Coachella Valley Weekly - October 1 to October 7, 2020 Vol. 9 No. 29 by CV Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com • October 1 to October 7, 2020 Vol.9 No.29

Cathedral City Community Amphitheater Palm Springs International Comedy Festival World Kyuss Day All Souls Cork & Fork pg4

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October 1 to October 7, 2020

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

CONTENTS AMP Modern Musicians Program ...... 3 Theatre - Cathedral City Community Amphitheater & CVRep.................. 4 CVRep Virtual Programming.............. 4 Travel Tips 4 U...................................... 6 2020 Palm Springs International Comedy Festival ............................. 6

AMP NOW OFFERS AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS

he Academy of Musical Performance, known as AMP, has been instrumental in molding teens through rock band performance for the past five years. This local “School of Rock” based in Old Town Indio, gives students an opportunity to create, communicate and collaborate on their own music and cover songs with other young musicians. The AMP programs are open to all levels from beginners to advanced musicians between 11-18 years old. In addition to pivoting to a new online program this Fall called “the Modern Musician,” the non-profit organization is now proud to offer Private Music Lessons and Instrument Rentals to interested students of all-ages in the Coachella Valley. “Many people have asked about music lessons in the past and we realized we have an incredible staff of local teachers who can do that,” explained AMP’s Executive Director & Music Educator Will Sturgeon. The challenge was making the lessons affordable and accessible in a post-quarantine world. Earlier this year, AMP received a grant from the Anderson Children’s Foundation which will help provide tuition assistance for low-income families, making one-on-one lessons more affordable. Zoom and other video technology will also help make the weekly lessons accessible to all. Students can choose to connect with a teacher online for 30 minutes to an hour. Lessons range from instruments like the piano, guitar,

keyboards, bass, drums, vocals, trumpet, violin, and everything in between. Beginner students can get the basics while seasoned musicians can dive deeper into their instruments. It is a great resource for our community and all AMP instructors have been Live Scanned and cleared to work with children. If you aspire to play music but do not have an instrument, AMP has you covered. True to their mission of making contemporary music education affordable and accessible in the Coachella Valley, the new Instrument Loan Program was created. Students who may not have access to instruments they want to learn can now affordably rent an instrument by filling out the form on their website and AMP will follow up with you. If you have any instruments sitting around your house or in your closet and want to contribute to the program, they are happily accepting donations of working instruments. Following the success of the first online AMP Summer Camp, Fall 2020 brings – AMP Modern Musician Program. “It was impossible to play all together live online, but we still were faced with having to design a program that would allow teens to collaborate on contemporary music in a group setting” remarked Will Sturgeon. The Modern Music program is a one-of-akind online program focused on meeting students where they are (their bedrooms) and giving them the tools to be a successful online musician. AMP’s Fall Modern

October 1 to October 7, 2020

BY CRAIG MICHAELS

Musician virtual rock band program will teach students to record, perform, and distribute their music in formats that can reach thousands of people. Students also create music videos and learn the tools and skills they will need to succeed as a musician — now and moving forward. Never in music history have there been more ways to create and showcase music, and during a time when most of us can’t get together in the ways we normally would, AMP’s Fall program paves the way for the Modern Musician. The Fall program registration deadline is this Sunday Oct. 4, 2020. AMP offers this contemporary music education program regardless of a family's ability to pay. AMP is able to keep our Tuition costs low through fundraising and donations from our community, and on top of that, approximately 75% of the students participate through some form of Tuition Assistance, which AMP also offers. If you would like to support AMP and the programs they offer you can register to become an AMP Angel. Your monthly contribution will help give a young musician their wings, and you’ll also get access to the new AMP Album: Vol I! To register for Fall Modern Musician or to sign up for Private Lessons and the Instrument Loan program, visit their web site: ampcv.org. Written by Craig Michaels

World Kyuss Day.................................. 8 All Souls - "Songs For The End Of The World" Album Review .................... 9 Consider This - Gary Calamar ............ 11 Pet Place ....................................... 12-13 The Vino Voice .................................. 14 Pampered Palate - Cork & Fork ........ 15 Screeners ........................................... 16 Haddon Libby..................................... 17 Dale Gribow........................................ 17 Swag For The Soul ............................. 18 Free Will Astrology ........................... 18

October 1 to October 7, 2020

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COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY & THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY COLLABORATE TO OFFER OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMING

his week, Riverside County entered the Red Tier of businesses reopening. Yet, theaters, production companies, dance companies and many other art organizations throughout the valley remain closed. Most art institutions remain uncertain as to when they may be allowed to reopen indoors; and, they remain cautious as to their capacity with social distancing. During the pandemic, performing arts organizations shifted to the virtual world to continue presentations. According to Artistic Director Ron Celona, “It started out as an exciting opportunity to get creative. And, it’s still popular. It’s just not the same as live performances.” CVRep looked at ways to re-offer live performances amid coronavirus concerns, social distancing and most important, a safe and comfortable environment. Discussions with the City of Cathedral City proved an exciting partnership – one in which live performances could be potentially offered – utilizing the nearly completed Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, a 109,335 square foot outdoor venue. The Amphitheater was used for the City’s popular “Taste of Jalisco” event in February 2020, shortly before Governor Gavin Newsom issued a state-wide Shelter in Place order.

Coachella Valley Repertory and the City of Cathedral City began meeting in August. A committee comprised of both organizations’ key personnel, Councilmember Rita Lamb, and Parks and Community Events Commissioner Stephen Vericker brainstormed about creating a performing arts series. During the City Council’s September meeting, Chris Parman, Communications & Events Manager, laid out the plan which CVRep’s Celona said would include jazz concerts, Latinx programs, a Shakespeare production and other exciting programming. The City Council unanimously voted in favor, clearing the way for live arts to return to the Valley if approved by State and County authorities.

“CVRep is one of our four entertainment anchors to the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District and we are committed to its success,” said Mayor John Aguilar. “The coronavirus pandemic has caused us to come up with creative solutions and the outdoor amphitheater space appears to be the answer in providing quality entertainment for the playhouse in a safe, socially-distanced manner.” The venture is expected to kick off with a Holiday show on December 12, 2020. However, scheduling remains contingent on both State and County approval. The upcoming events at the Amphitheater will see the ground marked out in “pods”, a

THEATRE

circled area on the grass which will include a table and chairs for two or four persons. Doors will open at 4:30 pm, for Saturday performances, with shows beginning at 6:00 pm. During the 90-minute performances, patrons can enjoy a self- provided or concession food option for picnicking and the option to purchase wine, beer, and Pepsi products. “We are looking to offer a full event experience in a safe environment using best practices for audience and entertainer safety,” said Celona. The City and CVRep teams have been outlining safety protocols. According to Board of Directors President Joe Giarrusso, events will have safety and wellness measures at the forefront. “Health and safety will be our top priority. We are creating a blueprint which ensures a safe environment for patrons, volunteers, staff and performers,” said Giarrusso. Among the safety requirements will be mandatory face coverings, social distancing and other measures which the Center for Disease Control (CDC) may recommend. Full details on the upcoming events will be available at www.cvrep.org. CVRep is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide thought provoking theatre of substance. cathedralcityamp.com

COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY ANNOUNCES OCTOBER 2020 VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THEATRE

oachella Valley Repertory announces its CVRep Presents: Theatre Thursdays Performances for October 2020. Information on upcoming presentations can be found on the website, with registration links included. To register for any of these events, please visit www.cvrep.org. October 1, 2020, 6pm – Theatre Chat – Exciting things are happening at CVRep and this is your chance to hear first-hand, and ask questions. Join host Ron Celona, President Joe Giarrusso, Treasurer Mike Monachino and Board Member Nicole Taylor as they discuss

the upcoming season and the partnership with Cathedral City. October 8, 2020, 6pm – Latinx Heritage Celebration – Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with the variety show. Produced by Ron Celona and Liana Arauz, this show will uncover the culture and heritage of the Latinx community through the arts. See performances by guitarist Nick Sosa, actors Debra Cardona and Emanuel Loarca and dancer Beatriz Eugenia. October 15, 2020, 6pm – Monologue Mania – Back by popular demand! Actors throughout the World will bring key monologues from

though-provoking plays to life. Not only will you enjoy award winning performances, but will hear their contemporaries’ input, inspiration and information. It’s the next best thing to being there live, when actors from coast to coast and around the World come together. October 22, 2020, 6pm – Solo Composers – Featuring Glenn Rosenblum – Fan favorite Glenn Rosenblum returns with “Solo Composers”. Enjoy hearing songs of the talented few composers who did it all – from music to lyrics – by themselves. Listen to the

THEATRE CHAT

Ron Celena

Joe Giarrusso

LATINX HERITAGE CELEBRATION

Mike Monachino

Nicole Taylor

Liana Arauz

Nick Sosa

MONOLOGUE MANIA

Nadège August

Robyn Cohen

work of Cole Porter (Anything Goes), Frank Loesser (The Most Happy Fella), Stephen Sondheim (Company), Irving Berlin (Annie Get Your Gun), and Jerry Herman (Mame). Explore the composers who created some of Broadway’s biggest shows. To continue CVRep’s mission of providing educational, entertaining and thoughtprovoking presentations, CVRep is offering Theatre Thursdays, a weekly, virtual entertaining and learning opportunity. All presentations are offered via Zoom to observe social distancing guidelines.

Dennis Gersten

Mueen Jahan

Derbra Cardona Emanuel Loarca SOLO COMPOSERS

Ivy Jones

Eric Charles Jorgenson

Glen Rosenblum

Beatriz Eugenia

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October 1 to October 7, 2020

TRAVEL TIPS4U

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA

oAW, the Museum of Ancient Wonders, offers exhibitions of replicated and genuine treasured artifacts from the world of ancient civilizations and scientifically produced laboratory-cast fossils of important discoveries of prehistoric life. MoAW is a member of the American Alliance of Museums A new and unique museum devoted to world-wide discoveries in the fields of paleontology, paleoanthropology, and archaeology, rarely experienced outside of larger communities, MoAW was expressly founded to provide access to exhibitions of this nature and scope for residents and visitors of the Coachella Valley on a permanent basis. A new and unique museum devoted

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THE MUSEUM OF ANCIENT WONDERS

to world-wide discoveries in the fields of paleontology, paleoanthropology, and archaeology, rarely experienced outside of larger communities, MoAW was expressly founded to provide access to exhibitions of this nature and scope for residents and visitors of the Coachella Valley on a permanent basis. Faces of Africa View 38 authentic reproductions, which include ancient masks, murals, and sculptures that celebrate 3,500 years of African tribal art and traditions. From Ancient Nok heads to spectacular masks of Dogon dances and contemporary South African murals, the popular faces of Africa is an intimate and mystical view of tribal heritage Tutankhamum: "Wonderful Things" From the artisans of the Pharaonic Village in Egypt, this dazzling collection of reproductions

of Tutankhamun’s legendary treasures recreates the richest archaeological find of all time. Accompanied by a lively text, 124 replicas of the pharaoh’s sacred and personal possessions (including his magnificent state chariot, golden shrines, beds, thrones, jewelry, spectacular funerary mask, mummy case, and royal mummy) along with associated artifacts from the period surrounding Tutankhamun’s reign reconstruct both the historic discovery of the tomb by Howard Carter and the life and times of Egypt’s celebrated boy king. This classic exhibition vividly brings to life the enigmatic opulent age of 18th Dynasty Egypt. Mesozoica: The Age of Dinosaurs From the dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs to the last of their kind, these laboratory fossil casts of legendary discoveries guide us through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous

THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL HONORS RANDY RAINBOW & JUDY TENUTA AND CELEBRATES WITH AN AMAZING LINE-UP OF LGBTQ+ TALENT. RETURNS VIRTUALLY OCTOBER 11 – 18

he Palm Springs International Comedy Festival kicks off on Sunday October 11th, which not only happens to be ‘National Coming Out Day,’ but LGBTQ+ History Month as well, and this year’s fest offers quite a few of your favorite LGBTQ+ Stars that you won’t want to miss! Starting on Monday October 12th at 7:30pm PT, the PSICF ‘Pioneer in Comedy Award’ will be presented to Author, Comedian, YouTube sensation and Two-Time Emmy Nominee Randy Rainbow. On Tuesday, October 13th, the one and only Bianca Del Rio, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner season 6, is set to receive the PSICF 'Trailblazer in Comedy Award' from the Palm Springs International Comedy Festival. As a famous Drag Queen Comedian, Bianca’s stand up shows have sold out around the world and she was the first drag queen to headline Wembley Stadium! The gala, usually done live at their annual

Black Tie, Red Carpet, Dinner Awards event in Palm Springs, where tickets are usually quite pricey, are doing their awards live this year due to the pandemic. Festival viewers will get to see all PSICF Gala Award Honorees accept live, for free, during the festival’s regularly scheduled programming, including Bianca. Wednesday, October 14th has Gay Icon, Comedienne, Author, Two-Time Grammy Nominee, Love Goddess, and Officiant of Gay Weddings everywhere, Judy Tenuta, receiving the PSICF ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’ Judy has long entertained LGBTQ+ Fans at Pride shows everywhere and was last ‘Queen of the Palm Springs Pride Parade.’ Comedian, Actress and LGBTQ+ Political Activist - Selene Luna of Disney/Pixar’s ‘Coco,’ ‘The Cho Show,’ ‘Selene Luna Live: Short Stories,’ hosts an LGBTQ+ star-studded special event on Tuesday, October with PSICF Presents: ‘Selene Luna and Friends – ‘Taste the Rainbow!’ The Line-up includes the Iconic Lady Bunny -

Dragtime (HBO), The OutList (HBO), Wigstock, ‘RuPaul’s Drag U; Murray Hill - ‘Logo’s New Now Next and Cocktails & Classic and Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live; Alec Mapa - ABC’s Ugly Betty & Desperate Housewives; Zach Noe Towers - seen on E!’s ‘Dating: No Filter,’ as well as season three of Netflix’s Dear White People; ’ Roz Drezfalez - seen on Buzzfeed, Bravo, Hey Qween TV & Three Queens; Sarah Hyland creator of LaSarah, Kentucky Lightning, Gail, Martha Owens, The Influencer, and more; Sherry Vine - has earned the title of Drag Legend. ‘She’s Living For This’ (Hulu), The OG Queen of YouTube, where her video parodies have been viewed over 19,000,000 times; Ian Harvie - NBC’s ‘Will & Grace, Amazon’s Transparent and his own Stand-up special, Ian Harvie: Superhero’ and Max Ziegfeld – ‘Porn Awards the Musical’ as seen in LA/NY, many comedy clubs and the Inaugural PSICF. Streaming in the film festival portion, you can catch Michael Cimino, star of the Hulu

BY LYNNE TUCKER periods known as the Mesozoic Era. Gathered from more than 30 museums world-wide, the collection includes fully-mounted dinosaurs, skulls, teeth, claws and eggs displayed in geological, chronological order to illustrate the awesome story of the evolution of dinosaurs to their ultimate extinction. The Museum is open. Masks and social distancing are required for everyone's health and safety. Monday - Saturday 10a.m. - 6p.m. Sunday 12p.m. - 5p.m. Adults - $15, Students, Seniors, Military $12, School Class Trips - $6 / student For more information, address and future exhibits visit www.moaw.org. Think Art and Enjoy Your Visit! “It is not about being all the same, it is about respecting differences.” Lynne Tucker - A Passion 4 Photography 818.298.7007 Contributing Writer and Photographer for: CV Weekly (Coachella Valley) The Tolucan Times (San Fernando Valley) Conservation Ambassador for The Living Desert

COMEDY

series Love Victor based on the hit film Love Simon and from the New Line Cinema film Annabelle Comes Home with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Michael has a PSICF Official Selection short film titled No Child Left Behind in the fest, directed by Benjamin South. Thorgy Thor & Phi Phi O'Hara of RuPaul's Drag Race can also be seen in the hilarious TV Pilot A Sip with Vodka: The Russian Guide to Becoming A Real Housewife & Making It in America. And well-known gay comedian Tony Tripoli debuts his hilarious world premiere comedy special Tony Tripoli: LIVE from Palm Springs! on Saturday October 17th. Tony was the writer and producer of E!’s Fashion Police with Joan Rivers and was also recurring on Life on the D List with Kathy Griffin. Returning Judge Anne Ramsay – Actress Mad About You, Bombshell, The L Word & Planet of the Apes, is back again this year. She helped select last year’s PSICF Stand-up fest winner, Renaldo Evan’s, whose one-hour comedy special also premieres at the festival on opening day. New PSICF Judge Jai Rodriguez – Host, Singer, Actor of Malibu Country & Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, is also on the panel helping to look for the next funniest comic. Additionally, the festival features their famous stand up competition with over 100 comedians, which also has fantastic LGBTQ+ talent in it, all vying for the $1,000 Cash Prize, the coveted ‘Best in Fest Award,’ and a chance to have their own comedy special produced (pandemic restrictions pending). This is looking like the LGBTQ+ Celebration of the month! More celebrities and events are being added daily. Part of the festival’s proceeds will go to benefit various pandemic related charities. For tickets and more info go to www.psicf.org.

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October 1 to October 7, 2020

MUSIC

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WORLD KYUSS DAY OCTOBER 1, 2020 BY NOE GUTIERREZ

hursday, October 1, 2020, is the 5th annual celebration known as World Kyuss Day. A day where Kyuss fans and Kyuss World members from across the globe observe the legacy of a band from the Coachella Valley that is considered the instigator of a crusade more familiarly recognized as Stoner Rock. Throughout the day there will be a flood of social media posts including videos, photos, and stories of Kyuss! The founder of Kyuss World, Nathan Lawver, asks that all interested parties use the hashtag #worldkyussday when posting content. Each former member has dutifully gone on to produce some of the most bona fide, original and influential music post-Kyuss. Without “the break-up” there quite possibly could have been a change in trajectory for each member and we may have not seen the world of music in the Kyuss ancestral tree. There’s no doubt music fans would love to see a reunion where the band performs a ‘one-off’ live show or tour, but for those of us who are conscientious of the saga would alternatively embrace a homecoming and reconciliation before all else. Thank you John Garcia, Scott Reeder, Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri, Brant Bjork, Alfredo Hernandez and Chris Cockrell for unwittingly making something out of nothing and for staying steadfast in the music and wholehearted in your aspirations. Happy World Kyuss Day to everyone! Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson, Yawning Man) “Kyuss represented our music scene to the world…visceral and nonconformist… the band’s sound and the various members contributions are responsible for influencing the direction of underground rock music world wide, creating a community of musicians and music fans that continues to grow to this day, 20 years after the band’s existence. I’ll always be grateful and proud to be part of that.” Sean Wheeler (Throw Rag) “Kyuss is the desert I love...they took us to the moon...much love and respect to all who have adopted one of ours as their own.” Alejandro Taranto (CEO and Founder of Tommy Gun Records) “Kyuss is one of my favorite bands and with which I feel identified from the first moment I made musical contact with them, they blew my mind, back in the mid-90s., from the aesthetics of their particular audio and the conjunction of Psychedelic-Blues-

Metal, they are the very essence of true Rock, Stoner Rock! So much so that from the titles of their songs and music, both me and many others I met and discovered magical places of the desert. This is an important reason why I decided to move to come and live in the Coachella Valley. Kyuss is something magical that goes beyond music, it is a feeling that many brothers and sisters share throughout the planet. They are creators of a genre within Rock, while back in the early 90’s, Grunge and MTV were already exploding, and New Metal was born in Los Angeles. Here in the desert, Kyuss was drawing a different line, a style of musical composition, and way of interpreting super Rockera, creators of a unique sound. In addition to four great albums, they also left us all their derivations from different musical projects starring their members. Those Palm Desert kids who wanted to play heavy music… never imagined that they would transcend history and mark the musical soul of so many of us. Kyuss, ‘The Inventors of Stoner Rock’, ‘The Ambassadors of Desert Rock Music’.” James Alexander Childs (Avon, Little Villains) “Kyuss has undoubtedly inspired generations of fans and musicians all over the world with their story, creating a legend and a Desert Rock movement that has snowballed into a life all of it’s own! I’ve played music and toured for many years with Vic Du Monte’s Persona Non Grata and Avon with two of my best friends, Chris Cockrell who was there for Kyuss’ beginnings and Alfredo Hernandez who was there for its ultimate lineup. There is no escaping! My wife managed Chris Goss as a producer and Brant Bjork released the first record that Chris Cockrell and I made together in 2004. That’s what Kyuss is to me!” Keith Gibbs (Sasquatch) “The first time I heard Kyuss was about 1992. I wandered into Final Vinyl, my local record shop, and my friend who worked there always had something new and cool for me to check out. This time it was Kyuss. Holy fuck!!! That is the sound I’ve been searching for. I spent that entire summer cruising around in my Dodge Daytona being taught how to sing by John Garcia. All hail ‘Blues For The Red Sun’!” John Gist (CEO at Vegas Rock Revolution) “Kyuss to me is one of the single most influential bands. From the first time I heard ‘Blues For the Red Sun’…I was mesmerized. All six of the musicians involved in Kyuss are

just incredible players.” Nacho Maldonado (Mezzoa) “What does Kyuss mean to me? From what I know about their beginnings, it sounds like they were born out of pure love of jamming, I can relate to that…a couple of stoner kids, not a lot to do...so let’s jam! I heard rumors that they might do a round with original members. Definitely a solid All-American (Cali) Rock outfit we all can be proud of.” Robbie Waldman (Waxy) “It’s amazing that they’ve stood the test of time. The idea that someone gives a shit about an album that was made 25 years ago, let alone four of them, is amazing! Kyuss was like The Beatles, ‘The Desert Beatles’… all four of them are talented, Scott Reeder was the left-handed bass player, they’re all music ‘lifers’ at all different levels with Josh being the arrowhead for everything, he’s at the highest level of entertainment you could possibly be with music, film and celebrity. It’s a remarkable story. Kyuss was my high school. When they played it meant so much. That’s where the girls were, that’s where the booze was. If you were not at the show, you missed out. I liked their music right away. I got my first Kyuss record at Tower Records in Los Angeles. For me, it’s similar to watching football on TV. I couldn’t see the players’ faces because of the helmets so it wasn’t all that interesting. Once I met football players at my high school and saw their faces, then I saw them play football, it became much more real. It’s so much more exciting when you know who’s playing, that’s how I felt about Kyuss. I saw them at The Palladium opening for Faith No More once, I remember seeing Brant Bjork smiling as he walked on stage. They are all 2-3 years older than me. It takes me back to that time. The music is still so fresh, for me, it’s really nostalgic, it’s crazy to say. If things hang around for a while it goes from new to old to vintage. The interest level goes to maximum. The rules are…there ain’t no rules, that’s what Kyuss means to me.” Dandy Brown (Hermano, the Fizz Fuzz, Orquesta del Desierto) “During their short run, there is no doubt that Kyuss re-ignited a Hard Rock genre that had grown pretty stale by the early 90’s. While their impact wasn’t nearly as broad while they were active, in the years that have followed their last album their influence upon musicians around the world has been immeasurable. In an era when Alternative, Power-Pop and Grunge became mainstream,

Kyuss definitely made it their mission to continue to rock at maximum volume and intensity. Their sound and appeal was outside of the box and the genius of their music wasn’t quite what the era of the early to mid90’s was ready for, but the legacy of their music, their unique approach to down-tuned thunder, the dedication of their still growing fanbase, and the fact that they composed a handful of truly inspirational collections of music is completely worthy of awe and respect.” Tom Davies (Nebula) “They were inspirational, no matter who you are or where you come from, just do what you do, stay true to yourself, utilize what you have around you and the sky is the limit.” Nathan Lawver (Founder of Kyuss World) “For myself, finding Kyuss was like a musical déjà vu…or an epiphany. Everything I listened to and loved before them had certain elements that grabbed me. Whether it was the sprawling soundscapes, huge bass lines, or thick fuzzy guitars…Kyuss had all of that. And they wrapped it in the mysterious scenery of their desert surroundings. When I bought ‘…And the Circus Leaves Town’ in 1997, I was immediately transported to Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain. Their music embodies the odd beauty of abandoned desolate places. It’s heavy with history, flowing like the wind and water eroding the structures that once bustled with activity, and gritty like the weathered old man that still calls this place home…hurling obscenities at you for invading his space. Others may describe it differently…but we all agree that Kyuss is magical! Every one of us FEELS Kyuss in our souls!” Arthur Seay (Unida, House of Broken Promises) “Always dug what they were doing musically and when I started my new band (Unida) my first thought for a singer was John, so without Kyuss I suppose there wouldn’t have been Unida.” Bob Balch (Fu Manchu, ) “Kyuss means tons to me! My first concert I ever tried to sneak into was Danzig, White Zombie and Kyuss at Irvine Meadows. I was pretty young, just started high school I think. I could hear them while my friends and I were trying to cut the fence and sneak through a hole by the grass seats. Fast forward six years later and I’m in Fu Manchu playing with Brant. Every time I hear them I have to take a nervous shit because it reminds me of sneaking into Irvine Meadows and trying not to get caught! Love their tunes and I’m stoked to say I’ve played on records with Brant, Reeder and Nick. Got to tour with the first Queens line-up too. Unreal! Kyuss is a giant influence on us all. To achieve that sound at such a young age is incredible. Dig them!”

MUSIC

ALL SOULS

ock band ALL SOULS have toured clubs, theaters and arenas with the likes of Red Fang, The Sword, Kvelertak, and Torche. What seems like eons ago, in 2019, a band highlight was their opening slot on the TOOL tour. Prior to that stint they had been working on their second full-length album Songs for the End of the World. Their 2018 debut self-titled album remains on playlists of thousands of Rock fans, including this writer. Once again joining forces with prodigious producer and madman genius Toshi Kasai (TOOL, The Melvins, Foo Fighters) at Sound of Sirens Studio in Los Angeles, ALL SOULS is prepared to release their newest batch of songs that kicks 2020 in the balls and sticks a big middle finger in the face of COVID-19. The first single from Songs for the End of the World, ‘You Just Can't Win’ is available on all platforms. The official video for the song was directed by Chilean artist Marcos Sánchez (The Breeders) with animation by Sánchez and Simón Jarpa. Footage was provided by the Prelinger Archives, a collection of films relating to United States cultural history, the evolution of the American landscape, everyday life and social history. The video can be viewed on ALL SOULS’ YouTube channel. Subsequent singles include ‘Twilight Times’, ‘Winds’ and ‘Death Becomes Us’ which are available now for purchase and streaming on all major platforms. The track ‘Coming With Clouds’ was recently premiered and streamed on Heavy Music support site The Obelisk. The entire album will be released worldwide on October 2, 2020, and will be available digitally, on CD and on vinyl in two different bundles. Album artwork by Laurie Lipton is fitting, poignant and no doubt will be invaluable to ALL SOULS fans and vinyl collectors. In conjunction with the album release, the video for ’Winds’ will also be premiered. In 1994, Coachella Valley Music Award 2020 Pioneer Award recipient and drummer Tony Tornay (Fatso Jetson, The Desert Sessions, Linda Perry) first met guitarist/ vocalist Antonio Aguilar (Totimoshi, Alma Sangre) and bassist/vocalist Meg Castellanos (Totimoshi, Alma Sangre) by introduction from Erik Trammell guitars (Black Elk, Brothers Collateral). CV Weekly asked Castellanos about the album in 2019. “It sounds like ALL SOULS. It has a depth, and a darkness to it, but there is an inescapable pop element that we are always drawn to because we love hooks!”

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“SONGS FOR THE END OF THE WORLD” ALBUM REVIEW

This is the Coachella Valley Weekly album review for Songs for the End of the World. Sentimental Rehash Just what I expected as an opener. Impressionable rock with the ALL SOULS reiteration. Having seen them perform live several times, this song will fit nicely into the set list as a show opener with its fast tempo, drum intro and accentuated guitar. I’ve always delighted in the ‘clap and snare’ combo, it gives a song that atmosphere of participation. This is the new ‘Arena Rock’…what a way to open the new album. 2. Twilight Times That melancholic guitar intro holds me spellbound. Another headlong and uptempo tune. A nostalgic sound with a newfangled feel. The Rock song to listen to as the sun sets and you gear up for good times. The first two songs remind me why All Souls are a band that traverse all Rock species and protrude from the rest. 3. Winds A heroic poem…Tornay’s snare and bass drum work tempers the song…almost military-esque in nature. The song is wafting with passion from each performer; Aguilar’s haunting vocals, Castellano’s persistent bass work, Trammell’s shredding and Tornay’s ebb and flow produce a sonic blast of emotion. The song clocks in at 7:14 and provides as much affectivity as it does music. It’s reminiscent of YES, DREAM THEATER and TOOL respectively with a multitude of temperaments within the track. The song is best heard live in a 15,000+ arena. 4. Bleeding Out Another bravado of a song…the musical swagger and lyrical murkiness drive the song. I have the impression that this could have been on their first self-titled album. It expresses the connectivity between albums and that the ALL SOULS loudness is indeed an identifiable sound. 5. Death Ominous lyrics abound…Castellanos’ bass lines should be canonized. The distinct sonic wall of guitars Aguilar and Trammell set forth are unrelated to any present day duo that comes to mind. In defiance of the playful chord progression, the song seems to tell us that the end comes for us all, but in that finality, you become a part of the whole. “Say your goodbyes”. 6. You Just Can’t Win The first single…includes a cutting edge video with time-honored footage with strategic animation by Marcos Sánchez.

The song and video appear to represent our infuriation from the suffering of negative consequences brought on by an unjust society. The looming guitars of Trammell and the near-wrathful vocals of Aguilar communicate the dissatisfaction. On the top of my list of repeatable songs on SFTEOTW. 7. Empires Fail I dig the choppy guitar intro along with the pulsating groove and tempo. No doubt talking about the demise of those who seek absolute sovereignty…bye bye Mr. Trump! 8. Lights Out Aguilar is an ardent narrator and earnest storyteller. The song implies a translation of a story about the bitter end and demise of an illfated man. The lyrical theme and music align well…“The changing winds…it’s coming down for us, it’s time to…hide”. 9. Bridge The Sun Even as a metaphor, it seems impossible…

October 1 to October 7, 2020

BY NOE GUTIERREZ “If I could only make you happy, maybe the sun would shine on me”. That unhealthy confidence is fleeting and leads to loss of self. I’m appreciative of how All Souls share the recesses of their hearts with us while creating resounding music. The song’s composition compliments the text. The last minute of build up and instrumentation provokes a frenzy of fervor for me. 10. Coming With Clouds Epic ‘word to the wise’ finale…the impending approach of danger. “The time is finally at hand…it’s coming with clouds, turn away”. A fitting, effective and revelatory end to the album. OVERALL IMPRESSION: The album is quintessential ALL SOULS. When the band are able to take this album to the masses, they will have two albums of material to choose from and intermingle the songs to a fulll headlining set. ALL SOULS have refined a technique of incorporating the listener’s sensitivity while evoking suggestive points of view. You feel what you hear, both at their behest and yours. When it comes to the band’s chemistry, Tornay says it best, “We write music as it comes to us. It isn’t so much about thinking, it’s a lot more about doing.” What you should do is purchase or download this album in its entirety on October 2nd. Preorder the album here: allsoulsband.com allsoulsband.bandcamp.com ALL SOULS - YOU JUST CAN’T WIN (Offical Video) - youtu.be/zCRNGhQfU0A

October 1 to October 7, 2020

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CONSIDER THIS

hances are, if you discovered a song or artist you love through a television show, you should probably send a thank-you note to Gary Calamar. The five-time Grammy Award nominee has been the music supervisor for landmark series like “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds,” “Dexter,” and “True Blood.” Gary grew up in New York and his obsession with music began during childhood. At the age of eight, he and his brother Ronnie (along with the rest of America), had their minds blown when the Beatles performed on “Ed Sullivan.” Captivated by all the British Invasion bands, he spent many hours long after bedtime, huddled under the covers, glued to the radio. As a teen, he visited his local record store every day after school. (Decades later, he cemented his affinity for record retail by cowriting “Record Store Days: From Vinyl To Digital And Back Again” with Phil Gallo. The lavishly appointed tome included a forward from former record store manager and R.E.M. guitarist, Peter Buck). By the time he was in college, he had picked up the rudiments of guitar. With an eye toward a career in the music industry, Gary relocated to Los Angeles in 1979. He began working and later managing iconic record stores like Licorice Pizza, Moby Disc and Rhino Records. Pretty soon he shifted into band management, managing local favorites The Balancing Act. It was the mid ‘80s and The Balancing Act had signed with I.R.S. Records, the same label that broke bands like the Go-Go’s and R.E.M. The four-piece recorded an EP and two longplayers filled with quirky, complex and erudite music. Despite unanimous critical acclaim and a passionate fan base, they never achieved commercial success. Ironically, right around the time The Balancing Act was breaking up, Gary had begun writing songs, mostly for his own amusement. Pretty soon he was coaxed onstage and his music was well-received. Playing around town at clubs like Largo and the Alligator Lounge, as Gary Calamar And His Imaginary Friends, he was mostly solo, but was sometimes accompanied by (future Baby Lemonade guitarist) Mike Randle. Staring in the early ‘90s, He began volunteering at KCRW, L.A.’s premier public radio station. After a couple of years at the station, an overnight time slot opened between Saturday night and Sunday morning. He pleaded for a shot at the spot, the program director consented and “The Open Road” was born. Gary’s show drew on his vast musical knowledge, his affection for the British Invasion era, as well as Country, Folk, Jazz, Punk and singer-songwriters like Elvis Costello, Robyn Hitchcock and Warren Zevon. It was there he honed his interview skills with chatting up superstars like Tom Jones, Rufus Wainwright, Brian Wilson and members of the Zombies. The show proved so popular it soon shifted to the more coveted time slot, Sundays, 6pm to 8pm. By the end of the decade he had connected with G. Marq Roswell and the pair worked as music supervisors on films like “The Slums Of Beverly Hills” and “Varsity Blues.” A few years later, he and partner Thomas Golubic were given the opportunity to supervise music for “Six Feet Under.” The buzzy black comedy/ drama was the creation of Academy Award-

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SINGLES” (SEDAN ZERO RECORDS) GARY CALAMAR “SIX

October 1 to October 7, 2020

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

winning screenwriter, Alan Ball. Gary and Thomas’ music selections were pitch-perfect, matching frenetic Garage Rock from the Amboy Dukes, poignant Folk from Joni Mitchell and emo-alt. rock from Death Cab For Cutie to score pivotal moments at the Fisher Family funeral home. The series finale, featuring Sia’s song “Breathe Me,” was not only the perfect synthesis of music and film, it truly launched the Australian chanteuse’s career in America. Once that show ended, Gary and Thomas went their separate ways. On his own, he became a part of another Alan Ball/HBO collaboration, the wildly popular “True Blood,” which ran for seven seasons. Iggy Pop, the Godfather of Proto-Punk was a fan and actually expressed an interest in recording a song for the show. Gary took a chance and submitted “Let’s Boot And Rally,” a song he’d co-written with James Combs. Iggy loved it and recorded it as a duet with Best Coast’s Beth Consetino. Impressed by Gary’s talent, the sinewy Stooges front-man encouraged him to record and release his own music. (Who amongst us can resist Iggy Pop?) In 2014, Gary released a six-song EP, You Are What You Listen To, via the Sedan Zero/Atlantic Records label. By turns, sly sardonic and slightly sentimental, the effort showcased his wry vocals and sharp songwriting. The Extended Play sold respectably and received glowing reviews. In the last few years, Gary has slowed down a bit, which has allowed him to spend quality time with his wife, Alice and daughter Zoe. Still, he continues to curate the Mimosa Music Series, a monthly live music showcase at the Federal Bar in North Hollywood. Recently, he has supervised TV series like “Here And Now,” “Wayward Pines,” “Wilfred,” and “Alex, Inc.,” as well as upcoming seasons from “Cobra Kai,” “Titans” and “Uncle Frank.” Two years ago, he parted ways with the increasingly corporate KCRW and landed at the more artist-friendly environs of KCSN 88.5. Rather sporadically, he has released a single here and there, which have been available from different digital platforms. This column has collected them all together as a virtual EP. The first couple of tracks, “Little Tokyo” and “The Prince Of Pico Blvd,” offer sideways homages to his adopted hometown. The

former is a shimmery slice of ‘80s Pop perfection that blends shivery strings, jangly guitars, tensile bass lines, a rock steady beat and sha-la-la backing vocals. Gary quickly cuts to the chase and requests the pleasure of his daughter’s company as they venture to the Far East(ern) part of L.A. to sample the culture and tradition of Japan; “Hey Zo, come on let’s go, hop on the Kawasaki, we’re goin’ to Little Tokyo, Yes Way, today is the day, we’ll check out the manga and the anime, Princess Tutu and the Swan Ballet.” Sweet and playful, the song’s final verse still makes time for a little fatherly reassurance; “Hey Zo, I want you to know, the road is wide open to go anywhere you wanna go, that feeling inside, it’ll be your guide/And if you ever need me, I’ll be by your side, so hop on up for a beautiful ride, you never know…” The latter opens with an off-kilter backbeat, ringing guitar riffs, plaintive keys and twinkly percussion. Here, Gary nonchalantly reveals a bit of his not-so-checkered past; “Well, I came from Boogie Down town, and I made my way west to the coast/I could tell you some stories about past glories, but I really don’t like to boast.” Although he descends from royalty, he’s not above a little double entendre; “Hey, Hey, Hey, he’s the angel in the architecture, Hey, Hey, Hey, he’s the ghost in the machine, hey, hey, hey, you think you know him but you can’t be sure/He likes to keep his engine clean….if’n you know what I mean.” Although it was written just a couple of years ago, the workman-like “Looking For A Job” feels tailor-made for these precarious times. Anchored by a crunchy, four-on-thefloor stomp that seems to signify pounding the pavement, the melody is powered by dour keys and urgent guitars. Gary’s saturnine perspective pivots between prospective boss; “I hope we can teach you to cover your tattoos, and play by the rules,” and eager applicant; “I’ll be a barista, a teamster, a captain of industry, any chance of a health care and retirement plan?” A surprisingly smoky harmonica on the break is bookended by wiry bass lines and some jagged guitars. Gary is at his most sardonic on a couple of tracks. “Severe Tire Damage” dates back to the Imaginary Friends days, but it’s aged like a classic car. The affable melody is fueled by gritty guitar riffs, spinning keys, rubbery bass lines and a slip differential beat. The lyrics provide

traction for a slick and slippery world, insisting we proceed with caution, without dwelling on past mistakes; “And yeah, the objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear, and I’m not saying have no fear/Just pick up the rear, C’mon pick up the rear.” Meanwhile, on “The Anti-Social, Young American Christmas Lovers Brigade” windmilling power chords and thrummy bass lines are wed to tick-tock beat. Not necessarily an ode to the Baby Jesus’ birthday, it’s more of a blasé nod to the pageantry that surrounds December 25th; “We hate waking up in the morning, just let us dream away/Yeah, we rarely have a good morning, unless it’s Christmas Day.” Beatific backing vocals are juxtaposed by a face-melty guitar solo and chiming bells on the break. Although the word Christmas is in the title, it’s unlikely that Fox News will adopt it as a holiday anthem. Closing out the set, Gary’s latest song, “Forgive Yourself,” is probably the loveliest composition in the copious Calamar canon. (Ah, alliteration…). Over strummy acoustic guitars, swooping, synthesized strings and a see-saw rhythm, he dials back on the banter and kind of bares his soul. The opening line; “It was the longest day, in the coldest month in the year that I got old,” is enveloped in sadness. Moanin’ the Covid Quarantine Blues, sleep seems like the ultimate panacea; “I don’t blame it on my youth, I don’t blame it on the boogie, but the paint is starting to crack, am I what I was before, or what I became/I got a box full of worries and a case of regrets, that I gotta unpack, so I roll right over and try my luck at dreaming again.” But the melancholy is shot through with hope and grace. As tumbling drums kick in on the chorus, Gary seems to be addressing us as much as himself; “…Forgive yourself, forgive yourself, just give yourself a break, take another chance, when you’ve taken all you can take/Forgive yourself, just let yourself right off the hook, you think you’ve seen it all, but go ahead and take another look…and just forgive yourself.” As a “Lucy In The Sky” mellotron notes underscore this mantra, the wry introspection feels positively Lennon-esque. Gary received some valuable assistance on these songs. Steve Stern played guitar and produced “Anti-Social…” Maria Taylor of Azure Ray sang back-up on “Little Tokyo” and Anna Bulbrook (formerly of Airborne Toxic Event) played violin. Ex-Balancing Act cohorts and longtime compadres Willie Aron and Jeff Davis added their vocals to “Prince Of Pico Blvd,” Willie also added harmonica to “Looking For A Job.” Amy Wood provided backing vocals on the final two tracks. John Would produced five of the songs and supplied all the instrumentation. A million years ago, Gary dreamed of a career in the music industry and he made that dream come true. It didn’t happen overnight, but through hard work, diligence and dedication, and on his terms. Not many people can channel their passion into a vocation. To top it off, the guy writes great songs, rife with sharp lyrics, indelible melodies and hooks galore. Sometimes nice guys finish first.

October 1 to October 7, 2020

PET PLACE

hat could be more refreshing than lounging in the cool crisp water of your backyard pool during these continuing warm “dog days” of summer (although we are officially in fall). Many Coachella Valley residents have backyard pools, and their dogs may join them for a refreshing swim. Supervised dog swimming can be used to rehabilitate injuries, and it provides great exercise for dogs when proper safety precautions are taken. Sadly, countless dogs suffer near drowning incidents and death from drowning in backyard pools. No statistics are available regarding this tragedy. However, several of my friends have recently lost dogs due to drowning. In one instance, a senior dog lost weight and slipped through the fence protecting her from the pool, and the disoriented animal fell in the water. Another friend lost his Dachshund to drowning in the backyard pool after the dog had safely navigated the pool for many years. Breeds with shorter legs such as Dachshunds are more vulnerable to drowning. Teach your dog how to swim. If you are not sure how to proceed with this, get a dog trainer to assist. A trainer can help your dog overcome any fear of water they may have as well as teach them swimming basics. Ensure your dog knows where the pool steps are located, and how to find them from different areas of the pool. He should be obedience trained first, because a dog that won’t reliably come when called on land will be unlikely to come when called in the water. Valerie Masi, dog trainer with Best Paw Forward, advises, “Never throw your dog in the pool! Beside the high risk of injuring the animal, this can make going into the pool a very negative experience. Chances are your dog will not want to experience it again. I suggest easing your pet into the water as you hold him. This will give the dog the confidence he needs as well as building the trust bond between animal and owner.” Valerie also recommends getting a “scamper ramp”, a ramp designed to attach to the side of the pool which floats, allowing the dog to swim over to it and pull themselves

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POOL SAFETY FOR FIDO!

up and out to safety. Part of the ramp is submerged which helps the dog climb out. You can place a few of these ramps in your pool to provide more exit areas, but make sure your dog knows how to use them and keep them in the same location. Obtain a life vest for your dog to wear. This provides extra buoyancy. This item is essential if you take your dogs out on a boat ride in a large body of water. Pet immersion alarms are another device that can keep Fido safe. This alarm system attaches to his collar or harness and the base sits in your home, alerting you when he enters the pool. It is important to seek veterinary assistance if you rescue your dog from a near drowning incident. Complications can occur such as hypothermia, pneumonia or fluid buildup in the lungs. Exercise the same precaution you should use with children, and never leaving your pets unsupervised around deep water. If your dog is old, has a heart condition, or suffers from seizures, they should be kept completely away from the pool area. Contact Valerie Masi with Best Paws Forward at (760) 885-9450 for assistance with safely teaching Fido to swim or any other dog training needs, www. bestpawforwarddogtraining.com. Valerie donates her expertise to help Loving All

BY JANET McAFEE

Animals’ rescue dogs, and I personally recommend her. Enjoy happy and safe fun time with Fido! Janetmcafee8@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------Below is a partial list of shelters and rescues in the Inland Empire with animals for adoption. They are currently closed for walkins, and you must call for an appointment. You can view most of their animals online before calling. Thank you for rescuing!

MEET PEE WEE

MEET KAHLUA

Just a little guy, Pee Wee is 12 lbs of doggie love. A great mix of breeds, this adorable ChiWeenie boy is 5 yrs old. He waits for a home at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, www.psanimalshelter. org. Contact them at (760) 416-5718 for an appointment to meet and adopt Pee Wee, dog IDA45404903.

Precious kitten found abandoned by a good Samaritan and rescued by Loving All Animals. Now 9 weeks old, this pretty Calico girl is doing well in a loving foster home. Call Jeanette at Loving All Animals in Coachella (760) 834-7000 for an appointment to meet/adopt Kahlua, www.lovingallanimals.org.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt. Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore,

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Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs in addition to small dogs and cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www. kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 3356767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760)

October 1 to October 7, 2020

834-7000. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – Shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 3841304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Call (909) 386-9280 daily. View animals at www. sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public). DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/ San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

SAFETY TIPS

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

ARE YOU HUNGRY? WE’RE SERVING UP SAFETY IN THE KITCHEN!

he National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 95 years, has announced “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen™” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week™, October 4-10, 2020. This year’s focus on cooking fire safety is supported by findings from NFPA’s newly released U.S. Home Cooking Fires report, which shows that cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries; nearly half (49 percent) of all U.S. home fires are caused by cooking activities. Cooking continues to be a major contributor to the home fire problem. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign works to better educate the public about where

potential cooking hazards exist, along with basic but critical ways to prevent them.” According to the report, approximately 173,000 cooking fires occur in homes each year, resulting in 550 civilian deaths, 4,820 reported civilian fire injuries, and more than $1 billion in direct property damage. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home cooking fires and associated fatalities. A survey conducted this year by the American Red Cross underscores the prevalence of this behavior, with nearly 70 percent of respondents saying they’ve left the kitchen while cooking on the stove; 55 percent of U.S. adults say they have walked away from their grill while cooking. Now You’re Cooking!

October 1 to October 7, 2020

THE VINO VOICE

nyone who has perused the sparkling wine section at your favorite wine store has no doubt come across a bottle of Gruet sparkling wine. And hopefully your interest was piqued when you looked at the rather French-style label and read: American Sparkling Wine. The next point of interest that should have grabbed you is the fact that the wine is produced and bottled at the Gruet Winery that is located in New Mexico. And that’s the story right there. Gilbert Gruet, founder of Gruet Winery, was born in Bethon, France in 1931. He grew up in a poor family and began working at a young age. In 1952, Gruet, along with his wife Danielle, dreamed of producing fine quality Champagne. Gilbert followed his heart and in 1967 created the U.V.C.B. (Union Vinicole des Coteaux de Bethon), a co-op in the village of Bethon. In 1983, the Gruet Family was traveling through the southwestern part of the US, and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had successfully planted vineyards in Engle, near the town of Truth or Consequences, 170 miles south of the city of Albuquerque. After hearing of vineyards planted there as early as the 1600s and learning about the specific climate and soil conditions of the region, the Gruet Family knew they had found what they were looking for. And of course Gruet rhymes with hooray. It’s this fact of American wine history that most Californians are unaware of. The Spaniards settled this rich country in the late 1500s, and as devoted Catholics, attended church frequently.

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Of course, a vital part of Catholic Mass is communion—a sacred ritual which involves accepting the symbolic body of Christ with wine and bread. But here was a major shortage of wine in the New Mexico region. In 1595, the Spanish put in place a law to protect Spain’s thriving agricultural industry, thereby prohibiting Spanish grapes to be exported and planted in foreign soil. New world Spanish settlers scratched their heads on that one. For a while, the monks were forced to use small amounts of imported wine that contained a lot of alcohol & sugar (needed to protect the wine on the Atlantic voyage). And they were desperate for a local source of wine to produce something more palatable for the people. The colonists had to do what they had to do! In 1629, rebellious Spaniards smuggled vines out of their home country and planted New Mexico’s first grapes in a field just south of modern-day Socorro. The variety that was planted is currently known as the Mission grape and is still grown in New Mexico today.

HOORAY FOR GRUET In 1984, Gruet made the decision to plant an experimental vineyard in Engle, NM. The plantings were exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. As mentioned above two of his children would take the lead of what soon became the American endeavor, Gruet Winery. The first official wine release from the Albuquerque-based winery was in 1989. Using the traditional méthode champenoise technique, they began producing sparkling wine exclusively from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Like his father, quality is Laurent’s top priority and it underscores his winemaking passion today. In 2011 Wine Spectator named his Gruet NV Blanc de Noirs a Top 100 wine of the world, a crowning jewel of acclaim for any winemaker and nearly unprecedented for a sparkling wine under $20. The Gruet Grande Reserve, a Blanc de Blancs that is as true to Old World champagne as possible in America: rich, complex and longfinishing. It is barrel-fermented like the old style, and some of the best champagne houses still use this method today. The style reminds Laurent of his childhood. Of course, having French in his blood, Laurent’s favorite still wine to make is Pinot Noir. “I have always called this variety the king of the grapes,” he says. “Still Pinot Noir is the most sophisticated wine and very versatile with food. It is my favorite wine to drink, with a very feminine and delicate character. And now as a resident of New Mexico, Laurent tirelessly supports local and regional events through the winery, such as Vintage Albuquerque and Santa Fe Wine and Chile,

BY RICK RIOZZA benefiting the New Mexico Youth Symphony Orchestra. When he’s not making wine, you’ll find him playing tennis, skiing and cooking. Last year Wine Spectator Magazine ranked the Gruet Brut as one of the year’s top 100 Value Wines; Bon Appétit praised it as a “crisp, dry, elegant sparkler; and Martha Stewart’s Living Magazine extolled the merits of their sparkler rosé. As the wine world knows, sparkling wines are selling more than ever. Gruet surged 35% to 190,000 cases last year and grew more than any other sparkling wine company in California, which includes the big hitters like Domaine Chandon, Mumm Napa, Roederer Estate, and Gloria Ferrer—wow! And the market is going to explode. Brazil is one of the biggest importers of French Champagne; China falls in that group as well. Gruet and their new partner Precept Wine Company anticipate going global claiming, “We have many options. Export in the next ten years is going to be big growth for Gruet.” Hmmm...It’s a brave new wine world out there—like it or not The non-vintage Gruet Brut shows lemon and sweet bready aromas on the nose. Flavors of apple and pear with a toastyness throughout. There’s also white peach and lime zest that finishes with crisp medium acidity. ($16). Rick is your somm-about-town. Contact him at winespectrum@aol.com

CORK & FORK

ndie Hubka’s Cork and Fork restaurant in La Quinta opened its doors in 2013 due to the popularity of Chef Andie’s cooking school “Cooking with Class” upon the urging of participants who enjoyed the small plates using locally available ingredients accompanied by appropriate wine pairings. The spirit of these gatherings is evident in her restaurant and a shining example of listening to and serving the local community. The menu is mostly small plates, salads, small pizzas, somewhat larger plates and a small selection of desserts. The small plates include many interesting choices such as the butter-poached Lobster Shooters, a local Date Plate stuffed with Pt. Reyes blue cheese, garlic olive oil, and roasted almonds. I ordered the Thai Shrimp Cakes and Crispy Cauliflower. The shrimp cakes were light, packed with sweet-tasting shrimp and served on a togarashi (a spicy blend of chili powder, ginger, seaweed, orange zest, and sesame aioli). The crispy cauliflower was prepared in a light beer

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BY DANIEL PARIS

batter served with a sriracha aioli, and topped with a pomegranate glaze and dusted with pine nut gremolata. All of the elements in these dishes provided wellbalanced, sweet and spicy layers of flavor. There are two selections of street tacos, a filet mignon and tequila lime shrimp. Pizzas include a Margherita, the Mike with applewood smoked-bacon, wild mushrooms, garlic and fresh herbs, the Nonno with smoked mozzarella, Fulvio’s Italian sausage, shallots, fresh rosemary

October 1 to October 7, 2020

THEPAMPEREDPALATE

and balsamic, and the Harvest with alfredo, smoked mozzarella, prosciutto, microarugula, and truffle scented honey. Bigger plates include Grown-Up Grilled Cheese with braised short rib, aged sharp cheddar, smoky tomato jam, and truffled arugula. Zucchini Bolognese with sausage, parmesan, herbs, and burrata topped with pine nut gremolata. Also offered are Beef Sliders, Lobster BLT Sliders, Pan-Seared Salmon, and Salt Spring Island Mussels with Spanish chorizo. There is also a special

vegan menu. A nice selection of wine by the glass and bottle, beers, and cocktails make for enjoyable pairing with the bold flavors offered on the menu. Andie Hubka mentors students from the La Quinta High School Culinary Program and many of them work at Cork and Fork and Hubka’s other restaurants in the valley, Heirloom Craft Kitchen and Tu Madres Cantina and Grill. Cleanliness, proper masking and distancing are a well rehearsed routine here if safety is your concern. Let us hope these family owned restaurants will maintain their momentum to future profitability and thrive once again. 47875 Caleo Bay Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253. Open every day from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Happy hour daily from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. (760) 777-7555

October 1 to October 7, 2020

SCREENERS

wo lush and moving films available for the home theater are a welcome and uplifting antidote to the trying times in which we are coping. THE SECRET GARDEN

Colin Firth, Julie Walters and the sensational newcomer Dixie Egerickx star in this lush and lavish new take on the beloved Frances Hodgson classic novel of the same name. Set in England during a new time period (1947), the film follows a young orphan girl who, after being sent to live with her uncle, discovers a magical garden on the vast

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No. 441

THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE

grounds of his family estate. This new version changes a few of the details but maintains a certain sense of wonder and period imagination. It's hard to make a bad film out of such rich material, and even though it is not as strong as Agnieszka Holland's 1993 adaptation, I expected more, especially about our human relationship to the natural world. Limited but interesting extras include: Characters – Learn more about the beloved characters and how the actors who played them brought them to life in a new and imaginative way. Concept to Reality – From the majestic design of Misselthwaite Manor, to the creation of the enchanting garden, we learn how the filmmakers created the most immersive telling of Burnett’s timeless tale, so full of vivid and magical realism. Pages to Screen – A look behind the scenes and how the best-selling novel was brought to life by director Marc Munden in a modern, and magical way. Universal. Bluray. MY OCTOPUS TEACHER After years of swimming every day in the freezing ocean off the tip of Africa, burned out filmmaker Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher, a kind of aquatic Zen master in a young octopus who shows an incredible curiosity.

Visiting her den and tracking her movements for months on end Foster eventually wins her trust and they develop a never-before-known bond between a human and the “other.” This is perhaps the most transcendent, beautiful and profound film I have reviewed in these pages over the last five years. Not just another nature documentary, it’s unlike anything you’ve seen you've ever seen and nothing can really prepare you for this unlikely and gripping tale of a friendship (one might even call it a romance) between a human and a mollusk. Yes, you read that correctly. This exquisite meditation on the beauty of nature and what can best be described as transcendent love is absolutely stunning.

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS I know I was somehow changed by this surprisingly emotional movie. I wager you too will not be the same person you were when you started watching this gem. This beautiful film of healing redemption and purpose is so much more than merely another true story of love, birth and death in nature. Breathtaking and heartbreaking, it will be with me for the rest of my life. This is a must-see for the whole family is a much-needed cinematic antidote of wonder, awe and perhaps hope in our singularly difficult times. Don’t missit. Now streaming on Netflix. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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HADDON LIBBY

ARE YOU PREPARED?

ince the pandemic struck, nearly 15,000 people in the Coachella Valley have contracted the virus with nearly 350 deaths through September. In the United States alone, there have been more than 7.1 million confirmed cases and more than 205,000 deaths. Worldwide confirmed cases are more than 33.2 million with roughly 1 million deaths. The pandemic has caused a period of extreme stress for many. With the livelihoods of tens of millions of people upended due to the virus, mental or stressrelated health problems are increasing. Whether you or someone that you know has had their job or health affected, the pandemic points out the need for every person to do some basic life planning. If you become incapacitated, does another person have the legal authority to make your medical and financial decisions? If you are married, the answer is typically ‘yes’. If not, think about who would make those key decisions if you were unable to. The person that you trust with your healthcare decisions very well could be a different person that your finances. Once you decide who will administer your affairs, you will need to draft two documents: a health care proxy and a financial power of attorney. These forms are generally available online or via an attorney and need to be notarized. Do you have a living will? This is an important document that provides

guidance to your family and advisors when you are unable to communicate your wishes directly. Living wills detail the type of efforts that you want medical professionals to put into saving your life in several situations. In addition to a living will, do you have a last will and testament? This document is critical in directing those responsible for settling your affairs (aka executor). If you have minor children, this designates who will care for them. The executor will have the responsibility for carrying out your instructions. If your assets are held in a living or revocable trust, most of your affairs can

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

IS THERE AN IDES OF 2020?

K, so there is no such things as the IDES of 2020. However, with Covid 19, it is arguable that the entire year should qualify. BUT WE DO HAVE THE IDES OF MARCH. Most people don't realize what that was. It was a day in the Roman calendar that corresponds to 15 March. It was marked by several religious observances and was notable for the Romans as a deadline for settling debts. The line itself is the soothsayer's message to Julius Caesar, warning of Caesar's death in 44 BC. The Ides of March didn't signify anything special in itself. In Shakespeare's day that was just the usual way of saying "March 15th". Since that time the idea stuck that the Ides of March is unlucky or a portent of doom-even if your name isn't Caesar. The Latin root of "ides" means "to divide," so ides basically just denotes the middle of the month. For those who planned a vacation to the Coachella Valley anytime this year, everything was CANCELLED. The IW Tennis Tournament, Golf, Music Concerts, all make it appear that the Ides of 2020 were indeed real. For those that came to the Coachella Valley only to find more people on the road

October 1 to October 7, 2020

be completed without the probate court system. Without a living trust, the division of your assets takes longer and decided by a judge with no knowledge of your wishes. The University of Pennsylvania did a study a few years ago that reviewed 150 studies on the subject and found that about 2 in 5 people have advanced health care instructions in the event that they are unable to make these decisions for themselves. Looking inside the numbers, 1 in 3 people had a health care proxy and financial power of attorney while 3 in 10 had living wills. Most disturbingly, only 2 in 5 people

with a chronic health care problem had some form of health care directive. Only 1 in 10 people earning between 100,000 and 150,000 have an up to date will. That number increases to 15% for those earning over $150,000 annually. Those who do not have wills can expect that a large chunk of their assets will be spent on court costs, attorney fees and other third parties. On top of that, people whom you do not know will be making decisions on your behalf. If this is not enough to get you to take planning seriously, know that it takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for an estate to go through the probate process no matter how small. While it is understandable that many people do not want to deal the somber idea of their eventual demise, planning in advance of your eternal encounter is the best way to help grieving family members and friends who mourn your passing. If you need a hand with this or any part of your financial life, give us a call. That is what we are here for. Haddon Libby is the Managing Partner and Founder of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com or email Hlibby@WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

because there was no tournament AND then got rear ended....oh my! For much of the country, March Madness refers to The College Basketball Finals, as well as NASCAR, Golf and St Patty's. But for those of us that live here full time, Covid 19 caused the cancellation of every fun event. The increase of traffic of almost a half million visitors would not take place. However people are bored sitting at home with nothing to do but drink. Many would sneak out having consumed to much alcohol. Then you know what happens! Most of us are sitting in front of TV's at our home rather than bars and restaurants ...and drinking all day because we are bored. Many foolishly drive unaware of how many beers and glasses of wine they consumed. However, when we drink at home we do not always pay attention to the amount of the pour. We all forgive an at fault, non-impaired, driver for an auto accident, because it is just that... an accident and not an intentional act...unless they were impaired. However, everyone would agree that the accident victim deserves to be fairly compensated for their pain and suffering. To get good results and fair compensation, follow these tips:

STOP and take pictures; get info; call Police; DON'T TALK to anyone without your lawyer's permission...it's evidence. It's not what you say but what the other party THOUGHT THEY HEARD YOU SAY; Take DOWN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA; Get "local" legal and medical attention asap; Go to your lawyer's body shop; Purchase high insurance limits, including UM; Do not sign anything...and then let your lawyer earn his or her money. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW - "TOP LAWYER" California's Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-20 "TOP LAWYER" - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating "DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER....THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME"

October 1 to October 7, 2020

SWAG FOR THESOUL

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BY AIMEE MOSCO

“BEING” VS. “DOING”

“As our world changes around us on this threshold of a new era, we begin to awaken to the remembrance of our divinity.” Gratitude + Forgiveness X(Love) = Happiness, by Aimee Mosco and Donald L. Ferguson, page 12. here is great debate in the metaphysical community on the topic of “being” vs “doing”. Some say that “being” is the order of business as we navigate this epic transformation, whereas other say that “doing” (or taking action) is the only way to reach higher ground. So, which yields the greatest result? There is no doubt we are making our way through uncharted waters, and that the world as we have known it is slipping away behind us. Those who have engaged in metaphysical studies have been anticipating this for decades. While it may not have been clear how the old systems would upshift to welcome the manifestation of the new paradigm, it was very clear that this WOULD happen. We are currently in the thick of this much anticipated transition. The energetic structures of the old world are crumbling to make way for the new one. As this happens, we are coming to discover that the new world has a new instruction manual. What we knew in the old world was that forward movement was only achieved through work. We became conditioned to believe that if something was not difficult to attain, then it held little value. So, we knocked ourselves out “doing” at all costs to reap the rewards of progress. We are learning as we ready ourselves to live in the new world, that the measure of

value and enrichment is not always dependent on what we “do”, but rather who we are in many cases is a greater indicator of the value we represent. The scope of our collective vision has expanded so we can more greatly and intentionally appreciate the offerings of innate qualities – inner divinity. And thanks to social media, we have the opportunity to share our personal qualities (our “being”) for all the world to see. While it is difficult to deny that taking action is important in the context of bringing humanity to higher ground, perhaps the debate could be settled with the acknowledgement that both “being” and “doing” are equally important. Our best result may come from taking due time to honor the inner spirits of ourselves and others as a first measure, and then taking action inspired by the higher perspective that comes from connecting with inner spirit. In other words, let the “being” guide the “doing”. In my pursuit to help human beings honor the inner spirit of one and all, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella, BB Ingle, and me. Go to facebook.com/groups/evolvethroughlove and share with us your joy. Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Spiritual Teacher and Co-Founder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s desire to help others inspired her book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. Aimee also sits on the Board of Directors for World Game Changers, a charitable organization based in the UK. Find Aimee at www.ihsunity.com.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF OCTOBER 1

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I am, indeed, a king, because I know how to rule myself,” wrote 16thcentury author Pietro Aretino. By January 2021, Aries, I would love for you to have earned the right to make a similar statement: “I am, indeed, a royal sovereign, because I know how to rule myself.” Here’s the most important point: The robust power and clout you have the potential to summon has nothing to do with power and clout over other people—only over yourself. Homework: Meditate on what it means to be the imperial boss and supreme monarch of your own fate. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The basic principle of spiritual life is that our problems become the very place to discover wisdom and love.” Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield made that brilliant observation. It’s always worth meditating on, but it’s an especially potent message for you during the first three weeks of October 2020. In my view, now is a highly favorable time for you to extract uplifting lessons by dealing forthrightly with your knottiest dilemmas. I suspect that these lessons could prove useful for the rest of your long life. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “My business is to love,” wrote poet Emily Dickinson. I invite you to adopt this motto for the next three weeks. It’s an excellent time to intensify your commitment to expressing compassion, empathy, and tenderness. To do so will not only bring healing to certain allies who need it; it will also make you smarter. I mean that literally. Your actual intelligence will expand and deepen as you look for and capitalize on opportunities to bestow blessings. (P.S. Dickinson also wrote, “My business is to sing.” I recommend you experiment with that mandate, as well.) CANCER (June 21-July 22): “I’m the diamond in the dirt, that ain’t been found,” sings Cancerian rapper Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cent. “I’m the underground king and I ain’t been crowned,” he adds. My reading of the astrological omens suggests that a phenomenon like that is going on in your life right now. There’s something unknown about you that deserves and needs to be known. You’re not getting the full credit and acknowledgment you’ve earned through your soulful accomplishments. I hereby authorize you to take action! Address this oversight. Rise up and correct it. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The author bell hooks (who doesn’t capitalize her name) has spent years as a professor in American universities. Adaptability has been a key strategy in her efforts to educate her students. She writes, “One of the things that we must do as teachers is twirl around and around, and find out what works with the situation that we’re in.” That’s excellent advice for you right now—in whatever field you’re in. Old reliable formulas are irrelevant, in my astrological opinion. Strategies that have guided you in the past may not apply to the current scenarios. Your best bet is to twirl around and around as you experiment to find out what works. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have,” says motivational speaker Robert Holden. Hallelujah and amen! Ain’t that the truth! Which is why it’s so crucial to periodically take a thorough inventory of your relationship with yourself. And guess what, Virgo: Now would be a perfect time to do so. Even more than that: During your inventory, if you discover ways in which you treat yourself unkindly or carelessly, you can generate tremendous healing energy by working to fix the glitches. The coming weeks could bring pivotal transformations in your bonds with others if you’re brave enough to make pivotal transformations in your bonds with yourself. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In her high school yearbook, Libra-born Sigourney Weaver arranged to have this caption beneath her official photo: “Please, God, please, don’t let me be normal!” Since then, she has had a long and acclaimed career as an actor in movies. ScreenPrism.com calls her a pioneer of female action heroes. Among her many exotic roles: a fierce warrior who defeats

monstrous aliens; an exobiologist working with indigenous people on the moon of a distant planet in the 22nd century; and a naturalist who lives with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. If you have ever had comparable fantasies about transcending normalcy, Libra, now would be a good time to indulge those fantasies—and begin cooking up plans to make them come true. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio-born Prince Charles has been heir to the British throne for 68 years. That’s an eternity to be patiently on hold for his big chance to serve as king. His mother Queen Elizabeth just keeps going on and on, living her very long life, ensuring that Charles remains second-incommand. But I suspect that many Scorpios who have been awaiting their turn will finally graduate to the next step in the coming weeks and months. Will Charles be one of them? Will you? To increase your chances, here’s a tip: Meditate on how to be of even greater devotion to the ideals you love to serve. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Inventor Buckminster Fuller was a visionary who loved to imagine ideas and objects no one had ever dreamed of before. One of his mottoes was, “There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.” I recommend that you spend quality time in the coming weeks meditating on butterfly-like things you’d love to have as part of your future—things that may resemble caterpillars in the early going. Your homework is to envision three such innovations that could be in your world by October 1, 2021. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During World War II, Hollywood filmmakers decided it would be a good idea to create stories based on graphic current events: for example, American Marines waging pitched battles against Japanese soldiers on South Pacific islands. But audiences were cool to that approach. They preferred comedies and musicals with “no message, no mission, no misfortune.” In the coming weeks, I advise you to resist any temptation you might have to engage in a similar disregard of current events. In my opinion, your mental health requires you to be extra discerning and well-informed about politics—and so does the future of your personal destiny. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Pretending is imagined possibility,” observes actor Meryl Streep. “Pretending is a very valuable life skill and we do it all the time.” In other words, fantasizing about events that may never happen is just one way we use our mind’s eye. We also wield our imaginations to envision scenarios that we actually want to create in our real lives. In fact, that’s the first step in actualizing those scenarios: to play around with picturing them; to pretend they will one day be a literal part of our world. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to supercharge the generative aspect of your imagination. I encourage you to be especially vivid and intense as you visualize in detail the future you want. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “My own soul must be a bright invisible green,” wrote author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. Novelist Tom Robbins suggested that we visualize the soul as “a cross between a wolf howl, a photon, and a dribble of dark molasses.” Nobel Prize-winning poet Wislawa Szymborska observed, “Joy and sorrow aren’t two different feelings” for the soul. Poet Emily Dickinson thought that the soul “should always stand ajar”—just in case an ecstatic experience or rousing epiphany might be lurking in the vicinity. In the coming weeks, Pisces, I invite you to enjoy your own lively meditations on the nature of your soul. You’re in a phase when such an exploration can yield interesting results. Homework: Make up a song that cheers you up and inspires your excitement about the future. It doesn’t have to be perfect. FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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October 1 to October 7, 2020