Coachella Valley Weekly - December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022 Vol. 10 No. 42

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022 Vol.10 No.42

Life X 3

pg5

FG Creative

pg5

Jason Stuart

pg7

Eleni’s Top 10

pg7

The 19th Hole

pg17

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

2

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

CONTENTS JPatron New Year's Eve Party ....................... 3 New Year's Eve Events in the CV .................. 4 Theatre - Life X 3 ............................................ 5 FG Creative Relaunch.................................... 5 Club Crawler Nightlife .................................. 6 Jason Stuart ................................................... 7 Consider This - Eleni's Top 10 ................... 8-9 PSIFF Awards Gala Cancelled .................... 11 Screeners...................................................... 13 Pet Place ................................................. 14-15 The Vino Voice ............................................. 16 Pampered Palate - The 19th Hole .............. 17 Safety Tips .................................................... 18 Cyber Corner ................................................ 18 Haddon Libby .............................................. 19 Dale Gribow ................................................. 19 Health - Keto ................................................ 20 Free Will Astrology ..................................... 20 Send Me A Trainer ....................................... 21 Cannabis Corner .......................................... 22

A

s part of a small group of hip hop performers who have been rocking mics in the Coachella Valley and beyond for well over a decade, J. Patron is a seasoned, multi-faceted artist with talents that go far beyond just being a rapper.

This devoted husband and father of 3 has stretched his creative juices into areas from DJing and beat producing to multiple forms of visual arts. Colombian born and Coachella Valley raised, J. Patron has, over the years developed a unique sound and perspective on what it is to be an artist and where his priorities in life lie.

CVW: You have come a long way in your career as an artist and performer. How did you get started in the first place?

J. Patron: “It started in High School with battle rapping and freestyling. I wrote my first rhyme back in 1999. It was me and a couple of buddies. One of them got into rapping and encouraged me to join in. We started out writing which led to freestyling and eventually diving deep into all 4 elements of hip hop culture. From there, I fell in love with graffiti. I always enjoyed the drawing aspect of writing out lettering in an interesting way but I didn’t understand the culture behind it. I was just attracted to art. Once I started rhyming it dawned on me that this was another element of hip hop and that’s when I started going heavy on the graffiti. Spray painting, going out of town and hitting freights and rooftops along with our local train stops here.”

J Patron continues: “You know, I’m the type of person who, once I start doing something I really tend to dive in completely, really digging in and doing a lot of research in order to expand my capabilities and potential to see how far I can take it.”

CVW: Do you remember when you made your first, legit recording?

J. Patron: “Yes. I was 15 or 16. I had gotten my first piece of studio equipment that my friend and fellow rapper Provok’s dad, helped me purchase online. That’s pretty much how that all started.”

CVW: So when you look back on those old recordings, are they something that you like or do you cringe?

J. Patron: (Laughing) “Oh, I cringe! I cringe for sure! I cringe at stuff from like…freaking

2 years ago! I mean, we are always changing and evolving as artists, right? And honestly, I do really like the recent stuff that I’ve put out…it’s on a whole new wave. I was doing Latin stuff before it was an obnoxiously trendy thing to do. And now it’s everywhere.

Every venue seems to have a Latin night and I remember the days when nobody wanted to do that. Now it’s almost overly saturated which is kind of annoying but not necessarily a bad thing. To go back to your point, I guess I dig the stuff that I have done in the past 5 years or so.”

CVW: That’s a great segway into what you have been up to for the past couple of years. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you around. What has been going on with your music career over the past few years?

J. Patron: “Like pretty much everyone else, I have been on a hiatus since Covid hit but before that happened I found myself in a place where I always dreamt of being. I was touring all over the southwest, Mexico and some parts of Columbia and getting paid for it. I was putting music videos out and basically living my dream. All that was happening but deep down inside, I really felt incredibly lonely. I realized that I would rather be at home. I was missing out on watching my kids grow up and do important things. I had to ask myself what I would rather be doing. Do I want to be traveling constantly and performing late nights? Or would I rather be at home watching my children learn something new or teaching them something new.”

J. Patron continues: “I realized that I was in a situation where I really needed a break. I had been going hard for decades, non-stop…

Continuously pushing and investing in my music and constantly learning to expand my skills because there is always room to grow.

I was at a point where I felt as though I was burning myself out mentally. I really, really needed a break from it all so I went ahead and contacted my manager, Susie and let her know that I wanted to cancel the tour along with my local residencies which obviously she wasn’t very happy about. I felt a lot of pressure because everything was becoming more professional so nothing was really happening naturally anymore from a creative aspect because of the constant deadlines and

scheduling, etc. So I just canceled everything, and you know what? It felt really fucking great.”

J. Patron continues: “The music is always going to be there but with this break, I was able to start focusing more on my wife and kids. During that time, I reawakened a part of me that had been asleep for a long time, which is the visual artist inside. I started painting again and doing digital art…naturally, on my own time. That’s the way I like to do art, without force or deadlines. I can just let things flow which always gets better results for me.

Things have really fallen into place for me and my family and I truly feel like it wouldn’t be this way if I hadn’t taken a break for my mental health. It also makes me feel better about getting back into the scene and making music now that venues have reopened.”

CVW: This NYE event being the first show that you have been a part of since 2019, are you looking to really dive back into the swing of things?

J. Patron: “Yeah, for sure. Not aggressively right now. I just want to have fun with it. At this show I’m not going to perform, I’m just going to DJ. That’s really what I want to do for the moment. Besides the visual art that I have been creating like paintings and NFTs, what I really want is to play music and make people shake their asses. As far as rapping on the mic, I will put out some more stuff when I’m ready.”

J. Patron: “As far as this NYE event is concerned, I’m really excited to be able to create a platform for these up and coming artists from here in the valley. I am excited to see Jaelyn, Joy Road, Mike Lavish and Spaceboyuno perform. To me, it feels like these guys are the new Coachella Valley scene and it’s very different from when I was in my 20s. There’s a whole type of R&B/Neo-soul type of vibe that I’m really into and it seems to be where the scene is heading so I think everyone is going to have a really good time.”

Check out J. Patron’s DJ sets along with the Deep One’s and performances by previously mentioned artists on Dec 31st at Bubba’s Bones and Brew in Cathedral City.

Follow J. Patron on social media: @Jpatronmusic facebook.com/JPatronmusica Check out his videos on youtube, https:// www.youtube.com/user/jPatronMusic

3

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

I

t seems like 2021 has passed by in the blink of an eye, but now is the time to get 2022 off to a fun start with these New Year’s Eve celebrations right here in the Coachella Valley. From dinners to entertainment, it will be a night to remember and a whole year to look forward to in the desert.

Marvyn’s Magic Theater - Host Jeff Hobson and a special guest will be presenting a New Year’s Eve show at Marvyn’s Magic Theater in La Quinta. Festivities begin at 6 p.m and all ticketed guests at this event will receive complimentary party favors and a champagne toast. Jeff Hobson has been seen on NBC’s The Illusionists Prime-time special, HBO, Showtime’s Comedy Club Network, Fox Family’s Masters of Illusion, NBC’s World’s Greatest Magic as well as the star of Thames Television’s Magic Comedy Strip—a 16-week television series in England and the top-rated U.K.’s iTV with The Illusionists – Live from Broadway. To purchase tickets, visit marvynsmagictheater.com.

5th Annual “Drag Me to 2022” at The Saguaro - The Saguaro in Palm Springs will be presenting its 5th annual “Drag Me to2022” disco gala on New Year’s Eve from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. It will be a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve soirée filled with comedy and disco with plenty of holiday surprises and treats, hosted by Miss Rusty Waters.

General Admission includes complimentary buffet style light bites, a complimentary

dollars in advance and 100 dollars the day of the event, which includes VIP Access to the Outdoor Lounge Area and two complimentary cocktail tickets. The Palm Springs Block Party will feature midnight fireworks to welcome the New Year, iconic look-alikes, food trucks and booths, an outdoor bar garden and live entertainment and dancing. In Cathedral City, a Party Under The Stars will take place at 7 p.m.

Music will be provided by DJ Citizen Jane, DJ Femme A, and DJ Sugar Free. Guests are invited to dance under the stars in the outdoor venue and welcome in the New Year with live entertainment, outdoor bars and food trucks. Entry is 20 dollars plus 22 dollars in Free Play.

champagne toast at midnight, cash bar drink specials, and live entertainment.

The cost for this 21 and over event is 75 dollars per ticket plus tax and fees. VIP tickets include access to the VIP lounge on SagoTerrace, and a private hosted beer, wine, and champagne bar at 150 dollars per ticket. Visit thesaguaro.com for tickets.

Chef George’s Picasso Lounge - Chef George’s Picasso Lounge in Bermuda Dunes has been open since 2003, serving delicious

Hungarian and Italian food to patrons with five-star entertainment. This New Year’s Eve, Chef George’s will be hosting a special dinner to mark the occasion, from 7 p.m. to 12 p.m. Four and a half hours of showstopping entertainment will be provided, featuring Jimmy Street, Darci Daniels. and Michael D’Angelo. A three-course meal will be served, including a salad, a main course of steak, white fish, or chicken marsala, and dessert.The event will end with a champagne celebration at midnight.

Admission is $79.95 and guests must make reservations by calling 760-200-1768.

The Four Twenty Bank New Year’s Eve Party - The Four Twenty Bank Dispensary and Lounge will be hosting the only free New Year’s Eve Party in Palm Springs this year, with no cover charge. The event will feature The No BS as musical guests and starts at 6 p.m. Come join the party filled with food, fun, giveaways, and specials while you dance the night away. Free tickets can be found at eventbrite.com.

Palm Canyon Road House - The 14th annual New Year’s Eve Bash at the world famous Palm Canyon Roadhouse in Palm Springs will ring in 2022 in style on December 31 at 7 p.m. Entertainment will be provided

by The Toyz. You will not want to miss this outrageous party, including party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are 20 dollars in advance at the bar and at eventbrite.com. The cost for entry at the door is 25 dollars with no refunds. For more information, call 760-327-4080.

4

EVENTS

Agua Caliente Casinos - There will be three celebrations held across the Agua Caliente Casinos in Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs. The Dance Party at The Show in Rancho Mirage will feature music from DJ BOBA and begin at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at 40 dollars and all attendees must be 21 and older. Agua Caliente Palm Springs will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Block Party from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Entry only tickets are 20 dollars in advance and 25 on the day of the event. VIP access tickets are 85

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino - Get ready for a night of music and memories as Fantasy Springs Resort Casino hosts a free New Year’s Eve concert celebration, starting at 9 p.m. Featured artists at the event include Steel Rod performing at twelve: Cocktails Above – a luxurious, newly renovated space featuring mid-century modern furniture, an expansive balcony, and sweeping views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains—as well as Reel Band & DJ Nano performing at the LIT stage. This New Year’s Eve celebration will also feature free party favors for casino guests! while supplies last.

Spotlight 29 Casino - Kick off 2022 in the best way possible by attending the Coachella Crossroads New Year’s Eve show at Spotlight 29 Casino. Looking to be a can’t-miss performance, the Coachella Day One 22’ NYE concert event will feature headliners like Lil Wayne and Diesel aka Shaquille O’Neal, and special guests E-40 and Getter starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are still on sale for this star-studded experience, available for purchase on ticketmaster.com and ranging between 99 and 250 dollars.

Bubba’s Bones & Brews - Bring in the new year with a 12 a.m. cash drop at the Coachella Valley's hottest New Year's party at Bubba’s Bones & Brews located in the heart of downtown Palm Desert.

The event will have live performances by Banko, Jaelyn, Joy Road, Mike Lavish, and Spaceboyuno, as well as DJ sets by The Deep Ones, Dustin Taylor Peery, and hosted

by JPatron. There will be five dollar drink specials and delicious food with VIP tables on a first come, first serve basis. Call now to reserve a VIP booth at 760-837-3900. This event is 21and over and attendees must have a valid photo ID to enter. There is free entry with absolutely no cover charge.

The Purple Room Palm Springs - Enjoy the finer things this New Year’s Eve at the swank nightclub where Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack hung out, The Purple Room Palm Springs. This event offers threeseparate seatings featuring live jazz and a three-course dinner. Guests can choose between 5 or 7:30 p.m. with singer Rose Mallett or 10 p.m. with Sharon Sills at the mic. There will be party favors and a champagne toast at midnight as well.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

C

Charles Pasternak

VRep continues its season of Hopes, Dreams, and Expectations 2021-2022 with Life X 3, written by Yasmina Reza, directed by Joanne Gordon, January 25 – February 6, 2022. An incredible cast makes this a must-see play, starring Charles Pasternak, Lynn Favin, Betsy Moore and Scott Golden. From the author of Art, a sharply funny commentary on vanity, insecurity, and marital vicissitudes, Life X 3 presents three versions of two couples (and an offstage six-year-old) trying to make a success of one evening despite the fact they neither like nor respect one another. Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now at www.cvrep.org or call the box-office at (760)-296-2996 ext. 115. Cast bios, photos, and/or interviews are available upon request.

Contact Alexandria, (760) 296-2966, extension 119.

About Life X 3 – Yasmina Reza's Life X 3 features satirical wit as two couples face off in three different versions of the dinner from hell.

The play contrasts man's ability to understand and map the outermost reaches of the universe with his total inability to deal rationally with the simplest domestic mishap, and explores how the smallest action can cause a life-altering event. This play contributes to an increasingly impressive body of work from one of the most intriguing and distinctive voices in contemporary theatre with a fresh, funny and ultimately thought-provoking style.

The Story – Henry and Sonia are having a difficult evening with Arnaud, their wakeful six-year-old son; but Henry has other worries.

Lynn Favin

Besty Moore

About to publish the results of two years’ research on the flatness of galaxy halos, he’s desperate to make a good impression on the distinguished astrophysicist Hubert Finidori, who wields a decisive influence over the question of Henry’s longed-for promotion.

When Hubert arrives with his rebellious wife, Inez in town for dinner on the wrong night, the fact that there is no food in the apartment (merely an ample supply of Sancerre) is only one of the potentially disastrous elements in the play. In addition, Hubert’s often brutal treatment of Inez; his lust for Sonia; Inez’s weak head for alcohol; Henry’s discovery that rival scientists may have beaten him to the punch; Sonia’s equivocal feeling of attraction towards Hubert; and the entirely unpredictable behavior of the invisible Arnaud—and the stage is set for a catastrophic unraveling of normal civilized behavior.

The Cast – Award winning director and actor, Charles Pasternak stars as Henry and has previously starred in CVRep’s Male Greek Chorus in How I Learned to Drive (Desert Star Award Nomination), directed by Joanne Gordon. During the pandemic, Pasternak directed three staged readings for CVRep: The Importance of Being Ernest, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Revolutionists. Starring as Henry’s wife Sonia is Lynn Favin. Favin has held leading roles on 3 National Touring Shows (Ophelia in Hamlet, Lily in The Giver, Narrator in The Grapes of Wrath) and performed many of Shakepeare’s greatest female characters professionally across America and in the

THEATRE

Joanne Gordon

UK. She is a recurring voice actress with 17 characters on the Emmy Award winning show Robot Chicken: Seasons 8-11 and has numerous TV/Film credits including The Get Down (Netflix) and multiple national commercials.

Scott Golden stars as Hubert and is thrilled to be back at CVRep where he recently starred as Gabe in Dinner With Friends. Golden’s stage credits include Absolutely Filthy (Sacred Fools), The Behavior of Broadus (Burglars of Hamm) and most recently as Matt in Mr. Burns; a post-electric play (Ovation Award nominee).

The character Inez is played by Betsy Moore.

Moore’s most recent theater credits include Colleen in Ripcord, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Miss Lynch in Grease at Sierra Repertory Theatre. Her recent film and television credits include This is Us (NBC), The Flight Attendant (HBO), The Baxters (MGM) and the feature film Stu starring Mark Wahlberg.

About Director Joanne Gordon – Returning to CVRep's stage is award-winning director, Joanne Gordon. Gordon was previously the Professor Emerita and former Artistic Director of California Repertory Company and Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts at CSULB (2004-2013). Gordon’s accolades include five Drama-League Awards, a Los Angeles Critics Choice Award, Woman in Theatre Red Carpet Award, Long Beach Playhouse Diva Award and being named “Best of the Year” by the Los Angeles Times. In the past, Gordon directed staged readings of The Clean House and The Golden Fleece as part of CVRep's virtual Theatre Thursdays series. She was also the

moderator for CVRep's Luminary Cocktail Hour with Alexandra Billings, actress, singer, author, teacher, and activist. While internationally renowned for her work on Sondheim and the dramatization of the work of Charles Bukowski, Gordon’s most recent work with Alexandra Billing “S/He and Me” has provoked great deal of attention and interest. Her adaptation and production of Love, Bukowski was nominated for several awards by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, which also conferred on Cal Rep the Polly Warfield Award. Love, Bukowski was nominated for Best New Play of the Year by the O.C. Weekly. Gordon has directed a number of Stephen Sondheim works worldwide, including the first Chinese language production of West Side Story in Beijing. Published work includes Stephen Sondheim: A Casebook; frequent contributions to The Sondheim Review and Art Isn’t Easy: The Theater of Stephen Sondheimone of the seminal studies of Sondheim’s work. As an internationally renowned Sondheim scholar, Gordon directs and conducts workshops in the U.S., Russia and Europe. Her essay Something Just Broke was included by Oxford University Press in The Oxford Handbook of Sondheim Studies (2013). Gordon did her undergraduate work in South Africa and her Ph.D. at UCLA. COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines – CVRep’s top priority is the well-being and safety of patrons, employees and volunteers.

All CVRep patrons, staff, and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated, and must show a picture ID with their vaccination card upon entering the building. It is required that all patrons, staff, and volunteers wear masks at all times during performances. The Playhouse is equipped with an advanced air handling system which sanitizes the air. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the Playhouse. To limit contact, all tickets are issued electronically. In addition, the theatre undergoes a thorough sanitization and deep clean prior to each show.

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

LOCAL BUSINESS

T

he new year brings a relaunch of FG Creative, Inc, the boutique strategic marketing firm which first opened in October of 2002, and a new adventure for Stephanie Greene, Founder and CEO. In August of 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Greene brought her team and clients to join forces with CV Strategies. With things returning to normal, Greene is announcing that she has left her current endeavor and launch a reimagined FG Creative starting January 1 with many familiar faces in both staff and clients.

During the pandemic, Greene strategically pivoted her business to better accommodate the prevailing business climate and will now reestablish FG Creative to offer a new enhanced level of marketing support for a variety of clients. “My time with CV Strategies, working with Erin Kaiman and her team, was a perfect solution during a challenging time. Together we developed new services for many clients and found a great way of working together for the success of our shared clients.” stated Greene.

“The time is right for me to step into the future with a reimagined, revitalized company and team to work with our current base of clients

Scott Golden

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

as well as new clients who are joining us over the next few months,” she concluded.

Stephanie has been an active and influential marketing professional in the Southern California region for four decades, coordinating major marketing efforts for government/ municipal agencies, transportation, nonprofits, tourism/attractions, shopping malls, Native American casinos, and residential real estate.

Prior to founding FG Creative in 2002, she was a Marketing Director at several key OC/ LA shopping centers, including Fashion Island, Westminster Mall and Tustin MarketPlace.

She attained the level of Certified Marketing Director with ICSC in 1996, was named Westminster Businessperson of the Year in 1997, and completed Leadership Coachella Valley in 2007. She was named a “Top 30 Influential Women” in 2015 and a “Top 12 Most Influential Women” in 2016 by CV Weekly magazine. She began her career in advertising at the highly regarded InterCommnunicationsInc in Newport Beach.

Stephanie currently serves on the boards of Women Leaders Forum, Academy of Musical Performance (AMP), as well as committee positions with the Palm Desert Area Chamber

of Commerce Marketing Committee and Desert Cancer Foundation.

FG Creative is a full-service agency supporting clients with comprehensive marketing campaigns including advertising, strategic planning, public relations, social media strategy and content, website development, public outreach, event promotion and graphic design.

To learn more about FG Creative, visit www.

FGCreative.com and follow the company’s new journey on LinkedIn, Facebook and other online platforms.

Email: stephanie@fgcreative.com

5

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

Thursday, December 30

Casuelas Café – Avenida – 5:30pm Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:30pm Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic – 6-8pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Jazzville @ Agua Caliente – TBA – 7pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Just Dave Band – 7pm O’Caine’s – Midlife O’Crisis – 6pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Allies w/ Nick Hales – 9pm Shanghai Red’s (Palm Springs) – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 7pm Vicky’s of Sante Fe – Will Donato and the Art of Sax – 6pm

Friday, December 31

Bart Lounge – NYE Party w/ DJs Hymn, Dxsko and Manny – 8pm Big Rock Pub – NYE Party w/ Funk’d Martini – 7:30pm Bubba’s Bones and Brews – NYE Party w/ J Patron, Banko, Jaelyn, Joy Road, Mike Lavish and more – 8:30pm

6

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Casuelas Café – Paul Douglas – 3:30pm, New York NYE Party w/ Barry Baughn Blues Review and Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 6pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – NYE Party w/ The Nobs – 6pm Hotel Zoso – Ballroom – Luna Negra Presents: Goth NYE Party w/ Panther Modern, Kontravoid, Pixel Grip, Black Light Odyssey and more – 8pm, Lobby – DJ Captain Osiv – 9pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – The Reel Band – 9pm O’Caine’s – Craic Haus – 6pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – Rock N Roll NYE Bash w/ The Toyz – 9pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30-8:30pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm Vicky’s of Sante Fe – NYE Party – 6pm

Saturday, January 1

Bart Lounge – DJ Pico – 8pm Casuelas Café – Flashback Boyz – 7pm Chef George’s – Michael D Angelo and Tim Burleson – 6:30pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – The Reel Band – 9pm O’Caine’s – St. Christopher’s Bazooka – 6pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – The Toyz – 9pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm The Village – Rob & JB – 1-4pm, Rapmarz – 10pm, DJ LF – 10pm, DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm

Sunday, January 2

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF – 8pm Casuelas Café – Las Tias – 12pm, Barry Baughn Blues Review – 5:30pm Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – Sunday Night Jam w/ Derek Jordan Gregg – 4-9pm

The Nest – Jojo Malagar – 7pm The Village – Rapmarz - 10pm

Monday, January 3

The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Tuesday, January 4

Casuelas Café – Desert Suite Band – 5:30pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Brad’s Pad – 7-10pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Wednesday, January 5

Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 6pm Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:30pm Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm Plan B Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm The Cantina – T- Bone Karaoke – 7pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm, Banda Revolucion – 10pm

COMEDY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

JASON STUART RETURNS TO PALM SPRINGS IN JANUARY

A

ctor and comedian Jason Stuart has seen an eventful year in 2021.

In addition to his show-stopping comedy performances, Stuart has had successful recognition with his Amazon, Revry / Apple TV / YouTube comedy series Smothered. He also starred in the Billy Bob Thornton drama series Goliath opposite Oscar winner J.K. Simmons.

Besides his acting ventures, Stuart also released his online comedy album I’m the Daddy and I Have Candy and his autobiography Shut Up, I’m Talking! that came out during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last summer, Stuart headlined and sold out the Desert Rose Playhouse with his comedy show on January 8. Now, back by popular demand, he will return to the Desert Rose Playhouse for a new comedy show with Jennie McNulty and MC Melissa Greenberg.

“I always do shows with comedians who I know and love. One thing I try to prioritize is having more women in my show because they don’t always get the same opportunities that guys do in the comedy world,” stated Stuart.

Stuart’s comedy show focuses on his dating life as a single gay man and moving next door to his mother. He pokes fun at his so-called “spinster” life and promoting his own hashtag—#StillSingle.

“I live next door to my Jewish mother, but I do not live with her. There’s a difference! I live upstairs and she lives downstairs and one over. It’s almost like an L-shape, which means ‘loser’,” joked Stuart.

All attendees are asked to provide proof of vaccination and masks must be work per California COVID-19 regulations. Seating prices range from individual seats at 25 dollars, table seats of four at 120 dollars and premium couches seating three at 120 dollars. All Desert Rose Playhouse ticket purchases are nonrefundable.

After the comedy show, Stuart will be attending a fundraiser for the 2nd season of the series he co-created and co-stars with Mitch Hara, Smothered. The fundraiser will be held on January 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Quadz Video Bar in Palm Springs, showing video clips of the first season of the hit series and Stuart and Hara’s careers.

The event will be hosted by the Filmmakers Gallery's Paul Belsito and Steven Roche. There

will also be a special appearance by Felipe Rose from The Village People, where he will be playing his new hit dance song "Dance Again”.

The end of the fundraiser will feature a Q and A with Stuart where attendees can get more insight into his life and career.

“It’s great being a Palm Springs local. I feel really welcomed and supported when I do shows here. I also feel like the crowd really gets me,” shared Stuart, who claims to be very selective of where he performs.

Stuart is currently working in pre-production for the second season of Smothered, which was up for an Emmy nomination and garnered over 50,000 views on its streaming platforms.

The show centers on two married men who hate each other and have been together for 30 years, but cannot afford to get a divorce.

Episodes can be viewed on smotheredtv.com.

“I never thought I’d make my own show. I didn’t even think I had the ability to do it. I’ve had 15 deals to make a show over the years, and they all fell through,” revealed Stuart.

Looking back at his unexpected film career, Stuart recalls a scene in Goliath that he shared with A-list actors Bruce Dern, J.K. Simmons, and Haley Joel Osment. Everyone had been nominated for an Oscar except for Stuart, and he recalls how nervous he felt in that moment but also how much gratitude he had to get the opportunity to experience it.

“I feel so lucky to be able to do all this. I encourage anyone to come to the show, laugh their head off, and have fun,” encouraged Stuart.

Tickets for Stuart’s comedy show can be purchased at desertroseplayhouse.org.

7

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

CONSIDER THIS

“Sitting here in limbo, waiting for the dice to roll. Yeah, now sitting here in limbo. Got some time to search my soul. Well, they’re putting up a resistance. But I know my faith will lead me on.” immy Cliff wrote and recorded that song over 50 years ago, in response to the death of his mentor and producer, Leslie Kong. But it drifted into my mind this morning, as I contemplated this last year, and I realized it seemed completely apropos when summing up 2021, especially for the music community. After more than a year of Covid lockdowns and limitations, venues have finally begun to reopen, bands are back out on the road, but with the emergence of the Omicron variant, everything may shudder to a stop once again. After 800,000 Covid deaths, you would think people would mask up, get their shots and get back to their freedomlovin’ lives. But that rant is for a different kind of column. Right now, I’m just going to fully record-nerd out and tell you about my 10 favorite albums of 2021.

1. Ani DiFranco Revolutionary Love (Righteous Babe Records) – Ani DiFranco’s songs have been a staple of my musical diet since I first discovered her (six years into her career), in 1996. For me, it all started with her seventh long-player, Dilate, the perfect soundtrack to mirror my broken heart. Since then, the self-described Lil’ Folksinger has accompanied me through highs, lows and everything in-between. Over the years her sound has evolved from her own brand of Folk-Punk, and began incorporating elements of Jazz, Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop and Rock.

For Ani, the personal has always intersected with the political. Those themes beautifully coalesce on her 20th studio album.

The songs unfurl slowly, echoing the intimacy of Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, (epochal 1971 albums that both hit the half-century mark this year).

Marital bliss sustains a blow on Bad Dream, while “Simultaneously” untangles the duality of human nature. Her POV expands globally on the both the languid title track, as well as the effervescent first single, “Do Or Die.” Meanwhile, on the sleek and serpentine “Contagious” she borrows Michelle Obama’s sagacious mantra, “When they go low, we go high.” Throughout her 31-year career, Ani has made watershed records, beginning with “Out Of Range,” and continuing with “Dilate,”

J

8

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

ELENI’S 2021 TOP 10

“Little Plastic Castle” and “Knuckle Down.”

Stacked with tracks that limn domestic discord, deep introspection and what John Lewis characterized as good trouble, “Revolutionary Love” can be added to that august pantheon.

2. Paul Weller “Fat Pop (Volume 1)” (Polydor Records) – Paul Weller’s music continues to dazzle and delight. Since 1977, he has consistently topped the charts in Great Britain. Beginning with his seminal Punk trio, The Jam, then as half of the SophistoPop- Jazz-Soul duo, The Style Council and as a solo artist since 1990. Nicknamed “The Modfather” by his adoring British fans, going solo has allowed him to follow his muse. In the process, he has continued to create music at a furious clip.

15 long-players, six EPs, several live efforts and a soundtrack score later, he has released Fat Pop (Volume One), written and recorded from scratch, during the pandemic. Tackling a plethora of styles, the songs hopscotch from Electronica, stripped-down Punk, Creamy Soul, introspective acoustic-Folk, Gospel, Funk, Blues and Jazz. Following in the footsteps of heroes like John Lennon, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye, “That Pleasure” offers a veiled response to the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. The title-track is a stone-cold gas, blending squiggly synths and skittery guitars, as lyrics salute the salubrious effect Rock & Roll has on the soul. Then there’s “Testify,” Paul’s electrifying call to arms is a combustible combo-platter of sounds. But then, every track on this album is a mind-blower.

3. The Bootheels 1988: The Original Demos (Omnivore Recordings) – As a card-carrying record nerd, I typically adhere to some strict rules when choosing my Top 10. Usually, no live albums, greatest hits or previously released collections allowed. That’s cheating.

But, fuck it, it’s my list. I bent the rules once before a couple of years before when I included a career retrospective from Luther Russell. My justification was I’d never heard those songs before, and fell completely in love.

Luther became my new spiritual boyfriend and that ardor hasn’t dimmed. So, once again, I am violating my own code of ethics for The Bootheels, a 16-song demo collection that features the earliest music from (you guessed it), Luther, as well as Wallflowers-to-be, Tobi Miller and Jakob Dylan. These guys, along

with Aaron A. Brooks, weren’t old enough to drink or vote, but they managed to create a body of work that belied their tender age.

Drawing on mutual musical inspirations like The Replacements, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Husker Du, Minutemen, Dinosaur Jr. Big Star and R.E.M. their sound was equal parts sharp and shambolic. Trace elements of Punk, Country and Stones-y swagger can be found in these demos, which should have secured a record deal. Obviously, Luther, Tobi, Jakob and Aaron went on to bigger and better things. But for one brief shining moment, The Bootheels created some righteous, raucous and ramshackle noise.

4. Yola Stand For Myself (Easy Eye Records) – Yola’s music isn’t easily classified or pigeonholed, and that’s exactly the way she likes it. The British singer-songwriter’s sound is an astute amalgam of Country, Soul, Gospel and Jazz. After honing her craft and paying her dues on her home turf, she landed in the U.S. a few years ago. Connecting with Black Keys front-man Dan Auerbach opened a lot of doors. He not only signed her to his Easy Eye label, but he also produced her first official long-player, 2019’s Walk Through Fire.

But it’s her newest effort that has proved to be the revelation. She’s added some new colors to her musical palette, incorporating hints of AM Pop and Disco. Every track is single-worthy. To paraphrase from the iconic film, Sunset Blvd., Yola is ready for her closeup, Mr. DeMille.

5. Son Of The Velvet Rat Solitary Company (Fluff & Gravy Records) – Austrian natives Georg Altziebler and Heike Binder formed Son Of the Velvet Rat (SOtVR) in their hometown of Graz, around the turn of the 21st century.

By the time they relocated to Joshua Tree in 2015, they had released nine LPs and four EPs. Since their arrival in the desolate desert enclave, they have recorded Dorado locally, as well as a live effort. Following a world tour, they returned to the High Desert and began recording Solitary Company, it was finished in Austria, where the couple sat out the Covid lockdown. Their 11th studio album offers a rich tapestry of sandblasted chansons, rustic Soul, smoky noir, baroque hoedowns, and restless farewells. Evocative narratives, chockablock with vivid vignettes are matched by plaintive and painterly melodies. It’s their most assured album to date.

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

6. David Crosby For Free (BMG Records) – Since jumpstarting his solo career in 2014, the ex-Byrd, ex-CSNYer and full-time churlish cherub has experienced a late-life creative renaissance with albums like Croz, Lighthouse, Sky Trails and Here, If You Listen. As brilliant as those efforts were, they can’t match the poignant beauty of For Free. Anchored by the presence of David’s musically talented son, James Raymond (the apple and the tree, that whole thing), the pair have created a mordant meditation on life that is sleek in places and endearingly ragged in others. From the sundappled “I Think I,” to the Jazzy “Rodrigues For A Night,” to the autumnal ache of “Secret Dancer,” his remarkably elastic tenor seems untouched by the ravages of time and decades of abuse. The closing track, “I Won’t Stay,” written by James, through his father’s eyes, offers a tender (albeit premature) farewell.

7. Steve Barton Love + Destruction (STEVEBARTONMUSIC) – Los Angeles native Steve Barton is best known as the laconic lead singer of Bay Area-based band, Translator.

Their 1982 hit, “Everywhere That I’m Not” was a staple of New Wave radio stations like KROQ and 91.X. Sandwiched between angular Synth Pop hits from A Flock Of Seagulls and Talk Talk, their guitar-driven sound stood out from the pack. After four albums together, the band amicably parted ways and Steve has carved out a rewarding solo career. His latest finds him leapfrogging through a surfeit of styles, Folk, Power Pop, Jazz and Punk. His mien shapeshifts from introspective to sardonic to droll and humble. Jittery thrash rockers co-exist next to moodily elegant ballads and spare melodies steeped in Country comfort.

He distills a lifetime of influences, from the Fab Four, to Dylan, the Stones and the Band, down to their essence, filtering them into his own sui generis style.

8. BEAU BOW de LUNE BEAU BOW de LUNE (Dear Stella Recordings) – BBdL is a super-group of sorts, comprised of acclaimed singer-songwriters Val McCallum (Beau), Bow Thayer (um, duh) and producer/multiinstrumentalist Greg Wells (inexplicably saddled with the musical moniker de Lune).

Val is the trio’s lynchpin. A brilliant guitarist who began his professional career as a teen playing on a Harry Nilsson album, he made his bones playing sessions with everyone from Sheryl Crow to Lucinda Williams. He currently earns his keep as Jackson Browne’s touring guitarist, and recently played guitar on the newest Wallflowers album.

The album is the perfect blend of instrumental prowess and laid-back attitude.

On “Brush Strokes,” Humor and humility are equally on display Meanwhile, on “Reverence Al Green Dream,” the Sunshiny AM Pop melody pairs nicely with stacked, Beach Boy-esque harmonies and lyrics that pay obeisance to sanctified Soul giant Al Green.

Then there’s the irresistible ‘70s AOR crunch of “No Trouble In The Bubble.” These guys already have steady, fulltime gigs, but BBdL offers a pleasant detour.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 9. Los Lobos Native Sons (New West Records) – I have been ride-or-die for Los Lobos del Este (de Los Angeles) -which translated from Spanish means The Wolves Of East Los Angeles-since they signed with the Punk label, Slash, in 1983. The band began the decade before, playing weddings, quinceañeras, and Mexican restaurants, somehow ending up in Punk clubs alongside bands like X, Public Image Limited and the Blasters. Their intoxicating mix of traditional Mexican instruments and original Rootsy Rock struck a chord with Punks and Cholos alike. Their latest album pays homage to their California roots by covering Golden State songs that inspired them as they began writing their own music. Not only do they honor antecedents like Thee Midniters, War and Lalo Guerrero, but they also dip back into their Hippie years, offering up piquant versions of songs by the Beach Boys, Jackson Browne and Buffalo Springfield. They include Soul nuggets from Percy Mayfield and Barrett Strong, and tip their hat to peers like The Blasters. The title track is a new composition.

Native Sons allows the guys to reflect and reconnect with their hometown heroes.

10. The Wallflowers Exit Wounds (New West Records) – It’s been nearly 30 years since Jakob Dylan and his band, The Wallflowers released their self-titled debut. Although it sorta slipped through the cracks, it paved the way for their juggernaut second effort, Bringing Down The Horse. In the ensuing years the band made great albums and Jakob even released a couple of well-received solo records, but nothing came close to the musical alchemy achieved on “…Horse.”

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

Until now. Much like Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders, these days, The Wallflowers is basically Jakob and whomever he chooses to record with. The latest iteration includes guitarist extraordinaire, Val McCallum bassist Whynot Jansveld, drummers Brian Griffin and Mark Stepro, plus Aaron Embry on keys.

The record is by turns pensive and reflective, snarling and sarcastic. “Who’s Walking Around In My Garden” kinda-sorta takes a page from (Jakob’s late mentor) Tom Petty’s musical playbook. Country/Folk stands side by side with slow-cooked Soul ballads and swaggering Rockers.

So that’s it, my Top 10 for this year, I would remiss if I didn’t take a moment to shout-out a few albums that nearly made it onto this list.

That includes Wes Stace’s stylistic about-face, Late Style, the blast of pure Punk energy found on Beebe Gallini’s debut, Pandemos and Tony Marsico and his recently resuscitated Cruzados return, She’s Automatic. And…even though it’s not music, per se, I must genuflect to Rickie Lee Jones’ brilliant autobiography, LAST CHANCE TEXACO: Chronicles Of An American Troubadour. Not only does it chart the course of Rickie’s first quarter of a century, it does so with humor, heart and a stunning measure of candor. This no-holdsbarred account of her tumultuous childhood, wild-child teen years and struggle to make it as a singer-songwriter made me love her all the more. I didn’t think that was possible. But enough mushy stuff. Onward and upward to 2022. More music, more shows, less Covid, no masks. Maybe we can finally party like it’s 1999.

TRAVEL TIPS4U ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

M

ochi+Donut Mochi donut is the titillating product of the happy union between Japanese rice cake (mochi) and American-style doughnuts, which originated in Hawaii.

Introducing Mochi Donuts Mochinut is made with rice flour which attributes to its chewy and stretchy texture.

There is an alluring sticky addictiveness

to each bite; a textural element that is completely different from yeast or cake donuts.

Mochinut is popular amongst young people for its pleasing aesthetic shape constructed of 8, small, round, and delicate dough balls connected in the shape of a circle.

Why Mochinut The exquisite crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior of Mochinut is the result of

the main ingredient – sticky sweet rice flour.

Mochinut is coated and glazed with various flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, matcha, earl grey, etc., and topped with delectable toppings like cookies, fruits, flakes, nuts, etc. Mochinut is a popular brand of mochi donuts.

For more info visit mochinut.com.

For the Best Donuts Ever, Think Mochinut!

9

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FILM

T

he Palm Springs International Film Society has announced that the Film Awards Gala will not take place this year on Thursday, January 6, 2022. We are taking this action due to the recent spike in COVID cases and out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of the honorees, patrons, and staff. The Palm Springs Film Awards Gala are one of the largest events in the film world with 2500 guests and more than 1000 staff in the

10

room. The screening portion of the Palm Springs International Film Festival will take place January 7 through January 17, 2022 and will require proof of vaccination and the wearing of a mask. The Film Awards will partner with Entertainment Tonight to celebrate this year’s honorees with details to follow. Those who purchased tickets for the Film Awards Gala will be reimbursed.

We hope to return to the Film Awards to an in-person event in 2023.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

11

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

12

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

SCREENERS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

No. 506

THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS How to know what’s really part of the material fabric of time and space or merely a mental construct is the quest Mr. Anderson, aka Neo (Keanu Reeves), is pursuing in this latest iteration of the 20 year-old sci-fi trilogy. But Neo has no idea just how dangerous it is to try and get in or out of the Matrix if he chooses to again take a reality-shifting pill.

The best way to enjoy "The Matrix Resurrections" is to give up on trying to figure it all out and just go with the lush

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

TWO TO STREAM

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

visual and visceral action and let it all wash over you. It is great to see Keanu and Carrie Ann Moss on screen together again. They are a perfect movie couple for our fragile times when it seems socalled reality has no shared consensus.

Netflix now.

DON’T LOOK UP This thought provoking extended metaphor is funny and sad because it is so unflinchingly true, about our self-destructive reactions to the dire consequences of climate change no matter what you believe – or your religion and politics.

This film is the most on-the-nose portrayal of the world’s collective denial when scientists share the discovery of a comet on a collision course with earth.

This dark satire speaks a disturbing truth, truth but will the liars pay attention?

Netflix now.

Whatcha watchin’? I want to hear from you. Happy New Year. robin@coachllavalleyweekly.com

13

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

PET PLACE

L

ots of puppies were adopted during the holidays, some as Christmas presents from parents to surprise children. Nothing can be more joyful that a happy bouncing young canine, full of fun and frolic. However, patience and prevention are needed to prevent frustration for you and danger to your new puppy.

Most dogs calm down from high energy puppyhood around 2 years old, depending on the breed. Meanwhile, here are some tips to help with your new canine youngster: Puppy proof your home and yard before puppy arrives – A teething puppy may gnaw on anything it can reach. Put your best leather shoes, phone charger, purses, bottles of medication, pens, children’s toys, and poisonous plants (including holiday poinsettias) off floors and coffee tables. These items can cause obstructions, expensive vet bills, and even death. Provide dog-safe toys and dog chews (no rawhide) as an alternative.

Provide plenty of exercise. Puppies are full of energy, and need positive outlets for playtime. Playing fetch in your backyard is a great way to tire them out. If you live in an apartment, the dog park is a great way for a vaccinated puppy to enjoy romping with others. Walks though the neighborhood provide you and your pooch exercise and bonding time.

Provide mental stimulation. Rubber

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

TRAINING YOUR NEW PUPPY

toys such as Kongs can be filled with treats.

Kongs are a great alternative to prevent pups chewing on other objects. Best Buddy puzzle toys (Premier) offer another chance to chase and bite the toy and get a treat reward. Be wary of toys with parts that can be chewed off and eaten, dangerous obstructions may result.

Play with your puppy. Involve everyone in the family. Dogs love attention, and that includes games and belly rubs. Most dogs love to travel, and outings to sites that welcome them are plentiful. Most businesses welcome well -mannered pooches along with your business. Restaurants with outdoor seating usually allow pups, including Boozehounds Restaurant in Palm Springs which was designed with them in mind.

Obedience training. A well trained dog is a happy dog! Start out with simple commands like “Sit!” and reward with a treat. Leash training is important to prevent pulling. Lots of training assistance is available online. If jumping on people becomes an issue, turn your back away from your pup and ignore him until he calms down.

Consult a professional dog trainer if needed.

Reasonably priced puppy training classes are available at PetSmart and Petco.

House training. Puppies are like babies in that they pee and poop more frequently than older dogs! They require more trips outside, especially after meals, first thing in the

morning, and last thing you do at night. At the beginning, reward with a treat and say “Good potty!”. Puppy pads may solve problems when this is not always possible. You can put a dab of urine on the pad to made the connection. If you must leave for extended periods of time, a baby gate can keep him safely inside a tiled bathroom or kitchen. For tougher cases, reward with a treat and say “Good poop”! Crates large enough for your dog to stand and move around may be used, but for no longer than 3 or 4 hours.

Promote socialization. Young dogs need frequent and positive social experiences with other animals and people during the first three or six months of life. This prevents asocial behaviors, fear, and biting. Make sure they are vaccinated and have rabies shots!

Bite inhibition - This is important to keep everyone safe. Most dogs begin learning bite inhibition from their mother and litter mates.

If a dog nips or bites during playtime, teach him the fun stops quickly. Ignore him, stand up, and “yelp” or yell NO loudly. Eventually, train him to use his mouth safely. Wave a closed fist in front of him, and pull away if he tries to nip. Try again, and when he does not nip, give him a treat from the other hand.

What NOT to do. You should never use physical punishment such as scruff shakes, hitting with hands or objects, or squeezing.

This tends to make a dog fearful of the person. Shaking a tin can with coins or a spray water bottle (not directly aimed at the face) is a safer alternative to correct negative behaviors. Don’t allow young children to play with the puppy unsupervised until he is well trained.

TUXEDO BOY

MEET NOX

This sweet Tuxedo boy is the “purrfect” pet for the New Year! He’s just one year old, and still full of kitten antics. Cat ID#A1650303 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. (760) 343-3644, www.rcdas.org

This handsome Shepherd mix boy is decked out for the holidays hoping you will bring him home!

He’s only 1 yr 8 mo old, 75 lbs of doggie love! Dog ID #A1594902. waiting at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, 760-3433644, www.rcdas.org. Don’t be alone during the holidays!

14

BY JANET McAFEE CAUTION, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ADOPTING A PUPPY ONLINE. SOME OF THE CUTE PHOTOS YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA MAY BE PART OF A SCAM. UNSCRUPLOUS BREEDERS MAY NOT DO ANY VETERINARY WORK, AND MAY BREED RELATED DOGS WHICH CAUSES MEDICAL PROBLEMS. GOOD LUCK GETTING REIMBURSED IF THERE IS A MEDICAL ISSUE WHEN THE PET ARRIVES. Where do you get a puppy or an adult dog if you want to rescue a homeless shelter dog?

If you seek a specific breed, there are many specific breed rescues groups throughout Southern California. These groups will almost always provide you with a healthy vetted puppy or dog and tell you about its temperament. The shelters and groups on our weekly list can assist you with locating the dog you seek. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, www.psanimalsshelter.org, and the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, www.rcdas. org, are the two of our largest shelters. They are open to the public now, so head over and enjoy the New Year 2022 with a new best furfriend!

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com -------------------------------------------------Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a wonderful dog or cat.

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

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – Call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www.animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - Call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www.californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs and some cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203.

(Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to visit and adopt a cat.

Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 2512700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 3356767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

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

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

(Private) ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA (ARC), Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. www.thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077 (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, view animals at living-free. org, and call (951) 659-4687. (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-2pm (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is now open for Walk in visitors 12 – 3pm Tuesday through Saturday. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you are interested in adopting, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

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

15

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

THE VINO VOICE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY RICK RIOZZA

HERE’S TO A SPARKLING NEW YEAR! “bESt SUNDAY bRUNCH” the deSert Sun

G

oodness! – if that doesn’t sound like one of the best toasts to a longawaited new year, then I dunno squat!

And sometimes we simply do need a nice glass of chilled bubbly to ring in some fun and look at the bright side of things. For in the immortal words of Mark Twain, ““Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.”

Cheers!

All right then—let’s review our past year of sparklers we’ve written on or poured, and are available at the markets right now as we speak to celebrate this up-and-coming new year: (But just a quick side note: I saw a brief clip of the latest CBS 60 Minutes program where climate change is definitely having a major impact on Champagne production in France.

We’ve written on this phenomenon previously, so you readers shouldn’t be taken by surprise.

The vineyards need to move north, and we need to be enjoying the stuff while it lasts.)

We continually write on the fact that the production of sparkling wine is as laborintensive as winemaking gets. And any wine enthusiast can distinguish immediately the good sparkling from the mediocre. The vintners who can produce a wonderful, tasty bubbly for under $35 or so, really make our day. Here are some the tastiest we’ve enjoyed this year: California continues to lead the way with affordable sparkling wine. One of our favorites is the Domaine Carneros Brut Estate 2016 ($34).

If you wish to treat your household to a vintage bubbly, this is the ticket for the price range.

“Creamy, crisp, and luscious with layered Asian pear, brioche and fresh ginger flavors that build vibrancy on the rich lingering finish”, is what Wine Spectator lauds on this wine. This always does a great job. And if you’re counting, it’s one of the highest scoring sparklers out right now at 93 points!

First on the list of grab & go sparklers is the Domaine Chandon Brut Rosé ($18) This is the producer’s non-vintage bubbly with a new chic pink label. For years now, the wine and its main competitor, Mumm, trade back and forth as to which sparkling is the best for the year. This time it’s Domaine Chandon: It’s a festive bubbly to be sure: Vibrant is the word that most wine reviews shout out. You’ve got strawberry, ginger, spice flavors, stone fruits, fresh citrus. It all works very well and will be the hit of any party or meal. It is available everywhere and it would be a great bubbly for the New Year!

So many California wine drinkers are in love with the Duckhorn/Decoy brand. And rightly so—they continue to produce world class wine.

Ditto that with their Decoy NV Brut Cuvée Sparkling ($20). Surely it’s a delicious work and everyone in the house is happy when the cork is popped. One enthusiast writes: “an enticing sparkling wine that offers alluring layers of baked apple, white peach and orange zest, as well as aromatic hints of honeysuckle and vanilla. On the palate, a delicate sweetness is perfectly balanced by bright acidity, which adds

16

great food! great drinks! great fun!

award-winning poise and energy to the lush, pure fruit flavors.”

Just a couple of weeks ago, we wrote on the Unánime wine portfolio from Argentina.

And quite frankly the Unánime 2020 Sparkling Traditional Method Brut ($20), that is produced from both Chardonnay and Malbec grapes is a wonderful bubbly for the new year’s toasts. The unusual—for a sparkler—Malbec really gives this bottle a boost! It’s of course a white fullbodied bubbly that broods with intense aromas of buttercream and honey and a palate of fresh fruit that can act as an aperitif and work as well as an accompaniment to dessert. There’s an elegant fresh finish that shows its quality production.

Perhaps one of the best—or the best— French Champagnes around for the price is the Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut "Blue Label" ($35). I’m amazed at how many Champagne lovers still have not tried this extremely reasonably priced bottle. And truth be told: Of all the Champagne brands in France, the Nicolas Feuillatte portfolio is the top seller (no doubt, in part, because of the low cost!).

French wine writers have written, “Fruit of the growers’ work and sculpted by the cellar master, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte epitomises the savoir-faire and inimitable house’s style defined by precision, elegance and finesse.”

The bubbly starts off with aromas of juicy pear and apricot, along with notes of honey, wild strawberry and white chocolate that meld into its zesty complex palate. It shows a great balance of fruit and acidity and continues to a long finish. What’s not to like in this Champagne at such a price!

For an Italian bubbly, we’ve really enjoyed the Rotari Brut Rosé Trento ($20) A lively rosé, with a delicate mousse carrying flavors of black currant, apricot and blanched almond.

A delightful sparkler for toasts, aperitifs, and dinner as well. A real treat from the beautiful region around Trento.

And finally, do make sure that your Champagne and sparkling wines are properly chilled. So often we wait till the last moment— not a good idea when the clock starts ticking close to 12 am! But if pressed, just remember, the best way to chill Champagne is in a bucket full of ice with some water—all which takes about 10-15 minutes; or magnums, it’s about 25 minutes.

If you need to hurry things along, use a lot of ice, plenty of rock salt and a little water. The salt will melt the ice very quickly and the very cold melted water will chill the bubbly in less than 10 minutes flat! Cheers To a Sparkling New Year!

big beautiful

plenty of Cool and

Comfortable

Indoor & Covered outdoor SeatIng

is our

HOURS MONDAYFRIDAY:

11 am - closing

SATURDAY & SUNDAY:

9 am - closing

WEEKEND BRUNCH:

9 am - 2 pm

D O W N T O W N PA L M S P R I N G S 760 327-LULU (5858) L U L U PA L M S P R I N G S . C O M

PAMPEREDPALATE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

BY DANIEL PARIS

THE 19TH HOLE IN PALM DESERT

E

stablished in 1965, the 19th Hole Bar & Restaurant endures by providing a winning combination of excellent food, a welcoming atmosphere, a full bar surrounded by flat screen TV’s, and very reasonable prices. A pool table, frequent live music, and a Sunday brunch with a Bloody Mary bar, augment the 19th Hole experience. When I walked in, I felt like I was slipping on my favorite comfy flannel shirt.

Lots of happy folks, including large families were enjoying food, drink, and conversation.

It instantly made me want to be a “regular.”

The main reason I sought out the 19th Hole was for the accolades they received for their fish and chips. It was a good sign there was malt vinegar stocked on every

table’s condiment tray. My visit was during their 4 – 7 p.m. daily happy hour. The two large pieces of cod with a thin, crispy batter, rested on ranch fries similar to the “chips” I’ve had in pubs throughout Europe. The fish was moist and the batter was light without being soaked in grease. And it was $10.00. It was easily the best fish and chips I have had in the Coachella Valley.

The service was prompt and friendly with plenty of interior and exterior dining options.

The 19th Hole is a combination sports bar and diner with a Cheers atmosphere. A great place to watch a game with friends and family while enjoying some really good, reasonably priced, food and beverages.

The 19th Hole - 42305 Washington Street, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211 760-772-6696 Mon – Thur 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

17

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

SAFETY TIPS

M

aking a New Year’s resolution is one thing. Remaining resolute and seeing them through is quite

another.

2021 is now behind us. In some ways it went slow, in other ways it went by so fast.

New Years is a good time to reflect on the past and look to the future and see where we can make changes for the better.

Every January we start a new recruit fire academy. The first order of business is to review all academy policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Understanding

CYBER CORNER

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION OR AGREEMENT?

policies, and training on them repeatedly, provides recruits with a sound foundation in safe and consistent operations before learning basic firefighting skills.

In addition to learning policies, our recruits develop "Integrity Agreements." Integrity Agreements are like policies but are more personal in nature. The recruits develop them as a team, but they own them as individuals.

Like policies, these agreements hold recruits accountable for actions on and off the training ground. We tell them, "If you don't live up to the agreements, you have no one to

blame but yourself. You own them; they are custom-made by and for you!"

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” —Albert Einstein Integrity Agreements are certainly a useful tool for integrating new firefighters into the fold, instilling in them department values while setting them up for success. But they are not just for rookies! Why not make a good start in 2022 by developing your personal Integrity Agreement? Here are a few ideas to get you started: Respect Yourself! Respect for yourself first, and then respect for others. If you do not respect yourself, you certainly won't respect others.

Be Positive! Cultivate a positive attitude. If your attitude is negative, you will not succeed.

Support and help each other. Firefighting is a team effort and so is life. No one can do it alone — no one!

Here comes the Judge! Do not judge. There is an old saying, "When you spot it, you got it."

What you dislike in others is often something you do not like inside yourself. Give grace and learn a little patience for both yourself and others.

Gossip is for Insecure People! Do not

W

e all know by now that if you’re sick, you should stay home. That is more important now than ever. With the recent COVID-19 variant, “Omicron” outbreak, you may be asking about how to enable your employees to work from home, and more importantly, keep your remote workforce secure.

This global pandemic isn’t the only time a remote workforce might be needed.

Natural disasters, office building issues, or other unforeseen events that make it impossible to get to a physical location can all be accommodated with a secure remote workforce.

As more small businesses embrace a remote workforce and have a preference for sick employees to work from home if needed, it’s a good time to develop a comprehensive set of guidelines, expectations, and processes to support your remote workforce and how to keep them secure.

There are many steps a company must take to create a solid policy on how to secure remote workers. It’s not just the word template that needs to be reviewed by their attorney to align with the industry and state laws, but that’s a great place to start. Ideally, a few more steps will be taken to make sure the implementation and support of a secure remote workforce are done as effectively as possible.

1. Customize the Policy to Fit All of the Client Needs The policy you create should be customized to not only legally protect the employer and employee rights, but it needs to reflect the capabilities of the corporate infrastructure. Take VPNs and firewalls, for example: If a good firewall is in place with adequate VPN licenses, has it been configured correctly?

Do the users already know how to install

18

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA gossip. If you have an issue with someone or something, the only one who can do something about it is yourself and the other person. Go to that person and discuss it with them, not others.

Own Your Mistakes! If you make a mess, clean it up! When you spill milk, what do you do? You clean it up! And if you don't, it gets harder to clean up the longer you wait.

The same goes when you make a mess with another person. Clean it up and say I'm sorry.

Do not wait too long or you risk creating permanent damage. Pride jeopardizes even the deepest relationships.

As you see, these are simple, day-to-day agreements. They work for recruit firefighters, but they apply to all of us, regardless of the job or the position you hold or better yet, the amount of time you have on the job. Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin.

Beginning makes the conditions perfect.

Happy New Year!

BY DENNIS SHELLY

the VPN and connect, or do step-by-step instructions need to be provided?

Do additional VPN licenses need to be procured and provisioned to accommodate the larger than normal remote workforce?

2. Make the Policy Easy to Understand The policy you put in place for remote workers needs to be understandable and taught correctly to the entire workforce.

Clear and concise instructions will help the new process go smoothly. To ensure everyone understands what they need to do and what is expected of them, we suggest a webinar or in-person training to explain why the policy is in place.

It’s common sense that people won’t take actions that slow down their tasks if

they don’t have an emotional buy-in to the importance of following the policy. You need to change their behavior. Explain why the policy is in place, what is at stake for the company if the policy isn’t followed, and importantly, how they will benefit from following the policy.

When this particular policy is taught, we recommend it includes information on tips to protect their home network. This makes them consider how they are protecting themselves and their family from cyber threats, and will, in turn, lead to a better, more secure environment for the company.

It’s a win-win.

3. Have Employees Sign the Policy for Acceptance and Compliance

After you have created the policy, presented it to the employees, and have buy-in from the staff, pass the final policy off to employees to sign and acknowledge they understand what’s in the policy. This lets you know the employees have read the policy, they accept what is in it, and shows you’re complying with any standards or regulations.

We hope these tips will help you be proactive in education and security for your remote workforce.

Have a suggestion for our next article or need help with remote workforce technologies? Our Eggsperts are eggselent in remote access and network security and are standing by to help. Please contact us by calling (760) 205-0105 or emailing us at tech@eggheadit.com and our Eggsperts are happy to help you with your questions or suggestions.

Remember, We all stand together, by staying apart.

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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

HADDON LIBBY

RESOLUTIONS & WISHES FOR 2022

O

ne of my New Year resolutions is to figure out why my non-athletic wear pants shrank over the pandemic.

Cheap Chinese craftsmanship, I’m thinking.

This wardrobe problem must be due to the heat of the desert as my closet is warmer than the rest of the house due to a ventilation that seals off the closets from the temperature of the rest of the house. Not fully, insulated mind you – just enough to be fuel efficient and damaging to clothes.

That’s okay. Given how much food prices rose in 2021, I’m thinking that I should start eating less. By doing that, I will not only get to the point that I can get back into these shrunken clothes but may be able to reduce my food bill caused by higher prices.

To achieve a lower weight, my New Year resolution once again will need to focus on more exercise. The pandemic along with a growing and successful business meant that I have not been exercising like I use to. I could blame back issues although the doctor swears that more exercise will help speed the recovery from a couple of herniated discs although my back seems to disagree with him.

Drinking water. I don’t know why but I never drink enough water. Or remember to put on sunscreen. These are things that I really need to remember to do. And sleep more.

They say we should get eight hours sleep every night. Given I work on East Coast hours, this means I would have to sleep from nine-to-five.

Who goes to bed at nine p.m.?

I also need to realize that people are generally bad drivers…except me of course.

Why does everyone seem to cruise slowly in the far left lane when they have two, three

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

BY HADDON LIBBY

or four lanes to choose from? It’s like the left lane is for cruising along with those having no intention of changing lanes. I swear that most of these left-laners who are cluelessly slow are looking at their cell phones. At least on the surface roads here in the Coachella Valley, no one wants to be in the right lanes. As a result, we have a mix of people looking to turn right and those in a hurry darting through traffic.

This mix makes our roads far less safe.

With the New Year, I have hopes and wishes for the Coachella Valley and the world around us.

I wish that people were kinder to each other and looked out for the less fortunate.

I wish that the people who make up the executive ranks of corporations would put

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

people ahead of profits some of the time and make sure that the workers for their companies can live to at least a minimum quality of life.

To the elected people who are supposed to represent us in Sacramento and Washington DC, I wish that each of them would stop putting party and themselves first and try to improve the life quality of those who they represent.

This means that Democrats and Republicans must compromise. We also need to relabel cable news networks as infotainment as most are filled with opinion pieces and very little news.

Another wish that I have is that we all make higher education a priority. Dumb, unskilled workers typically earn less than their educated counterparts…and America is getting dumber

by the day.

We also need to think about what we need as a society to create better opportunities for all. A strong infrastructure is one. We must improve our bridges, electrical grid and power generation sources if we intend on moving away from fossil fuels. Right now, the US electric grid is as stable as a QAnon follower who just found out that you can’t get organic food in prison.

Generally, my hope is for less toxicity whether it is in the way we act toward one another or the world. We cannot be successful without better respect for one another or the world in which we live.

My plan is to do whatever I can to improve myself and society around me whether that is through my actions or attitude. It is my New Year’s wish that you join me in setting a higher standard for those around us.

Haddon Libby is the Founder of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information, please visit WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

THE MOST DANGEROUS NITE OF THE YEAR

D

id you make New Year’s resolutions? Most of us can’t keep them. I personally resolved to lose 10 pounds, and I have 15 to go. Even if you could, or did, what happened to your resolutions after CV19 hit us?

Most of us think that accidents are what happens to other people. If you are going to get into an accident, it is more likely to happen on New Year’s weekend. New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights for Accidents and Drunk Driving. There are usually more cars on the road with people going to going to or from parties.

Many doctors are off for the holidays and the hospitals are filled with Covid patients. I am told there is little room for those injured in an auto accident.

However, IF you or a friend were in a Holiday accident, DO NOT HIRE A LAWYER UNTIL YOU READ THIS. Now, what should you do, and what will the insurance company do? Of course they will Deny and Delay settling your claim.

Initially, REMAIN SILENT. I often say “Silence is Golden and Handcuffs are Silver”. You can’t help yourself with an accident or DUI by talking. The defendant’s insurance company will initially assign a nice sweet adjuster who will pump you for

information.

The adjuster will try to get pictures of the vehicle and statements from you as to how the accident happened and whether you were injured and saw a doctor. Then, they will switch adjusters and assign an unpleasant one.

Adjusters have their own bag of tricks.

When they take a picture of your car they may ask you to get in the picture. Right before clicking the pix they will ask you to bend and point to the damage to your car.

At the last minute they yell SMILE! Now, they have you bending and smiling. Later when they get the doctor’s report saying the patient could not bend and was in a lot of pain, they will say to your attorney, Judge or jury, “look at this picture”. The plaintiff driver does not appear to be having any problem bending and s/he is even smiling. When juries see this kind of evidence, they question whether you were really injured. Juror’s may ask, “did you think you had hit the lottery?

Initially, TAKE DOWN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA /FACEBOOK ETC. The last thing you want is for the insurance company to see pictures of you playing a sport and or doing something physical, that you should not be able to do with your injuries.

Take cell phone pictures of the scene; property damage; driver’s license; insurance info and record statements from everyone. Get the defendant’s phone number, email, and the license plate of the other car.

Call the police. You want as much documentation of the accident as possible for your lawyer. Stay at the scene until the police arrive. Remember you do not have to give your opinion as to liability, even when you look to be partly at fault.

If an ambulance is available, take it!

Otherwise, Go to the ER to be checked out.

Many injuries are not obvious right away and soft tissue injuries may take days to surface. Insurance companies punish you when you don’t seek immediate medical treatment.

Ideally, you should see any doctor, other than your regular treating doctor, because we all have skeletons in our personal med records. Documentations of abortions, alcohol, drugs, sexually transmitted diseases and prior injuries can be very damaging. You also want a doctor experienced in preparing a med/legal report, not just regular medical notes.

Many lawyers won’t accept a case where the victim did not get med treatment within

24 to 72 hours. If you don’t see a lawyer for several days, attorneys are also reluctant to accept the case. This is because the lawyers worry you may have had a conversation with the adjuster. Your lawyer will never know what you said or what they thought they heard you say, and that could be used to impeach you at trial.

Lastly, contact a LOCAL CV attorney that specializes in accident cases. Once you have retained a lawyer the defendants insurance company can’t legally contact you.

Suggestion for future columns: contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW Representing the injured and criminally accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 201122 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”

19

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

HEALTH

T

BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

he Keto diet is well-respected in so many areas of health/medicine and is finally losing its “fad diet” status. If you are considering the Keto diet in 2022 here’s a primer on the top health benefits of the diet. It’s vast – with everything from weight loss to reduced appetite to reduced inflammation to improved heart and brain health to lower glucose, the keto diet is far more than a lose-weight-quick diet. In fact, it’s more of a lifestyle change, with benefits far outweighing simply looking good in a bathing suit.

As a keto expert and coach, one of my primary goals for 2022 is to “leverage the newfound respect for keto as a lifestyle”. You’ll be hearing lots more from me about how this is possible, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. Look at the top 7 benefits below and see what Keto might have in store for you to reach your 2022 goals for health and well-being.

1. Weight Loss - Keto and weight loss have become synonymous. They go together like hand in glove. With keto, weight loss is real and effective for one simple reason: it helps people convert from a carb-burning diet to a fat-burning diet.

When you eat a diet high in carbs expect bloating, weight gain, and poor health. On the other hand, a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low carb diet severely reduces your appetite, allows you to eat until you’re satiated, and burns fat from your body and your foods for energy.

The best part? You don’t have to starve yourself to get there. On a keto diet, you get to eat your fill of delicious and satisfying foods loaded with good healthy fats, which triggers a fat-burning metabolic process known as ketosis. Once your body is consistently in ketosis this leads to increased energy and improved ability for physical activity.

2. Reduced Appetite - Imagine not feeling those food crashes and carb cravings. That’s the keto life.

You eat, then you’re satisfied…for a long time!

Once your body has settled into the diet, it works more efficiently, burning the fats in your food and your body and never embarking on the wild ride that is the highs and lows of a carb/sugar laden diet. Without the sugar peaks and crashes, cravings disappear, and you feel satisfied.

3. Inflammation - Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to help heal and fight infection. But too much and persistent inflammation can cause pain, joint stiffness, swelling, fatigue, and more. When you’re on a keto diet and regularly in a state of ketosis, your body produces ketones, which is a strong anti-inflammatory chemical.

Another anti-inflammatory influence is the ketogenic diet itself; the keto diet helps promote the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods, such as eggs, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, and other foods high in omega-3s, all of which have antiinflammatory effects.

4. Diabetes & Blood Sugar Control - Since you eliminate sugar and most carbohydrates on a keto diet, it’s not hard to understand why it’s great for blood-sugar control. The less sugar and carbs you eat, the less sugar in your bloodstream.

Therefore, after starting a keto diet, most people will notice a decrease in their blood sugar almost immediately. In fact, the effects are so immediate, it’s recommended that diabetics beginning a ketogenic diet work with their health care provider so they can adjust their medication as needed.

20

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF DECEMBER 30

5. Heart Health - The term “heart health” conjures images of little heart icon that appears on whole grains and cereals and promotes carbs/lowfat foods. But, in fact, a diet low in carbohydrates and higher in fats has been shown to drastically improve the biomarkers associated with heart disease.

6. Brain Health - The brain loves keto just as much as the heart. The Keto diet has begun to be studied as complementary intervention for various neurological disorders. And while many scientists within the neurological field state that the brain prefers glucose over ketones, the brain does over time (with age) lose its ability to efficiently fuel itself with glucose alone. This is where ketones come into play.

Ketones have been shown to increase mitochondrial efficiency and production, which helps to protect brain cells from strokes and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

7. Migraines - Migraines, a recurring type of headache that can cause severe pain, plagues 12 percent of Americans. So naturally, those that suffer with migraines are willing to try most solutions to rid themselves of them. While migraines may not have been their primary reason for starting the ketogenic diet, many migraine sufferers on the keto diet have reported a significant decrease in migraines, including, in some cases, becoming migraine free!

Bottom line: the ketogenic diet has significant health benefits in a variety of areas, from metabolic health to heart and brain health, and more. As studies continue and more is understood about the body’s reaction to the ketogenic diet and how it can be leveraged for a variety of wellness initiatives, there will surely be more discoveries of the benefits of the high-fat, moderate-protein, lowcarb ketogenic lifestyle. Regardless, always check with a dietitian or your primary care physician before making dramatic dietary changes.

Seriously Considering Keto? You’re Invited to Sign up for my free 14 day “Get Back into Your Jeans” Challenge that starts January 10. You’ll have my support, a powerful group of ladies, QuickStart basics, food lists, an initial private consultation with me and everything you need to jumpstart your Keto to reach your goals. The program is free but there is a fully refundable $49 deposit to hold your spot.

After you successfully complete the challenge, you will receive your deposit back!!! Great incentive to push forward and finish the program. There will be prizes and incentives along the way. Limited to 30 women. Email me at ketoiseasy@gmail.com if you’re interested.

About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle Borthwick, known more widely as Michelle Keto, is the foremost expert in living the Keto lifestyle and the go-to coach for Keto women.

Her 1:1 coaching, and DIY Keto digital programs have helped hundreds of women from 25 states and 4 countries lose over 6,000 pounds while eating foods they love. This foodie’s motto, and business name, is “Keto is Easy” and she’s one of the only Keto leaders who promotes full customization for long term success. For a complimentary 30-minute coaching consultation please schedule at: ketoiseasycoach.com.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Historians disagree about the legacy of Jimmie Carter, who was President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

Was he effective or not? Opinions differ. But there’s no ambiguity about a project he pursued after his presidency. He led a global effort to eliminate a pernicious disease caused by the guinea worm parasite. When Carter began his work, 3.5 million people per year suffered from the parasite’s debilitating effects. Today, there are close to zero victims. Will 2022 bring an equivalent boon to your life, Aries? The banishment of an old bugaboo? A monumental healing? I suspect so.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In 2022, I hope you will express more praise than ever before. I hope you’ll be a beacon of support and inspiration for the people you care for. The astrological omens suggest this could be a record-breaking year for the blessings you bestow. Don’t underestimate your power to heal and instigate beneficial transformations. Yes, of course, it’s a kind and generous strategy for you to carry out. But it will also lead to unforeseen rewards that will support and inspire and heal you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you search Google, you’ll be told that the longest biography ever written is the 24-volume set about British political leader Winston Churchill. But my research shows there’s an even more extensive biography: about Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, who lived from 1901 to 1989. His story consists of 61 volumes. In the spirit of these expansive tales, and in accordance with 2022’s astrological aspects, I encourage you to create an abundance of noteworthy events that will deserve inclusion in your biography. Make this the year that warrants the longest and most interesting chapter in that masterpiece.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): One of the 20th century’s most famous works of art was Fountain.

It was scandalous when it appeared in 1917, since it consisted entirely of a white porcelain urinal.

Marcel Duchamp, the artist who presented it, was a critic of the art market and loved mocking conventional thought. Years later, however, evidence emerged suggesting that Fountain may not have been Duchamp’s idea—that in fact he “borrowed” it from Cancerian artist and poet Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven. There’s still disagreement among art scholars about what the facts are. But if definitive proof ever arrives that von Freytag-Loringhoven was the originator, it will be in 2022. This will be the year many Cancerians finally get the credit they deserve.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Carson McCullers wrote the novel The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. Early in the story, the character named Mick Kelly has a crisis of yearning. McCullers describes it: “The feeling was a whole lot worse than being hungry for any dinner, yet it was like that. I want—I want—I want—was all that she could think about—but just what this real want was she did not know.” If you have ever had experiences resembling Mick’s, Leo, 2022 will be your year to fix that glitch in your passion. You will receive substantial assistance from life whenever you work on the intention to clarify and define the specific longings that are most essential to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): After careful research, I have concluded that one of your important missions in 2022 will be to embody a perspective articulated by poet Rand Howells: “If I could have but one wish granted, it would be to live in a universe like this one at a time like the present with friends like the ones I have now and be myself.” In other words, Virgo, I’m encouraging you to do whatever’s necessary to love your life exactly as it is—without comparing it unfavorably to anyone else’s life or to some imaginary life you don’t actually have.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If your quest for spiritual enlightenment doesn’t enhance your ability to witness and heal the suffering of others, then it’s fake enlightenment. If your quest for enlightenment encourages you to imagine that expressing personal freedom exempts you from

© Copyright 2022 Rob Brezsny

caring for the well-being of your fellow humans, it’s fake. If your quest for enlightenment allows you to ignore racism, bigotry, plutocracy, misogyny, and LGBTQIA-phobia, it’s fake. Everything I just said about enlightenment is equally true about your quest for personal success. If it doesn’t involve serving others, it’s meaningless. In this spirit, Libra, and in accordance with the astrological omens, I invite you to make 2022 the year you take your compassion and empathy to the highest level ever.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Two mating rabbits could theoretically engender 11 million relatives within a year’s time. Although I suspect that in 2022 you will be as metaphorically fertile as those two hypothetical rabbits, I’m hoping you’ll aim more for quality than quantity. To get started, identify two projects you could pursue in the coming months that will elicit your most liberated creativity. Write a vow in which you state your intention to be intensely focused as you express your fecundity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A blogger named Soracities writes, “The more I read, the more I feel that a good mark of an intelligent book is simply that the author is having fun with it.” Sagittarian author George Saunders adds that at its best, “Literature is a form of fondness-forlife. It is love for life taking a verbal form.” I will expand these analyses to evaluate everything that humans make and do. In my opinion, the supreme sign of intelligence and value is whether the creators had fun and felt love in doing it. My proposal to you, Sagittarius, is to evaluate your experiences in that spirit. If you are doing things with meager amounts of fun and love, what can you do in 2022 to raise the fun and love quotient?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Microbiologist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.

It was later described as “the single greatest victory ever achieved over disease”—an antidote to dangerous infections caused by bacteria.

But there’s more to the story. Fleming’s strain of penicillin could only be produced in tiny amounts—not nearly enough to become a widespread medicine. It wasn’t until 1943 that a different strain of penicillin was found—one that could be mass-produced. The genius who made this possible was Mary Hunt, a humble researcher without a college degree. By 1944, the new drug was saving thousands of lives. I mention Hunt because she’s a good role model for you in 2022.

I believe you’ll have chances to improve on the work of others, generating excellent results. You may also improve on work you’ve done in the past.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Catherine Pugh wrote a series of children’s books collectively known as Healthy Holly. Later, when she became mayor of the city of Baltimore, she carried out a scheme to sell 100,000 copies to hospitals and schools that did business with the city. Uh-oh.

Corruption! She was forced to resign from her office and was arrested. I’d love for you to be aggressive and imaginative in promoting yourself in 2022, but only if you can find ethical ways to do so. I’d love for you to make money from doing what you do best, but always with high integrity and impeccability.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean Vaslav Nijinsky is regarded by many as the 20th century’s most brilliant dancer. He had a robust relationship with beauty, and I want you to know about it.

Hopefully, this will inspire you to enjoy prolonged periods of Beauty Worship in 2022. To do so will be good for your health. Memorize this passage from Nijinsky: “Beauty is God. God is beauty with feeling. Beauty is in feeling. I love beauty because I feel it and therefore understand it. I flaunt my beauty. I feel love for beauty.”

Homework: Name your greatest hope for the person you love best. Newsletter.

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

SENDME ATRAINER

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

BY NADIA POPOVA

year,” or “I want to add 15 pounds to my bench press.”

This gives you a set goal to work towards.

Write Down Your Resolutions Once you have set a specific and reasonable goal for yourself, write it down and post it somewhere where you will see it every day.

Establish a Set Schedule Another important aspect of sticking to your New Year’s Resolutions is creating a set workout schedule. That’s why it’s so incredibly helpful to have someone like a personal trainer who keeps you accountable.

If possible find a fitness professional who will help you workout at the same time and the same place every day. This will help you

A

s the year comes to a close, millions of people all across the country are preparing themselves for the start of a new year. As has been the case for years, Americans use the new year as an opportunity to start fresh. Millions of New Year’s Resolutions are set with the hopes of improving someone’s life.

It’s important to ask Yourself Why. Everyone has their reasons for setting goals at the beginning of the year. They may be for personal reasons or even health issues. It’s important to ask yourself Why

is this New Year’s Resolution so important to you? What motivates you to take this massive leap to make a change in your life?

Once you find the reason that drives you, you will have a better mindset to complete your goals.

Set Specific and Reasonable Goals Yes, your resolution for 2022 may be to lose weight or lift more, but those are relatively broad terms. Be specific about what you want to do. Don’t just say you want to lose weight or set a new bench press PR. Say, “I want to lose 10 pounds this

establish a routine while also helping you form strong habits.

Here is a list of just 10 benefits that come along with having a personal trainer.

1. They perfect your form 2. They help you set realistic goals 3. They hold you accountable 4. No wasted time = Maximum Results 5. They improve your mental health 6. Help you form good habits 7. Personalized training plan 8. They work around your schedule 9. Increased flexibility for location 10. They challenge you Chances are at some point in your life you’ve made a New Year’s resolution and then broke it. It’s okay to admit it; you’re not alone. It’s great to be enthusiastic about the New Year, thinking ahead of how you’d like to see the year play out – thinking about how you will set new fitness goals and have your healthiest year yet.

We are bringing Fitness to our clients, with convenient, customized, and creative workouts tailored for every single person.

We would love to help you reach your best version of yourself in 2022!

To become a client or to have a Free Fitness Assessment call (760)880-9904 or visit www.cvsendmeatrainer.com.

21

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

22

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

23

December 30, 2021 to January 5, 2022

24

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com