Desert Star Weekly Jan. 13, 2023 issue

desert STAR

E E K L Y

Indian Wells Cruisin’

By Desert Star Staff Indian Wells, CA –

The Palm Springs Cuisin’ Association’s 19th Annual Dr. George Charity Car Show is set for Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 9:00 AM

to 3:00 PM. The desert’s premier car show returns to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. As the main annual fundraising event hosted

by the association, the Dr. George Car Show is the largest one-day event in the region and the most famous car show in the Valley. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Desert Cancer Foundation

OTC Birth Control Urged as CVS, Walgreens Plan to Sell Abortion Pill

By Desert Star Staff

CVS and Walgreens have announced they will sell abortion medication at pharmacies after the FDA announced it allows mifepristone to be bought over the counter with a prescription. Advocates applaud the move and say over-the-counter birth control access would help more women take control of their reproductive health.

Victoria Nichols, project director of a group called Free the Pill, said women often have to take time off from work or school or find transportation or child care to get into a doctor’s

office to get a prescription.

“Bringing a birthcontrol pill over the counter would address some of the unnecessary hoops folks have to jump through to get to a clinic visit to get a provider to give them a prescription,” Nichols said.

Research from KFF finds that contraceptive care is falling short nationwide when it comes to access, cost, and patient needs and preferences.

Nichols added the FDA is currently considering proposals for overthe-counter or “OTC” birth-control pills.

“Right now, we know

two companies pursuing an RX-to-OTC switch. One is focused on a progestinonly pill, and the other is focused on a combined oral contraceptive,” she said.

Last fall, Kentucky voters rejected anti-abortion ballot measure Amendment 2.

Joseph Hammer, a Lexington resident and volunteer for Showing up for Racial Justice, said he talked with Kentuckians from across the political aisle about the right to an abortion and recounted the story of speaking at length on the phone with

(DCF) to provide financial assistance for local residents undergoing cancer care.

The car show will feature about 1,100 vehicles displayed across the 18plus acres at the Indian

states to show exotic and sports cars, ranging from restored to classic and hot rods. Also featured will be “movie” cars we all know and love

Wells Tennis Garden. Show participants come from several neighboring

Andrew Poturalski and Ryker Evans to Represent Firebirds at The 2023 AHL All-Star Classic see page 4.

19th Annual Dr. George Charity Car Show Returns to Indian Wells Tennis Garden

CA Anti-Hunger Groups Slam Governor’s Proposed Budget

By Desert Star Staff

Groups that fight hunger say they’re “deeply disappointed” in the new budget proposal released Tuesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Last year, the Legislature approved $40 million to expand food assistance to low-income people over age 55, regardless of immigration status. But now, the governor wants to delay it until 2027.

Betzabel Estudillo, director of engagement for the group Nourish California - part of the Food 4 All Campaign - said she hoped the California Food Assistance Program would be expanded starting next year.

“It’s just not what we were expecting, considering how much California immigrants struggle to access the food they need,” said Estudillo. “With inflation and the high

cost of food, immigrant families are really, really hurting right now. “

The governor’s budget projects a more than $22 billion gap in the next fiscal year.

Right now, the California Food Assistance Program provides income-eligible, legal immigrants with a monthly electronic benefit transfer card - similar to CalFreshthat can be used at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

However, it does not cover undocumented people, DACA recipients, or people with Temporary Protected Status.

Estudillo said the “Food 4 All” coalition had also asked for $548 million a year to include Californians age 54 and under in the program regardless of immigration status.

But that wasn’t part of the

governor’s

“We’re committed to working with the legislative leadership and the governor’s office,” said Estudillo, “to ensure that all Californians, regardless of age or immigration

status, have timely access to the food they need. No exceptions, no exclusions.”

Expanding the program to income-eligible immigrants over age 55 would cover 75,000 people.

Last year, the Legislative

Analyst’s

that 690,000 and 840,000 Californians would meet the income requirements if the program was expanded to all ages.

OTC Birth Control Urged as CVS, Walgreens Plan to Sell Abortion Pill

one pro-life resident. “I say, ‘So, can you

commit to voting no on constitutional Amendment 2 in November?’ And he said he would vote no. And

so this is a self-identified conservative pro-life guy voting no. And that’s why this amendment was

Indian Wells Cruisin’

from our favorite Hollywood flicks. The event culminates with awards of various trophies and the “Best in Show” for particular interest and young guns overall.

In addition to the many cars, the show offers exciting highlights such as the Dr. George Pedal Car Race, featuring our youngest aspiring drivers dressed in racing attire and driving mini vehicles. Pedal car races are sponsored by local businesses that have the opportunity to brand pedal cars and racing gear worn

by the kids. In addition, pedal cars are auctioned off after the race to raise additional funds for DCF and the local YMCA.

The Dr. George car show is a fun family event that benefits individuals and families in our community impacted by Cancer. This is just one of the ways PSCA and DCF work to improve our community. There are plenty of spectacular cars to photograph; the show will also include a silent auction and raffles, live music, food and beverage trucks, and other vendors with car-related and other

fun items for purchase. No pre-registration is required from spectators, and an entry fee of $10 is collected at the gate on the day of the show.

The 2020 Dr. George Car Show hosted over 1,000 cars, welcomed over 8,000 patrons in one day and raised an impressive $120,000 for the Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF). In addition, the Cruisin Association has raised and donated over 1.1 million dollars to DCF. Thanks to strategic partnerships with our local healthcare community, this translates to over $10 million in cancer care and treatment.

defeated,” Hammer said. Volunteers in Jefferson and Boyd counties made more than 100,000 calls

to Kentuckians and held more than 20,000 conversations with voters.

Source: Nadia Ramlagan

PSCA is very grateful for the following organizations who have stepped up to provide significant sponsorship for this show: Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Honda & Toyota of the Desert, Coachella Valley Ford Dealers-Palm Springs Motors & Fiesta Ford, Ferrari of Rancho Mirage, and Indian Springs Country Club and Big Rock Pub.

PSCA has also organized an incredible giveaway to raise additional funds for Desert Cancer Foundation. Until February 11, the crew

is holding an opportunity drawing to win a NEW 2023 Z51 Corvette Stingray Convertible. Equipped with a 496-hp V8 engine. To enter, visit: www.C8contest. org and use promo code PSCA50 for 50% bonus entries. The winner will be drawn and announced one week after the car show, on February 18.

For more information on the car show or the Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association, please visit: https:// palmspringscruisinassociation. com/ or contact info@ palmspringscruisinassociation. com.

initial proposal.

Office estimated

By Desert Star Staff

Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSYNC, Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray, Ryan Cabrera, O Town, and

LFO are set to rock the Morongo Grand Ballroom on Saturday, January 28.

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa – Relive the music of

the 1990s and 2000s with some of the biggest pop and stage performers of the time when the nationwide Pop 2000 Tour makes

a one-night stop at the Morongo Grand Ballroom on Saturday, January 28.

Hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSYNC,

the lineup includes Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray, singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera, O Town, and LFO.

“Pop 2000 will transform Saturday night with fun, upbeat music and dancing with some of the biggest pop stars of the past,” said Simon Farmer, Morongo’s Executive Director of Marketing. “Get ready to make new memories when a powerhouse lineup from the past hits the stage live.”

Tickets are on sale now for $39, 49, or $59 via Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. All ages are welcome at the front; minors must be accompanied by an adult. For information, visit morongocasinoresort.com. ••••••• •••••••

By Desert Star Staff

PALM DESERT, CA

– The American Hockey League has announced the rosters for the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic, presented by Bell in collaboration with Manulife Bank. Firebirds forward Andrew Poturalski and defenseman Ryker Evans have been selected to represent the AHL’s Pacific Division in Laval, Quebec, Canada, on Sunday, February 5th, and Monday, February 6th.

This is Andrew Poturalski’s second AHL All-Star selection, having played in the event during the 2020-21 season as a member of the San Diego Gulls. Poturalski is currently tied for the Firebirds’ team lead in points with 35 (9 goals, 26 assists). The Williamsville, NY native

is a two-time Calder Cup Champion and has led the AHL in scoring over the past two regular seasons, earning the JB Sullenberger Trophy.

Ryker Evans is set to make his AHL All-Star Classic debut. In his rookie season, Evans has 21 points (3 goals, 18 assists) in 32 games. The Calgary, AB native now leads all rookies in +/- with a +18 rating and is tied for the league lead for most points by a rookie defenseman. Evans was drafted in the second round (35th overall) by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

The 2023 AHL AllStar Classic presented by Bell includes the AHL All-Star Skills Competition on Sunday, February 5th, and the AHL All-Star Challenge on Monday,

February 6th, both at Place Bell in Laval, QC.

The event also includes the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony, featuring the Hall of Fame inductions of David Andrews, Keith Aucoin, Nolan Baumgartner, Dave

Creighton, and Bill Torrey. The ceremony is scheduled for the morning of February 6th at Théâtre MarcellinChampagnat on the campus of Collège Laval.

The entire Season, partial plans, and group tickets are also on sale

for the Firebirds’ inaugural Season. For more information and to purchase your ticket plan, please visit www.cvfirebirds.com or call 760-835-8778.

Also, view the team’s entire game and promotional schedule, including theme night events, at www. cvfirebirds.com/schedule.

Chris Kirkpatrick

Mark McGrath - Sugar Ray