Coachella Valley Weekly - December 24 to December 30, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 40

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coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 24 to December 30, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 40

Rick Parma

pg 6

War Drum

pg 7

Vladimir Cora

pg 9

DHS Spa Tour

pg 22

December 24 to December 30, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

bb’s 32 nd Annual NewatYear’s Eve the Hard Rock Masquerade Party Hotel Palm Springs

December 24 to December 30, 2015

By tracy dietlin

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Deborah Evans Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Salkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Kira Golden, Rich Henrich Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Karen Creasy, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Monica Morones, Lola Rossi, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Esther Sanchez, Janet Newcomb, Angela Valente Romeo, Alex Updike Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller, La Maniaca, Esther Sanchez Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents BB’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade....... 3 Palm Springs Helps Homeless........... 5 Backstage Jazz - Rick Parma.............. 6 War Drum............................................ 7 Consider This - Los Lobos................... 8 Art Scene - Vladimir Cora................... 9 Pet Place............................................10 The Vino Voice ..................................11 Club Crawler Nightlife......................12 Book Review......................................14 Screeners ..........................................16 Haddon Libby...................................18 Dale Gribow......................................18 Safety Tips.........................................19 Ask Jenny ..........................................19 Free Will Astrology...........................20 Mind, Body & Spirit ..........................20 Life & Career Coach ..........................21 DHS Spa Tour ....................................22

H

ot off the huge success of the Halloween Bash, BB Ingle will be hosting the 32nd Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party on Thursday Night, December 31st. This will be the 2nd year that the event is being held at the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs.

BB’s Parties are legendary, and have been entertaining desert party goers for decades.

His New Year’s Eve Parties in particular are enormously popular, giving attendees the chance to dress up and celebrate the start of the New Year in style! The parties are epic, and bring people from not only the desert area, but all over southern California to attend! Last year’s party, held at the Hard Rock Hotel, was huge, bringing out well over 3,000 revelers to celebrate!

The mega party, which is being produced by RSP Productions, will be spread out around the hotel, incorporating the elaborate underground ballroom, Bardot Nightclub, and lobby. Three floors and six rooms of entertainment include heart pumping music from DJs: Ray Phillips, Alf

Alpha, Anwaar, Aaron C, C3ASARE, Courtland, JF//Discord, Andre Paul Ryan, Paparazzi, Deep Ones, & more TBA. Special performances by Shawn Isaac, Classic Rock Band “Dude Jones” & the popular Latin entertainer, Adrian Garza.

Plus for those of you who like to entertain, “Masqueradeokie” with T-Bone. Live Portrait painting performance by the amazing artist Peter Mikulak.

BB must have been born to bring people together, starting his career as a leader in social gatherings back in the 80’s when he and a few others founded BB O’Briens. The nightspot was a constant in desert nightlife, and after its closure, BB began throwing special holiday/event parties, earning him the Master of Events and Godfather of Parties title that he has today. BB is also the three time winner of CV Weekly’s “Promoter of the Year” Award.

I asked BB what motivates him to continue doing this after 32 years. “Well...I’ve had a passion for gathering people together in celebration since I was a young boy,” stated BB in his smooth, laid back Alabama twang, which

is where he originally hails from. “After 32 years of parties we have all ages from 21 to 75, many of our original party goers’ children now attend. We make sure to play all types of music in different areas to keep everyone dancing and having a good time. But what makes me feel like it is all worthwhile is when someone comes up to me and says ‘BB, Thank you so much. If it weren’t for the party I wouldn’t have met my soul mate. We met at the party and now we are married and have kids.’ That’s very rewarding and it has happened numerous times over the years.”

While BB tries to throw a party once a month he’s re-inventing himself in 2016. He has several new endeavors including becoming a partner in a new Restaurant/Nightclub opening next month in Palm Desert. “We saw a big need for a new place for entertainment and dancing in the Palm Desert area. As far as events, I am also going to be hosting some smaller, private, invitation only parties at smaller venues.”

The Hard Rock Hotel in downtown Palm Springs and BB’s Annual New Year’s Eve Party is a perfect match! The Hard Rock Hotel Brand, which started back in 1971, sets it goal on bringing people together to party up a storm, it’s a shared goal that BB has been an advocate of all along, “ I’m excited to have the big New year’s Eve Party at the Hard Rock again this year.” said BB. The Hotel boasts all the flash and glamour affiliated with the famous chain. Amenities at the venue include swanky lounges, Bardot Nightclub, incredible dining, spa services and hip luxury accommodations all dripping with the cool vibe that is part of the Hard Rock brand.

For all of the loyal party goers that attend BB’s events, it doesn’t really matter where it is or what it is for, they will be there. If you haven’t had the experience of attending one of these memorable bashes then maybe you should start with this year’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party. While mask are optional, it’s always more fun to wear one and BB will be giving a prize for Best Female Mask and Best Male Mask. A good time will be had by all. See you there.

The party goes from 8:30pm to 2:00am and guests must be 21 or older to enter. Tickets are priced at $25.00 per person online at PartywithBB.com. Tickets are also available at: Skitzo Kitty in Palm Desert, TG Tattoo in Cat City, Sensuality in Palm Springs.

For tickets visit www.partywithBB.com or call 760-880-1059.

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

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“

Palm Springs Works to Help the Homeless

T

his is just the way life is,” said Eli, a homeless man sitting with Rocky Marciano a protective little white dog that belongs to his friend Mike.

“Everyone’s different. Life isn’t simple.”

Celebrating his 70th birthday last July, Eli is a handsome, dignified man even though he lacks most of his teeth. He was born in Greece. When he talks about his parents and the distant life there, his eyes well up.

Although his clothes are worn, they are fairly clean. He has several layers on, yet it may not have much to do with the seasonally low temperatures. He sits in the shade, his back against the Ralphs’ shopping center sign on Sunrise taking in the day. There is a hint of alcohol on his breath.

Eli first came to Palm Springs in 1977. He worked in the restaurant business bussing tables and washing dishes. He has been homeless for four years. He has no family.

But Eli is part of a larger homeless community that spends the day in Sunrise Park. He wants to wake Mike so he can talk about homelessness, but Mike is curled up on the dirt next to a short wall two yards from the busy street. He points out other friends across the street gathered in the sunny park.

There are at least a dozen.

Last January, the Palm Springs City Council formed an Ad Hoc City Council Subcommittee for Homelessness and a Task Force was created to help homeless individuals.

In May, the city held a community discussion titled, “Why Addressing Homelessness Matters” at the Mizell Senior Center. The presentation defined homelessness, the efforts already in place and there was a public discussion that included homeless people taking the podium.

The room was filled to standing room only.

The 12-member Task Force began monthly meetings in September. Four subcommittees were created to remedy the main issues pertaining to homelessness: Housing, Jobs, Addiction/Mental Health, and Youth.

Palm Springs reported there are 118 homeless individuals within the city. A “Point in Time Count” interviewed is 66 individuals and “Observed” -- but not interviewed –another 52 homeless individuals. At the time of the report, the homeless who live in shelters under the jurisdiction of Riverside County was not calculated.

In 2015, the valley wide “Point in Time Count” of homeless individuals is 347. The county has 1,587 “Point in Time Count” homeless individuals. According to the 2015 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, more than half of the homeless population in the US is in five states. California leads at 21 percent or 115,738 people.

The Palm Springs “Point in Time Count” in 2013 was 60, making the 2015 count an increase of 97 percent. As the population of homeless individuals has increased over the last two years, their presence has become more prominent, e specially in high traffic tourist areas. Panhandling and spending nights in shop doorways has created a challenge for local businesses, city leaders

Artistic Rendering of Eli by Robin E. Simmons

and visitors.

According to Palm Springs Police Department Lieutenant Kovaleff, the chronically homeless remain throughout the year, but the unsheltered and transient population can change day-to-day regardless of the season.

The most common homeless infraction is unlawful camping.

Regarding the homeless and crime, the PSPD has no markers to identify a suspect or victim as “homeless.”

“While it is possible to identify people as transient by their reported address, many homeless individuals have a mailing address [or lack of address] that make this method of estimation inaccurate,” said Kovaleff. “The officer may mention the person’s housing situation in their report, but this search would be overwhelming.”

The PSPD is acutely aware that people become homeless for a variety of reasons.

“Many become homeless due to lack of affordable housing, decreased employment opportunities, lack of affordable health care, mental illness, substance abuse or domestic violence,” said Kovaleff.

While some Palm Springs residents lose their housing and become homeless, others migrate to Palm Springs for a variety of reasons.

“PSPD has a long history of being compassionate to all members of the community, including those who are homeless,” said Kovaleff. “We understand that other factors may come into play, and no two stories are alike.”

The mission statement of PSPD states: “The men and women of the Palm Springs Police Department, empowered by and in partnership with the community, are dedicated to providing professional, ethical, and courteous service to all.”

The PSPD has taken a leadership role to better serve and make positive changes in the community.

“In our day-to-day duties, it is common to have interaction with the homeless and it’s important to recognize that without law

December 24 to December 30, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

enforcement’s intervention, many of these individuals will continue to fall into despair, while decompensating and eventually dying on our streets,” said Kovaleff. “Homelessness will never be solved by issuing tickets, arresting individuals, or any other type of enforcement action. We have personnel who work to direct members of our homeless community towards the appropriate resources and handle the calls associated with homelessness.”

Riverside County has agreed to partner with the City of Palm Springs to establish a Mental Health Homeless Outreach Team. The city has committed $165,000 per year for a behavioral health specialist and a mental health peer specialist.

The mental health staff is expected to come on board in the beginning of the new year and will work closely with the Palm Springs Police Department.

A December 9 press release stated: “The goals of the partnership include: providing care and alternatives to those at risk of injury or death without appropriate mental health and substance use homeless services; reducing jail incarcerations and involuntary mental health treatment and hospitalizations, and linking hard-to-reach homeless individuals to community resources.”

Homeless populations include the employed homeless, the mentally ill and/ or substance abusing homeless and the

Community

habitually homeless. The habitually homeless sometimes resist the label of homeless and reject the idea that they need assistance or services.

I ask Eli if he would like to live in a house and he has trouble answering. He still has a Greek accent and doesn’t like the question.

He mumbles and changes the subject. He tries to wake his friend to answer the question.

Being hungry doesn’t seem to be an issue for Eli either. He says he gets food from churches and points across the street to either the Mizell Center or the Boys and Girls Club or his family of homeless men and women in the park. But again, he changes the subject.

Once you get Eli talking, he becomes animated and excited to be involved in a conversation. He talks about his name Eli – short for Elisha (?). He tells the story of how the Biblical Elijah was hated and cast out of the city. “Nobody liked him,” Eli says. He shares that Elijah was alone and homeless in the desert and fed by birds. Eli continues describing how from a fiery chariot, Elijah tossed Elisha his magical coat passing on his power.

Whether Eli is fully aware of the allegory to his life, it’s not clear. But certainly, he is glad to have a pleasant conversation about anything other than his homelessness.

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

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backstage jazz

Rick Parma

By patte purcell

I

n my work trying to promote jazz in the desert I’ve gotten to know some wonderful musicians. After the BMW of Palm Springs Smooth Jazzfest at the Riviera we had a VIP Afterparty and Jam and artists were invited to join. One of those was Rick Parma, a sax player and vocalist from Long Beach. The jam was free flowing and Rick took control and impressed us all with his professionalism and talent. He attended the first Celebrity Jazz Jam at Arnold Palmers and again did a great job. He’s appearing as a headliner at the next Celebrity Jazz Jam Jan. 18 at the Desert Willow Golf Resort.

A native from Chicago, he was introduced to smooth jazz on the radio at the age of 9 and loved it. Sax was his favorite instrument.

Rick first learned to play the sax in band class in High school. He had always been intrigued with the sax and when someone left an old sax in a rental that was vacated, Rick kept it even though it didn’t work.

His band director told him he would fix it for a chocolate cake from Rick’s mother and that is what he practiced on constantly. (His mother did bake a chocolate cake for him).

The school band he was in was so hot they started taking all of the state awards and he became close friends with many of the band members. This spawned a core band of 15 that formed and were promoted by their teachers.

They played for events and performed in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Rick was hungry for more and asked his teacher (who was a great musician) for a tape of some music. His teacher introduced him to a tape by Warren Hill, Eric Marienthal, David Sanborn and Boney James.

He wore it out practicing.

At age 15, Rick was watching a Dave Koz live show on TV and thought, ‘this is what I want to do’. Everything he did was working towards that goal. He started performing in Chicago and started packing the houses with his funk band. He ended up splitting from his band to do what he loved, smooth jazz.

He took a giant leap of faith and moved to LA to do just that. He had seen that Dave Koz was performing at Spaghettinis so he put the

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address into his navigation and took off. He left with a foot of snow on the ground and made the trek from Chicago through Denver where he stopped and jammed with Nelson Rangell at “Jazz at Jacks” then continued through Utah, and finally Las Vegas and drove right to the door to Sphagettinis. He decided to come back the next day after he’d showered and rested.

He had spoken with a manager and asked to play there. The manager invited him to come in and bought him dinner and he sat in with the band. He then drove to Tarzana and jammed with another band. He went to Spaghettini’s every night for 10 days and was invited to sell his CD’s when he sat in. He went to see Gerald Albright on a Sunday and heard DW3, and they invited him to sit in with them every Sunday.

They told him he could sell his CDS (he had 2 at the time) Now get this… he sold on average $400 a night selling his CDs. He was making more than the artists! They asked Rick to sell their CDs too, so he became their merch guy as well. You’ve got to love an entrepreneur!

From there he started getting bookings and decided to record another CD. His song “Hey Girl” was written by keyboardist Greg Manning and as you can imagine it’s a funky song! It’s on his Pieces of Heaven CD. His latest song,”Beseme Client” includes Grammy nominated Greg Adams and is about to hit the charts. It was ‘most added’ just a couple of weeks ago on the Groove Jazz charts.

He performs solo and with his band all over southern California with a mixture of smooth jazz and R&B. Rick will be appearing as one of the headliners at the next Celebrity Jazz Jam on Monday Jan. 18, from 5-8 pm at Desert Willow Golf Resort, performing with Blake Aaron, Greg Manning, Darryl Williams, Slim Man, Aysha, Joe Baldino, Chase Huna, Craig Chesnut, John Carey, Rose Mallett, Bonnie Gilgallon and Tazz Washington. Expect a great performance and some very funky music.

If you’d like to learn more about Rick you can contact him via his website rickparma.com.

LocalMusicSpotlight

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

by noe gutierrez

War Drum - Risk Taker, 2016

W

ar Drum is comprised of Jack Kohler on keyboards and vocals, Ehren Groban on guitars and bass and Peter Leighton on percussion.

Five years ago this mind-bending rock band from the desert was actualized after a wearisome coffee shop gig in the Coachella Valley by Kohler and Groban. Their first two albums, At Old Trails and Fortune Finder, demonstrated the unique sound of leadfooted instrumentation and psychedelic melodies that have haunted the desert during their short tenure.

Coachella Valley Weekly sat down with Kohler and Groban after they devoured some mouthwatering brisket at Smoke Tree BBQ in Palm Desert, CA. CV Weekly will be following the band and their members over the next few months to report on their voyage as well as their respective projects outside of the band. Groban makes no bones about it; “War Drum is the footing for all we have been able to do.” Even with this foundation War Drum is willing to venture into unknown territory without hesitation.

Risk Taker Signed to a multi-year deal on Small Stone Records, War Drum will be releasing their 3rd full length album, Risk Taker, in the spring of 2016. Mixed and mastered by Harper Hug and Trevor Whatever at Thunder Underground Studios in Palm Springs, the album was completed in February 2015.

Guest performers on the album include The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and Gram

Rabbit’s Jesika Von Rabbit. Kohler admits the idea of having Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Krieger record on their album is surreal.“He was moved by our sound.

Robbie wanted to be a part of it and get behind us.” Groban shared, “Harper showed Krieger the music and he simply expressed interest. Robbie just wants to play music.”

Involving both Rabbit and Krieger involves little risk.

The title of the album may allude to the insinuation of danger but it is more of a leap of faith in their own musical abilities and cumulative intuition. Groban urges fans to pay attention to the details once the album is released. “Listen intently with headphones. Some songs have 64 tracks. Some songs have six different guitar tracks.” In all, there are ten songs on the album. Kohler, Groban and Leighton each provide multi-instrumentation and applied the three-pronged approach. “On Risk Taker we joined forces and remained unconventional,” shares Kohler. “We had no predesigned notions and no predictions of where it was going. Collectively War Drum is much stronger. Our investment in this album showcases our maturity. Sonically, it’s the best album we have recorded. Our attitude was to not give a fuck and just do what we want to do. We took our own way to pave our own way. What we ended with is an album that went beyond our expectations.”

Leighton states further, “We’ve been sitting on our golden egg for too long and the anxiety is tearing me up! We will keep writing and hoping we’re making music people want to continue listening to, discover new, and even rediscover all over again.”

Jack Kohler In addition to his role in War Drum, Kohler is the architect behind Fortune Finder Music Group supporting the booking and promotions for artists such as Caxton, Thr3 Strykes, Alex Harrington, Ideation, J. Patron and of course, War Drum. He is also the talent buyer/booking agent for Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert. He recently spent two days in a cabin in Idyllwild on

a song writing bender. “I need a reason to write. My motivator is my creativity.”

In retrospect, Kohler is fired up with their current circumstances. “Five years ago we had no consideration where we would be now but there was a self-realization that we might be on to something.” In regards to lyrics, Kohler never intended to sing in War Drum. “I sang out of necessity.” He is beside himself in working with guitar genius Krieger. “Thanks to my parents I discovered The Doors. Having the opportunity to work with Robbie has been amazing. He’s just an old fashioned guy.” Kohler is also collaborating with Krieger in the project The Psychedelic Sundays.

Ehren Groban Groban recently returned from an unplugged tour of Europe with John Garcia where he and Garcia performed songs from Garcia’s solo band, Kyuss, Vista Chino, Slo Burn and Hermano. “I felt completely naked. Playing 90 minute acoustic sets was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Using a loop was even scarier. There was a need for me to be more attentive and focused.

We enjoyed a lot of the banter and intimacy of the venues.” After the first four shows, their label Napalm Records took note of the success and has asked for a John Garcia acoustic album. The record will be released at the beginning of 2016.

Regarding Risk Taker, “There were no guarantees of return for Risk Taker. We are honored in breaking new ground and we are still rising. We will continue to reach more people wanting more.”

Peter Leighton Leighton has set his sights on this album and the possibilities. “War Drum is now at its greatest thus far. The knowledge, experience, and creativeness flowing through this dashing trinity have come to a peak of sorts. There are many more albums to come and we’re proud that this album will be setting the tone for those.” His fellow band members could not credit him enough with his enthusiasm for the music.

Leighton accents the ties that bind War Drum. “Our unit is exactly that, a UNIT. If there is a weakness in one member, another member steps forward to fill that gap.

Where there are super strengths, there is also humility. We keep each other in line like a band of misfit brothers with no parents.

We keep each other golden. I love those guys. Don’t always like them, just like any other family, but the love keeps us close.”

The Psychedelic Sundays Robbie Krieger, Bill Stinson, Mario Lalli, Sean Wheeler and Jack Kohler are The Psychedelic Sundays (working title). The music is being recorded and Produced

by Hug and Whatever at Krieger’s Horse Latitudes Studios. These exceptional musicians have banded together to break new ground and create kaleidoscopic music. Kohler and Lalli wrote a majority of the songs. Lalli plays bass, Krieger plays his Gibson SG and sitar, Sean Wheeler is on vocals, Kohler on keyboards and Stinson on drums. More details to come!

War Drum albums available on iTunes, Spotify, Band Camp and CD Baby soundcloud.com/wearewardrum wardrum@gmail.com fortunefindermusicgroup.com fortunefindermusic@gmail.com

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

Consider This

LOS LOBOS L

by Eleni P. Austin

“Gates Of Gold” (429 Records)

os Lobos has finally been nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. It’s about fuckin’ time. An artist becomes eligible 25 years after the release of their first record, so the Wolves are about 12 years overdue.

Los Lobos has been a going concern for an astonishing 42 years. David Hidalgo (guitar, vocals) and Louie Perez met at Garfield High School. Each had assumed he was the only longhaired “weirdo” in the school. They bonded over their shared eclectic taste for music like Jimi Hendrix, Fairport Convention, Ry Cooder and Free Jazz, along with an appreciation for the skewed humor of Monty Python and the Firesign Theatre.

They began creating music on a borrowed reel-to-reel recorder and quickly recruited fellow students, Cesar Rosas (guitar, vocals) and Conrad Lozano (bass) to complete their line-up.

Originally they were known as Los Lobos del Este (de Los Angeles), Spanish for the Wolves of East L.A., but that quickly got shortened to Los Lobos.

The quartet honed their chops playing anywhere and everywhere. Not just bars and clubs, but also neighborhood parties, quinceneras, Mexican restaurants and weddings. They quickly tired of recycling the same Top 40 hits and began incorporating the traditional Mexican music that they had grown up with, infusing it with a Rock & Roll sensibility.

Their self-titled debut, also known as Just Another Band From East L.A., was recorded in between day jobs and was made up of traditional Mexican songs like “Sabor A Mi” and “Guantanamera.” It was released in 1978, but by this time, Los Lobos had taken notice of the burgeoning Punk scene happening practically in their backyard.

Attracted to the energy and stylistic freedom that Punk represented, they quickly found a niche in the community. They also found staunch allies in X and the Blasters; two bands that were also exploring Roots music within the perimeters of Punk Rock.

Los Lobos’ first major show was as opening act for John Lydon’s post-Sex Pistols band, Public Image Limited at the Olympic Auditorium. They went on to play storied venues like Madam

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Wong’s The Whisky A Go-Go and Cathay De Grande. Both X and the Blasters were signed to the indie label Slash and they campaigned to get the Wolves a deal too. The label agreed to finance a seven song EP. Released in 1983, …And A Time To Dance featured four Los Lobos originals and three cover songs, two sung in espanol! Produced

by T-Bone Burnett and Blasters’ sax man, Steve Berlin, (who soon left the Blasters to become a full-time Wolf), it featured non-Punk Rock instruments like the accordion, bajo sexto and guitarron. Taste-making publications like Trouser Press and Rolling Stone took notice; the band even won the very first Grammy for Best Mexican/American Performance.

The EP sold about 50,000 copies, but that enabled Los Lobos to buy a Dodge van and book a very low-budget our the United States.

Seeing the country was a great way to hone their songwriting skills. Within a year they had returned to the studio with T-Bone Burnett and their stunning full-length debut, How Will The Wolf Survive? arrived in late 1984.

The music was a vibrant mix of traditional Mexican Nortenos, Roots-Rock, Country, Folk, Tex-Mex and Soul. More important, the lyrics on songs like “A Matter Of Time” and “Will The Wolf Survive,” offered trenchant observations that cut across class and culture lines.

Los Lobos became the toast of Los Angeles, either packing clubs like the Palace in Hollywood or selling out the venerable Greek theatre, every show felt like a neighborhood block party. Nothing was more heartening than seeing a mowhawk-ed Punk, next to a Pendleton-clad Vato, next to a tiny abuelita, all rocking out to a souped-up Wolves version of the classic Mexican weeper, “Volver-Volver.”

In the midst of recording their second long-player, (the equally adroit By The Light Of The Moon), the band received an invitation to record songs for the Ritchie Valens biopic La Bamba. Actually, Valens’ family insisted Los Lobos were carrying the torch lit by L.A.’s pioneering Chicano Rocker, who died tragically, along with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper in a plane crash.

Fully focused on recording their own music, the band still honored the Valens family request, recording classic tracks like “La Bamba,” “Donna” and “Come On, Let’s Go.” While their second album received rave reviews, it wasn’t exactly a mainstream success. Ironically, the La Bamba soundtrack was a smash hit, climbing to #1 on both the Singles and Album charts, ultimately achieving double platinum sales. Los Lobos were suddenly superstars. The victory was bittersweet since it was for music they didn’t create.

The success of the soundtrack was a doubleedged sword for Los Lobos. It catapulted them national to stardom, but the general public expected them to regurgitate Ritchie Valens music and not much more. Meanwhile, longtime fans wondered if the boys from Garfield High would abandon their eclectic sound for the lure of easy money.

Clearly, they had reached a crossroads, rather than become a glorified cover band,

they convinced their label to let them record an album of original acoustic Mexican Folk songs. The result, La Pistola Y El Corazon was released in late 1988. The gamble paid off artistically, it received rave reviews and delighted longtime fans. Commercially, they took a bit of a hit; the album peaked at #149 on the charts. Ultimately, it was a declaration of independence, serving notice that Los Lobos would never be categorized as an Oldies act.

1990 saw the release of their fifth album of original music, The Neighborhood. Critical reception and sales were great, but the recording process for that album, was a little torturous. That frustrating experience inspired the band to change up their routine for the next album, Kiko.

Influenced by the magic realism of writers like Jorge Luis Borges and Isabel Allende, the melodies and lyrics were spatial and textured.

This wasn’t your abuelita’s Los Lobos, the mood was mysterious, otherworldly and impressionistic. It was their most adventurous album to date, opening the door to like-minded efforts like 1996’s Colossal Head and 1999’s This Time.

Through the next decade and a half, there were side-projects (Latin Playboys, Houndog, Los Super Seven) and solo albums. By now the band had played with everyone from Elvis Costello to Paul Simon to the father of Chicano music, Lalo Guerreo. Yet, they found time to record and toured behind 2002’s Good Morning Aztlan, 2005’s The Ride, 2006’s The Town And The City and 2010’s Tin Can Trust.

Now they’re back, with a real shot at getting in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, a new biography, Dream In Blue, by Chris Morris and, best of all, an album of new music, Gates Of Gold.

On the opening track, “Made To Break Your Heart,” a lilting melody and relax-fit Cha-ChaCha rhythm belies the somber tone of the lyrics.

Here, David Hidalgo parses a series of dreams that portend the end of a relationship; “I was walking down the shore with a wish held tight in my hand, then the sea came along washed away our names in the sand.” Suddenly on the instrumental break the rhythm downshifts and Hidalgo unleashes a torrential solo that leaves no doubt that the sky is crying.

Several songs spotlight the Wolves’ myriad influences. “When We Were Free” opens with a snappy high-hat rhythm before slipping into a languid, Jazz inflected groove. Spacious guitar notes boomerang through the melody crossing paths with Steve Berlin’s sonorous tenor sax.

Again, the lyrics explore love gone wrong.

“There I Go” begins tentatively. A tick-tock tempo, tart guitar licks and Hammond B3 fills color this stoned soul picnic. Hidalgo’s slight falsetto and the arch, philosophical lyrics take a page from Marvin Gaye, circa “What’s Goin’ On.” “Too Small Heart” is a balls-out rocker. The tune is dominated by a blistering back-beat that makes Hendrix’s “Manic Depression” sound like a Viennese Waltz. Rumbling bass lines collide with guitars that sputter and strafe, soaring one second and grinding to a halt the next.

Finally, the title track is a bucolic backporch ramble tethered to a galloping gait. The melody is buoyed by honeyed guitar and loping Bajo Sexto notes. The lyrics look beyond the temporal pleasures of this world, focusing on more spiritual concerns. It serves as a sweet elegy for longtime pal, David Okuma who passed away in June.

If Louie Perez and David Hidalgo are the Lennon & McCartney of Los Lobos, Cesar Rosas is definitely the band’s George Harrison. He contributes two great tracks, “Mis-Treater Boogie Blues” and “I Believed You So.” The former is a scorching full-tilt boogie, (as indicated in the title), that recalls classic (presynthesizer) ZZ Top. His growly vocals perfectly compliment this cranky tale of romantic betrayal.

The latter is a sandblasted slab of Chicago Blues, featuring “dust my broom” verisimilitude buttressed by a shuffle rhythm and incendiary guitar solos that crackle with intensity.

Of course no Los Lobos album is complete without a couple of canciones en espanol.

“Poquito Para Aqui” is a Rosas original, a sly cumbia powered by accordion and guitars trade sweet, spiraling licks. The Wolves also offer up a fairly faithful version of Roberto Pulido’s Tejano classic “La Tumba Sera El Final.”

The album closes with the slow-cooked Blues of “Magdalena.” Soulful and spiritual, the lyrics long for a simpler existence. “Magdalena, take my clothes, give away my jewels and all the gold/Let me walk along the holy road.” A somber finish to a brilliant album!

Gates Of Gold was produced by the band, but they had a little help, most prominently from producer Mitchell Froom who added keys, and the most excellent singer-songwriter, Syd Straw (who needs to record a new album, so this column can be devoted solely to her), providing backing vocals. Also, David Hidalgo, Jr. took time away from pounding the kit for Social Distortion, to play drums for his dad’s band.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter much if the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inducts Los Lobos.

With or without that accolade the Wolves have already blazed trails and crossed cultures with nary a false move. How many other Hall Of Famers have recorded 15 nearly perfect studio albums while maintaining their original lineup?

They also opened the doors for bands like Texas Tornados, Ozomatli, and Los Mocosos. Los Lobos has created a lasting legacy, broadening the horizons of Rock & Roll. Anything else is just icing on the cake.

art Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 24 to December 30, 2015

By angela Valente romeo

Jorge Mendez Gallery and The Art of Vladimir Cora

T

here is no doubt Vladimir Cora loves women. Vladimir readily acknowledges his love of the female figure. For over 40 years Cora’s work has been exhibited and his love of color and women cannot be denied.

Color is key to the sensual nature of his works.

Cora has refined a technique that captures movement, light and ecstasy without sexual sensationalism. His wife, Mary, has been his main inspiration and muse for his series about women.

Lately he has been painting portraits of his two daughters, Adilene and Alica. THE WOMEN OF VLADIMIR represents some of his most provocative works while maintaining a sensitivity and respect for the subject matter. Vladimir continues to explore and stretch the boundaries of his work.

His latest solo exhibition THE WOMEN OF VLADIMIR is on view through January 31st, 2016 at the Jorge Mendez Gallery (www. jorgemendezgallery.com). This show marks the artist’s third solo exhibition at the gallery.

Gallerist Jorge Mendez has created a sophisticated gallery that focuses on contemporary art. His support of Cora is unwavering. “Cora is a prolific painter who continues to revisit familiar subject matter throughout his storied career.

Each time, he reimagines a series – integrating new and familiar elements into his works. Cora continues to deepen his mastery of the female form and his new Women series will give the public an opportunity to witness the progression and evolution of his work,” noted Mendez.

“It is my intent to continue showcasing the art of Vladimir Cora. He is a standout among the many artists that I represent. Cora’s admirers look forward to his annual return to Palm Springs during the holiday season. I look forward to hosting Mr. Cora and giving art-lovers an opportunity to see, and acquire, his most recent works,” continued Mendez.

Vladimir Cora was born in 1951 in Acaponeta, Nayarit. He is a Mexican painter and sculptor based in the state of Nayarit, a place he still calls home.

Vladimir came to art via a circuitous route. It was music and Carlos Santana that first caught his teenage attention. By the age of 15, he realized that his hands were not that of a musical artist, but those of a painterly artist. Vladimir traded Santana for Monet. “Cora’s style is unique among Mexican masters. It can best be described as neo-figurative, minimalist and coarse. I think it is an interesting juxtaposition to see his style applied to works about women. His paintings are provocative, but yet maintain a sensitivity and respect for the subject matter. I hope the audience comes to appreciate the richness, both in color and culture, of Mr. Cora’s works and at

the same time learn more about the progression of his career,” said Mendez.

This is the first exhibition of the 2015-2016 at the Jorge Mendez Gallery. What can we expect from the Gallery in the coming months? “I have a challenging and exciting calendar of exhibitions planned! I’m pleased the ‘season’ began earlier this year at the gallery with a busier than expected fall. Once Cora’s show is under way, I will begin to sort through works and curate my exhibition for the Palm Springs Fine Art Fair to be held February 11-14 at the Convention Center.

The Art Fair is very important to my gallery and the Palm Springs area. We are a destination for art!”

“At the same time, I will be readying the gallery for my next exhibition – presenting two talented Los Angeles based artists. Christian Gill, is German born, who studied neo-expressionist artists in Berlin. His works are precisely engineered to convey emotional experiences rather than physical reality.”

“The second artist is Ariel Vargassal who presents a stirringly modern take on the photorealism technique. Vargassal’s presentation is unexpectedly unconventional with compositions mixing human bodies with animals and nature. Both artists have been well received in the gallery and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to showcase their works in a dual exhibition.”

Mendez also noted, “The gallery just celebrated its second anniversary in Palm Springs. I could not be more pleased with my decision to open the gallery in the Uptown Design District. I’ve established a diverse customer base and enjoy many repeat customers mainly from Los Angeles and throughout the country.

My February exhibition, which kicks off during Modernism Week, broadens my focus and strong desire to bring more contemporary art to Palm Springs. My clients will find a uniquely curated gallery, just expanded to offer a wider selection of contemporary art.”

THE WOMEN OF VLADIMIR at the Jorge Mendez Gallery is on view through January 31st, 2016 (www.jorgemendezgallery.com). The Gallery is located at 756 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

9

December 24 to December 30, 2015

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

New Year’s Resolutions for Animal Lovers

A

nimal lovers are special people with wonderful hearts who appreciate the affection and companionship our cats and dogs provide to us throughout the year. Pets can also help us enjoy keeping our New Year resolutions. Setting goals to improve your health and happiness will also improve the health and happiness of your pets. You may want to include some of these resolutions on your list for 2016.

1. GET HEALTHY There are a dozens of reasons why having a pet will automatically improve your health, including reducing your blood pressure, stress, and loneliness. If you resolve to quit smoking this year, you are also taking a step to improve the health of your fur friends who share your home. A smoky environment is particularly harmful to cats that ingest carcinogens during grooming.

2. GET FIT Taking your dog for walks keeps both of you healthy, alert, and happy. Athletic folks can enjoy jogging and hiking with their pups. If you resolved to lose weight this year, your overweight status may be shared by your pet. I was amazed to learn that 50% of all cats and dogs are overweight to some extent. Obesity in pets and in

their people is linked to cancer, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and decreased life expectancy of up to 14 years in humans and up to 2.5 years in their animals.

As you select healthier foods, make sure to provide better nutrition for Fluffy and Fido. Watch the portions you give your pet, and avoid serving high calorie and potentially harmful human foods. Fresh carrots, cooked green beans, steamed broccoli, banana slices, and apple slices are great diet options for both you and Fido.

3. MEET NEW PEOPLE, MAYBE A SPECIAL PERSON? Having a domestic pet will open new horizons and adventures that you did not anticipate. Pets are natural ice breakers.

That adorable dog you walk down the street or take to the dog park might result in your

meeting a new love interest with whom you have something in common. You score extra points when they learn your dog is a rescue dog.

4. VOLUNTEER IN THE NEW YEAR! If you resolved to help other people in 2015, pets may also play a role in that resolution. If you have a calm dog who likes strangers, consider getting him certified as a therapy dog and bring some joy to hospital patients or seniors in assisted living.

Volunteer at one of the many shelters and private animal welfare organizations. Walk a dog for your sick or elderly neighbors. Help with cat feeding and litter box changing for someone who is sick or disabled.

Meet Ariel This tiny Terrier puppy dreams of a home for the holidays! This little girl is only 10 mo. old and a total love bug. Rescued

by Loving All Animals.

Adoption donation.

Contact (760) 834-7000.

Cute cody Cute Cody is one playful character! He’s now in a Loving All Animals’ foster home and does great with other small pups. Desert Dunes Animal Hospital saved him after he was attacked by another dog.

2-yr-old Cody will entertain you with his active antics!

Contact (760) 834-7000.

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5. DECREASE STRESS AND ENJOY LIFE It is no surprise there is a proven link between stress with obesity, depression, heart disease and many other human ailments. A domestic animal in your home can help reduce all these medical problems.

Pet antics make us laugh, and laughter is the best medicine of all.

6. ADOPT A PET IN THE NEW YEAR! A New Year is a time for new beginnings and second chances. That applies to both humans and our treasured cats and dogs. If you are still “petless” as 2016 arrives, there are hundreds of wonderful animals waiting for you at our public shelters and private rescues. Adding a second dog usually works out well, as long as you thoughtfully plan and introduce them on neutral turf.

Visit our largest public shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus at 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, or view their adoptable animals online www.rcdas.com . Call (760) 343-3644 for shelter hours. Call Loving All Animals www. lovingallanimals.org at (760) 834-7000 for a list of all local shelters and rescues.

Happy New Year 2016 to you and your 4-legged family members!

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 24 to December 30, 2015

by Rick Riozza

Ring in the New Year with Wine, Women & Song

I

t’s about time that this column gets around to covering Winewomen psp!

I often see Kathleen von Dehn at many of the valley’s wine dinners and events, and, I’m excited that I’ll be writing about her wonderful charitable organization.

And the timing couldn’t be more perfect to alert you all to the Winewomen psp sponsored event New York New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance & Celebration benefiting Desert Arc below.

Kathleen von Dehn is the president of Winewomen psp. And you have to love the mission statement of this charitable nonprofit organization that is “dedicated to the responsible enjoyment of wine through education, discovery and activities that support local charities.” That is such a cool idea and it’s been an ongoing activity here in the valley for the past few years.

Indeed, pretty much anyone who enjoys any wine related nightlife, either knows or knows of Kathleen. Just the other week while I was at a wine tasting at Dan’s Wine Shop, some women around the wine bar were all talking about Kathleen and the Winewomen group’s endeavor in benefiting the Joslyn Center this past October. Each lady went on to discuss some of the wine dinners they were at, of which Winewomen had participated in; some of the restaurants mentioned were the Omni Resort’s Blu Ember, Bellatrix, Westin’s Pinzimini, and the Miramonte.

I am amazed at the frequency that these wine dinners appear on the calendar. I can count over 100 invitations to wine dinners and events over the past five years. It’s an amazing statement of civic resolve on the part of Kathleen and her husband Jonathan Reiss to continue to provide the energy required to sustain the charitable program.

Recently, my family has been joining Kathleen and Jonathan at the wine dinner tables and we’ve been having a blast tasting a variety of world class wine. With stellar venues, cuisine, and premium wine, it’s easy to jump into a party atmosphere where we

can simply relax, enjoy, and be ourselves.

The Winewomen monthly wine events benefit local charities such as Martha’s Village & Kitchen, Go Red for Women, Desert Cancer Foundation, Well in the Desert, Shelter from the Storm, Desert Aids Project, and many other valued organizations.

And the good news continues for all wine lovers alike. By joining and participating in Winewomen psp, your subscriber and event fees help support these nonprofit organizations to fulfill their missions of charity and assistance in touching lives across a variety of causes. The well managed website will answer any questions you may have, as well as listing and describing all of the member benefits coming your way. Go to www.winewomenpsp.com and find out for yourselves all that a social wine life can be about, such as welcoming gifts, reduced event pricing, exclusive membership events, quality networking opportunities, fun and unique venues, along with enjoyable wine education and experience.

Dedicated multi-taskers, Kathleen and Jonathan also operate Kajon Media which offers full media production services, television programming, websites and video marketing, event planning and community involvement. Kajon Media has developed television shows and programming and currently offers—as you may already be familiar—a home makeover show, “HOME MAKEOVER IN THE DESERT,” a restaurant show, “TWO FORKS UP,” and a travel and resort show, “DESTINATION RESERVATION.” So keeping with Winewomen’s dedication to assist with our valley’s charitable operations, they are now sponsoring the New York New Year’s Eve Party in the Crystal Ballroom at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, Ca. December 31, 2015 6pm until 11pm to benefit Desert Arc. Desert Arc has a variety of programs that serve a number of different needs of the developmentally disabled. In addition to its programs, they are committed to enhancing

the quality of life and creating opportunities for people with disabilities, serving more than 600 clients in the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin, they provide vocational training, job placement and employment, independent living support and more. (And I’m proud to relate that my son Guy Laurent works at the facility.)

On behalf of Kathleen and Winewomen psp, all valley wine lovers who’ve yet to set their New Year’s Eve plans, are encouraged to consider participating and enjoying this beautiful venue with likeminded enthusiasts celebrating food, wine, friendship, while accomplishing a charitable deed of contributing to the needs of the community.

The evening includes a Cocktail Reception at 6pm where there will be Tray Passed Hors d’oeuvres and a Special Bubbly on Arrival. There will also be a No-Host Premium Bar. At 7pm, a Three Course Dinner will commence with a Renaissance Seasonal Salad, Duo of Beef Tenderloin & Citrus Salmon with Chef’s Selected Accompaniments, and Elegant House-Made Dessert. Wine is to be served with dinner.

From 7pm until 11pm there will Fabulous Music to Dance the Night Away.

At 9pm there will be a New York New Year’s Champagne Toast.

There will be A Silent Auction and complimentary Valet.

Individual tickets are $150. To reserve, please call Winewomen psp at 760.880.5010 or email Kathleen@winewomenpsp.com.

Pre-paid reservations are required. Please RSVP by 12.18.15 Rick is the valley’s “somm-abouttown” and continues to entertain and conduct at various wine events, tastings and restaurants. He can be contacted at winespectrum@aol.com

11

December 24 to December 30, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

­­­THUR DECEMBER 24 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Hip Hop and Dancing 10pm open 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ JB & The Big Circle Riders 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am

MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Closed PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Closed PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Dave Ring 6pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ “G” 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI DECEMBER 25 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Closed 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Mor Elian 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Closed AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm Open 6pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 Lady Eris 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm

12

CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Lisa Lynn & The Country Gentlemen 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Circle of Fifths 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 DJ 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Closed PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Closed PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Closed PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Dave Ring 6pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ “G” 9pm RITZ-CARLTON; RM; 760-321-8282 Lisa Lynn Morgan & Patrick Mahon 3-8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Closed SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm

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SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet The Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT DECEMBER 26 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Mor Elian and Cromie noon poolside, Highlife w/ DJ Day 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm open 6pm-2am BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm

CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 R Buckle Road 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Circle of Fifths 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Fresh 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Chris Hoochin 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Evangenitals 7:30pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 TBA 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Music on the Bones, Trumpets of the Young, Daytime Moon, The Deep Ones, James Velasquez and more 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Beatabaums 9pm RITZ-CARLTON; RM; 760-321-8282 Lisa Lynn Morgan & Patrick Mahon 6-9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Just Brew It w/ DJ Alex Harrington and JF//Discord 9pm

December 24 to December 30, 2015

SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The Carmens 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Courtney Chambers 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm continue to page 17

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

Book Review

A Story of Compassion

I

“ am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round – apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that – as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in a long calendar of the year, when men an women seem by one consent to open their shutup hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”

This long sentence is part of a speech Dickens has Fred say to his uncle, Ebenezer Scrooge in the first chapter of A Christmas Carol about why he celebrates Christmas. After Fred’s invitation to Christmas dinner is rebuffed, the two argue the holiday’s significance and meaning.

Fred’s reference of the “fellow-passengers to the grave” is, as we all know, an ominous foreshadowing of what is about to come.

A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, by Charles Dickens was published in London by Chapman & Hall on December 19, 1843. It has been adapted for television, film and stage too many times to count. This story and many of its characters have become cultural references and seasonal icons.

If you have never read A Christmas Carol, you might be surprised to discover what a fun and

14

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By Heidi Simmons “A Christmas Carol”

By Charles Dickens novella

quick read it is. Depending on the publication, and if there are illustrations, the story is told in just five chapters and is less than one hundred pages.

The story is about a bitter man who has come to love only his money. He is a miser who resents the poor, social services and taxation. Scrooge feels no need to financially help anyone, including his faithful -- and only -employee Bob Cratchit.

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley who says: “It is required of every man that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. It is doomed to wander through the world – oh woe is me! – and witness what it cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness!”

Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him his life in the past, present and the future.

He see’s for himself the big picture of his life choices, which shaped him into the friendless and money-grubbing person he has become.

By the end of a sad and terrifying night, Scrooge is able to see the error of his ways and

the horrible end to his life. But instead of being defensive, angry and set in his ways, he chooses to embrace life. And for the first time he feels alive!

In the privacy of his bedroom, he lets go of his fear, celebrates joy and a gratitude for his redemption that he cannot contain. “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody.

A happy New Year to all the world. Hallo here.

Whoop. Hallo.”

Scrooge wastes no time. He makes a fresh start with his family. Humbly asking to be welcomed into their graces.

After years of exploiting his faithful employee, Scrooge sets everything right with Cratchit, providing him a substantial raise -more than a living wage -- and health care for the entire family.

Scrooge finds the gentleman raising money for the poor, a man he just a day earlier

condemned for his charity. He whispers in the man’s ear the amount he intends to give.

Making-up for all the years, he will not allow the man to comment and says: “Don’t say anything please. I am much obliged to you. I thank you fifty times. Bless you.”

Dickens tells the story not in chapters but in “Staves.” A musical term, like a staff, stave is the five parallel lines and the spaces in between where notes are written. A Stave is also a verse or stanza of a poem. I like to think that the spaces between the lines are the ghosts in the story boldly revealing a truth.

The ghosts gave Scrooge the chance to understand how he had become bitter and miserly. But best of all, they gave him the opportunity to understand and forgive himself.

This story is filled with wisdom and warning.

It makes sense that Dickens called this novella A Christmas Carol for it is a song of redemption and joy.

It is the awakening of a greedy businessman who discovers that it is better to give and help others than grow his bank account. It is not about doing right to save his skin, but because it changes him into a better person and helps those in his community. Scrooge becomes a part of something far bigger and more meaningful than mere money.

Scrooge consciously chooses to be a generous human being not only with his wealth, but with a loving spirit and compassionate heart. Merry Christmas! And, as Tiny Tim observed, “God bless us, every one!”

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

15

December 24 to December 30, 2015

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by Robin E. Simmons

B

‘TIS THE SEASON.. FOR SWEET AND TWISTED CHRISTMAS TREATS

eyond the edge of recorded history, the Winter Solstice has brought a celebration that embeds the promise of light and warmth and new life amidst the darkest, longest, and coldest of days.

No matter what ethnic, religious or pagan belief you venerate -- or dismiss, there’s no avoiding the pop-culture submission to this time of year. And nowhere is this more dominant than in the movies that vie for our attention.

For the sentimental and devout, there’s always the certified holiday classics like: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, THE BISHOPS WIFE, CHRISTMAS CAROL (both the 1951 version and Robert Zemeckis’ surprisingly beautiful motion capture version starring Jim Carrey), CHRISTMAS STORY, CHRISTMAS VACATION and MIRACLE ON 34th STREET. All are available in Blu-ray editions for repeated seasonal viewings.

However, for those post-modernists who are sickened by the forced sentiment of a materialistic culture that subverts the sacred for the god of mammon, there are other titles that have gained their own seasonal devotees.

BAD SANTA In our home, this acerbic and at first seemingly cynical film from Terry Zwigoff

16

Screeners No.196

His sidekick elf Marcus (Tony Cox) is a piece of work as he exploits and enables a drunk while manipulating the good will and guilt of those with whom he must deal. But it’s Brett Kelly as the trusting, bullied, overweight kid who reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas. The late Bernie Mac and John Ritter co-star. A powerful, poignant and heartfelt film disguised as a parody of all that’s wrong with the commercialization of the sacred. The Blu-ray includes several different cuts. Lionsgate. Blu-ray.

Santa’s praises. Almost unwatchable in an ordinary state of mind, this 1964 entry in the Clausian cinematic oeuvre stands alone.

I’m surprised it hasn’t become a Broadway musical. Seriously. Look for a young Pia Zadora (remember her?) as Grimar. Synergy Enterainment. DVD. MARCH OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS

RARE EXPORTS

has struck a cord with its deeper story of unconditional love and redemption. For me, this is among truest of all modern film depiction of what Christmas is all about. All the real-life obscenities and blasphemies do not dampen or diminish the power of a troubled, overweight, bullied child‘s belief in something beyond the pain of his life as symbolized by a home-invading derelict of a decayed Santa.

The dying, alcoholic career criminal Santa played by Billy Bob Thornton is as authentic here as he was in SLING BLADE.

Originally an award winning series of short films, now expanded by director Jalmari Helander into a quirky feature.

This strange, horrifying Christmas tale is set in the frozen wastes of Finland where local reindeer herders battle an ancient but newly manifest evil: Santa Claus. Yes, THE Santa! But it’s his vast army of vicious brutish, elfish “helpers” that have to be killed -- or tamed. Single father Rauno (Jorma Tommila) and his young son, Pietari (Onni Tommila) must sort out a truth for themselves that will ensure their future.

This disturbing, regional folktale made real is unlike any “Christmas movie” you have seen. Oscilloscope Pictures. Blu-ray

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS If you missed the special screening at Palme d’Or last year, you can find this underground cult fave on DVD and still experience the bizarre tale of an intergalactic mission to kidnap Santa in an effort to stop young Martians from spending all their time watching TV shows from earth touting

As adapted from Victor Herbert’s operetta “Babes in Toyland,” there’s more of the Holiday Spirit in this 1934 classic than in most of the insipidly lame attempts of movies that exploit this holiday season.

Dum (Stan Laurel) and Dee (Oliver Hardy) are Santa’s toymakers preparing for the big delivery on Christmas Eve. Mother Goose and nursery rhyme characters are all over the place and Stan Land Ollie are in constant trouble (“Is that 100 six-foot toy soldiers or 600 one-footers?”) Silas Barnaby, (remember “the meanest man in town”?), Bo Peep (she’s being forced into marriage

by Silas or he will evict Bo’s mom, who is in fact The Old Woman In The Shoe). And there’s Tom Tom the Piper’s Son (Ms Peep’s true love) and the big finale with the creepy attack of the Bogeymen.

This classic has been cleaned up, digitally remastered and colorized and now transferred to hi-def (Blu-ray) and looks about as perfect as the best of old style children’s book illustrations. It’s said that Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy themselves wanted this one in color. And now it is.

Certainly no sacrilege, this is one beautiful, Fauvistic fever dream of a movie. Enjoy this weirdly mesmerizing holiday treat.

That said, there is something else to be consider: For those who dare to read between the lines (or movie frames), this film can be seen as a sly and subversive horror fest that plumbs deeply disturbing psychological and political issues rarely touched on in contemporary films. I am amazed that someone hasn’t examined this in detail and I have often wondered how much of it may have been intentional -- perhaps from the brilliantly demented mind of Stan Laurel.

Only on the surface is this a children’s movie. TCM Shop. Blu-ray.

Merry Christmas.

RobinESimmons@aol.com

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WED DECEMBER 30 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Lemon Trees 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Mikole Kaar & Friends 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Beer Pong Contest 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm

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Haddon Libby

Investing: Market Recap for 2015

S

ince the financial crash of 2008, investors have had six years of solid returns that replenished their accounts so long as they had stayed invested throughout. This year was markedly more difficult as investors had few areas in which to invest and achieve positive results.

The S&P 500, which is a stock market index that tracks the results of the 500 largest publicly traded companies on the New York or NASDAQ stock exchanges, was down approximately 3% for the year (as of December 20th). This means that $100 invested in those 500 companies at the start of the year would now be worth $97. The general consensus amongst most industry prognosticators is that this index will increase by 5 - 8% in 2016. If this is accurate, $100 at the start of 2015 would be worth about $102 by the end of 2016.

An oft-quoted market guidepost is the Dow Jones Industrial Average. This index has been around is 1896 and consists of thirty large publicly traded companies. Of the 30 companies currently in this index, General Electric was first in the average in 1896 while Apple was just added in March of this year. For 2015, this index is down nearly 4%.

The Russell 2000 tracks the 2,000

smallest of the 5,000 largest publicly traded companies in the United States. The median market value of these 2,000 companies is $528 million (half of the companies have a greater market value while half are smaller). For 2015, this index was down approximately 7%.

Worth noting, Russell Investments is a Seattle-based subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange.

Looking around the world, the 100 largest companies in Europe are down nearly 8% in value for the year as are the stocks of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Hang Seng).

Given the beating that Russian stocks took in 2014, the MICEX index is up 23% for the year. This might be why Putin is a touch less disagreeable at the moment.

Chinese stocks are up over 10% for the year as gauged by the Shanghai Composite.

The top 30 publicly traded French companies are up 8% while the top 40 German companies are up 8%. Canadian stocks are off 11% and Brazilian stocks down 12% while Mexican stocks are essential flat.

Relative to the US Dollar, most currencies declined in value during 2015 with the Euro down 10%, Canadian Dollar off 17%, Mexican Peso 14% and Chinese Yuan 4%.

Dale Gribow On The Law

Dying to Have One More Drink?

T

hink again about that one more drink.

Consider that the Coachella Valley has more DUI fatalities than anywhere else in California... per capita. This does not mean YOU have to have been drinking. You also have to be aware of the other guy who had one to many.

This large number of fatalities is probably because we have so many visitors who come to the desert on vacation and drink with impunity... and with lots of friends. Travelers do not believe anything wrong could happen while on vacation.......but you know what happens!

From now through the New Year’s weekend, locals and snowbirds will get together to celebrate the holidays, resulting in a higher volume of holiday travelers, including a significantly higher number of alcohol impaired drivers. They are expected to be sharing our local roads...and about 28,000 Americans nationwide will be seriously injured in auto accidents. Many of these will be alcohol related.

During the holidays 2 to 3 times more people die in alcohol related crashes. Statistics show that 40% of traffic fatalities involve a driver who is impaired by alcohol. The percent of roadway deaths related to alcohol is 40% during Thanksgiving; 37% during Christmas time; 58% during New Years; 40% during the entire Holiday season and only 31% for the rest of the year.

The 2015 Holiday Season will yield a record high of DUI incidents and drinking violations. It is said that Blackout Wednesday is the biggest drinking day of the year for bars in many larger cities. This is even bigger than New Years and St

18

Patrick’s Day. The Thanksgiving holidays yield 40% of highways death linked to alcohol. This is in part because the holiday season brings increased rates of binge drinking, DUIs and alcohol related ER admissions.

If you encounter a DUI checkpoint or are stopped for a DUI, politely advise the officer you would be happy to talk and do anything he wants.

However your attorney asked you to remain Silent and not talk without his permission. Ask the officer to contact attorney Dale Gribow 760-837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com, for permission to speak with you.

They won’t call me, but it gives you an excuse for remaining silent and makes ME the bad guy and not you. If a lawyer represents a client properly, the lawyer should always be the “strawman” and always take the fall for the client.

Courteously tell the officer your attorney advised you the at the scene voluntary Field Sobriety Test (FST) is Optional and thus you OPT not to take the FST (walk the line, finger to nose and alphabet etc.). Then explain your attorney said the “at the scene” Breath test is also optional (unless on probation) and you Elect not to take it.

Courteous explain you want to cooperate and would be happy to take a Blood Test. Of course they will arrest you since they do not have evidence you were not under the influence but as a rule if they stop you and have you take tests they are going to arrest you anyway.

Not only should you not talk to anyone other than your lawyer but you should not post

What this means is that US goods are more expensive on a relative basis over the last year making exports more difficult.

Looking at commodities, oil is down 42% for the year due to production glut yet refined gas is down only 10%. Natural gas was hammered this year with a 50% decline, gold down 10%, copper 28%, corn 13%, wheat 21% and sugar 8%.

Another way that many people look at investments is on a sector basis. As an example, the best performing sector for 2015 was ‘consumer discretionary’ which is up approximately 7%. Consumer discretionary companies are those that sell

anything on social media until the legal matter is concluded. Remember law enforcement officers, prosecutors and insurance adjuster are NOT your friends. They are doing their job and making a case...and their latest trick is to check your FB page etc. to look for incriminating evidence.

If you have questions or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow at 760 8377500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

nonessential goods to you and me. Hotels and automobiles are classic examples of discretionary items. Healthcare companies increased in value by 3% for the year while technology companies were up by almost as much. The worst performers were energy companies which were down 25%, basic materials/commodities off 12% and utilities down 10%.

Lastly, some people look at their investments by classification into three categories - large, medium and small.

Generally speaking larger companies (down 2%) did better than smaller companies (down 7%). Within that, growing companies did better than value companies (undervalued stocks or low growth dividend paying companies). Large growing companies did the best (up 4%) while small value-oriented companies performed the worst (down 10%). Many prognosticators believe that the value-oriented companies will outperform the growth companies in 2016.

Haddon Libby is Managing Director of Winslow Drake, an investment management practice, and can be reached at hlibby@ winslowdrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 2011-2016 (DUI and PI) 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating “Preeminent” - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “Best Attorneys of America” Selected by “Rue” (Limited to Top 100/State) Selected Founding Member of American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys Selected for 10 BEST Attorneys for California for Client Satisfaction in the practice area of DUI Law Selected for the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (comprised of America’s Top DUI ATTORNEYS) “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”

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safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

The Holidays Are Here - Mind Your Manners and Your Safety!

K

eeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water, and rub them together for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Stay warm. Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers.

Manage stress. The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health and pocketbook.

Keep your commitments and spending in check. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep.

Travel safely. Whether you›re traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat,

or seat belt appropriate for his/her height, weight, and age.

Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and breathing other people›s smoke. If you smoke, quit today! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to your health care provider for help.

For additional safety tips during the Holidays visit: www.cdc.gov/family/holiday Merry Christmas!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

ask JENNY

December 24 to December 30, 2015

by Jenny Wallis

“.. he still can’t seem to say the “L” word.”

Hi Jenny, I have been with my boyfriend for a little over a year now and he still can’t seem to say the “L” word. I’ve felt that I have loved him for at least a half a year already, but I never wanted to be the first one to say it. Now, it has come to the point where I think I need for him to say it too. I brought it up the other day and I told him how much I love being with him, how happy he makes me, and that I’ve never felt so strongly for someone before. He caught on and told me he feels the same way, but that he’s not ready to say the word love. He’s had one serious girlfriend before me and he found out in the end that she was cheating on him for at least half of their relationship.

Because of that, he has some trust issues and I think that is also why he is afraid to use the word love, because he may fear I may do the same thing to him.

I know he feels strongly for me and I’d like to think that he loves me back. I feel like a year is long enough to know whether you love someone. We’ve even talked about moving in together in the near future. I truly do love him and don’t want to end things, but I think about this constantly and it hurts that he can’t say it back. Please help!

-Scarlet Hi Scarlet, I can almost hear the frustration in your voice as I read it! I immediately see that you are arguing for your limitations. You stated your boyfriend had a bad past, that he was previously hurt by another female. What does that have to do with you? Absolutely nothing! Yet you are accepting it as part of him. Essentially, you are accepting his wounds and pretty much letting him know that you will stand by him until he cleans them up. Isn’t that his responsibility?

Shouldn’t he have cleaned them up before he got into another relationship? Instead,

though, he has decided to drag you down with him and make you suffer for wounds someone else caused him. Plus, you are defending his actions.

Now let’s talk about you Scarlet, why don’t you want to tell him you love him?

Are you afraid that if he doesn’t tell you the same thing in return it will cause something inside of you to feel shame? How I define the word shame is the fear of disconnection.

When you feel that there is some part of you that you do not want others to see; that is shame. Underneath all of this, is the will to be vulnerable. And from hearing you talk about your relationship, it appears that you are so afraid of feeling shame you aren’t willing to be vulnerable at all.

Let me ask you a few questions. Are you willing to show that you are imperfect? Are you willing to show more compassion to yourself before you show it to other people?

And are you willing to be authentically you, by letting go of who you think you should be in order to be who you are? Simply put, being vulnerable is the same thing as being willing. Are you willing to invest in situations if you don’t know how they are going to turn out? Such as, saying I love you first?

Relationships cannot be controlled and predicted. If you want a successful relationship, you must be willing, you must be vulnerable. Start digging deep Scarlet and find out what you are so afraid of.

Namaste, ♥♥♥Jenny Don’t forget to follow Jenny on askjennynow.com Find her on Facebook or contact her at (760) 505-0952

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of December 24

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The raw materials you have at your disposal in 2016 may sometimes seem limited. You might not have access to all the tools you wish you did. You could be tempted to feel envy about the vaster resources other people can draw on. But I honestly don’t think these apparent inhibitions will put you at a disadvantage. Within your smaller range of options, there will be all the possibilities you need. In fact, the constraints could stimulate your creativity in ways that would have never occurred if you’d had more options.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You know what physical hygiene is. But are you familiar with imaginal hygiene? Educator Morgan Brent defines it like this: “Imaginal hygiene is the inner art of selfmanaging the imagination, to defend it from forces that compromise, pollute, colonize, shrink, and sterilize it, and to cultivate those that illuminate, expand, and nourish it.” It’s always important for everyone to attend to this work, but it’s especially crucial for you to focus on it in 2016. You will be exceptionally creative, and therefore likely to generate long-lasting effects and influences out of the raw materials that occupy your imagination.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your mind sometimes works too hard and fast for your own good. But mostly it’s your best asset. Your versatility can sometimes be a curse, too, but far more often it’s a blessing. Your agile tongue and flexible agenda generate more fun than trouble, and so do your smooth maneuvers and skillful gamesmanship. As wonderful as all these qualities can be, however, I suggest that you work on expanding your scope in 2016. In my astrological opinion, it will be a good time for you to study and embody the magic that the water signs possess. What would that mean exactly? Start this way: Give greater respect to your feelings. Tune in to them more, encourage them to deepen, and figure out how to trust them as sources of wisdom.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Swedish movie director Ingmar Bergman won three Academy Awards and was nominated for eight others.

Numerous filmmakers have cited him as an important influence on their work. His practical success was rooted in his devotion to the imagination. “I am living permanently in my dream, from which I make brief forays into reality,” he said.

Can you guess his astrological sign? Cancer the Crab, of course! No other tribe is better suited at moving back and forth between the two worlds. At least potentially, you are virtuosos at interweaving fantasy with earthy concerns. The coming year will afford you unprecedented opportunities to further develop and use this skill.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Avoid pain and pursue pleasure. Be kind, not cruel. Abstain from selfpity and ask for the help you need. Instead of complaining, express gratitude. Dodge timewasting activities and do things that are meaningful to you. Shun people who disrespect you and seek the company of those who enjoy you. Don’t expose yourself to sickening, violent entertainment; fill your imagination up with uplifting stories. Does the advice I’m offering in this horoscope seem overly simple and obvious? That’s no accident. In my opinion, what you need most in 2016 is to refresh your relationship with fundamental principles.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many of the atoms that compose your flesh and blood were not part of your body 12 months ago. That’s because every year, 98 percent of you is replaced. Old cells are constantly dying, giving way to new cells that are made from the air, food, and water you ingest.

This is true about everyone, of course. You’re not the only one whose physical form is regularly recycled. But here’s what will be unique about you in 2016: Your soul will match your body’s rapid transformations. In fact, the turnover is already underway. By your next birthday, you may be so new you’ll barely recognize yourself. I urge you to take full charge of this opportunity! Who do you want to become?

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© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The English word “ain’t” can mean “am not,” “is not,” “are not,” or “have not.” But it ain’t recognized as a standard word in the language. If you use it, you risk being thought vulgar and uneducated. And yet “ain’t” has been around since 1706, more than 300 years.

Most words that are used for so long eventually become official. I see your journey in 2016 as having resemblances to the saga of “ain’t,” Libra. You will meet resistance as you seek greater acceptance of some nonstandard but regular part of your life.

Here’s the good news: Your chances of ultimately succeeding are much better than ain’t’s.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): My old friend John owns a 520-acre farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Blueberries are among the crops he grows.

If he arranges their growing season so that they ripen in July, he can sell them for $1.75 a pint. But if he designs them to be ready for harvest in late summer and early fall, the price he gets may go up to $4 a pint. You can guess which schedule he prefers. I urge you to employ a similar strategy as you plot your game plan for 2016, Scorpio. Timing may not be everything, but it will count for a lot.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1803, the U.S. government bought a huge chunk of North American land from the French government. At a price of three cents per acre, the new republic doubled its size, acquiring what’s now Louisiana and Montana and everything between. I don’t think you’ll add that much to your domain in 2016, Sagittarius, but it’s likely you will expand significantly. And although your new resources won’t be as cheap as the 1803 bargain, I suspect the cost, both in terms of actual cash and in emotional energy, will be manageable. There’s one way your acquisition will be better than that earlier one. The Americans bought and the French sold land they didn’t actually own -- it belonged to the native people -- whereas your moves will have full integrity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The coming year will be a favorable time for you to nourish a deeper devotion to truth, beauty, and goodness.

Anything you do to make your morality more rigorous will generate benefits that ripple through your life for years to come. Curiously, you can add to the propitious effect by also cultivating a deeper devotion to fun, play, and pleasure. There is a symbiotic connection between the part of you that wants to make the world a better place and the part of you that thrives on joy, freedom, and wonder.

Here’s the magic formula: Feed your lust for life by being intensely compassionate, and vice versa.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I predict that 2016 will be your Year of Fruitful Obsessions. In giving this positive spin to the cosmic tendencies, I’m hoping to steer you away from any behavior that might lead to 2016 being your Year of Fruitless Obsessions. One way or another, I think you’ll be driven to express your passions with singleminded intensity. Focused devotion -- sometimes verging on compulsive preoccupation -- is likely to be one of your signature qualities. That’s why it’s so important to avoid wasteful infatuations and confounding manias. Please choose fascinations that are really good for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your symbol of power in 2016 will be the equal sign: =. Visualize it in your mind’s eye every morning for 20 seconds.

Tattoo it on your butt. Write it on an index card that you keep under your pillow or on your bathroom mirror. Gestures like these will deliver highly relevant messages to your subconscious mind, like “Create balance and cultivate harmony!” and “Coordinate opposing forces!” and “Wherever there is tension between two extremes, convert the tension into vital energy!” Here are your words of power in 2016: “symbiosis” and “synergy.”

Homework: Send me predictions for your life in 2016. Where are you headed? Go to RealAstrology. com; click on “Email Rob.” Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

Mind,body & Spirit

GENEROUSITY

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by Bronwyn Ison

et’s face it, a magnanimous heart does not come naturally. Humans are selfish by nature. However, we can educate ourselves to be generous and project a giving spirit. Your parents taught you in your early years how to share and why it is important to give to others. As children it may have been a challenge learning this valuable lesson. Now as adult you are cognizant of the value in being generous to others.

Some people miss the point of giving to others. Selfishness plus refusing to give to others will only reap havoc on your soul.

When you give to others you receive more.

Plus, it feels good to give to others. Perhaps you don’t possess the financial means to reward someone with a tangible gift. Maybe you have spare time in your schedule and you could offer to help a busy friend. You can give in creative ways.

If you struggle with generosity, shift your mind-set. Remind yourself, I am generous and I seek opportunities to give. There are numerous ways to give. Listen to the people around you. You will learn what they need or want. This will provide you an incredible opportunity to fulfill their need. When you listen, you learn. Your friend, relative, or colleague may be more appreciative that you listened than for the actual gift.

We are immersed in the season of giving. Are you giving gratuitously or living generously? How can you discover more

opportunities to give? I believe we possess opportunities each day to help someone. It doesn’t necessitate somebody you know. It can be the simple act of kindness by holding a door open for someone. Or, you may offer to babysit your friend’s child/children so they can have a date night with their spouse. Everybody wins. I believe the best kind of giving – is when nobody is looking.

Consider modeling the following three characteristics to living with generosity…

Live with an open-heart. Those of us with an altruistic-heart are generally inclined to help and find people who are struggling, hurting or are in pain. We can empathize with those who have difficulties and try to make it better for them.

Live with an open-mind. Those of us with a lucid-mind do their best to encourage others in big and small ways. This kind of person is consciously aware of their surroundings and will do what they can to appease and alert someone that they are special.

Live with an open-hand. Some people are able to give generously with tangible items. Giving to others comes as a privilege to this kind of person. They live with the attitude, “What is mine is yours and you may share in it.”

Most importantly we should strive to achieve living compassionately.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA (9642)

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 24 to December 30, 2015

Life & career Coach

by Sunny Simon

How to Network at Holiday Parties

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hether you are in the market for a new job, seeking a business partner or just looking to make some interesting new acquaintances, now is the perfect time. The season abounds with opportunities to connect with friends, family and people you would like to meet. Holiday parties are a breeding ground for both social and business networking.

Before you jump into your party clothes and dash out the door, take a few minutes to prepare. If you can get a peak at the guest list, decide who it is you would like to get acquainted with, or who you already know that can assist with your objectives. A warning here: Do not immediately launch into a discussion on how that person can be of help. Use icebreakers and lively small talk to engage. After all, you are attending to celebrate the season, not to burden anyone with special requests.

Make yourself memorable by flashing your most engaging smile, presenting a warm handshake and offering to get the other person a drink or something from the buffet table. Once you have developed a rapport, ask permission to proceed. Inquire if the timing is right to take a few minutes to discuss a business matter with you. Given the green light, keep it short and concise.

For example, if your new acquaintance is a hiring manager at a company on your target list, deliver your 60 second elevator speech and ask if you can set up a future meeting to further discuss the objective. Get the individual’s contact information and then shift the conversation to another subject. Upon spending a reasonable amount of time engaging with him or her, move on so both you and your new friend and mingle and enjoy the party.

If you are in a job search, it’s fine to share a bit about yourself with party goers, just be cautious. Taking up too much air time and making it all about you will not score points.

Networking is an avenue that runs both ways.

Take an interest in others. Remember less is more. Do less talking and more listening and be careful on alcohol consumption.

A final word: be your authentic warm and wonderful self. People can sense when you are playing a part, so just relax and have fun. Enjoy the party while you make connections. A few days after the party, do your follow-up. You never know how your attendance at a simple cookie swap or elegant holiday bash can open new doors for you in the New Year.

Sunny Simon, owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching, wishes you holiday joy.

More about Sunny at raisethebarhigh.com

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

eventS

By craig michaels

DHS to Host 7th Annual Healing Waters Spa Tour

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arlo Productions in conjunction with the Desert Hot Springs (DHS) Hoteliers, invite you to the 7th annual “Healing Waters Tour”. This one of a kind tour is a great experience for those who like to relax and rejuvenate.

DHS is one of the few places in the world that has a dual aquifer with both hot and cold water coming up from the earth. Underneath this small town, flows the healing mineral water that you can both drink and beneficially soak in. The Sparkling, clear mineral springs have been nourishing bodies and minds since the early 1900’s when they were first discovered by Pioneer Cabot Yerxa*.

Balneotherapy is the ancient art of immersing oneself in thermal mineral waters; utilizing the minerals in thermal springs to improve health and wellness primarily through soaking, steaming and inhalation.

Minerals found in the DHS healing waters include Silica, Iron Oxide, Calcium, Aluminum Oxide Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride Bicarbonate, Fluoride and Sodium Chloride.

Balneotherapy enthusiasts believe these minerals help alleviate a number of ailments including arthritis, chronic skin diseases, urinary conditions, chronic metallic poisoning,

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burns, including sunburn, cardiovascular support, dandruff, dry skin, and many other common ailments.

There are over 20 exclusive spa resorts in DHS offering rich, healing, therapeutic, mineral spring water. A number of the spas have been multi-award winners for service, amenities and high standards. There are many types of resorts to stay at, such as the Moroccan Fantasy, the old world Hacienda, clothing optional, dog friendly, Mid-Century Modern and the 1940’s Two Bunch Palm which is filled with rich history. From small four room hotels to big hotels with multiple pools, there is a hotel for every size, taste and budget.

The spa tour is the one night annually when the public can come into these very private boutique spas.

What: 7th Annual Healing Waters Tour When: Thursday, January 28th, 2016 Time: 4:00- 8:00 pm Contact: 760.880-5888 Web site: healingwatersspatour.com Written By: Craig Michaels Craig Michaels Productions (760) 880-3848

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

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December 24 to December 30, 2015

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