December 20 to December 26, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 39 by CV Weekly

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 20 to December 26, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 39

Brad Mercer

pg 3

Giselle Woo

pg 5

Service Dogs

pg 12

December 20 to December 26, 2012

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You May Not Kiss the Bride is an action-packed romantic comedy that thrusts an unassuming pet photographer (Dave Annable) into a world of high speed chases when he is forced to marry the daughter (Katherine McPhee) of a Croation crime lord (Ken Davitian) so she can get a green card. Just as the pair get to know and like each other during their honeymoon in Hawaii, the mobster’s daughter gets kidnapped sending everyone into a tailspin to rescue her. Rob Schneider, Kathy Bates, Mena Suvari, Tia Carerre and Vinnie Jones co-star. * Swag Bag filled with products made by ShareKitchen Client Members.

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Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Oscar F Arbulu Sales Manager: Raymond Bill Sales Team Craig Michaels, Alberto Ruiz, Phyllis Gerstein Public Relations and Promotions Manager Lisa Morgan Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Philip Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Diane Marlin-Dirkx, Lola Rossi-Meza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Mike Livingston, Cara Pellegrino, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Heidi Simmons, Dale Gribow, Kylie Knight, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Amanda Dorta, Eleni P. Austin, Phyllis Gerstein, Michael Brewer Distribution Jim Fox Distribution/ William Westley, Ivan Urias

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Happy Holidays............................3 Brad Merced.................................3 Local Music Spotlight..................5 Sacred Structure..........................6 Helen Reddy.................................7 Letters From The Editor...............7 Teddy Bear for Children..............8 ShareKitchen................................8 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.........9 Statistics On Gun Violence..........9 Consider This..............................10 Valley Rhythms..........................11 Pet Place.....................................12 The Vino Voice............................13 Club Crawler Nightlife...............14 Don Diego’s on Indian Wells.....16 Screeners....................................18 Book Review...............................19 Restaurant Guide.......................20 Education...................................21 Safety Tips..................................21 Sport Scene................................22 Tour de Palm Springs................22 Coping with Holiday Blues........23 Zoo Camp for Kids.....................23 Free Will Astrology....................24 Classifieds..................................24 Health Fitness & Beauty............25

December 20 to December 26, 2012

Happy Holidays from CV Weekly T

he CV Weekly team would like to wish all of our readers the Happiest of Holidays. For those of us that are fortunate enough to have a home to live in and food to eat, let’s not only be grateful, but reach out to those less fortunate by donating food for the hungry or toys for children who might not get a gift otherwise. There are also other ways to help by volunteering your time at one of the locations that will be serving food, not only during the holidays , but throughout the whole year. In this difficult economy there are many people who are struggling just to pay their bills, much less provide gifts or extra holiday meals for their families. Perhaps you could help a friend or family member directly if you are in the position to do so. People don’t have to be homeless to be in a difficult financial situation. And in this economic climate I believe that many of us could be just the loss of a job and a few paychecks, a few bad investments, a serious health crisis or natural disaster away from being in a bad situation or even homeless ourselves. The holidays are also a very difficult time for many who may be going through the recent death of a loved one or divorce or being far away from any family members. It doesn’t take much to reach out to someone and make a difference. Below are a few locations for those who

would like to donate toys, food or volunteer, as well as locations for those in need to go for a hot holiday meal and get toys for their children.

Hot Meals:

Marthas Village December 24th 10 am-1 pm 83791 Date Ave, Indio, CA 92201 760-347-4741 CVRM December 24th 2pm-6pm & December 25th Breakfast 6am-10am 47-518 Van Buren, Indio, CA 92201 760-347-3512 Well in the Desert December 25th 12pm -3pm PS Convention Center 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92263 760-327-8577 The Narrow Door 760-775-6200 www.thenarrowdoor.org Hot Meal every Wednesday @ 6:30pm Miles Park Pavillion in Indio Open to the Public

Gift Distributions: Children must be present

Jordan Outreach December 22nd Starts at 10am (should arrive 30-40min.before)

Brad Mercer

ALL children will get a gift 50930 Calhoun St., Coachella, CA 92236 760-398-3352 CVRM December 22nd Starts at 8am (arrive early) ALL children ages 0-12 will get a gift with parent present 47470 Van Buren, Indio, CA 92201 760-347-3512 Centro Libre December 23rd starts 5:30 pm (First come first serve) 83-246 Ave 50 Indio, CA 92201 760-342-6034/574-2013 Well in the Desert December 25th 12pm -3pm (All Children 0-12 will get a gift with parent present) PS Convention Center 277 N. Avenida Caballeros Palm Springs, CA 92263 760-327-8577 Christ is Salvation- December 25th starts at 11am-1pm (arrive early) All children will get a gift 87295 Main & Center St Thermal, CA 92274 760-844-3842 You can also drop off toys at KMIR 6 at 72920 Parkview Dr. in Palm Desert M-F from 9-5.

by Lisa Morgan

Lifetime Achievement F.A.M.E. Award Winner, Best DJ

“Brad Mercer represents a part of rock music history. His longevity as a both host and entertainer is a testament to his greatness. He is one of the last great mavericks of rock radio, the likes of which we may never see again.” Al Bowman, Founder LA Music Awards Not many dare to forge the path of a musician, artist or entertainer. Many start their journey, pen and instrument in hand, only to have their heart, inspiration and gift brutally assaulted by an industry whose demons are infamous for devouring the faint of heart and will. There is not one single volunteer whose talent has not been made, bent or broken by the challenges of the entertainment business. This is a story, in brief, of one matador of independent music and entertainment, a survivor who has lived through the highest highs and lowest lows that the industry could dish out. Brad Mercer cut his teeth on KTLA as he sat on his mom and dad’s lap during a live television promo for the Mercer Brothers during Leighton Noble’s Bandstand. As

cameras zoomed in on the five year old,

Brad was captured timely picking his nose during the close up. He’s been stealing the show ever since. It was the same year Brad got his first guitar and swiftly learned every Johnny Cash and Roger Miller song. He was five years old. When the 60’s ushered in dramatic changes in contemporary music, Brad saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show and said “That’s what I want to be.” Dad fought it, but eventually got Brad his first electric guitar. Brad joined his first band in 8th grade struggling with a voice that had yet to change, making it tough to pull off songs by the Doors. So he formed his first tribute band, called The Ensenada Five, covering songs by the Tijuana Brass. continue to page 4

December 20 to December 26, 2012

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At 16 years old, he found himself sharing the stage with Herb Alpert himself at the Orange show grounds. The band got their first big paying gig after that. They were contracted for $3000 to play at what they soon discovered was a funeral home. The owner paid them to perform while he was preparing the bodies. “We totally killed ‘em,” (insert rim shot here) reminisces Brad with a smile. In 1968, at 17, Brad finished high school on the road while performing with his folks. His voice finally changed and the Merry Madcap Mercers lounge show had them booked on every stage in Vegas, doing up to 9 shows a day. While learning priceless performance and comedy skills from his dad during this time, the need to rock overwhelmed him. In 1974, Brad formed The Brad Mercer Show, a rocking trio that included Larry Cutler and Kim Beachum. They played virtually every state in the union including Alaska, performing cover tunes and originals. In 1979 at the Riviera main show room in Vegas, Brad felt he was at the highlight of his career. They had just recorded their first album. At the same time a song that he had recorded with his dad, Euell Gibbons for President, a satire on the presidential race, was getting ready to be released as a single. Brad had signed with independent label IRDA in Nashville. There they were at the Riviera with the radio blasting, Champagne bottle in hand ready to celebrate, when over the radio came a voice announcing Euell Gibbons untimely death. “I literally dropped the bottle of Champagne. There was no way the single could be released now.” Dad Mercer, being the quick thinker that he was, came up with the idea to rewrite the song as Don Rickles for President. They flew to Nashville the next day and recorded it. Brad recalls the phone call with Rickles: “’I’m doing the Tonight Show for Johnny Carson while he’s on vacation and I want you to come on the show and perform this song for me.’” For any entertainer, there was nothing bigger than the Tonight Show. “The day before the taping, I get a call from Joe Scandore, Don’s manager. The phone call went like this: ’Don’s going to start shooting C.P.O Sharkey, Johnny’s coming back, you’re out.’ I felt the downer at the time but I’ve always believed things happen for a reason,” stated Mercer. Shortly after that, Brad was flown back to New York to record the theme song for the series Walking Tall. “The song was going to be released as a single when some genius decided to move the show opposite of ABC’s Heart to Heart and it killed our ratings.” The show was cancelled along with the single. “At this point, the band breaks up. The arrival of disco really slowed the booking of live bands toward the end of 1980.” Brad relocated to Florida where he immediately found work playing solo with his guitar. Six months later he landed a gig at Sassy’s, this time as a standup comedian and club manager. Brad was able to book good friend Jay Leno for a mere $700 a night. Soon Rita Rudner, Pat Paulsen and Jeff Foxworthy

and the like were frequenting the club. Amidst the club’s success, Brad wrote his own material and honed his comedy skills. Brad was booked to open for Jay Leno at the same time a local radio station wanted to broadcast their show from the club. One success turned into another and in 1981, Brad became on air personality Radical Bradford soon to be joined by Christopher Rude, ultimately becoming a ratings hit as The Rude Brothers. Meanwhile Brad was continuing his standup on the road, opening for comedy greats Jeff Foxworthy, George Carlin, and Jerry Seinfeld. When a new program director came in and released The Rude Brothers from their prime time radio show, the major market radio station in Los Angeles, KLOS, called and wanted to sign them. Just when they were set to fly to LA the executive who hired them died. The new executive decided to bring in his own personalities, Mark and Brian instead. By now, Brad, experienced in opportunities vanishing at the tip of his fingers, held to his faith that everything happens for a reason. Ultimately, The Rude Brothers turned down big money to replace Mark and Brian in Birmingham, Alabama to sign with Fresno radio station KKDJ. The Rude Brothers owned Fresno for three years until Atlanta, Georgia called Chris, and with Brad’s blessing, Chris moved on without him until 1991, when Chris called him to produce his show. “Things were great until they weren’t,” Brad shares in a more serious tone. “I don’t mind talking about it. I crashed and burned in 1994. I almost died. I was looking at a lot of time and ended up doing the whole rehab thing. Haven’t had a drink since...not even an aspirin. It was the 16th of Dec. 1994. I don’t want to break anonymity, but there were some high profile people that helped me in my recovery. We wouldn’t be here talking if it wasn’t for the people in my life. And God ~ God’s number one. Anything I did from that point on, it was Him not me. There was a reason why I didn’t get those deals; I would have become a statistic. It took my ass being kicked really hard, hitting bottom. When you look at death in the face you figure out what you need to do to get out of there. I’m not ready to go through that door yet. Then meeting my wife Connie was the best thing that ever happened to me.” “Working for the Heat was the most fun of my career,” Brad stated. There he was allowed to follow his heart by

promoting a new independent band every day during prime time. Awesome Dude Videos produced a promo that went viral on YouTube. The video received hits everywhere around the world. Brad was also instrumental in bringing new independent bands to the Rock Yard. That’s when local entertainer and CV Weekly columnist, Lola Rossi, heard about what Brad was doing and wrote about him in an issue that landed in the hands of Al Bowman, CEO of LA music awards. “I get a call from Al and he tells me, ‘Nobody’s doing this! It’s incredible. You’re the only jock in California that is promoting independent music in primetime radio. We want to give you a life time achievement fame award for best rock DJ for your involvement in independent music.’ At first I thought it was a joke. It wasn’t. This was the 22nd awards show. In my career, you don’t think about

awards. That award really touched me. They didn’t know anything about me other than what I did on the radio.” As seems to be a theme for this celebrated entertainer, Brad shares light heartedly, “I got the award and was simultaneously let go from the Heat when they switched formats.” With sincere disappointment he says, “There is no classic rock in the valley now.” Then with a determined look he told me, ”But Lisa, I’m not done yet.” As confident, passionate and optimistic as ever, Brad is currently writing a script for a dark comedy along with a sequel to his already released movie CSI Alm Prings. “’I’ve done as much as I can do in radio. I am an entertainer and a performer. I can’t just do the time and the weather and say ‘This is Fleetwood Mac coming up.’ I’ve got to entertain my listening audience. And that’s what I did and I’m proud of it. I miss them though. I want to play the artists that deserve to be heard. I’ve done so much in my career, for me it’s about helping the other bands. I’ve done what I’ve done. Now I need to help someone else.” Brad Mercer will be performing on New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room in Palm Springs from 9pm-1am with his band including; Tim Kramer guitar, Tim High bass, David Williams drums, and surprise guest vocalists. Follow Brad Mercer on Facebook or at www.bradmercer.com

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Local Music Spotlight

December 20 to December 26, 2012

by Lisa Morgan

Giselle Woo and the Night Owls I

f you have seen enough live music, you begin to recognize those who are born to perform. The music they make appears effortless, natural and unstrained, as if they were born producing their craft. To them, the endless hours of their lives honing their craft is not work or sacrifice. It is a passion and a labor of love. And when the music comes out of them, everything about your day melts away and you disappear with them into the vortex that is their song. Such is the case with Giselle Woo. I walked into The Hood Bar last Friday night with high expectations. It seems lately, Brandon Henderson has been turning that cool little venue upside down with awesome live music from some bar raising bands that are always original and hot. But I’ll be honest. As much as I love that place, I was only there that night on assignment from my publisher. I had been working long hours, my feet hurt and I was extremely tired. I had never heard of Giselle Woo and the Night Owls, and knowing the variety that performs at The Hood Bar, I had no idea what I’d be hearing other than they were probably pretty good if Brandon had booked them. But given my state, the fact remained; I wasn’t going to be easily impressed. I need to THANK my publisher for this assignment. There she was, center stage, handling her acoustic guitar like she spent more time with it than without. David Macias was on lead guitar playing riffs at the speed of sound while still injecting soul into each note. Erik Mouness, a drummer who is endearing and as fun to watch as he is to listen to, was putting all of himself into every song no matter what the tempo. The gifted Brandon Henderson was obviously enjoying himself as he sat in for regular bassist Andy Gorrill. Giselle Woo, a naturally pretty girl, completely lacking in assumption and diva flair (a good thing in my opinion), commanded the stage like she’d been doing this for 20 years. Not in a show biz kind of way, but like she was at home. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth and out

came this velvety voice that sored from the depths of her heart effortlessly. Her voice, wrought with emotion, not the kind that is contrived but what happens when the voice and heart are connected, was as easy to listen to as butter is to eat. Surrounded by these insanely talented musicians, she was the perfect storyteller to songs that were sung in both Spanish and English. She easily transitioned from soulful ballads to raw energy rock, all of which were an apparent fusion of her musical culture and contemporary influences. It was a kind of Latin zydeco if you will, with a touch of jazz to smooth it all out. Born here in the desert, she taught herself guitar around the age of eleven. “My mom and dad had a band, ‘Voces y Guitarras’, a rondalla in which they played Spanish ballads and love songs with acoustic guitars, a stand up base and a bit of percussion. That was my inspiration. They’d have practice in our living room and I’d try and figure out how to play the guitar.” Woo has only been writing and performing seriously for the last four years, going to jams with friends and overcoming her fear of playing live. “Some songs are very personal and you never know. Questions run through my mind. Are these people even going to like this song? But when I’m on stage and I deliver, everything goes away. The feedback and encouragement keep me wanting to come back and keep performing.” She has certainly earned the respect of a very male dominated music scene here in the Valley. Brandon Henderson, the Live Entertainment Manager at the Hood said, “I saw Giselle play an open mic in Palm Springs

in early 2011. I thoroughly enjoyed her voice and overall musical presence. We became friends and a few months later played in a band together called The Country which featured the core members of Gram Rabbit. Giselle has a solid bass player but due to scheduling conflicts he hasn’t been able to make a few gigs lately and I’ve been lucky enough to fill the spot. It’s been a very fun and therapeutic release for me to play with friends like her.” When I asked what kind of music was her favorite, she admitted, “I can’t stick to one genre. My songs are very versatile ranging from jazz, slow love songs, heart aches to rock. It’s hard to pick a favorite. Honestly I just like it all.” As a lyricist, she pens emotions honestly, simply and poetically. In her song “Gemini” she confesses the duplicity of human nature in first person: “Why does this monster live inside my head? I know it’s there because we’ve met. It comes out at night and drains me though the day kicks me while I’m down and takes away my faith. I bet you didn’t know that this monster wears my name. Yes there’s two of us, but we’re not the same. One’s bad, one’s nice, one’s sugar, one’s spice. One didn’t do it, the other is to blame.” Then in “Our Song” she articulates the vulnerability of desire: “Hold me, I’m tired of waiting. Come tell me you love me; enough words, enough pain. Tell them that your heart is taken; seeking my open heart, that’s where you long to be.

Trust your heart my dear, the truth is waiting there. Feel the way your chest is caving in, you say you see right through. Then see this much is true, I love you; oh how I do.” There is nothing not to love about this girl, this artist, her band and her music. They deliver something that transcends a specific genre or demographic that is very likeable without being too main stream. A demo is on the books within the next couple of months, something I highly recommend getting your hands on when you can. Meanwhile, you can hear samples of her music by going to her Facebook page Giselle Woo Musica. Make sure to see Giselle Woo and the Night Owls performing at The Date Shed January 31, 2013. Other upcoming shows will be posted on the band page Giselle Woo & The Night Owls. This is one of those exceptional local artist that will be a lot of fun to watch in the upcoming year as I truly believe, this is just the beginning for her and her Night Owls.

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December 20 to December 26, 2012

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Sacred Structure

here is a striking structure on the west side of Monterey Avenue in Rancho Mirage. Against the mountainscape and palms, it’s a picturesque setting between Frank Sinatra Drive and Country Club. Standing at 57 feet high, it is one of the tallest buildings in the city. It is beautifully detailed with imported stone, carved wood and ornate bronze fixtures. Maximum capacity: 150 people. It is not a hotel or a medical office, this structure was built to serve God and inspire His people. Today when many Christian churches find space in empty strip-malls or build industrial complexes to seat a thousand or more, Saint Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church is a place of worship for a small congregation with intrinsic ties to faith and culture. The model for St. Garabed’s exterior is a tenth century medieval Armenian monastery that still stands. The ancient complex is described by UNESCO as “a masterpiece of religious architecture and a major center of learning in the Middle Ages.” The interior design of St. Garabed replicates an Armenian fourth century church, the oldest surviving church and marked by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The foundation of St. Garabed is poured in the shape of a cross. There are four arches and four pillars representing the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There are 12 clerestory windows surrounding the dome representing Christ’s disciples. The interior arches have large oil paintings on canvas that depict Christ’s Nativity, Baptism, Crucifixion and Resurrection. The travertine and marble was shipped from Armenian’s oldest quarries. Built at the cost of two million dollars, half the budget was donated by Edward Halvajian, and the rest by parishioners and their fund-raising efforts. The name Saint Garabed is the Armenian name for Saint John the Baptist. It was also the name of

Halvajian’s father. The importance of modeling this new church after the ancient churches of Armenia, incorporating Christian symbolism and including family ties is to understand what church means to this Armenian community of believers. They are the families of Armenian holocaust survivors. “Armenian churches had the greatest role in preserving the race after the genocide. A million and a half people were killed and another million displaced over a hundred years. It has been the first line in protecting its people. The church is inseparable to its culture,” said Reverend Father Krikor Zakaryan, Parish Priest of St. Garabed. Theirs is a history that began 5000 years ago with descendants that can be traced back further to biblical Noah and his family. The ark is said to still rest on Mount Ararat in the foothills of what is now Eastern Turkey on the border of present-day Armenia. “Armenia was once the largest country between Europe and the Middle East. In 301 AD, it became the first country to officially adopt Christianity as its national religion, two hundred years before Rome. They became a prosperous culture of artisans and the educated,” said Zakaryan. Tribal elements in Turkey resented their faith, wanted to occupy their land and consume their wealth. For over fifty years, from the late 1800s to the 1920s there were large and small massacres ultimately devastating a nation. Armenians today are scattered all over the globe making them the largest diaspora in the world. The United States is the second largest population of Armenians. Outside the offices of St. Garabed, the flag of the United States flies proudly along with the Armenian flag -- a show of gratitude, appreciation and solidarity. Zakaryan estimates there are 200 to 300 Armenian families living in the CV. With less than 150 members, this self-supporting

Queen Of 70’S Pop Ready To Return

By H. Simmons

congregation is a dedicated fellowship. Besides regular bake and rummage sales, each November they hold an Armenia Cultural Festival with tasty food, ethnic dancers, live music, vendors, raffles and games. It is a joy-filled celebration preserving an enduring culture. In his mid-thirties, Father Zakaryan has worldliness about him, a wisdom and maturity of someone much older. He is over six feet tall and wears a traditional long black robe and priest’s collar. Born in Bulgaria, he studied in Jerusalem, graduating seminary with Excellence. “Our church is built to glorify God. Our mission is to lead people to Christ. To bring goodness, we sacrifice our time and resources, and bring love into one’s life,” delights Zakaryan St. Garabed’s will soon celebrate its first year since it was completed. It was

Helen Reddy Makes Annenberg Debut

consecrated January 7, 2012 -- a day after the Armenian Christmas. Armenian’s celebrate the Christian orthodox Christmas, which is January 6. (The Catholic Church changed the January day to embrace the pagan festival celebrated in December.) People visit churches around Christmas more than any other time. Being in consecrated, sacred space, sharing with others in the presence of something greater than one’s self carries a very special blessing. For St. Garabed’s that blessing is their identity and existence. Services are every Sunday spoken in classical Armenian and English. Everyone is welcome. The address is 38905 Monterey Avenue, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. For more information on the church, its activities and services visit the church web site: aacod.org

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December 20 to December 26, 2012

ne of the entertainment world’s most beloved, accomplished and recognizable stars, Grammy Award winning, international mega-star HELEN REDDY begins a series of U.S. appearances that will kick off with her return to the live performance arena. The “voice” of a generation that defined gender empowerment with her signature recording hit “I AM WOMAN” returns to the live performance arena with a kick off engagement at Palm Springs Annenberg Theater. Ms Reddy is set to perform one night only, March 1, 2013 at 8:00 P.M. The Australian-born singer/songwriter/ actress/author cemented her iconic pop culture status during the turbulent, free spirited era of the early 1970’s. Her signature anthem “I AM WOMAN” rendered her the “feminist poster girl” along with her recording hits “DELTA DAWN”, “I DON’T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM”, “YOU’RE MY WORLD” and “ANGIE BABY” each of which made the mere mention of her name synonymous with the consummate, strong, independent and resilient ideal

of the female sex. Recognized as a song for the ages, “I AM WOMAN” holds the unique status of being included as required

curriculum in Modern American History high school textbooks. Reddy’s career accomplishments are noteworthy and impressive; she’s had more than a dozen Top 40 hit recordings, 3 within the same calendar year; she was the first Australian ever to win an American Grammy Award and also the first Aussie to host her own one-hour weekly primetime variety show on an American television network. Ms. Reddy also conquered the theatrical and cinematic world, having starred in London’s West End, Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium as well as on Broadway and New York Lincoln Center in her one woman shows. On film, she starred in the Disney classic “Pete’s Dragon” and also costarred in “Airport 1975”. Her best selling memoir, “THE WOMAN I AM” was a New York Times Best Seller during the year of its release. Her written words were as riveting, complex and powerful as her stage persona. Reddy made the decision herself to walk away from the limelight, focusing instead on her rich inner life sustained by a strong spiritual faith.

Reddy will make her much heralded return to the live performance stage when she plays Palm Springs Annenberg Theater. REACTION PRODUCTIONS, INC a Los Angeles and Palm Springs based company, whose parent arm, REACTION MARKETING & PROMOTIONS, INC provides multi-faceted special event marketing, promotions, strategies and niche entertainment productions is presenting Ms. Reddy. Reaction President and Executive Producer DAVID R. MORGAN is “thrilled to be bringing the legendary Ms Reddy back” specifically to the desert cities where audiences have supported her music and career for decades. Tickets for HELEN REDDY are available by visiting REACTION PRODUCTIONS website, www.reactionshows.com or by calling (760) 322-3554. VIP seating which include a special Meet and Greet with Ms. Reddy are $85 with tickets also available for $70 and $40. Additional information is available by visiting the website. The Annenberg Theater is located alongside the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 North Museum Drive in downtown Palm Springs.

LETTERS Editor’s Note EDITOR from Tracy Dietlin FROM THE

s Editor of CV Weekly, there are a few topics I would like to address this week. I would like to begin by sending my heartfelt condolences to all of the families and friends of the innocent children and teachers who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. In times like these, there aren’t enough words to express the sorrow that we as a nation are feeling right now. I, like the rest of America, feel sad, angry, disgusted, fearful and helpless by these types of senseless acts of violence. Unfortunately there have been other shooting sprees that took place this year (such as the Portland Mall and Colorado theatre, to name a couple) that took the lives of many other innocent

people who were just going on about their daily lives. Much has been said in the news and on social media like Facebook about these horrific events. Everyone has an opinion. Some want stronger gun laws and feel that is the answer while others feel it is a mental health issue. The bottom line is that there isn’t just one simple solution. As a supporter of the “right to bear arms” I believe that we have the right to own a gun for protection. I don’t, however, understand why there is a need for the average American to have an arsenal of semi-automatic assault rifles in their home. I also don’t understand why Adam Lanza’s mother would have had guns of ANY type in her home with a child that she already

knew had special needs or some type of mental illness or emotional problems. Furthermore, why would she have taken him with her to the shooting range? But these are just my opinions and like everyone else I do have one. Is it our responsibility as family, friends and co-workers to reach out to those we feel are unstable and possibly capable of committing these heinous acts? And how far do we go? What constitutes us knowing if someone is “crazy” enough to carry this type of crime out unless they have actually made threats to do so. It does seem to me that as a family member or close friend, there would be signals that would alert us to this behavior, but again do we report them to the police, have

them taken to the hospital for a 72 hour watch, try to get them to see a psychiatrist or get counseling? Will doing these things help the person or make them more angry and wanting to seek revenge? There are no easy answers. If you know someone who might need help, listed below are a couple of numbers for Mental Health agencies. As always, letters to the Editor can be sent to editor@coachellavalleyweekly.com. Mental Health: Unity Home Hotline-760-366-9663 Outreach-760-366-8835 Riverside County Mental Health-760-863-8455 47825 Oasis St., Indio ,Ca 92201

December 20 to December 26, 2012

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WHAT:

Teddy Bear Distribution for Children in Crisis

WHEN:

Wednesday-Thursday, December 19-20, 2012

WHERE: Various locations throughout the valley. See below. WHO:

Desert Outreach Foundation

Desert Outreach Foundation will distribute 500 teddy bears to local organizations that assist in child abuse intervention, as well as to local hospitals, fire, and police departments.

DATE: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 TIME: 10:00 AM (Sharp) WHERE: Healthy Family Foundation, 73555 San Gorgonio Way, Palm Desert DATE: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 TIME: 10:30 AM (Sharp) WHERE: Shelter from the Storm, 73555 Alessandro Street, Palm Desert DATE: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 TIME: 11:00 AM (Sharp) WHERE: Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused Children, 73-725 El Paseo, Suite 23 C, Palm Desert Desert Outreach Foundation IRS 501(c)(3) Tax ID #91-1940047 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 110, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Telephone: 760-864-1234 Email: info@desertoutreachfoundation.org DATE: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 TIME: 11:30 AM (Sharp) WHERE: John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, 47111 Monroe Street, Indio DATE: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 TIME: 12:00 PM (Sharp) WHERE: Child Protective Services, Riverside County, 48113 Jackson Street, Indio DATE: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 TIME: 1:00 PM (Sharp) WHERE: Coachella Fire Department, 1377 6th Street, Near Post Office, Coachella DATE: Thursday, December 20, 2012 TIME: 1:00 PM (Sharp) WHERE: Desert Regional Medical Center, 1150 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs

Desert Outreach Foundation 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 110, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Telephone: 760-864-1234 Email: info@desertoutreachfoundation.org

ShareKitchen S

hareKitchen is proud to present the Coachella Valley Premiere of the romantic-adventure comedy, “You May Not Kiss the Bride” at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City on Sunday, January 13th at 5pm followed by an intimate dinner and afterparty at ShareKitchen. “You May Not Kiss the Bride” is an action-packed romantic comedy that thrusts an unassuming pet photographer (Dave Annable) into a world of high speed chases when he is forced to marry the daughter (Katharine McPhee) of a Croatian crime lord (Ken Davitian) so she can get a green card. Just as the pair get to know and like each other during their honeymoon in Hawaii, the mobster’s daughter gets kidnapped and sends everyone in a tailspin to rescue her. Rob Schneider, Kathy Bates, Mena Suvari, Tia Carrere and Vinnie Jones co-star. Join the film’s Award-winning writer and producer, Rob Hedden and co-star and restaurateur Ken Davitian of ‘Borat’, ‘The Artist’, ‘Get Smart’ and Sherman Oaks restaurant, The Infield for this fun

filled film and Q&A for $7.00 per person. Tickets to attend the film, dinner and after-party are $55.00 per person which includes a swag sampler box featuring locally made goodies by ShareKitchen’s Client Members. Seating at this private dinner with Rob and Ken is limited to 25 people so get your tickets early at www. ShareKitchen.org or call 760.459.4259. Proceeds benefit ShareKitchen’s Business Development Programs and Client Members who are building and growing their local food-based businesses. ShareKitchen Client Members range from caterers and street fair participants to aspiring restaurateurs and local valley residents who are developing and marketing products for local and national distribution to grocery and specialty food stores. Since our Ribbon Cutting in October, ShareKitchen has brought 8 businesses to Cathedral City with many more in the queue. Visit www. ShareKitchen.org for more information on our featured Client Members and programs.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 20 to December 26, 2012

Haddon Libby: It’s all local

THE END OF DAYS

n December 21st, doomsayers believe the end of the world will occur due to the world colliding with an asteroid, an alien invasion or possibly a supernova. As NASA cannot detect that any of these are nearing our planet, we can continue planning the Christmas holidays along with New Year’s Resolutions destine to fail like an End of Times prophecy. As for the Mayan calendar signifying the end of the world, that reading of the calendar was a misinterpretation. December 21st marks the end of the Mayan ‘long calendar’ which is a 5,000 year era and a time of great celebration in Central America...a slightly different interpretation than promoted here in the United States in movies, numerous books and a few houses of worship. In the last two years, there have been six end-of-the-world predictions. Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda aka Jesucristo Hombre is the leader of Growing In Grace International Ministry, Inc. which is based in Miami, Florida. Miranda preached that on

June 30th, all of the world’s governments and economies would fail and his followers would experience a transformation that would give them superpowers like flying and walking through walls. Unless Miranda and his followers were took LSD, his vision of things was a contrived hallucination. Only a month earlier, Kentucky televangelist Ronald Weinland of the Church of God Preparing for the Kingdom of God said that Jesus Christ would return on May 27th and the world would end that same day. Besides this being an awful homecoming for The Lord, it was a date correction of his failed prediction of September 29, 2011. Last month, Weinland was sentenced to 42 months in jail for federal tax evasion (not his first run-in with ‘The Man’). I wonder if he saw that coming? I think we all remember Harold Camping of Family Radio’s prediction of the Rapture and devastating earthquakes on May 21, 2011 and again on October 21st. His company made tens of millions from his bogus predictions.

Looking forward, Dr. F. Kenton Beshore, 86, President of the World Bible Society of Costa Mesa, believes that the end is near. Beshore, who states that he has been a preacher since the age of eight, preaches that The Rapture will happen by 2021 and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be between 2018 and 2028. If you thought that only religious leaders with economic interests benefitting from their dyer predictions make such dyer predictions, you’d be wrong. The wellknown and deceased psychic Jeane Dixon (born Lydia Emma Pinckert) predicted the End of Times on February 4, 1962. What actually happened on that day was that philosopher Samael Aun Weor proclaimed the dawning of the ‘Age of Aquarius’ known by Americans as the first sighting of hippies. Dixon recalibrated and predicted that Armageddon would occur in 2020 and Jesus would defeat an Antichrist, Satan and false prophet by 2037. She also predicted the end of all cancers by 1967 and peace on earth by 2000.

Scientists believe the end is coming as well. James Kasting, a geoscientist as Penn State University feels that carbon dioxide levels will drop so low that the world will become uninhabitable. While that is a dire prediction, he doesn’t see it happening until the year 500,000,000, a mere 25 million generations from now. Other scientists time the end of the Earth to the end of the Sun in 5 billion years. Many think it could happen in ‘only’ 1 billion years as the demise of the Sun will cause it to expand causing the Earth to heat to uninhabitable levels. By then, it is hoped that mankind will colonize the galaxy as it did this planet.

Statistics on Gun Violence F

ollowing the horrific shootings in Newtown, CT last week, people are rightfully wondering how such things can be prevented in the future. While banning semi-automatic weapons would help in reducing violence, we need to analyze recent history to see if there are any other ways by which we can prevent such senseless and heart-wrenching occurrences. There have been at least 61 mass shootings in the United States over the last 30 years occurring in 30 states. Of those shootings, 85% of the guns used were legally obtained and all but one were men. More than half of the ten worst shootings have happened over the last five years. Looking globally, fifteen of the twenty-five worst mass shootings were in the United States. While mass shootings are up, Kieran Healy of Duke University found that the overall death rate from assaults is down 40% from the early 1970s in the United States. Even so, the United States is still one of the most violent societies in the developed world with only Estonia or Mexico rivaling our death rates from

assaults. Within the United States, southern states average more than 7 deaths per 100,000 annually while northeastern states are the safest with approximately 4 deaths per 100,000 annually. The most violent place remains the District of Columbia at 21.2 per 100,000 with Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas rounding out the top five. The least violent states were Iowa, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. While states with stricter gun controls have fewer gun deaths, Richard Florida

of the University of Toronto made a surprising finding - higher populations, higher stress, more immigrants and more mental illness do not correlate with higher death rates from guns. Additionally, drug use had a much lower impact than would be expected. With those factors ruled out, what other factors can we try and correlate? People living in poverty, employed in blue collar jobs and high school students on school property are the most common factors in shootings while college graduates, people in creative jobs and happy people were

by Haddon Libby

the least likely to snap. Also, richer states with a higher levels of white collar jobs had lower rates of this type of violence. Mary Muscari, of Binghamton University who has researched mass killers says, “A common motive is revenge. Revenge is a fluid thing. It could be something very specific against a certain person, it could be a general thing in the workplace or school, or it could be very diffuse, where they go shoot up a restaurant.” Many portray mass killers as social outcasts and loners. “In fact, they are very rarely loners,” states Katherine Newman of John Hopkins University. Newman has studied high-school and university shootings. “When you interview people who knew them, they’ll say, ‘He had friends. I was one of his friends.’” Newman continues, “They want to be seen as notorious, and unfortunately, there’s a lot of social reinforcement for the glamour of being notorious. They imagine how cool it will be when everybody knows their name. I know this sounds absurd, but in some ways, revulsion or notoriety is preferable from their point of view from anonymous and insignificant.”

December 20 to December 26, 2012

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by Eleni P. Austin

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Consider This

by Lola Rossi-Meza

BOB MOULD “Silver Age” (Merge Records)

Bob Mould is the Renaissance man of Punk Rock. More than 30 years ago, Mould formed and fronted the seminal Minneapolis Punk band Husker Du. Named for an obscure Swedish board game from the 50s, Husker Du was a trio featuring Bob Mould on lead guitar and vocals, Grant Hart on drums and vocals and Greg Norton on Bass. The band pioneered a style that combined post-hardcore thrash with a keen sense of melody. Mould and Hart split the songwriting duties, creating an intense rivalry that exacerbated over the years. Between 1981 and 1987, Husker Du released eight studio albums. Along with R.E.M., Husker Du paved the way for bands like the Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Replacements and Soul Asylum. Relentless touring and the burgeoning power of College Radio ensured that their fan base increased exponentially. Their diligence laid the foundation for the early 90s success of Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and the Grunge and Alternative movements. Husker Du impoded by 1987. Mould and Hart continually clashed. The fact that Mould became completely sober while Hart was wallowing in addiction made it impossible to continue their collaboration. Mould immediately rebounded with two solo efforts, Workbook and Black Sheets Of Rain. Both were the antithesis of Husker Du’s melodic thrash. Introspective and reflective, the songs were performed mostly on acoustic guitar and piano. Clearly Mould missed the Power Punk trio dynamic. By 1992 he formed Sugar with drummer Malcolm Travis and Dave Barbe on bass. Capitalizing on the indie-cred he had accrued with Husker Du, Sugar’s music was commercial without compromise. But the success of Sugar was soured when Spin

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magazine publicized the open secret that Mould was gay. But Mould perservered. Re-commited to his solo career, he recorded six solo albums between 1996 and 2009. Mould also spent a year working as a scriptwriter for the WCW! Mould’s song “Dog On Fire” as performed by They Might Be Giants, has been the frenetic theme song for “The Daily Show” since the late 90’s. Much to the chagrin of his punk followers, Mould’s 2002 effort, Modulate, dabbled in Electronic Dance Music. By 2011 Mould had written his candid autobiography, “See A Little Light.” (The opening paragraphs plant Mould at a clothing-optional Gay resort in Palm Springs, anticipating his Coachella debut). In September 2011, Bob Mould was feted at Walt Disney Hall. Artists as disparate as Dave Grohl, Magaret Cho, Grant Lee Phillips, the Hold Steady and Ryan Adams performed songs from Mould’s solo

career It’s been 3 years since Mould’s last album, but finally he is back with Silver Age. Silver Age kicks into gear with “Star Machine.” Anchored by down-stroke power chords, the lyrics seem to take a swipe at arch-nemesis Grant Hart, as well as the pitfalls of notoriety: “You tell the world you had to fire the band, your little world has gotten out of hand/The star machine will hand your ass right back to you.” Three songs seem to address the dichotomy of plying the Punk Rock trade as a fiftysomething. The title track unspools chunky guitar riffs over a pure punk beat. Mould seems at peace with his perch in the Punk Rock hierarchy. But he acknowledges that the unchecked aggression of youth never completely dissipates. Mould asserts he’s “Never too old to contain my rage.” His trademark honeyed harmonies are salted in the mix, leavening the combative lyrics. “The Descent” ups the ante. A pummeling rhythm connects with Mould’s distorted guitar fills. The lyrics offer up a mordant recollection of his mis-spent youth…”I started out so starry-eyed, full of hope and wonder/ And I wore flowers in my hair, not aware I’d been defiled.” Finally, “Briefest Moment” is a cleareyed homage to the cathartic magic of music..”I heard a melody so pure, I felt an echo that was so familiar/ I left my misery behind, it was only for the briefest moment

in time.” The tune is powered by a blitzkrieg beat and blazing guitar. The best songs on Silver Age are “Fugue State” and “Keep Believing.” The former weds a locomotive rhythm and slashing guitar to lyrics that feel like a marauding mental health check..”I pull apart the trauma and push against gravity.” “Keep Believing” echoes the Clash’s crunchy cover of “I Fought The Law.” Here Mould reaffirms the life-long addiction to music…”The drug that keeps me breathing, I stick it in me everyday/ The needle the sound, the groove goes around.” Mould’s sexuality informs a couple of songs, the propulsive “Round The City Square” and “Angels Rearrange,” a pensive recollection of love gone wrong. The closing track, “First Time Joy” acts as the album’s denouement. Lithe acoustic guitars arch and curve as Tijuana Brass style horns meander through the melody. The lyrics are a testament to the ephemeral pleasures of life. Silver Age is a solo album in name only. Mould receives adroit support from Jason Narducy on bass and drummer Jon Wurster. Hopefully we won’t have to wait three whole years for his next effort. But with Bob Mould his next creative outlet could be composing a symphony, staging a post-punk ballet or secretly fighting crime as a gay superhero! Such is the curse of a renaissance man.

December 20 to December 26, 2012

Valley Rhythms

Share Christmas Eve with vocalist Rebecca Clark at Azul

ocalist Rebecca Clark is performing a special holiday show on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, at 7 p.m. at Azul Tapas Lounge and Patio, 369 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. (760) 325-5533. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Rebecca Clark was one of ten siblings, five girls and five boys. Her mother became very ill with tuberculosis shortly after Clark was born, so she and her brothers and sisters were placed in different orphanages. “I was only eight months old when my Mother couldn’t take care of us,” said Clark. “My sisters and I were placed in St. Joseph Hall Orphanage for girls and my brothers were in another for boys. I lived there until I was 13 years old.” During the time she lived there, she recalls, “I first started singing when I was six years old. I would get some of the other girls together and we would hold Talent Shows, using our hair brushes as microphones and our blankets as curtains, singing songs to keep ourselves amused.” She became interested in learning how to play the piano after hearing one of the employees playing it in the auditorium. The first time she played the piano, she remembered some of the notes to Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”, a musical piece she would hear the worker play often. “I finally started learning how to play the piano, and after I did, the nuns would ask me to play ‘When the Saints Come Marching In’ at the class assembly every Tuesday.” When she was 13 years old, Clark was sent to live with her Father and a few members

of the family in Puerto Rico. “It was difficult at times, but my sister and I would play our guitars every night outside on the porch, so being in an abusive home was at least tolerable.” An attractive young lady, it wasn’t long before she discovered the beauty pageant circuit. “I entered the Miss New York State Beauty Pageant when I was 16 years old and won first-runner up.” Shortly after that, she decided to leave home and took a job as an exotic dancer in Connecticut and in 1979; Clark made the move to California. She continued go-go dancing in Hollywood for a while, but this talented and personable young lady started singing karaoke and would win every contest she entered. That shouldn’t surprise anyone, because everyone who has heard this lovely lady sing would know she was destine to be a vocalist. While being part of these contests, it wasn’t long before she had musicians wanting her to work in their bands. “My very first singing engagement was at the Elks Lodge in Orange County.” She married Officer Michael Dean Finn of the Garden Grove Police Department when she was 24. She had her son Michael Edward Finn, and together, they were a very happy family. Then tragedy shattered their world, when her husband was killed in the line of duty. “It was a difficult time in my life and also for my Son. However, he is all grown up now and married a beautiful girl, Naomi and I am a proud grand-mother to Ethan and Giovanni.” In 1985, she auditioned for the Bob Hope USO Show and toured with that group for five years. Clark moved to Palm Springs in 2001, at the beckoning of her good friend, vocalist “Diva” Denise Carter. It wasn’t long before she started performing in shows with Carter and other singers in town, Mona Caywood and Mara Getz. “People would always tell me I sounded a lot like Barbra Streisand. In 2003, I received an offer to perform as Streisand with a group based in Germany called Stars in Concert.” Since then, she has had many opportunities to perform in Las Vegas, Nevada; Branson, Missouri and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with “Legends in Concert” as a Streisand impersonator. Her repertoire as a vocalist includes songs made famous by Cher, Linda Eder, Diana Ross and Shirley Bassey, to name a few. She has and continues to perform for various charitable organizations. Let’s face it, being

a professional entertainer has its ups and downs financially and when the economy started changing in 2008, work slowed down for her and many others. God has a reason for everything and slowed her down to meet Les Packer, who she married in March of 2010. Since then, Clark has performed very little over the past few years as a professional vocalist, enjoying married life with her new husband. I am mentioning this because of a controversy regarding her eligibility as a contestant in the Palm Springs Voice Competition she entered on September 5, 2012. Confirmed e-mail correspondence clearly stated she had been a vocalist for over 10 years in the Coachella Valley when she entered. The rules clearly stated that in order to be part of this competition, the contestants must not make more than 60% of their annual income from performing. Since Clark’s income as a singer over the past year has been less than this, it was cleared by the producers for her to be a contestant and allowed her to audition on September 18. Her main source of income is from investments she made before getting married. She was so excited to be part of the competition. As the auditions continued, there weren’t enough Coachella Valley singers interested in competing. Personally, I think, if that was an issue, one would think someone would have gone to the many karaoke venues to find participants, after all, it is the Palm Springs Voice, and there are lots of singers in the Coachella Valley who may not have heard about the contest. According to an announcement I saw on ReverbNation, the competition seemed to change from residents of the Coachella Valley and expanded to the Inland Empire and stated they were looking for the “next Big Singer.” This attracted people from Riverside and Los Angeles. The night of the finals, fashion designers Michael Costello and Gordana Gehlhausen of Project Runway and I were the three judges. We were told at the beginning of the show that one of the contestants was disqualified, however, they did not tell us who it was until the end of the show, at judging time. They allowed Clark to perform and sing her heart out while already knowing they were disqualifying her. They told us that people were calling them and complaining that Rebecca Clark was a professional singer, and that she also

lied on the paperwork, however, I found that hard to believe. I stood up for Clark and told them she should win the contest because she was clearly the best and told them I knew for a fact she had not made a lot of money singing over the past year. It took a lot for her to swallow her pride and enter this competition for the prize money, hoping she would have been at least one of the winners. We as judges felt the results of the competition weren’t completely fair, but had to go with the producer’s final decision. We also wondered why our attendance was even necessary. Rebecca Clark was the clear winner and should have been named “the Palm Springs Voice” that evening, but was wrongfully disqualified, without even letting the audience know. Attendees were leaving telling us judges how stupid we were, that we robbed her and made a very bad decision. Our ability as judges and our integrity was being criticized. A few days later, I was actually told by someone that I was the cause for her losing because I am jealous of her ability. That is not true. All of us performing female vocalists have a mutual respect for each other and would defend each other to no end. Well the contest is over. Congratulations to the winners. Should strangers come into our town and insult us again with their singing contests? Remember, it is not so much what negative thing someone did to you, but more importantly, how you react to what they have done. Forgive, move on, be honest and have integrity, a very simple solution to dissolve injustice.

December 20 to December 26, 2012

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PET PLACE

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by Rick Riozza

by Janet McAfee

December 20 to December 26, 2012

THE VINO VOICE

Service Dogs help the Battle Scarred “… A Few Of Wine’s Favorite Things”

hile researchers test high tech treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers for post traumatic service disorder, man’s best friend is emerging as an effective low-tech alternative. We are most familiar with special assistance dogs that guide the blind. Now some special service dogs are helping disabled veterans, returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, who are suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Jacob enlisted in the Navy when he was only 19. The Navy trained him as a Fleet Marine Force hospital corpsman which included instruction on battlefield surgery. But they did not prepare him for the emotional reaction he had his second day in Iraq when two young Iraqi sisters with a look of terror were brought into the clinic with

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gunshot wounds. Once he barely escaped a pair of mortars that exploded right in front of him. His eight months serving in Iraq were filled with a stream of wounded men and women that flowed into the clinic, many of whom died from their injuries. Jacob returned home excited about plans to become a physician’s assistant. Those plans were cut short when he experienced his first panic attack driving through the Baltimore tunnel. Jake had no idea what the feelings of anxiety were about, and he began hyperventilating and passed out. More such attacks soon followed, he could barely move or breathe, and his body would clench while tears streamed down his face. Nightmares of injured and dead soldiers and civilians haunted him and made sleeping difficult. He began drinking heavily and even contemplated suicide. A Veterans Administration hospital diagnosed him with PTSD, a disease that impacts many returning combat veterans. Jacob began therapy and took 11 pills daily. But all this brought only minimal relief. Just when he had about given up hope, he found an extraordinary companion who helped end the nightmares. He read an article about Puppies Behind Bars on the internet and applied for a service dog. Jacob had never owned a dog before. He had assumed service dogs were like robots performing simple commands. Mya would soon challenge his preconceptions, and create the human-animal bond that would both warm his heart and heal some of his symptoms. Meanwhile, a litter of black lab puppies

was born inside the prison walls in Bedford Hills Correctional Institute. The inmate volunteers trained two of them to work with veterans with psychological disorders. Everyone in the program soon realized that Mya, the smallest dog, had an uncanny ability to sense the mood of anyone around her, always laying at the feet of anyone who was particularly troubled that day. Mya progressed to training on the outside with a volunteer family, practicing commands in all conceivable settings, from downtown Manhattan business offices, to grocery stores and coffee shops. There is often a special moment when dog and human meet and connect on an inexplicable level. Jacob flew to Colorado to meet the dogs and their instructors. He hung back as they approached the dogs, but Mya’s eyes connected with his and she flipped onto her back for a belly rub in front of him. For the next two weeks, Jacob and Mya were immersed in dog training. Jacob discovered Mya could perform amazing tasks. He could take her into a market where she could pick up a can of creamed corn and put it in his basket, a task he didn’t need with his disorder, but Mya was also trained to assist with physical disabilities. The dog was fitted with a special blue cape adorned with an American flag patch that read “Puppies Behind Bars Service Dog -

Brewster, Young at Heart! I am only 10 years young with lots of life to live and bones to chew! (Last week’s column incorrectly listed me as 12). I will do almost anything to get adopted by a loving family, including dressing up in these rabbit ears! The Palm Springs Animal shelter will provide my arthritis medication for life, but I am still active and playful. I am a handsome 80 pound American Pit Bull Terrier. I am a sweet loyal companion & get along with most dogs. I love people, including the little ones, and love getting belly rubs from them. I am in a foster home arranged by the shelter. Call (760) 333-4200.

Veteran”. Mya was never a robot. She was a bouncy ball of energy who happily greeted visitors and whined when Jacob left her alone. But she was called to duty within days when Jacob had a major panic attack. Mya climbed on top of him and began licking his face. This time Jacob didn’t come out of the attack wanting to die. Sweating and tired, he put his arms around Mya and just held the dog close while she continued to comfort him. Things didn’t seem as bleak as usual....another being was there pulling for him and giving him the will to move forward. Mya is trained to dial 911, and can even sense a panic attack before it starts. Jacob resumed college classes, finding that with Mya by his side he could handle the crowded spaces he’d avoided for years. The simple act of petting the dog had a calming effect. He got used to getting “The Look” folks gave him when they saw a physically able bodied person with a service dog. Jacob found he could even open up to people about his condition when they asked personal questions about him and Mya. Jacob explains, “If I didn’t have Mya I would not be able to leave the house.” Over 200,000 veterans are currently being treated for PTSD at Veterans Administration hospitals. Minnesota Senator Al Franken authored a bill requiring the VA to study and create services like this for Veterans. He explains, “I really believe the dogs can provide tremendous benefit. The whole point of this is to measure in a scientifically valid way what the benefits are of service dogs to vets with psychological injuries and make a better life for these guys and women who have put everything on the line for us.” Our canine friends, with their intelligence and love for humans, provide therapeutic benefit serving those who have faithfully served us. jmcafee7@verizon.net

or many of us, there are a lot of Christmas parties to get to: Family gatherings, office parties, neighborhood get-togethers, store & restaurant celebrations—and whatever festive congregations are happening most holiday parties will offer more wines, beers, and spirits than at any other time of the year. I know that sometimes there’s a desire to ‘quickly’ get into party mode i.e., get buzzed. But at these holiday parties, we can take things slow. The better mode is one of appreciating relationships along with enjoying good foods and nice wine. The best advice is to start any party with a substantial glass of water, wait a few minutes then munch on some appetizers and enjoy a glass of sparkling white wine. Most bubbly around town is generally low in alcohol and high on festivity; and when taking pleasure in the finger foods, the alcohol you are taking in is absorbed more slowly by the body. All right!—enough of the lecture, let’s find some fun wine for Christmastime! Predictably—I’ll be doing my New Years’ column on bubbly—but that’s not stopping me from enjoying some good stuff this coming week as well. For the Twelve Days of Christmas, the everyday sparkling quaffer would be our old standby: Jaume Serra Cristolino Brut Rosé which is selling for just over $5 a bottle at Pavillons/Vons if you purchase 6 bottles of wine or spirits. Beautiful scents of raspberry and cherry on the nose with fresh, clean strawberry and cherry flavors in the mouth and a consistent bead of bubbles. The finish is clean and crisp and invites another sip. Why not purchase 6 bottles of this stuff to last through the holidays. If you wish to treat the host of the party you’re attending—and I recommend treating your own household to a bottle as well, the “wine insiders” pick for this season is NV (non-vintage) Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Mendocino Sparkling at around $20. The skivvy on it reads: “Still one of the best deals in American bubbles, this shows a bit more Chardonnay fruit: fresh cream, flinty mineral, puff pastry and ripe pear matched by pecan and clover honey. Polished and opulent.” I’m agreeing with everyone on this—it’s what I call a sexy sparkler. Great looking French-style golden foil green bottle, cool name from Mendocino wine country and it’s

as delicious as they say. The recipient of this bottle will be amazed at your wine acumen. You’ll definitely own “cool status”. Found at Bristol Farms in Palm Desert. It’s not only a “smart buy” but the Kendal Jackson 2010 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is a delicious wine with a rich layering of flavors from grapes grown in California’s cool coastal vineyards. Ripe red apple and pear from Sonoma combine with luscious citrus notes from Monterey and rich tropical flavors from Santa Barbara. Barrel fermented and aged in French and American oak barrels. Although this is Kendal Jackson’s “lowend wine”—and not a wine that I generally look for, you can see by the profile, it’s a well-crafted wine. Kendall-Jackson winemaster, Randy Ullom, is extremely talented and his integrity in producing a very good wine at this price level is admirable. You can find it on sale for around $8 to $11 at most supermarkets. It goes well with grilled chicken, pasta and rich seafood—and perfect with a tuna avocado sandwich! On the premium side of things—a great wine gift for a true Chardonnay lover, seek out Chalk Hill Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay. The 2008 Estate Chardonnay has aromas that are concentrated and complex featuring caramel, toasted hazelnut, apricot, pear and lemon oil. The rich palate of tropical fruit is balanced by a distinct minerality typical of Chardonnay wines from the Estate. This wine can be enjoyed alone or alongside a wide variety of dishes including crab, scallops, fish and roasted chicken. It is the perfect accompaniment to the holiday’s rich butter or cream sauces. It sells at most supermarkets and wine shops at around $45. A nice casual wine gift for your party acquaintances, where one doesn’t really know the type of wine they drink is always a Pinot Noir—the allure of which we wrote a couple of weeks ago. See coachellavalleyweekly.com/archives for previous articles. A good choice Pinot Noir to have at a party—one that everyone likes is the 2011 Seaglass Pinot Noir that sells for around $10 a bottle. Wine Snooth writes: “Smokey and cola-laden aromas of dark candied cherries greet the nose topped with spicy sandalwood notes. This is rather vibrant on entry with soft tannins and pure red cherry and cranberry fruit that’s topped with

gentle green spice notes and a loose gauze of oak spice. Uncomplicated and fresh, this is attractive for its vibrant cherry and cranberry fruit and juicy texture. “ If you go premium, a great gift and treat for that California Pinot lover is the $50 Twomey 2008 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley. A vino lover notes: “ Intense and a bit

meaty on the nose with a fruity and slightly jammy blend of vanilla, strawberry cream and black cherry cola aromas, wrapped with notes of alderwood and candied violets. Zesty with bright acidity and a really well integrated, smooth texture in the mouth. This is light- to medium-bodied because of the brightness of the acidity, even though the fruit is explosively rich and perhaps a touch sticky on the palate. Red plums and candied cherry come together on the palate along with hints of vanilla and cranberry/ rhubarb compote. This finishes with just as much energy and brightness as it displays on the palate. This is damn fun to drink and delicious.” Well then let’s have fun! Merry Christmas!

The Place Where Food and Fun Meet

THURSDAY NIGHT PASTA NIGHT All you can eat $12.95 5pm to 7pm

Live Music 6pm - 10pm

Tune in to Jan’s Kitchen on K-NEWS 94.3 FM 8-10am Saturdays

We Carry the full line of

Fri, Dec 21 - JB & Rob Martinez

Vic Firth Peppermills

Sat, Dec 22 - The Arrangements

74-945 Hwy 111, Indian Wells 760-773-9464 www.kitchenkitchen.com

Acoustic Rock and Roll Classic Rock and Roll

Golf Course is Open!

(760) 345-0222

www.palmdesertgolf.com

77-200 California Dr, Palm Desert

5 OFF

w/purchase of $20 or more

Includes cooking classes

Expires 12/31/12. Must present CV Weekly coupon

December 20 to December 26, 2012

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Experience It, Taste It, Live It!

Club Clu luubb Crawler CCr Craw raaw wle wl w ler Nightlife Nig NNi iigggh ght httltlilliiifffee ht COUNTRY WESTERN(CW) VARIETY / DANCE(VD) ROCK N ROLL(RR) PIANO BAR(PB) JAZZ(JZ) POP ROCK(PR) BLUES(BL) CLASSIC ROCK(CR) CABARET(CB) LATIN ROCK(LR) REGGAE(RG) ACOUSTIC (AC) METAL(M)

Restaurant & Lounge Presents

Michael D’ Angelo SONGS OF AN ERA Fri. & Sat. 7-10pm

Steaks • Chops • Seafood SUMMERS HOURS

Tues. - Sat. Lunch 11 am - 2:30pm Dinner 5 - 8:30pm Happy Hour 11am - 6pm

760.345.6503

www.caseyspd.com 42544 Washington St, Palm Desert, CA 92211

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Monday: 4.99 Meatloaf dinner Tuesday: Taco Tues $1.00 Taco’s Wednesday: Two for 1 Rib Thursday: Pulled Pork Sandwich For 4.99 Friday: Live Dinner Music from 5:30-9 Prime Rib Saturday: Live Dinner Music from 5:30-9 Prime Rib Sunday: Line Dancing with Tina 5:30-9

50048 29 Palms Highway Morongo Valley, CA

760-363-3343

THU DECEMBER 20 29 PALMS INN; 29 PALMS ; 760-3673505 Bev and Bill 6pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day in the Amigo Room 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Rudy de la Mor 7pm (PB) BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King Band 6pm CAFÉ PALETTE; PS; 760-322-9264 Jersey Shore & Friends 7pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CHARLI MARRONE’S; IND; 760-6251500 Karaoke CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 Johnny Morris 6pm (PB) DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Nancy Franklin 8pm DESERT SAGE; LQ; 760-564-8744 Danny Sands 5-9pm Johnny Meza 10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-3296787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Bingo DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-2511991 Karaoke ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Lola Rossi-Meza & Johnny Meza 5-9pm (JZ) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5:30pm LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Country Night w/ Joshua Paige 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 8-1am (LR) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Eddie Gee 6-10pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 Karaoke 9pm THE OUTPOST TAVERN; C.C.; 760328-9004 Karaoke w/ DJ Stuart 8pm OVER THE TOP; PS; 760-325-5100 Karaoke

PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Devil Stil 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Jam Session w/ Terry Williams 6:30-9:30pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Monte Oliver 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-8311 Rebecca Connelly, Sidebar 6:30-10pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 The Smooth Brothers (BL)(RG) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREESIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Mike Costley 7:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Carolyn Martinez & The Trio 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760568-9321 Bob Yetter 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta Jazz 7-11pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 End of the World Party 9pm

FRI DECEMBER 21 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 LA Exodus 12pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Melissa Stratman & Marina Mac 8pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6pm CAFÉ PALETTE; PS; 760-322-9264 John Gallagher 7pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Dynamic Daze 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CHARLI MARRONE’S; IND; 760-6251500 Club Night w/ DJ 9pm 18+ CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 Paul Patterson 6pm (PB) DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Cool Grooves w/ Timber Woolfe DESERT SAGE; LQ; 760-564-8744 Danny Sands 5-9pm Johnny Meza

10pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-2511991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 Alternating groups 8-11pm (RR) HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 Over the Wall 8-11pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Sol District, Dine Runner and War Drum 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm (VD) LA BRASSERIE BISTRO; LQ; 760-7714400 Angie Whitney 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Johnny Meza 6pm LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Tease 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 80’s Allstars 9pm (VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Mark Guerrero & Dennis Alvarez 6:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 Dali’s Llama w/ Hot Beat Pussy Fiend 9pm THE OUTPOST TAVERN; C.C.; 760328-9004 Karaoke w/ DJ Stuart 8pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 JB & Rob Martinez 6-10pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Sacred Bones w/ Zola Jesus, Cult of Youth plus many more… 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Karaoke w/ Amber Stream 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 The Gand Band 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Blasting Echo and The Hellions 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Rebecca Connelly Sidebar 6:3010pm, Will Champlin Sidebar 10pm-cl ROCK GARDEN BAR & EATERY; PS; Smash Fridays 10pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222

Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 DJ Music 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 The P.S. Blues w/ Gil Hansen and Tony Dean 8pm (BL) SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (JZ)(RR) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 T.B.A. 9pm THREESIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 John McCormick 8pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 Funky Fridays 10pm (VD) VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760568-9321 Bob Yetter 6-10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Michael Keeth 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Live entertainment 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-564-2201 JB Burrell 7-10pm (CR) WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 T.B.A. 7-11pm (CR) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Red & White Christmas Party 9pm

SAT DECEMBER 22 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 The Caddies 10pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Beverly & Bill 6-9pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Linda Gerard:Fabulous Selections:Record Release Party 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Karaokie Jo 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madeo 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Dynamic Daze 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CHARLI MARRONE’S; IND; 760-6251500 Live Bands 8pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 Paul Patterson 6pm (PB) DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Dani & The Scarlet Fevers, Giselle Woo & The

Night Owls, and Sailors of Neptune 8pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Lisa Coleman 8pm DESERT SAGE; LQ; 760-564-8744 Danny Sands 5-9pm Johnny Meza 10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-3296787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Karaoke Madness 8pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-2511991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 Rob Martinez and JB 8-11pm (LR) THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 7pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 Mikey Reyes 8-11pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm LA BRASSERIE BISTRO; LQ; 760-7714400 Ms. Yve Evans 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Johnny Meza 6pm LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Tease 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 80’s Allstars 9pm (VD) MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Mark Guerrero & Dennis Alvarez 6:30pm MYSTIQUE LOUNGE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 888-MORONGO; Bobby & Marvin “Sweet Bass” Banks & Tyghtship 9pm (VD) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 Karaoke PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Live Entertainment 9pm (RR) PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 The Arrangements 6-10pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm The Rojer Arnold Band’s Holiday Show 8pm PEABODY’S; PS; 760-322-1877

Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Karm Kollective Benefit Show, Non-perishable food item $5 or more or $10 at the door. All proceeds go to CVRM 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 The Gand Band 8pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-3226100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm (JZ) RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Wicked Jed 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-8311 Will Champlin, Sidebar 6:30-10pm, The Clueless Remix Starlite Lounge 10-cl ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 One for the Road 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 6-10pm (RR) SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 The P.S. Blues w/ Gil Hansen and Tony Dean 8pm (BL) SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers (BL)(RG) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 T.B.A. 9pm THREESIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Darci Daniels 7:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm (VD) VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760568-9321 Bob Yetter 6-10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Michael Keeth 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke Show 9-2am THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-564-2201 Sergio Villegas 7-10pm (AC) WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Damon Von Baun Jazz 7-11pm (JZ) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ PJ& DJ Bigster (VD)

SUN DECEMBER 23 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm

continue to page 20

December 20 to December 26, 2012

Live M Thurs usic , Fr & Sat i

Come Experience Dive Bar History Serving the Desert Since 1968 Entertainment Nightly

POOL TABLE • JUKEBOX • SHUFFLEBOARD

Happy Hour 8 to noon everyday $3 Well Drinks $3 Imports $2 Domestic $5 Pint Size Bloody Marys

73290 HWY 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 • (760) 346-0191 Friday 8pm eam ber Str Karaoke w/ Am Saturday 7pm e v Karm Kollecti Benefit show

www.myplanBbar.com 32025 MONTEREY, THOUSAND PALMS

Corner of Monterey & Ramon

760.343.2115 K AR A OK 8 PM E E V E RY NIGH T DESERT’S LONGEST HAPPY HOUR 10AM - 8PM EVERYDAY

Western Grill

Now Serving 13 new menu items Including • Chicken Parmesan Sandwich • Chicken Caesar Salad • Meatball Sandwich Breakfast Served Every Day from 10am to Noon Wednesday Steak Night $18.50 Porterhouse $17.50 Ribeye & New York $13.75 Ribeye with Trimmings

$5 menu open to close (all day) Hours 10 - 2 am Everyday

80956 Hwy 111, Indio

(760) 347-1522 15

December 20 to December 26, 2012

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

the Pampered palate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Raymond Bill

Chapelli’s

Ray Bill is on vacation for the holidays but will be back next week with his review on Don Diego’s new breakfast menu.

DON DIEGO’S ICONIC MEXICAN RESTAURANT FOR OVERA 30 YEARS, IS NOW SERVING BREAKFAST New Mid-Valley Breakfast Alternative! Taste-tempting options from Health Concious and Traditional Mexican to American Classics and More!

on Diego’s has been an iconic Mexican restaurant in the Coachella Valley for over 30 years and they are now offering breakfast! Known for their casual and festive environment, fresh authentic cuisine and reasonable prices, by adding breakfast they are giving the desert diners a much-needed mid-valley breakfast alternative. Owners Valerie Erwin and David Rosenberg are excited to offer the Coachella Valley residents and seasonal visitors a new breakfast alternative. The breakfast officially begins at 8 am on Monday, December 17. The hours of operation are Monday-Saturday 8 am to 11 am, Sunday 8 am -1 pm. “A lot of creativity was put into developing just the right breakfast options which include health-conscious items to American Classics and traditional Mexican dishes. All dishes are authentic and prepared with fresh ingredients every morning. We feel the desert diners will be happy with our price point of $ 10 or less and the tasty new breakfast choices,” said

Don Diego’s has included health conscious choices and a kids menu. All items are affordable and under $ 10. To view the entire menu visit dondiegorestaurant.com. Don Diego’s is located at 74-969 Highway 111 & Cook Street (next to CVS in the Ralphs Shopping center), open daily for breakfast starting at 8am, lunch 11am-

3pm, Fiesta Hour 3-6pm and dinner until 9pm. For more information or reservations call 760.340.5588. Follow Don Diego’s at facebook. com/dondiegosindianwells to redeem discount coupons throughout each month. Check out their website at www. dondiegorestaurant.com

Stop by and pick up a Chapelli’s Gift Card for the Holidays, and receive an additional 15% added to your purchase price!

• New and exciting contemporary cuisine • Exceptional ingredients including the best available local and organic products • Not just dinner, it is an experience

It’s a great deal for the Holidays and makes a great gift!

Chapelli’s

GIFT CARD

The Chapelli’s Gift Card... A card for everyone!

Happy Holidays Folks!

Open for dinner Tues.-Sat. 5:00 - 9:30 pm

68525 Ramon Ed., Ste. A-101 Cathedral City, CA 92234 Reservation are strongly suggested

Chapellisrestaurant.com

760.832.6526 www.dishcreativecuisine.com

760-564-9835

Fresh Fish, Soups & Pasta Daily Happy Hour • Martini Bar • Superb Wine Jazz Night Tuesday 7:30-10pm Saturday Jazz on The Patio with Linda Peterson 12:30 - 3:30pm

www.guillermosrestaurante.com • 72-850 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA

DAY

$3a.d99 ONMeLnY tion this

DAILY HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM

760.777.9989

Located in Old Town La Quinta

Thank you to our wonderful customers who voted for BEST OF T us as the HE B FRENCH EST RESTAURA NT

For Reservation

760-771-4400

www.labrasserielaquinta.com 78-477 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA 92253

Golf Course & Restaurant Open to Public

GREAT NIGHTLY SPECIALS

Kitchen open until 9pm Monday - Saturday • Sunday until 2pm 5$ appetizers throughout the lounge

ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY NIGHT AJ the KJ 8-12 SATURDAY NIGHT Karaokie Jo 7-11pm “Classic Country Club Fair with a SPLASH! of fun” Outdoor Fireside Dinning

Cathedral City’s “Hottest New Spot” Date Palm Country Club 36-200 Date Palm Drive Cathedral City, 92234

ajsonthegreen@gmail.com

760-202-1111

A Family Owned Restaurant & Bar

Ask Us About O New Get ur Fit Menu

73-820 El Paseo, Palm Desert • 760.346.6393

• Award Winning Pizza Voted “Best of the Valley” Two Years Straight • Over 100 Menus Items Ranging From Prime Steak to Fresh Seafood • Full Bar and 40 Wines by the Glass • Two Large Patios to Enjoy Views of the Santa Rosa Mountains • All Day Take Out and Catering Available

Mexican Cuisine

TO SATUR

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

with more than 300 tequilas!!

760.341.0980

MONDAY

Where Friends Meet Friends

TEQUILA BAR

Lunch: Monday - Saturday 11:30-2:30 Dinner: Monday to Sunday 4:30 - 9:30

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BackStreet Bistro

Don Diego’s Chef Oscar. A Sampling of the New Breakfast Choices All-time favorite American Classics will be served such as pancakes, eggs benedict, french toast and eggs over easy or scrambled. A variety of Breakfast Burritos and Traditional Mexican dishes including Huevos Rancheros, Huevos Chile Relleno, Huevos Con Machaca, and a variety of omelets round out the menu. To ensure there is absolutely something for everyone

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December 20 to December 26, 2012

Lunch: 11am to 4pm Happy Hour: 2pm to 5pm Dinner: 4pm to 9pm

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December 20 to December 26, 2012

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

Screeners No. 39

Have Yourself A Merry Digital Christmas

FUN WITH THE SACRED AND PROFANE AT WORLD’S END?

or many of us, traditional Christmas movies are a ritual and part of our nationally shared collective consciousness. Feeling good about the unasked for gift of life can be especially hard during this festive season with news of irrational evil and bloodletting. However, great holiday movies can be a legitimate antidote to this malaise as they remind us of the hope for peace and love that is often elusive, and perhaps illusive as well, but is always worth the risk. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, CHRISTMAS VACATION, THE CHRISTMAS STORY hardly need to be touted they have become such a part of our American mass media rites. Robert Zemeckis’ CHRISTMAS CAROL with an exceptional Jim Carrey as Dicken’s tightwad curmudgeon is a beautiful and frightening motion capture piece of pop movie art that is becoming a seasonal staple. So is the eerie POLAR EXPRESS, in which zombieeyed kids visit a gigantic Santa who rules an icy kingdom of forced cheer in the North

Pole populated by genetically bred, mostly male, red-uniformed midgets (I use that word advisedly). I love this film for all the wrong reasons. For a worthy but lesser known film that fills the movie void this end of the world solstice, try the under-appreciated gem REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940) with Fred MacMurray as a prosecutor falling in love with shoplifter Barbara Stanwyck over Christmas. Here, writer-director Preston Sturgis is at the top of his game. Also worth a look are movies that take seriously both the profane and the sacred. First, the sacred.

is the subject of the great Italian artist and filmmaker Ermanno Olmi’s 1982 epic tone poem. Shot in Northern Italy in rustic and rural locations and filled with amateurs, this magical film is spiritually rooted in a way that is open to all faiths. And even to those with no faith. I was reminded at times to Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” as the Magi interact with a caravan of soldiers, merchants, villagers and assistants following in the direction of a comet. This rich tapestry makes real a journey cloaked in mystery and humanity.

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The journey of the Magi to Bethlehem

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This collection of three stop-motion Christmas themed stories can be found in discount bins and dollar stores. But don’t mistake that for a shoddy product. Animator Will Vinton popularized and coined the term “claymation.” The first title in the set is the multi-award winning “The First Christmas.” Christopher Plummer narrates the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus. The range of detail and emotions is portrayed is startling. Charles Dickens’ “The Chimes” is about a man that sees so much sadness around him that he regrets being born when church bells heard in a dream send another message. Derek Jacobi narrates. “The Christmas Gift”, based on the Peter, Paul & Mary song “Christmas Dinner” is only 9 minutes long but is heartfelt and not treacle. I was touched.

RARE EXPORTS

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in the frozen wastes of Finland where local reindeer herders battle an ancient, mythic, but newly manifest evil: Santa Claus. Yes, THE Santa. But it’s Santa’s vast army of vicious brutish, elvish “helpers” that must be killed -- or tamed for future sales around the world. Single father Rauno (Jorma Tommila) and his young son, Pietari (Onni Tommila) must sort out a truth for themselves that will ensure their future. This disturbing, regional folktale made real is unlike any Christmas movie you have seen. You have been warned.

AROUND TOWN

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS AND OTHER STORIES

r t a in me n te

760-341-3171

44850 San Pablo, Palm Desert

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And now for the profane. Originally an award winning series of short films, now expanded by director Jalmari Helander into a highly unusual feature, this strange, sometimes horrifying Christmas tale is set

Cinemas Palme d’Or is to be commended for their sneak previews and event screenings. GUILT TRIP’s director Anne Fletcher held a lively Q&A revealing all kinds of Barbara Streisand trivia and setting the record straight that she is a curious and creative partner and in no way a demanding diva. Although it took Babs a year to make a decision to star in Fletcher’s film, it was only after her son Jason said, “Mom, you should make this movie,” that she signed on. The movie almost lives up to its terrific title about a ”Jewish mother” who takes a cross-country road trip with her loveless son (Seth Rogan) and finds common ground and a renewed relationship. It’s a fun trip worth talking. Last Saturday, author Stephen Robello discussed the film adapted from his curious book “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho.” Anthony Hopkins and Hellen Mirren play the Hitchcocks during a time of great tension in their creative lives. The atmospheric period drama is finally an unexpectedly sweet love story. Both films are now playing at Palme d’Or. We are so lucky to have this theater in our community. What a gift. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Assuming of course the world’s still with us. RobinESimmons@aol.com

by Heidi Simmons

Believe!

ow is it that we can look up at the stars and feel there is something greater than us and other times feel abandoned in the universe? What is hope and despair? Why do we have these moments at all? Why do we ask why? Is part of our human condition to seek understanding and decipher what that means? The Belief Instinct: The Psychology of Souls, Destiny, and the Meaning of Life, by Jesse Bering (Norton, 252 pages) explores why we as human beings believe. Whether born into an ancient faith or a system of belief created on our own, human beings desire some kind of meaning, purpose and intention. In fact, it may be more than desire, it may be instinctive. Bering is an evolutionary psychologist. He is director of the Institute of Cognition and Culture at Queen’s University in Belfast, and one of the principal investigators of the Explaining Religion Project. Don’t let that put you off if you are afraid this book is out to destroy the religion in which you believe. I can’t say that it won’t, but it is not Bering’s intention to change your religion, only to enlighten you as to why you are a believer. Drawing his research from literature, philosophy and science, Bering looks at our natural tendency to believe in unseen forces that shape our lives. He argues that our religious reflex is an intrinsic human trait, developed over millennium that has carried powerful evolutionary benefits. Don’t fear, have faith and read on. He shows us that God is not a delusion, but rather a sophisticated, cognitive illusion. It is indeed a brain-based psychological process that transcends religion and is part of every human society on the planet. Bering says God is an inherent part of our natural cognitive system. The belief instinct, according to Bering is our ability to read minds. Calling it “theory of mind” Bering describes it as our human ability to imagine, anticipate and understand what our fellow human beings are experiencing. Since we are humans, Bering assumes all humans are alike and therefore can imagine what others are thinking or what their intentions may be. It is Bering’s belief that this trait helped humans survive by giving us tools necessary to recognize those who might want to harm us and to get along with others. Then, we learned to apply it to animals and then to mysterious natural phenomena as well. He argues we have not yet been able to escape our overactive “theory of mind.” In light of our natural desire to see

December 20 to December 26, 2012

Book Review

dwells in our mind. Evolutionary phenomenon or not, humans are believers. If it’s a theory that exists only in our “mind” and if humans continue to evolve, then shouldn’t we improve our belief? Can we act on behalf of God in ways that are kind, generous, and loving in order to achieve a better existence and society? Is it possible to discard the ugly side of religion that generates judgment and instills fear and hate? Baring writes with enthusiasm and humor. He is not hostile or angry with anyone or any religion. He genuinely wants to understand one of the great mysteries of our existence -- God. Like little Natalie Wood in Miracle on 34th Street, when all she had hoped didn’t seem possible, she chanted to herself, “I believe, I believe, I believe.” It was then that believing changed her reality and a new world was revealed. Can it do our human condition any harm to include in our mind the mantra “I believe?”

The Belief Instinct By Jesse Bering

intentional agents where there are none, God becomes the ultimate mind that we are always trying to read: Why has he put us here? What does he want from us? What is His plan? This line of thought leads to a set of beliefs and cognitive biases which Bering attempts to tackle, revealing the psychological mechanisms that make them so hard to escape. Atheists reading this book will be equally challenged. What Bering delivers is a way to reevaluate our thinking. In my view, he offers a way to refine how we see and interact with the God of our “mind.” The Belief Instinct challenges the reader to recognize the things that may not jive with our own paradigm but remain lodged in our mind perhaps from a parent’s constant refrain. Ultimately, Bering’s message, whether he intended it or not, is that we must take responsibility for the God that

• • • • • • •

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December 20 to December 26, 2012 continue from page 15

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Farmer Boys 81951 California 111 Indio, CA 92201

PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Kal David 7-11pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 8311 Art of Sax Trio 5-9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers (RR)(LR) THREESIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Reggie Vision 6:30pm TWIN PALMS BISTRO; PS; 760-3220700 Jazz Sundays w/ Tibor Lesko & Friends 11-2pm and 5-7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Linda Peterson 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Sunday Skool 9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Barry Baughn Blues Band 7-11pm

MON DECEMBER 24 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bonnie Scott 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sissy Bingo w/ Linda Gerard 7-9pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Music Mondays 9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6-10pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Night 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Monte Oliver 7pm

American

(760) 863-5050 www.farmerboys.com

Wine Bar

78015 Main Street #109 La Quinta, CA

Roc’s Firehouse 36891 Cook St # 10 Palm Desert, CA 92211

American

(760) 340-3222 www.rocsfirehouse.com

Tack Room 81800 Avenue 51 Indio, CA 92201

American

(760) 347-9985

www.tackroomtavern.com

Casey’s

42455 Washington Street Palm Desert, CA 92211

(760) 345-6503

www.caseysrestaurant.com

Sullivan’s 73505 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA

RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Rebecca Connelly 5-9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 3sum 9pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Art of Sax 8-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Karaokie Jo 6-10pm

TUE DECEMBER 25 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Rojer & Bobby 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm (CB) BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 Johnny Morris 6pm (PB) DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Andrew, Matt & Mike 8:30pm DESERT SAGE; LQ; 760-564-8744 Steve Denny 5-9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 John Stanley King 5-9pm (JZ)(BL) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm (VD) LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim

American

(760) 341-3560

(760) 564-2201

www.thewinebaratoldtown.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

American

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Burleson 7:45 (PB) PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Eclectic Tuesdays. Singer/songwriter night. All acts welcome. Hosted by JB, Sign up 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Monte Oliver 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Will Champlin 5-9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Dr. Paul 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (RR)(JZ) TAQUERIA GUERRERO’S; TP; 760343-5971 DJ Keith 9pm THREESIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Reggie Vision 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 The King’s Town Trio 9pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760568-9321 Bob Yetter 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Michael Boliver 6:30-9pm

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Babes Bar-B-Que American & Brewhouse

Charli Marrones

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(760) 625-1500

71800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage

42250 Jackson Street #101 Indio, CA

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AJ’s on the Green American

Dickie O’Neals

(760) 202-1111

(760) 325-2600

ajsonthegreen@gmail.com

Western Grill

American

Lavender Bistro Continental 78073 Calle Barcelona La Quinta, CA 92253

(760) 564-5353 www.lavenderbistro.com

El Mexicali II 43-430 Monroe St. Indio, CA

Irish

78772 California 111 La Quinta, CA 92253 www.lamppostpizza.com

Crab Pot

70030 California 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Seafood

(760) 321-7635

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Mexican

(760) 342-2333

Pacifica

73505 El Paseo # 2500 Palm Desert

Seafood

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San Miguel

Pizza

Lamppost

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Mexican

35 320 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 328-9402 TAQUERIA SAN MIGUEL 72 450 Ramon Rd Mexican Restaurant Mariscos & Cantina 1000 Palms (760) 343-7340

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Education

by Curtis Hendricks

Local School Safety Against Active Shooters

he tragedy that happened in Sandy Hook Elementary School is yet another unimaginable occurrence that took the lives of children and teachers. Like many parents, my wife and I wanted nothing more than to hold our children extra close that day. Now, in the wake of the tragedy, people want something done. With the shooter dead, people direct their need for resolution on changing gun laws. Many people are making absurd requests, such as arming teachers. My question is, what are our schools doing to prevent such a tragedy from happening in our local schools? Is there currently a rehearsed emergency activity for active shooters coming on campus? After speaking to a few teacher friends that work within the valley, I have found that it is up to the school to implement safety procedures for active shooters. That’s right; some schools do not have any safety procedures for active shooters. One teacher told me: “We don’t have a lockdown

procedure. However, my principal said for the next 10 days we should keep our doors locked, and from now on always stop adults and ask for their visitors badge. We usually don’t question adults as we assume they are parents on campus. Parents are supposed to sign in but we have lots of gates, and although some are kept locked, some aren’t. Hopefully we as a school can come up with a way to ensure all visitors stop in the office to sign in. It’s awful we have to think of this stuff.” Those schools that have a procedure, at best, have very little that they can do against this type of situation. The main focus of the school in this type of emergency is placing the school on lockdown. Unfortunately, these procedures are only helpful if the threat is known ahead of time. Here is one response I received from a local teacher: “We do have a lockdown procedure in place. But there are flaws especially if the person is someone that everyone knows. Our lockdown procedure

only works if a random (stranger) shooter comes on campus with guns blazing. The procedures do not address someone who may be let into a classroom and then opens fire. Our lockdown procedures also rely on the office being the first to know of a potential situation, and then they sound the call to lockdown. My school has been put on many lockdowns in situations where there is someone in the neighborhood running from the police, or they are looking or someone, but we have never had someone come onto campus. It is definitely a flawed system and now my husband wants to just sit outside my classroom all day.” Local colleges have a stronger system in place, some involving teachers being placed in a text alert program. Most colleges have an on-campus police department that handles such situations. Our local high schools usually have an on-campus armed school resource officer from a local police department, or sheriff’s officer. Each school

district employs many security officers that are not armed. Also, many schools have a Watch D.O.G.S. or similar program. These types of programs allow parents to volunteer on campus and become a helpful and watchful eye. I know many schools are now creating and implementing procedures that help against active shooters. Although schools are currently revising their emergency planning, these notes are not meant for public knowledge. Also, as a professional courtesy, I have been asked not to include the details of emergency planning involving active shooters for my school or any other school. If you are a parent, and wish to know the details of the policy for active shooters, you may visit or contact your child’s school and get the information directly. I am informed that all schools will be taking extra precaution until winter break due to the Sandy Hook Elementary incident.

Safety Tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Restaurant guide

sullivanssteakhouse.com

36-200 Date Palm Dr Cathedral City

7773 Demetrius Houser 7-10pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:30-12:30am JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music (RR) LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5:30pm LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Walking Papers featuring Duff McKagan 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Karaokie Jo 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Will Champlin 5-9pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Dr. Paul 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz (JZ) THREESIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Shaken Not Stirred 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Sixx 9pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760568-9321 Johnny Meza & Company 6-10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Mara Getz Jazz 6-10pm

December 20 to December 26, 2012

Christmas Day Safety - It’s Here!

ell Christmas is officially here! The last couple weeks we have focused on both outdoor and indoor holiday safety. Christmas day will arrive soon and there’s a few additional safety tips to be aware of! We’re going to be cooking more over the next few days and on Christmas. Be careful wearing loose clothing around open flames on the stove. Use a timer and use “post it’s” to remind yourself of cooking times in the oven (were going to be distracted more this week than ever). Do not cool hot pans with water if grease is in the. Have a fire extinguisher near-by and know how to use it. A lid placed over a pan on fire will remove oxygen and put the fire out! Be careful using candles at the dinner table (especially if toddlers are present). When selecting gifts this holiday season, be sure to: Choose toys suitable to the child’s age, interest and skill level. Use caution with toys that have small parts or

sharp pieces that could injure a younger child Says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Look for well-made toys. Avoid toys that produce loud noises. High-volume games can permanently impair a child’s hearing, and loud sounds can frighten a younger child. Avoid toys painted with lead paint. Avoid electrical toys with heating elements (batteries, electrical plugs) for children under the age of 8. These toys are a potential burn hazard. Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches, which can wrap around a child’s neck and accidentally strangle him or her. Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things for young children. A Gift is Not Complete Unless Proper Protective Gear is Included. Bicycles, skates, scooters and skateboards are popular gifts for the holidays, but if children lack the proper protective gear or skills, injury and death can occur.

Remember, don’t burn holiday wrappings in your fireplace… You’re tree’s nice and dry by now. Keep it away from the fireplace and candles. It needs lots of water and now is a good time to limit the light usage as much as possible. Properly dispose of after Christmas. Sorry, it’s just

very dry by now! For an even Merrier Christmas, Be patient, Be aware and Be Safe! If you have any questions about holiday safety contact your local fire department. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 20 to December 26, 2012

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

SPORTS SCENE BEST CLASS EVER???

by Mike Livingston

f you look hard at the stock of the NFL or it’s high profile, successful quarterbacks over the last several years they seem to have something in common…..they have come into the league more ready to play; more “game ready” having had more extensive training during their youth through camps and individualized training. They have had the ability to start in high schools at a younger age where those coaches have also been onboard with the trend of developing THEIR programs and developing quarterbacks from a younger age and building their programs around these underclassmen and creating little “football factories”. We just saw a sacred barrier broken wherein the Heisman Trophy went to a

freshman, let alone an underclassman. Johnny Manziel at Texas A & M has the world at his feet (seemingly) but is this a guarantee that he’ll stay for all four of his college football eligibility years? The past says no, although here are some exceptions…..see Matt Barclay and ask him if he would do it another way if given the opportunity to have gone in the last draft rather than return this year to USC for what has become a nightmare for him personally and for his team. His draft stock has plummeted and he has perhaps, cost himself millions…..of course there’s the antithesis…..see Mark Sanchez, Barclay’s predecessor at SC who was begged by his college coach Pete Carroll NOT to go a year early and it appears Carroll was right….he wasn’t ready!

That said, look at the Class of 2012 as far as what has transpired on the field with two weeks still to play…..nine rookies have now started this season with a few others poised to possibly do the same. 1982 has long been regarded at the most talent-rich NFL draft, Quarterbacks specifically in the history of the game with names like Elway, Marino and the like having all come out the same year and thrived. That said, look what is happening right in front of us! Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson, Ryan Tannehill, Colin Kappernick & now they’re joined by the likes of Nick Foles (replacing Mike Vice); Steven Ridley (former SDSU’er in Arizona), even Kirk Cousins backing up RGIII and winning a game, on the road assist in proving that this is, perhaps, the single most talent-rich

draft of all-time……and Matt Barkley chose to stay in school! To catch-up on everything in the world of college and pro football you need, the big news in local sports talk radio continues to be “The Clubhouse with Mike Livingston” radio show on KNEWS 94.3 FM, Saturdays mornings from 6 – 8 a.m. Tune in and get your fix each week! Join me as we talk sports here in the valley and across the globe! The Clubhouse, Saturday mornings from on KNEWS 94.3 FM…… Mike Livingston is the Host of The Clubhouse Radio Show on KNEWS 94.3 FM on Saturday Mornings from 6:00-8:00 a.m.; Additionally, Mike is the Director of Management for Personalized Property Management Company, in Cathedral City.

15th Annual Tour de Palm Springs Raffle Tickets Now Available C

Riding or not, support Valley charities

VSPIN, producers of the annual Tour de Palm Springs, announces the availability of raffle tickets. All proceeds raised from the tickets are given to charities participating in the Tour. Tickets can be purchased for one dollar each through the charities involved, in which the proceeds are given back to that particular charity, or by contacting CVSPIN in which proceeds are distributed among the charities. A complete list of the participating charities can be found at the following link: http://www. tourdepalmsprings.com/2013-Charities Raffle ticket purchases can be made directly by contacting the charity of choice. An extensive list of raffle prizes includes a wide range of awards including bicycles, amusement park tickets, beautiful jewelry,

a Tiffany Pitcher and steins, sports paraphernalia, golf, BNP Paribas Open tickets, McCallum Theatre tickets, movie passes, hotel stays, dining certificates, retail gift cards, and more. The Grand Prize is a spectacular pendant created specifically

for the Tour. Winners do not need to be present to win. A complete list of prizes can be seen at the following link: http:// www.tourdepalmsprings.com/Raffle The Tour de Palm Springs ride is scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 2013,

with a two-day Vendor Expo starting Friday. Live entertainment with Tour de Jazz on Friday evening features six bands playing at various locations throughout the Expo held downtown on Palm Canyon Drive. One of the largest charitable bicycle rides in the U.S., the event brings together 10,000 plus bicyclists from all over the world riding 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 55, or 100 miles. Every year the Tour has generated a significant amount of money to support local nonprofit organizations. Last year $275,000 was raised and donated to local charities. All the money stays in the Valley. For more information and registration for the Tour de Palm Springs visit www. tourdepalmsprings.com or call (760) 6744700.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 20 to December 26, 2012

Coping with the Holiday Blues T

he Holidays are upon us and for many people that means counting our blessings, eating, spending time with family and friends, gifting and perhaps even reflecting on our lives. Partying and consumer madness aside, there can be a profound sense of gratitude that comes from counting one’s blessings. This is a time of year when the depths of our relationships are measured and celebrated. However, this is also a time of year that can be very stressful for a variety of reasons. Unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others, thoughts of not measuring up, and family estrangement can turn the season of joy into a season of sadness and anxiety. Despite media portrayal of the Beaver Cleaver family as the norm, many families are dysfunctional, and the holidays can be a nightmare rather than a blissful time of celebration. For LGBT people there’s the stress around family acceptance of sexual orientation or gender identity. Those who participate in family gatherings for the holidays feel the added pressure of either hiding a part of who they are, or fighting to gain equal recognition for their partner. Those who are estranged from family feel

the sadness associated with rejection. And for those who are “orphaned” and bereft of family, the loneliness is more acute. LGBT seniors often find the holidays difficult because the emphasis is so much on family, and many of us don’t have family. Parents have died, and if we didn’t have children, there is no younger generation to embrace us at this time of year. Siblings, nieces and nephews may be geographically far away, and there are no grandchildren to fuss over. Historically, LGBT people have formed chosen families, “logical kin” consisting of friends, to make up for this void in their lives, but during the holidays, it’s

hard not to feel the loss of family support. In order to make the holidays a time of joy rather than of sadness or stress, it’s important to plan in advance what you want to do to celebrate the season, and to thoughtfully decide what’s realistic, within your budget, and “stress-free”. Developing a plan ahead of time gives you something to look forward to and ensures that you are setting goals for yourself that are manageable and realistic. When feelings of inadequacy overwhelm, and loneliness or sadness surface, it’s important to talk with someone about those feelings. Often, the best person to talk to is a therapist someone objective, professionally trained, and empathetic. The LGBT Community Center of the Desert has a counseling center where we see clients of any age on a sliding scale, regardless of ability to pay or insurance. There is also a specialized program for seniors to deal with the symptoms of isolation and apathy related to late life depression. So, whether it’s sadness, the stress of the holidays or any other problem, we are here to help.

Jill Gover, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist PSY13880 Director of Counseling and Wellness Programs The LGBT Community Center of the Desert 611 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Suite 201 Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760-416-7899 drgover@thecenterps.org

THE LIVING DESERT OFFERS HOLIDAY ZOO CAMP FOR KIDS

Enrollment for 4-sessions in December and January Underway

he winter break for Coachella Valley schools is quickly approaching, which means, what do you do with your kids? The Living Desert is providing the perfect solution to keep kids busy and entertained during their winter break with Holiday Zoo Camp!

• December 28-29 • December 31-January 1 • January 2-3 For more information contact the Education Department at ZooCamp@ LivingDesert.org or by calling 760-3465694 x 2501, or visit www.LivingDesert. org. This fun camp for kids ages 4-14, is filled with activities, including Behind the Scenes Tours, Animal Encounters, Zoo Keeper Visits and more. “Getting outdoors at this time of year to learn about desert plants and animals is as much fun for us as it is for the kids!” said

Mike Chedester, Curator of Education for The Living Desert. Each 2-day camp session is from 8:30am until noon and costs $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Dates for the Holiday ZooCamp are: • December 26-27

December 20 to December 26, 2012

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of December 20

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Isaac Newton is regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history. But the time he spent as a member of the English Parliament was undistinguished. The only public comment he ever made while serving there was a request to close the window because he was cold. Basketball star Michael Jordan had a similar schism. In the prime of his outstanding career, he took a year off to try playing baseball, which he did poorly. After analyzing 2013’s astrological aspects, Aries, I’m guessing that you should cultivate a firm intention to avoid doing what Newton and Jordan did. Keep playing to your strengths and emphasizing what you love. Don’t get sidetracked by peripheral concerns. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In 2013, I’d like to help you cultivate an even more reliable relationship with your intuitions and hunches than you already have. You may not need much guidance from me, since the astrological omens indicate this will happen quite naturally. There’s another kind of inspiration I hope to offer you in the coming months: clues about how to be “bad” in ways that will give your goodness more vigor. And when I say “bad,” I’m not referring to nastiness or insensitivity, but rather to wildness and playfulness and experimentation. Here’s one further service I want to provide, Taurus: helping you build a greater capacity to receive gifts, blessings, and support. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the year 1900, few people believed that human beings would ever fly through the sky in machines. Most scientists thought that such a feat was impossible. For years, the Wright Brothers had a hard time convincing anyone to believe their flights were actually taking place, even though they had photos and witness reports as documentation. Although the leap you’ll be capable of in 2013 isn’t quite as monumental as the Wright Brothers’, it could be pretty important in the history of your own life. You may also have to deal with skepticism akin to what they had to face. Be true to your vision, Gemini! CANCER (June 21-July 22): In 2013, I predict you will see why it’s wise to phase out an influence you have loved to hate for far too long. Uncoincidentally, you will also have a talent for purging emotional burdens and psychic debris that you’ve been holding on to since the bad old days. No later than your birthday, if all goes well, you will be free from a subtle curse you’ve been casting on yourself; you will finally be attending to one of your longneglected needs; and you will have turned some rather gawky, half-assed wizardry into a smooth and silky magic. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 2013, I pledge to help you raise your lovability. It’s not that you are unlovable now, of course, but there’s always room for improvement, right? And if people become even more attracted to you than they already are, then you’re likely to get a lot of collaborative and cooperative work done. You will thrive as you and your allies work on projects that make your corner of the world a better and more interesting place. So what are the first three actions you could take to raise your lovability? VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): First question: Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m afraid I will never achieve my noblest dreams or live according to my highest ideas”? Answer: There’s a very good chance that in the coming year you will banish that fear from the sacred temple of your imagination. Second question: Have you ever wondered if maybe you unconsciously undermine the efforts of people who are trying to assist you? Answer: In the coming months you should discover exactly what to do to prevent such a thing from happening. Third question: Do you know the single most important question you should be asking in 2013? Answer: I predict you will figure that out sometime in the next three weeks. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 2013, I will be encouraging you to journey into the frontiers and

experiment with the unknown. I will seek to inspire you to go in search of teachings you’ve needed for a long time. Are you ready for this expansion, Libra? Are you feeling a natural urge to explore forbidden zones and discover missing secrets and mess with your outmoded taboos? As you might imagine, doing this work would motivate you to develop a healthier relationship with your fears. To bolster your courage, I suggest you find some new freedom songs to sing. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 2013, I will do what I can to ensure that your fiscal biorhythms are in close alignment with the universal cash flow. You should have pretty good instincts about this worthy project yourself, Scorpio. And so there’s an excellent chance that your wealth will increase. The upgrade will be especially dramatic if you are constantly scheming about how you can share your riches and benefit other people with your generosity. I think there will also be an interesting fringe benefit if you maintain maximum integrity as you enhance your access to valuable resources: You will develop a more useful relationship with your obsessive tendencies. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 2013, I pledge to conspire with you to achieve more mixtures, connections, accords, and unifications than you ever thought possible. I will furthermore be a fount of suggestions about how you can live well in two worlds. I will coach you to create a peace treaty with your evil twin and your nemesis, and I will help you develop a knack for steering clear of other people’s bad ideas and sour moods. I can’t of course guarantee that you will never again experience a broken heart, but I swear I will do everything I can do to heal the broken part of your heart that you’ve been suffering from. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): When he was 21, the Capricorn writer Jack London set off to prospect for gold in the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. He had a rough time there. Malnourished, he suffered from scurvy and leg pain. To make matters worse, he didn’t find much gold, and returned home broke. On the other hand, he met scores of adventure seekers who told him stories of their travels. These tales served as rich raw material for his novel The Call of the Wild, published in 1903. It made him famous and is generally regarded as his masterpiece. I’m guessing you will begin a similar trajectory in 2013, Capricorn. Events that may at first seem less than successful will ultimately breed a big breakthrough. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I can’t force you to seek more pleasure in 2013. I won’t nag you to play harder and explore the frontiers of feeling really good. However, I will say this: If you don’t plan to put yourself into at least partial alignment with the cosmic mandate to have maximum fun, you may not get the best use out of the advice I’ll be offering though my horoscopes in the coming year. Please consider the possibility of ramping up your capacity for pure enjoyment. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The study of ancient Mayan civilization owes a lot to the fact that Americans started buying lots of chewing gum in the late 19th century. Huh? Here’s the connection: For a long time, chicle was one of the prime ingredients in Chiclets, Juicy Fruit, Bazooka bubble gum, and many other brands of chewing gum. Chicle is obtained from the sap of sapodilla trees, which grow in abundance in Central America and Mexico. Over the decades, workers harvesting the chicle accidentally found many Mayan ruins covered in overgrown vegetation, then told archaeologists about their discoveries. I foresee a metaphorically comparable sequence happening in your life during 2013. In unexpected ways, you will be put back in touch with and benefit from lost, forgotten, or unexplored parts of the past. Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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Health Fitness & beauty

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December 20 to December 26, 2012

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Bronwyn Ison, Yoga Instructor RYT 200 Private, Group, and Classes Available Weekly Classes at Empire Polo Club Indio, California

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Where your mind meets your mat

t is the season for sharing. The holiday season is the time of year we focus on sharing with loved ones and those less fortunate. We try our best to spread joy and good cheer to all, but we may be unaware of the germs we’re spreading too. We run around doing frantic last minute shopping, touching a larger than usual number of door handles, stylus pens and shopping carts without giving much thought to the last person that may have sniffled and sneezed all over it. And while some people should just stay home, most push through to make sure the holidays go off without a hitch. There are even others who have no idea they’ve been spreading germs to a virus they don’t even know they have. Yes, it is possible to spread the germs of a cold and flu virus before you even experience your first symptom. So, how do you avoid falling victim to the the cold and flu? Here are some tips on how to stay healthy: Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based sanitizer. Germs can live up to 72 hours on a surface, so wash, wash and wash some more. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the garbage can after you use it. Then wash or sanitize your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, then cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm. Avoid expelling germs directly into your hand, which you’ll then use to touch everything you come in contact with until they’re washed. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes with you in order to successfully complete the previous steps. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Avoid sharing beverages and chic cheek kisses when the flu is going around. If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks. A fever means you’re contagious.

Please spare the rest of us. Sleep. Our bodies heal when at rest, so get some Z’s! Get some sun, or swallow it in pill form. Vitamin D is your friend and physicians are recommending a couple of large doses at the onset of illness will help reduce the damage, if not stop it completely. Eat healthy foods. A diet full of antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients will help maintain health. Exercise. Yes, raising your heart rate regularly is proven to improve the function of your immune system. Relax! Stress sabotages the immune system. If you find you keep getting sick, it may be time to take a chill pill. Of course, if you’re experiencing severe symptoms you should seek medical help. The advice above does not substitute the care of a physician. Your doctor will most likely recommend getting vaccinated before the cold and flu season even starts. A few doctors will tell you not to bother, as the vaccines only target the three most popular strains of the virus. We can all strive to do our best to prevent and protect ourselves and loved ones from getting sick this season. A bottle of hand sanitizer in a stocking sure beats a lump of coal and a cold!

December 20 to December 26, 2012

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Customer Appreciation Day

Come join us for Music, Food & Beverages December 22, 2012 12PM-4:00pm Raffling off gift sets and 32” flat screen TV

Book Signing by Ed Rosenthal 3:00PM drawing. Must be present with ticket to win!

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

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December 20 to December 26, 2012

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December 20 to December 26, 2012

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Crater Lake Vodka & Gin For The Holidays

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