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope try to out do the other with the funniest joke.

The story of Rivers and her husband and manager Edgar Rosenberg is included. Rivers took a talk show with another studio and did not mention it to Carson until the deal was done. It destroyed their relationship since Carson was grooming her as a replacement.

Carson never spoke to her again. Rivers was blackballed by Hollywood and Rosenberg took his life.

Carson married again. His wife Alex was less accepting of Bushkin and the feeling was mutual. Bushkin made a miss-step and Carson fired him in a quick three-minute visit. Their long relationship was over in 1988. Lawsuits followed and there was bad-mouthing of Bushkin by Carson, which was typical.

Just like Joan Rivers and so many others, once Johnny was done with Bushkin, there was no more communication. Years later Carson called Bushkin and for a moment Bushkin hoped they might be friends again, but it was only by accident and he never heard from him again. Carson died in January 2005. He smoked four packs of cigarettes a day and died of respiratory failure from emphysema.

Johnny Carson is a quick read. The book is Bushkin’s perspective as Carson’s number one go-to-guy. The business of Hollywood is fascinating. There is no doubt Bushkin was a significant player in Carson’s life and this book offers him the opportunity to tell his side. But the story is not only interesting because of the complicated character Carson was, but also how Carson changed Bushkin’s life.

Henry Bushkin will be speaking at the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival in January.

23

September 11 to September 17, 2014 continued from page 19

SUN SEPTEMBER 14

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

Tickets on Sale for 2014 Coachella Valley Economic Summit

events

On October 30 at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Dan Schawbel, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, is Keynote Speaker on Engaging the Millennial Generation Dr. John Husing Delivers Annual Economic Report Card Network With More than 800 Business and Community Leaders Attending

T

ickets are on sale for the 2014 Coachella Valley Economic Summit, hosted by the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) and presented

by Desert Regional Medical Center and JFK Memorial Hospital. It will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert on Thursday, October 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a hosted reception. Tickets are $95 per person ($850 table of 10) in advance and $110 per person at the door.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dan Schawbel, is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a Time and Forbes columnist appearing in more than 1,000 media outlets. Schawbel knows what the 80 million-strong Millennial generation, or “Gen Y,” wants in a job, career and employer. Schawbel will share his experience on how to attract, hire and retain Millennial workers born during 19821993.

“We’re excited to present the 10th annual Coachella Valley Economic Summit with some new developments, including more dynamic multimedia, a networking lounge, and a keynote speaker who might change the way businesses in the region attract and retain the brightest young employees,” says CVEP board Chairman Rick Axelrod. “With great programming and an influential audience, it will be the business event of the year.”

With more than 800 business and community leaders attending, the one-onone networking opportunities make the Summit a “must attend” event.

This annual conference is noted as the most comprehensive overview of the Coachella Valley’s recent economic progress and is known for Dr. Husing’s targeted updates on the local economy and related economic trends.

Dr. Husing’s annual economic report card is always a newsmaker. His primary

focus over 45 years has been the Inland Empire, studying the changing economic infrastructure and growth of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Event Schedule: 11am - Registration | Exhibitor Showcase | Networking Noon - Lunch | Presentation 3pm - Hosted Reception Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for this well-attended event.

Last year’s Summit drew more than 800 attendees. This year’s event, themed “Our Desert. Our Economy. ENGAGE,” is expected to draw additional local, regional and national attendees. For more information or to register, call (760) 340-1575 or visit cvepsummit.com.

About CVEP The nonprofit Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) promotes a diversified, year-round economy through its Workforce/ Jobs Model, based on business attraction, expansion, and retention, and developing a workforce aligned with the needs of business. CVEP and its various programs – Workforce Excellence, Coachella Valley iHub, and Coachella Valley Small Business Development Center – focus on planning and nurturing the growth of three emerging industry clusters: Healthcare and Life Science, Clean Technology and Energy, and Creative Arts, Media, and Design. Visit cvep. com or call 760-340-1575.

The Cvep’s Healthcare Industry Council Hosts the Health Career Connection Thursday, September 11, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. At the UC Internship Wrap-up Celebration On Riverside Palm Desert Campus. The Public is Invited.

T

he Coachella Valley Economic Partnership’s (CVEP) Healthcare Industry Council is hosting its fifth annual Health Career Connection Internship Program Wrap-up Celebration on Thursday, September 11, 2014. The event, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., is at the UC Riverside Palm Desert Campus at 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, B100 (Auditorium), Palm Desert, CA 92211. Please RSVP to Vicki Martinez at vmartinez@rivcoeda.org or call 760-8632508.

CVEP’s Healthcare Industry Council, in partnership with the nonprofit Health Career Connection (HCC), facilitates a nationally recognized 10-week paid internship program for college and graduate students involved in the healthcare industry.

The focus of these internships is primarily in the areas of public health leadership and administration. The goal is to grow a pipeline of local students to fill future highlevel healthcare professions and leadership positions in the Coachella Valley.

“CVEP has the strongest regional health pathway program in the state. For five years we have been privileged to partner with them in increasing opportunities for young people from the valley to discover and succeed in health careers that suit them, and contribute to community,” explains Jeff Oxendine, President of the Health Career Connection and Associate Dean at UC Berkeley School of Public Health. “The young people I see in this community are special. They are hard -working and truly want to give back. That’s why we are partnering today to build the future health

leaders from and for the Coachella Valley.”

This summer, 22 students held paid internships for 10 weeks in the healthcare industry and related sites around the area.

Each host organization fosters an intern, where the intern works on a specific project focused on public health. This year’s hosts included: Angel View, Raices del Valle, Lideres Campesina, COFEM, Eastern Coachella Valley Building Healthy Communities, Clinicas De Salud, Desert AIDS Project, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), Desert Cancer Foundation, Desert Health Care District, Health Assessment Resource Center (HARC), Jewish Family Project, Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC), FIND Food Bank, UCR School of Medicine: Future Physician Leaders Program, Habitat for Humanity, JFK Memorial Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, and the Office of Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD. “Empowering young leaders of our community is essential for the future of the Coachella Valley. Through continuing partnerships with Health Career Connections and the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, I am proud to be able to support students such as Alfredo to provide firsthand work experience that will help them develop problem-solving skills and challenge them to move outside of their comfort zones,” says U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, whose local office was a host site. “It is a privilege to be able to represent these talented young people and I look forward to watching them emerge as future leaders in our valley.”

The unique opportunities the program

creates for the interns are greatly appreciated. “Through the internship at COFEM (Council of Mexican Federations) HCC has granted me, I have been able to learn more about the holistic definition of what health entails,” explains Mariela Magana. “Civic engagement and community organizing is one of the best ways of understanding how policies, environmental factors, health disparities and social norms affect our community members on a daily basis. This summer internship has helped me define the engaged community leader physician I want to become in the eastern Coachella Valley.”

Community support is the key to this program’s success. This year’s program funders who help pay the interns and associated costs are: Desert Health Care District, The California Endowment, California Healthcare Foundation, Health Career Connection, and East Coachella Valley-Building Healthy Communities.

“This internship program is key to building a top quality, compassionate health workforce for the future of our valley. The 74 local undergraduate students who have served in internships across the

past 4 summers are now and will be in the future taking on essential healthcare roles as nurses, physicians, health educators and public health leaders right here in our valley.

The health employers who host them are truly leading the way in developing a local pipeline of professionals to address the pressing health needs of our community,” explains Sheila Thornton, Vice President of CVEP’S Workforce Excellence who oversees the Health Industry Council and originally forged the partnership with HCC. About CVEP Workforce Excellence CVEP Workforce Excellence is a comprehensive career pipeline development strategy launched in 2005 to raise the region’s intellectual capital and workforce capacity by aligning the education, workforce and economic development efforts. The program works backward from employer demand, facilitating business/ education collaboration through industry councils to assure students graduate high school prepared to succeed in college, career and life.

For information, call 760-340-1575 or email blueprint@cvep.com.

25

September 11 to September 17, 2014

palm springs Local

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

By Denise Ortuno Neil

Taking a Look Back at La Plaza

W

ith the multitude of shops, restaurants and nightspots that now line the area of Palm Canyon in downtown Palm Springs, it might be hard to imagine what it was like without them. But there was a time when the village of Palm Springs was more like something out of an old school western then the tourist destination that it is today. One woman who saw the need and the potential to bring more to downtown was Julia Carnell and her vision for La Plaza.

There is a running theme in the history of Palm Springs, which is the prominence of women who pioneered our beautiful desert into the thriving world class vacation spot that people have enjoyed over the years. And one of those women was Julia Carnell. Carnell came to the desert in the early 1900’s as most did back then, a cold winter refugee, looking to warm her body, mind and spirit with the warmth of the desert air. She traveled all the way from Ohio, which back then was no small feat. She had married into the NCR (cash registers) and lived a life of wealth.

But Carnell had a bone to pick with the desert oasis that she had come to love…there wasn’t much to do in the quaint village. Carnell enjoyed shopping and dining and was used to a bit more action, so she decided to remedy the problem by building what would become La Plaza. She wanted a place where people could go and get everything they needed from entertainment to accommodations.

And in the 1930’s, she did just that.

She employed the assistance of architect Harry Williams, who had actually designed the headquarters of NCR back in Dayton, Ohio. Carnell brought Williams to Palm Springs and together they created the shopping center. Carnell funded the project with a million dollars of her own money and truly was ahead of her time with her vision.

La Plaza became one of the first shopping centers of its kind to be built in Southern California.

La Plaza was completed in 1936 and had it all. It was built on 3½ acres with restaurants, a nightclub, a market, bakery, drugstore, gas station, La Plaza theatre, 38 retail shops and accommodations which included 21 studios and 8 penthouses that could be rented by the

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day, month or season (season would cost only $1,000 back then). Couples could even get married in the onsite chapel, as they actually can do today. The style of La Plaza had a Spanish feel to it, with archways throughout and charming balcony’s, and looks the same today as it did back then.

Although La Plaza became the hit that Carnell hoped it would be, over time the shopping center was in danger of foreclosure.

In the early 1950’s, long after Carnell had passed away, financial hardship came to La Plaza. But it was rescued by Zachary Pitts, who along with partners saved La Plaza from certain doom and possible demolition.

Today La Plaza is a Class 1 Historical site and is still owned and operated by the Pitts family, who has maintained its aesthetic glory. Although they do not rent out the studios and penthouses as accommodations, they do lease them out to businesses. La Plaza thrives with popular spots such as Tyler’s Burgers and Bill’s Pizza, as well as retail shops such as Bobby G’s, the former home of Desmonds, which was housed at La Plaza for over 60 years.

There are many more shops and restaurants on Palm Canyon these days, but it is important to look back on the woman who had the vision to bring Palm Springs into the shopping center future. I’m sure Carnell would be more than pleased on her project that she brought to life so many years ago, thank you Julia for La Plaza.

To take a walking tour of La Plaza contact the Palm Springs Historical Society at 760323-8297 or pshistoricalsociety.org .

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

RealEstate

August A

By Bruce cathcart

ugust is behind us and cooler weather can’t be far off! Whether it is due to the high temperatures or vacationing buyers, sellers and real estate agents, August is usually the slowest month of the year when it comes to initiating sales and second only to September for closing sales. This year is following that same pattern but the number of pendings and sales are considerably less than last year which really makes me wonder how all the “experts” can continue to make their claims that the housing market is in recovery!

Last month (July) according to the Desert Area MLS (as of 9/01/14) there were 667 pendings of residential properties in the Coachella Valley. There were only 435 pendings in August representing a significant drop in the level of sales activity. Last month there were 704 solds and this month (as we predicted) there were only 518 solds representing a 27% drop in closings. When compared to last year, we closed 604 homes in August representing a year over year decrease of approximately 15% in home sales.

Overall inventory available to buyers this month was down significantly again (approximately 10%) from 3,161 properties available for sale at the beginning of August to just 2,857 properties available for sale at the end of August. To add some perspective, we hit our high point in inventory at the end of February this year at 4,318 homes available to buyers. This was up from a low in 2013 in July when only 2,439 homes were available to buyers. So even though our current inventory is down compared to the high of 2014, we are still 15% higher than we were last year! 15% higher inventory and 15% less sales… Hmmm, doesn’t sound like recovery to me.

These numbers continue to support the trend of less sales activity, fewer closings and lower inventory. With only 435 opened escrows in August we can be pretty sure that the September report will live up to its reputation of being the worst month of the year for closings and continue the declining trend!

Last month I wrote about housing prices being “hyper-local” meaning that some home sale prices are up and some are down depending upon their location (which can be as specific as the individual neighborhood in which the home is located). This remains true for the month of August. Taken as a whole, Coachella Valley housing prices appear to have remained stable. Both CAR (California Association of Realtors) and NAR (National Association of Realtors) posted statistics this month stating pretty much the same thing for housing prices both statewide and nationwide. The bad news about that fact is that while the summer months for Coachella Valley housing sales are our WORST months, statewide and nationally the summer months

Haddon Libby:It’s alllocal

FELONS and DUST - Call ISIS “DAESH”

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are usually their BEST months for housing sales. Stable home prices with low inventory and near historically low interest rates is not a sign of recovery, it is a sign of survival. Look for more of the same through the end of 2014.

This month’s top sale goes to a beautiful, four bedroom, six bathroom golf course home with 5,905 square feet on an almost ½ acre lot in the Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells which sold for $5,000,000.00! On the other end of the real estate spectrum a couple of condos sold in Mission Lakes (Desert Hot Springs) with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and 565 square feet for $29,900.00. That sounds like a pretty good bargain if you have a mother-in-law you need to park somewhere!

Real Estate Tip of the month: This month there were more refinance loan originations (new loans) than purchase loans. Now is the time to re-evaluate your mortgage!!! With near historically low interest rates it may be possible refinance your current loan and save on your monthly payments, or better yet, shorten the term of your loan and pay it off sooner. If you have an FHA loan on your home and are paying a mortgage insurance premium talk with your trusted real estate agent and see if your current mortgage balance is 80% the current market value of your home. If it is you can refinance your current loan with conventional financing and eliminate the monthly mortgage insurance premium and significantly lower your monthly payments.

Bruce Cathcart is the Broker/Co-Owner of La Quinta Palms Realty, “Your Friendly Professionals” and can be reached by email at laquintapalms@dc.rr.com or visit his website at www.laquintapalmsrealty.com.

September 11 to September 17, 2014

SIS, a jihadist group headquartered in the Syria and Iraq area of the Middle East, has been garnering a lot of wellfounded attention recently for its brutal combat tactics.

For those of us against this extremist group, rather than calling them ISIS (the name of an Egyptian God), IS (a great Icelandic vodka) or ISIL (Intersil Corporation and International Society for Individual Liberty), use the name that this jihadist group advises against - DA’ISH or DAESH (‫)شعاد‬. DAESH warns that use of this acronym will be met with punishment.

The acronym DAESH in Arabic roughly translates to The Islamic Nation of Iraq, Greater Syria and the Levant. The reason that the terrorist group punishes those using the DAESH name is because DAESH has a derogatory meaning that translates to ‘trample underfoot’, ‘crush’ or ‘felon and dust’.

This group was founded in 1999 by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (d. 2006). You may remember Zarqawi from his work in Al-Qaida. Zarqawis’ original group of 150 jihadists received start-up funds of $200,000 from Osama bin Laden.

Five years later, JTJ changed their name to Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). After Zarqawi’s

death in 2006, they merged with other jihadist groups to form the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) that was headed by Zarqawi confidante, Abu Ayyau al-Masri (d. 2010), originally of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. After al-Masri’s death, Abu Bakr alBaghdadi took the helm.

In 2013, al-Baghdadi expanded their efforts from Iraq into Syria and changed their name to the ISIL acronym. After the establishment of a new caliphate in May of this year, he shortened their name to the Islamic State (IS) in recognition of their growing influence globally. The Egyptian educational institution that specializes on Islamic teachings, Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah,

has advised Muslims around the world to refer to the group as ‘Al-Qaeda Separatists in Iraq and Syria’ (QSIS) because of the group’s “un-Islamic character.”

For reference, a caliphate is an Islamic state led by religious leaders and headed by a caliph who is believed to be a successor to Mohammed. Mohammed lived from 570-632 and unified the Arabian Peninsula under one religion, Islam.

Despite brutal combat tactics that include mass killings, beheadings and rape, the population in many of the areas that DAESH control, support them as DAESH provides civil order as well as sufficient food, fuel and water. For locals, this is in stark contrast to the corrupt civil and military structures in Syria and Iraq that often left people without adequate basic necessities. When DAESH takes control of an area, all people in those areas must either convert to Islam, pay a religious levy (jizya) or face death.

DAESH is well-funded with more than $2 billion at their disposal. Nearly $1.5 billion of DAESH reserves came in June of this year when DAESH captured Mosul and took the cash and gold reserves held by that city’s banking system. After DAESH establish stability in the areas that they control, they have begun selling oil and electricity to the Syrian government.

Worth noting, this group might not have reached its current powerful status if Congress had allowed the Obama Administration to bomb them in Syria last year. Now that DAESH is showing real strength, many wonder why the Obama Administration is not taking more decisive actions. The basic problem with action is the lack of a reasonable leadership alternative in those areas, the fact that DAESH troops easily melt into the general population and economic fragility here at home. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have cost Americans $2 trillion to date. Escalation of our activities in this region could easily derail our fragile economic recovery as well as leaving us unable to deal with the rising threats posed by Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation.

a direct, tax free monthly pension to help defray the cost of long-term care.

The Eligibility Requirements are: 1. 65 years old and/or unemployable.

2. Honorable or General discharge (anything other than a Dishonorable discharge).

3. Served at least 90 days of active Federal duty with at least one day during an official period of conflict. For dates see: www.usseniorvets.com 4. Medical necessity requiring care. They must have a medical condition or medical necessity requiring the applicant to live in an assisted or protected environment. A Doctor is able to document this need with a VA Physicians Report.

5. Meet income and countable asset criteria 6. An UN-REMARRIED surviving spouse has NO age requirement. (a surviving spouse must have been married to the Vet for at least 1 year, never divorced and never remarried.)

7. The VA has an income test and certain medical expenses can be deducted from income to help quality.

8. The asset and net worth limit can vary depending on many factors like life expectancy, medical expenses etc.

Access of your benefit through this system

provides you with access to care. With a pension in hand, you are able to afford the care you need. Secondly, you have a choice. You have the power to select the services you need as well as the provider that meets those needs. Thirdly, the pension is dependable. Like Social Security, the pension will always be there for qualified beneficiaries and is paid directly to you by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

For info see: www.usseniorvets.com Dale Gribow, selected every year as “TOP LAWYER” by Palm Springs LIFE, has also been AVVO PEER rated SUPERB by fellow attorneys and has been Man of the Year 7 times including The City of Hope and the City of Palm Desert.

Gribow was the only attorney appointed, in December 2013, to the CVAG Public Safety Ad Hoc DUI Blue Ribbon Committee. This group consists of the Police Chiefs/ Riverside County Sheriff / CHP/Border Patrol and local Mayors. In addition Gribow is the only attorney asked to be part of the Clinton Foundation’s Clinton Health Matters Committee on Drunk Driving. He is also one of the founders of Shutdown Drunk Driving formed upon the recent death of his client who was killed by a drunk driver while jogging.

If you have any questions please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at his NEW number 760 837 7500 and or his new email: dale@ dalegribowlaw.com

Dale Gribow On The Law

A Secret Our Government Does NOT Want VETS to Know About

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very week I try to come up with a topic for an article that will be informative to our readers. On Friday September 5, 2014 the front page article in our Desert Sun was “Veterans getting informed.” It talks about a group called Veterans University, that travels to advise vets of all their benefits and yet it does not mention the little known Aid and Attendance Benefit. The government will provide AID if you need ATTENDANCE: i.e. someone to attend to your needs! Of course one has to qualify.

Most lawyers do not know about Aid and Attendance. Is this because a lawyer cannot charge a VET for assisting them with this benefit?

When you think about it lawyers are the ones protecting society at every turn. They are the one’s keeping corporations under control and forcing auto manufacturers to make cars safer and not explode on impact. However no one seems to know about this wonderful benefit.

At a recent Desert Bar Association Lunch I asked lawyers if anyone had heard of Aid and Attendance and none had. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has this little known tax free pension available to help qualified veterans, spouses and their surviving spouses pay for home health care, assistance living or nursing home care.

This Non-Service Connected pension was established in 1952 under Title 38 USC and has two components, Aid & Attendance & Housebound benefits. Last year an estimated

1.9 million veterans qualified but did not know about it and or did not know how to file a welldocumented claim. With 60% of the seniors in the United States being veterans or spouses of veterans this pension can be a life line to allow them to age with dignity and peace of mind all the while affording them to receive the care they need and deserve.

There are over 100,000 VETS and or their spouses receiving this benefit today, but there should be many times that amount. The problem is that AID and ATTENDANCE is not promoted by the USA. Is that because the financial condition of our country is shaky and we do not want to pay out more money?

It is based on age, assets, marital status, income, liquid assets and cost of care. You usually can have $25,000-40,000 in liquid assets.

If your home has value put it in an IRREVOCABLE TRUST with a son or daughter as trustee so you can shelter it. Only the trustee can draw on it.

Then you get an EIN (employer identification number) which takes the place of a Social Security number. If there is more than $80,000 in assets they will not even consider aid and attendance. Thus the need for an irrevocable trust.

The VA Aid & Attendance & Housebound Pension is designed to provide qualified veterans and their un-remarried surviving spouses with financial benefits outside of the traditional VA residential system. This pension benefit provides

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

safety tips

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

sharekitchen

Whats Happening in september?

California Firefighters Reminding You September Marks National Preparedness Month!

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t’s National Preparedness Month, a time when communities, emergency responders, businesses, and families come together to make sure they are prepared for the next disaster. This year’s theme is “Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Out guard is down and now is the time to prepare!

The national Ready campaign has established four universal building blocks of emergency preparedness and provides resources and tools to help with each. These building blocks are: Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Get Involved. Find more from the Ready campaign at www.ready.gov Use the month of September to help

PS Underground is leaving the Coachella Valley…

prepare so you are ready when the next disaster strikes. The weekly themes are as follows: Week 1 – How To… Reconnect with family after a disaster.

Week 2 – Know How To… Plan for specific needs before a Disaster.

Week 3 – How to… Build an emergency kit.

Weeks 4 & 5 – How to… Practice for an emergency.

Find resources for conducting community outreach from the National Preparedness Community or contact your local fire department.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna and the California State Firefighters Association

…and you can join them! They are taking their signature one-of-a-kind style to the Hollywood Bowl on September 20th for a Sing! This adventure includes shuttle service to and from the Hollywood Bowl, tickets to the sing-a-long showing of the film, The Sound of Music scored live by the LA Philharmonic, a gourmet picnic dinner, dessert, libations and more. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased at www.psunderground.com.

Things are getting busy at ShareKitchen

Do You have an Elevator Pitch?

When someone asks you what you do, do you have a quick reply that gives the

Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge Reverse Mini-triathlon, 5K, 1K Color Run and Health Fair.

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hether you’re a runner, walker or tri-athlete, there is an event for every age and skill level at Family YMCA of the Desert’s inaugural Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge taking place October 12, 2014 at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park.

The triple event day is designed for participants of varying skill levels. The more serious Reverse Mini-Triathlon includes a 5K run, 10-mile bike ride and ends with a 300-meter swim at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, while the PrimeTime 5K Walk/Run and 1ST Bank 1K Color Run are additional options for joining in the fun for everyone from youngsters to the young at heart.

Following the finish of the Reverse MiniTriathlon, the morning continues with a Health and Wellness Fair offering vendor and information booths, entertainment, and activities for all ages. The public is invited to

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attend the fair that concludes at 11:00 a.m.

“Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge was designed to attract participants of all levels – from triathlon competitors to families pursuing an active lifestyle and involved with their community,” said Sabby Jonathan, YMCA Board of Directors. “It is also an excellent opportunity for first-time triathlon participants since it ends with a cool-off in a pool!”

Registration fees for the Reverse MiniTriathlon are $75 Sept. 1-Oct. 11 and $90 on race day; the PrimeTime 5K Run/Walk is to $35 Sept. 1-Oct.11 and $40 on race day; and the 1ST Bank 1K Color Run is $10, while YMCA members can participate in the 1K walk/run for $5. For more information and to register please visit www.ybefitpdchallenge.org or call (760) 568-1441.

The Palm Desert Civic Center Park is one

questioner a good first impression? In order to be a successful self-promoter, you need a memorable and dynamic quick pitch on who you are and what you do. On Monday, September 14th from 5:30-7:30pm, the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (it’s for men, too) is hosting a session where you can learn how to give an impactful 30 second elevator speech. Dominique Fruchtman of Desert Cow Computers will be the evening’s facilitator.

To attend this important workshop, go to www.cvwbc.com. Cost is $20 if you register online and $25 at the door. The event is held at 44199 Monroe Street, Room 424 in Indio.

On many Sundays, ShareKitchen plays host to a brunch. During the rest of the week, we often host different teachers, chefs, nonprofits and groups like PS Underground for a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences. Easy to find, we are centrally located at 68-805 E. Palm Canyon in Cathedral City, just west of Date Palm.

Also, don’t forget to ‘follow’ ShareKitchen on Facebook and visit our website for updates at www.ShareKitchen.org.

Health&Fitness

of the most beautiful parks in the Coachella Valley and will serve as the hub of the Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge races and activities.

The park is a perfect setting for the event and is also home to the Family YMCA of the Desert and the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.

Event start times are staggered with the Reverse Mini-Triathlon starting at 7 a.m.; Prime Time 5K Run/Walk at 7:15 a.m.; and the 1ST Bank 1K Color Run at 9 a.m.

This fundraiser benefits Family YMCA of the Desert supporting youth programs, and is sponsored by the City of Palm Desert,

PrimeTime, 1st Bank, Klein/Clark Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods, FG Creative, Desert Radio Group, KMIR/NBC, Klein Clark Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Whole Foods Market Palm Desert, Desert Regional Medical Center and Burrtec.

Information on the Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge can be found online at www. ybefitpdchallenge.org, or by calling (760) 5681441. Interested sponsors can contact Terri Bona at the YMCA office at (760) 341-9622.

Visit www.ymcaofthedesert.org

sports scene A Stronger Stance Is Required In All Sports

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on’t you think it’s about time?

I don’t mean about Ray Rice being suspended indefinitely and cut from the Ravens, I mean about domestic abusers to be wholly shunned from the public eye and disallowed from making money off their ability to be in the public’s good graces. They can go earn a living where we won’t be confronted and our senses insulted by their presence.

Because men or women who abuse others in the dark corners of a night or nightclub should be relegated to living in the dark corners of our consciousness, not making millions shoving it in our faces.

I’m talking to you Floyd Mayweather. The highest paid athlete on the planet has also been facing more than a decade of domestic violence charges. Ray Rice is a professional athlete whose life is forever changed as security footage of him striking his then-fiancé was released publicly. The outrage caused the NFL to take action it’s never taken before and they suspended him indefinitely, the Baltimore Ravens cut him and Roger Goodell said any contract that includes him will need to be approved by the league.

Rice is a man who made his living in the public eye and therefore, relinquishes some level of privacy when his personal life collides with police. We get that.

But what’s different about Ray Rice’s abuse is that it was caught on tape for the world to see, and with that visual comes a visceral reaction of disgust and disdain. Floyd Mayweather, Hope Solo, Ray McDonald, Greg Hardy and more have recently also been

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

linked to domestic violence. Some have been processed by the court system, some have not, but the question is, why is there not more public outrage about all domestic violence?

Getting rid of Ray Rice is like taking a single bullet out of an uzi. Damage can, and likely, will still be done.

But as many in the media applaud the NFL, and I do as well, we’re failing to examine the larger issue in our society and a culture of domestic violence.

When we see problems in sports, you need to realize it’s a much, MUCH larger problem in our society, because the world of sport is a petri dish of our culture.

It takes the biggest bodies, biggest personalities and the biggest egos and drenches them in millions or potentially hundreds of millions of dollars and power and influence and lets human nature fester and grow in the public eye where victories are equated to “glory” and athletes are tabbed as “heroes” when they deliver those momentous moments.

And sports fans, casual or devoted, want to believe the good. We want to believe our cultural petri dish is one we can have “pride” in, led by the “faithful” and while in many cases, that’s close to reality, sports fans and sports media have a hard time separating themselves from those narratives and recognizing the very startling reality that athletes aren’t narratives, they’re just people. Flawed as the next guy, sometimes more so.

But because of an athlete’s ability on the field, the coddling and constant capitulation to

sports

September 11 to September 17, 2014

by Julie Buehler

their whims can create a sense of entitlement for these flawed individuals and they become bold and brazen in their power. And abuse those in their life they deem to have less power.

By keeping these abusers in the public eye and handing them the millions or hundreds of millions associated with that, those signing the checks are funding that abuse and the culture that excuses it.

So while Ray Rice had the most visible example of domestic violence, there are countless offenders in the world of sports that are not spoken about by mainstream media as they are frequently paid by the same checkwriters that fund the athletes.

Furthermore, if someone, such as myself, ventures to introduce the MANY vicious attacks on women by Floyd Mayweather, sports fans, living in their tragically small bubble of false reality, blame me for not “understanding” or “bringing up the past.” Heaven forbid anyone consider the DECADE of vicious attacks on women who birthed his children and the repeated assaults on women who simply questioned Mayweather or the mountains of evidence that point to his brazen disregard for other human beings.

His $200 million dollar contract from SHOWTIME Sports is powerful enough to

sweep the latest reports under the rug in preparation for his fight on Sept 13th.

In fact, many boxing writers have gone so far as to assert that the most recent lawsuit filed on Sept 4th by his former fiancé, Shantel Jackson, is timed in order to disrupt his fight preparation. Forget the fact he’s been in trouble for domestic violence multiple times for more than a decade, the latest issue is simply to derail his training.

Wake up.

If we are going to see change in our society we need to first address the most public form of this massive issue and vocally, strongly and relentlessly denounce the domestic violence committed by ANY athlete (male or female) and disallow their participation in the public forum regardless of prestige, contract or sport.

It may not help those already victimized and facing a long road to healing, but it’s about time, don’t you think?

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 3-6 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station. She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners. Tune in M-F 3-6 pst at team1010.com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

by Flint Wheeler

Betting on NFL legally proves to be a fantasy..

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isking money, whatever the amount, on the outcome of NFL games constitutes gambling.

Risking money, whatever the amount, on the outcome of the performance of specific players in NFL games does not constitute gambling.

Playing fantasy football for money isn’t gambling because Congress has decided that “an outcome that reflects the relative knowledge of the participants, or their skill at physical reaction or physical manipulation [but not chance], and, in the case of a fantasy or simulation sports game, has an outcome that is determined predominantly by accumulated statistical results of sporting events” isn’t gambling.

Obviously, the same kind of skill needed to predict the winners of NFL games applies when projecting the performances of individual players. In many ways, a fantasy football team resembles a convoluted parlay card, where the non-gambling gambler tries to compile a roster of players who will “win” more yards and points than

the team put together by an opposing nongambling gambler.

The hair-splitting and nonsensical distinction from Congress has made gambling on fantasy football as legal as gambling on stocks, which has spawned an industry that includes some very highstakes fantasy leagues, some of which undoubtedly include NFL players. But while it’s only a matter of time before word emerges of the involvement of NFL players in six-figure fantasy leagues, another potential complication could emerge when it comes to the non-gambling gambling of large amounts of money on fantasy football.

Peter King of TheMMQB.com explains that, during his training-camp tour, he has caught wind of “undue pressure some players and coaches feel from big-money fantasy-football players.” Writes King, “I had one coach tell me there’s so much money in some of these fantasy-football playoff pools that people who used to gamble with bookies illegally are now gambling in highstakes fantasy-football leagues, which is

not illegal.” King adds that the “NFL has its antennae up over this, and it’ll be interesting to see if the pressure escalates to more serious threats on players or coaches.”

Interesting and incredibly alarming.

Although physical threats against those responsible for poor player performances are possible, it seems more likely that those who would consider breaking the law to express displeasure in losing large amounts of money would be far more inclined to break the law in order to win large amounts of money.

In what would be a bizarre twist on point shaving, coaches and players could in theory be bribed to ensure that certain players will generate significant production, or that certain players will be shut down. Getting to coaches and assistant coaches who control the offensive game plan would be the most efficient approach. It also would help to

grease defenders who would be inclined to slip on an invisible banana peel, springing a specific player for a touchdown or two. Or four.

The league, which generates significant profit and attention both directly and indirectly from fantasy football, should be concerned about the potential for corruption. Even if playing fantasy football for significant amounts of money isn’t illegal, at a certain point the money in the balance will open the door for all sorts of illegal activity.

Flint Wheeler is Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through New York Life and NY Life Securities. PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” and “The Odds on Favorite Podcast” on Team 1010 KXPS. Contact at 760-409-4612 lintwheeler.com

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

Health&Fitness

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

City of Palm Springs Receives Five Gold Medals for Completion of Key Health and Wellness Goals in First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” Initiative

Easy as 1-2-3 H

ere in the desert fall creeps in with a warm blanket and long shadows.

This year it is visiting us with an early back to school date and many excited students. Some kids however do not look forward to school and the learning process.

Quite possibly you have one of them living in your home or maybe you yourself are a student with anxiety.

Back to school stress is not much fun, but there is an simple stress reducing remedy that is as easy as 1-2-3 and A-B-C. It is well documented that physical fitness encourages brain function. People who are active and exercise absorb and retain new information more effectively than people who are not. In other words, moving the body is fundamental to moving the mind. Getting in shape (and staying in shape) can make you smarter.

Physical fitness does not necessarily require an expensive gym membership or a large chunk of time from your schedule.

What it really requires is awareness and desire. Simple activities such as taking the stairs instead of riding the elevator or riding your bike to school instead of sitting in a car

are actions that can assist in changing a test score. When the blood pumps through the body because the heart is hard at work, it pumps through the brain as well depositing very valuable oxygen along the way. Oxygen is vital to brain growth and healing.

In fact, did you know that the brain uses about three times as much oxygen as the muscles in your body do? Brain cells are very sensitive to decreases in oxygen. They don’t survive or function very long without it. Moving the body requires a deeper inhale and exhale then sitting sedentary on the couch. By moving you force a greater amount of oxygen into your body and in turn it helps stimulate brain and enhance the learning process.

There are many ways to move your body.

Think about it. Stand instead of sit. Run instead of walk. Take the bike instead of the car. Swim a few laps, do a few leg lifts, sink into a few deep knee bends. Whatever it is just move your body and get your heart pumping. Your brain will thank you.

If you need a class or two to get motivated don’t hesitate to call Karen at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.

The 7th Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Weekend

David A. Lee Photography

by Personal Trainer Karen Creasey

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he National League of Cities (NCL) has recognized Mayor Steve Pougnet and the City of Palm Springs with a total of five Gold Medals for completion of key health and wellness goals in Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC), a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative, which is dedicated to solving the childhood obesity epidemic. Palm Springs is now ranked No. 1 in the country, along with 10 other cities of the 449 participating.

Pougnet, through the development of his hugely successful Mayor’s Healthy Planet, Healthy You Race and Wellness Festival and several other key initiatives, stepped up to the LMCTC challenge, in partnership with Desert Healthcare Foundation, to adopt sustainable and holistic policies and programs that improve the community’s access to affordable food and activities, raising more than $1 million over the past three years for health and

wellness programs in Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley.

“We congratulate and commend Mayor Steve Pougnet and the City of Palm Springs in your efforts to improve the health of your community’s children and families,” said NCL President Chris Coleman, mayor of St. Paul, Minn. “Through leadership and dedication of local elected officials in cities, towns and counties across the country, we are beginning to see a measureable decrease in obesity rates and a cultural shift towards health.”

The City of Palm Springs received a total of five of Gold Medals for achieving the following five key goals: • Goal 1, Start Early, Start Smart: Promoting best practices for nutrition, physical activity, and screen time in early care and education settings.

• Goal II, My Plate, Your Plate: Prominently displaying My Plate in all municipal or county venues where food is served.

• Goal III, Smart Servings for Students: Expanding access to meal programs before, during and after the school day, and summer months.

• Goal IV, Model Food Service: Implementing health and sustainable food service guidelines that are aligned with Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

• Goal V, Active Kids at Play: Increasing opportunities for Physical Activity.

“The City of Palm Springs is committed to practicing and promoting good health in our community and to fighting the childhood obesity epidemic,” said Pougnet. “There is nothing more important to the success of a community than good health and I want to thank the NCL for this tremendous recognition.”

Mind, body & Spirit

September 26-28, at Crystal Fantasy Enlightenment Center in downtown Palm Springs

T

he weekend event opens on Friday September 26 with the Palm Springs Community Drum Circle facilitated

by Sound Healer Scott Meredith. The following two days feature many diverse and eclectic offerings geared toward Alternative Healing and Intuitive Arts and Services like Mediumship, Tarot, Angels & Spirit Guides, Reiki Healing, Reflexology, Aura Reading, Crystals, Numerology, Astrology, Sound Healing, Aromatherapy, Oracles, Crystal Healing, Quantum Healing, Palmistry, Massage, Art, Crafts and Jewelry along with spiritual counselors, readers, workshops, classes, artists and musicians. The event will also feature 100 Thousand Poets and Artists For Change, a worldwide event promoting environmental, social and political change on Saturday evening. The 7th Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Weekend event offers free consultations with healers, readers, and spiritual counselors, plus the Lemurian Crystal Healing Bed experience.

The hours on Saturday September 27 are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday September 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Last year over 550 people experienced this exciting, yet intimate, Palm Springs gathering of spiritual counselors, wellness

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professionals and healers. Some people came because they were curious; others were interested in blending Eastern and Western healing and spiritual modalities to get the best of both worlds; and some just wanted to be with like-minded people and have fun in beautiful Palm Springs, California,” reported Joy Brown Meredith, owner of Crystal Fantasy Gifts, Gallery and Enlightenment Center. “For almost 30 years my family and I have strived to be a magnet for the spiritual community of the desert.

We have people coming from the Coachella Valley, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, New York, London, Germany, France, Australia and far beyond to learn about inspirational tools and new ideas,” said Meredith. “This year we are adding the Palm Springs Community Drum Circle on Friday night and the 100 Thousand Poets and Artists For Change event on Saturday night.” There is no better time than now to discover and refine your inner gifts and to share time with a community of like-minded people,” says Meredith.

The Seventh Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit weekend is working in collaboration with several local hotels, offering discount prices for the event.

The event takes place at Crystal Fantasy Enlightenment Center, 268 N. Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. For more information and to register, visit www.

PalmSpringsBodyMindSpirit.com.

General Admission PSBMS tickets are $10 which will be donated to local charities. A limited number of free tickets are available on the event website. The weekend event includes free donation based consultations with our gifted group of readers and healers and free classes. Classes will be limited to only 15 participants so early registration is suggested. Class topics include: Pendulums, Chakras, Crystal Healing, Reiki, Ayurveda, Channeling, Sound Healing, Meditation, Angels and Spirit Guides, Cannabis For Health, UFOs and others. Tickets are available at the door on the day of the event, at Crystal Fantasy or online at www.

PalmSpringsBodyMindSpirit.com.

Crystal Fantasy opened in Palm Springs,

California in 1987. The 2009 expansion, right next door, evolved into Crystal Fantasy Gift, Gallery and Enlightenment Center at 268 N. Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. It is a locally owned, familyrun retail destination store and community gathering space whose mission is to inspire, empower and enlighten individuals and the community. Open daily, Crystal Fantasy offers a unique selection of gifts of nature, fantasy, and spirit, including crystals from around the world, silver and gold jewelry, candles and incense, local art, and other metaphysical tools from diverse world cultures. Spiritual counselors, readers and healers, drum circles, wedding services, home blessings, Reiki attunements, sound healing services and a variety of spiritual classes and workshops are also available.

For more information: (760) 322-7799 www.CrystalFantasy.com www.Facebook.com/CrystalFantasy

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of September 11

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the 2000 film Cast Away, Tom Hanks plays an American FedEx executive who is stranded alone on a remote Pacific island after he survives a plane crash. A few items from the plane wash up on shore, including a volleyball. He draws a face on it and names it “Wilson,” creating a companion who becomes his confidant for the next four years. I’d love to see you enlist an ally like Wilson in the coming week, Aries.

There are some deep, messy, beautiful mysteries you need to talk about. At least for now, the only listener capable of drawing them out of you in the proper spirit might be a compassionate inanimate object that won’t judge you or interrupt you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): As far as I know, there has been only one battleship in history that was named after a poet. A hundred years ago, the Italian navy manufactured a dreadnought with triple-gun turrets and called it Dante Alighieri, after the medieval genius who wrote the Divine Comedy. Other than that, most warships have been more likely to receive names like Invincible, Vengeance, Hercules, or Colossus. But it would be fine if you drew some inspiration from the battleship Dante Alighieri in the coming weeks. I think you will benefit from bringing a lyrical spirit and soulful passion to your expression of the warrior archetype.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you go to a 7-Eleven convenience store and order a Double Big Gulp drink, you must be prepared to absorb 40 teaspoons of sugar. But what will be an even greater challenge to your body is the sheer amount of fluid you will have to digest: 50 ounces. The fact is, your stomach can’t easily accommodate more than 32 ounces at a time. It’s true that if you sip the Double Big Gulp very slowly -- like for a period of three and a half hours -- the strain on your system will be less. But after the first half hour, as the beverage warms up, its taste will decline steeply.

Everything I’ve just said should serve as a useful metaphor for you in the coming week. Even if you are very sure that the stuff you want to introduce into your life is healthier for you than a Double Big Gulp, don’t get more of it than you can comfortably hold.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you surrender to the passive part of your personality, you will be whipped around by mood swings in the coming days. You will hem and haw, snivel and procrastinate, communicate ineptly, and be confused about what you really feel. If, on the other hand, you animate the proactive side of your personality, you are likely to correct sloppy arrangements that have kept you off-balance. You will heal rifts and come up with bright ideas about how to get the help you need.

It’s also quite possible you will strike a blow for justice and equality, and finally get the fair share you were cheated out of in the past.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In his 1982 martial arts film Dragon Lord, Jackie Chan experimented with more complex stunts than he had tried in his previous films. The choreography was elaborate and intricate. In one famous sequence, he had to do 2,900 takes of a single fight sequence to get the footage he wanted. That’s the kind of focused attention and commitment to detail I recommend to you in the coming weeks, Leo -- especially if you are learning new tricks and attempting novel approaches.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard were the first explorers to reach the top of 15,781-foot Mont Blanc on the French-Italian border. They were hailed as heroes. One observer wrote that the ascent was “an astounding achievement of courage and determination, one of the greatest in the annals of mountaineering. It was accomplished by men who were not only on unexplored ground but on a route that all the guides believed impossible.” And yet today, 228 years later, the climb is considered relatively easy for anyone who’s reasonably prepared. In a typical year, 20,000 people make it to the summit. Why am I bringing this to your

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

attention? Because I suspect that you are beginning to master a skill that will initially require you to be like Balmat and Paccard, but will eventually be almost routine.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Those who invoke the old metaphor about the caterpillar that transforms into the butterfly often omit an important detail: the graceful winged creature is helpless and weak when it first wriggles free of its chrysalis. For a while it’s not ready to take up its full destiny. As you get ready for your own metamorphosis, Libra, keep that in mind. Have plans to lay low and be selfprotective in the days following your emergence into your new form. Don’t try to do loop-the-loops right away.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you Scorpios are currently the sign of the zodiac that is least likely to be clumsy, vulgar, awkward, or prone to dumb mistakes. On the other hand, you are the most likely to derisively accuse others of being clumsy, vulgar, awkward, or prone to dumb mistakes.

I recommend that you resist that temptation, however. In the coming week, it is in your selfish interests to be especially tactful and diplomatic.

Forgive and quietly adjust for everyone’s mistakes.

Don’t call undue attention to them or make them worse. Continue to build your likeability and finetune your support system.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You have cosmic permission to be bigger than life and wilder than sin. You have a poetic license to be more wise than clever. And you should feel free to laugh longer than might seem polite and make no apologies as you spill drinks while telling your brash stories. This phase of your astrological cycle does not require you to rein yourself in or tone yourself down or be a well-behaved model citizen. In fact, I think it will be best for everyone concerned if you experiment with benevolent mischief and unpredictable healing and ingenious gambles.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): For over 2,000 years, Chinese astronomers have understood the science of eclipses. And yet as late as the 1800s, sailors in the Chinese navy shot cannonballs in the direction of lunar eclipses, hoping to chase away the dragons they imagined were devouring the moon. I have a theory that there’s a similar discrepancy in your psyche, Capricorn. A fearful part of you has an irrational fantasy that a wiser part of you knows is a delusion. So how can we arrange for the wiser part to gain ascendancy? There’s an urgent need for you to stop wasting time and energy by indulging in that mistaken perspective.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Squirrels don’t have a perfect memory of where they bury their nuts. They mean to go back and dig them all up later, but they lose track of many. Sometimes trees sprout from those forgotten nuts. It’s conceivable that on occasion a squirrel may climb a tree it planted years earlier. I see this as a useful metaphor for you to meditate on in the coming weeks.

You are on the verge of encountering grown-up versions of seeds you sowed once upon a time and then forgot about.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): On a German TV show, martial artist Jackie Chan performed a tough trick. While holding a raw egg in his right hand, he used that hand to smash through three separate sets of four concrete blocks. When he was finished, the egg was still intact. I see your next task as having some resemblances to that feat, Pisces. You must remain relaxed, protective, and even tender as you destroy an obstruction that has been holding you back. Can you maintain this dual perspective long enough to complete the job? I think you can.

Homework: What symbol best represents your deepest desire? Testify by going to FreeWillAstrology.com and clicking on “Email Rob.” Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

September 11 to September 17, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

LISTEN TO SILENCE

W

hen was the last time you paused to enjoy the sound of silence? You may ponder on this a while and regret you have not taken the time to notice. Your life may be riddled with noise much like the general population.

If you lead a busy lifestyle, finding a moment alone may be challenge enough.

I stopped today and listened to the silence around me. What was I hearing?

How did this feel? I suppose I found myself in a heightened meditation. I could hear my dishwasher running, the AC clicked on, and then the sound of thunder rolled and birds chirped. Because, I generally have so much noise that surrounds me, it felt odd to hear these mechanical and natural sounds. Yet, it felt good at the same time. Oddly enough I was in my glory. I realized we do not take time to be reflective.

We live in a face-paced society. We seem to think we need to fill the silence void with music, television or conversation with others. Silence can feel lonely and uncomfortable. Silence is powerful. Silence is energy. It allows time for personal reflection and slowing of the mind. When silence occurs we are able to set our ego aside. We can go within and seek our true self.

Each of us could always do a better job of listening. Here are some of the best times to use reticence: Arguments. Most of the time when I have encountered being in a heated discussion with someone… I step back and get quiet. Not because I am intimidated by the other person. I can listen better to what he/she is saying and simply set aside my ego. I can digest and address at a later time.

Nothing healthy will transpire by: bickering, bantering or yelling at one another.

Gossiping. Simply… this is toxic. Stay clear of gossiping conversations. You do not want your name attached to a conversation that may lead to the wrong person. Simply listen without engaging and move on. If you

do not participate in conversation, you will soon be out of the gossiping loop.

Stop talking. Silence yourself when another person is speaking. Genuinely listen to the other person. Refrain from interrupting. This will enable you as a great listener.

Empty home. The sound of silence may seem unusual inside your home. Relish this time of peace. Avoid turning on the television or radio. Think of the silence as a way to recharge your batteries. Perhaps utilize this time to prepare for the following day or your week. Relax!

Pray, meditate or reflect. Take 15 minutes to find deep inner calmness. Sit and breathe with little thought. Silence your mind so that you can better connect with the world around you.

Silencing the world around you is an efficient way to assist your personal growth.

You will be cognizant, more present, rejuvenated and relaxed. Have a seat and listen to the silence.

Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga. 50-991 Washington Street, La Quinta. www.e-volveyoga.com (760) 564-YOGA (9642)

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September 11 to September 17, 2014

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

A Lesson from Hurricane Andrew

I

t’s September. School is back in session. Here in the Coachella Valley residents happily look forward to a break in the weather that will soon signal one of the benefits of living here. Growing up in Michigan, September meant trips to the cider mills where we would feast on freshly made donuts washed down with hot apple cider. During my fourteen years in South Florida, September was not my favorite month. It was a time often marked with severe weather patterns, tropical depressions and dreaded hurricanes.

Just prior to being relocated to California I experienced the mighty Category 5 Hurricane Andrew which eventually made landfall approximately sixty miles south of our home in Boca Raton. Earlier that day after a trip to the corporate office where I worked to helped batten down the hatches, I returned home to find my husband storing the patio furniture and preparing the pool for the storm. The sun was shining brightly giving the false illusion that all was well. We knew differently and went about robotically taking as many precautions as we could to prepare for the unknown. Like many other transplanted south Florida residents, we had never experienced a hurricane.

That night evokes a vivid memory. I made dinner and we watched the weather progression on TV until we lost power.

At that point, things became scary. We moved to the most protected room and lay down quietly listening to a transistor radio. Weather experts with calm voices talked the region through what to do in dire circumstances. Although our power was gone our phone trilled at 2:00 am, as our concerned family up north checked in on us.

When morning finally broke, our area had been relatively spared. I prayed for those less fortunate.

Whether experiencing a curveball from a mean Mother Nature or an unexpected bad break in life, do your best to stay calm.

During the hurricane, I memorized life in the eye of the storm. It felt calm and safe. When the high winds and pelting rains returned I forced myself to stay grounded and not panic. Losing control of my emotions would have served no purpose.

There are times in life when we must just wait out the dark hours knowing eventually the sun will shine. External circumstances may be out of control, but we possess powerful coping skills. As the Dalai Lama reminds us, “Calm minds bring inner strength.” Stay focused on those words and you can brave any storm.

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com

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Ask The Doctor

September 11 to September 17, 2014

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. www.deserthousecalldoc.com.

A Breath of fresh advice

Dr. Kadile, I’m always worried that I have bad breath. What is the best type of gum to prevent this?

-Victor, Desert Hot Springs

Victor, several preventive measures should be taken before using gum for bad breath (halitosis). A variety of things, including diet, medication, lifestyle and poor oral hygiene can cause bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing will help prevent bad breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too. Obviously be aware that certain foods such as onions, garlic and curry can contribute to bad breath, Keep your mouth moist by drinking a lot of water. Add to the already long list of why smoking is bad because that disgusting habit obviously causes bad breath.

Gum and breath mints were always thought to just mask a person’s bad breath, but a recent study funded by Wrigley, showed that certain flavored gum may actually eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath. Several plant essential oils kill the germs that cause cavities and bad breath. Some germs in the mouth produce hydrogen sulfite, which has a bad odor. The study found that unflavored gum had no effect. Chewing Big Red, decreased the odor causing germs by 50%, because the gum contains cinnamon oil, a known germ killer.

Chewing a different flavor of gum, other than cinnamon, resulted in a 42% reduction in hydrogen-sulfite-emitting germs, probably because the different flavors used different types of plant essential oils.

So Victor, go for the cinnamon flavored gum.

Dr. Peter, I know I should avoid garlic or onions to prevent bad breath, but are there any foods I can eat to help reduce bad breath?

-Julie, Palm Springs

Julie, chewing on parsley or mint can prevent bad breath. Other herbs such as coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus and rosemary are beneficial halitosis fighters. Yogurt with live cultures reduce odor-causing bacteria in your mouth.

Fiber rich fruits and vegetables such as, apples, carrots and celery increase saliva production which decreases halitosis.

Vitamin C rich foods like berries and citrus fruits create an oral environment that limits bacteria growth, thus reducing bad breath.

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Dr. Kadile, is “the hair of the dog” really effective for hangovers?

-Terry, Indio

Terry, “hair of the dog” refers to drinking more alcohol within 24 hours, to help reduce or alleviate a hangover. The phrase originated in Europe where it was thought that treatment of a rabid dog bite included placing some of the dog’s hair into the bite wound.

Terry, drinking additional alcohol will just delay the inevitable, so no, it is not effective for eliminating a hangover.

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