Coachella Valley Weekly - October 14 to October 20, 2021 Vol. 10 No. 31

coachellavalleyweekly.com • October 14 to October 20, 2021 Vol.10 No.31

Lance Aaron

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First Ladies Of Disco

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San Diego Bay Wine + Food Fest

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Alps Village

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Andrew Mills - P.S. Police Chief

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ 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, Raymond Bill Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Esther Sanchez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Tricia Witkower 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, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

Christine Michele.................................. 3-5 Lance Aaron .............................................. 6 Comedy - Theo Von at Spotlight 29......... 6 AAP - 27th Annual Evening Under the Stars Gala with First Ladies of Disco.... 7 Consider This - Dar Williams.................... 8 Club Crawler Nightlife ............................. 9 Breaking The 4th Wall - The Producers presented by Desert Theatreworks ..... 9 CVRep Writing Competition ................. 10 San Diego Bay Wine + Food Fest ........... 11 Screeners................................................. 12 Travel Tips 4 U - Covered Wagons ......... 13

I

’m going to be completely honest.

A few years ago, the artist known as Christine Michele, seemingly came out of nowhere. Busting onto the local music and theatre scene with an amazing vengeance, many of us who are regulars in this community were curious about this beautiful, young vocalist with stellar pipes who seemed to be clawing her way into our precious little scene whilst we collectively thought, “Who is this girl and what is her deal?” We all soon learned to recognize that Christine is not only a sweet, kind and thoughtful individual...she is a fantastic vocalist to not only work with... but behold.

Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Christine is a multifaceted talent who, regardless of her young age, has lived some life and has stories to tell. It is not very often that I get to interview an artist who is so willing to be completely open and vulnerable about her life’s journey, be it the good, the bad or the ugly. That being said, I was honored to sit down with the lovely Christine in her tastefully decorated home that she shares with her son to talk about how exactly she got to the place she is in today.

CVW: How did you get started in music and theatre?

Christine: “As far back as about the age of 5, I loved to perform. My sister and I would dress up and my dad would yell out, ‘Presenting the amazing Potenza girls!’ And we would sing for everyone. Of course I would usually push her out of the way because it was my time to shine and I wasn’t one to share the spotlight. But I really think everything started for me when I was in elementary school attending Sacred Heart. We used to go on field trips to see plays and musicals at the McCallum Theater and I remember looking at my mom and telling her, ‘I want to do that. I want to be up there on the stage.’”

Christine continues: “When I was 12 years old I auditioned for my first musical with On Stage Theater Co. It was The Sound of Music.

From that point I absolutely fell in love with the theater. I took some voice lessons and have been a performer ever since.”

CVW: So it seems like you had a lot of support from your parents.

Christine: “Oh, yes! Oh my gosh, my mom has always been my support system and biggest fan. She literally sees all my shows twice.”

CVW: Speaking of family, did you inherit your talent from them?

Christine: “I’m actually adopted. But from what I’ve been told, my birth father was apparently a singer. I’ve heard it said that he had an amazing voice so I may have inherited that from him but it was all very much nurtured by my parents who raised me.”

CVW: So basically, you have been performing non-stop since you were a kid?

Christine: “Actually, at 17 I ended up taking what turned out to be a 12 year hiatus.

I was pregnant at 21, a mother at 22. Then I got married and, you know...life happened. I did the family thing and moved out of state.

Eventually I came back to the desert and really felt as though something was missing.

I had a real void in my life and it was taking a toll on my happiness. I started working at a restaurant, Cafe Italia where the servers would sing and that actually led to me getting some cool gigs. I got to sing for people like Barbara Sinatra, Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz and Bernie Sanders. Eventually, I found out that they were doing the Rocky Horror Picture Show at COD and I knew that I had to audition. I got back into the theater in 2014 and haven’t stopped since.”

CVW: Let’s fast forward a bit now. It seems like it wasn’t very long ago when you

started doing music gigs in venues around town and getting noticed by the local music community. How did that start for you?

Christine: “In 2018 I entered this contest called, “Rising Stars of the Desert.” It was on a whim. I sent in a video and they were like, ‘We’ll call you back.’ I got in, I performed and I actually won for my category which was country. From there, Noe Gutierrez ,who most people know from music in the valley reached out to me and asked if I had ever thought about fronting a band, and I was like, ‘Me? No. A band? I wouldn’t even know where to start with something like that.’”

Christine continues: “I already knew Krystofer Do and Miguel Arballo, who we all know are amazing musicians in their own right and one day I just asked them if they wanted to jam sometime and see what happens?

Then I ran into Corwin Hendricks who is an amazing drummer who has been a part of so many great projects and told him about the planned jam session and he was immediately like, ‘Woah! Can I be your drummer?’ And then, it just happened. Christine and the Lost Keys just happened. Things developed pretty quickly after that. It sort of snowballed. We were on the news and getting nominated for awards and I was like, ‘Wow, that was fast!’ continue to page 5

Safety Tips ............................................... 13 The Vino Voice ......................................... 14 Keg Whisperer ........................................ 15 Cyber Corner ........................................... 16 Fitness ..................................................... 16 Haddon Libby ..........................................17 Dale Gribow ............................................ 17 Swag For The Soul .................................. 19 Free Will Astrology................................. 19 Pet Place ............................................ 20-21 Palm Springs Chief Of Police ................. 22 Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce .... 22

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

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THURSDAYS DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM

New performers swing by every week

CHADWICK JOHNSON OCTOBER 23

SUNDAYS — NO COVER — 9 PM – 1:30 AM

WITH

NACHO BUSTILLOS AND

QUINTO MENGUANTE

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CHRISTINE MICHELE

October 14 to October 20, 2021

continued from page 3

That little band was like my window into launching myself out there and now I can’t stop. I just need to keep doing more and more so I can get to that place where I really want to be.”

CVW: I saw that you were recently in a local production of Rocky Horror Picture Show. How did that go?

Christine: “Yes! With Desert Rose Playhouse! There was a whole series of events that led up to that happening. I was originally cast in the role of Columbia before the pandemic forced it to be canceled. All this time went by, and eventually it was decided that the show was back on and I was going to fill the role which I was really excited about.

Meanwhile, I went on a trip out of state and before I returned, I realized that my son was going back to school and as soon as I got back I was starting rehearsals which were four nights a week would be taking a lot of time away from him. At that point, I felt like that was something that I just couldn’t do. So unfortunately I had to make the really hard decision of backing out of the role.”

Christine continues: “I wasn’t thrilled about it but I had been in that show before so it was fine. Then funny enough, at the last minute they decided to add extra shows and they were losing some of their dancers.

“Phantoms” is what they call them. They asked me if I wanted to fill in and to be perfectly honest, I was in a really dark place at that time. I needed something. I needed theater in my life. At that moment, I knew that’s what was going to make me happy so I went and talked to Phylicia Mason who was the director and played the lead role of Janet.

We discussed it, and I agreed to take on that role. I learned all of the choreography in one hour and performed that night.”

CVW: Wow! What a pro, you are! How scared were you?

Christine: “I was pretty nervous but I’ve done it before. Once I was asked to be in a role as the lead 2 weeks before we opened and I had to learn a lot of the lines in that period of time. I’m not exactly sure how I did that because the night before opening I was crying and ready to quit. But that’s not what I do. That would be me giving up and I don’t give up that easily. I don’t care if I’m singing for karaoke or one person, I don’t back out.”

CVW: Tell me about the band you played the Rock Yard with.

Christine: “Yes. That would be 212. I was approached by their guitarist, Chuck who informed me that they were losing their lead singer, Vinney Berry, and asked if I wanted to fill in. We decided to jam to see how it goes.

We did a few songs and they decided they loved me. It’s classic rock which I love to sing so it really worked out. We played the Rock Yard in September and that was really nerve wracking because for me, The Rock Yard is kind of a big deal. I sang some songs with them and had the time of my life. It was the best rush ever! It’s definitely been a trip. It’s like I have to pinch myself. Like, this is actually happening and my dreams are really starting to come true.”

CVW: Is there anything else you are up to locally?

Christine: “Yes, actually I am the vocal director for Children’s Playtime Productions.

It’s a youth theater company that has been around for about 30 years. They’re doing this amazing, global event called, ‘All Together Now.’ It’s basically a big cabaret that all kinds of people are auditioning for so I’ll be the vocal coach for that production.”

CVW: Before we wrap up this interview, I wanted to mention that you and I

previously discussed the fact that you have been extremely open about the trials and tribulations you have endured throughout your life in addition to your struggles with addiction and mental illness. I know that you have had to deal with some huge blows in your personal life just in the past couple of years and you seem to have come through it shining. I personally want to thank you ahead of time to be so open and willing to share your journey with others because there will certainly be people who read this and might find comfort in your candidness and bravery.

Christine: “Absolutely! I am diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which is really difficult to deal with. When I was 16 I was diagnosed as bi-polar as well but was likely a misdiagnosis. I am really open about it all on social media and with friends because you really never know who you can actually help. I’ve attempted suicide quite a few times in my life and now I know that there is a reason I’m still here.”

Christine continues: “My son’s father passed away 2 years ago. He was amazing.

The best father ever! I was actually living with him at the time that he passed because I had

absolutely nothing. I was broke, I had no job and was basically homeless. I didn’t want to go back and live with my parents. I didn’t have any direction in life. Then he passed away and I was like, ‘I need to get my s*** together. I think that a death that is so close to you can either break you or make you stronger. It definitely made me stronger.”

Christine continues: “It lit a fire under my ass! I don’t have it all together. I don’t think anyone ever really does. But, I think I’m allowed to say that I’m proud of myself. I think that sometimes people who don’t really know me might think, ‘Oh, Christine, get over yourself. But, if they really knew what I have gone through to get to where I am today….

You know I see so many people struggling and I’m like, I promise, it gets better.’”

CVW: And what about your sobriety?

Christine: “Almost 10 years. It’s not always been easy and there were definitely times, especially after my son's dad died that I would be walking through the store, glancing at the alcohol…contemplating. And then I would snap out of it like, ‘No, Christine.

It’s not worth it.’ I would think about all the times I was crazy and went to jail and I’m like, ‘Nope. Not doing that again.’ I have a son that I need to be there for. I am now his rock. I have to be there for him and in my right mind.

He needs me too much.”

Christine continues: “I just want people to know that it’s okay to not be okay. If you’re struggling now, I promise it gets better even if you think it won’t. Reach out and ask for help.

Asking for help is a good thing! I tell people, ‘Call me. Text me. I don’t care what time it is.

I will be there for you because I know what it’s like.’”

You can see Christine perform regularly on stages all over the Coachella Valley and beyond. To keep up with her you can follow Christine Michele on her website, christinemicheleavery.com.

If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health issues, you should never hesitate to reach out for help. One way to do so is to contact Calhope.org for guidance and referrals towards the goal of achieving wellness.

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

LOCAL MUSIC

L

a Quinta Highschool graduate, musician, vocalist and songwriter, Lance Aaron is definitely not a newbie to the Coachella Valley music scene. That said, over the past several years while utilizing multiple projects, Lance has been honing his skills and making his mark as he continues to develop his talent as an entertainer. In addition to his 9-5 day job and role as a father to a lovely daughter; he somehow finds the time and energy to continuously create music and perform all over the Coachella Valley and beyond. No stranger to accolades, Lance and his band....have received multiple nominations and awards from fans and peers through The Coachella Valley Music Awards. Lance and I sat down over drinks and sliders to discuss where he has been and where he is heading.

CVW: Let’s talk about your background.

Where you are from and how you get here.

Lance: “I’m originally from LA. My parents moved me here and I actually went to school

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LANCE AARON

HOMETOWN BOY MAKING MUSICAL WAVES IN THE DESERT

with quite a few of our local musicians. Guys like Mikey Reyes, Willdabeast and Dan Wheat of course, but I didn’t actually know him at the time. I graduated with Jim Cathcart from Bridger! I was in music class with his sister Katie, who we all know is an amazing drummer. We actually played a show together! My original band which was a ska band, The Chess Club Presidents played with their band, Jekyll.

CVW: Wait! What? I need to hear more about this.

Lance: (Amused by my shock). “Okay, so I played my first ever concert at the venue that is now The Tack Room, but back then it was a totally different place. This had to have been around 2001. We played this show with Jim, his sister Katie on drums and Laramie Eve on bass in their band Jekyll. We were all LQHS kids.”

CVW: So it’s clear that you have been doing this throughout most of your life. How did you get started as an actual performer?

COMEDY COMEDIAN AND PODCAST HOST THEO VON HEADLINES SPOTLIGHT 29 SHOWROOM DURING RETURN OF THE RAT TOUR – SAT. DECEMBER 4

S

potlight Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, California announced today that comedian and podcast host Theo Von will headline the newly refurbished performance venue during his highly anticipated stand-up comedy tour on December 4, 2021 at 8 pm. Tickets are on sale now at spotlight29.com.

THEO VON grew up in the stray animal belt of southern Louisiana. He was a child there and became an adult slowly there. He can be seen weekly on his podcasts THIS PAST WEEKEND, and KING AND THE STING, which each garner millions of listens/views a month.

Theo has appeared numerous times on Joe Rogan's podcast, THE JOE ROGAN EXPERIENCE, regularly on Joey Diaz’s THE CHURCH OF WHATS HAPPENING NOW, and was voted guest of the year on THE FIGHTER AND THE KID by TFATK listeners two years in a row. He has MULTIPLE straps.

In the Spring of 2020 Theo completed his two year DARK ARTS TOUR, which took him across America, Australia, and Europe, and another country. Theo has made appearances on INSIDE AMY SCHUMER, WHY? WITH HANNIBAL BURESS, ARSENIO, LAST COMIC

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STANDING, was the winner of Comedy Central's REALITY BITES BACK, and LIVE AT GOTHAM. If you want to know how Theo is doing he is probably doing the best he can; which varies. He currently resides in Nashville and Los Angeles.

For more information about this performance, call 760-775-5566 or go to www.spotlight29.com

Lance: “Having come from a religious background, I started playing music in church.

You know, when you hear terms like, ‘Gospel’ and ‘going to church,’ when it has to do with music...blues, gospel and soulful stuff brings that phrase to mind… ‘Take me to church.’ It’s an infamous line from the Irish artist, Hozier.

Much of that literally starts in churches for so many people. And it’s very religious. That cannot be denied.”

Lance continues: “For so many people, whether they stay religious and/or continue going to church or not...we draw upon that background. I myself, along with some of the best musicians I know, have spent a lot of time playing music in church where it’s as though there is a collective spirit and sound that we all become a part of. Many of us came out of that not necessarily being religious...but still believing in something powerful. In essence, a lot of us came out of it with a strong belief in what music really does.”

CVW: It’s clear that you are a guy who has been blessed with the opportunity and blessing of growing up around and have worked with so many local musicians who are still relevant and making music today.

Where do you think you are heading with this journey that is your life and career in music?

Lance: “I was so proud of my band, Black Water Gospel. I spent hundreds of hours writing music, driving back and forth to and from the studio in OC which costs a lot of money, all while putting the band together here in the desert...we really put that church concept into rock and roll music. Through that, we won many awards, which in reality are just tokens...but, I really am proud of what I and we did with that band.”

Lance continues: “All that said, where I am now is a transition period. To everything is a season, as they say...and whatever band or project I am in can’t keep playing the same thing. You can’t keep living the same song.

Super famous people have to keep playing the same songs over and over, year after year. They have to keep trying to give new meaning to their old material which is great for them, but the benefit to my situation is I keep being able to reflect on the changes in my life through song and continually connect with people as my journey continues. I get to sing songs that people believe in and can sing back at me with their eyes closed like I did.”

CVW: Things had to have changed during covid, right?

Lance: “Absolutely. When the pandemic hit, everyone parted ways to do the things that they needed to do for their own journey.

Bands don’t always split up because they don’t want to be together. Sometimes they just have to do their own thing. I’ve always been a songwriter. I have hundreds of memos referring to songwriting on every iPhone I’ve ever had. I always go back to them. This time has been about going back and remembering how to write for myself. That’s what brought me to where I am now. It’s all me; completely different but special to me. Everything that I have released lately is completely different from Blackwater Gospel but it’s from the same heart and soul with the same essence in mind.”

CVW: So let’s talk about now. I know that now that venues have opened up, you are doing a lot of solo gigs all over the valley and your sets consist of a combination of your

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ

originals and some cool twists on popular covers. Where can we follow you?

Lance: “All major platforms. I just released a song under, Lance Aaron and the Lonely Hearts. The song is called, ‘Message’. It has a vibe that’s sort of, John Mayer meets Van Morrison. I like to think of it as an organic vibe with a ton of sub-melodies going on and lyrics that talk about growth. With Black Water Gospel I wrote a lot about heartbreak and getting through it. Now, growth has been part of my writing process. Sometimes a way to address that is with major keys and happy songs. It’s like a movie with three chapters.

The first was sad, the second was endearing and the third was a finality to wrap up the journey. There is a finality to so much of what I’m writing right now that reflects so much of what has happened over the past decade.”

Lance continues: “It’s sort of like being able to reflect, look back on your life thus far, pat yourself on the back and say, “You did it. You got through it. Don’t do it again. Be grateful because you’re a better person for it. That’s why you have to keep playing those songs.

You can’t be a better person without being reminded about the person you used to be.”

Upcoming Shows: 11/4 – Plan B 11/5 – Desert Beer Company 11/6 – Renaissance Esmerelda Lance Aaron available on all major streaming platforms: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, iTunes.

Facebook.com/lanceriebsomer

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

FIRST LADIES OF DISCO TO HEADLINE AAP – FOOD SAMARITANS’ LEGENDARY ‘EVENING UNDER THE STARS’ GALA IN APRIL 2022

EVENTS

LINDA CLIFFORD, MARTHA WASH, AND NORMA JEAN WRIGHT (FORMERLY OF CHIC) SHARE THE SPOTLIGHT PERFORMING SOME OF THE MOST ACCLAIMED SONGS EVER RECORDED

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ood Samaritans (AAP) proudly announces that the 27th annual Evening Under the Stars gala will feature the “First Ladies of Disco.” This incredible performance, along with cocktails, community awards, dinner, and dancing will be a night to remember. The gala will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022, presented

by Eisenhower Health.

AAP – Food Samaritans’ cornerstone event is a unique, high-energy fundraising gala which The Desert Sun newspaper has called “The Jewel of the Desert’s fundraising season.” Proceeds from the gala directly support AAP’s nutritional support program.

AAP Executive Director Mark Anton said of the event, “Over the past 27 years since Evening Under the Stars began, it has not only raised funds and increased awareness of our mission, it has also featured many significant and world-renowned performers.

Early galas were intimate affairs at private estates in Palm Springs, but over time this fantastic evening of community spirit and entertainment generated such an overwhelming demand that it is now held on the spacious grounds of the O’Donnell Golf Club in downtown Palm Springs.”

The Evening Under the Stars stage has featured a wide variety of fabulous and famous performers including Gladys Knight, Lily Tomlin & the cast of Laugh In, Cyndi Lauper, Mary Wilson, Pink Martini, The Go-Go’s, Barry Manilow, Bea Arthur, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the iconic Village People, among others. AAP also brought back the music of ABBA and assembled the First Ladies of Disco back in 2014. That first show, produced by James Washington, was based on James Arena’s book “First Ladies of Disco” which highlighted 32 female vocalists who pioneered the original disco music sound. At Evening Under the Stars that year, history was made as AAP brought the book to life with several of the featured artists on their stage, and the ladies of Chic sang on stage together for the first time in nearly 25 years.

The First Ladies of Disco is comprised of Linda Clifford, Martha Wash, and Norma Jean Wright (formerly of Chic) plus two special surprise guest artists selected especially for this event. It will be an extraordinary musical journey of the most iconic soul, pop, R&B, and dance songs to have ever topped the charts, led by the hitmakers of their time.

Anton continued, “These artists’ collective careers span several decades, and their music includes an incredible variety of on-your-feet, chart-topping smash hits. Together, they have sold millions, and audiences around the world are on cloud nine when they finally get to see and hear these amazing performers that made our youth so much fun!”

Norma J. Wright Norma was a key member of the seminal group Chic, and she went on to release

her self-titled album Norma Jean which catapulted the single “Saturday” to the top of the R&B charts. She has worked with some of the best in the business, lending her voice to recordings for Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Luther Vandross, Sister Sledge, and Debbie Gibson, among many others.

Linda Clifford Linda’s landmark recordings have spent a total of 60 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts earning 5 Grammy Nominations.

Linda has appeared on American Bandstand, Solid Gold, Soul Train, The Midnight Special, Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert, and The Merv Griffin Show. She is an exciting live performer who sold out live concerts around the world including New York’s Lincoln Center. Linda is also an acclaimed songwriter, with her compositions being sought out by Cher and Gladys Knight. She has the distinction of being featured on the Oscar winning #1 motion picture soundtrack album Fame.

Martha Wash Martha is a two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, actress, producer, and activist. As a singer she is most widely recognized for her classic dance hits “It’s Raining Men” and “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” which sold more than ten million copies worldwide. As part of Black Box, their Dreamland album featured four #1 Billboard Dance singles and three Top 40 hits including “Strike It Up.” Evening Under the Stars promises to transport attendees back in time to the heyday of the Disco era. Guests are certain to enjoy getting into the spirit of this event with festive attire specific to the era.

Evening Under the Stars is the largest annual fundraiser for AAP – Food Samaritans, a non-profit organization that provides nutritional support for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses. The gala will begin with an extended sunset cocktail hour on the grounds of the O’Donnell Golf Club against a backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, widely regarded as one of the most festive cocktail receptions of the season. A short awards program will recognize a few inspirational honorees (to be announced soon), followed by a delicious dinner, dancing, and the performance by First Ladies of Disco. Tickets to Evening Under the Stars are now available!

Please visit aapfoodsamaritans.org or call 760-325-8481.

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $7,500 for corporate or individual packages. Benefits include tickets to the event, recognition on-screen and in a printed program at the event, and may also include logo placement

in advertising, printed materials, and more.

Sponsorship levels and benefits are explained in detail on their website, but please note that customized sponsorship agreements are also available.

Previous corporate sponsors have included Eisenhower Health, The Auen Foundation, Harold Matzner & Spencer’s

Restaurant, Contour Dermatology, Steve Tobin and the Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Walgreens, The Desert Sun, Palm Springs Life Magazine, TRIO Restaurant, Baccarat, The Standard Magazine, and more.

We would be honored to add your name to this illustrious list. Program advertising opportunities are also available.

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

CONSIDER THIS

B

ack when terrestrial radio was my primary source for discovering new music, I would toggle between two L.A. stations when I was in the car, KCRW and KSCA. The former was the legendary Santa Monica independent that famously played what they liked whenever they wanted. The latter was a recent addition to the FM dial. Over the decades it had cycled a series of call-letters and myriad genres including Urban Contemporary/ Quiet Storm, Full Spectrum Rock (because halfspectrum will never do) and briefly an Easy Listening station known as KLIT (I shit you not).

It finally became known as KSCA, FM 101 and was owned by singing cowboy/media mogul Gene Autry. It adopted an AAA format, that’s an alliterate acronym for Adult Album Alternative.

It was an umbrella term for Americana, Roots Rock, Jam Band, Jazz, alt.country Alternative Rock, Folk and Blues. They broke a lot of early ‘90s act like Sheryl Crow (snore), Shawn Colvin, Jewel, Dave Matthews Band and the Wallflowers. It was there I first heard Dar Williams’ song, “When I Was A Boy.” Huh? You’ve never heard it? Go ahead, find it on the interwebs or something. I’ll wait…. how perfect is that song! Poignant lyrics fused to a Folk-flavored hook, it offers a pithy and poignant portrait of a grown-up tomboy trying to navigate the ‘90s. The whole song is clever and heartfelt, but this one couplet that echoed my own childhood so completely; “I was a kid you would like, just a small boy on her bike, riding topless, yeah, I never cared who saw/My neighbor came outside to day ‘get your shirt,’ I said ‘no way, it’s the last time I’m not breaking any law,’ and now I’m in a clothing store and a sign says ‘Less is More,’ more that’s tight means more to see, more for them not more for me, that can’t help me climb a tree in 10 seconds flat,” That it kind of singed my soul.

The song’s surprise ending, where she meets a guy who doesn’t marginalize her weirdness, but embraces it, made it all the sweeter. Quietly conveying that anyone who starts out different is still allowed the choice take an alternative path or the conventional one.

Dar Williams was supposed to be a playwright. Born in Mount Kisco, New York in 1967, Dorothy Snowden Williams grew up in Chappaqua, the youngest of three sisters.

A sisterly mispronunciation of her first name resulted in the nickname, “Dar.” She picked up the guitar at an early age and discovered that songwriting came easily. But she viewed it as a form of catharsis rather than a career goal. By the time she entered college, she had determined the theater would be her destiny.

Attending Wesleyan University, she majored in theater and religion, with the intention of becoming a playwright. Following school, she settled in Boston, working for a year as a stage manager for the city’s Opera Company.

But at some point, making music became allconsuming. She continued to write songs and began demo-ing the material. By the early ‘90s, she had self-released a couple cassettes.

On the strength of those recordings, she secured a deal with the indie label Razor & Tie and released her first official long-player, The Honesty Room in 1994. “When I Was A Boy” became a break-out hit on Triple A radio.

Folk Queen Joan Baez was an early and ardent champion, not only mentoring Dar, but also recording several of her songs throughout the years.

For the last 25 years, she has released albums at a pretty quick clip. Throughout 10 studio albums, three EPs and three live recordings, Dar’s music is characterized by

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DAR WILLIAMS

“I’LL MEET YOU HERE” (RENEW RECORDS/BMG)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

her trenchant wit, sharp eye for detail, wicked turn of phrase and her agile melodies. Apart from her solo career, she has found time to team with fellow musicians Lucy Kaplansky and Richard Shindell as Cry,Cry,Cry. The trio covered their favorite Folk artists on their eponymous debut. She has also written two Young Adult novels and published an urban planning study, What I Found in a Thousand Towns: A Traveling Musician’s Guide To Rebuilding America’s Communities-One Coffee Shop, Dog Run & Open Mic Night At A Time. Since 2013, she has conducted songwriter retreats.

As the pandemic hit, Dar was working on her newest book, Writing A Song That Matters.

Her new album was nearly complete, but Covid pushed the 2020 release date and her tour was postponed indefinitely. Finally, it has arrived.

Even though six years have elapsed since her last record, I’ll Meet You Here picks up right where she left off.

The album kicks into gear with “Time Be My Friend.” A thundering big beat collides with shadowy acoustic riffs, rock-ribbed bass and burnished baritone guitar envelope her warm contralto. Instead of regarding time as “the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present and future regarded as a whole,” Dar treats Time as a cohort and confidante; “Time, I’ll make it up to you this time, and we’ll go walking down the wide country road, and I will be your brave companion, your adventurous D’Artagnan, I will be your best receiver, your goldenest retriever/ I’ll remember what you taught me and those treasures that you bought me, most of all a lifetime of friends, it came together when I asked you to be one of them, oh time, be my friend.”

Sharing vocal duties with bassist extraordinaire, Gail Ann Dorsey provides a bit of ballast. Jinglejangle guitars are salted in the mix, giving the arrangement a soupcon of insouciance.

On the road, it’s typically just Dar and her guitar, so, it’s always great to hear her stretch out with a full band in the studio. “Magical Thinking” begins tentatively with hammer

piano accents and intertwined guitars. As her vocals leap in, the arrangement builds, layering sun-dappled guitars, woozy keys, sinewy bass and a thudding beat. It opens with a bit of conversational give-and-take, as she gently puts a skeptical misanthrope in his place. Sure, she concedes that thinking magically might not be practical, but it beats the doom-and-gloom alternative; “Living in daydreams you say it’s not a way to live, you say the rock bed is dry, I say the drought has got to give….tell me there’s no going back, but I’ve been saying that the creek will run, I’ve been waiting for the train to come, going back to all my magical thinking that finds a break in the stone.”

“You Give It All Away” is powered by a brassy fanfare, elastic guitars, brittle bass and shimmery Hammond B3. Perspicacious lyrics like “You’re not alone when you say it’s going fast now, the silver hope, kaleidoscope is spinning us away, but find the means and find the end, find a reason, just pretend, just find a way to send the light you send” pinpoint the quicksilver moment when ambition and inspiration coalesce.

Dar’s narrative prowess, facility with language and sly sense of humor have always been matched by dexterous and indelible melodies. That tradition continues on this album. Take “Today And Every Day,” sprightly guitars connect with rippling mandolin, angular bass, whistling keys and a cantilevered beat.

This buoyant Eco-Warrior anthem finds Dar addressing the flora and fauna directly; “Hey there, Polar Bear, it’s quite a mess we’ve found, life is one heavy trip, our paws are sinking in the ground, I see you lumbering at the break of dawn/How can we survive and save the day before the day is gone? I know I’m going to find the way, I know I’m going to light the way, ‘cause if I’m ever going to make it then I’ve got to say ‘I can save the world today and every day.’”

The piano-driven “Berkeley” offers a gimlet-eyed take on the era where wokeness was invented. “I was the crazed model, for

somebody’s novel, bought from the bookstore where ‘Howl’ was sold.” The narrative deftly moves through the decades; “I met you there later, a Passover Seder, Holy polemics, we thought we were long gone, and Berkeley still pagan, still mad at Reagan, brought us to bed in the luminous dawn,” to the current dot.com demi-monde; “Now it’s commuters with silver computers fed into trains bound for Moloch’s machine.”

“Little Town” paints a vivid portrait of a community experiencing growing pains.

Blissed-out bucolic acoustic guitars partner with lowing cello, spatial bass, lush keys and a thunking beat. Coded conversation feels like verbal redlining; “It’s nothing that you did, you’ve got to understand, you’re taking it too fast, it’s not the color of your skin, but one thing you should know, you’ve gotta take it slow/ What they call the shifting of the sands, I see as your demands, when you change you can’t ignore what things are and were before/My family has been here for generations, and now I have two children of my own, and I knew that I would live here, always knew that I’d stay here, it’s not a new world that you’ve found, it’s just a little town.” Switching gears, “I Never Knew” is quiescent and intime. The courtly melody is anchored by a bare bones arrangement of stately piano, fluttery guitar riffs and shivery cello. Soul-searching lyrics parse the vagaries of love; “I thought love was hoping that you had enough to give someone else, no one ever told me I should lift my head and ask for love myself, but it wasn’t a surprise to find I told myself a pack of lies, whenever I’d rush to answer every beck and call, I knew in my heart that wasn’t really love at all.”

Other interesting tracks include the willowy “Let The Wind Blow” and Dar’s expansive cover of Slambovian Circus Of Dreams’ “Sullivan Lane.”

The album closes with “You’re Aging Well.” The tender piano ballad is one of her oldest songs, a wry meditation on aging gracefully; “Why is it that as we grow older and stronger, the road signs point us adrift and make us afraid? Saying ‘You never can win,’ ‘Watch your back,’ ‘Where’s your husband?’ oh, I don’t like the signs that the sign makers made.” Ironically, Joan Baez began covering this song at age 56, back in 1997. In a recent interview, Dar noted that she’s nearly that age herself, so it feels wholly apropos that she finally feels she has the grace and gravitas to tackle it herself.

Along with superstars like bassist/vocalist Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie, B-52’s), violinist David Mansfield (T-Bone Burnett, Johnny Cash) and guitarists Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm) and Steuart Smith (Shawn Colvin, Eagles), Dar was joined on this album by bassist Paul Socolow, drummers Doug Yowell and Denny McDermott and guitarists Ben Butler and Erik Della Penna. As well as Bryn Roberts on keys, Dave Eggar on cello, Entcho Todorov on viola and Steve Elson on tenor and baritone saxophone. She also received vocal assists from The Sweet Remains- Rich Price, Greg Naughton and Brian Chartrand. Longtime producer Stewart Lerman added some acoustic guitar.

I’ll Meet You Here is another adroit collection of songs from a master storyteller. Dar’s knack for weaving fresh, yet familiar narratives into intricate melodic tapestries has only sharpened as the decades have progressed. “When I Was A Boy” still moves me. This music does too.

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Thursday, October 14

Awe Bar – Tops w/ Tiberius B – 8pm Casuelas Café – Barry Baughn Blues Band – 7:15pm Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic – 7pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Derek Jordan Gregg – 5-7:30pm Jazzville@Agua Caliente P.S. – Rumproller Organ Trio – 7pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Country Nation – 7pm O’Caine’s – Midlife O’Crisis – 6pm Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Switcharoo and Misconstrued – 9pm The Slice – Leanna Rogers – 5-8pm The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30-8:30pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm

Friday, October 15

Bart Lounge – DJ – 8pm Big Rock Pub – The Rockaholics – 9:30pm Casuelas Café – Ghost Notes – 7pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm El Paseo Gardens – Derek Jordan Gregg – 3-6pm

S

ince its first production in 2013 and continuing with its move to the Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC) in 2017, Desert Theatreworks (DTW) has continued to grow and produce incredible community theatre in the Coachella Valley.

Under the direction of CEO Ron PhillipsMartinez and Artistic Director, Lance Phillips-Martinez, Desert Theatreworks has produced 45 full productions. With the opening of their 6th season, in the beautiful, newly renovated Mainstage Theatre, DTW is offering up Mel Brooks Tony award winning comedy, “The Producers.”

With Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, music/lyrics by Mel Brooks. The musical is based on Brooks’ 1967 film of the same name. Brooks adapted his film into a Broadway show in 2001 when it ran for 2,502 performances, as well as breaking records with winning a stunning 12 Tony Awards.

The Producers, takes place in 1959 and is the story of a has-been Broadway Producer and a nebbish Accountant, who devise a corrupt plan to make millions by producing the worst possible script and taking a hit on the losses, therefore allowing them to write it all off and keep the money. Unfortunately, their get-rich scheme goes horribly wrong when their surefire flop, “Springtime for Hitler,” becomes a hit. It’s a buddy road trip with a predictable destination, but lots of

Four Twenty Bank – Jesika von Rabbit w/ Lisa Rae and Black Chrome – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Forward in Motion – 9pm O’Caine’s – The Upshots – 6pm Rockyard@Fantasy Springs – Sounds of Santana (Santana Tribute) and Steel Rod – 7pm Tack Room Tavern – Ghosts of Kelso – 8pm The Hood – Drag Queen Bingo – 8pm The Nest – Nikki Dickinson – 6pm The Slice – Marc Antonelli – 5:30-8:30pm The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30-8:30pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm

Saturday, October 16

Ace Hotel – DJ – noon – poolside Bart Lounge – DJ – 8pm Casuelas Café – Desert Suite – 7pm Coachella Valley Brewery – “Laughtoberfest” – 7:30pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Nikki Dickinson – 6pm

laughs and good times along the journey.

Under the creative and skilled direction of veteran actress/director, Daniela Ryan, The Producers has got to be one of the best produced shows to open this season. While I will be honest in saying that I am not a fan of Brooks’ outdated humor and often sexist dialogue, the razzle dazzle, dancing, singing, choreography and overall presentation of this musical is a spectacular event not to be missed.

From curtain up, to curtain down, this cast will grab you by the lapels and refuse to let go. Michael Picas, in the lead role of Max Bialystock, gives one of the best performances I have seen. His presentation as a somewhat likable, yet unethical hustler doing whatever needs to be done to get the money, will keep you rooting for him even after this becomes his demise and he trades in his tux for striped pajamas. Picas’ singing, dancing and overall showmanship is so captivating that he could be his own one man show and no doubt makes him a contender for upcoming award nominations.

Raul Valenzuela as Leo, Bialystock’s accountant and partner in crime, is an absolute joy to watch, from his first panic attack to his last. And Emily Rose Unnasch, as Ulla, (written as a stereotypical blonde nymphette, whose main purpose is to serve as eye candy,) makes this role her own. She

October 14 to October 20, 2021

Hotel Zoso – DJ LF – 12-6pm Hyatt Indian Wells – Derek Jordan Gregg – 7-10pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Forward in Motion – 9pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – TBA – 9pm Rockyard@Fantasy Springs – Led Zeppagain (Led Zeppelin Tribute) and Steel Rod – 7pm The Hood - Comedy Night – 9pm The Nest – TBA – 6pm The Slice – Leanna Rogers – 5:30-8:30pm The Village – Rob & JB – 1-4pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm

Sunday, October 17

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF – 8pm Coachella Valley Brewery – Acoustic Afternoon w/ Adam Gainey and Mario Quintero – 3pm Hotel Zoso – Banger’s Pool Party w/ DJ Tyler Caiden – 12-6pm Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm

Palm Canyon Roadhouse – Mikole Kaar Jazz Event – 2-5pm, Sunday Night Jam – 6-11pm The Nest – Jojo Malagar – 7pm The Slice – Sergio Villegas – 5-8pm The Village – Rapmarz - 10pm

Monday, October 18

The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Tuesday, October 19

Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Mikole Kaar and the Kaar Club – 4:20-7:20pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Brad’s Pad – 7-10pm The Slice – Sergio Villegas – 5-8pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Wednesday, October 20

Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 6:30pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm The Cantina – T- Bone Karaoke – 7pm The Slice – Marc Antonelli – 5-8pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm, Banda Revolucion – 10pm

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

BY DEE JAE COX

comes across as sexy and upbeat, turning a vanilla role into a chocolate sundae.

Alden Dickey, as the Nazi Playwright, was funny and has a brilliantly strong voice.

Loved his solos. Timm McBride as Roger DeBris, along with Roger’s partner, Carmen Ghia, (Kevin Barry,) definitely took me back to a bygone era of campy elegance. Their “Keeping It Gay,” number was an audience favorite.

This is a fairly large ensemble cast, making it a challenge to give each the acknowledgment they deserve. But they should all definitely be recognized for their collective energy that makes this show a visual classic.

In addition to Ryan’s incredible directing

ability, keeping this show on its toes was the result of some obviously talented professionals. The choreography was riveting. Though Susan Storman’s original choreography was implemented, Stacy Cassaluci-Grenrock’s service as choreography adviser, was obviously a great benefit to this production. Rebecca Mc Williams’ costumes were a spot on fit for the era. Michael C. Wilson, as the Musical Director had a massive undertaking with this show and he excelled.

And last, but certainly not least, Nick Wass created a projection showcase that was a character all on its own. Wass’s background images weaved the pieces of the scenes into a coherent fabric.

Desert Theatreworks is back in full swing with an upcoming season that will make you realize how much you’ve missed theatre.

And they have produced a sure hit with this opening of ‘The Producers.’

The Producers is running October 8-31.

For show and ticket information please visit www.dtworks.org Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomenstheatreproject.org palmspringstheatre.com

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

WINNER CEREMONY FOR 2ND ANNUAL YOUTH WRITING COMPETITION

AT COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY, OCT. 16, 2021, 2:00 PM

T

he judges of CVRep’s 2nd Annual Youth Writing Competition will be announcing their winners at a delightful awards ceremony at the Coachella Valley Repertory Playhouse on Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. According to Peggy Jacobs, Executive Board Member and Founder of the competition, the competition is designed to inspire the Valley’s future authors and playwrights to submit their creative best, “I'm hoping that this competition has allowed every young playwright and author in our Valley the chance to present their best work. Having their own writing evaluated by

some of the desert's finest writers is a great experience for them.”

36 Middle and High School students throughout the Coachella Valley submitted their work for a chance to win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place cash prizes, determined by best-selling author Hal Gershowitz, retired Desert Sun journalist Bruce Fessier, and Vice President of Education for the McCallum Theatre, Kajsa Thuresson-Frary. Students were categorized according to their grade level.

Category 1 – Middle School Category 2 – Freshman and Sophomore Category 3 – Junior and Senior

Tickets | Date | Location | 68510 E. PALM CANYON DR. CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234 (760) 296-2966

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At the awards ceremony, each judge will announce the top three winners of their respective categories and invite each winner to read their creative work on stage, where they will receive their prize money and plaques. The cash prizes are as follows: 1st Place – $500 2nd Place – $250 3rd Place - $100 A Certificate of Excellence, along with a $25 Apple gift card, will be awarded to all submissions that do not place in the top three.

Our sincere thanks to Peggy Jacobs for her generosity of spirit and pursuit of academic

THEATRE

excellence – creating the concept and donating the prize money. Our thanks also go to our judges, all of whom are donating their time and expertise in support of this competition.

While California has eased pandemic restrictions, CVRep’s top priority is the wellbeing and safety of patrons, employees and volunteers. CVRep staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated. Patrons will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR COVID test within 48 hours of performance.

The Playhouse is equipped with hand sanitizing stations and an advanced air handling system which sanitizes the air. In addition, the Theatre will undergo a thorough sanitization and deep clean prior to the show.

Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) is an equity theater company, designated a Small Professional Theatre under the Actors’ Equity Association. CVRep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide thought provoking theatre of substance. For additional information on CVRep, please visit our website at cvrep.org.

EVENTS

O

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

October 14 to October 20, 2021

TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL

n November 11 through14, the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival will return with its 17th annual festival and culinary celebration. The San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival is one of the country’s most talked about events in wine and food, and tickets are now available for this annual culinary classic which will once again feature the action-packed Grand Tasting, San Diego and Baja’s celebrated chefs, international and domestic wineries, breweries, spirits, brand experiences and live entertainment.

“The return of the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival will allow locals and visitors alike the chance to reemerge from the dormancy of the past year and into the sights, smells and sounds that can only be associated with this event. It’s everything we know and love about this event, but made that much more special given the lapse of time and our ability to be together. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to San Diego and another opportunity to Arrive at Awesome,” said Festival Producer, Michelle Metter.

Anchored in San Diego, California, Southern California’s largest food and wine festival welcomes foodies for a 4-day celebration of citywide events, including the Grand Tasting on November 13. Surrounded by beach towns, laid-back coastal cities, and bustling urban centers, this year’s festival takes locals and visitors across the city to experience San Diego’s cultural diversity, buzzing culinary scene, and signature awesome flavors.

Starting at noon on November 14, visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors that will take over Liberty Station as Taco TKO commences once again. While judges work hard to deliberate who will win the Judge’s Award, the power is in the attendee's hands for the People’s Choice Award.

The wine and food festival’s talent lineup includes a spotlight on diversity found throughout the city’s talented chefs, legendary winemakers, guest mixologists, award-winning authors, Master Sommeliers, brewmasters, artisans and tastemakers and more.

As in previous years, the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival will award a portion of its proceeds to charities and philanthropic organizations in San Diego. The festival has held a charitable four-week initiative in May that raised awareness and funds for EmbraceRace, an organization that seeks to

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

educate young children on matters of race and bias, in order to raise a brave new generation.

The first dinner took place on May 11 at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station. Past participants have included the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Berry Good Food Foundation, AIWF, and Kitchens for Good.

The 17th Annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food event benefits culinary arts and enology scholarships awarded to various San Diego nonprofits. One of the country’s most talked about weeks in wine and food, the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival was named the winner of the 2019 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best General Food Festival. Hundreds of wineries, breweries, and spirit companies and San Diego’s top restaurants participated in the 2019 Festival and the festival is looking forward to showcasing even more talent in 2021.

To purchase tickets and preview the schedule of events and featured celebrities, visit the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival® at sandiegowineclassic.com.

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

SCREENERS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

No. 495

ULTRA HI-DEF MONSTERS

tory, including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and The Wolf Man. Starring Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney and Claude Rains in the roles that they made famous, these original films set the standard for anew horror genre with revolutionary makeup, mood-altering cinematography and ground-breaking special effects.

The hours of exceptional bonus content includes: ‘The Road to Dracula.’

‘The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster.’

‘Karloff The Gentle Monster.

‘Monster by Moonlight.’

‘The Wolf Man From Ancient Greece to Modern Myth.’

‘Now You See Him: The Invisible Man revealed.’

A worthy addition to the home library.

4K UHD. Universal.

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

NOW SHOWING IN THEATERS. NO TIME TO DIE. Mentioned here last week, the latest Bond film, the 27th in the series and the fifth and last time Daniel Craig will play the British super spy (or so we’re told) finally makes it to the screen after nearly a year and a half delay.

This satisfying entry – already a global

U

niversal Studios has been in business since the era of silent film through today. The studio has been widely regarded as the home od their prized and iconic monsters. The best preservedoriginal elements of these films have been stored in their climate controlled vault.

And now, these pristine artifacts from Hollywood’s fabled past have been transferred in new 4K editions., and their prized and iconic monster movies stored in their climate controlled vault remain in pristine condition and look great in stunning new 4K transfers for the home theater.

The collection showcases four of the most iconic monsters in motion picture his-

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hit -- in the franchise features a strong emotional center that’s often lacking in theses films. But rest assured, there is no shortage in the trademark and expected big action sequences.. Big recommendation. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

TRAVEL TIPS4U

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ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

E

xperience a Western Adventure into the Sentra Desert like the early Pioneers, on a mule-drawn Covered Wagon! Journey into a 30,000 acre pristine, desert oasis wilderness preserve accessible to their Covered Wagon Tours. Your onboard naturalist guide and Wagon Master will entertain you as you explore the rugged canyon landscapes, natural oasis, flora and fauna of this ancient desert wilderness and the geology of the San Andreas fault.

Watch the colorful desert sunset sink over the mountains as you return to camp

SAFETY TIPS

where the aroma of a Chuck-Wagon BBQ and the sound of live western music welcomes you back to a time you might have dreamed of. Enjoy the magic of the desert evening on this full tour experience while relaxing under a desert sunset, moon and the stars.

For reservations/info: 760-347-2161 coveredwagontours.com.

Tour Only Option Available!

Directions: From the 10 Freeway exit Washington and go four miles north. Right at the sign and up the desert drive - Welcome!

Think Wild West and Roasted Marshmallows Around the Fire Pit!

FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT OF SAFETY! B

elieve it or not, Halloween is just around the corner. Last year we were in the thick of COVID19 and many opted to stay home. This year, I think we will see a very active Halloween. This is a good time to get some Halloween Safety out to keep those trick or treaters safe!

As a kid, this was always one of my favorite holidays. Carving pumpkins, dreaming up a costume (then trying to make it) and collecting pillowcases full of candy. What could be better?

As firefighters, we have seen the spooky side of Halloween — and I am not talking haunted houses. No, it is children out on the streets at night, often wearing costumes that restrict their ability to see and be seen.

October 14 to October 20, 2021

It’s candles being used carelessly in jack-olanterns or children carving pumpkins while unsupervised by an adult. It is lots of people traipsing through unfamiliar yards and neighborhoods.

Halloween can be both safe and fun — it just takes a little planning. No costume needed. Be the real hero this Halloween and get the word out now. Here are some tips: Carve safely! Carving pumpkins can be tons of fun for kids, but make sure that all carving activities are fully supervised by an adult. To ensure that kids can participate, have adults make the needed cuts and ask children to dig out pumpkin seeds or refine the edges of cuts with a spoon. If you are working with very young children, skip the knives all together

and decorate pumpkins with markers, glitter glue or paint.

Use flameless candles. They are safe, inexpensive, and just like the real thing — without the fire risk. If you insist on using real candles, place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave candlelit pumpkins unattended.

Ensure others can see your children. If possible, create costumes out of bright colors.

But if you must go over to the Dark Side, place reflective strips or tape in strategic places on your child's costume, much like equipping a bike with reflectors. You can also consider clipping a flashing bike light onto their treats bag. Several companies make small, lightweight, inexpensive lights that can be used for these purposes.

Ensure your child can see others. A mask can obstruct your child's peripheral vision, increasing the chance that they will trip or bump into objects.

Do not let children under the age of 12 trick-or-treat alone. Enough said!

Set ground rules for older children. No one should leave the house without agreeing when to be back and what route to use. Provide them with a cellphone and a flashlight with fresh batteries and review basic safety rules, including staying with the group, walking only on the sidewalk, approaching only clearly lit homes, and never going inside a home or car for a treat.

Inspect treats before indulging. Although tampering with candy is rare, it is best to inspect all candy before letting your child eat it. (This will also ensure you are regulating

how much they are eating!). Discard torn packages, unsealed treats or anything that just does not look right. For young children, remove gum, peanuts, hard candies, and other choking hazards. And watch out for ingredients that may trigger food allergies.

Make your house trick-or-treat friendly.

Do not be that one house on the block that everyone is afraid of because the dog barks and lunges at people and the porch light is out. Before it gets dark, clean up the yard and the walkway and check to ensure the outside lights work. Place the pets in a safe room away from the front door. If the doorbell bothers your cat or dog, tape over it and keep the door open so you can see trick-or-treaters coming and meet them. And remember that black cats left outside on Halloween can become targets for mischief; best to bring them in.

Which way? If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you Situational awareness! Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car and pay attention to their surroundings Make your Cell phone a ghost. Children and adults are reminded to put away those cell phones, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street Do not be scared… Take the Halloween safety quiz: https://lnkd.in/gCuBBccp With some planning and commonsense safety, you can leave the "spooky" side of Halloween to the ghosts — and create a memorable, exciting experience for your goblins!

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

THE VINO VOICE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY RICK RIOZZA

007 WINE: CHILLED NOT SHAKEN

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s we’ve all heard, Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond is here.

The 25th movie in the James Bond franchise, No Time To Die (or Bond 25, which was its working title) is finally out after an almost two year delay due to the pandemic.

And of course, the usual James Bond fervor is out and about—don’t tell anyone, but I may rent a tux and go as 007 at the next Halloween party: will I be the only one or will the party end up becoming a formal.

We all know that 007 is a great fan of the vodka-martini—“shaken not stirred”. As to that “shaken” stuff, maybe not too much these days. In one of Craig’s James Bond outings, when Bond orders a vodka-martini, the bartender asks if Bond wishes the silver libation to be shaken or stirred, Bond replies, “Does it look like I give a damn!” (I just saw Daniel Craig on Jimmy Kimmel the other night, and Craig said that in first take, Bond actually says, “Does it look like I give a f**k?!

They had to re-take the scene.)

However, famous of all the James Bond beverages is Champagne. He and the ubiquitous Bond girls were never far from a bottle of fine bubbly! Indeed, how many of us back in the day snicked in a “split” of Champagne into the movie to help share in the excitement of the film!

In the Sean Connery days, the Champagne of choice was Dom Pérignon. And specifically, Bond would always order up a 1954 Dom Pérignon. Rightly so—1954 was a stellar vintage year for Champagne.

But the reign of Dom Pérignon did not go beyond the 1970s. After that decadent decade (I know—the 80s were the decadent years) Bollinger, became the official champagne of James Bond and the Queen of England—before she started making her own stuff. To welcome the release of the latest installment, the House of Bollinger has also released a vintage 007 Champagne to go with that Omega watch and BMW automobile.

But once in a while, it was cool to spot a different Champagne around the bedside whilst all the espionage was going on. For instance, wasn’t that a chilled bottle of Taittinger outside of the sheets in From Russia With Love. Les Grappes wrote, “Remember Russian agent Tatiana Romanova being coerced into drinking champagne by Colonel

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Rosa Klebb, SMERSH Head of Executions. For Klebb, the champagne was a cold-blooded, functional tool to trick Tatiana into accepting a fatal mission (‘this beautiful, guileless, innocent girl … must be loosened up’). For terrified Tatiana, the champagne was an object of suspicion, to be gulped nervously”.

Bond calmed her down.

But Bollinger has been the Champagne of choice for close to 40 years.

Unfortunately, I’m not as fortunate as CV Weekly’s movie reviewer Robin Simmons, who gets to watch the films before national release. I haven’t seen No Time to Die, but we’re sure Bond is again enjoying chilled Champagne & Martinis at his desire. Since Bollinger is still on the menu, please allow me to recommend a fine Champagne fit for 007: My notes are as follows: Bollinger Brut Champagne La Grande Année 2012 ($175) 97 points. I forget now the occasion in which we opened the 1996 Grande Année, six years ago. But as we know, opening a great bottle of wine is the occasion. And the ‘96 Année was one of the best Champagnes I’ve ever had: Although its color was turning from bright to a touch darker hue, the liquid tasted fresh, complex, great mouth-feel and finish. We could tell that Champagne could age well for a couple decades. Bollinger makes great stuff. With such a pedigree, let’s try the newly released Bollinger 2012 La Grande Année: “I just read that the 2012 La Grande Année goes from zero to 60 right out of the gate, with an intense spine of acidity driving tightly meshed flavors of crushed black currant, ground coffee, candied grapefruit peel, and toasted almond. The profile expands on the palate, carried by the fine, raw silk-like mousse. Richly aromatic and expressive from start to lasting, spiced finish.”

In a later Bond movie, Sir James was on a cruise ship with, again, a rescued Bondgirl. Two Master Chefs personally served the couple with a fantastic meal and also provided a 1968 magnum of Champagne.

The chefs can’t keep quiet but overpraise and tout the quality of the bottle.

Unfortunately for them, Bond is well aware that the 1968 vintage was a wash-out, so he is put on sufficient notice. I think he went on to whack one of the chefs on the head with that same huge thick bottle.

Although, not a Champagne scene, every red wine enthusiast simply loves the sequence in the razor-sharp briskly paced Cold War thriller, the aforementioned James Bond movie From Russia with Love, where Bond is aboard the Orient Express and in the dining car with his recently rescued Tatiana Romanova. Also sitting across from them at the table is the “false” British agent who does a great job selling his position until he commits a major faux pas. When asked what wine he wished to have with his fish, he calmly replies, “I’ll have a glass of Chianti”.

Bond is immediately put on notice: no selfrespecting representative in Her Majesty’s Secret Service would ever pair that wine to fish! Cheers!

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KEG WHISPERER

W

hen thinking of the finest European Cuisine, my list begins with Italy & Greece and generally ends with France and Belgium. Shoot me if you’d like, but Ireland, England, and Germany do not usually raise an eyebrow. But, with Oktoberfest coming toward its eventual end, an evening of German dining is just what the good Doctor ordered.

My initial reaction to the name Alps Village was one of initial confusion as The Alps stretch across eight Alpine Countries; France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. The Swiss and French Alps are legendary and the German stretch isn’t the most widely recognized.

One glance at the menu and the mystery is solved. While German dishes certainly take

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

ALPS VILLAGE…OKTOBERFEST EVERYDAY! IN PALM DESERT

center stage, the offerings run across European boundaries like a child on a playground.

Starters German Cucumber Salad was a must-try for me as it was a favorite dish of dear ole Dad. He ordered it every time the opportunity presented itself and always concluded with the same observation, “Boy, I sure love cucumbers, but they don’t love me.” The cucumbers and onions were crisp with just enough dill and parsley to make it interesting. Other options across the continent included Mediterranean Olives, a hearty Goulash Soup, Chicken Cabbage Soup, or Garlic Bread. Talk about playing the field!

Appetizers It was a toss-up between the Oktoberfest Pretzel and the Alps Sausage Platter. “Well, ’tis

the Season” I thought, opting for the former for its timeliness. Much of Europe was represented by the other offerings, such as Cheese Fondue, Shrimp Scampi, Cevapcici (Bosnian skinless beef sausages), Fried Calamari, and Irish Bratwurst served up with a Guinness. My Goodness!

Beer After all, this is a beer column, now isn’t it?

The choices are solid, well-known offerings.

The beer menu reflects much thought about rounding out the portfolio with a broad array of styles in an effort to accommodate as many different palates as possible. All beers noted here is very good representatives of their style and will pair nicely with the broad European culinary offerings.

The draft lineup leads off with Hoffbräuhaus Original, a nicely crisp Helles (light) Lager.

The first word that comes to mind with this brew is ‘Crushable’. Next to the HB sits Weihenstephaner Pils and what can one say about a beer from a brewery which will turn 1,000 years old in a scant 19 more orbits? Let’s just agree that they really have this recipe down.

Next in line is Paulaner Weissbier (Hefeweizen), Germany’s number one wheat beer and a fan favorite around the globe.

It’s the perfect accoutrement to that Shrimp Scampi we discussed earlier and please note that most German’s frown upon the lemon clinging precariously to the lip of your beer glass. The lone American Beer on the tap list is Mission Brewery’s IPA…made deep in the heart of downtown San Diego. Fun fact: Mission Brewery’s 25,000 square foot palace was the Historic Wonder Bread Building in the East Village of San Diego.

Rounding out the taps is Köstritzer Schwarzbeir (Black Beer). This little gem was re-introduced as a subsidiary of Bitburger, Germany’s largest beer producer. Should you want to sound like an expert whist ordering it, note that Schwarzbeir does not contain the letter ‘T’ between the r and the z. If you don’t say ‘schwartz’, you will receive many silent nods of approval from the staff and German beer aficionados as well. Last but certainly not least is Erdinger Dunkel, quite possibly my favorite of the draft offerings. The Carmel notes up front are nicely contracted by the generous use of first-class Hallertau hops and I simply cannot recommend this strongly enough.

The package beer list contains a whole bunch of diversity and one killer surprise. It is comprised of Bitburger Drive (non-alcoholic German lager), as well as Blanche de Bruxelles; a wonderful little Belgian Witbier from Brewery Lafevre, an independent, family-run brewery since 1876. Currently at the helm are generations numbers five and six. Next in line

BY BREWMASTER ED HEETHUIS

is Omission Lager, one of the very best glutenreduced beers from the brothers of Curt and Rob Widmer…another family affair.

Bember With Care is a German Apfelwein (Apple Wine), which is one of the coolest ways to pronounce Cider that I’ve ever heard.

Rounding out the package list is Offshoot Relax [it’s just a hazy IPA] from our friends at The Bruery in Placentia. At least, I thought that was the end of the list until I spotted…IT. This beer is tough enough to find in specialty beer and wine shops, let alone in a strip mall in Palm Desert! The award for the best find in a small restaurant goes to…Weihenstephaner Korbinian. This Dopplebock (Double Bock) is dark enough to absorb light and is capped with a rich, tan-colored collar of foam. Hints of figs and plums dance in your head while visions of nutty toffee and chocolate roll unabashedly around your tongue.

Specialties At this point, listing the myriad of specialties available at Alps Village would be pointless as every eclectic item on the menu sound better than the dish which preceded it. I will admit to ordering the Jägerschnitzel Pork with spätzle and its accompanying rich mushroom brown gravy to go as I was already full from my Starter and Appetizer.

The drive to Alps Village is simply worth it just for the Korbinian…and the rest of the menu is simply icing on the Apfelstrudel.

Alps Village is located at 77734 Country Club Dr. Suite F in Palm Desert, CA Hours: 4:30-8:30 Phone: 760-880-3981 www.alpsvillage.com When Ed Heethuis isn’t brewing at Spotlight 29 Casino for 29 Brews, you will find the Certified Cicerone / Brewmaster out on his road bike, waterskiing the Rhine River between Koln & Dusseldorf, or talking beer with the patrons at Taproom 29. He may be reached at: heethuis.ed@gmail.com or wherever beer may be found in the wild.

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

CYBER CORNER

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A

home entertainment system is pretty common these days. It not only adds a sense of luxury to your house, but it also lets you watch a movie in the comfort of your own house. Installing a home theater system takes considerable research, effort, and money. When designing a full-fledged home theater system, there are several factors to consider, such as speaker quality, screen size, room type, lighting, seating, and so on. Similarly, most people are not sure when it is the best time to replace their home theater. This is especially true when one of their favorite manufacturers releases a "new" and "improved" replacement model for a component they own.

Is it conceivable for the next-generation device to be that much better, especially with today's short product life cycles for electronics?

The reality is, MOST OF THE TIME, IT DOESN'T. People are usually too quick to jump on the promise that anything new has to be "better" without first considering what they could do with their existing room or set up to get more out of their home theater system. In this article, we will try to assist you to make more informed purchase decisions by telling you when it’s time to replace your home theater system.

4 easy ways to tell when it's time to replace your home theater The heart and soul of a home theater system are certainly the AV receivers.

With all of the current advancements in home theater technology, it's best to upgrade your receiver as frequently as your budget allows.

Even though your AV receiver is still in good condition, there are signs that it's time to change to a new one. My main reasons for upgrading a home theater system are as follows.

You are running short on or don’t have the new type of input connections. Multiple inputs on home theater receivers are nothing

FITNESS

T

he exercise roller coaster refers to when you start an exercise program and things are going great…until everyday life circumstances stop you from going forward.

You fall off the ride for a while but eventually regroup and get back into the swing of things.

Then another bump in the road bucks you off the ride….again. Sound familiar?

The problem is that these little setbacks can really suck the wind out of your sails and

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BY DENNIS SHELLY

new. The variety of devices present in a home theater system is novel. For example, you may have many HDMI devices that each need their own input connection. This is particularly true if you have 4K capable devices, several gaming consoles, and maybe 3D capable equipment. Other devices, such as a PC, record player, CD player are not included.

While the number of input connections is largely dependent on the number of devices, experts recommend a minimum of four HDMI inputs. Similarly, doing so will assist in futureproof your system for any more devices you may purchase in the future.

You want to make the switch to a multiroom audio and video setup. This point isn't for the casual home theater user, but it's a good way to progress from novice to advanced tech enthusiast. Multi-room capabilities used to be reserved for the most advanced systems, but it's now more accessible than you might imagine. Multi-room (or multi-zone) media is exactly what it sounds like: the ability to play media from your home theater system in rooms other than the one in which it is installed. Your receiver will require zone outputs to do this. This effectively allows you to connect speakers in other rooms to your home theater and play media from there. This can be done with both audio and video, but

the complexity of your setup will depend on how much effort you're willing to put in.

You're looking for more from your speakers. Surround sound is arguably the most important factor in determining to build a home theater. It's worth looking into getting more out of your system once you've become comfortable with the technology. Unless you designed your home theater from the bottom up with the most up-to-date information, it's quite possible that you can get more from your speakers. You can better balance the audio in your home theater with more complex equalizer settings. A home theater with a high power output will allow you to get more volume out of your speakers while reducing the risk of distortion. With a more advanced receiver, you may bi-amp your speakers, giving each speaker two channels of power.

Wireless streaming is missing. Although this isn't a strong reason to upgrade, we can all enjoy the simplicity of wireless music streaming. Even if your home theater is mostly for watching movies, having a good Wi-Fi streaming setup is beneficial when you have guests around. Similarly, Bluetooth technology is advancing at the same rate as other home theater technologies. Bluetooth 5.0 is the most recent version, and it offers faster connections and more devices with

connectivity. If you're looking to upgrade your receiver, don't compromise for anything less than Bluetooth 5.0.

There are various reasons why you would want to upgrade your home theater system.

However, finding the balance between wanting to keep using your old interface and buying a piece of new technology under the sun can be difficult at times, but the principles presented here hopefully assist you in doing so. If you currently have a good, modern 5.1 home theater that decodes lossless audio and supports all of your HD audio and video sources, make sure you optimize it before changing out or adding more components or adding more speakers in the space as this can just make things worse. Our home automation and smart home Eggsperts can help with getting your current speaker placement and room acoustics set up just right. This will typically have a significant impact on sound quality or will determine if it’s time to consider upgrading AV equipment, speakers, and especially cables.

Contact EggHead IT today to get started with a custom In-Home Technology Consultation! Our Home Theater Eggsperts are standing by to help answer your questions.

Give us a call at (760) 205-0105 or email us at tech@eggheadit.com with your questions, requests, or just to chat.

IT | Networks | Security | Phones | A/V | Integration

HOW TO STOP THE EXERCISE ROLLER COASTER?

make you less likely to reach your long-term health and fitness goals.

Consider these quick tips to help you get off the exercise roller coaster and never get back again to its cycle again.

Get SMART Exercise roller coaster riders often set vague goals, which set them up for inevitable failure.

Goals without Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-oriented (SMART) criteria leave you directionless and more likely to fall off the exercise wagon.

If you are a very busy person who juggles a lot of things every day and you set a goal to get to the gym that’s 10 miles away 3 times per week, it’s not Attainable.

If you are a person who hates to exercise alone and don’t seem to find a workout body, it’s not Attainable either.

Also be more specific. Instead of an ambiguous “I want to lose weight,” rephrase this as “I want to lose 10 kg of stored body fat over 20 weeks.”

Healthy fat loss is approximately 1-2 lbs per week, so 20 weeks should be enough time

to burn it off in a safe and effective manner.

Find additional longer-term motivators to keep you on track; Personal Trainers who keep you accountable. A group of people who have similar goals and mindsets.

Sign up for a 10 km fun run.

Or think about being there for your daughter’s wedding or grandchild’s graduation.

Find the activities that you enjoy. The E-Factor.

Q: What’s the best exercise in the world?

A: The one you ENJOY and will gladly do without any poking or prodding!

Do workouts that don’t feel like a workout.

If you love walking and you love the ocean, then take advantage of long morning walks on the beach.

Take time to play with the kids.

If you enjoy a friendly game of tennis, get out there, have fun, and just forget that it’s also a great form of exercise.

Physical Activity Loves Company Too. Forget misery, physical activity loves company too!

With the years of training our clients

BY NADIA POPOVA at their homes the number one reason they staying with us is because of the accountability and the connection we establish with each and every single of them.

Social engagement with exercise enhances enjoyment and increases the likelihood of sticking with it. In my experience, people experience very large improvements in their quality of life, not just from exercise, but also from friendly interaction with their trainers and the community.

Get off the exercise roller coaster by getting your friends, family, or co-workers on board and hold each other accountable.

Join group exercise classes and make new fitness friends.

Talking with them about health and fitness keeps your head in the game and helps maintain momentum.

Before long, you’ve got a new habit with a built-in support network in place!

HADDON LIBBY

A

: A little bit. The Federal Reserve has indicated that it intends on discontinuing the purchase of $120 billion a month in Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities. This massive buying over the last eighteen months has grown the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet by more than $8 trillion.

Many economists and investors believe that these extraordinary fiscal measures will result in a sharp rise in interest rates. This seems unlikely as the Federal Reserve has indicated a willingness to let inflation run hot for a while in pursuit of larger, societal objectives. Part of the Federal Reserve Board’s mandate is full employment. While unemployment is considered manageable at the current 4.8% rate, a deeper look at the number betrays a less optimistic situation.

While we hear that job openings exceed the number of job seekers, fewer than three in five working-age adults are actually working.

The rest are uncounted in unemployment statistics as they have been out of work for more than six months. For some reason, the government categorizes those folks as ‘not participating’. The latest job numbers for September from the Department of Labor reflect a far less robust employment number than most economists were projecting. Weak numbers are due to the rise in the delta variant and its impact on business. Most thought the end of pandemic relief form millions would have resulted in greater hiring levels.

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Q: ARE INTEREST RATES HEADED HIGHER?

A large part of the mistmatch between job openings and job seekers relates to skills and location. Shortages of highly-skilled technology workers cannot be filled with lowly-skilled hospitality workers. Similarly, the migration of workers between states for open jobs has been hamstrung by the continued challenges caused COVID and a growing number of people who are choosing lifestyle over career.

A growing number of people are dropping out of the workforce. People have found that they can get by on less. Where two in a couple may have had to work full-time in Los Angeles, they can change jobs, work from home, and move to a more affordable location. At the same time, many older professionals decided

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

TOUCHDOWN! W

e all love to hear the word Touchdown! It means it is football season. However, terms we don’t want to hear in sports… “there is no crying in baseball” and the friggin football game starts at 9am? We all love to watch football but who drinks beer at 9am on a Saturday or Sunday?

This weekend many of us will find ourselves celebrating a win, or drowning our sorrows with beer, when the game is over.

Since we have all been staying home for months and months and bored for months, some of us may go out after drinking and … you got it… get stopped by our cities finest.

We are stopped for speeding or unsafe lane change or worse we are in an accident, that hopefully, someone else caused.

Now what do you do when the police arrive and what will happen?

Many clients ask if you can get a Jail sentence for a DUI? Yes, you can get a jail sentence. In most cases, the DA will demand Jail as part of your sentence!!! However a good DUI lawyer will get around it with alternatives to jail.

During the Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays, many of our neighbors will have stupidly attended an office or a neighbor’s party and drink…without thinking about the consequences. They, as well as our Indian Wells Tennis tourists, will drink and not use good judgment.

These drivers will drink more than they

October 14 to October 20, 2021

to retire early thanks to strong stock and real estate markets.

The Coachella Valley has been a beneficiary of this migration. Many technology professionals from around the United States have chosen to relocate to the Valley thanks to our great climate (most of the time), hip factor (style, not orthotics) and proximity to metropolitan cities. An increase in flights destined to and from the Palm Springs International Airport is another indication that the valley is benefitting from rapid changed in national demographic trends.

For these positive trends, we miss the reason why the Federal Reserve is likely to keep rates low longer than expected. First, there is an increased bifurcation between the haves and the have nots in American society which has the tendency to cause greater civil unrest. For every new job that lands someone in the upper or upper-middle class, two middle class jobs are lost to the lower class.

Changing needs in the workplace are leading to an increasing divide in society.

How do you re-train a mid-western Factory worker in their fifties to work in the hightech field? What does a mid-level manager do if they get caught up in the latest ‘right sizing’ move by upper management? These folks have skill sets that are not transferable toward open jobs with comparable earnings.

This downward spiral of opportunity results in increased frustration, financial distress and worry.

BY HADDON LIBBY Whether it is a multi-trillion infrastructure plan or extraordinary financial support from the Federal Reserve, these much-needed efforts by the Fed, mask deeper challenges facing the United States, its people and economy.

We are falling behind other areas of the world.

Without a greater focus on education, good economic opportunities will be harder to find as companies can hire in Indio as well as India.

With larger trends afoot, the Federal Reserve will be in no hurry to unwind its historically large balance sheet or let rates go up too far. The issues at hand are deeper and harder to fix.

Haddon Libby is the Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For information, please visit www.WinslowDrake. com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

should or more than they realize. Many will be stopped for speeding, unsafe lane change or not having an up to date tag on their license plate.

Some will also get in a fatal car accident and injure/ kill an innocent party and be charged with Manslaughter or Murder. This tragedy happened a few years ago, to my 25 year old client Celena Nava. She worked at Eisenhower and was jogging in Coachella with a friend. She was hit and killed by a drunk driver….may she RIP. The pain the family experienced, is beyond words. It will last a lifetime, and there is nothing anyone can do to remove the pain.

The money I recovered for the family for Celena’s Wrongful Death, can’t begin to ease the pain the family will experience as they celebrate future birthday’s and holidays.

I have sued drunk drivers for injuries they have caused to my clients for over 30 years AND I have successfully defended drunk drivers when I changed hats. Most drivers did not realize they could be charged with a drunk driving with the little alcohol they consumed. They incorrectly looked at the number of drinks they consumed, rather than the amount of alcohol in the drinks. For DUI purposes, a drink equals 1 ounce of alcohol; 12 ounces of beer or 4 ounces of wine.

However, when the bartender pours a 6-8 ounce glass of wine and you have two drinks you have consumed the equivalent of 3 or 4 drinks. Likewise, my clients tell me they “were not drunk.” The law does not require one to be drunk, but rather Under The Influence or Impaired.

The correct charge is Driving Under The Influence, not Drunk Driving. Being under the influence occurs with everyone, when their ability to drive is impaired. That occurs when you reach a .08 blood alcohol level. However the Indio DA will file on .07’s…..and YES the DA and the court often ask for a minimum of 10 days in jail on a first offense DUI. A good DUI lawyer will also look at what medications the driver has consumed, be they prescriptive, over the counter or illegal.

Many pills have a warning not to mix with alcohol and not to operate heavy machinery after taking the medication….this means a car (not a tractor).

The combination of alcohol and these pills will create a Potentiation, so that the driver is a lot more under the influence at .07 or .08 than the average person. It is possible they are as much under the influence as someone

with a much higher reading.

The bottom line is DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER………THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN HIRING ME! SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com DALE GRIBOW REPRESENTING THE INJURED AND CRIMINALLY ACCUSED “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-21 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

17

October 14 to October 20, 2021

18

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SWAG FOR THESOUL

E

ach one of us has a soul and that soul has laid out a plan for an epic journey in this world. Mostly we don’t know the details of that plan or what events may unfold if we follow it, but we can take comfort in knowing that there is an intricate and fluid plan, and it was formulated by a force that knows what it’s doing!

The whole point of a soul plan is to ensure that you connect with opportunities to grow your soul. There are layers and contingencies to this plan because humans are notorious for being creative and do not always stick to the script. Freewill is a bit of a double-edged sword, but you can rest assured that your soul knows this as well. There are many options built into your soul plan to allow for your creativity, exploration and optimal enjoyment.

If you choose to follow your heart, it does not mean that you are in danger of departing your path. If you are learning and growing, you are meeting your highest soul purpose. While your soul may expect you to meet certain objectives such as having a family and experiencing the unique dynamic that goes along with that, or living in a specific part of the world to connect with a particular culture, your soul often gives you the latitude to choose (with your human faculties) what you do for a job, what you do for fun, and which avenues you pursue to serve humanity. It is less important what you “do” than what you learn, and what learnings you share with others.

It is natural to assume that you must do a specific job or participate in specific activities to stay on your soul path. When you are

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BY AIMEE MOSCO

intending to achieve your soul purpose, understanding that your highest measure of success comes from the growth that is achieved by expanding, using, and sharing your wisdom is key, not doing a specific job.

For example: If you are a realtor and you love your job, but you feel that your knowledge and personal qualities lend themselves to helping people heal, understand that you do not necessarily have to go back to school for a psychology or medical degree to meet that soul urge. Your soul will find a way to nudge you into conversations with your clients that inspire healing within them. Those conversations will likely have nothing to do with real estate. So, unless you really want to become a psychologist or a doctor, you can still meet your soul purpose while doing a job that you enjoy.

If you are making an effort to learn, grow and give back to collective humanity, you are in alignment with your highest soul purpose.

In my pursuit to help human beings grow their souls, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella and me. Go to .facebook.com/ groups/evolvethroughlove and share with us.

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 first book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness” Aimee serves as Vice Chair to the World Game Changers Board of Directors, a charitable CIC based in the UK. Find Aimee at www.ihsunity. com

October 14 to October 20, 2021

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF OCTOBER 14

ARIES (March 21-April 19): According to my understanding of the upcoming weeks, life will present you with unusual opportunities. I suspect you will find it reasonable and righteous to shed, dismantle, and rebel against the past. Redefining your history will be a fun and worthy project. Here are other related activities I recommend for you: 1.

Forget and renounce a long-running fear that has never come true. 2. Throw away a reminder of an old experience that makes you feel bad. 3. Freshen your mood and attitude by moving around the furniture and decor in your home. 4. Write a note of atonement to a person you hurt once upon a time. 5. Give yourself a new nickname that inspires you to emancipate yourself from a pattern or habit you want to leave behind.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus poet Donte Collins’ preferred pronouns are “they” and “them.” They describe themself as Black, queer, and adopted. “A lover doesn’t discourage your growth,” they write. “A lover says, ‘I see who you are today, and I cannot wait to see who you become tomorrow.’” I hope you have people like that in your life, Taurus—lovers, friends, allies, and relatives. If there is a scarcity of such beloved companions in your life, the next eight weeks will be an excellent time to round up new ones. And if you are connected with people who delight in your progress and evolution, deepen your connection with them.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author Lisa Cron advises her fellow writers, “Avoid exclamation points! Really!! Because they’re distracting!!

Almost as much as CAPITALIZING THINGS!!!” I’ll expand her counsel to apply not just to writers, but to all of you Geminis. In my astrological opinion, you’re likely to find success in the coming weeks if you’re understated, modest, and unmelodramatic.

Make it your goal to create smooth, suave, savvy solutions. Be cagey and cool and crafty.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu told us that water is in one sense soft and passive, but is in another sense superb at eroding jams and obstacles that are hard and firm. There’s a magic in the way its apparent weakness overcomes what seems strong and unassailable. You are one of the zodiac’s top wielders of water’s superpower, Cancerian. And in the coming weeks, it will work for you with even more amazing grace than usual. Take full advantage of your sensitivity, your emotional intelligence, and your empathy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo author James Baldwin told us, “You read something which you thought only happened to you, and you discover that it happened 100 years ago to [Russian novelist] Fyodor Dostoyevsky. This is a great liberation for the suffering, struggling person, who always thinks that he is alone.” In that spirit, Leo, and in accordance with astrological omens, I urge you to track down people who have had pivotal experiences similar to yours, either in the distant or recent past. These days, you need the consoling companionship they can provide. Their influence could be key to liberating you from at least some of your pain.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Poet Octavio Paz described two kinds of distraction. One is “the distraction of the person who is always outside himself, lost in the trivial, senseless, turmoil of everyday life.” The other is “the distraction of the person who withdraws from the world in order to shut himself up in the secret and everchanging land of his fantasy.” In my astrological opinion, you Virgos should specialize in the latter during the coming weeks. It’s time to reinvigorate your relationship with your deep inner sources.

Go in search of the reverent joy that comes from communing with your tantalizing mysteries.

Explore the riddles at the core of your destiny.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “We must never be afraid to go too far, for truth lies beyond,” declared novelist Marcel Proust. I wouldn’t normally offer that counsel to you Libras. One of your strengths is your skill at maintaining healthy boundaries. You know how to set dynamic limits that are just right:

© Copyright 2021 Rob Brezsny

neither too extreme nor too timid. But according to my analysis of the astrological potentials, the coming weeks will be one of those rare times when you’ll be wise to consider an alternative approach: that the most vigorous truths and liveliest energies may lie beyond where you usually go.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author William S. Burroughs claimed his greatest strength was a “capacity to confront myself no matter how unpleasant.” But he added a caveat to his brag: Although he recognized his mistakes, he rarely made any corrections. Yikes! Dear Scorpio, I invite you to do what Burroughs couldn’t. Question yourself about how you might have gone off course, but then actually make adjustments and atonements. As you do, keep in mind these principles: 1. An apparent mistake could lead you to a key insight or revelation. 2. An obstruction to the flow may prod you to open your mind and heart to a liberating possibility. 3. A snafu might motivate you to get back to where you belong. 4. A mess could show you something important you’ve been missing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In her novel We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Sagittarian author Shirley Jackson wrote, “Today my winged horse is coming, and I am carrying you off to the moon, and on the moon we will eat rose petals.”

I wonder what you would do if you received a message like that—an invitation to wander out on fanciful or mysterious adventures. I hope you’d be receptive. I hope you wouldn’t say, “There are so such things as flying horses. It’s impossible to fly to the moon and eat rose petals.” Even if you don’t typically entertain such whimsical notions, the time is favorable to do so now. I bet you will be pleased with the unexpected grace they bring your way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn author Susan Sontag wrote about people who weren’t receptive to her intensity and intelligence. She said she always had “a feeling of being ‘too much’ for them—a creature from another planet— and I would try to scale myself down to size, so I could be apprehendable and lovable by them.” I understand the inclination to engage in such selfdiminishment. We all want to be appreciated and understood. But I urge you to refrain from taming and toning yourself down too much in the coming weeks. Don’t do what Sontag did. In my astrological opinion, it’s time for you to be an extra vivid version of yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I am diagnosed with not having enough insanely addictive drugs coursing through my body,” joked comedian Sarah Silverman. Judging from current cosmic rhythms, I’m inclined to draw a similar conclusion about you. It may be wise for you to dose yourself with intoxicants. JUST KIDDING! I lied. Here’s the truth: I would love for you to experience extra rapture, mystic illumination, transcendent sex, and yes, even intoxication in the coming weeks. My analysis of the astrological omens suggests these delights are more likely and desirable than usual. However, the best way to arouse them is by communing with your favorite non-drug and non-alcohol inebriants. The benefits will last longer and incur no psychological cost.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “The truth is,” writes cartoonist Bill Watterson, “most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive.” I sense this will describe your life during the next six weeks.

Your long, strange journey won’t come to an end, of course. But a key chapter in that long, strange journey will climax. You will be mostly finished with lessons you have been studying for many moons.

The winding road you have been following will end up someplace in particular. And sometime soon, I suspect you’ll spy a foreshadowing flash of this denouement.

Homework: What subject are you trying to avoid thinking about? https://Newsletter.

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

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

PET PLACE

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he holidays are right around the corner, and many travelers will take their beloved dogs along with them. After a year of quarantine, Americans are ready to hit the road and enjoy family celebrations. Traveling with canine family members is now easier than ever. More businesses happily accommodate them once they discover this means more revenue. It is estimated that 75% of dog owners include them in holiday celebrations, and 22% include them in travel to holiday trips and events.

Dogs love to travel! Chances are your dog races to go with you when you gather up your car keys. Dogs are natural nomads, traveling in packs in the wild. They are curious creatures who love seeing new places and meeting new friends. Watching their joyful wonder at the passing scenery increases your pleasure during car trips.

Some restaurants have "doggie" menus with special cooked items for canines. Many major hotel chains including Marriott's Residence Inn, The Fairmont, Motel 6 and Best Western allow pets. The Red Roof Inn hotel chain is among the many that don’t charge a nightly fee or deposit for pets. The La Quinta Resort and Club advertises PAWS La Quinta Pet Experience that includes stainless steel food bowls, plush pet beds, pet massages, and acres of lawns and pet friendly hiking. Campgrounds are full of welcome family pets on leash.

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HOLIDAY TRAVEL WITH FIDO!

CAR TRAVEL - A host of new products ensure the comfort and safety of your dog during car trips. Cool pads inside his carrier cool down his temperature during hot weather. Tiny sunglasses with UV protection guard against sun damage to the eyes and block dust and debris. Car harnesses protect your dog if you have to stop suddenly. For extra safety, secure them in seat-belted crates lined with their blankets. Familiar toys and bedding will help your pet feel more comfortable and at home.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN A CLOSED VEHICLE even with the windows cracked. The temperature inside can soar in a matter of minutes. Unattended animals inside cars are at risk of being stolen. It takes less than a minute for someone to break a window and steal your pet. Pet theft is on the rise during the pandemic. Also, it is now against the law in most jurisdictions to leave unattended animals in vehicles. You may return to your car to find your window broken and someone rescuing your pet.

If you are traveling alone with your dog and can't find a responsible person to watch him, no one will object if you take him into a public restroom. Drive through restaurants and outdoor cafes with dog friendly seating are perfect for meal stops.

NEVER let your dog hang out an open window of a moving vehicle like Lilly in this photo!! A friend’s dog fell out of his moving car and sustained considerable injuries.

AIRLINE TRAVEL - A health certificate from your veterinarian is required for airline travel.

Book your dog’s flight with you in advance as airlines limit the number of canines on board each airplane. Bring copies of shot records including rabies. Check in advance with your airline as pet requirements differ. If you have a small dog under your airline's weight limit, it is recommended you take them in a carrier in the passenger cabin where they travel under your seat. Some groups advise against shipping your pet in the cargo area due to instances of loss, injury and even death. If you must ship an animal below cabin, book a direct flight. Your trusted veterinarian can decide if sedation will make his flight easier.

TRAIN TRAVEL - Amtrak does not allow pets other than service animals. Smaller regional rail companies are more hospitable, but call first to find out about crating and other restrictions. Some transit companies don't allow animals during crowded rush hours. Short leashes are recommended.

A wonderful resource, “U.S and Canada Dog Travel Guide”, can be ordered online at www.dogfriendly.com. Great resources can be found on www.BringFido.com. Grab the car keys, hit the road, and double your holiday fun with Fido onboard.

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------

MEET DOT

TUXEDO BOY

Shy at first, Dot will have this beautiful smile when you adopt her!

She’s a Shepherd/Lab mix, 60 lbs of doggie love, dog ID#A1559197. Dot waits for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, www. rcdas.org, (760) 343-3644. Shelter open 10am-4pm Monday through Saturday for visitors.

This sweet 7-mo-old Tuxedo boy would love to be relaxing at your house! He’s cat ID#A1636087 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. Come meet him between 10am & 4pm Mon through Saturday. www. rcdas.org. (760) 343-3644.

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BY JANET McAFEE Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a wonderful dog or cat.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – This county shelter is now open for walk in visitors 10am-4pm Mon through Sat. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – This shelter is open every day except Tuesday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) DESERT HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL - Open daily 9:30-4:30. View their animals at www.cityofdhs.org/animal-carecontrol.com, 65810 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, (760) 329-6411 ext. 450.

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – 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)

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CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - Call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www.californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs and some cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 3290203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to visit and 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) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private)

October 14 to October 20, 2021

LOVING ALL ANIMALS – Call for appointment to visit and adopt dogs.

Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000.

(Private) ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA (ARC), Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. www.thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077 (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, view animals at www.living-free.org, and call (951) 6594687. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-2pm (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is now open for Walk in visitors 12 – 3pm Tuesday through Saturday. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you are interested in adopting, 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)

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

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SANTA CRUZ POLICE CHIEF ANDREW MILLS NAMED PALM SPRINGS CHIEF OF POLICE

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ollowing an extensive nationwide search and a selection process that included significant stakeholder input, the Chief of Police of Santa Cruz, California, a City of 63,000 residents, will be the next leader of the Palm Springs Police Department.

Andrew Mills has led the Santa Cruz Police Department since 2017. Prior to Santa Cruz, Mills served four years as Chief of Police in Eureka, California. He began his career in 1983 as a patrol officer with the San Diego Police Department and worked his way up to commanding officer of gang investigations and criminal intelligence/counter terrorism, rising to the rank of Police Captain and Commanding Officer in 2011, overseeing the San Diego Police Department’s Western and Eastern divisions. Chief Mills will begin his new position in Palm Springs in early November.

In Santa Cruz, Mills was hired as a change agent to help move the department toward a culture of community policing and problem solving, while bringing greater transparency and community collaboration.

The selection process started with review of resumes, a significant screening of more than 50 applicants and two surveys that queried residents and Police Department employees about attributes they were looking for in the next Chief of Police. The process concluded with four separate panels conducted by City Staff and Ralph Anderson and Associates that were comprised of several Chiefs of Police, sworn and unsworn members of the Palm Springs Police Department, an executive department head panel, and a panel comprised of members of the community selected by a Councilmember in each of the City’s five districts, plus other selected stakeholders. The City Council Selection Committee included Mayor pro tem Lisa Middleton, Councilmembers Geoff Kors and Dennis Woods.

A graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, Mills also graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 250, Quantico Virginia and California P.O.S.T Management School. Appointed by former Gov. Jerry Brown to serve on the Board of State and Community Corrections, Mills also

THE PALM DESERT COMMUNITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ITS 2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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heir term began on October 1st, 2021, and we are excited to work alongside them to service our members and the community.

The Board of Directors enact policies that carry out the values in the Mission Statement of the PDACC and take care to ensure the success and viability of the Chamber, among other responsibilities. Board members demonstrate the highest ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality to the Chamber at all times.

“Any successful Non-profit works with the committed partnership between the Staff and the Board of Directors. Each of the members of our Board are valley influencers that have taken this role to give back to the community of Palm Desert. I am personally very excited to be working with this Dynamic group of volunteers ” says Randy Florence, CEO of the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce at 760.346.6111 or email ceo@pdacc.org The full roster of board members and the companies they represent can be found down below: Erin Sullivan - Robert Half Mel Mason - De-Cluttering Spaces, Author, TV Host Lisa Napolitano - SBDC Kelli Cox - CGC Accounting Davis Meyer - Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)

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John Sloan - John Sloan Real Estate Group @Keller Williams Peter Kim - FirstBank Michael Czerwinski - KESQ John Eddy - Eisenhower Marv Law - Healthbridge Insurance Cindy Pieper - State Farm Insurance Leonard Macias - California Bank and Trust Barry McCarthy - JW Marriott - Desert Springs Patrick Somers - General Air Conditioning & Plumbing Sandy Swett - Red Door Pictures Ray Rodrigues - Casuelas Cafė Patrick Klein - The Gardens Linda Long - Lamar Dominque Shwe - McCallum Theatre Debbie Frazer - Mary Kay/Karen Sloat Law Justin Amelung - Cambria Cindy Burreson - Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert Erma Trent - Sillers Institute

serves as Executive Chair of the California Violence Prevention Grant and on the Board of the Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem Oriented Policing. He is also a member of the Major Cities Chiefs Intelligence Commanders Group.

“I am very excited to see Chief Mills join our team. We have had an extensive process where the candidates were tested on their values, knowledge, skills and abilities with a broad cross-section of stakeholders

COMMUNITY

serving as evaluators,” said City Manager Justin Clifton. “Chief Mills was clearly the top performer in the process. I think he will be able to integrate with our team and community seamlessly. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership that, with help from the rest of our team, can take us to the next level.”

“The Palm Springs Police Department has a long-standing tradition of inclusive community policing and building important neighborhood and stakeholder relationships,” said Chief Mills. I am honored to be chosen to serve as the next Palm Springs Police Chief, and I look forward to working with our officers, the community, City Manager and Council to continue providing an exceptional level of public safety service to the Palm Springs community.”

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October 14 to October 20, 2021

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