Coachella Valley Weekly - December 3 to December 9, 2020 Vol. 9 No. 38

Photo by Kurt Schawacker

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 3 to December 9, 2020 Vol.9 No.38

Real Estate Palm Springs

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Pescaterritory

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Dave Alvin

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Mi Cultura

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WildLight at The Living Desert

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

NEW COVID TESTING SITE OPENS IN RANCHO MIRAGE

Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

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s COVID cases continue to surge and are expected to increase through the holiday season, the City of Rancho Mirage has just opened its first drivethrough COVID-19 testing site on Tuesday, December 1.

The drive-through testing site is located at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory’s west parking lot. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time is still recommended, and online appointments with date/time/location information can be found by going to curative. com. Appointment slots open about 3 to 4 days in advance.

Testing will take place five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 31. Tests are free, contactless, and self-administered through Curative, which has completed more than six million such tests in 15 states across the United States.

The partnership between the City of Rancho Mirage and Curative will provide quick, easy, self-administered, painless oral fluid PCR COVID-19 testing at no-cost to Rancho Mirage residents and surrounding communities.

The test is of no charge. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act ensures that COVID-19 testing is free to anyone in the U.S., including those without insurance. There will

be no copay charged for taking a COVID-19 test.

Curative’s self-collected, painless oral fluid PCR COVID-19 test involves having a person first cough into their elbow or mask, which releases virus from the upper and lower respiratory tract. The person then swabs the teeth, inside of the cheeks, and the roof of the mouth before sealing the test within a secure container and returning it to a Curative observer.

Curative is a COVID-19 testing company that aims to transform healthcare delivery.

Curative Inc. was founded to develop sepsis tests in January 2020 and pivoted to COVID-19 in early March 2020 upon realizing the urgent need for test development and production in the United States.

“The City Council of Rancho Mirage has been looking for ways in which to assist our

CONTENTS COVID-19 Testing in Rancho Mirage ... 3 Mr. & Mrs. Claus of the CV ................ 3-5 Fantasy Springs Job Fair ...................... 5 Gelson's Toy Drive.................................. 5 Real Estate ............................................. 6 Pescaterritory........................................ 9 Safety Tips ............................................. 9 Travel Tips 4 U - Cannon Beach, OR...... 9 Consider This - Dave Alvin............ 10-11 The Vino Voice .................................... 12 Good Grub - Mi Cultura ...................... 13 Cannabis Corner.................................. 13 Screeners ............................................. 14 Pet Place ........................................ 16-17 WildLights at The Living Desert......... 17 Haddon Libby...................................... 19 Dale Gribow......................................... 19 Health - Keto ....................................... 20 Free Will Astrology ............................. 20

community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Access to easy testing has been a priority for many months now. The City of Rancho Mirage and our public library are centrally located to accommodate free and easy access to COVID-19 testing. We are proud to partner with Curative on providing this drive-through testing for residents and neighboring cities.

Regular testing is vital to help protect those we care about, aids our public health officials, and helps our business community,” stated City Manager Isaiah Hagerman.

Father Christmas himself also made an appearance in Rancho Mirage to get a COVID-19 oral fluid PCR test. Santa Claus was the first to get the test before the site opened to the public, as even though he was not experiencing any symptoms, he is testing regularly as part of his commitment to keep the 2020 holidays safe and help our economy reopen.

“Testing for COVID-19 helps to find cases, contain the spread, and ultimately reopen businesses. Whether you have symptoms or not, getting tested helps protect your family, co-workers, and friends who could be at risk,” said Santa.

The drive-through testing facility is located in the parking lot at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory, 71100 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage.

MR. AND MRS. CLAUS OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY

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he famous Christmas song says that Santa Claus is coming to town, but St. Nick and the missus are already in the Coachella Valley, spreading holiday cheer even during a Grinch-like year.

Gregory and Laura Little are doing their part to create some Christmas magic by continuing their annual tradition of dressing up as Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Greg and Laura started donning their festive apparel 10 years ago, when their children were in middle school. Laura attended a PTO meeting where they were asking for volunteers to dress up as Santa for a school fundraiser at the bookstore at the mall. She volunteered Greg to wear the Santa suit they provided for half an hour.

While Greg was initially not happy about playing Santa, he ended up enjoying it and even wanted to do it again. The year after that, one of their friends needed a volunteer and had a Santa suit, so they signed Greg up to perform his Santa duties again.

“The surprising thing we learned pretty quickly is how flirtatious some women are with Santa, so partially because I was feeling protective and partially because I had FOMO,

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

Photos by Kurt Schawacker

I decided to be Mrs. Claus,” revealed Laura.

The two continued to make appearances for parties and events, using loaner costumes for Santa for the first couple of years. It was only until they realized that we were committed that they bought a good suit, real Santa boots, and a belt. Laura made her

own costume out of a red bridesmaid dress that she altered and accessorized into her version of a modern Mrs. Claus. Her mother helped her make a new dress from scratch last year that she currently wears.

One of their mainstay appearances early continue to page 5

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MR. & MRS. CLAUS

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on was for Santa photos at It's A Grind (before it was Sip). Greg and Laura have also been Santa on ice skates year after year with a group of kids whose parents play hockey together, read Christmas stories to kids with the Real Moms of the Coachella Valley group, and have done the Scout Pancake Breakfast for several years. When Laura worked at the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, she also did “story time with Mrs. Claus" every Saturday in season.

“Watching people smile is the best part of dressing up as Santa. If I can make somebody's day brighter, it's a good day. It's always fun to surprise people as well,” said Greg.

This year, Greg and Laura are also supporting the message about the

COVID is going to mess up Christmas, too.

We want to spread joy and cheer in a safe way,” stated Laura.

Greg and Laura are working with the Family YMCA of the Desert for a fundraising campaign where, if you make a donation to the Y in the amount of $50, you can fill out a letter to Santa and receive a

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video reply. More info can be found here: eventbrite.com/e/the-family-ymca-of-thedesert-presents-letters-to-santa-2020tickets-130605248815 If you are interested in making a donation to support the Family YMCA of the Desert, their donation link is here: donate. ymcaofthedesert.org/login.

importance of COVID testing, with Santa even going to get his COVID test at the new Rancho Mirage testing site on opening day.

The couple came up with the idea of Santa Drive-bys. They took the doors off their green Jeep and decorated it like an alternate Santa sleigh by filling it with wrapped boxes and stuffed animals. They also made a survey online to see who wanted a drive-by visit, asking for the address, names of kids, days of availability, and a checkbox about agreeing to stay 6+ feet from the Jeep.

“Everyone seems to have COVID fatigue.

Our local economy that is so dependent on tourism has been pummeled. People are out of work. By now, we all know someone who has been sick, many of us know someone who has died. It feels like the final straw that

NEWS

FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO TO HOST FOOD & BEVERAGE JOB FAIR DEC. 5 AT SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER

antasy Springs Resort Casino is serving up a full course of appetizing career opportunities!

The property will host a job fair for its Food & Beverage department THIS Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Special Events Center. Fantasy Springs is looking to fill approximately 15-20 fulltime positions, including bussers, restaurant servers, cooks, bartenders, beverage servers, and assistant managers. Prospective applicants can view all employment opportunities and pre-apply by visiting fantasyspringsresort.com/employment.

“If you have restaurant experience or are interested in being part of the culinary experience at a high-end resort, we encourage you to come to our job fair

December 3 to December 9, 2020

Saturday,” said Food & Beverage Director Tony Sanza. “We’re looking for talented, outgoing, service-oriented people to join our team.”

Job fair attendees should bring an updated resume and come dressed to impress (face coverings are mandatory). Food & Beverage managers will be on site to interview applicants for specific jobs. Applications for open positions in other departments will also be accepted. Interested parties can schedule an appointment with the Human Resources department by calling (760) 238-5687.

Fantasy Springs offers competitive wages, attractive benefit packages, on-the-job training, and opportunity for advancement.

The property boasts three sit-down restaurants (JOY Asian Cuisine, POM, and The Bistro), several quick-service eateries (Pizza Kitchen, Lique, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Starbucks) and multiple cocktail lounges and bars.

Fantasy Springs is one of the Coachella Valley’s largest job providers with nearly 1,000 full- and part-time employees.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is an essential enterprise of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. For more info, call toll free (760) 342-5000 or visit FantasySpringsResort. com. Follow Fantasy Springs on Facebook and on Twitter @fantasysprings.

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elson’s customers across Southern California are encouraged to take part in the company’s annual toy drive, December 1-20, and donate a toy to a child in need. The toy drive, which will take place at all 27 stores as well as internally at Gelson’s corporate office and warehouse, will benefit disadvantaged children throughout the region.

Returning partner organizations for the toy drive include: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, and Toys for Tots. New partnerships this year are: Promises 2 Kids, Miracles for Kids, and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Long Beach.

In keeping with tradition, Gelson’s employees will be personally delivering some of the toys, following all COVID-19 rules and guidelines.

The toy receptacles at Gelson’s stores will be designated red bins or branded containers provided by the partner organizations. A list

of suggested donations can be found at the store front desk and on gelsons.com. Also, some partner organizations are requesting online donations – check their sites for more information.

“We felt it was especially important to keep the tradition of the annual toy drive alive this year,” said Gelson’s CEO and President Rob McDougall. “We have a long history of customer service extending beyond our stores and into the community. As we enter our 70th year in business in 2021, we look forward to continuing to work with our nonprofit partners – and we are grateful for the generosity of our customers. Together with our Gelson’s associates, let us make the holiday season brighter for families in need across Southern California.”

Please visit Gelson’s website (gelsons.com) for further details on the annual toy drive.

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REAL ESTATE

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BY CRAIG MICHAELS pool (salt water ready.) The back yard also includes an above ground spa highlighted by custom flagstone decking and a beautiful outdoor shower. Enjoy the view while you entertain guest in the amazing Cabana w/ 50’ TV, rotisserie BBQ, dishwasher, fridge, sink and ice maker.

This home was built for entertaining and would make a perfect vacation rental or primary residence. Grand piano and other furnishings are available outside of escrow.

The list price for this home is $775K and has a lease until 2042 with an option to extend to 2067.

If you would like more information about this beautiful home send me an email at craig@realestatepalmsprings.com or call me at (760) 880-3848. Rental projections available.

Written By: Craig Michaels Better Homes and Gardens / Leaskou Partners Inc. www.realestatepalmsprings.com

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hile COVID-19 has devastated many businesses and individuals, real estate in the Coachella Valley has been the silver lining in the pandemic cloud. Many professionals have realized they can work remotely from beautiful cites like Palm Springs instead of making the daily commute to the office.

The pandemic has accelerated the influx of transplants from big cities like L.A., San Francisco and Seattle who are snapping up real estate changing the demographics of what was once a retiree community. Palm Springs has also been an attractive location for real estate investing. Although the population is small, there are many renters, pushing up rental demand for traditional rental investment properties.

According to Freddie Mac, the government-backed mortgage brokerage, interest rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage recently fell to 2.86% —the lowest number in nearly 50 years. While this is great news for buyers, they may be challenged to find their dream home with record low inventory. On November 1, there were only 2,014 units for sale in the Coachella Valley that is about half of what we have in a normal market, but we know 2020 is anything but normal. This high demand for homes combined with record low inventory and interest rates has helped push home values up. Currently homes in Palm Springs are selling for 99.56 % of list price which is another indication of the high demand.

Many neighborhoods once shunned by buyers are now experiencing a surge in activity. When I am working with buyers in

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Palm Springs they generally like to start their search in the southern part of the city due to its proximity to downtown and its closer to the mountain which means it’s less windy.

We have seen buyers purchasing more homes in the subdivisions located in the central and north side of the city discovering the great values with the same quality of life.

Neighborhoods such as Desert Park Estates, Racquet Club East and Victoria Park/Vista Norte have all experienced a large increase in home sales.

One of the hottest neighborhoods with buyers recently is Victoria Park/Vista Norte.

Most of the homes around Victoria Park are ranch or contemporary style single-family homes built between 1965 and 2002. These homes, many of which sit on Indian lease land are suited for indoor/outdoor living with large expanses of glass walls lining the living room and views of swimming pools and nearby mountains.

Here is the latest hot home to hit the MLS in Victoria Park/Vista Norte. Welcome to a slice of “Palm Springs Paradise” at 1173 E Via Escuela. The home built in 1978 has had over $200K in upgrades. It includes 3 bedrooms (one currently being used as office) 2 bathrooms and a total of 2,000 sq. ft. The south facing backyard enjoys a breath taking, unobstructed view of Mt. San Jacinto. It has a gated courtyard surrounded by 110 Ficus trees mixed with Sago Palms and fruit trees for complete privacy. Other upgrades include newer HVAC and energy efficient Master Evaporative Swamp Cooler and additional Mini Split AC. It also boasts updated kitchen and baths with a sparkling Pebble Tec

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LOCAL MUSIC

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eleased on Halloween 2020, the self-titled Pescaterritory album put a mind-blowing scare into Rock fans around the world as it was played in its entirety on US10 Radio. Since then, their music has been played in countries like England, Scotland and Spain to name a few.

Out of the gates, the album screams Rock and Roll! Recorded at Sondy Studios by Jake Sonderman (Silver Sky), you can download or purchase the album on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and iHeart Radio.

The ‘Best Youth Band’ of 2019 at the Coachella Valley Music Awards, Jason Zembo (guitar), Nick Willman (drums), Aiden Schaeffer (vocals) and Gavin Lopez (bass) have their own festival, PESCAFEST, hopefully returning in 2021, as well as having plans of conquering North America while ‘crossing the pond’ to annihilate Europe and beyond!

With comparisons to Led Zeppelin, Pescaterritory have earned the correlation through their hard work and philosophy.

They are willing to step out into the unknown and roll the musical dice. Notably the most successful band to develop from the Academy of Musical Performance (AMP), the band has made significant efforts to remain in the public eye sans the pandemic.

Performing live online, participating in benefits, continuing to forge a relationship with Gotham Records and US10 Radio Show host Barry Tomes and United Kingdom television and radio presenter/producer Monica Price and essentially staying connected and in the public eye.

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PESCATERRITORY–ALBUM REVIEW

Nominated for three 2020 Coachella Valley Music Awards for ‘Best Youth Band’ (a moniker they hope to shed this year), ‘Best Drummer’ for Willman and ‘Best Song’ for King Street, the band continues to strive for excellence in music and performance. The 8th Annual CV Music Awards will be held Sunday, December 20, 2020, from 5-7 p.m.

This year, for the first time, will be brought to you virtually. Below is the Coachella Valley Weekly review of the album, Pescaterritory.

King Street - “I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell”. - The Bruce Dickinson (producer). The first version of this song was released on July 31, 2019, this interpretation is incontestably different.

Cue the cowbell, big bass and drums, keen muffled vocals and stupefying guitar hook.

There is a King Street in Indio, California, I wonder if the song is based on any shenanigans the band has experienced while traversing the inner city thoroughfare that leads to the county jail. At any rate, if any song encompasses the band’s attitude, this song is it. The added double-time exit brings it to a climax. From what I hear, the official video for King Street is on its way!

Running Away - A faster “running” pace.

It features more serious and commanding vocals from Schaeffer. It has a Velvet Revolver kind of tempo and sound. Zembo and Lopez solos are featured respectively.

This is a song I look forward to seeing performed live.

Dream Inside a Dream - Exceptional lead and background vocals. A 5 minute opus of imagination from the formidable foursome,

SAFETY TIPS FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

WE WISH YOU A SAFE HOLIDAY!

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ow that the outdoor decorations are in place, let’s look at a few indoor safety facts and tips.

How to keep you and your family safe: When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.

When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators.

Heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water.

Do not block doorways.

Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.

Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

The lights could short out and start a fire.

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.

In homes with small children, take special care to avoid sharp, weighted, or breakable decorations.

Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children who could swallow or inhale small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.

Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace.

For additional Holiday safety information contact your local fire department Happy Holidays and Be Safe!

Willman’s drums throb and mobilize the song. The chant of “no more dreams” leads me to believe there is too much emphasis placed on the delusions of “castles in the air” rather than focusing on the reality of our situations.

Better Off Dead - The other track that was released in 2019 is regenerated here.

The song is reconstructed in a way that lifts the title to a more palatable theme. We are not really “better off dead” but it’s a tongue in cheek and sarcastic term that, in the song, seems to communicate that being in a painful situation where death would be preferable over being vulnerable.

Ranger Larson - The strangest song title of the bunch with the biggest Blues lasso. The Pesca boys are at a musical threshold here.

The song showcases their apprehension of the history of music, no doubt instilled by

TRAVEL TIPS4U

December 3 to December 9, 2020

BY NOE GUTIERREZ their familial influences and AMP. I’m Fine - An acoustic intro into a lulling “wave your lighter” segment. The song conveys the impression of the difficulty of sharing how someone genuinely feels. It is an impassioned song that lyrically shows the depth of emotion within these young men who “feel” and have the desire to express themselves AND be heard. This is the element that Pescaterritory may have over their Rock predecessors, an emotional intelligence associated with their music.

New Rock - Cool bass and drum intro.

New Rock? Not really, but it encompasses all that is good in Heavy Rock, egregious instrumentation, stabbing vocals and dynamic groove.

Rise - That guitar intro…reminds me of Seattle bands like Soundgarden and Queensrÿche. The song includes some of Zembo’s most skillful six-string work.

Another song I would like to see performed live…and soon!

The War - The ultimate termination for music fans. A 10 minutes plus finale! If you’re going to debut an album, this is how you end it, with a crowning achievement. I believe The War will be discussed for decades to come, a ‘tour de force’ of a song that takes you on a journey into the sentiments of these four evolving musicians. If you like the length, depth and self-questioning of Tool or Dream Theater lyrics, you will love The War. The fade out only lengthens your languish and makes you thirst for more.

Follow Pescaterritory on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

CANNON BEACH CANNON BEACH, OR

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alk their sandy beach crowned by Haystack Rock an Oregon icon, and you will begin to see why you will love this stretch of the Oregon Coast.

Named one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic, this remarkable landscape will simply take your breath away.

The stunning coastline views and remarkable natural areas blend magically with their charming village by the sea where you can savor the culinary bounty of the Pacific Northwest, enjoy luxurious oceanfront lodging and explore one of the top art towns in America. It’s just 90 minutes from Portland, but Light years from ordinary.

For more info visit cannonbeach.org.

Think Travel and Enjoy this amazing Beach Town!

Lynne Tucker - A Passion 4 Photography 818.298.7007 Contributing Writer & Photographer for: CV Weekly (Coachella Valley) The Tolucan Times (San Fernando Valley) Conservation Ambassador for The Living Desert

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CONSIDER THIS

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ave Alvin is the kind of guy who has an encyclopedic knowledge of music. Rock & Roll, Country, Folk, Blues (especially the Blues), you name it, and he could probably teach a master class.

A musician’s musician, and an under-sung guitar god, he doesn’t just play a guitar, he plays a 1934 National Steel Duolian guitar or a 1964 Fender Telecaster, a ’54 Martin 00-18 and a 1958 Martin D-28. So, it’s wholly apropos that his new album is entitled From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings.

Born in 1955, Dave, along with his older brother Phil, grew up in Downey, California, birthplace of the Aerospace industry.

Although it’s only 13 miles southeast of Los Angeles, it might as well be a world away. It was there Dave and Phil became obsessed with music at an early age. Thanks to the influence of an older cousin, they both became passionate students of Blues, Folk, R&B, Country and Rockabilly.

By the time they were teenagers they began haunting vintage record shops and making regular pilgrimages to the legendary Ash Grove club in L.A. It was there they soaked up the sounds of Rev. Gary Davis and Lightning Hopkins and even met heroes like Big Joe Turner and Muddy Waters. Although both attending college and Phil began teaching mathematics, their shared passion for music never wavered.

By 1979, the brothers enlisted bassist John Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman and formed The Blasters.

The four-piece hit the fertile L.A. club scene and fell in with like-minded bands such as X, Gun Club and Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Pigs. The Blasters pioneered a Roots Rock sound that incorporated their myriad influences, with an added jolt of Punk Rock energy. As lead singer, Phil was very much the “voice” of the band, but as guitarist and primary songwriter, Dave emerged as the band’s heart and soul.

Although they recorded their debut, American Music via the tiny Rollin’ Rock label, the Blasters soon joined their pals X and signed with L.A.’s premier indie label, Slash Records. Between 1981 and 1985, they released three critically acclaimed studio albums and a live EP. They ended up sharing stages with everyone from the Cramps and the Go-Go’s to Western Swing band, Asleep At The Wheel. They even wound up as openers for Queen on a leg of their West Coast tour.

Before splitting from the Blasters, Dave recorded with the Knitters, a Country/ Folk side project spearheaded by several members of X. He officially quit the Blasters in 1986. Coincidently, guitarist Billy Zoom had recently left X, so Dave stepped in on guitar for their See How They Are Album.

He also contributed a classic song, “4th Of July” to the X canon. But his true ambition was to sing and play his own songs, so in 1987, he embarked on a solo career.

In the ensuing years, Dave has released 12 critically acclaimed solo albums. He

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DAVE ALVIN

“FROM AN OLD GUITAR: RARE & UNRELEASED RECORDINGS” (YEP ROC RECORDS)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

has also reunited a few times with The Blasters and made a second album with the Knitters. In the last decade he and Phil have collaborated on two records that featured interpretations of their favorite Blues classics.

Most recently, Dave and legendary Texas singer- songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore partnered to record 2018’s Downey To Lubbock. Dave’s down-home Downey grit was perfectly matched by Jimmie Dale’s Lubbock twangy Country-Soul. At the beginning of 2020, Dave revealed his most intriguing collaboration to date, the super group, Third Mind. He joined forces with bassist Victor Krummenacher (Camper Van Beethoven), multi-instrumentalist David Immergluck (Camper, John Hiatt, Counting Crows) and drummer Michael Jerome (the Toadies, Richard Thompson). Inspired by Miles Davis’ improvisational jams, the fourpiece just set up and played. The goal was “loud fun.” The result was a self-titled six song set that unfurled like an extended suite. Primarily instrumental, Dave sang lead on one track. It was a brilliant synthesis of disparate influences.

Had 2020 progressed logically, Dave would have spent most of the year on the road with Third Mind, flexing new musical muscles, extending boundaries and expanding horizons live. Instead, the COVID 45, um, 19 pandemic hit and the music industry nearly ground to a halt.

Rather than sit around in his Underoos, binge-watching Bravo Television, he began digging through his archives. The result is From An Old Guitar, a collection of 16 rare

and mostly unreleased songs that were recorded between 2000 and 2017.

There’s no rhyme or reason to this record, the unifying theme is these songs, mostly written by heroes and friends, are simply fun to sing and play. The album opens with a wry take on “Link Of Chain.”

A rambling Rocker originally written and recorded by urbane Blues/Folk singer Chris Smither, Dave slightly recalibrates the rhythm and expands the instrumentation.

Descending piano chords are bookended by swirly acoustic riffs, pinwheeling electric slide guitar, brawny bass lines and a propulsive shuffle rhythm. Dave’s warm tenor vocals are close, intimate and surprisingly seductive, as the lyrics offer a mystifying mea culpa; “Can’t you see, I can’t explain, I’m a little like a chain, just a ring around the other, running in and out again/Fly me like a kite line, smilin’ like a gold mine, I don’t need to do right, go to the end and that’ll do to hold me tonight.”

On the break, courtly acoustic notes flutter around barbed electric slide riffs slipping into an audacious pas de deux.

Dave honors Country legends like Waylon Jennings and Marty Robbins by covering classics like “Amanda” and “Man Walks Among Us.” The former was a huge hit for Waylon, who, along with Willie Nelson were the architects of the Outlaw Country movement. While the original was a stripped-down lament, in Dave’s hands the song becomes a loping cowpoke Waltz. Beefed-up instrumentation includes two acoustic guitars, layered over electric licks, searing pedal steel, woozy accordion,

stately piano, a walking bass line, all in ¾ time. Crooning tenderly to a do-right woman, he thanks her for her patience and forbearance; “It’s a measure of people who don’t understand, the pleasures of playing in a Rock & Roll band, I got my first guitar when I was 14, now I’m way past 40 and still wearing jeans.”

On the latter, Dave builds on the Gunfighter ballad paradigm Marty popularized back in the ‘50s. Blending willowy guitars, high lonesome pedal steel sturdy bass lines and a chunky backbeat, Dave’s solemn baritone soars over ecospiritual lyrics like “Twenty feet high in the side of a cactus, I see a hole where the butcher bird stays, if mortals could choose, and heaven should ask us, here’s where I’d want to spend all my days/Soon will be gone all the desert, cities will cover each hill, today will just be a fond memory, man walks among us, be still, be still, man walks among us be still.”

Dave pays homage to several musical heroes here but puts his own stamp on each song. Take Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited,” faraway, almost ethereal, electric riffs are supplanted by slashing power chords, rumbling bass lines and a walloping big beat. Where His Bobness seemed mischievous, mixing Old Testament, Shakespeare and politics, Dave’s mien is equal parts laconic and sinister. Rattlesnake guitar riffs slither and strike on the break underscoring the song’s inherent menace.

Conversely, he rejiggers the late Bill Morrissey’s “Inside” without sacrificing the song’s tender fragility. Over a spare and soulful arrangement of tentative piano, supple guitar licks, quiescent bass and pliant rhythms, Dave’s wistful baritone is shadowed by plaintive harmonies. Lyrics paint a vivid portrait of a couple who are down on their luck; “Tonight it’s just you and me, furnished room black & white TV, the late movie runs till three, then it’s just you and me again/There’s no work just a lot of talk, I quit drinkin’ now I watch the clock, I count the minutes in the dark, till the sun cries up again.” The humor and heartbreak are here for the taking.

Dave streamlines the low-down Blues of Willie Dixon’s “Peace.” A stuttering shuffle rhythm connects with serpentine guitars, slinky bass lines, feathery keys and smoky harmonica. Lyrics like “You take one man’s heart and make another man’s live, you even go to the moon and come back thrilled, why you can crush a country in a matter of weeks, it don’t make sense that you can’t make peace,” resonate right now. Guitars sting, squall and skronk on the break, before the whole enterprise powers down.

Meanwhile, he adds some Country Rock

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flavor to the Sir Douglas quintet Tex-Mex Raver, “Dynamite Woman.” Slightly less shambolic than the original, it features strummy acoustic guitar, piquant electric riffs, rock-ribbed bass and weepy pedal steel over an accelerated Texas Two-Step beat.

Dave leaves his California comfort zone on a couple of tracks. Taking a pass at Link Davis’ slightly obscure “Albuquerque,” he swaps out the ‘50s cornpone arrangement of the original, recasting it as a swampy Psychedelic Blues Cha-Cha-Cha. Dave’s authoritative growl rides roughshod over Wah-wah guitars, spidery bass lines, wheezy harmonica and a whipcrack beat.

The boogaloo guitar solo on the break phases and flanges in all the right ways.

Taking a bit of an Alabama getaway, he tackles Mickey Newbury’s sad-sack lament, “Mobile Blue.” Opening with some wobbly backwards guitar, Dave puts the pedal to the metal, stacking sparkly guitars, tensile bass, sawing fiddle and boisterous piano over a chugging four-on-the-floor rhythm.

The arrangement truly takes the sting out of pity-party lyrics like “Aw, I left her back in Frisco, Lord she begged me not to go, I know somebody must have told her that I travel and I lie/They saw me drunk in Mobile, with some wired up chick from Jacksonville, and brother, did we look like we could fly.”

A few instrumentals dot the album, Dave steers the brassy Big Easy strut of “Perdido Street Blues” into a Gypsy Jazz hoedown. His “Variations On Earl Hooker’s Guitar Rhumba” is powered by slashing guitars, sprightly accordion, piano that shapeshifts from cosmopolitan, continental notes to rippling Honky-Tonk runs, looselimbed bass lines, searing harmonica, pedal steel that lean tropically toward slack key, and a rattle-trap Rhumba beat. His own composition, “Krazy And Ignatz” is pareddown and playful. Fleet and frisky fretwork from Dave on his National Steel and Cindy Cashdollar on dobro unfurl as a lively duel.

The best tracks here are “On The Way Downtown” and “Beautiful City ‘Cross The River.” The former was written by old pal (and ex-Plimsouls frontman) Peter Case.

The original version is a jangly Folk-Rocker but Dave’s take adds a patina of twang and grit. Ragged acoustic riffs are juxtaposed by lowing baritone guitar, cascading mandolin, plumy steel guitar, walking bass lines and a slapdash beat. Inspired by hometown sojourn, rueful lyrics revisit old ghosts and lost opportunities; “I’m goin’ out tonight, goin’ way downtown, where my friends who died still hang around, all that moonlight spillin’ on the ground and a season’s been here and gone.”

The latter is a rare Dave song that he originally recorded for the TV series “Justified.” It opens deceptively with dreamy harmonies from Christy McWilson before blistering electric guitars are unleashed, braced by stinging slide guitar, prowling bass lines, lilting Conjuntoflavored accordion and a pile-driving beat.

The nuanced narrative is equal parts outlaw saga, redemption song and romantic elegy wed to some rollicking Roadhouse Blues.

December 3 to December 9, 2020

Dave rips a solo on the break that see-saws, squalls and scorches, followed by wily slide notes and mercurial accordion runs. The final couplet is suitably cinematic; “Now I didn’t hurt no one, I didn’t fire no gun, just stole what I could then I began to run/ Drove three long days, straight to El Paso with a bagful of cash and visions of Mexico, now all I’m askin’ is if you will deliver me over the border line to that beautiful city ‘cross the river.”

The record amps up toward the end with a fervid duet between Dave and Christy McWilson on Bo Carter’s Delta Blues classic, “Who’s Been Here.” Then it slows slightly with metallic slink of “Signal Hill Blues.” Low down and dirty, the lyrics chronicle a carnal, um, interlude between a 23-year-old Dave and a woman of the world who offers to show him “a good time, up on top of Signal Hill.” Dave’s eloquent and economical prose echoes L.A. antecedents like James M. Cain, John Fante and Nathanael West in its lyricism and specificity. As sidewinder electric guitars coil around abraded bass lines and a rock steady beat, he delivers this reluctantly heartfelt denouement; “Well, after she passed out, I just stared down at the city lights and thought of all the dreams and broken hearts lost in the night/And listened to her breathe soft and sweet, like a child until the sun rose cold and lonely on top of Signal Hill.” It’s a razor-sharp end to a brilliant record.

These songs were recorded at different times in places with a plethora of talented players like guitarists Danny Ott, Chris G. Miller, Chuck Mead, Rick Shea and Mike Daly. Holding down the bottom were bassists David J. Carpenter, Gregory Boaz, Brad Forham, David Jackson, Bob Glaub and Dave Row. Drummers included Don Heffington, Steve Mugalian, Bobby Lloyd Hicks and Lisa Pankratz. Both Joe Terry and Wyman Reese played piano, along with Dale Spaulding and Jack Rudy on harmonica. Bradley Kearns tackled fiddle, Skip Edwards added accordion and Cindy Cashdollar was featured on dobro. Backing vocals were provided by Cindy Wasserman, Rick Shea, Danny Ott and Christy McWilson.

Special mention must be accorded to old compadres like Jazz guitar great, Bill Frisell and Greg Leisz on guitar and pedal steel.

Then there’s Blaster Bros. like bassist John Bazz, drummer Bill Bateman and pianist Gene Taylor. It’s also heartening to hear gone, but not forgotten pals like Amy Farris on violin and the late great Chris Gaffney on accordion, vocals and piano. By rights, “Old Guitars; Rare And Unreleased Recordings” should feel like a cobbled together mixed bag. A thrown together assemblage of odds and sods. But this album is surprisingly cohesive, held together by impeccable arrangements, muscular instrumentation, and Dave’s heartfelt vocals. Phil may be the Alvin with natural singing ability, but Dave’s flinty style has become richer and more nuanced since he stepped up to the mic back in 1987. Rare Guitars is by turns rough and rowdy, tough and tender.

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

THE VINO VOICE

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mid all the real difficulty we’ve experienced this year, many of us have gotten by with a little help and comfort from a nice bottle of wine with a heartening meal at the end of the day. So as we come to the end of the year, let’s cut to the chase and consider some nice wine recommendations for the holidays and to enjoy some good cheer as we optimistically look ahead and remain hopeful for the best.

Let’s start off with a delicious bubbly—of course! Right now we’re enjoying the Faire La Fête Brut. It’s one of the tastiest sparklers on the market for just under $20—indeed, it’s one of the best buys around for the quality. It was my plan to write an entire piece on this wine—it’s such a good story on how this bubbly originated about 100 years before the Dom Pérignon experience; and, its historical roots in the world’s original Mardi Gras festival. Hey!— it’s been one crazy year. But I promise getting the article out really soon.

But there’s no reason for you readers to wait! Please hop over to Ralphs Market in Indio or to Total Wine and pick up a bottle or two.

I assure that you’ll pick up more after enjoying its complex character with true brut brilliance.

That’s right! Faire La Fête has 30 percent less residual sugar than the leading Champagne

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

LAST STOP 2020 WINE PICKS!

brands. For you blanc de blancs fans—Eureka!

Cheers to you! This Champagne-alternative shows aromas and flavors of baked apple, white cherry, and lemon meringue, along with great mouth-feel.

If you happen to be at Trader Joe’s, a last minute pick-up for a fine table sparkler at around $9, we recommend the Louise d’Estrée Brut. The nose is crisp and clean lemon, melon, citrus aromas, and flavors of ripe peach, tart lemon, and a finish of grapefruit. The acidity is well focused and the finish is nice and full.

For those of us wishing to taste a delicious brut rosé from California at a right price, we recommend the Non-vintage Schartffenberger Brut Rosé Excellence ($20). This crisp and classy wine owns strawberry and persimmon aromas with raspberry and white peach flavors; great balance of flavors and acidity.

For those of you who plan to treat themselves to some especially good French Champagne or something like that, I’ll probably come out with some smart recommendations in a couple of weeks—let me taste through some first.

Many of you loyal readers know that I like to have a glass of white wine to accompany me while I write these columns. You know—it’s a hands-on task. Well believe it or not, I just checked my fridge and the only white wines I have available are kinda “high-end” ones— the kind you save for a good meal; not really a working/sipping wine which usually include Sauv blancs, Pinot grige, or some other light Italian wine.

Well—we can’t hold the presses, so right now I just opened a Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2016, which sells for around $40— if you can find it. Chilled up in my fridge for over a year, this wine is so impressive I have to write about it in live time!

As to background, what I do know about this wine is that our own famous Mike Grgich did not allow the Chardonnay to undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural acidity. If you have a wine friend who’s in the “ABC” club i.e., anything but Chardonnay, have them try this wine, and watch their expression; they may re-consider if they are truly wine lovers!

This wine opens with fresh lemon and orange aromas followed by more subtle notes of lemon zest and a hue of marzipan. These notes follow onto the palate, with balanced acidity that carries throughout the sip. Great freshness and minerality; this wine needs to be shared and I can’t just sip this alone. Hey what’s cooking!

Decanter Magazine gave this Grgich Chard 97 points! “Stunningly complex with aromas of smoke, brioche, toast and a little flintiness!

This is beautifully balanced with a blend of sweet apple, oyster shell and gentle sweet oak; a classy wine with such potential to develop further.”

Robert Parker wrote: “The 2016 Chardonnay reveals intense white peach, pear tart and pineapple scents with touches of honeysuckle, struck flint, pie crust and honeycomb. Mediumbodied with fantastic tension and loads of citrus and tropical layers, it has a satiny texture and finishes with great length.”

The Grgich Hills Estate Chard out in the markets currently is the 2017 vintage. ($30) I’ve yet to taste it, but a reputable review states, “Phenomenal Chardonnay, with everything balanced and just the right amount of notes of pineapple, mango, ripe yellow nectarines and apples, a touch of honeysuckle and butterscotch, with an appropriate acidity to keep it refreshing on its own and food friendly.

A wine that is evidently crafted by a master winemaker.”

BY RICK RIOZZA As always—Mike Grgich puts out great stuff. For those so inclined, check out coachellavalleyweekly.com/my-accidentalcasual-lunch-with-mike-grgich.

A great deal for you Santa Rita Hills Pinot fans is the 2017 Lafond Pinot Noir SRH ($25).

Wine critic Kim Marcus recently wrote, “This taut red features crisp red fruit and berry flavors, supported by glistening acidity. Lithe mid-plate, offering ample slate notes. The finish lingers with dark chocolate hints.” A wonderful wine for casual holiday fare!

We’ll be recommending wines throughout our last month in 2020, so please stay tuned for some fun and interesting picks. For instance, our family has always enjoyed the inexpensive Il Bastardo Sangiovese Toscana by Renzo Masi.

Always featuring a somewhat amusing label of an Italian character doing something or nothing, the current 2019 vintage is a fresh, fruity style of black cherry, black currant, and violet aromas and flavors that are fun and festive for only $9 a bottle. Saluti & Cheers!

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

MI CULTURA – PERUVIAN GOOD GRUB CANNABIS CORNER

BY RUTH HILL R.N. & COLUMBIAN CUISINE BY DAN PARIS

RESULTS OF THE 2020 ELECTIONS

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s soon as I approached the counter to order, I could tell something was different. I knew from the joy and excitement in his eyes, there was a big smile hidden behind Jonathan Moreno’s mask.

Here is someone who could work twelve hours a day and wake up the next day eager to start again.

Jonathan and his mom, Monica, had been cooking out of their home and soon became overwhelmed in their small kitchen with the volume of orders from a growing multitude of appreciative customers. These customers are an extended familia who have an emotional connection to the dishes that Monica and Jonathan have perfected.

Monica and her husband emigrated from their native countries of Bolivia and Peru with generations of their beloved recipes.

Jonathan inherited their passion for flavors from their cultures.

Columbian cuisine is mostly comfort food served with multiple sides on a large platter including huge servings of grilled meat, sausages, chicken, twice-cooked plantains (patcones), yucca fries, red beans in broth, and rice. This is all preceded by chicken soup with potatoes and flavored with an aromatic herb (guasca) which has a subtle cumin flavor. Take the same ingredients above, add an egg, and you have breakfast. Most meals are served with a pita-like corn flour

bread called arepa, which can be stuffed with ground meats or cheese.

Mi Cultura makes the best empanadas I have ever eaten, including the ones I tried in South America. They offer three varieties: one stuffed potatoes and cheese, one stuffed with minced meats, olives, and onions, and one stuffed the ground meats and onions.

The dough is light and crispy. They are served with a chimichurri-like sauce (ajicriollo) and an aji verde sauce both using the South American aji chili as their base.

The Peruvian cuisine offered has Asian influences and are stir-fried in woks (lomo saltado). These can be noodle based and rice based. The flavors are clean and fresh.

The ceviche is made with either shrimp or white fish and is bathed in “leche de tigre” a creamy, citrusy, aji pepper sauce.

Peruvian rotisserie chicken is marinated, then basted with citrus while grilling and served with a spicy aji verde sauce on the side. The most flavorful chicken available anywhere.

I was inspired by Jonathan’s joy and enthusiasm in sharing the food he loves. This place will do well because the food is what matters and the food is very, very good.

Mi Cultura 44795 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 636-1707 Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11am 8pm.

M

y prediction of knowing who won the Presidential Election on Nov. 3rd did not pan out, but all marijuana reform measures in seven states won overwhelmingly. Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota won voter approval in the November 3 election. The headlines across the country read: “California Cities and Counties Vote to Open Cannabis Businesses”. Of the thirtyeight ballot measures in CA thirty-six cities or counties across the state won by large margins. Only three cities broadly rejected legal, taxed cannabis businesses.

Many of the jurisdictions currently do not allow cannabis businesses, or all types of them, and a tax measure is often the first step towards licensing cannabis businesses since locals can only tax by voter mandate.

While all the votes are still being counted in Riverside County watch for the Banning and Jurupa Valley results.

Banning Measure L will decide whether to allow distributors to set up shop and impose a distribution tax of up to 10% on company gross receipts. The town already permits retailers, cultivators, manufacturing, and testing. CARRYING WITH 69% OF THE VOTE. In Jurupa Valley, voters in this desert town east of Los Angeles will decide on Measure U, to allow up to seven new marijuana retailers.

In June 2018, the city voted against marijuana businesses. LOSING WITH 48% OF THE VOTE. Steve Fox, a strategic adviser to the Cannabis Trade Federation, said The SAFE Banking Act certainly has a good chance of becoming law, perhaps even in the lameduck session. “A Republican Senate without Cory Gardner is an industry without a Republican champion,” said Saphira Galoob, a lobbyist who represents the National Cannabis Roundtable and other marijuana industry clients.

With the US Presidential votes still not certified and the Senate still in the balance until the Georgia runoff election in January Wall Street analysts say it could still be a boon for cannabis stocks. Look for Curaleaf, Harvest Health and Recreation, Canopy Growth and Aphria to be among the top gainers.

Across the globe it looks like marijuana legalization won also. Mexican legislators met virtually on Friday (Nov. 13th, 2020) to discuss the latest version of a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis and to comply with a Supreme Court mandate to pass a law by the middle of next month. With Canada and Mexico sandwiching the US maybe this will push for passage of the SAFE Banking Act included in the Democrats COVID-19 relief package.

Israel is planning to legalize cannabis for recreational use within nine months while balancing “liberalism and responsibility,” Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn said Thursday.

According to The Jerusalem Post Deputy Attorney General Amir Merari said the government’s opinion is to favor legalization over decriminalization. Decriminalization does not provide a solution for problems such as the black market.

Israel has taken steps in recent years to make medical cannabis available and is poised to become a major exporter of the crop, though local medical cannabis users have complained of near-impossible access to the few dispensaries licensed to distribute it.

Recreational use of the drug is currently illegal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s Blue and White parties said in a joint statement at the time that they would advance legislation “to resolve the issue of decriminalization and legalization.”

It seems ironic that Israel, the country whose leading scientist, Raphael Mechoulam known to be the Father of Cannabis, would be so slow to advance full medical and recreational cannabis. Mechoulam advanced the research on safe cannabis for over fifty years. He along with others discovered the endocannabinoid system demonstrating how this plant supplements anandamide (THC) and 2-AG (CBD) produced in all living animals except insects.

Take heart Americans, we will win in the end. Science and the silent majority are on our side.

Send comments to info@ruthahillrn.com.

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

SCREENERS

PERRY MASON: THE COMPLETE FIRST SERIES Terrific production values and a potent story takes viewers back in time to 1930s Los Angeles in this beautiful and critically acclaimed decidedly noir period drama.

The eight chapters in this compelling origin series follow America’s most legendary fictional criminal attorney. When the case of the decade breaks down his door, Mason’s relentless pursuit of the truth

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No. 450

COOL NEW MOVIES & TV SERIES FOR THE HOME THEATER

reveals a fractured city mired in corruption but more than that, it just may offer a path to personal redemption for Mason.

Based on characters created by author Erle Stanley Gardner, the series features an outstanding ensemble cast starring Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk and Shea Whigham with Emmy winners Tatiana Maslany and John Lithgow. The series also stars Stephen Root, Gayle Rankin, Nate Corddry, Veronica Falcon, Jefferson Mays, Lili Taylor, Andrew Howard, Eric Lange and Robert Patrick. Big recommendation.

Warner Bros. Blu-ray.

HAWAII FIVE-O: THE COMPLETE SERIES Hawaiian detectives wipeout crime from the beloved beaches of the Aloha State one last time in a 61-disc (!) collection featuring all 10 seasons with 340 action-packed episodes plus an exclusive bonus disc with over an hour of fascinating content, including cast and crew interviews, an “OHANA” music video and highlight reels.

The series follows the elite clan of Detectives Steve McGarret (Alex O’Loughlin, Detective “Danno” Williams (Scott Caan).

Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kin), Adam Noshimuri (Ian Anthony Dale) and Captain Lou Grover (Chi McBride) as thy fight crime from their sun-drenched beaches while undergoing their own life dilemmas.

This fun series in a paradise setting includes a celebration of 50 years of the popular show of bonus material plus a compilation of memorable moments of both the original and current series. Lionsgate.

DVD. SMILEY FACE KILLERS From novelist Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho) and director Tim Hunter (River’s Edge) comes this terrifying thriller inspired

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

by true events and the twisted “smiley face killers” conspiracy theory that has gripped the American imagination for decades, this pulse-pounding serial killer take reunites acclaimed director Hunter with his River’s Edge star Crispin Glover.

As a strange wave of mysterious drowning’s of male college students plagues the California coast, Jake Graham (Ronan Rubinstein) struggles to keep his life together at school. Finding himself stalked by a hooded figure (Glover) driving an unmarked van, Jake fears he may become the victim of the killer’s horrific bloody spree.

This is a must-see movie for true-crime and horror fans. Revealing bonus features include behind-the-scenes with cast and crew interviews. Lionsgate. Blu-ray.

-----------------------------------------------Drop me a line. I like hearing from readers and fellow movie buffs. What movie are you most looking forward to seeing at home or in a theater? robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 3 to December 9, 2020

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

PET PLACE

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n December, 2019, this column featured the story of a lovely but shy German Shepherd dog who languished at the San Bernardino County Animal Shelter at Devore. It was a sad but all too familiar story of a relinquished dog’s family moving and unwilling or unable to take her with them.

She watched and waited at the shelter for five months while the friendlier dogs who greeted visitors with wagging tails were adopted. I learned of her plight, and this column found her a wonderful home last year. Now we hope a new potential adopter will read about Chrissy’s need for a second holiday miracle.

The last week in December, 2019, a dog loving Coachella Valley couple picked up a CV Weekly Magazine from a news rack while

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CHRISSY, WAITING FOR A SECOND CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

manager, Jon Nimitz, came to the rescue.

They agreed to take Chrissy into their large private no-kill animal shelter in N. Palm Springs. This December, 2020, Chrissy watches once more as people come to meet and adopt other dogs. She loves the staff and volunteers who walk her daily, but they are no replacement for a home of her own. She dreams of being home for the holidays with a loving family like she had with Sherry and Denny and their older Labrador dog.

Jon Nimitz tells us, “Chrissy is a great dog.

She walks well on a leash and gets to exercise every day at our dog park with the volunteers.

We typically give adopters a ‘trial adoption’, often up to two months, and accept return of the dog if it doesn’t work out. HSOCV goes above and beyond to ensure the well- being of our dogs. We practice full disclosure about the dog’s positive traits as well as any issues

purchasing tires. They fell in love with the Shepherd’s photo and sad plight, and drove to San Bernardino on Christmas Eve to adopt the dog they named Chrissy after the holiday.

However, her happy ending was short lived.

Tragedy struck a second time when Chrissy’s beloved human dad, Dennis Wayne, passed away from cancer in July.

Chrissy’s human mom, Sherry Franks, was heartbroken. Chrissy was the perfect dog indoors, but chewed through a tether in the yard and escaped. Sherry is frail and unable to walk the lively 50 pound three year old dog. Without an adequate fenced yard, Sherry sadly contacted me for rehoming help.

The Humane Society of the Coachella Valley (HSOCV) and their wonderful shelter

MEET BEASLEY

MEET MAMA NANI

Bigger means more to love says 80-lb Mastiff girl Beasley! A volunteer at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley orphanpet. com reports, “Beasley is such a sweet & gentle soul. Mistreated as a puppy , she is the most forgiving and loving dog I have met at the shelter!” Call (760) 329-0203 for appointment to meet Beasley.

This pretty kitty saw her kittens get adopted, so now it’s her chance to get a home. She enjoys playing with the other cats at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley but Mama Nani would love to go home for the holidays. Call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet her.

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BY JANET McAFEE

it has. When someone comes for a scheduled appointment here, I can show them several dogs as our big dogs are in large outdoor enclosures.”

Sherry Franks thinks about Chrissy every day, and prays she will soon get a home. She tells us, “She adored Denny, and after he became ill she was always by my side. She was perfectly house trained. She loved both of us. Chrissy is one of God’s angels. I make a small donation monthly to the HSOCV, and I hope others will also do so.”

Chrissy is a healthy dog young. She is spayed and fully vaccinated. Adopters need to be physically strong enough to handle a large dog that still has “puppy” energy.

Chrissy seeks a home with indoor/outdoor

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com access and a fenced in back yard where she can run and play. She may be reserved upon meeting new people.

Given another second chance, this sweet dog will soon transform into the amazing loyal dog she was meant to be after a few days in a loving home. They say good things come to those who wait, and may that be true for Chrissy after four months at the HSOCV. There is nothing so special as the grateful heart of a rescue dog who instinctively knows you saved her. Christmas is a time for miracles, and a waiting dog still dreams of the miracle of a loving family.

Call the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley at (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet Chrissy. Please make a tax deductible donation to this nonprofit organization that houses over 70 homeless dogs and cats, www.orphanpet.com. You may also mail a check payable to the HSOCV to P.O. Box 6059, La Quinta, CA 92248. Chrissy says, “Thank you everyone. Please share my story and help me get a home for the holidays.”

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------Below is a partial list of shelters and rescues in the Inland Empire with animals for adoption. They are currently closed for walkins, and you must call for an appointment.

You can view most of their animals online before calling. Thank you for rescuing!

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county

T

shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt.

Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833.

(Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat.

This shelter has lots of big dogs in addition to small dogs and cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call

WILDLIGHTS AT THE LIVING DESERT

ickets for The Living Desert Zoo and Garden’s WildLights are now on sale to members and guests!

WildLights will be held select evenings Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, December 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.

December 4 & 5 Dec 11 & 12 Dec 18- 24 Dec 26 & 27 Now celebrating its 28th year, WildLights will amaze guests with over a million twinkling LED lights and festive activities, transforming The Living Desert into a luminescent winter wonderland for all to enjoy. Advanced reservations are required for both members and guests, and tickets are limited to accommodate for health and safety precautions.

for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700.

(Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 3356767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL

December 3 to December 9, 2020

SHELTER – Shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Call (909) 386-9280 daily. View animals at www. sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue. com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

EVENTS

Dec. 4 & 5 Dec. 11 & 12 Dec. 18 – 24 Dec. 26 & 27 6pm - 9pm

With a new route for 2020, WildLights pathways will take guests on an illuminated journey around the Zoo with vantages of select animal habitats including the emus of the new Australian Adventures. Take a spin on the carousel, make s’mores around a fire, or get a souvenir photo with Santa for an additional fee. WildLights is presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and is sponsored by HiTech Lights.

Tickets are expected to sell out, so guests are encouraged to reserve early.

Purchase tickets at livingdesert.org.

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

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HADDON LIBBY

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o you have a 401k or 457b plan with your employer? Saving as little as $5/day or $100/month, turns into $166,000 over a 30 year career (assuming an 8.5% rate of return). If your employer has a matching program, you will have twice as much.

Your 401k is a nice way to keep paying less in taxes. Every dollar that you contribute grows tax-free until you withdraw your money in retirement. If you do not like the idea of paying taxes on years of growth and gains, contribute money after-tax today via a Roth 401k. Most employer plans have this Roth option.

For most, choosing mutual funds to invest in is a challenge.

For someone who wants a simple, easy to follow investment approach, a target dated fund is a great option. With this investment type, the fund manager adjusts your mix of assets based on the age at which the typical person would retire. This means that a 30 year-old might consider use a 2060 fund while a 50 year old might use a 2040 fund.

Whatever your age, if you want 80% invested in equities and 20% in fixed income, you might want to pick a mix of funds from what is typically fairly confusing list of choices. To keep this a bit simpler, make equity decisions first and fixed income choices second.

When choosing equity funds, it might help if you knew that roughly 60% of all stocks globally are companies located in the United States. Additionally, about 80% of all stocks are invested in large cap companies, 15% in

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401(K) TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL

BY HADDON LIBBY

mid-cap stocks and 5% in small cap stocks. If we burrow down a little deeper, about 20% of stocks globally in the technology sector, 15% in financials, 12% in healthcare, 12% in consumer cyclicals, 10% in industrials, 10% in communications, 9% in consumer staples with the remaining 12% in materials, energy, utilities and real estate. Consider these basic percentages when choosing your 401k funds.

When it comes to bonds/fixed income, it is useful to know that we are at the lowest rates in the history of the world. Returns for

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

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bond funds have been great in 2020 despite these low rates as funds go up in value when interest rates are falling. This is because the older bonds that pay higher rates are worth more as rates decline. As we are now at interest rates that are lower than the inflation rate and close to zero percent, it is unlikely that interest rates will go down much more.

This means that the low interest rates that these funds pay are largely spent on fund expenses and 401k plan management fees.

As interest rates are so low, many

investors are holding more in equities than they might if bonds paid more. Many investors are also taking on more risk by holding high yield bonds. High yield bonds pay more in interest rate but come at the price of holding debt by companies that may hold more debt than they can afford to repay. Coming out of a pandemic, holding the debt of the least creditworthy is a risky gamble for a minimal return.

While choosing your investment mix, pay attention to mutual fund costs. Reducing your costs by just 0.5% over the life of your retirement account means 10% more in balances at the end of 30 years.

Lastly, beware of annuities that promise above market returns. There are no free lunches in life or with investments and anything that sounds too good to be true probably has some fine print that warns you about the high costs and potential performance of your investment.

If you need help with investment ideas for your retirement account or another part of your financial life, drop me a note and we can talk by phone, email or Zoom conference call.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information or to reach Haddon, email Hlibby@WinslowDrake. com or visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

AUTO ACCIDENT DURING COVID?

ILL YOU BE IN GOOD HANDS WITH YOUR INSURANCE CO, AND WILL YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOR GIVE YOU A PIECE OF THE ROCK? OF COURSE NOT! THEY ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF PAYING THEIR CLAIMANTS AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE FOR ALL CLAIMS. HOWEVER, YOU STILL MAY NOT NEED A LAWYER. NOT EVERY ACCIDENT WARRANTS A LAWYER. SOME CASES CAN BE SETTLED ON YOUR OWN. THE CHANCES ARE YOU WILL NOT COLLECT AS MUCH MONEY AS YOU WOULD WITH A LAWYER. HOWEVER, BEFORE YOU TALK TO THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER OR HIRE AN ATTORNEY OR SIGN ANY FORMS, CALL FOR A FREE PERSONAL CONSULTATION AND WE’LL TALK ABOUT HOW ALL OF THAT WORKS. My law firm’s philosophy, is that THOUGH YOU MAY NOT NEED A LAWYER, IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT A LAWYER MAY NOT WANT YOUR CASE. When you’ve been rear ended, and both drivers have little property damage along with a minimum policy, then that may be more than sufficient to cover the value of your case. We don’t want a case where we just settle it without having to do

December 3 to December 9, 2020

anything more than send in a letter in the first few weeks for the policy limits.

Insurance industry marketing tries to convince the general public that the insurance company is on their side. They are on your side as long as you accept the low amount they want to pay to resolve your claim. Insurance companies exist to make money. So anything they tell you must be considered against that backdrop. Their interest is not aligned with the interest of the injured.

You should only settle your personal injury case after receiving a free consultation from a personal injury attorney. You must understand that You are NEVER in Good Hands and Your Friendly Neighbor NEVER Give You a Piece of the Rock, when you try to settle without a lawyer.

Not every case has enough value for a lawyer to accept on a contingency. A lawyer won’t accept a case when s/he initially sees problems….such as no medical treatment, waiting too long to contact a lawyer, no visible property damage etc. Most clients focus on the injury and not on any of the following harmful factors that can cause me to reject a

case: 1) admitting liability, 2) no immediate medical treatment, 3) questionable liability, 4) low property damage, 5) prior accidents, 6) no insurance, 7) delay in calling a lawyer, 8) social media showing you playing sports, while complaining of injuries and 9) client talking to the adjuster.

Whether you later decide to hire a lawyer or not you should do follow these TIPS: 1. STOP and take pictures with your cell phone of both cars, injuries, license and insurance info; 2. Call police: 3. DON’T TALK to anyone. It’s not what you say but what the other party THOUGHT THEY HEARD YOU SAY. In addition TAKE DOWN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. The insurance companies watch your Facebook and Twitter posts: 4.

Get medical attention asap: 5. Try to avoid giving med providers YOUR insurance/ Medicare/ Medicaid information: 6. Ideally you should contact a Lawyer immediately: If no attorney, the insurance company can contact you to get a statement. Then your lawyer will never know what you said or what the adjuster/investigator thought s/ he heard you say: 7.Let your lawyer assist in obtaining medical care on a lien with a doctor that knows how to write a medical report: 8. Don’t use insurance co body shop:

9. Purchase high insurance limits including UM: 10. Do not sign anything.

DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. BEING INTOXICATED IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS BEING INTEXTICATED. A DRIVER MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT...

CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME” Ideas for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760- 837- 7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW Legal Representation Of The Injured and Criminally Accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 201121 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016-19 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

HEALTH

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BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

ARE YOU READY TO COME BACK TO KETO..

AFTER A FALL FROM GRACE

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ave you fallen off the keto wagon?

Are you bloated with body pains, headaches, brain fog, lack of energy and maybe even a little grumpy? Did that one small bite of non-keto food seem harmless, but it led to you to falling off the wagon with your face planted in some irresistible bread or dessert? Did this one bite lead to a downward spiral where you wanted to go back to your old ways of carb-heavy foods? If we aren’t mindful it’s easy to fall back into our destructive eating habits, hating the way we feel and gaining weight.

We are all human with our own challenges in life. We stumble and fall and then course correct as needed. I get it. It happens to the best of us and I’ve had it happen to me. I’m focusing on this topic because I fell off the wagon recently. It was only a meal’s worth of cheating at a wedding, but I felt awful the next day with a carb hangover worse than I expected that had me shaky, bloated, exhausted, and craving carbs like crazy. I knew I had to get back on track right away or I’d stray too far from my Keto roots. Even though I’m a Keto Coach, I may fall again and can’t ever judge myself and never judge anyone else who has had this same experience. I thought it might be helpful to talk openly about it and give some tips and tricks that will help you get back to your healthy diet.

BEGIN AGAIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Keto is ready to welcome you back with open arms. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. This sounds easy but sometimes it can seem difficult. Whatever you do, don’t beat yourself up! If you take nothing away from this article other than this one tip…take this to heart. We ALL fail at Keto sometimes. Let’s face it, we live in a sugar and gluten-filled world. Unless we never leave the house, we are faced with temptation daily. The most important thing you can do is start over as soon as possible and stick with the Keto basics.

GO BACK TO TRACKING. There's nothing worse than doing well all day, and then discovering at the end of the day that you ate something that had a lot more carbs than you expected. It's a lot easier to plan what you're going to eat, or at least enter it into your tracking app prior to a meal, to ensure that you will be on point.

BALANCE YOUR PROTEIN & FAT. Not eating enough protein with the correct

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ratio of fat will get you into trouble. Keto is a low carb, high fat diet but there is a delicate balance. Keto isn’t all about keeping carbs low. Always make sure your fat is considerably higher than protein.

BE PATIENT & CONSISTENT It often took us years to put the weight on yet we want to it to come off fast! Get into a long-term mindset with Keto rather than expecting miracles every single time you step on the scale. When given consistency Keto will help you reach your goals DON'T FEEL DEPRIVED… EAT KETO TREATS. This is where Keto sweet treats, breads and fat bombs come in handy. Have them ready to go so when that craving hits, and it will, you can grab a delicious keto treat, and not feel deprived.

FIND FUN NEW RECIPES. Get excited about cooking and eating this way again. Getting back into the kitchen and cooking up some of your favorite Keto foods is the best way to get back on track. The food is beyond delicious and flavorful. You might just remind yourself of that and you could end of wondering why you fell off the wagon in the first place!

RECORD HOW YOU FELT AFTER CHEATING. Keep track of how you feel when you cheat and how your body and mind reacted. By recording how awful you felt in that moment of carb indulgence and committing it to memory it can serve as inspiration to start tomorrow as day one.

If you need help staying inspired, setting macros, or finding ways to maintain Keto as a lifestyle during the holidays, please set up a free 30-minute consult with me. I can teach you how to stay Keto and love every moment of it.

About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto Lifestyle coach, a Seasoned expert on Customized Keto. Keto weight loss results can be greatly improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability, and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way.

Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, goal setting, ongoing support and more. If you are interested in maintaining a Keto lifestyle designed to get you lasting results, book a 30-minute complimentary private coaching session online at KetoIsEasyCoach. com.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF DECEMBER 3

ARIES (March 21-April 19): An anonymous blogger on Tumblr writes the following: “What I’d really like is for someone to objectively watch me for a week and then sit down with me for a few hours and explain to me what I am like and how I look to others and what my personality is in detail and how I need to improve. Where do I sign up for that?” I can assure you that the person who composed this message is not an Aries. More than any other sign of the zodiac, you Rams want to be yourself, to inhabit your experience purely and completely—not see yourself from the perspective of outside observers.

Now is a good time to emphasize this specialty.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Humans like to be scared,” declares author Cathy Bell. “We love the wicked witch’s cackle, the wolf’s hot breath, and the old lady who eats children, because sometimes, when the scary is over, all we remember is the magic.” I suppose that what she says is a tiny bit true. But there are also many ways to access the magic that don’t require encounters with dread. And that’s exactly what I predict for you in the coming weeks, Taurus: marvelous experiences—including catharses, epiphanies, and breakthroughs—that are neither spurred by fear nor infused with it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1994, the animated movie The Lion King told the story of the difficult journey made by a young lion as he struggled to claim his destiny as rightful king. A remake of the film appeared in 2019. During the intervening 25 years, the number of real lions living in nature declined dramatically. There are now just 20,000. Why am I telling you such bad news? I hope to inspire you to make 2021 a year when you will resist trends like this. Your assignment is to nurture and foster wildness in every way that’s meaningful for you— whether that means helping to preserve habitats of animals in danger of extinction or feeding and championing the wildness inside you and those you care about. Get started!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Is there anyone whose forgiveness you would like to have? Is there anyone to whom you should make atonement? Now is a favorable phase to initiate such actions. In a related subject, would you benefit from forgiving a certain person whom you feel wronged you? Might there be healing for you in asking that person to make amends? The coming weeks will provide the best opportunity you have had in a long time to seek these changes.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Scientists know that the Earth’s rotation is gradually slowing down—but at the very slow rate of two milliseconds every 100 years. What that means is that 200 million years from now, one day will last 25 hours. Think of how much more we humans will be able to get done with an extra hour every day! I suspect you may get a preview of this effect in the coming weeks, Leo. You’ll be extra efficient. You’ll be focused and intense in a relaxing way. Not only that: You will also be extra appreciative of the monumental privilege of being alive. As a result, you will seem to have more of the precious luxury of time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Adventurer Tim Peck says there are three kinds of fun. The first is pure pleasure, enjoyed in full as it’s happening.

The second kind of fun feels challenging when it’s underway, but interesting and meaningful in retrospect. Examples are giving birth to a baby or taking an arduous hike uphill through deep snow.

The third variety is no fun at all. It’s irksome while you’re doing it, and equally disagreeable as you think about it later. Now I’ll propose a fourth type of fun, which I suspect you’ll specialize in during the coming weeks. It’s rather boring or tedious or nondescript while it’s going on, but in retrospect you are very glad you did it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “I made the wrong mistakes,” said Libran composer and jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. He had just completed an improvisatory performance he wasn’t satisfied with.

On countless other occasions, however, he made the right mistakes. The unexpected notes and tempo

© Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

shifts he tried often resulted in music that pleased him. I hope that in the coming weeks you make a clear demarcation between wrong mistakes and right mistakes, dear Libra. The latter could help bring about just the transformations you need.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Home is not where you were born,” writes Naguib Mahfouz. “Home is where all your attempts to escape cease.” I propose we make that one of your mottoes for the next 12 months, Scorpio. According to my astrological analysis, you will receive all the inspiration and support you need as you strive to be at peace with exactly who you are. You’ll feel an ever-diminishing urge to wish you were doing something else besides what you’re actually doing. You’ll be less and less tempted to believe your destiny lies elsewhere, with different companions and different adventures.

To your growing satisfaction, you will refrain from trying to flee from the gifts that have been given you, and you will instead accept the gifts just as they are. And it all starts now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Pictures of perfection, as you know, make me sick and wicked,” observed Sagittarian author Jane Austen.

She wrote this confession in a letter to her niece, Fanny, whose boyfriend thought that the women characters in Jane’s novels were too naughty. In the coming weeks, I encourage you Sagittarians to regard pictures of perfection with a similar disdain.

To accomplish all the brisk innovations you have a mandate to generate, you must cultivate a deep respect for the messiness of creativity; you must understand that your dynamic imagination needs room to experiment with possibilities that may at first appear disorderly. For inspiration, keep in mind this quote from Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn novelist Anne Brontë (1820–1849) said, “Smiles and tears are so alike with me, they are neither of them confined to any particular feelings: I often cry when I am happy, and smile when I am sad.” I suspect you could have experiences like hers in the coming weeks.

I bet you’ll feel a welter of unique and unfamiliar emotions. Some of them may seem paradoxical or mysterious, although I think they’ll all be interesting and catalytic. I suggest you welcome them and allow them to teach you new secrets about your deep self and the mysterious nature of your life.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian philosopher Simone Weil formulated resolutions so as to avoid undermining herself. First, she vowed she would only deal with difficulties that actually confronted her, not far-off or hypothetical problems.

Second, she would allow herself to feel only those feelings that were needed to inspire her and make her take effective action. All other feelings were to be shed, including imaginary feelings—that is, those not rooted in any real, objective situation. Third, she vowed, she would “never react to evil in such a way as to augment it.” Dear Aquarius, I think all of these resolutions would be very useful for you to adopt in the coming weeks.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In June 2019, the young Piscean singer Justin Bieber addressed a tweet to 56-year-old actor Tom Cruise, challenging him to a mixed martial arts cage fight. “If you don’t take this fight,” said Bieber, “you will never live it down.” A few days later, Bieber retracted his dare, confessing that Cruise “would probably whoop my ass in a fight.” If Bieber had waited until December 2020 to make his proposal, he might have had more confidence to follow through—and he might also have been better able to whoop Cruise’s ass. You Pisceans are currently at the peak of your power and prowess.

Homework: What parts of your past weigh you down and limit your imagination? What can you do to free yourself? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

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

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

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December 3 to December 9, 2020

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