Desert Star Weekly Jan. 18, 2017

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Mary Martin and event producer, Diana Marlo at the 10th Annual Desert Woman’s Show at the Aqua Caliente, see page 2. Photo by Pat Krause.

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January 18, 2017 Vol. 10 No. 05

Clyboure Park

(L-R) Theresa Jewett, Phylicia Mason, David Youse, Robert Rancano, Desireé Clarke, Robert Ramirez and Rob Hubler. Photography by Clark Dugger

Dezart performs thought provoking comedy in Palm Springs

By Jack Lyons, Theatre and Film Critic The American theatre has a real-life, intrepid, grownup playwright in Bruce Norris who is isn’t intimidated by questionable social mores that have been sequestered and festering under society’s radar screens for decades.

“Clybourne Park”, is

an in-your-face comedy under the clever direction of Artistic Director Michael Shaw that deftly navigates the turbulent waters of America’s history with racism.

Act One is set in segregated Chicago’s Clybourne Park northwest side neighborhood in 1959.

Act Two is set in the same

KMIR News Staff COACHELLA VALLEY -White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest confirmed Tuesday that President Barack Obama and his family will vacation in Palm Springs following Donald Trump’s inauguration. ``The First Family is looking forward to flying to Palm Springs, California on Friday,’’ Earnest said during his final press briefing before his boss leaves the White House. “The president vowed to take his family to a destination that is warmer than Washington, and Palm Springs fits the bill,’’ he said.

Rumors of the Obamas visiting the Coachella Valley surfaced Monday.

It’s unclear how long the Obamas will be in the Palm Springs area before returning to the Washington, D.C., area, where they plan to remain while youngest daughter Sasha finishes high school. Her sister, Malia, graduated last year.

But rumors have long circulated that the Coachella Valley could become their ultimate home.

Obama has made multiple visits to the area, both on official business as well as golfing with his boyhood friends in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and La Quinta. Source: KMIR

neighborhood, in the same house, fifty years later. Both acts deliver the comedy’s many ‘seat-squirming’ moments where the characters tell it like it is, at least, from their perspectives.

The candid dialogue results in thought-provoking comedy with hard edges and loads of laughs. One could say, that

the shock-of-recognitioneffect, allows for both positive and negative points of view to feel liberated enough to engage head to head, in an honest depiction of life in Chicago of the 1950s and fifty years later. It’s a case of what goes around comes around and, it’s hilariously performed.

Director Shaw has

gathered an intelligent and talented cast of seven local performers and one Los Angeles Equity actor that deliver the comedy goods no matter whose bull is being gored. Leading the terrific ensemble cast in order of appearance are: Continues on Page 12

White House Press Secretary Confirms That Obamas Wil Visit Palm Springs on Friday

‘Elle” staring Isabell Huppert Story and Photos by Pat Krause The Palm Springs International Film Festival brought the latest Golden Globe winner, Isabell Huppert, to the Camelot Theatre with the Golden Globe winning film, Elle. Huppert won the 2017 Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama for her performance in the film, ELLE, which was awarded the Golden Globe for the Best Motion Picture-ForeignLanguage film. Huppert was also given the Fipresci prize for Best Actress in a ForeignLanguage film by the PSIFF. Huppert plays a very powerful woman who was

raped but does not report it to the police and does everything wrong for a woman who was just raped. She tells her friends but won’t go near the police because of fear. The film has a twisted plot about this woman and her life. Her father who was a killer and serving time in prison shaped her life and her disrespect for the police.

Her moral values and sexual desires are key to the films’ story line. The story about the rape was just a minor detail in the film. The director took you through a suspense filled time on who is the rapist and her sexual encounters with other men. Her jealousy about her ex-husband and her affairs

with her friend’s husbands.

Huppert does a fantastic job of acting in this perverse film. The provocative film was a French film and had subtitles which I think always take a bit away from the dialogue by the actor or actress. There was a bit of nudity in the film along with moral issues portrayed sometimes a funny way.

Huppert arrived at the Camelot Theatre to walk the Red Carpet and talk to the press about her acting in the film. She said she read the book before signing on to do the film. She said she never talked to someone who was raped because it wasn’t necessary for this role, and it really wasn’t about rape.

PSIFF Closing Night Story and Photos by Pat Krause The Palm Springs International Film Festival, PSIFF, held its closing night film at the Palm Springs High School. They bought the iconic, Robert De Niro, to the Red Carpet and had him return for a Q & A which thrilled all the movie goers. To bring an actor of his stature to Palm Springs and the PSIFF put a final highlight to a very successful film festival. In addition, they brought De Niro’s leading lady, in the film, Leslie Mann, and the extremely well known, Taylor Hackford to the Red Carpet and the Q & A. The Movie was, The Comedian, which had many in the audience laughing out loud and others not liking the language in the jokes. Just like the film you either liked the character or thought he was crude and mean with the jokes.

The after party was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Palm Springs and valet parking was a big help with so many people attending. Hundreds of people descended into the hotel’s ballroom where snacks, food, drinks, desserts

Golden Globe winner Isabelle Huppert for the movie ELLE. Photo

by Pat Krause

Leslie Mann and Robert De Niro. Photo by Pat Krause PSIFF Chairman Harold Matzner, J R Robert and Ginny Foat.

Photo by Pat Krause and entertainment awaited.

Guests were talking about the films they had seen or the closing night film. It was interesting to hear that some enjoyed a certain film, and others didn’t like it at all. That shows the diversity of the many films that were presented.

This too was a sold out film like most of the films in

the festival. The Q & A was so interesting that few left the theater to go to the final after party. The writer, Art Linson, joined in the Q & A and Michael Lerman served as the moderator. They brought out huge overstuffed chairs for everyone to sit in. After the Q & persons surrounded the stage to be able to take a

close up photo of the actors or to shake their hand.

I talked to a few guests who had viewed at least 14 or more films and others were sorry that they didn’t watch more. Some said they had chosen a certain type of film while others just took a chance at the film’s content and country where it was made. People roamed the after party looking for friends to say good-bye to as the last

Film had been shown and the last after party was held. The DJ played music the whole time, and many took the opportunity to do a little dancing on the dance floor. All in all, a fun way to end a festival in high style. A few movie fans were excited to be able to see the Best of the Fest, films that were shown on the Monday after the festival not wanting the festival to end.

Story and Photos by Pat Krause The 10th yearly Desert Woman’s Show was held on Sat. and Sun. January 14th and 15th at the Aqua Caliente Resort Spa Casino.

This annual event is staged

by Marlo Productions. This is an important event for women as so many topics are on the agenda. A style show is held each day with Macy’s Mom & Me fashios by Eileen Fisher and Vince Camuto. Local women of all ages wore the spring designs on the runway. Gaby L’s fashions by Joseph Ribkiff and Alberto Makali were shown on Sunday afternoon. Scores of women were seated watching the many styles of clothing that were shown in a large white tent just outside the lobby area.

Guest’s speakers are a great part of the event and there was such a big variety of topics addressed. Some of the items of the agenda were, Heartbreak of Addiction, Tests that can save a Woman’s life force Vein Disease, Secrets to Longevity, and having Life and Love Leave a Legacy.

Chefs spoke on Organic’s foods, Cooking Raw and Fresh and Fresh Foods to the Table. One speaker showed women how to make perfume with essentials oils. There was even a Pet Adoption area where you could take a cute puppy home with you.

The event lasts most of the day so there was a food court where you could get foods by a local vendor that

showed some of their signature dishes. Other vendors had wine and beverage tasting. A local trio provided entertainment while guests took time out to eat and get a refreshment.

A room full of more vendors was a woman’s paradise. There were racks of clothing, jewelry, purses and more to purchase.

You could get a massage or a facial and help with makeup.

Other vendors sold items to make wrinkles fade or make a face look younger with its use and other anti-aging products.

There was a vendor to help with addiction or spiritual help.

The lists of items discussed were varied. There was even a vendor to help with finances.

Women of all ages look forward to this annual event.

10th Annual Desert Woman’s Show at the Aqua Caliente

Local Woman, Lindi BIggi at the Style Show. Photo by Pat Krause

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January 18, 2017

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College Planning Incorporating Family Goals

By Janice Gough Laststage college planning takes place when most people get to that freshman or sophomore year in high school and realize, “Oops! Where did the last 15 years go?†” More than 40 million Americans have at least one outstanding student loan, according to U.S. Department of Education, and the amount of college debt owed by student borrowers has increased from $260 billion in 2004 to the astronomical figure of $1.3 trillion today.

In fact, college debt has

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & MANAGING EDITOR Max Liebermann __________________________ OFFICE MANAGER Mindy Salas ART DIRECTOR Dina Rivera ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS REPORTER Daniel Marinelli CONTRIBUTORS Beverly Cohn, Janice Gough, Jack Lyons, Kelly G. Richardson, Kevin Powell, Pamela Price, Risa D’Angeles, Robert Kinsler, Theda Kleinhans Reichman PHOTOGRAPHERS Pat Krause Daniel Marinelli Bruce Montgomery ADVERTISING ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Please Call 760-671-6604 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Arlette Capel INTERN Clarissa Ayala Desert Star Weekly 13-279 Palm Drive Suite 4 & 5, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-671-6604 All advertising in the Desert Star Weekly newspaper subject to current rate card.

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become such an epidemic that it ranks second only to home mortgages among consumer debt sectors in America nowadays. This year’s study finds that on average, parents are on track to reach just 29 percent of their college funding goal by the time their child heads to campus. Seventy percent of college graduates leave school with collegerelated debt. More than 50 percent of those polled were surprised at how much debt they accumulated during their time in school, and 39 percent say they would have made different choices about their education had they realized they were going to accumulate so much debt.

Section 529 College saving plans should be started when your child is young, but how can you be sure that college will be their desire.

These are custodial plans, where control of the funds is transferred from a parent to a child once he or she reaches a certain age, however, the parents do not retain control of the funds. The money in the account must be used toward college tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, or it will be subject to taxes.

In addition, the earnings from such an account — and any excess money left in the account after paying for college — can be taxed on both a federal and state level.

First, you should have a common-sense approach for

the family’s overall plan and goals. By not overspending for college, or jeopardizing the family retirement savings, and by reviewing all sources available for funding, which will not jeopardize long-term financial goals. Reviewing your family’s comprehensive plan to discover inefficiencies and finding sources that could be better used in college planning. Solutions for funding may be sources such as a 401(k) that’s been over-funded beyond the match from an employer, refinancing home loans, and cutting expenses or creating debt consolidation to free up assets.

One financial tool to consider is using nontraditional designs with cashvalue life insurance to more effectively and predictably pay for college. In recent years, product redesigns and developments such as Indexed Universal Life (IUL), have resulted in additional opportunities for families to be able to pay for college as well as fund retirement.

Funding the IUL then becomes a financial planning process. Premium payments above the cost of insurance are credited to the cash value, create the opportunity to realize growth using the compounding and tax efficiency. The benefits of IUL are that they help accumulate assets for the future in a tax-favored manner, minimize some of the tax burden on their savings, and

guarantee a death benefit to provide protection to ensure goal completion. Funding the policy at the maximum legal limit capitalizes on the opportunity for growth on a tax-favored basis, by using current resources. Cash from an indexed UL plan can be used as a supplement to financial aid, but because of its status as life insurance, it will not deem anyone ineligible or impact financialaid calculations. Additionally, parents can put money back into the policy to continue accumulating assets for their own retirement or to help pay for their longterm care expenses.

Using annuities can be

another source of funding.

Selecting the time frame of an annuity and withdrawal options available are necessary to provide the funding needed each year.

According to the College Board, earning a college degree can now cost from $52,000 to more than $130,000 -- and the cost is rising faster than the rate of inflation.

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. Other than the overall condition of the common areas, one of the first opportunities for associations to make a positive impression upon new members is at meetings of the board of directors. Where does a new owner learn how board meetings are conducted? No law requires associations to have meeting rules, but such rules can be extremely helpful to attendees and the board.

Much of the rules may be derived from statutes (Civil Code 4900-4955, aka Open Meeting Act) but the statutes do not answer all questions.

Topics which could be covered in meeting conduct rules could include: Who can attend board meetings? This is not an academic question. Under the Open Meeting Act, only members have the right to attend open meeting sessions, but what about tenants, non-owner spouses, attorneys, children of owners, and service providers?

The rules can confirm if anyone else can attend.

What is the order of business the HOA board usually follows? A model agenda can be included in the rules, to inform HOA members about the order in which things happen in board meetings.

How is open forum handled? Is it at the beginning or the end of meetings?

Can the board vote to have a special open forum on a limited issue during the meeting? What is the time limit on owner remarks?

Reasonable guidelines on open forum will be helpful.

What behavior is not permitted in board meetings?

Meeting rules should contain clear boundaries of behavior, boundaries which no reasonable person would defend. Rules should spell out what is not allowed, and help keep order during board meetings.

If someone disrupts the meeting, what does the board do? There is nothing more unfair to the board and the attending owners than when one or more owners hijack a

meeting with obstreperous behavior. I have attended meetings in which the goal of the disruptors was clearly to try to force the board to adjourn and not address certain issues on the board agenda. This is reprehensible behavior which should not be condoned. Rules should include an escalation of response toward disruptive attendees. The escalation should start with a warning from the chair, followed by a motion of the board of censure (asking the owner to quiet down), followed by a motion to eject the offending owner from the meeting.

It is not fair to anyone to allow bullies to stymie the board from handling the association’s business.

If the homeowner is called to a hearing, what will happen? So often I attend disciplinary hearings or reimbursement hearings in which the HOA member called to the hearing is simply lost, not knowing what is expected from them or how to proceed.

Meeting rules can explain how disciplinary and common area damage reimbursement

hearings are conducted. This would inform members how best to prepare, resulting in better and fairer hearings.

What happens in closed sessions, which homeowners often see as mysterious?

Why not include in the rules an explanation of what the law allows boards to address in closed sessions – and such rules may remind the board as well.

Meeting conduct rules can be a very positive statement about what a community values. Take some time, consult association legal counsel, and create and adopt some clear and reasonable association meeting rules.

Janice Gough is Financial Adviser in Palm Springs.

She can be reached at janice@goughinsurance. com or via phone at (760) 251-7724 or (650) 2008291. Contact Janice for a Complimentary evaluation.

Unruly Meetings or Meeting Rules

January 18, 2017

Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and Managing Partner of Richardson Harman Ober PC, a law firm known for community association advice. Submit questions to KRichardson@ RHOpc.com. Past columns at www.HOAHomefront. com. All rights reserved®.

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Philanthropy Booms, But Giving for Social Justice Stays Flat

By Desert Star Staff NEW YORK – Foundations receiving tax-deductible contributions are booming, but a new report says little of the new money pouring in makes its way to those working on social justice issues.

The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) report says between 2003 and 2013, which included the Great Recession, the assets of the country’s grant-making foundations increased by more than $320 billion.

But report author Ryan Schlegel says little of that new money reached those who suffered the most during that same decade.

“While grant-making from the 1,000 largest foundations in the United States for underserved communities grew by a little bit, about 5 percentage points, grant-making for social justice philanthropy was stagnant,” he points out.

The report defines “social

justice organizations” as notfor-profit groups working for structural changes that will benefit those who are least well off politically, economically and socially.

However, there are a few fundraisers that give half or more of their grants to social-justice organizations.

Maria Mottola, director of the New York Foundation, points out that her organization’s donors get tax breaks for the money they give which, in a very real way, makes it public money.

“So, if we are privileged enough to have control over it, we should be thinking about whether we’re using it for the greater good, not just in ways that are selfserving,” she states.

According to NCRP data, 61 percent of New York Foundation grants go to social-justice organizations.

But Schlegel notes that, in the 11 years of the study, the 1,000 largest foundations

gave an average of less than one-third (31 percent) of their total grant-making dollars to under-served communities.

“And social justice grantmaking was still only about 10 percent,” he states. “And

By Desert Star Staff Young people have half the wealth and earn 20 percent less than Baby Boomers did when they were at the same stage in life, despite being more educated than other generations of young adults, according to a new report.

Analyzing data from the Federal Reserve, the advocacy group Young Invincibles released a report Friday detailing the “significant generational declines in financial security between the Millennial and Baby Boomer generations.”The group compared young adults aged 25 to 34 in 1989, to those of the same age in 2013. After adjusting for inflation, analysts found that the median income for young people dropped by $10,000, from $50,910 in 1989, to $40,581 in 2013.

In addition, young people’s net wealth declined by 56 percent in the span of 25 years, partly due to the rising cost of a college education. The report found that the average tuition at a four-year public college nearly tripled from $3,454 in 1989, to $9,410.30.

Young people who earned

a college degree were not protected from a decline in financial security, as the average student who took out student loans saw their assets decline 71 percent, while nondebtors only saw their netwealth decline 45 percent.

College graduates in 2013 also earned 25 percent less than Baby Boomers with a degree in 1989, which is equivalent to the income earned by a high school graduate at the time.

Despite the gap, the report finds that in the long run, “a college degree – with or without debt – is still worth it.”Millennials with a degree have better paying jobs, are more likely to own a home, and have more retirement savings than their non-college graduate peers, the report finds.

While income has gone down for young people across the board, white millennials are still earning significantly more than their AfricanAmerican and Latino peers.

Today, young AfricanAmericans earn 57 cents for every dollar earned by their white peers, and they own a tenth of the assets.

Since the 1980s, young African-Americans have lost significant ground in their net-wealth, only having a third of the assets that their Boomer predecessors had.

Latinos fared better, earning 64 cents for every dollar their white peers earn.

They also have a more secure financial foothold than Latinos of the same age did 25 years ago, earning 29 percent more, with more retirement savings, and more net wealth.

African-American and Latino young adults currently own homes at about half the rate of their white peers.

The report shows a new trend, where young people are earning less than their parents and grandparents.

“These findings uncover that Millennials have been set back significantly, by not just the Great Recession but by decades-long financial trends,” Tom Allison, Deputy Director of Policy and Research for Young Invincibles, writes on their site.

“In many ways, the situation facing young adults today forecasts the financial challenges ahead for the nation,” he said.

From 2003 to 2013, assets of charitable foundations grew by $321 billion. (Nat’l. Committee for Responsive Philanthropy) both of those are pretty troublingly low when you consider the challenges that are facing those underserved communities, and our nation as a whole.”

The NCRP report asks

if foundations will continue to enjoy generous tax benefits in a political climate that’s increasingly hostile to inequality, or if they can change course to better guard the public trust they’ve been given.

Millennials earn less, owe more than Baby Boomers at same age – report

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Groups Push Texas Legislature to Fund Full-Day Pre-K

By Desert Star Staff AUSTIN, Texas – Children’s advocates are aiming to convince the Texas Legislature to fund all-day pre-kindergarten classes in the 2018-2019 budget and beyond.

The Children’s Defense Fund-Texas and others hold a roundtable discussion in Austin Friday, to share reasons to permanently fund what is now a temporary, grant-based program.

Patrick Bresette, the fund’s executive director, says expanding pre-K will bring major benefits to some of the state’s neediest children.

“When you enter a session with some concerns about the overall revenue available, there are competing priorities,” he states. “But it’s hard to argue that putting some money at the front end of these early childhood programs shouldn’t be one of the highest priorities.

The return on investment, the return on human

capital and development, are just enormous.”

House Bill 4, which created the program, was a top priority of Gov. Greg Abbott in the 2015 session, but lawmakers only approved funding for one school year out of the two-year biennium.

Bresette says the goal this time around is legislative approval of the entire $236 million requested to fund both years of the 2017-18 state budget.

He says research shows that pre-K classes are having the most impact on children in high poverty districts, such as those in inner cities and the Rio Grande Valley.

“Particularly in the areas of the state with a significant number of low-income families, and those who are English language learners, we know two things: Pre-K can be one of the most important tools to getting those kids jump-started, and that we’re only meeting a fraction of

Children’s advocates say all-day pre-kindergarten programs give Texas children a significant advantage when they begin school. (Children’s Defense Fund-Texas) the demand,” he stresses.

Bresette adds that school districts say they need pre-K funding to be both reliable and sustained as part of the state’s overall education budget, in order to meet families’ needs.

“The districts are really

looking for a more stable source of funding, as opposed to year-by-year,” he states.

“I think that if we were to step up and really put the funding that was there to provide a full-day pre-K, you would see an enormous

number of families taking advantage of that program.”

The Children’s Defense Fund is partnering with Texans Care for Children and the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium in backing the Pre-K program

Medicaid Cuts Would Hurt WA Rural Nursing Homes, Hospitals be in facilities that are poorer staffed with less-trained people, if they would end up in assistedliving facilities, or places where they’re by themselves.”

According to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, if the ACA is repealed, 775,000 fewer people in Washington state would have health insurance in 2019. President-elect Donald Trump has said a repeal would come with a “simultaneous replacement” plan, but no details have been released.

Repeal also would affect states’ budgets. The same report estimated that Washington state would Nurses in rural Washington could be disproportionately hurt by repeal of the Affordable Care Act, compared with those lose slightly more than $3 billion in 2019, which is who work in urban areas. (janeyhenning/Flickr) likely to fall heavily on rural hospitals. Another study,

By Desert Star Staff a different set of healthsaid Sherilyn Hughes, who published in Health Affairs, BELLINGHAM, Wash. - As care challenges than do works at a nursing home said rural hospitals have seen debate in the nation’s capital urban areas, and could be in Bellingham, her patients greater increases in Medicaid continues over repealing disproportionately hurt by will feel the cutback. the Affordable Care Act and repeal. There are fewer facilities “I definitely worry about our revenue than have urban hospitals under the ACA. ending Medicaid expansion, for rural residents who need residents,” she said. “If they Belinda Hewett, a home rural Washington is bracing care, and operational budgets lose their insurance or they have nursing aide in Richland, for the effects of repeal. for hospitals often are lower. less access to care, what would said she worries that, if fewer Rural counties face If the ACA is repealed, happen to them? If they would

patients are able to afford care, it means job cutbacks for nurses, as well.

“It’d cut our hours back for me and my co-workers,” she said, “and then we’d have to go look for a second job to just make our income to pay our rent and the bills, and the stuff that we have.”

Repeal could affect Hughes in another way. She has asthma and uses an inhaled steroid twice a day.

Hughes said the medication is expensive and wonders how she would pay if she were dropped from her insurance.

“Through the Medicaid expansion, I get those paid for, so I’m able to continue to go to work. I’m able to pay to go college,” she said. “I would not know what I would do if I lost my insurance. There’s no way that I could afford to pay for the insurance plan that my employer offers.”

The CBPP report is online at cbpp.org, and the study in Health Affairs is at content.healthaffairs.org

By Desert Star Staff KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Low-wage workers in Kansas City and across the country are staging protests in opposition to Presidentelect Donald Trump’s selection of Andy Puzder for U.S. Secretary of Labor.

The group Fight for $15 organized protests Thursday, saying the CEO of CKE Restaurant Holdings, which

the apartment,” she relates.

Fight for $15 says CKE Restaurant Holdings’ financial disclosures show Puzder was paid between $4 million and $10 million in recent years, making more in one day than his minimum-wage workers make in one year.

Puzder is an outspoken critic of increasing the minimum wage, which in Missouri is $7.70 an hour.

MO Low-Wage Workers Protest Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary

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includes the fast food chains Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., is a symbol of the rigged economy Trump has vowed to fix.

Bridget Hughes, part of Fight for $15 movement in Kansas City, is a fast food worker who makes $9 an hour and says even with both she and her husband working, they can’t make ends meet for their four children.

“Not being able to

afford utilities, having trouble getting even basic needs, like deodorant and food and you know, things that people do on a daily basis, don’t even think about,” she states. “We have to really struggle and rub pennies together just to be able to get stuff like that.”

The protest in Kansas City was one of two-dozen from coast to coast ahead of Puzder’s confirmation January 18, 2017

hearing next week.

Hughes says housing is a big issue for families like hers, adding that she and her husband recently were denied when they applied for a three-bedroom apartment.

“And even with it being below market value, they denied me due to the fact that my income was $3,000 less per year of the limit that I needed to make in order to get

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Trump: US may lift Russian sanctions in exchange for nuclear reduction deal

By Desert Star Staff US President-elect Donald Trump has hinted that the US could lift its sanctions against Russia, called Merkel’s migrant policy “a catastrophic mistake” and branded NATO “obsolete” in a new interview for The Times and Bild.

The interview was given in the President-elect’s office in Trump Tower, just days before his inauguration.

Trump was quite straightforward in speaking out in favor of some common ground with Moscow.

“They have sanctions on Russia — let’s see if we can make some good deals with Russia. For one thing, I think nuclear weapons should be way down and reduced very substantially,” Trump said to the two media outlets.

At the same time, sanctions aren’t affecting Russia well, [and] “something can happen that a lot of people are going to benefit,” he added.Moving on to other topical issues, Trump slammed Angela Merkel’s migrant policy as “a catastrophic mistake,” saying that Germany shouldn’t have taken “all these illegals.”

“Nobody even knows where they come from,” Trump added.

Trump wasn’t optimistic about the fate of the EU, either, saying that there is basically one country that benefits from staying in the bloc.

“You look at the European Union and it’s Germany.

Basically a vehicle for Germany.

That’s why I thought the UK was so smart in getting out.”

Trump thinks it was the refugee influx that was “the final straw that broke the camel’s back” for the EU. “I believe others will leave.

I do think keeping it together is not going to be as easy as a lot of people think. And I think that if refugees keep pouring into different parts of Europe, it’s going to be very hard to keep it together because people are angry about it,” he said.

Another block that, according to Trump, has long outlived its usefulness, is NATO, as it is “obsolete,”“was designed many years ago” and some of its members aren’t paying in enough.

“The countries aren’t paying their fair share so we’re supposed to protect countries. There’s five countries that are paying what they’re supposed to. Five. It’s not much,” Trump said.

US policies came under

fire afterward, with Trump branding the US-Iran nuclear agreement “one of the dumbest deals” he’s ever seen, and then calling the invasion of Iraq “possibly the worst decision, ever made in the history of our country. It’s like throwing rocks into a beehive.”However, there was at least one thing Trump was very enthusiastic about – and that’s Brexit.

Citing the fall in the British pound, Trump said “business is unbelievable in a lot of parts of the UK, as you know. I

think Brexit is going to end up being a great thing.”

Also, the presidentelect said he was planning to make a trade deal with the UK “very quickly.”

“I’m a big fan of the UK, we’re going to work very hard to get it done properly.”

Last but not least, Trump was asked about his social media presence and whether he would tune it down after the inauguration.

In short, the answer is no. “@realDonaldTrump I

think, I’ll keep it. I’ve got 46 million people right now — [on] including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, so I’d rather just let that build up.”

And the tweeting is here to stay, the president-elect said.

“I thought I’d do less of it, but I’m covered so dishonestly by the press that I can put out Twitter – and it’s not 140, it’s now 280 – and as soon as I tweet it out — this morning on television, Fox — ‘Donald Trump, we have breaking news.’”

Local Band Returns Home to Screen Documentary Based on Terror Attack

By Tyler Harrison “Eagles of Death Metal: Dos Amis” premiered Saturday at the Palm Springs

International Film Festival.

The night of festivities was undercut by pain of the past.

130 died during the Paris

terror attacks on November 13, 2015; 89 of those killed were at an “Eagles of Death Metal” concert.

“We were just playing and the bad guys starts killing us,” said singer, Jesse Hughes.

The documentary gives a haunting-and detaileddepiction of the horror inside the Bataclan that night from the perspective of the band mates and fans.

Despite the raw emotion and trauma for those left reeling from the attack, survivors find redemption through the power of music.

The friendship of band mates Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme began in the Coachella Valley, a theme central to the documentary.

“He’s my best friend,” says Hughes.

“We’ve known each other forever basically,” says “Eagles of Death Metal”

By Desert Star Staff CONCORD, N.H. – This is the legislative priority?

That’s what opponents of a measure to repeal the state’s concealed carry gun law are asking as the measure appears ready to advance in the state Senate.

The vote in the full Senate could come as early as next week, and Zandra Rice Hawkins, executive director of the progressive advocacy group Granite State Progress, is concerned that

lawmakers are “fast-tracking” a measure she says could have negative consequences for public safety.

“So with this vote, New Hampshire is opening the door to allow dangerous individuals with a track record of violence to legally carry hidden, loaded weapons,” she states.

Supporters point to Vermont and Maine, which both allow residents to carry a firearm without a license, noting that those states

have some of the lowest gun violence rates in the nation.

Rice Hawkins says if the measure passes, local law enforcement would lose its ability to deny permits to people who are known to be dangerous.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee approved the measure (SB 12) in a party line vote earlier this week and Gov. Chris Sununu has pledged to sign it if it passes.

Rice Hawkins questions the new

administration’s priorities.

“This vote was the very first committee vote to take place in the new session of the Legislature, and frankly Granite State Progress is very concerned that this is the priority of Gov. Chris Sununu and the Republican lawmakers,” she states.

Rice Hawkins says the current concealed carry law has been in place for more than 90 years. She says the move by Republican lawmakers to repeal it goes

drummer, Josh Homme The friends tell KMIR News they were grateful to screen the film at home.

“We’re from here, it seems natural to share out story at home first,” said Homme.

“So I think this is the perfect way to show what desert people do when faced with adversity,” said Hughes.

While the film’s director, Colin Hanks, says it was an important part of the healing process.

“The guys in the band and the relationship that we have, I really wanted to help my friends put an end to a chapter in their lives,” said Hanks.

You can watch the documentary February 13th on HBO. Source KMIR

against the national trend.

“There are more than 40 states that already require a concealed carry license, and New Hampshire actually has one of the laws that is the most lax,” she points out. “So, if anything, we should be strengthening our public safety laws, rather than repealing them.”

The New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police testified against a similar bill last session.

Objections to Concealed Carry Repeal Measure on “Fast Track”

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January 18, 2017

www.desertstarweekly.com

Future of Palm Springs Vacation Rentals

By Angela Monroe PALM SPRINGS, Ca. A group in Palm Springs is bringing voters the issue of how to enforce vacation rentals.

Local agents warn that the new rules could cause a collapse in the real estate market.

“It’s going to put people out of work, and when you put people out of work, restaurant workers, hotel workers, all retail workers, it shuts doors down, and it will shrink the tourism industry,” said Brady Sandahl with Citizens for a Better Palm Springs, a group battling the new ordinance.

Under the 2016 ordinance, only one vacation home per person and a limited number of rentals.

This applies to places being rented less than a month.

“Either sell the houses or make them into long term rental houses, there are options for them, so I don’t think we are going to see this collapsed

real estate industry that they’re predicting, I think that’s a scare tactic,” said Palm Springs Councilman J.R. Roberts.

Some realtors say they’re already seeing the exodus.

“Realtor friends of mine, one had 35 people put their houses up for sale. So there’s 2,000 vacation rental homes, if half of those go on the market, that’s a tremendous glut,”

said Marshall Gilbert, a radio talk show host and realtor.

So a group gathered around 3,600 signatures to give the matter to voters.

Now that opposition has turned those signatures here to the city clerk, they will have to be counted.

In the meantime, the ordinance made back in 2016 has been frozen, and we revert

back to the original in 2014.

“When you are using a house exclusively for a vacation rental, it’s essentially a motel in a neighborhood, and now we have 35% motels in neighborhoods,” said Roberts.

The city is planning on an initiative of their own on the ballot. Source KMIR

By Olga R. Rodriguez SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Former California State Librarian Kevin Starr, who is deemed the pre-eminent historian of the Golden State, has died. He was 76.

Starr died of a heart attack Saturday at a hospital in San Francisco, his wife, Sheila Starr said Sunday.

Starr, a professor of history at the University of Southern California, researched and wrote “Americans and the California Dream,” a series of books considered the definitive account of the California story.

“Kevin Starr chronicled the history of California as no one else. He captured the spirit of our state and brought to life the characters and

personalities that made the California story. His vision, like California itself, was bigger than life,” Gov. Jerry Brown said.

Starr, who was both an accomplished scholar and an effective public figure, was appointed state librarian by Gov. Pete Wilson in 1994 and served until 2004 under governors Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who named him State Librarian Emeritus.

The 2006 recipient of the National Humanities Medal, Starr was a fourth-generation San Franciscan who was raised in a Catholic orphanage. He graduated from the University of San Francisco, served in the U.S. Army and went on to earn his Ph.D. in American

literature at Harvard University.

A practicing Catholic, Starr was working on a series of books about the history of the Catholic church in Mexico, the United States and Canada. The first book in the series titled “Continental Ambitions: Roman Catholics in North America: the Colonial Experience,” was published in November.

“Kevin wrote ‘til the day he died. He was a productive and indefatigable scholar and the greatest historian of California,” said longtime friend and fellow USC professor Dana Gioia, who remembered his big, imposing friend walking into

a San Francisco restaurant and stopping to greet to greet multiple prominent people as he made his way to his table.

“He was brilliant, jovial, kind and amusing,” Gioia said. “He was fantastically good company. People who knew him held him in enormous affection because any situation was always better if he was around.”

Starr is survived by his wife, Sheila Starr; two daughters, Jessica Starr and Marian Starr Imperatore; and seven grandchildren.

Source KMIR/AP

••••••••••••••

Kevin Starr, California’s premier historian, dies at 76

PALM SPRINGS I’m only Gay on the

Weekends with Jason Stuart, featuring Jennie McNulty The Congo Room presents “Wet Wednesday” 10pm-2am P: 760-322-7353, Kal David Unplugged on Thursdays at 8 p.m. at 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive. For information, 760-322-4422 Palm Springs Villagefest Street Festival every Thursday New Year’s Eve at The Ace Hotel and Swim Club: Pie Town’s Supertemoral Southwestern Sock Hop New Year’s Eve December 31 @ 8:00 pm Art Walk in the Backstreet Art District in Palm Springs February 1 @ 6:00 PM 9:00 PM Art Walk at Rebel Art Space in Palm Springs February 1 @ 8:00 AM Coachella Valley Symphony Presents Piano Forte II at The Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Musuem January 29 @ 3:00 PM Palm Springs Run and Fitness Expo at Ruth Hardy Park January 28 @ 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM NYTimes Best-Selling Author Jacquelyn Mitchard Appears at Special Event Presented by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library. January 28 @ 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

PALM DESERT Palm Desert Street Fair

College of the Desert 7am-2pm Sat-Sun The Congo Room presents “Wet Wednesday” 10pm-2am Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce CalCPA Financial Literacy Seminar: CSUSB Palm Desert Campus January 5, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Mixer: Location TBD January 18 - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Mixer: Location TBD January 18 5:00 p.m.

RANCHO MIRAGE Rancho Mirage Chamber

of Commerce 10th Annual Desert Woman’s Show: Agua Caliente Resort Casino & Spa January 14 & 15 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File). FILE - In this March 29, 2004, file photo, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, right, and state Librarian Kevin Starr, smile after unveiling the design chosen for the California Quarter during ceremonies in Sacramento www.desertstarweekly.com

Continued on page 18

January 18, 2017

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HOROSCOPES ARIES

You are working toward a goal (perhaps many), seeking accomplishment. You are able to hold great focus.

You are your own leader & authority. You are ambitious and professional; your heart goes into your work. You enjoy recognition, success. You can have pride & arrogance.

Pause a while. See where you’ve come from. Where you’re going. Help others along the way. Lift them up.

TAURUS Your life endeavor is to understand the world. Looking ahead, over the horizon, you’re able to see what’s ahead and so you prepare, allowing no hindrances to stall progress.

You’re proud of your abilities & great patience. You’re curious and want others to be curious, also. Alas, many aren’t. You’ve acquired vast knowledge, more than most. Now you hide away, under cover, in order to quietly help others. We see you.

GEMINI You soon will realize you must go further, wider, deeper into the ageless wisdom mysteries.

You must finally accept that where you are may not be where you should be. You long to be somewhere else; a place that reflects your deep spiritual values. As you attune more to your heart, you discover that a change is needed for your spiritual growth to continue.

The Path of discipleship is

JANUARY 18 – 24, 2017 ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST BY RISA D’ANGELES

not easy. You’re on it now.

Keep moving forward.

CANCER You attempt to bring harmony to relationships, hiding any disharmonious factors from the world. Sensitive to the slightest shift of energy, when rejection’s in the air you scuttle beneath your shell in protection. It’s important to not protect others when their behavior has been harmful.

It’s most important to seek out the truth and only the truth.

Not one side. Otherwise you become separate. And lonely.

LEO There are so many daily responsibilities that, at times, you feel overwhelmed. Tasks large and small, serving, sharing and teaching others.

Like Cancer, you’re sensitive, especially to criticism.

Therefore, be not critical… ever. Soon the hard work, responsibilities, seeking of perfection will ease. You’ll meet crisis with determination & clear vision. Cultivate your gifts. They will be needed in the world.

VIRGO Things we need to acknowledge for Virgo. You’re unique and special, dramatic and able to express yourself creatively. Your fun-loving side emerges…sometimes.

When is that, again? You’re at times adventurous, risktaking. Then you pull back.

Combine old world traditions

with technology. Children are most important. At times you’re the child with an inner restlessness. You find your way.

LIBRA There’s so much pride in what you’ve created…a selfidentity, profession, social network, a social yet private life. You protect yourself while building secure foundations, your own new family and a new heritage. Relationships, most important, teach you how to love, share, give, take & cooperate. One thought in all this building up-ness. Don’t deny or reject your past. It contains the “jewel in the lotus.”

SCORPIO Privacy is your keyword, your template, guide, amulet, talisman & good luck charm.

Privacy protects, provides refuge (like the Buddha), is your sangha (community).

You protect your home, family, possessions, and your personal life. Even your heritage is somewhat private.

Privacy allows you to build a safe foundation from which you emerge into the world.

But just for a while. We see you sometimes. We like you.

SAGITTARIUS You need variation. You’re laughing. You sense restlessness, the need for a scene changes…often.

You’re proud of your gifts – intelligence, agility, friends, adaptation, strength, fluent

communication, knowledge, curiosity, aware of future trends, everyone knowing you while you remain unknowable.

Talents and gifts equal responsibility. What and whom do you advocate for? Especially when so often you’re the star in the spotlight & valued?

CAPRICORN There’s an image, a “presence” you present to others. It makes an impression. Some embrace you for this, others don’t understand you. The rejection comes as a surprise because you’re at your best when in the world, tending, serving, casting light on shadows. Some people are those shadows. When you’re nearby they must hide, turn away. Allow them. Bless them.

That is the only way they can survive. They will change. Your character strengthens them.

AQUARIUS There’s a need for introspection and seclusion for a time.

Because you must gather strength, especially in the winter, directing all energies toward self-healing. While also in the world tending to worldly tasks. You feel often alone in a crowd, set apart from others. Aquarians are unusual, they hear a different drum beat. You’re not quite comfortable at this time, seeking the feeling of home.

PISCES Your tolerance and openness,

humanitarianism, sense of equality with everyone, lack of bias & prejudice, and having no sense of social status whatsoever, creates the magnetic appeal surrounding you. Sometimes you must separate from people. Even as you adapt easily, you do not easily enter into close relationships except for one or two. You’re here, but not. A silver cord keeps you grounded. For a while. Not too long. A safe group, family, closeness, a home you need.

Risa D’Angeles is the founder and director of the Esoteric & Astrological Studies Research Institute: Risa’s Esoteric Astrology. She can be reached at risagoodwill@gmail.com.

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Palm Springs Art Museum Celebrates Black History Month

By Desert Star Staff PALM SPRINGS, CA. – Palm Springs Art Museum is celebrating Black History

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Month with a new interactive exhibition titled Intertwining the Fabric of Generations, on-view in the Sheffer/

Scheffler Arts Education Space February 2 through February 28. Presented in collaboration with the Palm Springs Black History Committee at the James O. Jesse Community Center, the exhibition features works by noted African-American artist Faith Ringgold alongside narrative quilts created by Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) students.

“This fascinating, interactive exhibition explores such themes as identity, race and community through visual storytelling,” said Elizabeth Armstrong, Palm Springs Art Museum’s JoAnn McGrath Executive Director. “Faith Ringgold began quilting her stories more than 40 years ago in order to be heard; we’re pleased to have local students continue and contribute to this beautiful tradition.”

The Museum will host an opening reception for Intertwining the Fabric of Generations on February 2 from 5 to 7 p.m., followed January 18, 2017

by a live Skype discussion between Ringgold and the PSUSD student artists on Sunday, February 12. The public is invited to create their own quilt patterns incorporating traditional designs and universal symbols as part of the Museum’s Free 2nd Sunday series.

Continuing the Black History Month celebration is award-winning poet Douglas Kearney, who will present a live multimedia show titled The Teeth Are Sheet Music in the Museum’s Lecture Hall on Friday, February 17

at 6 p.m. The performance will incorporate techniques ranging from hip-hop to poetry, while exploring such themes as gender, culture and race. The public is encouraged to reserve tickets for this FREE event by emailing Educational Coordinator Ingrid von Sydow at ivonsydow@psmuseum. org; space is limited.

For additional information about Black History Museum and upcoming exhibitions, please visit www.psmuseum. org or call (760) 322-4800.

NEED A LEGAL NOTICE? The Desert Star Weekly is one of the few adjudicated publications in the Coachella Valley, which means we are officially authorized to run legal notices. Each week dozens of courts, law offices, and individuals save money by running their legal notices in The The Desert Star Weekly.

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T

BY THEDA KLEINHANS REICHMAN

‘Rogue One’--The Force Is With You

Three decades ago the compelling, enduring franchise known as “Star Wars” burst into our earthly realm from a galaxy far-far away, It began with episodes IV, V and VI, which introduced us to Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), the oh, so handsome Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). They were terrorized by Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones), helped by Obi-Wan Kenobi and inspired by “The Force” which was always with them.

Years later, there was the prequels, Episodes, I, II and III. This trio of films, however, was not as compelling. Then last year the eagerly awaited “The Force Awakens” arrived on the screen. In that film, Leia and Han are older, maybe wiser, and we find out they have a son who may be leaning to the dark side. After all, his grandfather was Darth Vader.

With “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” we bounce back once again in time, a time just prior to the first film “A New Hope” (IV in the first trilogy to hit the big screen.).

If this sounds confusing, it won’t be for the true “Star

Wars” fan. And even if you are seeing a “Star Wars” film for the first time, “Rogue One” will be exciting if you love sci -fi action and adventure.

The film begins on an isolated planet where scientist Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) is living with his wife and young daughter Jyn Erso. Their peaceful life is interrupted by the arrival of an Imperial leader (Ben Mendelson) who has come to take the acclaimed scientist and his family back to the Imperial Forces’ headquarters in order to build the Death Star. Prior to his capture, Galen’s wife sent their little girl into hiding. Eventually, she is found and raised by a rebel extremist (Forest Whitaker).

We learn very little about him, only that he cares for the child during her childhood.

As a young woman, Jyn (Felicity Jones) forms an uneasy partnership with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), an Alliance Intelligence officer who wants her to help him find her father, if he is still alive. The Rebel forces need to acquire the plans for the Death Star, a massive weapon

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that could ensure the Empire’s dominance over the galaxy.

He and Jyn are joined in their quest by a blind warrior who is intensely devoted to “The Force” (Donnie Yen, a Hong Kong action star).

Even without sight he is a gifted martial arts warrior who is aided by his devoted bodyguard (Jian Wen) who always has his back and by a Rebel cargo pilot who is very important to the plot. Another member within the Rebel group is a very tall, intelligent droid named K-2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk). K-2SO, the main source of humor throughout, is extremely loyal to Cassian, but he has his doubts about Jyn. When the Rebel forces begin battling with the Empire, there are major, violent confrontations that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

And at the end of the film there is a brief sighting of Princess Leia ( a very young Carrie Fisher). “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story:” is rated PG-13 for extended scenes of sci-fi violence and action.

at the El Capitan Theatre through February 5th. If you and your family see it there you can enjoy some special extras. A big plus is the opportunity to take your photo at the “Stormtrooper” meet-and-greet before each screening, so don’t forget to bring a camera or smart phone to record your encounter.

Following the film, head downstairs at the theatre to view a curated collection of intricate vehicle models and hero costumes used in the production of the film.

Exclusive to The El Capitan Theatre, this “Rogue One” exhibit features a U-Wing model signed by the director of the film. For film purists, note that the movie is shown here in Dolby Vision laser projection, which transforms your cinema experience with astonishing brightness, contrast and color and the Dolby Atmos sound transports you into the story with moving audio that flows all around you. So if you see “Rogue One” at the El Capitan visual and audio forces will definitely be with you.

•••••••••••••• “Rogue One” will play

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Seduction, betrayal and terrific performances on stage at New Fortune Theatre

Gentry Roth and Richard Baird. Photo by Daren Scott.

By Jack Lyons Theatre and Film Critic Academy Award-winning screenwriter and playwright Christopher Hampton struck gold with his cleverly reimagined 1988 movie (based on his hugely successful 1985 play) sex-fueled adaptation of the 1782 novel “les Liaisons Dangereuses” by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. It’s been a popular and a favorite play for regional and community theatre theatres ever since.

“Les Liaisons Dangereuses” which opened last Friday, January 13th, at San Diego Rep Theatre’s Lyceum Space stage, is the third production from the young New Fortune Theatre Company co-founded

by Richard Baird and Amanda Schaar. It’s a gorgeously costumed, engaging, romp in sexual intrigues that caused

scandals when performed in 18th and 19th century France and raised eyebrows in randy Restoration England as well.

The play centers around two ex-lovers: The Le Vicomte de Valmont (Richard Baird) and La Marquise de Merteuil (Jessica John Gercke) who scheme to ruin the reputation of an innocent young aristocrat Cecile de Volanges (Gentry Roth). The Marquise is seeking revenge for a betrayal by a former lover. Valmont, king of the libertines, goes along with the scheme because he’s in love with himself as a stud and lives to bed any and all attractive woman within his reach.

Together they devise a series of seductions and manipulations but soon realize that their intricate plan for each to seduce a victim is more

LOCAL AUTHOR!!!

than they bargained for, and this latest game plan and their targets may be their most dangerous by far. There are twists and turns by all of the players in this game of passion, emotion and consequences, which in Act One, “almost plays like a restoration comedy”, according to director/actor Baird. In Act Two, however, the dangerous game of love gets more serious.

Mr. Baird scores in a wonderfully nuanced performance balancing Valmont’s predatory tendencies while at same time bringing a lightness and a debonair approach of supreme confidence that is entertaining and less off-putting. Ms. Gorcke as the Marquise Merteuil, has the stunning polished look of a woman who understands the power of her beauty and experience, and knows how use it to dazzle and lure men to her bed. Both Valmont and the Marquise are formidable players in the game of seduction.

Amanda Schaar as Madame de Tourvel, delivers a finely judged performance that begins as a pawn in the seduction scheme, but becomes the true love of Valmont at the play’s end. Their scenes together are both sexy

and poignant, underscoring the redemptive power of true love.

The supporting cast is a director’s dream; a true ensemble cast who stay in the moment and who are fully engaged include: Connor Sullivan as Le Chevalier Danceny, the young boy toy of the Marquise, Gentry Roth as Cecile de Volanges, the young and virginal daughter of the clueless Madame Volanges, played by Terril Miller. Dagmar Fields as Valmont’s Aunt, Taylor Henderson as Emilie, Justine Lang as Azolan, Valmont’s valet, and Neil McDonald as the majordomo. Crystal Brandan, and Christopher Torborg complete the cast.

“Les Liaisons Dangereusses” is a splendid production, chock full of terrific performances, where smart and clever directorial touches

it in a measured manner to the accompaniment of French drawing room music.

A nice touch that has the creative fingerprints of codirectors Kaitlin O’Neal and Richard Baird all over it.

The gorgeous costume designs of Howard Schmitt sparkle in the lighting design of A.J. Paulin. The clever Set Design by Guillo Perrone is not only functional for the actors, it allows for the large expanse required for the dueling scene in Act Two. Thanks to Fight Choreographer J. Tyler Jones, a believable tense sequence of the duelists is nicely accomplished.

The New Fortune Theatre has a stellar, first rate, winning production, on its hands you won’t want to miss. For reservations and ticket information call Lyceum

Richard Baird and Amanda Schaar. Photo by Daren Scott. abounded at the opening preview January 10th that I attended. The cast members who are charged with striking the set pieces and props at each performance, accomplish

Events, at 619-544-1000, or go online for tickets at www.lyceumevents.org.

“Les Liaisons Dangereuses” runs through to January 28, 2017.

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Richard Baird, Connor Sullivan and Gentry Roth. Photo by Daren Scott.

January 18, 2017

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Nick Cannon: ‘King of the Dancehall’

Choreographer-Jae Blaze, Nick Cannon and Kreesha Turner. Photo by Pat Krause Story and Photos by Pat Krause Got Talent, arrived at the Nick Cannon, emcee of the Annenberg Theatre in the popular TV show - Americas Palm Springs Art Museum to

promote his film, King of the Dancehall. Cannon was the Writer, Director and Producer

By Pamela Price When Colin Fisher of Colin Fisher Studios located on Perez Rd. in Cathedral City invited guests to view selections from his vast inventory of over 10,000 works of art resulting from 40 years of collection the response was heartwarming considering the dismal, daunting weather on the eve of Friday, January 13.

Nonetheless, Colin Fisher’s stunning art collection attracted over 75 guests during the evening event. Colin sat at the entrance to the gallery, enabling him to personally welcome each guest; that is his inimitable style. Guests fanned out viewing a dazzling array of art from traditional to contemporary. Seen were paintings, sculptures, graphics, mixed media, wood blocks and unexpected large sculptures such as a massive tower of various

sized intertwined automobile fenders and bumpers.

Collectively, the exhibit represented Colin’s lifelong passion for art. When guests entered the Studio, to their immediate left was a bold canvas, dominated by red and black at least six ft. high by artist, Taira a Rancho Mirage resident during the season.

Her reputation as a world-class artist is larger than life despite her diminutive height of slightly under five ft. Her spectrum of art is “ textural, exciting and daring” as she describes, and, for the record, some of her paintings reach eight ft. Taira was born in Russia and later studied with French artist Jean Dubuffet in Paris.

Michael Harrington, Colin Fisher’s assistant curator said the artists represented at Colin Fisher Studios are found in private collections. These artists Include Robert Manion, Birgit

Piskor and Scott Donadio.

For the record, a Donadio sculpture will soon be installed at Cathedral City’s City Hall sharing the patio with a bold iconic red Betty Gold sculpture.

Colin Fisher Studios seems to it is divided into several chic galleries, each enjoying a distinctive personality.

My personal favorite is the Library, personal utopia of art books, many signed by the authors and artists. Kept exclusive with striking double doors (they were rescued as salvage.) Today they project a regal entry to the Library.

Here guests discover library style bookshelves organized with an impressive collection of art-history book’s covering museums and artists from the early Romans and Greeks to today’s artists such as Cy Twombly, American painter.

Greg Murphy, Cathedral City Art Commissioner

By Desert Star Staff SANTA CRUZ, Calif. President Barack Obama on Thursday announced the expansion of two national monuments in California California Coastal National Monument and CascadeSiskiyou National Monument at the Oregon border.

Much more than recognition of the unique history or geography of a place, this kind of designation can be a strategic, and often political, move to protect public lands and right historical wrongs.

That’s what’s happening here, said Valentin Lopez, who chairs the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and is a descendant of the Cotoni people who once lived in and around the Santa Cruz coast.

“We’re just very grateful that

we are finally giving recognition to our Cotoni ancestors,” he said. “Whenever the missions came in, they did all they could to erase our culture and our identity. So, there are very few marks that identify the Mutsun people, and so this is very significant, to have the California Coastal National Monument.”

Critics of these designations say they tie up land that could be used for development and minimize tax revenue for local governments. However, economic reports have said California’s public lands generate more than $8 billion a year in outdoor-recreation spending and support 732,000 jobs in the state.

The newly protected areas include the Orange County Rocks, the CotoniCoast Dairies in Santa Cruz

County, and Trinidad Head.

Julie Fulkerson, retired mayor of Trinidad in Humboldt County, said these designations are not only about preservation and public access to beautiful spots. In her view, they’re places of restoration that help people connect to a deeper part of themselves.

“It’s a place where I can go and imagine what it was like 300,000 years ago,” she said. “I see it as a source of creativity, not just environmental protection, but it’s something that is difficult to describe and it has to do with possibilities, imagination, what goes on inside of our heads, reflection - all of those things.”

The new designations include some 6,200 acres on the California coast and another 47,000 at the

A lifetime of art with Colin Fisher

of the film. He created this film and used a lot of local talent and only a few professionals.

His leading lady, Keesha Turner, was also in attendance.

Cannon brought his mother and friends to the Red Carpet for photographers and spoke to the press about his film.

I asked him about the film when he told me it was only his second big film. Cannon said that he had directed and produced many TV programs over his career. He said he has been doing this since he was 9 Years old. He told interviewed.

He is such a multi talented individual in the entertainment industry. He wanted to make sure his mother was photographed with him and his friends and choreographer, and that seemed important to him.

The movie is about an excon who travels to Jamaica to meet with a relative to start a drug operation. His plan is put on the wayside when he meets a beautiful woman who is a fantastic dancer. His struggles to meet her and gain her affections takes a turn when he has to learn to dance. Kreesha Turner is his love interest in the film. Turner told the press that working with locals, and non-professionals made it an interesting film to create.

They gave a lot to the film and Turner, and Cannon worked off the amateur dancers to make is a very pleasurable time, and it showed in the film.

There were many subplots that show a lot of passion to make this an exciting and fun film.

Taira with Colin Fisher. Photo by Gregg Felsen remarked this reference collection enabled patrons to research works of art they are considering adding to their collections. Rain or shine, Colin Fisher Studios has the world of art and its treasures consolidated under one roof,

curated to perfection. www. colinfisherstudios.com Pam Price serves on the Cathedral City Public Art Commission

••••••••••••••

More Calif. Acres Granted Protections as National Monuments

www.desertstarweekly.com

January 18, 2017

The view on a walk below the Trinidad Head, an area now protected and more accessible to the public. (Julie Fulkerson) border with Oregon, 5,000 of which are in California. The National Park Service has said

California has had more than 38 million visitors to its parks.

DesertSTAR

11

First-Ever Call for Diversity in National Parks

By Desert Star Staff OAKLAND, Calif. -- Martin Luther King Jr. Day has deep significance for many Americans this year with the fulfillment of what some

thought an impossible dream: a black president serving two terms in office. And the Obama administration’s last days have been marked by grand gestures -

including a call for public lands agencies to be more inclusive in hiring practices and community outreach.

Rue Mapp, CEO of nonprofit, outdoor-enthusiast

group Outdoor Afro, said this latest move is the perfect bookend to the administration’s 2014 “America’s Great Outdoors Initiative”, a call to improve public access to lands and waters.

“By him taking this action at the very end of his administration is the most elegant follow-through on his promise,” Mapp said.

“And that it lands on the MLK weekend has absolutely sentimental value.”

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Interior secretary, Montana’s Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, has often diverged with environmental activists on land-use issues. But he has said he supports the American public having access to federal lands. Whether he will support this specific outreach to minorities remains to be seen.

Outdoor Afro is part of a coalition of groups focused on making sure the next 100

By Desert Star Staff HELENA, Mont. – Montana’s Ryan Zinke is scheduled for his confirmation hearing today to become secretary of the Interior. If confirmed, the first-term congressman would guide the nation’s public lands, wildlife and natural resources.

But Zinke’s sometimes contradictory voting record has conservationists wondering where he stands on these issues.

Bob Dreher, vice

president for conservation programs at Defenders of Wildlife, says Zinke’s history when it comes to protecting endangered species isn’t encouraging. Of note is a bill Zinke co-sponsored that would have undercut a multi-state effort to protect the greater sage grouse.

“We have significant concerns about whether Rep. Zinke is going to be able to take a national perspective on the role of the secretary of the Interior as steward

of the federal public lands and steward of wildlife and steward of all the natural resources that the federal government owns,” he said.

Dreher points out that the Interior Department oversees a vast array of agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service and more.

Executive director of the Montana Wilderness Association, Brian Sybert,

says the congressman has voted for legislation that would allow for development in wilderness areas, hurting wildlife. He describes Zinke’s voting record when it comes to public lands as “checkered.”

“Given sometimes supporting keeping public lands in public hands, but also at times supporting legislation that could undermine publiclands management and the public’s ability to play a role in influencing our public lands,” said Sybert.

Outdoor Afro seeks to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone, especially people of color.

(Outdoor Afro).

years in national parks reflect America’s diversity. Mapp said there is a historical narrative in this country that has caused many African-Americans to be weary of the great outdoors.

“We have a legacy in this country of lynching. We have terror that’s happened in nature, in the cover of night, within generational memory for many African-Americans,” she said. “And one of the ways that we can help find healing and atonement is by helping to make sure that everyone feels welcome in our parks and public lands.”

This first-ever presidential memorandum is aimed at the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as others. In a related move, last week Obama expanded national monuments in California and Oregon and named three civil rights-era monuments in the South.

At the beginning of this month, Zinke approved a rule change that Sybert criticizes as a step toward transferring public lands to states. The rule change accounts for such a transfer as budget neutral, meaning costs for this action would not have to be offset with the U.S. Treasury. After the vote, Zinke maintained that he does not support the transfer of public lands to states.

Would Montana’s Zinke Protect Wildlife as Interior Secretary?

Clybourne Park

enjoyment of the play. It’s a highly entertaining show, David Youse as Russ/Ken, however, it’s somewhat of a Theresa Jewett as Bev/Kathy, cautionary tale about who we Desiree Clarke as Francine/ were as a society fifty years Lena, Robert Rancano as ago and how far we think we Jim/Tom, Robert Ramirez as have come. When current Albert/Kevin, Rob Hubler as events (like Ferguson, MO, Karl/Steve, Phylicia Mason and Baltimore, MD) negate as Betsy/Lindsey, and Sean the gains, it only means that Timothy Brown as Kenneth. we, as a society, have more Act One, centers on one challenges and more work home in a white neighborhood still to do. Also, the coda at the end of Act Two between that has a black family Sean Timothy Brown and interested in purchasing it.

David Youse is a mistyThe white family is being pressured not sell to the black eyed, compelling, poignant, and powerful moment, couple by the neighborhood that leaves the audience homeowners association.

The neighbors fear the sale sitting in stunned silence. will promote white flight from There’s bound to be audience members that may their comfortable, upscale find the carefully crafted neighborhood. In Act Two, fifty years later, the actors play dialogue offensive due the incendiary nature of the different characters, but the plot and the social mores issues are similar but with an ironic twist. The beauty of this of the day. The dialogue is sprinkled with language play lies in the performances that echo the vernacular of of the actors and how the characters resolve their issues the streets, so you might is the meat as well as the want to leave the kiddies

Continued from Page 1

12

DesertSTAR

The cast of CLYBOURNE PARK includes (L-R) Desireé Clarke, Robert Ramirez and David Youse, performing at the Pearl McManus Theatre through January 22. Photography by Clark Dugger and grandkids at home.

In the technical department led by director Shaw, Set Designer Thomas L.Valach creates the appropriate space for the actors to work their magic.

Award-winning Lighting Designer Phil Murphy provides the lights that allow January 18, 2017

the audience to see and appreciate the costumes designed by Jim Lapidus.

Sound Designer and Producer Clark Dugger is the group’s technical wizard and ‘go to guy’ for finishing touches and flourishes in all things technical. James Geier is the Wig Designer, and Diane

McClure stage manages.

“Clybourne Park” performs at the Palm Springs Woman’s Club on the Pearl McManus stage through January 22nd.

For reservations and ticket information call 760322-0179. Don’t Miss It! www.desertstarweekly.com

President Obama Moves to Make Public Lands More Inclusive

By Desert Star Staff DENVER - President Barack Obama has signed a first-ever memorandum to help guide federal agencies as they work to make public lands more inclusive for all Americans.

Jes Ward, executive director of the Colorado-based group cityWILD, pointed to recent efforts in Congress to sell off public lands and argued that, without a broad base of support that goes beyond the traditional “white backpacking crowd,” the nation is at risk of losing valuable natural resources.

“So we need to make sure that all people, regardless of their walk of life or their background or their history, feel equally as invested in these public lands,” she said, “so we don’t run the risk of losing them and losing a big part of our national heritage and pride.”

Obama’s memorandum asked to ensure that people

of all colors and creeds are engaged in the development of future public-lands policies.

Under the Antiquities Act, Obama also expanded national monuments in California and Oregon, and named three civil rights-era monuments in the South.

Carolyn Finney, who serves on the National Park System Advisory Board, said the president’s actions can help the country move forward by addressing the importance of diversity head on.

“That people are going to have to take risks, that people are going to have to be willing to be uncomfortable, to stretch outside their comfort zone, to engage with stories and/or people and ways of thinking about our public lands that we might not have done, 50 or 100 years ago,” Finney said.

Ward said the civil rightsera monuments will help protect America’s rich history without shying away from

its blemishes and pain.

“Instead of being seen as, ‘Oh, that’s bad, we want to hide from that history,’ seeing them as beacons of resilience and points of growth,” she

said, “and that those are outdoor activities, too.”

It remains unclear if President-elect Donald Trump will use the Antiquities Act to protect future sites. Use of

the act has been opposed in the past by his nominee for Interior secretary, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont.

By Kitty Alvarado COACHELLA VALLEY

- “No, I am not attending the inauguration,” says

Congressman Raul Ruiz (D) 36th District.

During an exclusive KMIR News interview with Dan Ball, Ruiz made it clear he would not be attending PresidentElect Donald Trump’s official swearing-in ceremony.

“It’s a very difficult situation because I believe in the office but this man is not respecting that office I respect so much by the way he is behaving, he needs to be a real president, he needs to really bring unity, he needs to really respect the American people,” says Ruiz.

And he’s not alone, over two dozen elected Democrats are planning to skip the inauguration. Many citing Trump’s disrespect of civil right’s leader Congressman

John Lewis (D) GA 5th District on social media. Ruiz voiced his own concerns including conflicts of interest.

“A real president doesn’t attack the press for asking tough questions, a real president doesn’t go after celebrities or everyday Americans because they disagree with him, a real president doesn’t use the office of the presidency to make millions more for himself, for his own pocket or for his family,” says Ruiz.

People in the valley are divided on his decision.

“I think that just creates further division in our government which is definitely the biggest problem we’re facing,” says Indian Wells resident William Wenk.

“I respect that decision, I support him in that,” says Palm Springs resident Randy Baker.

State Senator Jeff Stone (R) 28th District, who challenged Ruiz in November, says he plans to attend the inauguration and thinks Ruiz is making a mistake and should reconsider, “One thing we always prided ourselves on in this country is that we have a peaceful transfer of power and this is a historic event when we have a new president ... he’s a representative for the Democrats, Republicans, the Independents, Green Party etc. and he should be there to represent us to welcome the new president.” Source: KMIR

By Vince Marino INDIO, Ca. - The reopening of the Jefferson Street interchange, scheduled at 4:00 P.M. Monday, was delayed due to the finalizing of safety aspects on the bridge.

By 6:00 P.M., crews were placing yellow water filled barrels in appropriate areas of the bridge to protect drivers from potentially deadly traffic collisions.

The project is currently in the third of four stages of construction.

“We’re excited about being able to deliver on this project made to CVAG...this is the final interchange, the largest and the most complex out of the six that we’ve been working on and we’re happy to give

a portion of it to the public today” said Dennis Green, the project’s outreach coordinator.

For years drivers complained about the confusion caused by the old interchange. Drivers also said that the lack of a traffic signal caused bumper to bumper traffic on a regular basis.

The project did not come without several challenges.

“We’ve had the winds, which you can’t work in.

We’ve had the rain that you cannot work in and then we’ve had temperatures this summer of 120 degrees which is a safety problem for the workers,” said Green.

The existing Indio Boulevard bridge will close and the new Jefferson Street bridge

will be realigned to connect to Indio Boulevard. Temporarily, there will be two lanes going northbound and one lane going southbound. By the time the project is complete, there will be a total of eight lanes.

Drivers and business owners in

the area are happy to see the project finally coming to an end.

“I have clients all the way to Heritage Palms and into the Shadow Hills area, Sun City, Shadow Hills, and it will be a lot easier for them,” said Cut and Curls owner Edna Gomez.

“It’s unsightly, all the dirt and everything but they seem to be making some positive headway so we’re looking forward to having it open,” said Indio Resident Evelyn Grafas. Source: KMIR

President Obama is calling on public-lands agencies to be more inclusive of America’s increasingly diverse population. (AlbertHerring/Wikimedia Commons)

Congressman Opts Out of Trump Inauguration

••••••••••••••

Reopening Of Jefferson Street Interchange Stalled

www.desertstarweekly.com

January 18, 2017

DesertSTAR

13

MUSIC Far-flung sound on display in 2017

BY ROBERT KINSLER

Early 2017 has already seen a slew of notable new album releases, including titles featuring Nathan East, Dennis Coffey, Eric Johnson, Ronnie Baker Brooks, and England Dan & John Ford Coley.

includes a 56-page book of liner notes with archival photos, essays by producers Zev Feldman and Kevin Goins, and interviews with key players including Coffey. Information: DennisCoffeySite.com.

Cloud”). Many of the songs here venture far beyond cliche territory as evidenced by “Wonder” and “Water Under The Bridge,” the latter a potent message on moving on beyond the pain of the past.

Information: EricJohnson.com.

Artist: Dennis Coffey Title: Hot Coffey in the D: Burnin’ at Morey Baker’s Showplace Lounge (Resonance Records) You might like if you enjoy: 1960s Motown and soul recordings, 1960s jazz Artist: Nathan East Tell me more: The Title: Reverence (Yamaha previously-unreleased tracks Entertainment) on Dennis Coffey’s “Hot Coffey You might like if you in the D: Burnin’ at Morey enjoy: Fourplay; Earth, Baker’s Showplace Lounge” Wind & Fire celebrate not only the artistry Tell me more: Bassist of the famed guitarist, but Nathan East has performed on of the Detroit music scene many of the most celebrated of the late 1960s and the hits in the history of pop and adventuresome spirit of that modern jazz, so it is little decade. A native of Detroit, surprise he continues to Coffey was a groundbreaking chart a winning course on his member of the Funk Brothers new sophomore solo effort studio band who played on “Reverence.” A founding a slew of classic Motown member of the contemporary Records hits. Along with jazz troupe Fourplay, East’s his band Lyman Woodard new collection finds the (Hammond B-3 organ) and virtuoso bass player assisted Melvin Davis (drums), he also by an all-star team of top was a frequent performer players including Philip Bailey, at several Detroit clubs that Verdine White and Ralph allowed him to explore and Johnson of Earth, Wind & extend his musical muse Fire (on an infectious remake beyond Motown. On “Hot of that group’s “Serpentine Coffey in the D” there are Fire”), saxophone master potent and smoking live takes Kirk Whalum, singer Ruben on a wide range of material, Studdard, jazz pianist Chick including the soul nugget Corea, singer Yolanda Adams “Casanova (Your Playing Days and others. Information: Are Over,” Burt Bacharach’s YamahaEntertainmentGroup.

“The Look of Love” and Jimmy com.

Webb’s “By The Time I Get to Phoenix.” The deluxe edition

Artist: Eric Johnson Title: EJ (Provogue) You might like if you enjoy: Rik Emmett, Laurence Juber Tell me more: On his 12th studio album titled “EJ,” Texas guitar great Eric Johnson has set aside his electric instrument and takes listeners on a distinctively different sonic journey via intimate material featuring his vocal work adorned with his top-tier work on acoustic guitar and piano. One of the greatest and most original electric guitar masters in the history of the instrument, Johnson’s artistic voice is equally strong in the acoustic territory that plays out over the 13 tracks on the self-produced “EJ.” There are breathtaking instrumentals (“Mrs. Robinson,” “Once Upon A Time In Texas,” “The World is Waiting For The Sunrise”), beautiful ballads (the piano and violin anchored “November”) and genreblending confessionals (the jazz-tinged “One Rainy Wish,” ambitious “Wrapped In A

Title: The Very Best of England Dan & John Ford Coley (Varèse Sarabande) You might like if you enjoy: 1970s pop-rock, Dan Seals, Paul Davis, America Tell me more: The recording duo of England Artist: Ronnie Baker Brooks Dan & John Ford Coley Title: Times Have helped create a sound that Changed (Provogue) is forever associated with the You might like if you enjoy: pop rock sound of the 1970s.

Vintage Trouble, Tommy Listening to the outstanding Castro, Big Head Todd collection “The Very Best of & the Monsters England Dan & John Ford Tell me more: From the Coley” is to rediscover song rock ‘n’ soul of “Show Me” craft enhanced by the two and “Long Story Short” to singers’ sweet harmonies and Memphis soul of the textured artful arrangements. Beyond title track and the smooth the bona fide hits (“I’d Really R&B gem “When I Was Love to See You Tonight,” We,” Ronnie Baker Brooks’ “Nights Are Forever Without solid return “Times Have You,” “We’ll Never Have to Changed” is pure joy. As if Say Goodbye Again”), there the Chicago bluesman’s own are some real treasures talents as vocalist and guitar especially the affecting “Soldier slinger were not impressive in the Rain” and a spirited enough, a talented parade of cover of Todd Rundgren’s notables guest on the album; “Love is the Answer.” In Todd Mohr of Big Head Todd addition to the duo’s best and the Monsters adds vocals known hits, the collection also and electric guitar on the includes the rare Japanese heavy blues rocker “Doing Too single “Keep Your Smile” and Much” while Brooks’ father, two songs from the “Just the legendary Lonnie Brooks, Tell Me You Love Me” movie adds some fiery guitar work soundtrack. Information: on “Twine Time.” Information: VareseSarabande.com.

MascotLabelGroup.com.

Artist: England Dan & John Ford Coley

By Greg Dill This past holiday season, I found myself in line at the airport counter, waiting to check a bag prior to a flight to visit family and friends.

The gentlemen in front of me got frustrated when the customer agent said he had to pay more to check a bag because he hadn’t paid for it online beforehand.

I could relate to his irritation since I’d had a similar experience years ago. But I was late for my plane and hoped the situation would be remedied soon. After talking to a manager and reviewing the terms of the ticket purchase, the man paid the extra fee.

The rest of us in line sighed quiet relief as the clock ticked down to our departure times.

The gentleman’s reaction made me think of a Medicare

job-based insurance during that time), he discovered that he’d have to pay a late penalty equal to 50 percent of his monthly premium.

He was very surprised, to say the least. He reached out to Medicare to reduce the penalty, but unfortunately we couldn’t do anything to help. When the beneficiary turned down Part B five years earlier, he signed a document explaining the penalty and the potential for higher costs. He now must pay this surcharge on his Part B premium for as long as he has Part B. Why does Medicare have such penalties?

Like private insurance, Medicare spreads its costs across a “pool” of insured people that includes both those who are healthy and those with medical problems.

Late-enrollment penalties are meant to ensure that people join the risk pool when they’re healthy, not just when they get sick. Thus, premiums paid by healthy people help offset the costs of those who with illnesses, keeping the program’s overall expenses as low as possible for everyone.

Late-enrollment penalties can add up. Your Part B premium may go up 10 percent for each full 12-month period that you could’ve had Part B but didn’t sign up for it. (You don’t usually pay a late penalty if you defer Part B while you’re covered by employer insurance.)

So please remember: If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay the late penalty for as long as you have Part B.

Suggested headline: Don’t Get Stuck with Medicare Late Fees

14

DesertSTAR

beneficiary I encountered a while back. He’d decided not to enroll in Medicare Part B, which helps pay for doctor fees, outpatient treatment, and preventive-care services, when he was first eligible.

At the time he declined his Part B benefits, he was in good health. He rarely saw a doctor, didn’t take prescription drugs, and never had been admitted to a hospital. Part B carries a monthly premium (about $109 for most people in 2017), and the man didn’t think he should pay for something he didn’t need.

Several years later his health declined and he wanted Part B. He signed up in March but learned that his coverage wouldn’t start until July. And since he waited five years to enroll after he was initially eligible (and didn’t have

January 18, 2017

Late penalties also apply to Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization. Although the vast majority of people with Medicare don’t pay for Part A, those who do must sign up when they’re first eligible or face a potential penalty.

You can also get hit with a penalty for late enrollment in Medicare Part D, which helps pay for prescription drugs.

The way it’s calculated is more complicated than Part B, but this penalty can add up, too. For details, see the 2017 Medicare & You handbook, mailed to every person with Medicare in the fall. It’s also online at https://www. medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10050Medicare-and-You.pdf.

Or call us, toll free, any time of day or night, at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). www.desertstarweekly.com

January 18, 2015 NOTICE TO READERS The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars.

Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada. California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/ or materials) must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising.

You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb. ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB

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Stop & Shop, Giant, and Martin’s locations are now ‘smarter stores’

By Desert Star Staff NEW YORK, — To better accommodate more than three million customers and 115,000 associates each week across 780 store locations, Ahold USA’s retail divisions, Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover, and Giant Carlisle, embarked on a technology overhaul in collaboration with Verizon Enterprise Solutions to create a ‘smarter store’ for today’s always-connected consumer. With consumers increasingly relying on smartphones and public Wi-Fi when shopping, retailers are recognizing the imperative to offer strong and reliable networks for delivering the digitally rich in-store experience that is now an expectation.

“Our divisions are focused on the needs of their customers and improving the overall customer experience,” said Paul Scorza, chief information officer for Ahold USA. “Verizon Enterprise Solutions has helped them deliver on their ‘better place to shop’ mission as we were able to bring Wi-Fi to all 780 division stores while increasing network bandwidth

that moves data quickly.”

Wi-Fi connectivity throughout their stores has been instrumental for the Ahold USA divisions to tailor offers and promotions to subscribers of their app and SCAN IT! Mobile feature, which allows customers to use smartphones to scan items for self-serve checkout. Additionally, Ahold USA division associates can rely on strong network connectivity to rapidly and securely transmit data related to everything from inventory needs to medical prescriptions and point of sale transactions.

“With this improved store network, we’re making it easier for our division customers to smoothly access other technology options like SCAN IT! Mobile,” added Scorza.

“With a strong, reliable network, store associates are in a great position to succeed; whether helping a customer with a price, ordering an item, or finding a product, associates can get the job done faster and easier.”

Underscoring the growing popularity of the Wi-Fi feature, in December 2016 alone Ahold USA’s divisions saw an overall 23 percent

spike in the number of users over the previous month.

On top of improving the customer experience, the technology upgrade includes operational enhancements across all Ahold USA division stores. All locations are now equipped with Verizon’s business-grade voice-overIP (VoIP) phone solution which streamlines network management and cost efficiencies while extending the capabilities of the

company’s existing phone system. Further, the addition of Verizon’s industry leading wireless network capabilities in each location will provide backup connectivity to help maintain business continuity in the event of outages which can be harmful to business and a company’s brand.

“Ahold USA’s businesses are reinventing the retail experience for today and the future, and we are proud to be partnering with them,” said

Michele Dupré, group vice president of retail, distribution and hospitality with Verizon Enterprise Solutions. “We’ve built our business on helping retailers, and organizations across all industries, embrace innovative technologies that deliver efficiencies and create new opportunities. Never before has technology transformation been so important for attracting a consumer population that has comfortably adapted to a digital world.” Source: PRNewswire

Here Are the States Most (And Least) Likely to Live Paycheck to Paycheck

Second annual GOBankingRates study reveals where Americans will likely struggle to make ends meet.

By Desert Star Staff LOS ANGELES,Ca.— Hawaii is the state where Americans are most likely to live paycheck to paycheck, whereas residents of Mississippi are least likely, according to the latest GOBankingRates study.

While a majority of the 10 states where Americans are most strapped for cash are the same states featured in last year’s study, the 2017 study found many new states rank as the best for stretching your

paycheck, including Michigan, Oklahoma and Mississippi.

States were evaluated and ranked according to the percentage of the median paycheck that was left over after subtracting the following: Housing costs Food expenditures Transportation expenses Utilities Healthcare The 10 states where Americans are most likely to

live paycheck to paycheck: Hawaii California New York Massachusetts Alaska Maryland Connecticut Vermont New Jersey Oregon

Mississippi Arkansas Oklahoma Tennessee Indiana Alabama Kansas Missouri

Kentucky Michigan To see full rankings and methodology, visit: https:// www.gobankingrates. com/personal-finance/ states-least-likely-livepaycheck-paycheck-2017/

The 10 states where Americans are least likely to live paycheck to paycheck:

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16

DesertSTAR

January 18, 2017

www.desertstarweekly.com

Desert Star Weekly Legals PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Pub January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 2017. DSW17-5013

AMENDED PETITION FOR Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary ESTATE OF ISMAEL A. RIVERA, DECEDENT CASE NO. INP1500519 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of ISMAEL A. RIVERA. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by TERESA RIVERA. in the Superior Court of California, County of RIVERSIDE. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that TERESA RIVERA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s LOST will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The LOST will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: February 9, 2017 at 8:45AM in Dept. 1A located at 46-200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: DAVID M. GROSSMAN, S.B.N. 192758, LAW OFFICES OF DAVID M. GROSSMAN 72-960 FRED WARING DRIVE, SUITE 16, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 (760) 837-9766 (760) 887-9766. Pub January 11, 18, 25, 2017. DSW17-5006 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NO. PSC 1700056, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 3255 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92263, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. DAVID GENTRY ELLIS NOLAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: 1a.

Present Name: DAVID GENTRY ELLIS NOLAN to Proposed Name: DEXTER GENTRY-ELLIS WOLFE. 2.THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: March 3, 2017 Time: 8:30 a.m., Dept.: PS3, b. The address of the court is: 3255 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, County of Riverside 3.a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper): DESERT STAR WEEKLY 13279 PALM DRIVE SUITE 5, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240 Dated: January 5, 2017, Judge of the Superior Court, Publish January 11, 18, 25, 2017. DSW17-5007 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NO. RIC 1615225, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 4050 Main St. (P.O. Box 431) Riverside, CA , 92502-0431 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. JANETT MARIE ROSENSCHEIN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: 1a. Present Name: JANETT MARIE ROSENSCHEIN to Proposed Name: HELEN MARIE RUIZ-ROSENSCHEIN. 2.THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: February 10, 2017 Time: 8:30 a.m., Dept.: PS3, b. The address of the court is: 3255 4050 Main St. (P.O. Box 431) Riverside, CA , 92502-0431, County of Riverside 3.a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper): DESERT STAR WEEKLY 13279 PALM DRIVE SUITE 5, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240 Dated: January 4, 2017, Judge of the Superior Court January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 2017 DSW17-5005

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: ROSY’S HAIR STUDIO, 36399 CATHEDRAL CANYON, STE 5, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: ROSA EDITH ORNELAS BARRIOS, 44950 VISTA DUNES APT 12, LA QUINTA, CA 92253. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: ROSA EDITH ORNELAS BARRIOS. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on December 20, 2016.

Peter Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201615671 NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Pub January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 2017. DSW17-5012 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: WLG CONSULTING, 12285 PALM DR., #102, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 92240. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: 420 EXPRESS DELIVERY, 12285 PALM DR., #102, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 92240/ CA. Business is conducted by: CORPORATION. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above.

I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: MARBY ALEXANDER CARRANZA, VICE PRESIDENT. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on January 12, 2017. Peter Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201700515. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Pub January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 2017. DSW17-5011 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: DR. ROOTER, 72216 NORTHSHORE ST., #101, THOUSAND PALMS, CA 92276. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: SANDERSON & SONS, INC., 72216 NORTHSHORE ST., #101, THOUSAND PALMS, CA 92276/CALIFORNIA. Business is conducted by: CORPORATION. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: RONALD SANDERSON, PRESIDENT. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on January 12, 2017.

Peter Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201700526. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Pub January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 2017. DSW17-5010 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: HOME LEARNING COMPANY, 2254 KARENDALE CIR., RIVERSIDE, CA 92506. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: KATRINA LEE NIEMI, 2254 KARENDALE CIR., RIVERSIDE, CA 92506; EDWARD MATTHEW NIEMI, 2254 KARENDALE CIR., RIVERSIDE, CA 92506. Business is conducted by: MARRIED COUPLE. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime).

Signed: KATRINA LEE NIEMI. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on January 11, 2017. Peter Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201700470. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Pub January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 2017. DSW17-5009

PUBLIC NOTICE

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January 18, 2017 PUBLIC NOTICE

THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: ALL GOODS ALL DAY; GRIFFIN BOARDS; AMERICAN HOMEWARES, 1068 AURORA LN, CORONA, CA 92881. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: JUAN CHRISTIAN ARAYA, 1068 AURORA LN, CORONA, CA 92881; BRENDA- -ARAYA, 1068 AURORA LN, CORONA, CA 92881 . Business is conducted by: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 02/01/2016. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: JUAN CHRISTIAN ARAYA. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on December 16, 2016.

Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201615563 NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Pub January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 2017. DSW167-5008

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CA 92270. Full name of registrant: DAVID WAYNE NICHOLSON, 71315 KEMPTON AVE., RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 6/15/2000. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: DAVID WAYNE NICHOLSON. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on December 21, 2016. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201615733 NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Pub December 28, 2016, January 4, 11, 18, 2017. DSW16-1363 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: LEGACY INVESTMENT GROUP, 622 CAMEO DR., PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: PHILLIP FRED GOODMAN, 622 CAMEO DR., PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264; MARCIA JOY FREEDMAN, 1358 TOLEDO WAY, UPLAND, CA 91786; STEPHAINE ANN DAVIDSON, 19961 BUSHARD ST., HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92646. Business is conducted by: GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 05/05/2006. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: PHILLIP FRED GOODMAN. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on December 16, 2016. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201615542 NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Pub December 28, 2016, January 4, 11, 18, 2017. DSW16-1362

17

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

TIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE).

Pub December 28, 2016, January 4, 11, 18, 2017.

DSW16-1360 N O T I C E O F T R U S T E E ’ S S A L E T. S . N o .

16-30745-BA-CA Title No. 160155011-CA-VOI A.P.N. 676-230-053-8 ATTENTION RECORDER: THE FOLLOWING REFERENCE TO AN ATTACHED SUMMARY IS APPLICABLE TO THE NOTICE PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR ONLY PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE 2923.3 NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED. YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 11/24/2004. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, (cashier’s check(s) must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation), drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state; will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made in an “as is” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: Donald A. Duffin, an unmarried person Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corporation Recorded 03/17/2005 as Instrument No. 2005-0209604 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Riverside County, California.

Date of Sale: 01/24/2017 at 9:00 AM Place of Sale: In front of the Corona Civic Center, 849 W. Sixth Street, Corona, CA 92882. Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $405,661.41.

Street Address or other common designation of real property: 44 Pebble Beach Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. A.P.N.: 676-230-053-8 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.The requirements of California Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property.

You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 714-730-2727 or visit this Internet Web site www.ndscorp.com/sales, using the file number assigned to this case 16-30745-BACA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Date: 12/23/2016 National Default Servicing Corporation c/o Tiffany and Bosco, P.A., its agent,1230 Columbia Street, Suite 680 San Diego, CA 92101 Toll Free Phone: 888-264-4010 Sales Line 714730-2727; Sales Website:www.ndscorp.com/ sales Zahara Joyner, Trustee Sales Representative A-4603892 01/04/2017, 01/11/2017, 01/18/2017.

DSW17-5000

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: WENDY’A #11630, 1830 N. PERRIS BOULEVARD, PERRIS, CA 92571. Riverside County; 29889 SANTA MARGARITA PARKWAY, RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA 92688. Full name of registrant: COTTI FOODS CALIFORNIA, INC., 29889 SANTA MARGARITA PARKWAY, RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA 92688/CA. Business is conducted by: Corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: “I” Steven Siglin, Executive Vice President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on December 29, 2016.

Peter Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201615980. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Pub January 11, 18, FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: DC CREATIONS PHOTO BOOTH, 25, February 1, 2017. DSW17-5004 54275 EISENHOWER DR., LA QUINTA, CA 92253.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE Riverside County; 66572 HACIENDA AVENUE, FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Full name NESS AS: HAVEN CREATED; ARTOFFICIAL; of registrant: CHANTELL HALL ODELL, 66572 NATURE REFINED, 13660 OCOTILLO RD UNIT HACIENDA AVENUE, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 2, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Riverside 92240; DAVID VACA MENDEZ, 66572 HACIENDA County. Full name of registrant: AMBER RENE AVENUE, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240.

SPARTAS, 13660 OCOTILLO RD UNIT 2, DESERT Business is conducted by MARRIED COUPLE. HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Business is conducted Registrant has not yet begun to transact business by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun to under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. transact business under the fictitious business I declare that all the information in this statement is name(s) listed above. I declare that all the informa- true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, tion in this statement is true and correct. (A regis- information which he or she knows to be false, is trant, who declares as true, information which he or guilty of a crime). Signed: CHANTELL HALL ODELL. she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: This statement was filed with the County Clerk of AMBER RENE SPARTAS. This statement was filed Riverside County on December 09, 2016. Peter with the County Clerk of Riverside County on De- Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. cember 28, 2016. Peter Aldana Assessor-County R-201615221 NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSIClerk-Recorder File No. R-201615924. NOTICE — NESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATE- BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE MENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTI- IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER TIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. PROFESSIONAL CODE). Pub December 28, 2016, SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). January 4, 11, 18, 2017. DSW16-1361 Pub January 4, 11, 18, 25, 2017. DSW17-5002 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- BUSINESS AS: SUNSHINE HOSIERY, 25211 NESS AS: A.G. SMOG TEST CENTER, 51701 SUNNYMEAD BLVD STE B-2, MORENO VALGRAPEFRUIT BLVD., SUITE B-9, COACHELLA, LEY, CA 92553. Riverside County. Full name of CA 92236. Riverside County; 74894 LENNON registrant: MYUNG JA CHU, 6416 CAROL AVE., PL., SUITE D-2, PALM DESERT, CA 92260. Full RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91701. Business name of registrant: ALEJANDRO- -GALVAN, 53265 is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not AVENIDA ALVARADO, LA QUINTA, CA 92253. yet begun to transact business under the fictitious Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the has not yet begun to transact business under the information in this statement is true and correct. (A fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare registrant, who declares as true, information which that all the information in this statement is true he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, Signed: MYUNG JA CHU. This statement was filed information which he or she knows to be false, is with the County Clerk of Riverside County on Deguilty of a crime). Signed: ALEJANDRO- -GALVAN. cember 16, 2016. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201615500 NOTICE — Riverside County on December 21, 2016. Peter THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS R-201615735. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSI- FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. NESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEFROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE MENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTIBEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME he IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER e p lif astro ES! UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW a t (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND g c a UT PROFESSIONS CODE). Pub January 4, 11, 18, 25, in tial IN 2017. DSW17-5001 v n Sa ot e 0 M FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT p 1 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING a BUSINESS AS: PFL SECURITY & SOUND 45050 om RY ELM ST., INDIO, CA 92201. Riverside County. Full E fr name of registrant: LEONARD RUBEN JIMENEZ EV 45050 ELM ST., INDIO, CA 92201. Business is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: LEONARD RUBEN JIMENEZ. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on December 06, 2016. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. ® R-201615098 NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Pub December 28, 2016, January 4, 11, 18, 2017. DSW16-1364

AMENDED FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: JEFFRY’S 2638 CANYON SOUTH DRIVE, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264 Riverside County. Full name of registrant: JEFFRY GERARD GEORGIANNI 2638 CANYON SOUTH DRIVE, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264. Business is conducted by INDIVIDUAL Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: JEFFRY GERARD GEORGIANNI. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on September 14, 2016.

Peter Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201611643. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Pub October 12, FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 19, 26, November 2, 2016, January 18, 25, Febru- FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSITHE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING ary 1, 8, 2017. DSW16-1293 NESS AS: NICHOLSON POOL SERVICE, 71315 BUSINESS AS: T’BANG PRODUCTION, 2500 E. KEMPTON AVE, RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270.

PALM CANYON DR., #80, PALM SPRINGS, CA FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Riverside County; PO BOX 852, RANCHO MIRAGE, 92264. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: BAMBANG INDRA TARUNA, 2500 E. PALM CANYON DR., #80, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264.

Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, to your community newspaper serving desert cities and beyond. is guilty of a crime). Signed: BAMBANG INDRA TARUNA. This statement was filed with the County For as low as Clerk of Riverside County on December 20, 2016.

For one year subscription Peter Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201615654 NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS mailed to your home BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE 13279 Palm Drive Suite 5, OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE W E E K L Y USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

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FBI arrests wife of Orlando nightclub shooter

By Desert Star Staff Wife of the Pulse nightclub attacker Omar Mateen was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice. The FBI concluded Noor Salman was not telling the truth about her husband’s plans for the June 2016 rampage. Mateen declared allegiance to Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIS/ ISIL) during the attack in which 49 people were killed and 53 injured at the Orlando, Florida gay nightclub. Mateen himself died in a shootout with police.

Salman was arrested in San Francisco on Monday.

She had moved several times since the shooting, citing hostility from the public.“I just want people to know that I am human. I am a mother,” Salman told the New York Times in November, speaking to the media for the first time after the attack. “I was unaware of everything,” she said. “I don’t condone what he has done. I am very sorry for what has happened. He has hurt a lot of people. How can someone be capable of that?”

According to the

18

DesertSTAR

A Course in Miracles discussion and study group. Every Friday at 4 p.m. at 67735 Loma Vista Rd. For info 805-440-9149.

Come join the community walk with Bobby from One one One Fitness every Wednesday at 6pm. Meet in the parking Palm Drive.

INDIO

Sucky Biker Bowling 1st & 3rd Thursday each month For info, Halle Fetty at Valley V-Twin Motorcycle Sales 760-342-1199.

Noor Salman, wife of Omar Mateen arrested the charges are obstruction of justice & aiding/abetting the attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist org. investigators, however, Salman drove with her husband to Pulse on at least one occasion, and accompanied him to the St. Lucie Shooting Center, where he purchased the handgun and rifle used in the attack.

Salman and Mateen met on an internet dating site in

2011, and have a 3-yearold son together. Mateen’s ex-wife, Sitora Yusufiy, said he had physically abused her during their brief fourmonth marriage in 2009.

“Nothing can erase the pain we all feel about the senseless and brutal murders of 49 of our neighbors,

friends, family members and loved ones. But today, there is some relief in knowing that someone will be held accountable for that horrific crime,” Orlando Police Chief John Mina said, commenting on Salman’s arrest.

••••••••••••••

Grand-Opening: Neuro Vitality Centers Exercise Facility

Palm Springs, CA - The community is invited to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Neuro Vitality Centers Luhr and Clarice Jensen Exercise Therapy Facility on Monday, January 23rd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., A special ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the historic day at 2 p.m. with support from Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. The Exercise Facility is the first step toward producing a one-of-a-kind neuro health campus in the country and it’s right here in the Southland.

The Neuro Vitality Center, formerly known as the Stroke Recovery Center, has 35 years of experience in the rehabilitation of stroke and traumatic brain injury survivors.

The non-profit organization changed its name as it recently expanded services to treat people with Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, helping more than 275 patients of all ages each year.

The mission of the NVC is to improve the quality of life for these individuals and their families through communitycentered care, support groups, exercise, speech, education and research.

The Exercise Facility will expand physical medicine and rehabilitation at all levels from walking paths to yoga, weight training, gym exercise and individual therapy to help patients regain lost skills, strength and confidence.

“This is a major milestone for us toward bringing worldclass neurological services to

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

the valley, said Neuro Vitality Center CEO Beverly Greer. “We are so pleased to open our doors to those with MS and Parkinsons Disease. And with phase one now up and running, we turn to both medical and behavioral health services.”

The NVC’s focus generally person offers customized treatments in three categories.

Physical Medicine: exercise therapy and speech therapy Behavioral Medicine: memory, reading, comprehension, writing, depression, counseling.

Environmental Factors: educational knowledge is power/ control social fun is part of healing emotional support isolation is harmful, helping them gain control and confidence.

Patients move crosscountry to the Coachella Valley, specifically to receive services at the NVC several hours a day, five days a week.

Meanwhile, people in southern California often have no idea these muchneeded services are right in their backyard. The center hopes to spread awareness so that more people will utilize them, and more funding will help keep them running.

Reaching this milestone wouldn’t have been possible without donors: the Jensens and family foundations such as David Vickers, the Angels,

Auens, Newmans and many individual donors and patients.

All will be recognized on a plaque in the Exercise Facility.

“We appreciate the support of the neighborhood and are excited by the challenges ahead, Greer said.

WHAT: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Neuro Vitality Centers Exercise Facility WHEN: Monday, January 23, 2017 TIME: 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: 2800 East Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Open Air Market every Wed-Sat 4-10p.m.at 46350 Arabia St. For info, call 800-222-7457.

Country Night at LIT at The Fantasy Springs Casino Resort December 29 @ 8:00 Am - 5:00 Pm Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience: Empire Polo Club March 4 - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m.

CATHEDRAL CITY

Mahjong an ancient title game Every Monday from 10 a.m. to 12p.m. For info, call Christina 760-3211548 or Tim 760-2598.

Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce Luncheon & Learn Event: Bonta January 11, 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce Mixer: Senior Center 5:00 p.m.

January 19 - 7:00 p.m

COACHELLA

Mahjong an ancient title game: Every Monday from 10 am -12 pm. For info, call Christina 760-321-1548 Blue Bar DJ Pee Wee Fridays & Saturdays nights at 8p.m. For more information, call 760-775-5566 or go to spotlight29casino.com.

Hot Spot Fridays & Saturdays at. For more information, call 760775-5566 or go to spotlight29casino.com.

Flashback Fridays Fridays & Saturdays. For more information, call 760-775-5566 or go to spotlight29casino.com.

Cabaret on the Green Every Sat. from 7:30-10pm.

For more information, call 760-202-1111.

LA QUINTA

Live Musical Entertainment at Morgans in the Desert 49499 Eisenhower Drive 760-564-7600 Tools For Tomorrow: Game Day Luncheon at La Quinta Country Club January 30 @ 10:00 AM 2:00 PM January 18, 2017

www.desertstarweekly.com

Topical but gloomy drama registers with job loss America

Ray Lapine (John Larroquette) threatens to throw Felix Potemkin (Joey Folsom) to the floor below while Pinky Steuben (John Rhys-Davies) rushes to intervene.

By Jack Lyons Theatre and Film Critic Now is the winter of our discontent… job wise that is. And the problems of the American economy and the details of how to fix it aren’t getting any rosier if one either reads, listens to TV, radio, or lives in the world of the internet. Money scams are all around us, our politicians seem to be working for corporate America instead of for the people who elected them to “drain the swamp”.

And the beat goes on…

Writer/director Scott Marshall Smith’s potent Indie movie “Camera Store”, is a cautionary tale about American business and its practices toward its employees. Set in the 1994, on Christmas Eve, when Malls were in their ascendancy “Camera Store” becomes a microcosm and a harbinger of what the future holds for a great many small entrepreneurs and their employees and it isn’t pretty.

Just this week alone Macy, the iconic retail store announced the closing of more than 100 of its stores in 2017 laying off 10,000 employees. Other iconic retailers like Walmart, Sears, Target, JC Penney, Kmart, and Kohl’s have also pulled the plug on some of their stores, with the result being that nearly another 44,000 jobs will disappear in the retail sector of the American economy in 2017.

Smith’s passionate story of corporate betrayal to the American worker’s dream is explored through the metaphor of a local retail camera store, called Bibideaux’s Family Photograhic, located inside a Mall on Christmas Eve. Two of America’s finest character actors star as embittered employees and clerks: Ray LaPine, played by John Larroquette) and Pinky Stueben, played by (John Rhys-Davies).

Ray who acts as the store manager and Pinky, a thirteenyear employee who likes the sauce are commiserating that hardly anyone one has been in the store to buy cameras or its accessories. The employees have been waiting for their paychecks, back-pay, and/ or a Christmas bonus. Ray keeps telling them that their paychecks will here by the end www.desertstarweekly.com

of the shift. Strong language alert: The currency of film dialogue these days echo the vernacular of the streets.

The Mall manager keeps stopping by to ask Ray when the camera store will close.

Pinky haunts the bar opposite the store as a regular customer, and tonight he’s had a little too much to drink. He prefers the Scurvy Parrot Pub, rather than the Italian restaurant two stores down owned by Tonia Canucci played by Laura Silverman, who serves as Ray’s ‘listener/therapist’ when he gets down in the dumps. Paul Ben-Victor as Mr. Bibideaux, Cherryl Ladd as Alma, Justin Lieberman as Pete, the newly assigned assistant manager, Maddie McCormick as Penny Wednesday, offer solid support.

“Camera Store” is a talky, intimate movie with lots of philosophy, complaints, and hope being discussed about the character’s lives and plans.

Ray has had a dream of owning his own camera business for years. But he fails to act on his desire to pursue the dream.

It’s actually safer and easier to just keep talking about it.

I had the opportunity to interview writer/director Smith. His comments were most interesting regarding today’s economy and the future of the American Dream for middle-class Americans.

I asked where the idea for the movie came from?

He replied, “… it came from my experience of working at a camera store when putting myself through film school.

The store was jam-packed with characters. They were some really funny people in that store. I originally wrote the first draft as a comedy. What seemed funny at first – the plight of my fellow employees endlessly carping about the jobs they took for granted – slowly merged into a tragedy.”

“The people I worked with were good, hard working employees – the backbone of the American middle class. They did as generations before them – worked hard and made their companies and their managers rich all under the promise of the American dream. When those companies turned around and decimated that dream, it was no different at the corporate

John Larroquette

store than the camera store.”

“Like Ray and Pinky, those workers stood in numb disbelief, pink slips dangling from unfeeling fingers, betrayed by their own bosses, unemployed in late career, retirements sucked into offshore accounts. These [corporate] guys were exchanging highfives and popping champagne corks after they were done.”

“People got comfortable with gutting people’s lives and saw [their] jobs as well done.

People were literally [dumped] out onto the streets with nothing. ‘We can’t retire you, we can’t keep our promise.

There’s no gold watch, you’re pink slipped and you’re gone today’. The whole idea of their expectations for all their hard work and loyalty that went into it, and to end up with nothing, is disillusioning, devastating.”

What do you see as the future of the American dream? Can it survive?

He said, “It’s not going away – it’s increasing” adding, “I see exploited salesman like Ray and Pinky as modern-day successors to Arthur Miller’s tragic archetype salesman Willy Loman – loyal, dedicated employees who devote their working lives to a company, only

to be cast aside with little or nothing when they’ve grown old and outlived their usefulness.“ “If ‘Death of a Salesman’ he says, represents the death of the American Dream, and ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ represents the funeral for the American Dream, then ‘Camera Store’ would be its requiem.”

Harsh words and a bleak outlook. There’s a lot to ponder when watching “Camera Store”. When it comes to a Cineplex near you near you, make sure you buy a ticket. The film is being distributed by Provocator,LLC., for release in 2017.

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