Coachella Valley Weekly - December 8 to December 14, 2022 Vol. 11 No. 39

Photo By Bridget Miller

Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Tricia Witkower Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Rob Brezny, Denise Ortuno Neil, Dee Jae Cox, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman, Ed Heethuis, Daniel Paris, Michelle Borthwick, Nadia Popova, Dennis Shelly

Photographers

Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker

Santa Claus is coming to town; in fact, he’s already here in the desert with the Missus, making special appearances in various locations throughout the Coachella Valley and gifting the magic of the season for very special causes. La Quinta residents Greg and Laura Little are the familiar impersonators of the North Pole’s most famous residents. The Littles have been performing as Santa & Mrs. Claus for community groups and private events since volunteering for a school fundraiser in 2011.

In 2020, they gained notoriety by filling their green Jeep with decorations of gifts and toys, and driving around spreading joy in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Christmas couple upgraded their wardrobe to custom-created “old world Santa” costumes, and continued to drive their decorated Jeep, where they went viral on TikTok with 1.2 million views in a video caught by a bystander filming their trademark Jeep on the road.

This December, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make appearances at different locations throughout the desert, spreading the Christmas spirit for different organizations and seasonal programs. Each year, Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta transforms its campus into a magical lane to celebrate the holidays. This event is free and open to the public, with the next event dates falling on December 10 and 17. Santa and Mrs. Claus have been known to make appearances at the event—with the Missus reading stories and helping with arts and crafts, and Santa lending an ear to hear Christmas wishes in the cottage.

“Community is so vital to our organization and the holidays are a perfect time to reflect on what’s most important in our lives. This season can be tough for families that do not have the financial means to take part in traditional holiday activities. Gingerbread Lane has evolved into a local family tradition that is free of cost. Visitors can create memories with their loved ones, all while having the opportunity to participate in

art activities! With much gratitude to our sponsors, The Saidel’s, we are shuttling in children from Boys and Girls Club in Mecca and Indio to come experience our magical event!” shared Business Development and Volunteer Coordinator of Old Town Artisan Studios, Ivanna Diaz Hansen.

The Family YMCA of the Desert will be hosting a “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 10th, at The Shops at El Paseo. The event will feature food, crafts, and games, with Santa and friends from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There is a ten-dollar cost at the door for this event. Donations can be made at: www. ymcaofthedesert.org

“The Family YMCA of the Desert, 41 years strong in the Coachella Valley, continues to provide trusted, engaging, reliable and caring programs. We are truly grateful for our dedicated community members and for those who would consider year-end giving to support Y programming and Financial Assistance,” stated Paula Simonds, CEO of the Family YMCA of the Desert.

The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage has plans to reopen in 2023, and is excited to share that there is a plan for reopening in a reimagined way, with the community’s support. The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert worked with its original exhibit company to design new experiences and programming that the desert community expects and deserves. Those designs are now being prototyped and fabrication has begun. Long term, the Museum has five phases to include a reimagination of all three buildings, a building expansion and new construction, as well as an exterior plan. The goal is to expand the experiences and programming to include all ages and family members.

“We really only have two more fundraising events for December. One runs the entire month of December, which is CV Mama Fitness, and donates a part of the proceeds from all of the fitness classes for this month and there was one class that actually took

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

COVER

BY BRIDGET MILLER

place at the Museum on Friday. There is also a paper flower making class, which will take place at the Museum in two separate sessions and 100 percent of the admission comes to the museum,” shared CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, Cindy Burreson.

Santa and Mrs. Claus recently participated in the “Jingle Bell Rock” event at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert on December 4th, where attendees enjoyed holiday music, decorated cookies with Mrs. Claus, got the chance to meet Santa, and learned about the Museum’s Re-Imagination Campaign.

“We will always be fundraising— particularly right now due to our reimagination project, which includes fabricating 40 new exhibits and expanding our programming. We ask for our community support, now and always, because this Museum is beloved on a multi-generational level, having been in the desert for 30 years. We are a place where families interact together and learn about themselves in the world around them through hands-on experiences, but we are also an economic driver to the Valley. Our demographic is changing to include more families. Our community support is imperative for us to be able to reopen, and you are not just investing in the museum, but in our greatest natural resource, and our future: the children,” stated Cindy Burreson.

If you would like to be a part of the reopening of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert and for media inquiries, please contact Cindy Burreson at exec@cdmod.org or visit CDMoD.org

To see a full list of scheduled appearances and events, or to learn more about Mr. and Mrs. Claus, visit their official website at www. palmspringssanta.com, or follow them at Instagram @pssanta.

PHOTO

Website Editor

Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

BY ANN GREER

The Palm Springs International Piano Competition got off to a hot start in Palm Springs at the Annenberg Theater on November 15, 2022. This was the first outing since the name change that occurred last June. Formerly the Waring, the performance theme reflected the new sensibilities brought about by a new board president, Joe Giarrusso, and a new artistic director, Robert Koenig

Event chairs CJ Westrick-Bomar and Sandra Cooper Woodson welcomed the enthusiastic audience. PSIPC’s Board President Joe Giarrusso addressed the crowd via Video due to his recent open-

heart surgery. Although not there in person, his dedication and passion for PSIPC came through loud and clear. A touching Memorial Video Tribute honored the late philanthropist and PSIPC Board Chairman Peggy Cravens. Cravens was recruited by the late Virginia Waring in 1999 to help revive the Competition. Together they made musical history among piano competitions.

Incoming Artistic Director Robert Koenig served as Master of Ceremonies with elegance and warmth, delivering tidbits about the evening’s program. He also recognized Paul Waring, son of Virginia Waring, and current PSIPC board member.

The evening’s theme was “A Celebration of American Composers.” A jazz offering by Scott Joplin, Pecherine Rag, started off the evening, followed by a contemporary composition by American Samuel Barber, “Excursions,” and a rendition of the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky ended the set performed by 2022 Waring artist Andrew Boyle of Los Angeles, California.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen: classical music with sprinklings of jazz and more popular musical genres.

The 2nd performer was Julie Garnyé, Broadway performer / Cabaret singer par excellence! Garnyé and her fabulous accompanist, Michael Sobie presented 5 glorious tunes representing the best of the American Songbook: “It Had to be You” by Jones and Kahn; “Come Rain or Come Shine” by Arlen and Mercer; “Fly Me to the Moon” by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington; and “How Deep is the Ocean” by Irving Berlin. Delicious!!

The 3rd performer gave the audience the “traditional” classical repertoire: 6 etudes by Chopin. Nathaniel Zhang, 15, was a double winner back in 2019 when he was 12. He received a standing ovation.

Last, but not least, Artistic Director Laureate John Bayless shared stories of his youth in Texas, his mentoring at Juilliard by the great Leonard Bernstein and his personal struggles following a stroke in 2008. Bayless performed an improvisation of Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” with Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2 and concluded by dedicating “Somewhere” from West Side Story by Bernstein to the late Peggy Cravens making many teary-eyed. All rose to a standing ovation!

Afterwards guests partied upstairs in the museum’s Atrium. The Johnny Meza Trio provided soft dinner music and then vibrant dance music. By the end of the evening, practically everyone was on their feet dancing. PSIPC board members Lois Darr, Betsy Smalley, Betty Baxter, Andrea Laguni, Isabel Chapman, Joan RuBane, Jessica Greene, Howard Schreiber, and Dr. Judith Zacher partied. Other attendees included James Neuman, Jean Carrus, Suz Hunt, Chris and Michael

Funds raised support PSIPC’s education engagement programs in local schools and the next International Piano Competition in 2024 which features pianists ages 12 and under and teens ages 13 through 17. Each division contains solo and concerto rounds plus master classes. Audiences enjoy over 40 hours of free live music.

Upcoming events are Romance of the Holidays on December 20 at CVREP featuring the music of Joe Giarrusso. Piano, cello, violin, and French horn all make for a fascinating concert. Dessert Reception follows the concert. Tickets are $75 and include a tax-deductible portion. On March 20th at the McCallum Theatre PSIPC will present "Variations on Three Pianos - Six Hands"TM Contact psicp.org for more information. Phone: 760-773-2575.

Gennet, Gayle and Jack Scanlon, Marge Dodge, Fritz Koenig, Tom Holman, Ed Rainey, Scott Britain, Charles Metz, Sid Craig, John McDonald, and Rob

Wright. Platinum Sponsors Lu Barnes and JoAnn Wellner mingled. Gold sponsor was the Stephen Philibosian Foundation. Silver Sponsors were Terri Neuman, Rob Moon and Bob Hammack, Jessica and Jim Greene, Joe Giarrusso and Charlie Paglia, Contour Dermatology, Kay Hanson, Andrea Laguni, Hugh Glenn, David Hood & George Sellers, JoAnne & Myron Mintz, Peggy & Peter Preuss, Karen Speros, CJ Westrick-Bomar and Tom Bomar and Sandy Woodson.

Event chairs CJ Westrick-Bomar and Sandy Woodson

Performers around the piano: (left to right) Michael Sobie, Julie Garnye, John Bayless, Andrew Boyle, Nathaniel Zhang, Joan RuBane, Robert Krieger

There’s a distinction that comes with being labeled as a “cat person” and a “dog person”—with the former finding preference in the cool aloofness of a feline friend and the latter wanting the affectionate loyalty of a canine companion. Then there are those who meet in the middle, finding comfort in the company of both kinds of pets.

I grew up only ever having rescued a Chihuahua, a Terrier-mix, and a lovable German Shepard/Pug hybrid. So when my husband—who had a family kitten during his childhood—suggested we adopt a cat after our wedding in October, I was a bit uncertain of how I would adjust to having a third member of the household that was of the feline persuasion. Would it sit on my lap just like my dogs would? Would it retaliate with claws? Would the cat adjust to the litter box? Would I adjust to the litter box?

On November 28, my husband and I rescued a two-year-old tabby cat from the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. My family had adopted most of our dogs from this shelter in the past, so I was

familiar with the space as my husband and I entered the building. But instead of heading toward the dog cages, we stopped at the clear windows with cats available for adoption.

We had stocked up on our cat supplies the weekend prior—knowing we were committed to bringing home our furry plusone that day. So with a cat carrier in hand, we looked through the windows to see which cat took an interest in us. Even in the early morning, the shelter was already bustling with people (mostly families with excited children in tow) wanting to take home a pet. My husband scanned through the selection of cats to see which ones hadn’t already been claimed, until we saw a gentle candidate with a crescent-shaped smile.

After going behind the class to interact with our new feline friend, she instantly purred and rubbed her furry cheeks against our hands—showing us that she wanted us to give her a home outside of her cage. We named her Mochi, after the Japanese rice cake-covered ice cream dessert, because of her sweet disposition and small size.

When my husband and I brought Mochi

home for the first time, she had an ardent need to be around us and was very vocal about it as well—clinging to our side as we sat on the couch and mewling indignantly whenever we had to step away from her. This habit went on for the first couple of days, and I chalk it up to her finally being happy she has a place to call home and humans to provide the affection, playtime, and nourishment she needs.

Mochi is honestly the perfect addition to our nest. Although being two-yearsold, she still has the gentle curiosity and delicate demeanor of a kitten—finding joy in pouncing on her feather toys and mewling

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

for attention. Mochi was also litter box trained when we got her, so my paranoia about that was gone quickly. The way she perches at the top of her cat tower like a princess surveying her kingdom, and her operatic range of cat meows, only punctuate her unique personality.

Mochi has her own unique language— whether it be a short chirp in agreement or long, high-octave mews of lamentation whenever we venture too far away from her. We may still be in the process of becoming fluent in Mochi-speak, but every time she purrs and nuzzles her head against us, she tells us “thank you” in her very own special way.

Although we rescued Mochi just prior to the holiday season, my husband and I planned her arrival knowing she was not just a Christmas commodity. I stand by this sentiment with anyone wanting to adopt a pet during the holidays as a gift or new family addition. Adopting a pet can be an over-a-decade-long commitment, and as our little family continues to grow and change, my husband and I are very grateful we have Mochi to witness it for years to come.

To learn more about the Coachella Valley Animal Campus or to make an appointment to adopt, visit their official website at www. rcdas.org, or call (760) 343-3644.

SWAGFORTHESOUL

“Your emotions tell a story. When you are generating emotions based in love, such as love itself, joy, and happiness, you are fully aligned with your true nature, and you are brilliant. When your emotions are shadowed by even a thread of fear, so is your light...” Mastering the Game of Life 2, by Paul Lowe and co-authors across the globe, page 242

Emotional energy is fuel for creation. When you generate and apply these frequencies, they act as an accelerant to energy flow or movement that is responsible for bringing outcomes to fruition. If you are mindful of the emotions you produce, and you are making the effort to emote the energy of love, you are consciously managing a very important part of your creation process, as well as aligning most purely with your true divine nature.

Your energy field is your soul’s creation. It is a container that houses the energy of your inner spirit so you can have an immersive experience in this physical world. You are responsible for maintaining this container whether you realize it or not, and because what happens around you influences your energy field container, you bear some responsibility in maintaining the energetic space around you as well.

The energetic space around you is your field of existence. If you are unaware that it requires maintenance and you have not been giving it attention, it is likely that it is not serving you to the highest possible degree. Energy is highly responsive, so it does not necessarily require blood, sweat, and tears to be shaped. It reacts to your thoughts and emotions, so energy maintenance and programming can be quite simple.

If you were to set aside a block of time each day to intentionally direct the energy of love-based emotional frequencies to the field of existence that surrounds your being, you would actively program the zone that encompasses your energy field.

We do not always identify ourselves as powerful energy programmers, but this is something each of us is wired to do naturally.

BY AIMEE MOSCO

It is an innate ability and it happens whether or not we are aware that it is happening. When you exercise consciousness and program your field of existence with intention by directing high vibrating frequencies to this space that surrounds your soul’s energy container, you elevate its function. It then goes to work for you, supporting your personal energy field and your experience as an incarnated spirit in the most glorious ways!

In my pursuit to help you to create in alignment with your highest potential, I invite you to join my Facebook group SACRED Light Code Keys. Go to facebook.com/ groups/621727488898099 and bring your light to this supportive community.

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’s Channeling page on Facebook with @ihsaimeemosco or visit Aimee at www. ihsunity.com.

STARLIGHT CLEANING CO. (SOFABURN RECORDS)

“When you were young you caught a broken heart, you had to set yourself free, said you were never going back, but you could take a chance on me.

Even when the rain comes pouring and you’re lost and feel alone I will be here-keep the fire burning, love is free to roam, love is free to roam.”

That’s Starlight Cleaning Co. navigating the rocky shoals of romance, on “Free To Roam” from their self-titled debut. The nucleus of the band is Rachel Dean and Tim Paul Gray. Although they began their separate journeys on opposite coasts, they connected rather serendipitously in the high desert.

Rachel grew up in Orange County and ultimately moved to L.A. She became obsessed with music at an early age, thanks to parents with an eclectic album collection. Original inspiration came from acts like Tina Turner, Heart and The Rolling Stones. As a kid, she would put on shows for her family and charge admission. Around age 16, she picked up the guitar, soon enough, she was fronting her first band, Tangerine, playing local coffeehouses and pep rallies. Not long after, she escaped the Orange curtain and headed to Los Angeles.

Tim started out in Wausau, Wisconsin, but after his parents divorced, he joined his mom in southern California. Musical talent flows through his family, his grandmother was a pianist, his dad and sisters can all carry a tune. The Beatles, and later, The Replacements, were huge influences. At around nine or ten, he caught a glimpse of a guitar in a neighbor kid’s basement and was immediately intrigued. He mowed lawns long enough to purchase a Johnson branded Stratocaster from Jerry’s music in Wausau. By age 12, he was bashing out songs in a garage with likeminded pals. His first band, Xsite (!) wound up getting one of their songs included on a vinyl Punk compilation from Hostage Records.

By the early aughts, Rachel was spending more and more time in the high desert, drawn to music scene that Robyn Celia and Linda Krantz cultivated as the owners of Pappy & Harriet’s. The pair bought the venerable juke joint in 2003 and turned it into a world-class performance space. By creating an inclusive and eclectic environment (Joshua Tree’s musical mayor, Teddy Quinn, likened it to Paris in the ‘20s), superstars like Robert Plant and Paul McCartney were content to share the stage with local musicians. (Now under new ownership, that sense of community has vanished, but that’s a topic for a separate column).

Anyhoo, Rachel’s band had been booked at Pappy’s a few times and she had begun making weekly pilgrimages from L.A. When her car broke down as she was scheduled to return, she took it as a sign. By 2007 she officially became a high desert denizen. She began curating events at The ACE Hotel in Palm Springs, which is how she and Tim first crossed paths. She wanted him to play The ACE, but instead, he ended up opening for her band at Pappy’s.

A few years later, they officially became a couple, they briefly relocated to New Orleans, but the siren song of the desert proved too great, and within a year, they were back. At this point, they began to pool their musical talents as an acoustic duo. Wanting to expand their sound a bit, they recruited drummer Salvatore Romano and the Starlight Cleaning

Co. was born. Their first official show was at Landers Brew, on a bill with several alt. country stalwarts, including Beachwood Sparks, Mapache and The Tyde. Recently, they opened for The John Doe Folk Trio. After assembling a set of original songs, they enlisted producer Bart Davenport and, thanks to engineer Joel Jerome, recorded in their living room. The result is their sparkly, selftitled debut.

The record kicks into gear with “Don’t Take It Away.” Sleek and spangly guitars partner with angular bass and a dropkick backbeat. Rachel’s honeyed harmonies wrap around Tim’s lanky tenor on the opening chorus, but he goes it alone on the verses. The melody and arrangement split the difference between dayglo New Wave and warm Country comfort. Lyrics portray a couple at a crossroads in their relationship. Rather than stay and face the music, one of them hit’s the road; “I’ll hitch a ride out of here with any clown, in an ’83 GMC, with the windows down, you know I’ll run away and leave this town, if you keep taking the best I have found.” The rhythm shifts on the bridge, locking into a variation on Hal Blaine’s iconic “Be My Baby” intro, replete with glockenspiel and a tambourine shake. Soon, a rapprochement is reached; “I surrender, I do, can I come home?”

Couples in trouble seems to be the album’s leitmotif. Juxtaposed perspectives play out on the back-to-back tracks, “Joy Killer” and “The Current.” The former is powered by strafing guitars, buzzy bass and a rapid-fire rhythm. Lucinda Williams once growled “you took my joy, and I want it back” on her song “Joy,” and Tim borrows a page from her playbook. Rather than tip-toe through an emotional minefield, he bites the bullet and opts out; “No easy way to tell you that I’m moving on-ain’t looking back at what once was, what once was not lost, yeah, it’s sacrifice, comes with a cost, as I drag our love to the cross, I fear the day I

meet my joy killer.” Gritty guitars coalesce on the break, rhythm riffs rev as spitfire lead licks take flight, swooping and spiraling across the sonic soundscape.

Rachel is front and center on the latter, her smoky contralto echoing antecedents like Motels front-woman Martha Davis, Robin, of Robin Lane And The Chartbusters, Pretenders architect Chrissie Hynde and Punk Priestess, Patti Smith. Spiky guitars ricochet across rubbery bass lines and a boomerang beat. Initially, she issues an ultimatum; “Don’t look in my eyes if you leave this time, don’t you say, don’t you say goodbye, I don’t want to cry tonight.” She recognizes the writing is on the wall; “If you fall in your dreams life may slip through the seams.” Ultimately, break-up is negotiated on her terms.

In an album stacked with superlative tracks, four stand out from the pack. Take “Like A Shadow,” which opens with a tangle of guitars that twang and jangle, before falling in line with descending bass notes and a chunky backbeat. Tim’s opening gambit is suave, stealthy and slightly Shakesperean; “Excuse my Sauvignon blank stare, none compare to you my love, fair words fail the feeling of knowing love is there.” Beatlesque guitars trip lightly on the break, tracing a bit of “Love Me Do” topography, just as he gets to the point of this sharp, albeit sheepish, sideways declaration of love; “Darker was my heart, before we were a part of each other, some days wouldn’t start and others would tick away so slow.”

Rachel takes charge on “Senses Again.” Darting guitars and tensile bass lines are wed to a pogo-riffic beat. The buoyant arrangement and infectious melody nearly camouflage clear-eyed lyrics that illustrate how easily we can become paralyzed by our memories, the good, the bad and the ugly; “Something worth holding on to will drive you mad, if all you ever do is let go and look back, it’s too late when you finally come to your senses again.” But

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

when we’re at our lowest ebb, love can bring redemption; “It’s my revolution, seeing this for what it is, and like the lipstick on that grave in Paris, real love is temporary…but love will save a life sometimes, yeah love will save a life sometimes.” Cascading guitar riffs usher the song to a close.

Meanwhile, “Train Wreck” could sandwich nicely between Bruce Springsteen’s “Promised Land” and Tom Petty’s “Refugee” on any classic FM playlist. Jittery guitars collide with knotty bass lines, lithe organ colors and an insistent back beat. Tim pulls no punches as he takes a rebellious femme fatale to task. Rachel’s sultry harmonies weave in and out of the instrumental tapestry and their vocals intertwine on the chorus; “You’re the wild one that no one can protect, Daddy’s scared he’ll lay his little girl to rest, got the devil’s chain hangin’ ‘round your neck, and God gave you the grace of a train wreck.”

Finally, Rachel takes the reins on the pensive “Sooner Than You Learn.” Shimmery guitars are matched by twinkly percussion, brittle bass lines and a tick-tock beat. Her plaintive mien wraps around a few neatly turned phrases; “You got a lust for the line, you drink to ease the ache, a way out of time, still trying to catch that break/A sugar coat on the low, when the dots won’t connect, all crooked lines between one and the next,” and it’s clear that she’s trying to throw a lifeline to someone in need of some emotional rescue. Just ahead of the chorus, time signatures shift, accelerating as Tim and Rachel’s vocals dovetail. A plangent guitar solo unfurls on the break, underscoring the song’s tender ache.

Other interesting tracks include the torch and twang of “The Race” and the aforementioned “Free To Roam,” which blends scorching electric riffs and sun-dappled acoustic licks. The record closes with “House Of Hang-Ups, a stunning shapeshifter and a bit of an outlier. A thick slab of Memphis Soul folded into some Bacharach-ian grace, Tim’s willowy vocals lattice atop ringing guitars, sinewy bass and churchy Hammond B3, over a slow-cooked groove. A sad saga of marital ennui, lyrics speak to secrets kept and restless bets, clearly this house is not a home. It’s a moodily elegant finish to a to a remarkable debut.

Mixed by William Faler, the album includes bassist Dan Sandvick and special guests, the inimitable Neal Casal on guitar and the legendary Bobby Furgo on keys. Producer Bart Davenport added vocals and still even more guitar.

Starlight Cleaning Co. serve up a potent combo-platter of indelible melodies, inventive arrangements, vivid harmonies and crisp instrumentation. They manage to sound like everyone you’ve ever loved, and no one you’ve ever heard before. Simply put, this debut is an instant classic.

Starlight Cleaning Co. will perform at AWE Bar along with The Mattson 2, Farmer Dave Scher, Victoria Williams, Robbi Robb and special guests on December 10th, Proceeds to Benefit The Neal Casal Music Foundation. Tickets available at http://link.dice.fm/ c99dbb5c9aa9)

Thursday, December 8

Babaloo Lounge – Piano Bar – 3:306:30pm, Live Music – 7pm

Casuelas Café – Avenida – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli –6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic – 6pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Christine Love – 6pm

Jazzville @ Agua Caliente – Paul McDonald Li’l Big Band – 7pm

Jolene’s – Rebecca Clark – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Scott Carter – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Shillelagh Brothers – 6pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – The Dreamboats and The Woggles – 8pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – Latina Night w/ DJ LF – 9pm

Runway – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana –5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 6pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30pm, Village Idiots – 8:30pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Friday, December 9

Ace Hotel – Takin’ Off w/ Young Einstein – 9pm

Babaloo Lounge – Piano Bar – 3:30-

6:30pm, Tony Grandberry – 7pm

Bart Lounge – Be Majestic Rap Party w/ Noa James, Ethan Morales, Mills the Gawd, Severino, Nah’shon and Teresa – 8pm

Casuelas Café – The Myx – 7pm

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner –6:30pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc Antonelli – 6pm

Jolene’s – Patrice Morris – 7pm

Larkspur Grill @ Hotel Paseo – Doug and Meg Music – 7pm

Lavender Bistro – Scott Carter – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – B.I.G. – 9pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Ken O’Malley – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music –7-10pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Built to Spill w/ Prism Bitch and Blood Lemon – 8:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – DJs Dxsko and Hymn – 9pm

Purple Room – Diane Schuur – 6pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 7:30pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30pm, DJ

Gio the Ace – 9pm, Rapmarz – 9pm, DJ LF – 10pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Saturday, December 10

Babaloo Lounge – Piano Bar – 3:306:30pm, Hitlist – 7pm

Bart Lounge – Desvelo w/ Mass Medel, Sugarfree and Bassmoves – 8pm

Casuelas Café – Michael Keeth – noon, Southbound Band – 6:30pm

Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. –Brewhouse Rock w/ Analog Lab and The Afterlashes – 7pm

Coachella Container Park – Instigator, Betwixt the Stars, Grin & Lies and more – 7pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

The Hood – In the Name of the Dead, Kill the Radio and more – 9pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc Antonelli – 6pm

Jolene’s – Fun with Dick and Jane – 7pm

Larkspur Grill – Eevaan Tre ant the Show – 7pm

Lavender Bistro – Scott Carter – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – B.I.G. – 9pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm O’Caine’s – Paddy’s Pig – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music –7-10pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Built to Spill w/ Prism Bitch and Blood Lemon – 8:30pm Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – LA DJ Ryan Kenney and DJ Pico – 9pm

Purple Room – Diane Schuur – 6pm

Sullivan’s – The Myx – 5:30pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Rose Mallett –5pm, John Stanley King – 7:30pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 1pm, Rapmarz – 9pm, DJ LF – 10pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6-9pm

Sunday, December 11

Babaloo Lounge – Tristen/Flamingo Guitar – 1pm, Piano Bar – 3:30pm, Tim Burleson – 6pm

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF – 8pm

Blu Ember – Gina Sedman – 5pm

Casuelas Café – El Mariachi Coachella –1pm, Voices Carrie – 5:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. –Acoustic Afternoon w/ Josh Heinz and Friends – 3:30pm

Fisherman’s Market, PS – Live Music – 6pm

Jolene’s – Sharon Sills – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Scott Carter – 6pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – JD McPherson – 8pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 12pm

The Village – Gio the Ace - 9pm

Monday, December 12

Babaloo Lounge – Piano Bar – 3:30, Tim Burleson – 6pm

Casuelas Café – Live Music – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Richard “88 Fingers” Turner – 6pm

The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Tuesday, December 13

Babaloo Lounge – Piano Bar – 3:306:30pm, The Carmens – 6:30pm

Casuelas Café – The Desert Suite Band – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Slim Man Band – 6pm

The Village – Karaoke – 9pm

Wednesday, December 14

Babaloo Lounge – Piano Bar – 3:306:30pm, DJ Erineil – 7pm

Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Trivia Night – 7pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

The Fix – Alex Santana – 5:30pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Patrice Morris – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Scott Carter – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Rob Staley –7pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Tack Room Tavern – T-Bone Karaoke – 7pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 6pm

The Village – Rapmarz – 9pm, Banda Revolucion – 10pm

THE MARTINI & ROSSI CHRISTMAS SPARKLES THE VINO VOICE

Pretty much every decent Martini and Manhattan cocktail drinker knows of the Martini & Rossi brand of vermouth—both the “dry” in the iconicshaped green bottle, and the “sweet”/ “Rosso” in the red one. And so you should be! The brand is world famous and the dry vermouth is rated as one of the top five brands around. So with such a high-bar of quality to maintain, any wine enthusiast can feel confident to taste and enjoy the sparkling qualities of both the Martini & Rossi Asti Sparkling and the Prosecco. At our recent CV Weekly table tasting of holiday bubbly, we found that for the price of around $12 or so for a bottle, the M&R brand could not be beat for value and quality.

And as with their vermouth bottles, the M&R brand sparklers bottles are recognizable as well. Now for the longest time, the “Asti” had the tag-along “Spumante” name attached. The generic term of “asti spumante” has always been around in northern Italy and it meant that the sparkling wine had a full set of bubbles. A sparkling wine with a “soft” set of bubbles is known a “frizzante” in Italian.

However the M&R brand have decided to just go with the Asti Sparkling Wine name that is now on the label.

Although I’m not a big sweet sparkler lover, I do have a place in my heart—and apparently in my gut, for the Asti stuff. We stayed a week in the beautiful town of Asti in the Piedmonte region of north Italy. It’s a great mid-point to Torino and to continue on your way to Milano. But the muscat grape of Asti is world class and produces the famous Moscato d’Asti wine.

We previously wrote about spending the entire afternoon at a wonderful ristorante where we paired various vintage Moscato d’Asti, and Barolos. Just the best of memories! And that’s why I will enjoy the M&R Asti Sparkler for the holidays.

“Technically speaking, an Asti (Spumante) should be crisper and more aromatic, and, a Moscato d’Asti softer, plumper, and sweeter. But it doesn’t always work that way. As with any wine, the best Asti and Moscato d’Asti are marked by balance—in this case, a balance of peach-and-apricot sweetness with a cleansing surge of acidity.”

And for all of us “dessert wine or sweet wine” enthusiasts, that’s the what’s it’s all about: we love the fruit sweetness complexities, but it has to be balanced with a fresh acidity to keep it interesting and noncloying—as with French Sauternes, German Ice Wine, and Hungarian Tokaji.

Here’s the review and PR from the winery: Martini & Rossi Asti DOCG: A classic holiday bottle, this fully sparkling white wine boasts a seamless, smooth, and sweet taste. Grape, melon, and peach peak through the wine’s

BY RICK RIOZZA

crisp bubbles. A glass of Asti is a sweet conclusion to any holiday dinner party, alongside a sweet dessert.

In the province of Asti, the steep and sun-drenched hills in the heart of the Piedmont region provide the perfect growing environment. This prime location has helped make Moscato D’Asti one of the world’s most famous wines.

With a beautiful fragrance and low alcohol content, the cool, fresh sensation of drinking M&R Asti makes it the perfect wine for both every day and special occasions. The Asti Sparkling Wine has the sweetness of the specially grown Moscato Bianco grape from the steep, sun-drenched hills of the Asti region. The grapes are pressed and fermented quickly to retain their natural aromatic qualities.

The resulting pressed juices, called ‘mosto’, become the base that makes this wine retain an exquisitely fruity and fragrant character, with hints of green apple, peach and pear. On the tongue, rich, honeyed notes are balanced with the natural lighter grape must to create a taste explosion of fresh fruit and elderflower flavors.

Now comes the Martini & Rossi Prosecco: This prosecco is loved globally for its deliciously dry and fruitful style. Beautifully versatile, your readers can gift this bottle to the holiday party host, and it’s also the perfect pour to the star of the holiday meal.

M&R Prosecco Sparkling Wine is a dry, aromatic Italian sparkling wine made from the Glera grapes that grow in the lush, sundrenched foothills of the Veneto and Friuli regions of north-eastern Italy. Ripened in this ideal climate, they give this Prosecco wine a stimulating fragrance.

Delightful over ice, it is the perfect complement to brunch or as an aperitivo and. This Prosecco Sparkling Wine encapsulates the subtle, natural hints of apple, banana, peach and thyme to produce a dry, fresh and crisply aromatic sparkling wine which is a favorite worldwide. Since 2009, an appellation has protected the integrity of the Prosecco wine region. Only wines made from grapes in its prized vineyards can claim its hallowed name. This Prosecco Sparkling Wine is one of only a few coveted ambassadors of this worldrenowned Italian wine.

For the holiday gatherings, the above Martini & Rossi sparklers along with a cheese platter is a classic Italian endeavor that never fails to impress. Pick cheeses that are light and fresh, rather than aggressively sharp and smelly. Your best bet will be gorgonzola or a crescenza. Top off with some fresh figs, grapes, nuts or whatever else sounds good and you’ve got the perfect party platter. Buone Feste!!

ARTSCENE

BY DEANN LUBELL

Ifirst met the multi-talented Cara Van Dijk in the early 2000s when she was producing KESQ’S Eye on the Desert. It was one of those situations where there was an instant connection and friendship.

Cara, who majored in television journalism and minored in theater, was approached by the co-artistic director of The Palm Canyon Theatre, Se Layne, to write an historical musical book about Palm Springs.

So, on President’s Day in 2020, Cara sent her family off and locked herself in her house for three days to see how far she would get with the writing project. Shortly into her writing, Cara showed the beginning of the script to Se. Se was thrilled with what she read she offered to bring Cara anything foodstuff to keep her going. Cara said the only nourishment that would keep her going late into the night would be Good and Plenty candy. Se brought her ten boxes.

Palm Springs Getaway runs December 2-18 and then January 20-29. Show times are 7 p.m. on Thursday, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $38 for adults, $34 for seniors, $17 for students. The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Call 760-323-5173.

The musical begins in Hollywood in the 1930s, where the protagonists realize they need a “getaway” as they try to escape mobsters set on revenge. Prompted by a mysterious fortune teller, who describes Palm Springs as the Playground of the Stars, “Bob” and “Bing” set off on a time-jumping adventure reminiscent of the lighthearted, screwball comedy films of the 1930s and 40s.

The fast-paced farce is filled with physical comedy and campy energy with bits of Palm Springs history and lore sprinkled throughout. Distinct music of each decade, performed by a four-piece band, and era-specific dance styles, plus historic projections, usher audiences down memory lane. A company of 35 local talents, ranging in age from seven to 80+, transform from one iconic character to the next showcasing not only decades past, but the magic that remains in Palm Springs today.

“I hope people enjoy the production for the entertainment value,” said Cara, “but I also hope it will give people – visitors and locals – an opportunity to find a new appreciation for the past that has evolved Palm Springs into what it is today. For a small community, Palm Springs may have one of

the most colorful histories in our country. Maybe the show will inspire people to learn more about the city’s history. It’s a fun, parodic piece. Characters break the fourth wall, there’s time travel, fortune telling, a lot of crazy stuff - so I hope audiences just let their minds escape into the wonderful world of musical theatre. The production of Palm Springs Getaway is a work of historical fiction. While the adventures of Harry, Junior, and Mary are a figment of the author’s imagination, the show follows a general timeline of the evolution of the City of Palm Springs. Actual names or likenesses of any persons (living or deceased) and dialogue spoken by those individuals are presented in a fictitious, respectful, and parodic manner. In addition, audiences should rest assured there have been no documented incidents of time travel phenomena in the Palm Canyon Theatre or the Coachella Valley at large.”

Cara is currently an independent communications consultant.

(PHOTO CREDITS: Alan Berry took the photo of Cara by the poster.

Paul Hayashi took the photos of the performance.)

As freezing nighttime temperatures continue in the eastern Coachella Valley and the high desert, countless dogs and cats suffer and perish when kept outdoors overnight. While snow is a rare occurrence in the lower Coachella Valley, nearby mountainous Idyllwild is blanketed in snow.

Patrick Evans, local animal lover and meteorologist with KESQ news Channel 3, reports, “While it’s not the coldest winter we’ve ever had, 2022 is colder than our average winter. We’ve seen long periods of overnight lows in the 30’s. Just like us, our pets aren’t used to these colder conditions. It’s hard on their system as it is on ours.”

Small puppies, older animals, and those with medical problem are most susceptible to hypothermia.

PLEASE BRING YOUR PETS INSIDE DURING THESE COLD WINTER NIGHTS. There are many other compelling reasons to include your pets as inside family members.

Most Coachella Valley residents are wonderful pet owners, and their pets are kept safely indoors. However, I recently spoke with a young woman who keeps her dogs outside 24 hours a day. She believes they are “unclean”. Why do people have such beliefs? What information do they need to change those beliefs? I provided information about how dogs living near people improves their immune system, emotional well-being, and physical health. It was unclear if this changed

MEET NELLY

URGENT, STRESSED IN CROWDED SHELTER Please come meet me at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms from 10am-4pm Monday thru Saturday. I’m a lovely 2-yr-old 60-pound Labrador Retriever mix girl who loves people and other pups. Ask to meet me in a visiting area, dog ID#A1700211. I will be happy again when I’m home with you! www.rcdas.org

her mind.

Some people were raised by parents whose admonition, “Dogs belong outside!” still rings in their subconscious. Some people grew up on farms or in countries where dogs are often kept as outdoor-only animals. However, we live in a geographical area of extreme weather where keeping a dog outdoors can jeopardize his health and even cost him his life.

Dogs are social pack animals and want nothing more than to be by your side. They are highly social creatures, born to be part of a pack or a human family. Most outdoor-only dogs suffer physically and psychologically when deprived of social contact.

It is a sad sight to see a neighbor’s dog tied to a post day after day, forlorn and bereft of human companionship. Some of these animals become a neighborhood nuisance with their barking. Under California penal code section 597, it is illegal to tether or chain a dog to a doghouse or other structure for longer than 3 hours in a 24-hour time period. If you decide to approach offending friends and neighbors, do so in a nonjudgmental way, trying to educate them about the hazards of keeping their dog outdoors. Ask them, “Why do you leave your dog outside all the time?”

Rising temperaments in the summer can cause a multitude of medical problems including death from heat stroke. Older dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke. Think about a dog having to

drink hot water out of his bowl in the sizzling summer weather, and worse yet having the water dry up. Think about your dog trying to drink a bowl of water when it’s covered in ice. When your dog is kept out of sight outdoors, it’s easy to forget about their needs.

Ironically, keeping an outdoor dog for home security doesn’t do much good when the burglars break into the dwelling where the valuables are kept. Outdoor dogs are indiscriminate barkers, and no one can tell if they are barking at a prowler or a child riding

BY JANET McAFEE

a bicycle down the street. An inside dog is a true deterrent to thieves. Outdoor dogs can be stolen by thieves with a variety of sinister motives.

Small animals are subject to prey when outdoors unsupervised. Small dogs may be seized by coyotes and birds of prey such as hawks and owls. An acquaintance experienced the horror of hearing her Yorkshire Terrier cry out amidst the flutter of wings, and the dog disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Bored and lonely, outdoor-only dogs develop bad habits. They dig holes in the yard. They chew on various objects out of boredom, including patio furniture, which can result in property damage, expensive vet bills, and even death. Lonely dogs bark day and night, disturbing the neighborhood. Lacking socialization, they may fail to bond with their humans.

Here is the best reason for keeping your dog in the house with you. He will become your loving companion, amaze you with his unique personality, comfort you when you are sick, and communicate without speaking in ways you could never imagine.

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com

PRECIOUS TABBY KITTEN

Adorable 12-week-old female Tabby kitten with unique brown, black and white coat. This 2.4 lb playful girl waits at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, www. rcdas.org. Visiting hours 10am4pm Monday thru Saturday. Ask staff to bring her to a visiting room.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS –Open 10:00-4:00 Monday through Saturday. View animals online at all 4 county shelters www.rcdas.org, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public)

PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – Open to the public, closed Tuesday. View animals online at psanimalsshelter.org and complete application for the one you want to meet, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, Call (760) 416-5718. (Public)

DESERT HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL – Open daily 9:30-4:30. www. cityofdhs.org/animal-care-control.com, View animals at www.petango.com/dhsacc. 65810 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, Call for appointment (760) 329-6411 ext. 450.

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – Open to the public. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email volunteer@ animalsamaritans.org to foster or volunteer. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private)

CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - Call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 6563833. (Private)

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Fill out an application online www. orphanpet.com and call for an appointment. This shelter has dogs of all sizes and cats, Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private)

KITTYLAND – Open to the public to adopt cats and kittens. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www. kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private)

PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private)

LOVING ALL ANIMALS – Call for appointment to adopt dogs. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private)

ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA

– Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077 (Private)

FLUFFS & SCRUFFS – Foster based rescue for small dogs in Cathedral City. FLUFFSANDSCRUFFS@AOL.COM, (310) 9803383 (Private)

SOCIETY’S OUTKAST ANIMAL RESCUE

– Foster based rescue for dogs in Rancho Mirage, www.societysoutkasts.com, (760) 832-0617. (Private)

LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY –Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, living-free.org, (951) 659-4687. (Private)

CITY OF BANNING ANIMAL SHELTER –Open daily 10am-6pm. Located at 2050 E. Charles St, Banning. Many beautiful animals of all sizes. View animals at arerescue.org/ banning. (951) 708-1280 Short staffed so don’t always answer phones. (Public)

CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – Open 12:00 – 3pm Tues through Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get ID number of the animal you want. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Open 7 days a week. Call (909) 386-9280, www.sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you are interested in adopting, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

Here are some places where you can adopt a wonderful rescue dog or cat!

AROUND THE

Most of the news we receive each day share very few stories from around the world. Let’s take a moment to look at a few lead stories from around the world.

From the Korea Times: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was nominated for “Tyrant of the Year” by Index On Censorship, a U.K. nonprofit. North Korea comes in last among Reporters Without Borders on press freedoms. Other nominees for Tyrant of the Year include Putin of Russia, Al Thani of Qatar, Xi Jinping of China, Obrador of Mexico, Daniel Nortega of Nicaragua, Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, Ali Khamenei of Iran, Hlaing of Myanmar, Lukashenka of Belarus and Mbasogo of Equadorial Guinea. Last year’s winner was Turkish President Erdogan.

From the BBC: The largest radio telescope in the world began construction on December 5th. The intent of the facility will be to address some of the biggest questions in astrophysics. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will do things like testing Einstein’s theories or hunting for extra-terrestrials. It is expected to detect the faintest of radio signals from areas of the cosmos that emitted sounds only a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. It is expected that they will be able to trace the full history of hydrogen which first was in cloud forms before forming stars. The telescope will be built in a remote part of Western Australia as well as South Africa’s Northern Cape. At a price tag of $2 billion, the project is funded by

South Africa, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and China. France, Spain and German are expected to join soon while a number of other countries are considering participation.

Newsline Queensland, Australia: Former lawyer Adrian Praljak sued the Queensland Government for $50 billion. Why? Praljak felt that they forced him to plead guilty on stalking charges brought against him in 2018. The court’s ruling found the Praljak’s claim was abuse of justice and ordered him to pay for court costs.

A headline from the Iceland Monitor reads “Hot lava is flowing in Reykjavik for the first time in 5,000 years.” As the city has no volcanoes, has global warming screwed up the world this much? Nope. Julius Jonsson

and Ragnur Agustdottir started the Lava Show. For only $40 dollars for adults and half that for kids, you can see real lava flowing in a safe way. With the help of a special furnace, this couple has expanded from its Vik location opened four years ago to Reykjavik where you can see hot lava up close.

Newsline New Delhi, India: Imam Mufti Siddiqui said that Islam does not allow for women to participate in politics. Siddiqui said that women would not be allowed to visit mosques if they participated. This proclamation is part of a larger problem in the area. Since the 1990s, Kashmiri Pandits have been persecuted by radical Islamicists. On January 19, 1990, mosques declared that Pandit males needed to leave the region and families, convert to Islam, or be

BY HADDON LIBBY

killed. Roughly 400 Pandits have been killed with another 800,000 leaving the region. At present, roughly 3,400 Pandits remain in the region.

Newsline South Sudan: President Kiir announced that he is sending 750 troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of an Eastern African alliance of countries looking to restore peace in the region. Uganda has contributed 1,000 troops and Kenya 900 as the region tries to restore order. There are approximately 120 armed groups roaming the region. While peace talks are underway, rebel group M23 have been deemed terrorists and precluded from discussions. This region has been a source of desperate poverty and political instability for decades. It is hoped that a seven-country group can help the Congolese to find stability. The area is one of the poorest on Earth.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information on our services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com

The honest answer is maybe...AND it depends! ...however the odds are usually against it. Any lawyer that tells you, YES they can dismiss your DUI, without examining the facts is lying to you. USC just beat both UCLA and Notre Dame and many of my friends have been celebrating for these games and an abundance of other college and NFL games. When any new defendant comes into the office, the first question on everyone’s mind is what can you do for me? …and what will it cost? If I was a doctor and you had stomach pain, you would not ask me “what is wrong with me and what will it cost” on our first office visit, and before I examined you.

You would understand a doctor would have to take a history, perform a physical exam, order blood tests, X-Rays, and MRI’s etc. Maybe the doctor would even perform exploratory surgery before telling you what was wrong. If it was Cancer the surgeon might stitch you up and explain there is very little he or she can do to cure you of Cancer.

A DUI is usually not cancer, but with a (1) High Blood Alcohol Reading of .15+; (2) Drugs (Prescriptive or street drugs) or (3) a Traffic Accident, your case becomes more challenging. This means that the results your lawyer can achieve are problematic and the possible sentence will probably involve the DA and Judge talking about jail time.

However, our clients have rarely had a jail sentence on a DUI.

The Indio Court is much tougher on DUI’s than many other jurisdictions, and our local DA’s ask for JAIL time most DUI’s. This is probably because we have more DUI FATALITIES in the CV, than anywhere else in California...per capita. Even Paul Zellerbach, our former DA’s wife’s DUI, was set for trial because the prosecutor does not show favoritism to ANY DRIVER.

On any criminal case there are different degrees of success. I usually explain to clients on their first appointment, that many years ago I was in the office of famed criminal attorney Robert Shapiro, my best friend at the time, who later became O.J. Simpson’s lawyer. We were planning on going to dinner and discussing cases on which we were working together.

Shapiro got a call from a prospective client and had to stay late to meet with him. He asked me to sit in the office with him but of course I was to say nothing.

When the client came in Shapiro said “I don’t want to know anything about your case.” He merely asked “what are you looking for?” He then explained that there are different degrees of success. If I go into court and the DA wants a year in custody, and I can get you 6 months, that is success. If they want 6 months of custody and I can

get you 2 months, that is success. If they want 30 days and I can get you 10 days, that is success. If they want 10 days and I can get you a weekend and/or home arrest, that is success.

It is impossible to guesstimate what the success will be on a case when you only hear the client’s side of the story. It is necessary to review the police report for probable cause for the stop, how well you did on the OPTIONAL field sobriety tests and chemical test results for the Blood Alcohol Reading and your criminal record.

Clients often think that because they have a clean driving record or have been a pillar of the community that will factor into their guilt or innocence. That is wrong. It may affect the sentence, but not GUILT or INNOCENCE.

Sometimes a prior record will aggravate the sentence and philanthropic work in the community may mitigate the sentence. However, they have nothing to do with GUILT or INNOCENCE.

Many clients had “Black & White Fever” when they saw the police and were thus nervous about the police stopping them. The driver may have innocently said something that was wrong and that may negatively influence the case. Of course failing the attitude test also makes the case more difficult, as the DA is more likely to want to punish the driver.

The best advice I give you is to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. So DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT, CALL A TAXI OR UBER……IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME!

For ideas for future articles contact me at 760 837 7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW

Representing the Seriously Injured and Criminally Accused

“TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-23

“TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine

PERFECT 10.0 AVVO “Peer” Rating

5 STAR Rating

AV- MARTINDALE HUBBELL (A FOR LEGAL ABILITY, V FOR VERY HIGH ETHICS)

DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE ARRESTS AND ACCIDENTS, OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID A DUI INDUCED ARREST OR NON FAULT ACCIDENT. 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”.

The cold and frosty months of winter (at least in the northern hemisphere) are typically filled with warn fuzzy clothing, burning fireplaces, gift-giving, festive cheer, and of course - lots of tasty food. It’s become a tradition passed down for generations, fueled by heavy commercial influence. Who of us in the United States doesn’t think of Christmas trees, twinkling lights, gifts, turkeys, and stuffing come near or around October every year? This begs a question. When and where did all this feasting and celebration begin?

To understand anything in life more comprehensively one must reflect upon its source, and eye-opening epiphanies, albeit revelations will follow.

The earliest accounts of feasting date to the Sumerian culture who dwelled upon the earth from 3000-2350 BC [Before Christ]. Their feasting had to do with a Sumerian myth, in which one of the Sumerian’s false gods “Enki” offers the false goddess “Inanna” butter cakes and beer [similar as in the novel of Harry Potter if you ask me]. Homer, the Greek poet, and author whose record dates to the 8th century BC, depicts many feasts contained within the pages of his writings in The Iliad and the Odyssey. In the United States in 1621, Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving feast, or “first harvest”. Accounts suggest that the Pilgrims [supported by Native American Indians] reaped crops and raised animals throughout the year and then feasted bountifully. Most importantly, feasting is discussed within the pages of the Holy Bible with a special attention focused upon “the last supper”.

The concept of gatherings and the “breaking of bread” dates back thousands of years, and we can be certain that it dates back farther still. After all, every human needs to eat. Without food (good healthy food that is) our bodies simply cannot survive.

However, the concept of “feasting” and “celebrating” as it was known throughout the ages has over time been modified. Take this into consideration; Thousands of years ago, humans harvested and hunted for their own food. They couldn’t get into a car, drive to a grocery store, and purchase the many varieties of processed delectable sugary treats and soda. This brings us to the modern annual concept of holiday celebration and feasting.

It may shock many of you to know that the origins of Christmas stem from pagan revelry.

The Roman Empire celebrated two holidays beginning near or around the year 336. Both holidays were celebrated during the month of December. The first celebration was dubbed the “Saturnalia”. You’re probably wondering, what is the Saturnalia? The Saturnalia was a two-week mad house event during which time Romans, who brutally tortured and crucified our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ honored one of their false gods of Saturn. On December

25th (specifically), the Romans celebrated the birth of “Mithra”, their false sun god. Both celebrations included “raucous gluttony and drunken parties”.

What about gift-giving and its origins? Coincidently, “gift-giving” in conjunction with feasting began near or around the year 336 CE [Common Era], which as mainstream history proports, is the recorded birth date of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The tradition of “gift-giving” - so we believe, is a result of the Holy Bible account of the “three wise men” or “Magi”. These men gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. Likewise, tied to the tradition of “gift-giving” on December 25th is the story of Saint Nicholas - a fourth-century Christian Bishop who gave gifts to his local community.

Most feasts and celebrations seem to occur at the end of the year – a time to worship, be thankful, and refill one’s belly before resting for the New Year. When you consider feasting

and gift-giving in those terms it makes logical sense that our distant ancestors would construct their yearly twelve-month cycles in such a manner. They toiled all year, harvested crops during the fall, gave thanks, and then rested until the New Year. The difference today - in stark contrast to those times, is that today [like the Romans] – [but this of course, is not applicable to all of us] the level of our celebrations and feasting borders upon revelry and gluttony.

It is at this time of year, due to the slowdown of businesses and vacations, that we have more time to reflect. This year I encourage you to reflect upon the truthful realities that a substantial majority of American’s are hungry – all year. Not only are they hungry, but they are also worked to the point of exhaustion and do so baring extremely high levels of stress.

Celebrations and feasting when out-ofcontrol, sadly at times, end with someone getting into a car drunk, ending up in an accident, and in some cases being killed. The end of the year feasting and celebration is good but should always be enjoyed from the perspective of being humbly grateful, and in moderation. A focus more upon, “I am so thankful and grateful for the life I have been given”, and/or, “How might I, who has been blessed with so much, help others in need?” These delicacies should be on the menu instead of, “What new gadget or video game do I want for Christmas”?

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Many of us will be hanging Christmas decorations this week. Let’s start this week start from the outside and work our way in. One of the most common causes of holiday-time house fires results from these bulbs being too close to gutters filled with dried out leaves. Make sure that the strings of lights you are using outside have built-in fuses on the lines.

a string of lights with a blown bulb, be sure to replace it with a bulb of the exact same wattage.

Never tap into your home’s feeder line to power your outdoor Christmas lights or

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

hang decorations on the line.

Avoid using nails, tacks or metal staples to secure your outdoor Christmas lights. Use insulated hooks. Be sure your lights are strung tightly to avoid damage from the wind.

Use only outdoor rated extension cords. Connect no more than three strings of lights to a single extension cord. All plugs should be plugged into a GFCI protected outlet when used outside.

Watch for overhead wires when using a ladder. When climbing a ladder, always use caution, preferably having someone secure the ladder for you. Do not place the ladder in damp or muddy areas. Make sure you have a safe and solid foundation before climbing.

For additional safety tips contact your local fire department Merry Christmas!

Check the actual plug. Make sure you are using lights designated for outdoor use only.

Use Christmas lights and electric equipment that has been tested and verified by a reliable testing laboratory. If you have

SENDMEATRAINER

HOME WORKOUTS: MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE GYM?

BY COACH NADIA POPOVA

Going to the gym isn’t the only way to get in a great workout. Working out at home can be just as effective and so much more convenient. While a gym provides a dedicated space, home workouts offer more flexibility and can be more efficient. It all depends on how you use your time and equipment to maximize your effort.

The first thing to realize about Home Workouts is that It’s convenient. You can skip traffic, and you don’t have to leave your house or work out during specific times.

It’s also cost-effective. You don’t have to pay gym membership fees, and there’s no need for fancy or expensive equipment to get a great workout.

What’s an Effective Home Workout?

An effective workout doesn’t have to take a long time or need equipment like heavy-duty weights. Intermittent intervals of working out for 10 minutes at a time, three times a day can be as effective as one 30-minute session.

The important thing is to get started. Here are some ideas:

Find sufficient space to do your workouts. This could be a spot in your bedroom, the den, a patio or even the backyard or front porch. Some of our clients exercise in their backyard, by the pool or in the living room. At a minimum, it should have enough space for a yoga mat and for you to stretch your arms

in all directions without hitting anything.

Plan your workouts. Set days and times to exercise, and hold yourself accountable with an alarm or reminder on your smartphone. If you struggle with motivation, team up with local professionals who come to people’s homes like at www.sendmeatrainer.com

Use your body weight. Body weight activities, when used correctly, can be as effective as weight-lifting for building muscle. By modifying your workouts and increasing the intensity or duration over time, you’ll make the most of it. Keep in mind:

● Try planks, lunges, squats, stair-climbing and pushups as great body weight exercises.

● Up the ante of your body weight circuits by increasing the number of repetitions per workout.

● Use proper form to prevent injury. Ask a professional to correct your form or watch a tutorial online before diving into new workouts.

You may not know the correct form for various exercises. This means you could injure yourself, so it’s best to stick to exercises you are already comfortable with or hire a professional that will come to you. Please visit our website for more details or call to request a Free consultation at (760) 880-9904.

See you on the way to a better and healthier you!

FREEWILLASTROLOGY

WEEK OF DECEMBER 8

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky wrote, “To be free, you simply have to be so, without asking permission. You must have your own hypothesis about what you are called to do, and follow it, not giving in to circumstances or complying with them. But that sort of freedom demands powerful inner resources, a high degree of self-awareness, and a consciousness of your responsibility to yourself and therefore to other people.” That last element is where some freedom-seekers falter. They neglect their obligation to care for and serve their fellow humans. I want to make sure you don’t do that, Aries, as you launch a new phase of your liberation process. Authentic freedom is conscientious.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The term “neurodiversity” refers to the fact that the human brain functions in a wide variety of ways. There are not just a few versions of mental health and learning styles that are better than all the others. Taurus musician David Byrne believes he is neurodiverse because he is on the autism spectrum. That’s an advantage, he feels, giving him the power to focus with extra intensity on his creative pursuits. I consider myself neurodiverse because my life in the imaginal realm is just as important to me as my life in the material world. I suspect that most of us are neurodiverse in some sense—deviating from “normal” mental functioning. What about you, Taurus? The coming months will be an excellent time to explore and celebrate your own neurodiversity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Poet Jane Hirshfield says that Zen Buddhism is built on three principles: 1. Everything changes. 2. Everything is connected. 3. Pay attention. Even if you are not a Zen practitioner, Gemini, I hope you will focus on the last two precepts in the coming weeks. If I had to summarize the formula that will bring you the most interesting experiences and feelings, it would be, “Pay attention to how everything is connected.” I hope you will intensify your intention to see how all the apparent fragments are interwoven. Here’s my secret agenda: I think it will help you register the truth that your life has a higher purpose than you’re usually aware of— and that the whole world is conspiring to help you fulfill that purpose.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Author Flannery O’Connor wrote, “You have to cherish the world at the same time that you struggle to endure it.” I will add a further thought: “You have to cherish the world at the same time that you struggle to endure it and strive to transform it into a better place.” Let’s make this one of your inspirational meditations in the coming months, Cancerian. I suspect you will have more power than usual to transform the world into a better place. Get started! (PS: Doing so will enhance your ability to endure and cherish.)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Many sports journalists will tell you that while they may root for their favorite teams, they also “root for the story.” They want a compelling tale to tell. They yearn for dramatic plot twists that reveal entertaining details about interesting characters performing unique feats. That’s how I’m going to be in the coming months Leo, at least in relation to you. I hope to see you engaged in epic sagas, creating yourself with verve as you weave your way through fun challenges and intriguing adventures. I predict my hope will be realized.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Venus is too hot and dry for humans to live on. But if travelers from Earth could figure out a way to feel comfortable there, they would enjoy a marvelous perk. The planet rotates very slowly. One complete day and night lasts for 243 Earth days and nights. That means you and a special friend could take a romantic stroll toward the sunset for as long as you wanted, and never see the sun go down. I invite you to dream up equally lyrical adventures in togetherness here on Earth during the coming months, Virgo. Your intimate alliances will thrive as you get imaginative and creative about

nurturing togetherness.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): As far as I’m concerned, Libran Buddhist monk and author Thích Nhất Hạnh was one of the finest humans who ever lived. “Where do you seek the spiritual?” he asked. His answer: “You seek the spiritual in every ordinary thing that you do every day. Sweeping the floor, watering the vegetables, and washing the dishes become sacred if mindfulness is there.” In the coming weeks, Libra, you will have exceptional power to live like this: to regard every event, however mundane or routine, as an opportunity to express your soulful love and gratitude for the privilege of being alive. Act as if the whole world is your precious sanctuary.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A reader named Elisa Jean tells me, “We Scorpio allies admire how Scorpios can be so solicitous and welcoming: the best party hosts. They know how to foster social situations that bring out the best in everyone and provide convivial entertainment. Yet Scorpios also know everyone’s secrets. They are connoisseurs of the skeletons in the closets. So they have the power to spawn discordant commotions and wreak havoc on people’s reputations. But they rarely do. Instead, they keep the secrets. They use their covert knowledge to weave deep connections.” Everything Ella Jean described will be your specialties in the coming weeks, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Sagittarians are least likely to stay in one location for extended periods. Many of you enjoy the need to move around from place to place. Doing so may be crucial in satisfying your quest for ever-fresh knowledge and stimulation. You understand that it’s risky to get too fixed in your habits and too dogmatic in your beliefs. So you feel an imperative to keep disrupting routines before they become deadening. When you are successful in this endeavor, it’s often due to a special talent you have: your capacity for creating an inner sense of home that enables you to feel stable and grounded as you ramble free. I believe this superpower will be extra strong during the coming months.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn author Edgar Allan Poe made this mysterious statement: “We can, at any time, double the true beauty of an actual landscape by half closing our eyes as we look at it.” What did he mean? He was referring to how crucial it is to see life “through the veil of the soul.” Merely using our physical vision gives us only half the story. To be receptive to the full glory of the world, our deepest self must also participate in the vision. Of course, this is always true. But it’s even more extra especially true than usual for you right now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian theologian Henri Nouwen wrote, “I have discovered that the gifts of life are often hidden in the places that hurt most.” Yikes! Really? I don’t like that idea. But I will say this: If Nouwen’s theory has a grain of truth, you will capitalize on that fact in the coming weeks. Amazingly enough, a wound or pain you experienced in the past could reveal a redemptive possibility that inspires and heals you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen says it’s wise to talk to yourself. No other conversational partner is more fascinating. No one else listens as well. I offer you his advice in the hope of encouraging you to upgrade the intensity and frequency of your dialogs with yourself. It’s an excellent astrological time to go deeper with the questions you pose and to be braver in formulating your responses. Make the coming weeks be the time when you find out much more about what you truly think and feel.

Homework: What action could you take to rouse unexpected joy in a person you care about? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

© Copyright 2022 Rob Brezsny

CRISPR & GMO’S

CRISPR is an accurate genetic modification technique that can cut the DNA sequences that creates genes. In such a way that the genes will determine traits of the cannabis plant (such as leaf color, the synthesis of THC or CBD, and its cannabidiol compounds.) The Crisper technique can now modify or eliminate many of an organism’s DNA components. The outcome or plant creation in a cannabis plant can be custom designed with exact precision. What does this all mean for the medicine plant? What the Crispr techniques can do is design a plant to grow, taste, smell, and enhance the cannabidiol DNA in hundreds of different effects when consumed by the human body.

In research laboratories, scientists repeatedly use CRISPR to tailor genes in plants, bacteria, and animal models. Scientist can remove a particular gene in lab mice, like disease and other debilitating pathogens like all living organisms that grow and develop. Researchers can directly witness what traits or behaviors are affected. A large amount of gene therapy and gene modifications in the controlled laboratories have been conducted for decades because CRISPR is faster, cheaper, and more reliable. Therefore, now with the prevalent recognition of medical marijuana, large agribusinesses are getting the chance to create a major crop cash for consumers. That is why its so important that any consumption of the medicine plant should be researched on the purity and testing of cannabis products.

CRISPR: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

Repetitive DNA sequences, called CRISPR, were observed in bacteria with “spacer” DNA sequences.

CRISPR repeats and can exactly match viral sequences.

It was subsequently discovered that bacteria transcribe these DNA elements to RNA upon viral infection.

GMO: Genetically Modified Organisms

GMO industry believes that there are good reasons to use GMOs in organisms:

• Reduced need for herbicides

• Reduced need of pesticides

• Reduced greenhouse emissions as GMOs require less tillage on the Earth

GMO & Unpredictable Side Effects:

Organic authorities believe GMOs are in

many food and plant organisms (especially processed food!)

GMOs were introduced in the American food supply in 1996

Restaurants cook with GMOs

GMOs can cause damage to animals

GMOs are connected to anxiety and depression

Long-term studies have not been conducted on humans

GMOs are affecting the health of early development

Since GMOs were introduced, rates of disease have increased in the U.S-

With millions to be made in the cannabis industry, giant agricultural biotechnology is introducing newly developed GMO technology to the patentable transgenic seeds for sole distribution. This is not a new

BY M. WHEELZOT, M.A.S.

concept to create GMO cannabis plants, yet it is important for the consumers to ask about the integrity of the how the plant medicine was developed. This article is wholly written to give the consumer of any cannabis products the insight that its important to know from who and what you are purchasing- because of ailments or discomforts; with a company that has integrity for the medicine plant, the consumer, and the Planet!

Remember when using any cannabis medicine please consult with your health care provider.

Note: Awareness and Mindfulness is key to many of the body’s needs. All my articles are based on patient reports, and company representatives who:

• Use the cannabis medicine for chronic ailments

• Sponsor sick patients with pure CBD with and without THC- (humans and animals)

• Sponsor Doctors & Families who prefer the plant medicine

• Companies that research and develop the medicine plant

If you have any Cannabis or CBD questions visit:

Four Twenty Bank Dispensary and Lounge fourtwentybank.com

296 Palm Cyn S, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 318-6877

SOCIETYSCENE

Close to 100 elegantly attired women, as well as, a handful of handsome gents, gathered at The Springs Woman’s welcome back luncheon, celebrating their 9th Season at The Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage. Kicking off the first of their six highly anticipated luncheons, this first soiree featured two speakers, Dennis Mori, Communications Director of The Springs Country Club and Rosa Lucas, Founding Board Member & Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner of Volunteers In Medicine.

Mori presented an informative chronological history of how The Springs Country Club has evolved over the past 47 years -- from when Edwin Johnson, a successful land developer, purchased the 385 acres with just a handshake, to how the city of Rancho Mirage was formed on the exact same day The Springs submitted its plans for development – – on July 11, 1973. Mori’s presentation featured a “walk down memory lane” as he shared nostalgic photos of famous Celebrities and VIPs who frequented and/or owned residences at The Springs, in addition to photos of some of the fun, as well as elegant and grand events The Springs hosted over the years.

THE SPRINGS WOMAN

Following lunch, Lucas provided a glimpse into Volunteers In Medicine’s Homeless Medical Outreach Program, often referred to as the Street Medicine Program, which provides medical care to the homeless and underserved who have no healthcare insurance. Now with six successful years under its belt, this Street Medicine Program takes place on Tuesday evenings, encompassing teams of volunteers, including a physician or nurse practitioner, medical resident, psychologist, social workers, as well as other volunteers who go out to the homeless in our desert to provide no cost healthcare. Volunteers In Medicine now averages well over 4,000 patient visits per month. This Street Medicine Program handles primary prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and has even performed some minor surgeries out in the desert. Rosa Lucas is the driving force behind this critical program because she is giving a voice to the people who are voiceless in our community.

“We are delighted that so many of our Springs Woman members joined us for this season’s opening luncheon,” said Mary Hockin, President of The Springs Woman. “Dennis Mori entertained us as he shared archival photos of The Springs over the past 47 years. And we are

very proud of the fact that since its inception, The Springs Woman has been the single largest outside fundraising group for Coachella Valley’s Volunteers In Medicine, which now has two clinics in Indio and Palm Springs. The Springs Woman has supported Volunteers In Medicine since 2014, raising in excess of $150,000 for this vital nonprofit within our community. We look forward to continuing our support through this luncheon series, in addition to our Annual Jeans & Jewels Country Western Gala on February 25, 2023.”

Seen in the crowd were Barbara Garakian, Joan Lynch, Frank & Mary Ann Xavier, Sharon Heiser, Mary & Tom Hockin, Judie Johnson, Ellen Schaller, Margaret Viland, Louise Babagian, Laura Conti, Sheri Dickson, Cindy Davis, Joan Dodge, Fran Muir, Leslee Effler, Judy Friednash, Joseph & Imelda Gregov, Judy Holt, Carole Krechman, Joan-Luther Young, Sue Mannos, Deborah Mayer, Marion Miller, Cathy Muldoon, Norma Person, Karol Pozzebon, Anne Roberson, Judith Schliessmann, Bev Wolvek, and Jacqueline Zimowski.

The Springs Woman

Founded in 2014, The Springs Woman was the brainchild of Judie Johnson, who had a dream that she turned into reality, which

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY MADELINE ZUCKERMAN

has helped the more than 40,000 uninsured or under-insured residents of the Coachella Valley receive needed healthcare, through Volunteers In Medicine!

The Springs Woman will host five additional luncheons as part of their Luncheon Series as follows:

• On December 15, 2022 - Entertainer and Singer Marc Antonelli will perform well-known Holiday Tunes

• January 19, 2023 - Melissa Riche, Author of “The Mod Mirage” will talk about the architecture of Rancho Mirage

• February 16, 2023 - Shirley’s Boutique will present a fun and lively Fashion Show

• March 16, 2023 - Dirk Sure, Owner of European Flower Power, will present a flower arranging presentation

• April 20, 2023 - Adam Karsten, Executive Artistic Director of Coachella Valley Repertory, will talk about what the organization is up to For more information please contact 760324-8292 or visit www.thespringsrm.com

Holly Rodway, and Melissa Elkins.

Linda Hodsdon, Board Member of Volunteers In Medicine, Joan Lynch and Fern Miller, Springs Woman Members.

Luncheon Guests Bud Lockhart and Peter Javier.

Michael Garakian and Barbara Garakian, Springs Woman Board Member.