coachellavalleyweekly.com • September 14 to September 20, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 26
Plan B’s 6th Anniversary Alvin Taylor’s Star Tower Of Power Garbage Sonic Drive-In pg7
pg7
pg8
pg9
pg16
September 14 to September 20, 2017
2
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
BY TRICIA WITKOWER
Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228
LOCAL ANCHOR BIANCA RAE: JOURNALIST, TV PERSONALITY, HUMANITARIAN. 4TH ANNUAL RAE OF HOPE LEADERSHIP RETREAT TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Domingo Winstead Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Morgan James, Avery Wood, Tricia Witkower Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Laura Hunt Little, Jason Hall, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Flint Wheeler, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Esther Sanchez, Angela Romeo, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley
CONTENTS 4th Annual Rae Of Hope Retreat........ 3 Venus De Fido Events.......................... 5 Breaking the 4th Wall - Annie............. 6 Plan B's 6 Year Anniversary................. 7 Alvin Taylor - Locals & Legends.......... 7 Tower Of Power.................................... 8 Garbage - Interview with Butch Vig... 9 Consider This - Chris Bell................... 10 Art Scene - Lucia G. Morales.............. 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Good Grub - Sonic Drive-In............... 16 Screeners ........................................... 18 Book Review ...................................... 19 Safety Tips ..........................................19 GCVCC Profiles................................... 20 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene...................................... 22 J.J. Johnson Golf Tournament........... 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Mind, Body & Spirit........................... 23 Beauty with Dr. Maira Lombardo..... 24 Life & Career Coach............................ 24 Cannabis Corner................................ 27
B
ianca Rae is the morning anchor at #1 rated KESQ Channel 3, but she is so much more than that. Through her volunteerism and philanthropy, she has chosen to use her spotlight to give a voice to the causes she holds dearest to her heart: animal activism and mentoring Coachella Valley youth. She founded the Bianca Rae Foundation as a vehicle for this and serves as CEO to this worthy organization. For four years, the Bianca Rae Foundation has held a leadership retreat for Coachella Valley girls of middle school age to give them positive role models and leadership skills. We talked to her about this and more. CVW: The Bianca Rae Foundation has an event coming up soon. Can you tell me more about it? Bianca Rae: “We have our Rae of Hope Leadership Retreat coming up on Saturday, September 23. This is our 4th annual event. It started with 120 young girls attending and is now up to 500 – it’s grown so much! It really speaks to the need for this type of event for this age group. Middle school is such a critical age in development. Parents push their girls to go and really want girls to be part of it. Young kids talk about it on social media, so there’s a lot of positive buzz about it. It’s a 1-day leadership retreat for middle school girls. There are five different breakout groups run by fellow newscasters that the girls rotate through, spending one hour at each. The five topics in those groups are: Social Media Safety, Building Your Dreams, Leadership, Health and Wellness (we call this one Fit & Fabulous), and Bold and Beautiful (this breakout is a make-under where we talk about how to wear makeup and that less is more). I teach the Leadership breakout session and talk a lot about anti-bullying, in addition to leadership. Girls share their experiences and it gets very emotional. “Last year, an eighth grade girl came out as a lesbian in the Leadership group, which was the first time she had felt comfortable enough to do so. We want them to realize it’s cool to be close to your mom and have her be your best friend. When I grew up it was cool to be smart! I owe a lot of my successes to the fact that my mom and dad have been an integral part of my growing up and giving me guidance in being a young woman, even with little things like teaching me to send thank you notes and to cross my legs at the ankle rather than the knee. “It’s good to be a nice girl. At that age, sometimes advice from your mom goes over your head, but hearing from local celebrities resonates more. I look up to a lot of celebrities - what they say helps me get though hard times - and that’s true for a lot of people. We want these little girls to have good, solid role models. It’s easy for young girls to get caught
up in Instagram and see Instagram models as the vision of what they think they’re supposed to be. On my own Instagram, I try to stay away from bikini photos and post classy photos. I want respect, not attention. People can go to my Instagram not to see my body, but to see what I’ve done. We talk about our own insecurities. I have things I don’t like about myself and sometimes take mean emails to heart. Nobody’s perfect! Even at 28, I sometimes call my mom crying after reading harsh messages people send me on social media. I’m old and mature enough to know it’s their issue, not mine. But at 12, you take it to heart. One thing I love to tell the girls who attend is, ‘What Susie says about Sally says more about Susie than it says about Sally.’” CVW: Can you tell me a little bit about your work with animals? BR: “The Bianca Rae Foundation’s purpose is twofold. We focus on kids and animals. For me, it’s under the same umbrella. I always say I want to be a voice for the voiceless. We do an annual adoption event at the River in Rancho Mirage. Our next one is Saturday, Nov 18 and we are joined by Animal Samaritans. What I’m most proud of is that we help fund No Kill Coachella Valley Coalition, who works with the Oregon Humane Society in Portland to transport our animals to no kill shelters. The Oregon Human Society has high demand and low supply, so hundreds of animals are transported and the Bianca Rae foundation pays for food and gas for driver. Adoption events are great but this helps us to clear shelters quickly. Most recently No Kill Coachella Valley Coalition worked with San Diego shelters to bring in animals from Texas that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. We are so appreciative of the donors who continue to support us! It all started with Jack, my rescue dog. I adopted him 5 years ago when I was getting involved with philanthropy out here. Jack is a spaniel-dachshund mix and is so sweet. I ran into a woman who told me she adopted a dog because of the commercial she sees of Jack and me. I would love to see more celebrities and public figures adopting dogs and glamorizing adoption. I bring Jack everywhere so people can see he’s a shelter dog and how great he is and break down stereotypes. I use my platform to do that.” CVW: What is it like being an anchor on TV in the Coachella Valley? BR: “My life has changed a lot since I became morning anchor for KESQ News Channel 3 two years ago. It is the #1 rated morning newscast in the Coachella Valley, so I am in a highly publicized position. I love it and take it as such an honor that I have this ability to reach people. If I miss church on a Sunday, three people will notice and ask me where I was. It’s touching
how people care and support me and follow me. I’ve had people I don’t know write to me and ask me how my trip to Chicago was. I enjoy being relatable and approachable. It’s been neat to see my presence grow in this valley. My social media following has grown. So many things have happened because of this job! This success all goes hand in hand with the success of my foundation. I could have a foundation, but it wouldn’t have the same visibility if I weren’t in the position I’m in. I truly enjoy making positive change. A little over six years ago I moved here from Chicago after going to college at University of Missouri. I started as a reporter, moved on to weekend anchor, then became morning anchor two years ago. A lot of people come and go in this industry but they’ve grown me a lot here. The community – I love life here! It’s such a beautiful place to live, with so much philanthropy. It’s a glamorous, fun life with red carpets and events, but also really good people. I’m so grateful to KESQ. Along with power comes responsibility when you’re in the public eye and I wouldn’t want any other job.” CVW: Tell me about receiving a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. BR: “Back in June, I was named the 416th star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. It says, “Journalist, TV Personality, Humanitarian”. It’s exciting to be called a humanitarian. I didn’t grow up in that lifestyle, going to fancy galas. I never would have dreamed. It’s such an honor to be called that word. It’s really cool the life I’ve been able to grow out here. I love that I’m able to make a difference in the valley.” CVW: When you have free time, what do you like to do? BR: “I’m a firm believer that you make time for things that are important to you. I make time for fun and people who are special to me. A lot of my free time goes to my foundation. I love working out, I love eating and trying new restaurants. I like to write and I love listening to country music. I’m STILL learning to play golf. I love doing stuff with Jack. The perfect Saturday would be working out, running errands with Jack while country music plays in my car, eating breakfast just the two of us and then the two of us out there trying to change the world.” The 4th Annual Rae of Hope Leadership Retreat is on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa. Registration (as of press time) is now closed with 500 girls enrolled. There is now a waiting list. The cost was $10. Scholarships were provided to those who needed it, generously donated by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. Please go to www.biancaraefoundation.org for more information and to register and purchase tickets.
3
September 14 to September 20, 2017
4
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
5
September 14 to September 20, 2017
BREAKING THE4TH WALL
I
n 1977 “May the Force be with you,” was being introduced to Pop Culture, Abba was topping the music charts, the New York Yankees won the World Series and a stage phenomenon was being introduced on Broadway. One of the most successful examples of a comic book character jumping from the page to the stage occurred on April 21, 1977 when lyricist Martin Charnin teamed up with musician Charles Strouse and playwright Thomas Meehan, to bring Harold Gray’s comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie,” to the Broadway stage. Since that initial 6 year run and the being the recipient of multiple Tony Awards, “Annie,” has gone on to perform numerous National and International Productions. Few
6
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
A STAGE REVIEW OF “ANNIE”
Americans have never heard, “The sun will come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun.” The most recent incarnation of “Annie” is currently in production at Desert TheatreWorks located at the Indio Performing Arts Center. This production, directed by Lance Phillips-Martinez and choreographed by Heidi Hapner, is pure happiness from the opening to the finale. Anytime you find yourself smiling within the opening 30 seconds of a show, chances are you’re going to have a good time. Annie, beautifully performed by very talented Victoria Mendoza, is the story of an 11-year-old orphan who lives with optimism and hope that her ‘Hard Knock Life,’ in a 1933 Depression era orphanage for girls, isn’t going to keep her down. She and the other girls, (Nicole Moya as Molly, Bella Oden as Duffy, Emma Mendez as Pepper, Taylor Graham as July, Violet Feath as Tessie and Adah Burgen as Kate,) have to be some of the most charming young actors to grace the stage. As a wonderful addition to the show it
was a true pleasure to see one of my favorite performers, June August, briefly reprise her role as Eleanor Roosevelt. She is a true gem in any production. Veteran actor Karen Schmitt, was the quintessential Miss Agatha Hannigan whose oppressive oversight indicated that she was much fonder of her alcoholic beverage than of her juvenile charges. Annie runs away, again, from the orphanage and meets the most adorable new friend, a stray dog she calls Sandy (Buddy Phillips.) Upon Annie’s capture by the police and return to the orphanage the fates smile on her, as the timing coincides with the arrival of Grace Farrell, (Michelle Mendoza) the private secretary of Mr. Oliver – Daddy- Warbucks, (Stan Jenson.) It seems that Mr. Warbucks is looking to share his wealthy home with an orphan for the holidays and Annie fits the bill. Miss Hannigan reluctantly agrees and the adventure begins. Brian Alec Thom’s musical direction and Jennifer Stowe’s costumes provided the ambiance and details that make this a stellar
BY DEE JAE COX production. Though I must confess that it was Sandy and his red tie in the finale that truly captured my heart. Desert TheatreWorks has an incredible talented ensemble group of actors that they cast for a variety of their shows. They are truly the heart of theatre in and for the community. Lucille Ball said, “It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.” It isn’t much of a spoiler to say that this story has a happy ending. Annie’s theme song, “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow,” paints a picture of hope springs eternal and dreams do come true. Who couldn’t use a little more of that? “Annie,” can be seen through September 24th at The Indio Performing Arts Center, located at 45175 Fargo Street, Indio, CA For show and ticket information: www. dtworks.org. Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project www.californiawoman411.com.
LOCAL BUSINESS
F
or the last six years, when you booked or played a show at Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails, for all intents and purposes, Plan B owner & operator Jeannette Krehbiel handed over the keys to you and backed you wholeheartedly. It’s this attitude of support that has sustained the platform for Krehbiel and her staff to persevere through some difficult times early on and to find a stable and flourishing level of success that has put them in the ‘Best Live Performance Venue’ category of the Coachella Valley Music Awards for several years running. On Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 7 p.m., Plan B will be celebrating its sixth trip around the sun with a FREE show featuring house band The Rockoholics & Red’s Rockstar Karaoke, the busiest karaoke DJ in the desert. There will be raffle prizes awarded & unprecedented drink specials all night! Plan B is located at 32025 Monterey Avenue, Thousand Palms. September 1, 2011 marked a crossroads for Krehbiel as she took the helm of Plan B with a passion for live music & a limited knowledge of running a bar. Her background in advertising sales and marketing allowed her to visualize her business plan & make it come to fruition. Early on Krehbiel kept her peripherals on the entire spectrum of music artists that call the Coachella Valley home. She enlisted artists & promoters like Morgan James, Rob Lawrence, Tiptoe Stallone & others to rally around her concept of live music. Coachella Valley Weekly sat down with Krehbiel to discuss her journey.
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
HAPPY SIX YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO PLAN B LIVE ENERTAINMENT & COCKTAILS! What type of perseverance does it take to sustain a bar & live music venue? “It’s a day by day week by week gig. Anything can come out of the blue to hijack my time and sway me from my ‘I gotta get this done today’ stuff. Believe me when I say that is pretty much a daily thing, With the amazing support from the regulars, the staff, my vendors and my boyfriend, I’m able to just keep going, like the Energizer Bunny”. Why do you keep going? “I continue because I’m a fool for punishment LOL! Just kidding, I guess it’s because I love the people; our regular & new patrons, the staff & the musicians. People depend on me to keep this bar going. Some for a job, some for a safe comfortable place to relax, some for their first chance to be on a stage and many to shoot pool and play shuffle board. I love that I can give all of that to them. Plus I’m just not a quitter. I’ve always been a hard worker and my pride just won’t allow me fail. There are times when I just shake my head and wonder how in the hell will I make it all come together, but somehow it always does. I do it for us all!” What do the artists/bands find appealing about performing at Plan B? “I think the bands like the large stage, the dance floor & the large room capacity. Most of the artists say they love our sound system. I’m easy to work with and I’ve also have become personal friends with many of the musicians
LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT
and they just want to see me succeed and they want to see the bar stay open. They see how much I help to promote the shows and the support I show for them, not only at my bar, but Jared and I go to other bars to support as many of the bands as we can. Over the years I have become to be known as the girl who books the new bands, the inexperienced bands. I love debuting bands, and I get such a kick out being the one that gives so many people that chance to play for the first time on a stage in front of an audience. It’s very rewarding. I can’t tell you how many bands started at Plan B.” What’s the Plan B weekly schedule like? “We do very well with our karaoke nights. With Red’s Rockstar Karaoke every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., we get more than our fair share of great singers. Those karaoke singers even pack the dance floor. I love it! Currently we have live
T
member of the band War. The performance evolved into a tribute to Goldy McJohn, the founding father of Steppenwolf. McJohn was originally scheduled to perform at the benefit, but succumbed to a fatal heart attack August 1, 2017. McJohn’s wife, Sonja, attended and shared a few loving words at the event. Joining the headliners were Carmine Rojas (bass player for David Bowie, Rod Stewart and Joe Bonamassa), Marcos Reyes (percussionist for War and Santana), Jeff Paris (multi-instrumentalist for Keb Mo, Ringo Starr), Ronnie Hammon (War), local artists
BY NOE GUTIERREZ
music every Tuesday with our established house band, The Rockoholics, which is also ‘Ladies’ Night’ where we offer special drink prices for the ladies of the desert. Thursdays the shows differ. ‘Desert Noise’ currently books our bands for most Thursdays and Morgan Elyse James hosts an acoustic show the 2nd Thursday of every month. Sunday nights we have our Open Mic Jam going on 7 p.m. to midnight. So we pretty much have something going every night.” What do you envision for Plan B in 1 year? “Over the next year I will be focusing on what I always have focused on, bringing more people in and keeping up on repairs. The new air conditioning unit helped so much this summer and something always needs fixing so I do my best to stay on top of it all. We are gearing up for football and our overall tourist season”. Do you have any last thoughts? “I hope to see many new and old faces at our FREE six year anniversary party on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 7 p.m.!” If you’ve never visited Plan B, I encourage you to do so. You should make it your first stop but if your other plans don’t work out, stop by, because everyone needs a ‘Plan B’. You can reach Jeannette Krehbiel & Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails at (760) 2750168 or visit them at myplanbbar.com.
BY LISA MORGAN
$5000 RAISED TOWARD LEGENDARY DRUMMER, ALVIN TAYLOR’S STAR ON THE PALM SPRINGS WALK OF STARS
hanks to the efforts of the Goldy McJohn Legends and Locals Tribute and Benefit Concert, held September 1 at Big Rock Pub in Indio, California, $5000 will be given to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on behalf of legendary drummer, Alvin Taylor. Fellow music legends joined Taylor in a performance that brought the Big Rock Pub venue to their feet and kept them there. Headlining the bill were Terry Ilous, lead singer of Great White, Greg Douglass, guitarist for The Steven Miller Band, and Harold Brown (also known as The Cisco Kid) an original
September 14 to September 20, 2017
Jacob and Thomas Stibbie, Dion Kahn, Bri Cherry, Courtney Chambers, and Lisa Lynn Morgan. The performance brought all those in attendance to their feet for the majority of the show, and gave fans an opportunity to meet and greet the icons immediately following. “It was very exciting to bring legendary and local musicians together to help raise funds for Alvin Taylor’s star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame, and of course, to pay tribute to my friend Goldy McJohn,” shared Anthony Spadaro Jr. Spadaro worked closely with McJohn and is the Managing Partner at HungryGenius®, a company that has been giving back to legacy music artists over the past decade. “Those in attendance were obviously elated at what they experienced. On behalf of everyone who helped to make our very first Legends and Locals™ Concert a success, we extend our most sincere thanks to those who came out in support of Alvin Taylor. Not only is Alvin a legendary drummer, he is one of the humblest, kind and deserving men we know. We are proud to announce that through the additional support of HungryGenius® and Big Rock Pub owner, Ken Hanna, we will be presenting a check to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars Committee, on Alvin’s behalf, in the amount of $5,000. As we stand up for the music together and prepare to launch an
alternative to popular music streaming sites, local music artists can look forward to sharing the stage with music icons in the future, as many more Legends and Locals™ concerts are currently being planned. ABOUT ALVIN TAYLOR: Alvin Taylor, the esteemed drummer, producer, and musical director started playing drums when he was only five years old. At 14, this Palm Springs native left home to go on tour with Little Richard. During his time with Little Richard’s band, he played with Jimi Hendrix, Billy Preston, and opened a show for Elvis Presley. After that, his resume went on to include George Harrison, Elton John, Sly & the Family Stone, America, Natalie Cole, Ron Wood and Cher, to name a few. Taylor has become wellknown in the community for mentoring many of the local music scene’s up and coming artists, and is a proud supporter of the up and coming HungryGenius® StandUp4Music Project that showcases and supports local original musicians elected to launch this fall. Visit Alvin Taylor at; www.alvintaylor.me. PR CONTACT Anthony Spadaro Jr. info@ hungrygenius.co USA +1 (619) 287-4373 www.hungrygenius.com. Big Rock Pub Contact: Lisa Morgan lisa@ thebigrockpub.com (760) 464-6773
7
September 14 to September 20, 2017
EVENTS
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
BY JASON HALL
TOWER OF POWER PERFORM AT SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
I
t was the year after the Summer Of Love. The bay area was known for the hippie movement and all of the rock and jam bands who are synonymous with the movement. This is where The Grateful Dead were made famous. This is where the legendary Monterey Pop Fest was held. This is the movement that shook the Earth in terms of music and art. Across the bay in Oakland, there was a different style of art and music happening. Oakland was geographically very close to Haight-Ashbury, but culturally and sonically it was different. Oakland was more rebellious. The focus wasn’t as much on love. Soul and funk were the norm in the east bay area. Out of this culture rose the amazingly talented horn driven soul band Tower Of Power. In the summer of 1968, Emilio Castillo and
8
Doc Kupka formed the band The Motowns. The quickly started booking numerous gigs in Oakland and Berkeley, but couldn’t get their foot in the door in San Francisco. They soon realized a band named The Motowns would have a hard time getting gigs at venues like The Filmore, so they changed their name to Tower Of Power. This move worked, and helped seal the fate of the band. Tower Of Power has been a non-stop force in the music industry since their beginnings. The horn section has backed a ton of bands on tour and in the studio. They’ve backed Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, Grateful Dead, and many others in the studio. They’ve toured with countless bands including backing Huey Lewis and The News on the Sports tour. On Saturday, September 30, Tower Of Power
will be performing at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella. Emilio Castillo chatted with us ahead of this tour stop. Coachella Valley Weekly: You guys formed in the Bay Area shortly after the Summer Of Love. What effect did the hippie movement have on you if any at all? Emilio Castillo: “A pretty huge effect on us. We were razor cut little vatos wearing suits and doing steps in a band called The Motowns. I met Doc (Kupka) during an audition for the band, and he was the first hippie that we ever met. After we met him, we all started growing our hair long and wearing hippie clothes and changed our name to Tower Of Power to get into The Filmore. That turned into being very fortuitous. Bill Graham signed us to our very first record deal because of that.” CVW: Was the soul scene as vibrant in the bay area as the hippie scene? EC: “The soul scene was huge on the East Bay, but nowhere near as big as the hippie scene. The hippie scene at that time was a nationwide or world-wide focus. Media from all over the world covered HaightAshbury to get a glimpse at the hippies and the movement. The soul scene East Bay was very strong, but nothing like that.” CVW: Was the idea always to have a vast and strong horn presence in Tower Of Power? EC: “Well we wanted horns and… I got a little carried away. We had 3, then I added 2 more. We’ve had 5 our whole career. We like it that way.” CVW: With the vast amount of artists you’ve backed, who are some of the stand outs for you? EC: “Well there’s been a lot. The Elton John sessions were very famous. I think it’s some of our best work. I get more comments on the Little Feat records that we did; especially Waiting For Columbus. That live album we did with Little Feat in London was really acclaimed. It put them on the map. They made the cover of People magazine with that record. We had a real kinship with them as a band. We used to call them ‘the masters of slow funk,’ and we were ‘the masters of fast punk.’” CVW: Through the years you’ve mainly
stayed true to that soul sound with brief forays into funk and even disco. Did you enjoy changing the sound up a bit? EC: “Actually, we never really changed our sound up at all. When the disco thing came out, we were urged by the record company to redo an old soul song disco style. We were given a lot of money and we wanted to please them. Of course we tried but, we always came out sounding like Tower Of Power. When we tried to please someone else and redo something else, it always came out like a bastardized version of us. Very soon after that, we learned to stay true to ourselves and make music exactly the wayne wanted it. Funk was never a departure for us. We were playing funk since we were teenagers, and funk is just a part of soul music. We’re a soul band and the reason we don’t classify ourselves as exclusively funk is because we play ballads and shuffles and medium tempo love songs. We cover the whole genre of soul music which includes funk.” CVW: Are there any deep cuts or rarely played live songs on this tour? EC: “Currently we’ve been playing 3 sets. So we have three 90 minute sets we rotate. Of course there’s the songs we have to play, but two thirds of the set is different each night. We’re getting ready to start injecting new songs from the new record. We play a lot of the obscure Tower Of Power stuff as well as the well-known stuff.” CVW: Which songs do you enjoy playing the most? EC: “Well, my favorites to play are ‘Only So Much Oil In The Ground’ and for a slow one, ’Time Will Tell.’” CVW: What are you listening to most right now? EC: “I listen to a lot of Gospel music. I’ve come to the thinking that all great soul singers have gone back into the church. I listen to Fred Hammond, Smokey Norful, Israel Houghton… you know, great soul singers like Yolanda Adams. Things like that.” CVW: Tower Of Power is approaching its 50th anniversary. Are there any surprises you have in store? EC: “We’re doing a big anniversary concert that we are going to be filming. We are selecting specific members from the past. We are not going to be inviting everyone. We did that for our 40th. This time we are going to try to augment the band maybe with some strings and extra girls singing and key players from the bands past. We’re going to see how it plays out. We’re still organizing.” A night with Tower of Power and their incredible funky sound is not to be missed! Tickets are $20, $30 and $40 and are available at www.Spotlight29.com, Star Tickets (800) 585-3737, or the Spotlight 29 Box Office and Gift Shop. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
GARBAGE PERFORMS AT FANTASY SPRINGS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
AN INTERVIEW WITH BUTCH VIG
G
arbage was formed in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1993 by renowned producer and drummer Butch Vig, guitarist/keyboardist Duke Erikson, and guitarist Steve Marker. Butch, Duke, and Steve had worked together in many capacities early in their careers. They were in many bands together, including, Spooner, and even started world famous Smart Studios together. By chance, they came across a video on MTV’s “120 Minutes” by a Scottish band called Angelfish. The singer impressed the 3 of them so much, they invited the singer, Shirley Manson, to fly to Wisconsin and sing a few tunes for their newly formed band. After the sessions, it was apparent these musicians were destined to make great music together. Garbage’s first album, Garbage, was released on August 15, 1995. It was an instant success. The album included hits “Vow,” “Only Happy When It Rains,” Queer,” and “Stupid Girl.” The plan was for there to be a small tour so Butch and Steve could get back to work at Smart Studios, but the success of the album turned those plans upside down. The band ended up touring 18 months. Just after touring for Garbage, the band started work on their sophomore effort. Version 2.0, the bands second album, was released in May 1998. This album included the hits “Push It,” and “I think I’m Paranoid.” Rarely does a bands sophomore album have the success of a first album (the sophomore curse), but Version 2.0 defied the odds and reached No.1 on the British charts and 13 on the Billboard 200. After critically acclaimed Beautiful Garbage (2001) and Bleed Like Me (2005), the band decided to take an indefinite hiatus. Though the hiatus was briefly interrupted in 2007 with the release of their greatest hits album, Absolute Garbage, it wouldn’t be until May 2012 that Garbage released a new album. Not Your Kind Of People reached 13 on the Billboard 200. Strange Little Birds was released in 2016 and reached 14 on the Billboard 200. Garbage just wrapped their co headlining tour with Blondie titled Rage and Rapture tour. They will be playing a headlining show at Fantasy Springs Casino on Friday, September 15, 2017. We were privileged enough to chat with Butch Vig ahead of the show. Coachella Valley Weekly: What was the music scene like in Madison in the late 70s and early 80s?
Butch Vig: “The music scene was very vibrant like in many small communities. There was a healthy indie scene. Rock, New Wave, and Punk. I think that was a reaction to frustration with what was being signed to major labels and being played on major radio. It was a big DIY mentality. You didn’t have to be an expert at an instrument to play in a band. We got caught up in that. Steve and I started Smart Studios and had work right away. There were so many bands and so many places, little clubs, and all ages venues. Madison was a college town. That helped get us a lot of work very quickly.” CVW: Was that the motivation to open Smart Studios? Vig: “That was part of the reason. Steve and I were geeks in terms of audio equipment. We were recording in our basements. We wanted to start a studio because we loved recording and making music. We wanted to have our own clubhouse too. Part of it was to record our own music, not necessarily other bands. We were lucky that the scene was really active at the time. We had a lot of bands come in at the time. We were able to slowly able to buy more gear… more microphones, different consoles… we moved from 8 track to 16 track to 24 track over a couple of years. A lot of it was because there was a need for it. A lot of bands didn’t have that outlet until Smart started.” CVW: You’ve produced so many amazing bands including Killdozer, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, L7, and Helmet. How did you get started in production? Vig: “I went to film school. While I was doing that, I played in bands. I started a band with Duke Erikson called Spooner. We were sort of a new wave garage pop band. We took it upon ourselves to make our own albums.
September 14 to September 20, 2017
We had to. They were on indie labels, so we had to scrap money together and go to local studios. When I was in film school, I took four semesters of electronic music and got totally hooked on recording sound, not necessarily writing music, but editing sounds and mixing noise with music to build the texture. I was always fascinated with that. When we started the studio, I looked at it from a technical stand point. I was primarily an engineer. I had a musical background. I played piano, and had been playing in bands… high school and rock ’n’ roll since I was 13 years old. When I started recording punk bands, I just had opinions on making a song sound better. I didn’t know what a producer did. Some bands started telling me, ‘we’re going to give you a producer’s credit.’ I said, ‘okay, whatever that means. If you want to give me one, that’s fine.’ I didn’t seek it out. I was just trying to get records made. Producers give opinions, and they listen to my opinions.” CVW: Do you enjoy producing and playing music equally? Vig: “I do. I’m lucky I’ve been able to do that my entire life. I was a drummer and playing piano before I started producing. I’m lucky I can still do all of those things. When I produce for another band or artist, I have to remember that it is their vision. My job is to help them achieve that vision. That’s a totally separate thing than when I’m in a band. It’s my band and my vision. I love that I get to do both those things.” CVW: What’s your most memorable story while producing a band? Vig: “Man… there are so many. Every band is so different. One of the most difficult records to make and probably the one I’m most proud of was (Smashing Pumpkin’s) Siamese Dream. Billy Corgan and I set the bar really high before we recorded that record. That was done before computers where you could fix everything. It was all done on analog tape and some of that record is very, very dense and complicated. The band was quite dysfunctional at the time, so it was hard to get through a day psychologically sometimes. We would focus on what we wanted to do sonically. It was grueling, but I still think it hold up to this day. It’s got a sound to it and a vibe to it. I’m really proud of that album.” CVW: Can you tell us a bit about how Garbage formed? Vig: “Duke and Steve and I had been in bands together, and then we started the studio. I started doing remixes for other artists in the early 90s like Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, U2, Alanis Morissette, and Beck. When I would do a remix, I would keep the vocals and erase all the other music on the track and record all new bits of music. I would bring in Duke and Steve to play on those remixes. That was the musical sensibility that drove us to start Garbage. Steve saw Shirley on 120 Minutes. They played her band Angelfish’s video once. He happened to record it. He brought in the VHS and played it. We were blown away at how good her voice sounded. We called her up in Scotland. She was doing the dishes. We invited her to Wisconsin. It was a slow courting process, but she came a couple times. The second time she came to Madison, the song ideas really clicked in. We wanted her to write and actively be a part of the band. I
BY JASON HALL
EVENTS
don’t think she really knew that the first time she came to Madison, but the second time she came back, one of the first days in the studio, she sang ‘Queer,’ and ‘Vow,’ and Stupid Girl.’ They were all pretty quick takes. She figured out what she could do with the band. We didn’t look back man! That was 20 years ago. We’re still moving forward which is great.” CVW: Were you surprised by the success Garbage had right from the beginning? Vig: “I was. I wasn’t prepared for it in the sense that I didn’t expect Garbage to be a full time band. I planned on putting a record out and doing a little bit of promotion and see what happens. I was going to go back to producing full-time. Garbage took off. We went out to do a 6 week tour, then it was ‘can we add a couple weeks on to the tour? The record’s doing really good… Can we add a couple months on? The records doing great.’ we kept saying yes. All of a sudden, we’re on tour for 18 months and gone all over the world. It was exciting. The record took off, and I liked being in bands. Duke and Steve were two of my best friends, and Shirley became our crazy little sister in the band. We are really close as a band. I think that’s why we decided to stick with Garbage full-time. It was creatively interesting and a lot of fun.” CVW: What are your favorite songs to play live? Vig: “I usually like playing the newer stuff because it’s fresh sounding. The older material, I still like playing ‘Push It,’ that’s one of my favorite Garbage songs ever. We’re playing a couple songs from Strange Little Birds. We’re playing ‘Even Though Our Love Is Doomed,’ ‘Empty,’ and ‘Blackout.’ We started playing a new track we released this summer called ‘No Horses.’ I love playing ‘No Horses’ because it’s new and the lyrics are really pertinent to what’s going on in the world around us.” CVW: Are there any surprises or rarely played songs on the set list you can tell us about? Vig: “There may be a couple on the show on the 15th (Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino). I just read an email that Shirley sent. Shirley suggested 3 or 4 songs to put into the set list. We don’t have any rehearsal time before the show, but we do have a long sound check that day. I don’t want to tell you now in case we can’t work it out during sound check, but we’re hoping to bring out 3 or 4 deeper tracks.” CVW: Strange Little Birds was just released a year ago, but are you guys working on any new music for a new album? Big: “We are. We worked on 4 or 5 song ideas back in the spring. One of those became ’No Horses.’ We decided to just go ahead and release it because the lyrics were very pertinent to right here, right now. We’re going back into the studio in the fall and probably work on new material in the spring, but we’re slowly working on another album. I hoping we’ll get it out late summer or early fall of next year. We’re definitely making another record. We’re in the early stages, but we like what we’ve come up with so far.” Tickets for the 8pm Garbage show on Friday, September 15, 2017 are on sale now for $59, $49 and $39 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.
9
September 14 to September 20, 2017
CONSIDER THIS
CHRIS BELL
I
BY ELENI P. AUSTIN
“I AM THE COSMOS” (OMNIVORE RECORDINGS)
t’s always tempting to play “what if” when considering long-gone Rock musicians. What if Buddy Holly and Richie Valens hadn’t boarded that plane? What if Jimi Hendrix and John Bonham slept on their sides? What if Kurt Cobain had found a great Gastroenterologist? What if Big Star’s debut really had been a “#1 Record?” Would Chris Bell have still crashed his tiny Triumph sports car into a light pole and died instantly, at the tender age of 27? Chris was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1951. His British mother had met his American father during World War II. The fifth of six siblings, his dad owned a string of restaurants and Chris had a comfortable childhood focused on collecting comic Books. A life-changing event coincided with puberty; the Beatles debuted on Ed Sullivan in February, 1964. Instantly, Chris was hooked. He quickly mastered the guitar and formed his first band The Jynx, (a tart tribute to British Invasion progenitors, the Kinks), in junior high. By high school he had made two important connections, first with teen singing sensation Alex Chilton, who fronted his own band before going nationwide as lead vocalist for the Box-Tops; then with John Fry, an avid audiophile who opened his own recording studio, Ardent. In Chris, John Fry recognized a kindred spirit. His innate musical talent was astonishing. He also displayed a natural affinity for the recording studio. It wasn’t long before John gave Chris his own key to Ardent, allowing him, (and other well-chosen acolytes), free reign after hours. Chris made a halfhearted attempt to attend college, but he was consumed by music He quickly cycled through a series of bands, Rock City, the Wallabys and Icewater. As the 60s gave way to the 70s, Alex Chilton returned to Memphis following the demise of the Box-Tops. He tried to enlist Chris into a Simon & Garfunkel-esque partnership, but Chris was already working with drummer Jody Stephens and bassist Andy Hummel. Intent on emulating his Fab Four idols, he convinced Alex to join his band. Pooling the songs Chris and Alex created separately, and collaborating on a few more, they practically camped out in Ardent studio. Naming their band Big Star (after the local grocery chain that sustained them through lengthy recording sessions), they emerged in August 1972 with “#1 Record.” “Brilliant” doesn’t adequately describe Big Star’s debut. It should have hit #1, but shoddy distribution meant the album only made it into the hands of a few influential music critics and some discerning record store clerks. Chris was devastated and actually snuck into Ardent intent on destroying
WESTFIELD MALL 72840 Hwy 111 #171 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-2017 www.recordalley.com
10
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
the master recordings of “#1 Record.” After that he went home and swallowed a handful of pills in an apparent suicide attempt. Although he had begun writing more songs for a follow-up album, he left them in Big Star’s custody and quit the band. They soldiered on as a threepiece, releasing the sunny Radio City in 1974 and the moody and quixotic Third in 1978. Both efforts were greeted with indifference from the record industry and the public, but the critics understood. In the next decade, Big Star would attain cult status, but that’s another story. Quitting the band left Chris in emotional limbo for more than a year. Tentatively, he began to make music again, but he couldn’t return to Ardent, so he began recording at the tiny Shoe studio. With some help from old friends like drummer Richard Rosebrough and bassist Ken Woodley, he began laying down tracks. Although he seemed inspired by the new songs, he remained deeply depressed. His recreational drug use had taken a harder turn. During a visit home, his brother David, (who had been living and working in Europe), was startled to find Chris injecting the opioid, Dilaudid. Knowing his antipathy for needles, David realized Chris was in a bad place. He proposed a change of scenery, recommending they both return to Europe and check out the recording studios there. What began as an effort to re-ignite Chris’ passion for music became a two-year pilgrimage that took the brothers to Paris, London and Berlin. They recorded at Chateau d’ Heroville, (where Elton John had made Honky Chateau and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) as well as AIR studios in London. There they hooked up with producer/engineer Geoff Emerick, the man who engineered Beatles records like Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, the self-titled White album and Abbey Road. When the Bell brothers returned to the States, Chris continued to work on the tracks at Ardent. They spent Christmas with their family and went back to Great Britain in early 1975. David shopped the songs to various labels and a couple showed interest, but Glitter and Glam were all the rage in the U.K. and no one seemed willing to market a singer-songwriter heavily influenced by the British Invasion. Undeterred, Chris began gigging in small clubs in London and Berlin, he gained a following, but not enough of one to motivate a label to sign him. As the Bicentennial year dawned, he returned to America. For the next couple of years, Chris continued to tinker with his music in fits and starts. Still prone to depression, he sought solace in spirituality, something he had begun to explore a few years earlier. His relationship to religion has been characterized as intense and complicated. There has always been speculation about his sexuality, maybe he felt immersing himself in religion was a way to combat feelings he didn’t want to acknowledge. By 1978, he was still pursuing music, in fact, he had secured a deal to release a single “I Am The Cosmos” b/w “You And Your Sister” through Chris Stamey’s fledgling Car label. He was also managing a couple of his father’s fast food restaurants. Meanwhile, in Europe there was a renewed interest in Big Star. Both #1 Record and Radio City were reissued as a double LP through the EMI label. Chris was delighted to see the back of the album imprinted with “EMI Records: Hayes, Middlesex, England, just like his beloved Beatles records. Musically, things were looking up; he had begun writing songs with a local musician, Tommy Hoehn. Two days after Christmas, following a late-night session at Tommy’s apartment, Chris was driving
home to his parents’ house. Somehow he lost control of his Triumph sports car and crashed into a light pole. He was killed instantly. His funeral was held the following day, (ironically, on Alex Chilton’s 28th birthday). Per his sister Sara’s request, John Fry brought a copy of #1 Record to be buried with Chris. It felt like such an abrupt and tragic end to a promising career. In the ensuing decade, as Big Star attained more than a cult following, and interest grew around the dozen solo tracks Chris had labored over the last years of his life. Finally, in 1992, the Rykodisc label released I Am The Cosmos. Since then, the 12 song set has been in and out of print. Now 25 years later, Omnivore Recordings has re-issued the definitive two CD set, gathering the original album, plus a bonus disc of demos and outtakes. The album opens with the title track. Strummy acoustic guitar crests over this ragged mantra; “Every night I tell myself I am the cosmos, I am the wind,” Grinding bass and a handclap rhythm kicks into a dense, almost claustrophobic arrangement. His battered vocal delivery and searing guitar solo seem to mirror Chris’ insecurities and psychic pain. Several songs crackle with authority, buoyed by crisp melodies and sharp instrumentation. They nearly manage to camouflage self-doubt and sadness contained in the lyrics. Bitterness and betrayal are front and center on “Speed Of Sound.” Couplets like “There’s a light in the darkness, it doesn’t seem far, is something the matter, the throttle’s ajar/The plane goes down, will not land, Pilot’s dead, nowhere to be found” weirdly foreshadow his own demise. But they’re irresistibly wrapped in gossamer guitar, honeyed harmonies, Moog synths and fingernail marimbas. “You And Your Sister” could have been a hit on ‘70s AM Pop radio. Chris’ pure pop instincts would have easily sandwiched between bands like Bread and Firefall. Sparkly acoustic guitars ebb and flow, lapping over doubletracked vocals and a sylvan string section. Although her sister seems to have given Chris a bad rap, he quietly insists “All I want to do is spend some time with you, so I can hold you.” The stuttery “Make The Scene” blends throbbing bass lines whooshing Moog runs, plenty of cowbell and an off-kilter beat. His gritty guitar work on the instrumental break displays a confidence that seems absent when he petulantly confronts an unfaithful lover; “You didn’t have to be so mean, You didn’t have to make a scene/You didn’t have to be so cruel, Make me feel like a fool.” “I Don’t Know” juxtaposes lyrics that equivocate from one verse to the next, with a melody and arrangement that simply bristle with self-assurance. Rippling guitar riffs collide with rumbling bass and a pounding back-beat, off-setting indecisive declarations like “You don’t know what you’re putting me through, I gotta get away from you/Do you want me? I want you, You don’t want me, I want you.”
Three tracks echo the shambolic charm that characterized the best Big Star songs. On “Get Away,” pummeling drums ride roughshod over crunchy guitar, pulsating bass lines and tick-tock percussion. Here Chris confides “Whenever I feel like I’m sinking, you make it a beautiful scene.” “I Got Kinda Lost” is an easy-going Rocker fueled by slippery guitar riffs, roiling bass and see-saw rhythms. For once, Chris lets the cosmic confusion wash over him, as a stinging guitar solo neatly blunts his continued amorous angst. “Fight At The Table” opens tentatively with exploratory bass lines, soulful guitar licks and twinkly hi-hat percussion, only to be overtaken by playful Honky-Tonk piano notes, swooping synthesizers, wah-wah guitar and even a saxophone. Instead of his usual romantic sturm und drang, the lyrics are dotted with non-sequiturs; “I started dreaming ‘bout Emma, and he said ‘don’t interfere,’ said ‘whatcha doin’ in Denver? There’s no light in here.’” Both “Better Save Yourself” and “There Was A Light,” focus on his serious flirtation with religion. The former is brooding and crepuscular. Droning keys, shuddery guitar and tumbling drums set the tone for this corrosive lullaby. In between making a case for supplicating to a higher power; “You should’ve given your love to Jesus, it couldn’t do you no harm,” and castigating non-believers; “You’ve been sitting on your ass, trying to find some grace, but you better save yourself if you want to see his face,” Chris admits to trying to end it all, “It’s suicide, I know I tried it twice.” The tune is equal parts harrowing and heartbreaking. The melody and instrumentation of the latter borders on beatific. Spare and elegant, the track is propelled by guitar, bass and mellotron. The lyrics offer an unequivocal paean to the power of Jesus; “Look up, look up, he’s the life waiting to love you, wanting to reach you.” The desolate “There Was A Light” includes an aching guitar solo that almost ameliorates lyrics like “Spending all my time waiting to die, what’s the use?” The album closes with the poignant cri de couer of “Though I Know She Lies.” The sweet melody is accented by warm waves of electric piano, acoustic, electric, slide and steel guitars. Again, the shimmery instrumentation act as a palliative as it juts up against lyrics like “Lying in bed trying to cope with my feelings, I don’t know if it’s love but what can I do? I fall every time though I know she lies, I can’t stay away.” Originally, that was where this sadly beautiful record concluded, but the kids at Omnivore have scoured the vaults, tacking on an astonishing 23 tracks, offering alternate and instrumental versions, demos and acoustic mixes. Some of this stuff is simply revelatory. There are also two collaborations featuring local Memphis musicians: “Stay With Me,” with Keith Sykes, “In My Darkest Hour” with Nancy Bryan, as well as “So Long Baby (a.k.a. “Clacton Rag”), written in 1976. When Chris was killed, local Memphis newspapers referred to him as the “son of a local restauranteur.” It was as if the cosmos delivered a final blow. Family, friends and Big Star fans knew he was so much more. It’s taken decades for the rest of the world to catch on. I Am The Cosmos is suffused with blood, sweat and tears, sadness and joy, and most of all, undeniably beautiful music. Although he never attained the Rock N Roll stardom he richly deserved in life, he has become a touchstone for generations of musicians. It’s not quite enough, but it will have to do.
ART SCENE
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
BY ANGELA VALENTE ROMEO
LUCIA GROSSBERGER MORALES - ART, LIGHT & BLENDING CULTURES
L
ucia Grossberger Morales is a reminder of the American Dream. She was born in Catavi, Bolivia during the Revolution of 1952. In 1955, her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Southern California. She received her B.A. in Anthropology and her M.S. in Instructional Technology from the University of Southern California. As an artist Lucia saw the potential of the computer as an artistic medium. In 1979 she began her artistic exploration with an Apple ll Computer. At that time, the concept of computer-generated art was novel. Adobe Illustrator made its debut in 1982. Corel Draw would not be introduced until 1987. Photoshop would debut in 1988. To be a computer-generated artist in 1979 was a challenge. To be a female in the male dominated CGI world at that time was unheard of! But Lucia was unbowed and undaunted. Lucia dove into the challenge. In 1987, she coauthored Designer’s Toolkit, published by Apple Computer, Inc. As the 1990’s approached, Lucia began creating interactive visual art installations. “Silicon Valley was electrifying during the 80s and 90s. In those years companies were producing personal computers and the World Wide Web was making the Internet available to all. This was the beginning of computer games,” said Lucia. “I was struck by the possibility that a game could be a piece of art. The idea that a work of art could be interactive was not new- interactivity was part of the Happenings in the late 60s. Interactive art requires the user’s input to complete the artwork.” “I created, A Mi Abuelita, a Dia de los Muertos in 1992. It is shrine to my Great Grandmother. The shrine included traditional elements, such as photos and plates of favorite foods. But the top of the alter held a monitor which used Connect technology. In 1992, when this was
exhibited, Connect software was almost unheard of. In A MI Abuelita when a viewer approached the shrine, they would see their image on the monitor. Then unexpectedly, a skull would emerge and start laughing.” Lucia’s interactive installations, videos and CD-ROMs have been exhibited in museums, galleries and film shows the United States, Latin America and Europe. Her latest work will be shown at the Tolerance Education Center, Rancho Mirage. The mission of the Tolerance Education Center is “to promote tolerance, civility, respect and understanding by the elimination of atrocities, hatred and bigotry.” To that end, Lucia, along with Cuban born artist Juan Manuel Alonso and Filipino born Marconi Calindas, will present Immigrant: Three Artists Consider the Influence of Their Homeland. “This exhibition allows us to show, through our respective artwork, the conflicts of our homelands as well as the conflict and inspiration of identifying with two cultures, our birth land and our adopted country, the US,” said Lucia. Lucia’s work will include video and interactive light pieces. Immigrant: Three Artists Consider Influences of Their Homeland opens September 17 and runs to December 15. A panel discussion will ensue on September 17 at 3:30 pm. For more information visit www.toleranceeducationcenter.org. For more information on Lucia Grossberger Morales, visit www. luciagrossbergermorales.com.
11
September 14 to September 20, 2017
PET PLACE
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
BY JANET McAFEE
TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE! PROPERLY INTRODUCING A NEW CAT
C
areful planning avoids the horrible hissing and fighting that occurs when some cats meet for the first time. A great introduction method, explained in great detail in the book The New Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier, allows you to adopt a second cat without worry. What could be more fun than 2 cats engaged in joyful play, happily pouncing and chasing, twirling like circus acrobats? Many owners think their “Fluffy” would be jealous or miserable if they adopted another cat. To the contrary, cats that live with another cat friend live longer, healthier and happier lives. If you have an elderly cat, a mature and calm companion works better than an active kitten. If you have an energetic cat, one that is equally playful or a kitten would be a good match. The steps below may take several hours to complete, but are well worth the investment when they ensure you can successfully adopt another feline. 1. Have someone outside the household arrive with the newcomer cat in a carrying case with plenty of air holes; have torn strips of newspaper in the bottom of the case for later use. 2. All family members must act completely oblivious to the new cat. The visitor sits in the living room with the cat inside the carrying case
HANDSOME CRAIG This special 1-yr-old Tuxedo boy is full of love and affection. If you seek a loving lap cat who can still get into occasional mischief, Craig is your guy. He loves other felines. Rescued by Loving All Animals, contact www.lovingallanimals.org or (760) 834-7000.
MEET AXEL This 4-yr-old fellow is 20 lbs of doggie love! Axle would like a home where he gets lots of human attention. He’s a great student in his dog training class. Good with other dogs. Rescued by Loving All Animals, call (760) 834-7000.
12
on his lap for about 20 minutes. 3. Next the visitor moves the carrying case to the floor next to his feet. If your cat comes over and sniffs the case and walks away, ignore him, continue chatting and proceed to step 5. If your cat stays away from the case, include step 4. 4. The visitor takes a few of the newspaper strips from the carrier, makes a trip to another room dropping a trail of the strips behind them. This gives your cat a chance to become familiar with the new cat’s scent. 5. The visitor continues to sit and talk. When your cat sits calmly in the room without staring continually at the carrying case, you may proceed to the next step. 6. Have all family members take your cat into the kitchen for a snack, closing the door behind. The visitor in the living room now opens the carrying case and lets the new cat out. Your cat won’t feel like its family put the newcomer in its territory, and this gives the new one some time to explore the new home. 7. When your cat finishes his snack and returns to the living room, the family stays behind in the kitchen. 8. When the cat returns to the living room, the visitor joins the family in the kitchen. Everyone acts oblivious to the cats who are
now roaming free in the home. 9. At no time should anyone offer expression of encouragement or interest in the cats. If you must check on things in the living room, have one person enter but without paying obvious attention to the cats. At this stage, hissing is perfectly normal; disgruntled muttering is less desirable but still to be ignored. If loud growling occurs, you may need to separate them, and this may mean one of the earlier steps was not carried out properly. 10. When the cats cease pacing around and sit in the same room together, the humans leave the house for about a 30 minute walk. 11. When you return home, greet your own cat while continuing to ignore the newcomer. If there is nothing worse than hissing going on, the visitor can leave at any time.
12. The final stage of the introduction occurs at the cats’ own pace over the next few days or weeks. Hard as it might be, you must continue to ignore the new cat until your first cat has accepted him into the household. Chasing can be a good sign, especially if they reverse roles. Another sign of progress occurs when the cats sit in the same room without staring continuously at each other. Encourage activities for the 2 cats to do together, such as putting a couple of cardboard boxes together in a room for them to play on. The reward for all this work comes from the strong bond of communication and affection that develops between the two cats. Eventually that bond extends to their human companions. Watch the drama unfold, be proud of your success, and enjoy having two little furballs greet you when you arrive home! Now your cat will never be lonely when you’re away. Looking for second or third cat? The Riverside County Shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, www.rcdas. org, has many to select from. View Loving All Animals’ rescue cats at www.lovingallanimals. org. With the proper introduction, one of these wonderful cats or kittens will become a joyful addition to your household. Jmcafee7@verizon.net
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
THE VINO VOICE
TOP WINE PICKS FOR TOTAL WINE SHOPPERS
E
ven though we’re still knee-deep in desert heat, the slow move to the autumn season is soon upon us, as already reflected in the change of light and breezes. The mood can be a bit melancholy as we say goodbye to the summer wind— nothing that a nice glass of wine can’t assist with; but on our side—time, doth continue on. So—as the vino world persists to provide us with better and better blue ribbon wine at more reasonable prices, we wine columnists writhe and strive to alert you readers to the best deals in town. Thank you guys for the empathy shown us as we taste through a talent of wine available—keeping you at the forefront of fabulous vino buys. And as you loyal followers know, this is a very egalitarian wine column that not only shares the discounts available at the Palm Desert’s Total Wine & More store, at which I work as one of the wine stewards and seminar hosts, but I enjoy promoting the line-up at my wine purveyor buddies’ shops, such as Costa Nichols, owner of the venerable Desert Wine & Spirits/Go-Deli Market in Palm Springs; the “new” Desert Wine Shop on 111 (This was Dan Sullivan’s shop, who has since sold and is up to other things such as your local jazz DJ on KAJI 95.3 FM); and now, we have some new wine kids on the block at The Wine Emporium in Old Town La Quinta. Establishments!!—give me a call, your full column of wine picks & info awaits! By default—of sorts, let’s begin the fall season with the selection from Total Wine & More. They’ve just come out with their Top Twenty Wines of 2017. At first glance, I assumed the list consisted of the “best or most popular” seller—for I see these wines figuratively flying out the door. I often apply my ironic humor (??) to our customers by forewarning, “Hey—Watch your head!! The bottles are actually big promotion items— and, as well, some very tasty wines at great prices.
This set of wines are already standing on a platform when you arrive at the store and also situated near the wine tasting bar; some of the wines are indeed being poured at said wine bar on the weekends, beginning Fridays in the afternoon. Come by and sample. All prices quoted herein are firm until 10/1/17. I’ll pick a few for review, discussion, and recommendation: Listed as Numero Uno, a red wine blend from Argentina, 2013 Mascota Vineyards Unánime, $24.99. Unánime, obviously a latin-rooted word meaning a united passion, this wine has the California palate written all over it! A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc, it’s now unlocked but loaded with gobs of intense black fruits, such as blackberries, plums and cassis, intermixed with chocolate and tobacco. When I first tasted this wine, it figuratively knocked me off my chair with all of its up-front generous fruit! It’s a wine Robert Parker and Michele Rolland would dance to—night and day. My French and Italian vino friends are painting murals with this wine, i.e., it’s a bit thick for the Eurotypes. But I stayed with it: I found some hefty and desirable tannins to balance out
September 14 to September 20, 2017
BY RICK RIOZZA the fruit as well as supple acidity for food pairings. Fortuitously, the bottle had been opened well over five hours and it was coming along great. If you’ve got the time, we’ve got the wine! When it comes to considering sparklers or bubbly, Total Wine came to play with two wonderful Top Twenty pick selections, the French Champagne, Montaudon Brut, $29.99, and, the Italian Armani Prosecco DOC, $16.99. As to the Montaudon—that’s not a misprint: How often does one find a Wine Spectator 90 pointer Champagne under thirty bucks—you don’t! For the weekends, parties, holiday meals, and romantic times this is the brut Champagne for life. Enjoy its enticing aromas of peach and white flowers with fleshy fruity flavors from a 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, and 25% Chardonnay blend. And due to the extra Pinot Noir involved, it’s one of the juiciest brut on the market, keeping both the Californian and the Frenchmen all happy together. In case you missed it, the Armani brand is back in the news; in Palm Springs and its surrounds, Prosecco preference has exploded! Albino Armani has been producing wine for the past four hundred years, so get on-board or get out-of-theway! This Prosecco possesses lively fruit
up-front with a touch of sweetness in the background. I’m always recommending this wine with my pat encouraging comment, “Ecco! Prosecco!!” We’ve a slew of slick Sauv blanc from New Zealand that’s tasty, zingy, zangy, and all that! The one to make the Top Twenty is the 2016 Grey Rock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, $14.99. Balanced with both sprightly fruit and acidity, it sustains tropical flavors with zesty citrus notes. It’s the one to pair with all sorts of seafood. Another Sauv blanc that is one of my favorites at the shop is the Govenors Bay Marlborough at only around $12.50. Certainly a kiwi wine in its zesty flavor profile, but made with a nod to the California rounder style. The Italian brand, Tesoro della Regina made the list for its Pinot Grigio [Pee-noh Greejoh]. What’s missing in my opinion is their 2015 Chianti Classico, currently on special sale at $9.99. For the price, it’s perhaps the best Chianti deal in town. It’s got all the traditional Sangiovese flavor profile of sanguine notes and acidity along with ripe dark fruits. Pronto! Cucina Italiano! What wine shop will we cover next? Stay tuned—Cheers! Contact Rick at winespectrum@aol.com
13
September 14 to September 20, 2017
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
THUR SEPTEMBER 14
29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Celebrating the Music of OVOXO w/ Porsia Camille and DJs Dxsko and Amavida 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 St. James Summer Jams and Showcase 7:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ JB & The Big Circle Riders 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Moonchild 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Scott H Biram and Shawn James 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Intimate Acoustics w/ Morgan James 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Worden 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Wayne Boyer 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ SafeT 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Elaine Woodard 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm
FRI SEPTEMBER 15
14
29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Michael Lowe 6:30pm
ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Burger Records Presents: Burger Oasis V w/ The Resonars, Colleen Green, Free Machines and DJ Lee 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Carmens Duo 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Dessert R&B Party w/ DJs Dxsko, Amavida and Skywalker Mike 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Dude Jones 8:30pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 TBA 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm DESERT FOX; PD; Derek Jordan Gregg 8pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Giselle Woo & The Night Owls and Caxton 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Shurper Fuzz spinning vinyl from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Dana Larson 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY;PD; 760-200-2597 TBA 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night
LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 TBA 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Bohemio 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Radio 60 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 City and Colour and David Bazan 7pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 P.S. Jump 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Family Butcher, Whiskey & Knives, The Hellions 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7:30pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND Hollywood Blonde and Stone Temple Pilots Tribute 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Buck & Bo Road Show 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VENUS DE FIDO; PD; 760-834-7070 Michael D’Angelo 6-9pm, Carl Davis Dance Lesson 7pm
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
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 TBA 6pm WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-3252 w/ Jae Rawkwell and Luthergates 9pm 9264 Karaoke 8:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE Barflys 9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm Dennis Michael 6:30pm LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760- TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo Rose Mallett 6:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 6-10pm TBA 9pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 5391 DJ 10pm 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the Chris Lomeli 7pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night Bev & Bill 6:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth noon-4pm poolside, ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Apache, The LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm 7-11pm Fireside Lounge Fly Traps, The Prude Boys and DJ Naughty THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888- WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Noah noon poolside, DJ Lee and DJ 999-1995 Plena Vista 9pm Naughty Noah 9pm The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke 8-1:15am Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm 7:30pm Bob Garcia 6pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Jeff Michael’s Birthday Bash w/ Alf Alpha, Stevie 327-4080 Rad Co. (Bad Co. Tribute) 9pm Crooks, Amavida and Million 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760- McDonald noon poolside AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 345-0222 Lisa & The Gents 6:30pm BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Stay BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Cancer Tuned 8:30pm Bartland w/ DJ LF and Friends 7pm Fundraiser for Boc w/ Steve Agee, Mark BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775continue to page 20 Lanegan, Chris Goss, Mojave Lords, Bone 5566 DJ 9pm Acre and more 5pm, Zachariah and the Los BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey Riders, Missi Pyle, Chris Laterzo and Buffalo 6-10pm Robe 8pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Karaoke 7:30pm Wright 9-1am PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Plan B’s Tuzzolino 5:30pm 6th Anniversary Party 7pm, Red’s Rockstar CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm Karaoke 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Kate Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm Campbell and The Martini Kings 8pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228- RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Chalice 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 7-10pm Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776Lifetime Rocker and Pick Your Poison 6533 Live Music 6pm (Poison Tribute) 7:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760- SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro 365-6633 Dana Larson 5-8pm Brothers 8pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S TBA 8:30pm MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 7608-11pm 325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ David Macias and Beauty in the SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK Breakdown 8pm CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Rewind Vol. Furgo 9pm
SAT SEPTEMBER 16
SUN SEPTEMBER 17
15
September 14 to September 20, 2017
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
GOOD GRUB
BY DENISE ORTUNO NEIL
FOOD SERVED IN A BEE-BOP THROWBACK STYLE IS NOW AVAILABLE SONIC OPENS IN INDIO! FAST IN INDIO WITH THE OPENING OF SONIC OFF OF JEFFERSON, NEAR THE I-10.
I
t seriously seemed like it took forever for the unique quickie food spot to get finished, since their groundbreaking last December. But with the Labor Day weekend opening, impatient Sonic diners can now have their fix. As an Eastern Valley resident, I kept tabs on their progression; it produced a strange kind of anticipation for me. I have stopped by the Sonic in Cathedral City several times in the past, mostly for their delicious soda concoctions. I found their Diet-Limeade especially refreshing during our scorching summer months. They even have their own Happy Hour from 2pm to 5pm every day, where all sodas are half off! They also put out all kinds of other specials from time to time too, like .50 Corndogs. The Jetsons futuristic styled building is set up as an old school 1950’s Drive-in. Their Indio location however, has a more of modern look, complete with a sleek stone wall exterior, neutral color tones and what appears to be an outdoor fire feature, sure to be appreciated while dining on the patio when cooler temps arrive. Even though their East Valley location may look a little El Paseo, the old school theme stills shines through. Think Happy Days or American Graffiti…where waitresses wearing roller skates, called carhops, would serve you food while you wait in your car. Or even the movie Footloose, when Ariel gets
busted by her dad for dancing in the parking lot of the local Drive-In burger spot. Yep, that kind of service is still happening. It’s super cute. Just in case you have never experienced this kind of restaurant, here’s how it goes. There is a standing menu at each provided car slot surrounding the restaurant. After you decide what you want to order, you press a button on the intercom and a well-manured person answers and takes your order. A few minutes later, a carhop, literally rolls up on skates and delivers your food. Again, this may sound simple enough, but in a world where fast food service is just that, it’s nice to have a taste of nostalgia from the 1950’s. And if you’re not the, “I like to
eat in my car” kind of person, this new Sonic offers comfortable indoor dining, which their Cathedral City location does not. Sonic actually started out as a root beer stand by a former bread delivery guy named Troy Smith back in 1950’s Oklahoma. The Drive-In eatery has sustained itself throughout the years celebrating its’ 50 anniversary in 2003. The menu offers a wide array of items for a fast food joint, including but not limited to, Breakfast Burritos and French Toast Sticks for breakfast, bountiful burgers from regular to Double Bacon Cheeseburgers, to the huge Bacon Cheeseburger Toaster. Hot dogs such as a Cheesy Bacon Dog, Chicago Dog and Pretzel Dog join the menu, as well as chicken fare with a selection of sandwiches, boneless wings and more. Of course there are plenty of sides to accompany your meal, such as yummy crispy Tots and Fries (both can be smothered with chili and cheese), Onion Rings and Ched-R-Peppers. And if you’re looking for dessert, their choices are sure to put your sweet tooth into the dentist chair. Try out one of their many Master Shakes like the Peanut Butter Fudge Shake or Strawberry Cheesecake Shake, or one of their other ice cream creations including Waffle Cones and Sundaes, their list of sweets goes on and on. There is seriously something for everyone.
*
diner’s choice Winner Top 100 Dining HoT SpoTS in the U.s.!
Sonic off Jefferson is opened daily until midnight on the weekdays, and 2am on the weekends. It is a fun and welcomed addition to our Eastern Valley fast food scene. I look forward to enjoying my neighborhood Sonic Drive-In, for some good old fashioned fast food and 1950’s style service. I think that Peanut Butter Fudge Master Shake has my name written all over it…Yikes!! For more information visit www. sonicdrivein.com.
award-winning
breakfast 8am –11am lunch & dinner from 11am
the best all-day
Our award-winning
prix fixe
D OW N TOW N PA L M S P R I N G S 7 6 0 3 2 7- L U L U ( 5 8 5 8 )
menus:
L U L U PA L M S P R I N G S .C O M
new!
CALIFORNIA BISTRO AT T H E R I V E R , R A N C H O M I R AG E 760 862-9800 AC Q U A R A N C H O M I R AG E .C O M
Lulu’s new sister restaurant in Rancho Mirage Same great menus and great fun!
16
3-course special 99
$19
EvEry day, all day from 11am Early Bird spEcial
3pm–5pm
$16
five-star
99
4-course menus $2999 / $3999
& happy hour 11am – closing
“THE BEST BRUNCH in CALIFORNIA!” —— T R I P P I N G . C O M
sunday brunch from 11am–3pm 99
$19
* *
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
17
September 14 to September 20, 2017
SCREENERS
RX COULROPHOBIA
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS
No. 282
NOW PLAYING: IT
If you have an irrational fear of clowns, you are suffering from coulrophobia. It’s no laughing matter and for some, it can be psychologically and emotionally crippling. The only cure is to find a safe way to face your fears. As a professional
18
movie reviewer, I am licensed to prescribe that long time sufferers of this rarified disease see Andy Muschietti’s masterly crafted and diabolically frightening bigscreen adaptation of Stephen King’s now iconic coming-of-age horror story delivers all the necessary visceral thrills along with welcome doses of intermittent humor and emotional power. King’s popular 1986 novel has been terrifying readers for decades, in some American youth subcultures, reading it has almost become a required adolescent ritual. Although King’s novel is set in the 1950s, the new movie update is set in the summer of
1989 (eerily matching the approximate time of the previous TV version). The environs of small town Derry, Maine remain the world of the story where a heroic preteen gang, or club, self-named “Losers,” band together in order to confront an evil entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgård) whose history of murder, mayhem and malevolence apparently dates back centuries -- if not longer. We follow the brave, bullied, kids as they risk their lives and sacrifice their innocence in an effort to survive the lurking, deadly terror. I loved the lush production values and detailed set design that makes palpable a place where menace lurks in the shadows of just about everything. The ensemble of kids -- both characters and actors -- is spot on, and reminds of the same in “ET,” “THE GOONIES” and “STAND BY ME” (also from a story by King). Muschietti’s movie does not include the most controversial scene (involving teen sex) of King’s book, but the larger emotional truth that part of growing up is learning to face one’s fears remains. The film covers only the first part of the book. A sequel, set in the present day with the kids as adults, is schedule for later. Don’t you hate it when they do that? Random “IT” factoid: The TV version was broadcast 27 years ago. So it’s only fitting that this new big screen version comes out now, matching the 27-year cycle of Pennywise! Feel the fear? Pennywise feeds on it. Recommended NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: E.T. THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL 35th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION In 1982, Stephen Spielberg created
iconic movie magic with this fable about the emotional adventure of an adorable alien lost on earth and thee lonely boy who
befriends him. Winner of four Academy Awards©, the film has become a cinematic touchstone for generations of movie goers and one of the most loved films of all time. Universal Pictures is celebrating the film’s original theatrical release with the release of “a special gift set” that includes a 4K Ultra HD disc with over three hours bonus features (deleted scenes, Spielberg interview and much more) plus a Blu-ray disc, plus a re-mastered CD soundtrack of the original Grammy winning album. There’s also a collector’s booklet with rare behind-the-scene images and stories. When it was initially released, all kinds of stories circulated about this movie that was an immediate hit. There were sermons that claimed the success of the movie was that the central character was essentially a Christ figure who came from the heavens, has healing powers, lives, dies and is “resurrected” then returns to the havens with the promise “I’ll always be with you.” There were other theories circulating, among them: E.T. (the movie) was government propaganda to make the world more receptive to alien visitations. And further, that Spielberg was part of the brain washing conspiracy, more proof of which is his “CLOSE ENCOUNTERS” movie! Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Blu-ray. Comments? RobinESimmons@aol.com
BOOK REVIEW
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
BY HEIDI SIMMONS
A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN: LONGMIRE CREATOR VISITS RANCHO MIRAGE
T
all, handsome and roguishly charming, Sheriff Walt Longmire has captured the hearts of both men and women in books and on television. But, it wasn’t the sheriff who spoke in Rancho Mirage last week, it was his creator, author Craig Johnson. And, even as adored as Longmire is, Johnson stole the show with his authentic, cowboy charisma and beguiling sense of humor. The free program was held at the Rancho Mirage Library and presented by Rancho Mirage Writers Festival Foundation as part of an extended series of encounters with notable authors. The RMWF is held in mid-January, and is a high-end event that lasts over several days celebrating renowned authors, broad ideas and the joy of reading. The popular Festival has already sold out 2018. Johnson is the bestselling author of the Walt Longmire mystery series, which now comprise 13 books. He has written and published another six books that include mysteries, short stories and e-books. His latest Longmire novel The Western Star (Viking, 304 pages) was released the day before Johnson spoke, participated in a Q&A, and signed books in Rancho Mirage. The Longmire series follows a Wyoming sheriff who investigates mysteries and murders in the remote landscape and small communities of the fictional Absaroka County.
Longmire has beloved supporting characters that include his deputies, a daughter, and best friend, Henry Standing Bear – an “Indian.” During Johnson’s talk, he noted that his “Native Americans” friends in Wyoming prefer to be called “Indians” since anyone born in the Americas is “native” American. He added that the Indians he knows are more humorous, than stoic. Johnson also admitted that many of his fictional characters come from the real people around him and Johnson does not change their names. Johnson regaled the audience with entertaining personal stories that generated robust laughter. He and his wife -- also in attendance -- live in Ucross, Wyoming, population 25.
Comfortable on stage with a wireless microphone, Johnson moved about connecting with those in attendance like a comedian. His apparel: cowboy hat, boots, jeans and snap button western shirt was by no means a costume, but evidence of the real guy. A decade before the Longmire character came into existence, Johnson had interviewed a local Wyoming sheriff. Johnson had a curiosity about “Sheriffing” and the role they play, as it is the only elected law enforcement agency in the country. Johnson wrote two chapters and put them in his desk where they sat for ten years while he fixed up his ranch. When the same Sheriff stopped by one day and asked Johnson what happened to the story he was writing, Johnson took another look and started writing. With each book, Johnson follows an overarching structure that has been worked out for the entire Longmire series. Yet, he allows
his characters to evolve naturally around the issues that present themselves without force. His new book, The Western Star, features a train. Johnson shared his fascination for trains and an experience he had as a kid where he hopped a train and ended up 300 miles from home. “Trains are going somewhere I’ve never been,” said Johnson. The story flashes back to Longmire’s past where fans will get a glimpse of how he was shaped into the Sheriff he is today. In 2012, the cable television channel A&E premiered the multi-episodic “Longmire” series based on Johnson’s bestselling books. The show debuted at number one. When A&E cancelled the show, Netflix continued with the “Longmire” series and is currently finishing it’s sixth and final season. All episodes are now on the popular subscription-based streamingmedia outlet. Even with the success of the television series, Johnson remains a committed author who still enjoys storytelling. “As much as I love talking about Hollywood and the TV show, I want to celebrate the fact that we happen to be sitting in a library,” said Johnson. “The one thing TV can’t compete with is a good book. I’ve got one incredible secret weapon that I utilize in what I do every day: It’s called imagination. It’s where I go. I’m a wordsmith. It’s my job to line up the words like dominos, not too many, not too few, and your imagination does the rest. And I thank you for that.”
SAFETY TIPS
BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA
DISASTERS DON’T PLAN AHEAD.. YOU CAN.
S
eptember is designated as National Preparedness Month. All in good timing as we are seeing hurricanes, wildfires, storms, severe heat, nuclear threats against us, to name a few. Earthquakes are also on the preparedness list, and we are long over-due! This week also marks the anniversary of the Sept 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on our country. This September, National Preparedness Month (NPM) will focus on planning, with an overarching theme “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” We should all take action to prepare. During major disasters first responders will be over-whelmed. It may be a while before we get to you. Hurricane Harvey is a good reminder of this. You can help first responders in your community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes — where we live, work, and visit. The goal is to increase the overall number of individuals,
families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school, and place of worship. Reach out to those in your community, work or place of worship and remember “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” Visit: ready.gov/september for more information. Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
19
September 14 to September 20, 2017
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15
BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Sunday Brunch w/ Michael Keeth 10-2pm, Labor Day Dance Party w/ DJ Dubb and Chad Romero 8:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Dana Larson 6-9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Sunday Night Jam Session w/ Jos Burrell 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Show 7pm
SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 The Mighty Sweet Nothings 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey & Friends 6pm
MON SEPTEMBER 18
29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-
341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 The Mighty Sweet Nothings 6:309:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6pm
TUE SEPTEMBER 19
29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Nichols 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Pleyhouse w/ Alf Alpha 9pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522
GCVCC BUSINESSPROFILE
LISA SOHMER
S
ohmer College Counseling is a new addition to the Coachella Valley, but founder Lisa Sohmer brings more than 20 years’ of experience in working with students and families in the college process. An expert college counseling professional, Lisa works holistically with each student and focuses on finding the college where the student can be both happy and successful. Applying to college is a complicated process, but Lisa Sohmer can provide the step-by-step guidance and support that you and your child need to successfully complete the high school to college transition. Lisa is a past President of the New York Association for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC) and was awarded the association’s President’s Award in 2008. She also served a three-year term on the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) Board of Directors. Lisa is a frequent speaker on college topics and has been interviewed by Newsweek, CBS’s “Up to the Minute,” US News & World Report, The Daily Beast.com, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Good Housekeeping, American Airlines’ in-flight magazine, Bloomberg.com, Education. com, Businessweek.com and many other publications.
20
Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night w/ Rock-A-Holics 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm
WED SEPTEMBER 20
29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Blank Tapes 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Totally Radical 90’s w/ DJ Richie Rich 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 TBA 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760228-1199 Karaoke 7:30pm
MATCHBACK.ORG
M
atchBack.org offers consumers the unique opportunity to help local disadvantaged youth by way of its “Buy One, We Give One” business model. When a customer purchases a premium hat and shirt bundle, MatchBack donates a bundle to a teen-in-need. This social mission is one close to the heart, as Aaron Podell, CEO & Founder of MatchBack.org, explains, “MatchBack was born from my own personal struggle with selfesteem as a teen growing up.” The company invites a new, trending company every month to cooperatively design the limited-edition, unisex bundle. Past collaborations include Blenders Eyewear, Black Scout Survival, and Peacemaker Trading Co. Its design focus is both
Lisa is active in NACAC, NYSACAC, Western ACAC and the Higher Education Counseling Association (HECA) and has worked with students and families in Southern California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, China, England, and Spain. For more information, call 347-400-2023, e-mail Lisa@SohmerCollegeCounseling.com or visit www.SohmerCollegeCounseling. com.
FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 TBA 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Nite hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roger & Friends 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 80’s DJ Night 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Valerie Geason 6:30pm
fresh and fashionable, with a look that appeals to both teens and adults alike. Aaron adds, “When a struggling teen wears a MatchBack bundle we hope to give them a confidence boost that will help them hold their head a little higher. Likewise, we want our subscribers to feel good, knowing that they look good and that they did good. It’s truly a win-win.” MatchBack.org is proud to serve Greater Coachella Valley’s teens-in-need through its partnership with the Coachella Valley Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District, and Desert Sands Unified School District.
HADDON LIBBY
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
A Parallel in History: Prohibition
143,000,000 IDENTITIES STOLEN
Y
our personal information was probably stolen last week from one of the largest credit reporting services in the United States. The hackers stole the credit files of 143 million people from Equifax and will probably sell that information to the highest bidders on the DarkNet - an illegal, underground network where criminals trade or sell electronic information. Because of the hack, your social security number, birth date, driver’s license numbers, credit card numbers, past and current address, tax liens or court judgements, if any, and much more are in the hands of criminals intent on using that information. To protect yourself against identity theft, you will need to review your financial information from now on as the thieves can use this information today, tomorrow or in 15 years. As such, get free credit reports from the three credit reporting agencies annually (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) as well as other free online services like CreditKarma. Consider subscribing to one of these services so that you are informed of any credit inquiries or extensions of new credit in your name. You can also initiate
a credit freeze with each of the credit agencies for a fee but then you cannot get new credit of any kind unless you unfreeze your credit status. Even if you do a credit freeze, the identity thieves can still file fraudulent tax returns in your name and have refund checks sent to them. This new burden was added our lives because Equifax did not patch a security flaw in their Apache Software despite being notified months earlier that corporate networks were being infiltrated by malware via Apache. Early reports are that management felt that the cost of the repair was too high. After the loss of billions of the company’s value since the announcement of the hack, management are probably second-guessing that decision. While there are a number of class action lawsuits started against Equifax, security experts state that the value of this information is less than $500 per person based on past court rulings. While it is possible that this could bankrupt Equifax if they have to pay damages to 144 million people, the amount someone can get hardly equals the problems that this data breach has created. As banks and credit card companies indemnify their customers
against fraud, financial institutions are the entities that will be hurt the most by this data breach. It took Equifax six weeks to disclose this massive July 29th theft to the public. During that time, the company provided rosy outlooks to investors while three key executives (Chief Financial Officer, President of Workforce Solutions and President of Information Solutions) sold $1.8 million of company stock in unscheduled sales. Equifax states that the timing of the stock sales was a pure coincidence. So you know, it is common practice for executive management to sell shares on a regular, scheduled basis via 10b5-1 sales. Stock sales are done in this manner so that there is no question as to whether management is selling on insider knowledge. If insider
trading occurred, each will see their profits disgorged while paying fines, losing their jobs and potentially serving jail time. If that isn’t enough insider trading for this company, CNBC reported that someone bought an abnormally large ($163,000) number of September put options on Equifax stock on August 21st. When one purchases put options, they are betting on the stock price going done. After the data breach announcement last week, these options were worth more than $4 million. You can bet that the Securities Exchange Commission will be looking into that transaction. This whole mess will cause Equifax (and their rivals) to attend two investigatory hearings by the House and Senate where Equifax will take a public lashing. Other than that, it is unlikely that much will happen to protect consumers against this in the future. Haddon Libby is an Investment Advisor, Fiduciary and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. You can reach him at HLibby@WinslowDrake.com or 760.449.6349.
DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW
ACCIDENT?.. THINK YOU HIT THE LOTTERY?
M
any people travel and take vacations during the summer. With more cars on the road there are naturally more accidents. However an accident does not mean you HIT THE LOTTERY and that the insurance company will pay a lot of money. In Vegas if you roll an Eleven you win your bet. Follow these 11 steps and though you did not hit the lottery you will “win more money”. 1. Take cell phone pictures and video of both cars/ injuries and statements of all parties before they talk to their insurance company or lawyer and revise what happened. 2. Call the police even when there are no apparent injuries because the accident report will provide information on all parties, witnesses and liability and because you may hurt later. 3. Don’t talk without your lawyer’s permission as it is evidence. If the defendant is uninsured or lacks adequate insurance, your company will be responsible under UM/UIM and what you told them could come back to haunt you. Exchange information with the other driver and TAKE DOWN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. The insurance companies watch Facebook and Twitter posts which may show you playing sports or talking about a vacation. This suggests you
are OK and not getting medical treatment and that you probably lifted your luggage. 4. Get medical attention immediately, either by ambulance to the Hospital or Urgent Care. Some victims do not take an ambulance because they have to pick up their kids or are concerned about hospital and ambulance costs. Otherwise the insurance company argues, if the victim was really injured s/he would have sought immediate medical treatment. 5. Do NOT give the hospital Medicare/ Medicaid information: Once Medicare/Medicaid is notified it takes 6-12 months to get them to respond to lien payment information. In addition there is a new law that the only medical bills the jury can consider are those not paid by insurance, Medicare/ Medicaid. If Eisenhower charges $50,000 and accepts $9,000 from Medicare with the patient responsible for $1,000 we can only submit $1,000 for the jury to consider. Thus we may get settlement offers of less than $5,000. 6. Contacting a Lawyer immediately prevents the insurance company from contacting you for a statement. Your lawyer never knows what you said or what the investigator thought he heard you say. 7. Your lawyer helps you obtaining the right medical care on a lien: Doctors are not taught how to prepare a
med/legal report which is needed to collect the full case value. For years I lectured on “How to Write a Medical/Legal Report” to the International College of Surgeons at their yearly conferences. The doctor’s report is almost as important as the injuries. 8. Go to your lawyer’s body shop not the Insurance companys who gives a low estimate. Adjusters argue if the property damage is low, then how could the Victim be injured? The last thing a lawyer wants is for his client’s friend to repair the car cheaply. 9. You need high auto liability and UM/UIM coverage because many drivers have no insurance or inadequate limits. If so we make a UM/UIM claim against your carrier....even if you were walking or on a bike when hit. If the D doesn’t have insurance we make a UM claim against your carrier for up to the policy limits. If the defendant has a $15k policy we can collect that amount from the other carrier and then make a claim against your policy for up to the policy limits. Be sure you have Medical Payments coverage because no matter who is at fault you can present a claim under the med pay section of your policy for up to that amount of money to pay your medical bills. 10. Sometimes your attorney has to threaten or go to trial to get the true value
of a case from the defense. I have had cases where my client refused to go to trial because of fear of what would be in the med report: an abortion they did not tell their husband about; illegal drugs listed in med report; their treatment with a psych and or an affair with another person and a venereal disease. 11. Do not sign anything as it could be a release...or an authorization to obtain your medical records. Do not trust the adjuster who says if you have further problems they will take care of it. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles contact me: 760 8377500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER.........IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HAVING AN ARREST OR ACCIDENT AND CALLING ME .........SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life (DUI/ ACCIDENT)2011-2017 (California’s Prestige Magazine) “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 Perfect 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating
21
September 14 to September 20, 2017
SPORTS SCENE
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
BY FLINT WHEELER
EARLY NCAA OBSERVATIONS…
I
t is overreaction week as the NCAA heads into week 3. Here are some true possibilities even if it is a little early. Baylor could start 0-8 Matt Rhule is not having the best start to his new job in Waco, Texas. In Week 1, he lost to FCS opponent Liberty Flames 48-45. The Liberty loss was definitely his worst defeat as a head coach since it gave Liberty its first Power Five win in school history. But it looked like Rhule wasn’t done giving team’s their first Power Five wins in school history. In Week 2, the Bears played host to Conference USA opponent UTSA. The Roadrunners left Waco with the surprising win. The Bears once again fell to a non-Power Five school. The losses are alarming but looking at the schedule ahead for the Bears is even worse. The Bears will likely not be favored in any of their next six games. They play Duke in Week 3 and then open up Big
EVENTS
12 play the following week. They shouldn’t be favored in a game until Nov. 4 when they go to Kansas. And after that they will not be favored to win a game. It is very possible to see Rhule and the Baylor Bears start their season 0-8. One conference will have two teams in the CFB Playoff In the three year history of the College Football Playoff, there has never been a conference that has sent two teams to the final four field. This is the year that it will happen. It won’t be the SEC or the ACC, the conferences with the most playoff wins, though. And it won’t be the Big Ten, the conference with the inaugural College Football Playoff title. It will be the conference with no Playoff wins: the Big 12. This does not mean the Big 12 is best conference because it definitely is not. It only means that it’s the only conference that doesn’t have divisions.
Divisions can get in the way of getting two teams in the playoff. Let’s take LSU-Alabama for example. LSU and Alabama are usually the best teams in the SEC, but only one can go to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. If there were no divisions and both games they play against each other are very close, there is a higher possible of getting them both into the playoff. This year, the Big 12 has two great top-10 teams: Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. If an undefeated Oklahoma beats an undefeated Oklahoma State in a close game on Nov. 4 and a one-loss Oklahoma State barely escapes the Big 12 Championship with a win, there’s a possibility they both get in. I think this will play out because the Pac12 and the Big Ten champion has a good chance of having two losses. It could easily be a final four that features an ACC champion, SEC champion, a Big 12 champion and a Big 12 runner-up, with the Big Ten and Pac-12 champion watching from the couch. Sam Darnold isn’t the best USC player
Before the season, Sam Darnold was the Trojan that everyone was talking about. Through two weeks of the season, he has not even played the position the best in his conference, maybe not even in the state of California. While Darnold has taken some time to find some consistency, one Trojan has been picking up the slack. Reintroduce yourself to possibly the next great Trojan running back, Ronald Jones II. Jones II has placed himself firmly into the discussion of the being one of the best running in 2017. He has rushed for 275 yards on 41 carries and five touchdowns. His 41 carries are ninth in the Power Five, and his 275 yards are the sixth best in the Power Five. The five touchdowns are second in the FBS.
BY CRAIG MICHAELS
JJ JOHNSON FOUNDATION ORGANIZES FUNDRAISING GOLF TOURNAMENT TO AID HURRICANE VICTIMS
F
ounded in 2004 as a non-profit, 501c organization, the JJ Johnson Foundation is dedicated to helping underprivileged and distressed children and families. Founder Joey Johnson has traveled around the world to many countries and has seen first-hand a lack of money and resources available to children and their families. He realized there was also a big need right in his own backyard here in Southern California. Joey decided to take action and begun his foundation to provide mentoring and after school programs for children in need. His organization also provides domestic and international humanitarian aid in the form of housing, nutrition, clean water, medical assistance, education and job skill training. The Foundation accomplishes this by working together with government and non-government agencies in addition to volunteer organizations. These efforts are supported by public donations, grant programs or government funding. The Foundation strives to go wherever there is a humanitarian need, creating programs or assisting others to meet that need. The upcoming golf tournament, banquet and Concert Under the Stars fundraiser on September 30th was originally planned to raise funds for local outreach programs. During the recent planning process, the foundation realized there was a need for humanitarian aid for the
22
victims of hurricane Harvey which devastated parts of Texas and more recently the southeast region which was hit by Hurricane Irma. A portion of the proceeds for the tournament, awards banquet and concert under the stars with Nicolas Bearde will be donated to the Red Cross and other agencies which are working directly with the victims in those affected areas. The Tournament begins at 9am with 18 holes of golf on the Champions Course at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon in Beaumont, CA. The format will be a shotgun start and includes range balls, golf cart, green fees, goodie bag and custom golf shirt by E1 Sport. After the tournament, golfers are invited back to the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa for the awards banquet at 2:30. The banquet will feature a delicious three-course dinning feast featuring poultry, beef, fish, vegetarian and kosher foods inside Club Vibe. The cost for the golf tournament and banquet was originally set at $200 a player but in an effort to include as many golfers as possible to help maximize fundraising efforts the rate has been reduced to $150 per player. After the banquet, the outdoor concert under the stars also takes place at the casino, at 8 p.m., and includes sumptuous appetizers while enjoying the performance of jazz recording artist Nicolas Bearde and his quartet. Bearde has a silky
baritone sound comparable to the likes of Johnny Hartman, Lou Rawls, and Joe Williams. Guest who are not golfers can purchase banquet and concert tickets for $125 per person or concert only with appetizers for $75. All participants also get a wristband which entitles them to discounts at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and nearby Cabazon Outlet mall. The CV Weekly was very supportive in offering to be a sponsor of this fundraising event. By the way, your participation
in the golf tournament, banquet and Concert Under the Stars are tax deductible. You can sign up for one or all three events. To buy tickets go to the foundation web site: www. jjjohnsonfoundation.org or call them for more info at (909) 223-7330. You can also get more information by following them on Facebook at: facebook.com/jjjohnsonfoundation. Written by: Craig Michaels Productions www.craigmichaelsproductions.com
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week of September 14
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Two animals are pictured prominently on Australia’s coat of arms: the kangaroo and the large flightless bird known as the emu. One of the reasons they were chosen is that both creatures rarely walk backward. They move forward or not at all. Australia’s founders wanted this to symbolize the nation’s pledge to never look back, to remain focused on advancing toward the future. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to make a similar commitment, Aries. Is there a new symbol you might adopt to inspire your intention? TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The Simpsons is an animated sitcom that will soon begin its 29th consecutive year on TV. During its run, it has told over 600 stories. The creators of another animated sitcom, South Park, once did an episode entitled “Simpsons Already Did It,” which referenced their feelings that it was hard to come up with new tales because their rival had already used so many good ones. I bring this up, Taurus, because I suspect your life story will soon be spinning out novel plots that have never before been seen, not even on The Simpsons or South Park. You could and should be the Best Storyteller of the Month. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Love won’t exactly be free in the coming weeks, but there should be some good deals. And I’m not referring to risky blackmarket stuff obtained in back alleys, either. I mean straightforward liaisons and intriguing intimacy at a reasonable cost. So if you’re comfortably mated, I suggest you invest in a campaign to bring more comedy and adventure into your collaborative efforts. If you’re single, wipe that love-starved look off your face and do some exuberant windowshopping. If you’re neither comfortably mated nor single, money may temporarily be able to buy you a bit more happiness. CANCER (June 21-July 22): The current state of your fate reminds me of the sweet confusion alluded to in Octavio Paz’s poem “Between Going and Staying”: “All is visible and elusive, all is near and can’t be touched.” For another clue to the raw truth of your life right now, I’ll quote the poet William Wordsworth. He spoke of “fleeting moods of shadowy exultation.” Is the aura described by Paz and Wordsworth a problem that you should try to fix? Is it detrimental to your heroic quest? I don’t think do. Just the opposite, really: I hope you can hang out for a while in this pregnant mystery -between the yes and the no, between the dark and the light, between the dream and the reality. It will help you learn what you’ve been too restless to tune in to in the past. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The imminent future will be a favorable time for refurbished models and revived originals. They are likely to be more fun and interesting the second time around. I suspect that this will also be an auspicious phase for substitutes and alternatives. They may even turn out to be better than the so-called real things they replace. So be artful in formulating Plan B and Plan C, Leo. Switching over to backups may ultimately bring out more of the best in you and whisk you toward your ultimate goal in unexpected ways. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the coming weeks, you might want to read the last few pages of a book before you decide to actually dive in and devour the whole thing. I also suggest you take what I just said as a useful metaphor to apply in other areas. In general, it might be wise to surmise the probable outcomes of games, adventures, and experiments before you get totally involved. Try this fun exercise: Imagine you are a psychic prophet as you evaluate the long-range prospects of any influences that are vying to play a role in your future. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Dear Dr. Astrology: I’m feeling lost, but am also feeling very close to finding my new direction. It hurts! It would be so helpful if I could just catch a glimpse of that new direction. I’d be able to better endure the pain and confusion if I could get a tangible sense of the future happiness that my pain and confusion are preparing me for.
© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny
Can you offer me any free advice? -Lost Libra.” Dear Libra: The pain and confusion come from the dying of the old ways. They need to die a bit more before the new direction will reveal itself clearly. I predict that will happen soon -- no later than October 1. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Welcome to “Compose Your Own Oracle,” a special edition of Free Will Astrology. Departing from tradition, I’m temporarily stepping aside so you can have the freedom to write the exact horoscope you want. Normally, you might be in danger of falling victim to presumptuous arrogance if you imagined you could wield complete control over how your destiny unfolds. But in the days ahead, that rule won’t be as unyielding, because cosmic forces will be giving you more slack than usual. Fate and karma, which frequently impel you to act according to patterns that were set in place long ago, are giving you at least a partial respite. To get the maximum benefit out of “Compose Your Own Oracle,” identify three plot developments you’d like to weave into a selffulfilling prophecy for your immediate future. Then start weaving. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Almost twothirds of us confess that if we are alone, we might sip milk directly from the carton rather than first pouring it into a glass. Fourteen percent of us have used milk as part of our sexual activities. One out of every five of us admit that we have “borrowed” someone else’s milk from the fridge at work. Most shockingly, four percent of us brag that we have blown milk out our noses on purpose. I expect that in the next two weeks, you Sagittarians will exceed all these norms. Not just because you’ll be in the mood to engage in mischievous experiments and playful adventures with milk, but because you’re likely to have a looseygoosey relationship with almost everything. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The coming weeks will an excellent time for you to raise funds in support of political prisoners, or to volunteer at a soup kitchen, or to donate blood at a blood bank. In fact, any charitable service you perform for people you don’t know will be excellent for your physical and mental health. You can also generate vivid blessings for yourself by being extra thoughtful, kind, and generous toward people you care for. You’re in a phase of your astrological cycle when unselfish acts will yield maximum selfish benefits. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In his novel The Jungle, muckraker Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) exposed the abominable hygiene and working conditions of the meat-packing industry. The uproar that followed led to corrective legislation by the U.S. Congress. Sinclair remained devoted to serving the public good throughout his career. He liked to say that the term “social justice” was inscribed on his heart. Drawing from his inspiration, Aquarius, I suggest you decide what your soul’s main motto is -- and imagine that it is written on your heart. Now is a perfect moment time to clarify your life’s purpose, and intensify your commitment to it; to devote even more practical, tender zeal to fulfilling the reason you were born. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You know that “patch of bothersome weeds” growing right in the middle of your life? Is it really a patch of bothersome weeds? Or is it perhaps a plot of cultivated blooms that once pleased you but has now turned into a puzzling irrelevancy? Or how about this possibility: Is it a chunk of languishing beauty that might flourish and please you again if it were cared for better? Those are excellent questions for you to pose in the coming days, Pisces. According to my interpretation of the astrological omens, it’s time for you to decide on the future of this quizzical presence. Homework: Are you ready for an orgy of gratitude? Identify ten of your best blessings. Tell me all about it at Freewillastrology.com. ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
MIND,BODY & SPIRIT
BY BRONWYN ISON
MOVING THROUGH, NOT STUCK!
O
ften times we have heard someone say, “I’m just going through something right now.” When we hear these words, we have a tendency to refrain from inquiring what the person in experiencing. Why? Generally, we believe the person must be going through something adverse. Have you contemplated someone is going through something, translates into a poor experience? Truly, we’re all going through something. It’s called life. Positive progression is moving through and not remaining in a stagnant posture. A friend once shared with me she was so stressed due to what was transpiring in her life. She told me her daughter and son-in-law just had their first child. Her other daughter was getting married, plus, she was promoted in her job and this would require more responsibility. She appeared excited and stressed simultaneously. You see affirmative progression can be stressful too. Moving through and not being stagnant is an exceptional place to be in life. If you are seeking to move through life, you must be willing to take chances. Chances and change are often frightening. I believe being static and in the same place year
after year may be more frightening than the actual change and transformation you can affect in your life. If you are the type of person who is complaining about not progressing professionally, spiritually, or physically, there is only one person to be held responsible, YOU! Fortunately, I am experiencing abundant change at the present time. I had to put all into perceptive. There isn’t one circumstance in my life that is negative. It just happens to be inundating at one time. One thing for sure, I am not bored or stuck. Are you moving through life? Or, are you immobilized? The difference boils down to, creating and affecting positive change. Or, are you able to transition? Do you continue to make excuses? It may be time to commence an evaluation of self. Take a step back and evaluate yourself personally and professionally. Position yourself in an honest space. Recognize whether or not you are moving forward or remaining stagnant. Growth requires a kinetic commitment. Commence moving to you true destination. Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com and www. bronwynison.com (Online yoga, wellness & balanced living)
23
September 14 to September 20, 2017
BEAUTY
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
BY DR MARIA LOMBARDO
Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage. She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program. For a consultation or more information, visit lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE DOING REGULAR FACIALS? MAXIMIZE THE EFFECTS OF THE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS YOU ARE ALREADY USING!
A
ruddy complexion and clogged pores work against even the best skin care efforts. High quality creams, lotions and potions won’t be as effective if your skin is distressed from excess dryness (think desert environment), uneven tone or free-radical damage. Regular facials can maintain smooth skin and refine pores which allows your skin care products to absorb properly and so what it really should be doing. Extraction for clean and clear pores! Poorly extracted skin (think “picking pimples”) is the reason so many people have facial scarring, broken capillaries and acne flare-ups. Professional extraction is a delicate procedure done hygienically and carefully. If you regularly “de-gunk” your pores, your skin will look healthier and suffer frequent less breakouts. A trained aesthetician is the BEST person for the job! Seasonal skin changes! With a new season approaching its time to change your routine! Our skin follows the same seasonal patterns along with nature! It has different needs based on the exposure to sunlight, humidity levels and, of course, temperature! As fall and winter approach, a super hydrating facial will work to sooth sun damaged skin. Getting a facial in the spring (think spring cleaning) will nourish
and revitalize dull, post-winter skin. Masks and peels for a healthy complexion! We all have good intentions for great skin care! Cabinets and drawers full of products that we purchase and “swear” we’ll use regularly but we forget that weekly mask and to use that exfoliator. A facial lets you get professional help! A professional mask can calm, decongest or hydrate your skin. Investing in your skin with a regular facial will also help remind you to up your regular routine at home. And who better to learn from?! A trained aesthetician has the latest knowledge about the best available treatments, products and regimens. You may think you have dry skin, or sensitive skin but a professional assessment and recommendation for the best care plan is always best! Having said all that…. We at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery are thrilled to announce our brand new, exceptionally qualified and expert aesthetician, Adrianna! We are offering some introductory specials that I hope you will take advantage of in the next few months. Schedule your very first Vitamin C facial at 20% off for the month of September! Call us today to talk more about great skin! 760-610-8990.
LIFE & CAREER COACH BY SUNNY SIMON
CONTROLLING YOUR EMOTIONAL RESET
L
isa arrived at our coffee date with a bright smile, but I sensed beneath the surface, something was bothering her. After we placed our order, I urged her to fess up. She sighed and admitted people had been pushing her buttons all week long. When I inquired which culprits, she gave me a list beginning with her boss, her sister, and of course, the gal at the mall. I could not help but laugh. We have a standing joke about the girl at the mall who hawks anti-aging products. She has a habit of zeroing in on your weakest feature as you pass by making you cringe when she loudly exclaims her magic elixir will fix your neck or whatever body part is succumbing to gravity. Buttons require little explanation. We all have sensitive areas that make us emotionally volatile. One push and we’re thrown off balance. Instantly we begin feeling negative, insecure or just plain angry. Lisa told me the other day she proudly turned in a complex work project ahead of schedule hoping for an atta-girl, some small consideration that her hard work was valued. What she received instead of a pat on the back, was an intelligible grunt and another assignment. She returned to her desk fuming over the lack of appreciation.
I stepped in to help my friend sort this out. Never before had Lisa cast her boss in a negative light. I inquired if her timing was off suggesting perhaps she enter his office at a bad time. After some consideration she revealed he had just returned from a three hour meeting with the corporate CFO. I suggested she chalk this one up to what was going on in his world and not take it personally. Regarding her sister, siblings are notorious for button pushing because they know exactly where our soft spots lie. Lisa and I discussed her sister’s offhanded remarks. We agreed she would set boundaries letting her sibling know exactly what is off limits. By telling her sister what she does is offensive, Lisa may be able to stop this barb-flinging habit. As far as the gal at the mall goes, there is a solution. Lisa can try the product (who knows, it might work) or not cross directly in front of the store. Who’s pushing your buttons? Do some soul searching today and decide on the best way to deal with your reactions. Take control and push your reset button before those negative emotions begin festering. Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog www.lifeonthesunnyside.net.
Receive The Celebrity Secret Of Permanent Cosmetic Make-Up Once Thought To Be Only For The Rich And Famous Now Affordalbe To Women Of All Ages!!
eyebrows eyeliner lipliner Receive 10% full lip color beauty marks off with camouflage areola pigmentation this ad
760.341.6606
Call Now For A Complimentary consultation 72-880 Fred Waring Dr. A3, Palm Desert, CA 92260
24
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
25
September 14 to September 20, 2017
26
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
CANNABIS CORNER
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
September 14 to September 20, 2017
BY PATTE PURCELL
ALL ABOUT SATIVA STRAINS
S
o I thought this would be a good opportunity to discuss some of the different strains of marijuana and effects. We will start today with some mood lifting sativa strains. One of the reasons that I love Sativas so much is that they are great to use for creativity, energy and stress relief. If you are looking for a giggling strain, Laughing Buddha is an award-winning sativa (2003 High Times Cannabis Cup). An earthy cross between Thai and Jamaican strains with a sweet, fruity smell that is broken up by hints of spice and provides a rich pungent smoke that will leave consumers feeling happy, upbeat, and will leave them giggling even when battling depression. One of the most popular sativa strains said to combat migraine headaches is Sour Diesel. It’s sometimes called Sour D, and is an invigorating sativa-dominant strain named after its pungent, diesel-like aroma. This fast-acting strain delivers energizing, dreamy cerebral effects that have pushed Sour Diesel to its legendary status. Stress, pain, and depression fade away in long-lasting relief that makes Sour Diesel a top choice among medical patients. Mickey Kush is a 75% sativa cross between Sweet Irish Kush and Jack The Ripper. These
potent buds offer an earthy, kush flavor with lemon undertones, and deliver energetic, focused effects. Mickey Kush is renowned for its high THC and CBG cannabinoid content, making it a prime choice for tumor treatment, alleviating nausea, pain, and depression. One of the most popular strains to keep you going is Green Crack. Don’t let the name fool you: this is pure cannabis. Few strains compare to Green Crack’s sharp energy and focus as it induces an invigorating mental buzz that keeps you going throughout the day. With a tangy, fruity flavor redolent of mango, Green Crack is the perfect daytime medication for patients treating fatigue, stress, and depression. Green Crack has branched into two genetic lineages, the most common of which is its sativa line descended from Skunk #1. The 75% indica variety of Green Crack is said to have come from an Afghani strain, and is marked by a tighter bud structure. Because its name perpetuates a negative image of cannabis, some people have taken to calling this strain Cush (with a ‘C’) or Green Cush instead. Next time we will delve into Indica strains. Patte Purcell does 420 upscale events and works in the medical marijuana industry. To be included on the invitation list for the parties, text your email to 1-702-219-6777.
27
September 14 to September 20, 2017
28
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com