Desert tar Weekly March 2, 2018 issue

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Your adjudicated newspaper for Riverside County

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Friday, March 2, 2018 Vol. 12 No. 19

No Human Needed

The self-driving delivery vehicle from Silicon Valley startup Nuro, shown in San Francisco, California, January 30, 2018 © Nuro/Handout / Reuters By Desert Star Staff California has paved the way for driverless cars to cruise the highways… eventually. New rules mean that a human will no longer need to be present in test vehicles. On Monday, California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced new rules that will allow self-driving vehicles on the

road without a person in the car for safety. The rules will come into effect on April 2. Under the new rules, tech companies working on driverless vehicle systems can begin trials of driverless cars without a safety driver at the wheel. Until now, the DMV has allowed driverless cars to be tested only if a safety driver is on hand to take over.

KMIR NBC News Palm Springs, CA The asking price for Frank Sinatra’s former Southern California desert compound has been slashed. For more than a year now, the rustic retreat has sat on the market with a price tag of $3.9 million. According to the listing, the price has been reduced to $3.69 million When Sinatra put down roots in a rocky landscape just outside of Palm Springs, he did it his way, designing the rustic retreat fit to entertain a long list of celebrities and dignitaries. Nearly 50 years later, Ol’ Blue Eyes’ desert hideaway in the mountains above Palm Desert has been

listed with surrounding land parcels included. The Los Angeles Times reports the current homeowners, who knew the legendary singer from his days performing in Las Vegas, have meticulously maintained and restored the 1967 compound Sinatra named Villa Maggio. The lavish estate, which sits on 7.5 acres, is comprised of three separate houses with a total of nine bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms and nine fireplaces. Head outdoor and there is a helipad, swimming pool, tennis court and dance floor, where we can only imagine the crooner and his Rat Pack pals put on a show for guests. Source: KMIR

“This is a major step forward for autonomous technology in California,” DMV Director Jean Shiomoto said in a statement. “Safety is our top concern and we are ready to begin working with manufacturers that are prepared to test fully driverless vehicles in California.” However, ordinary mortals won’t be hitching a ride in a

driverless car anytime soon. Companies wishing to test these vehicles need to secure a special permit from the DMV. In 2014, California became the first state to establish rules for testing autonomous vehicles on public roads. The state has so far awarded a license to test self-driving technology to 50 companies. California is the most

populous state in the US, with almost 40 million residents. Many of the most prominent driverless tech companies are based in the Golden State. Some consumer advocates have expressed dismay over the decision, however. “A remote test operator will be allowed to monitor Continues on Page 3

Frank Sinatra’s Rustic Retreat in Palm Springs Gets a Price Cut


Homicide, narcotics trafficking & dishonesty By Desert Star Staff The Broward County Sheriff Office in Florida is facing a total of 66 misconduct investigations, it has been revealed, while its sheriff faces widespread condemnation for poorly handling the Parkland school shooting. With the dust not yet settled on the recent attack, Sheriff Scott Israel claims he has demonstrated “amazing leadership” throughout his tenure at Broward County. The string of accusations aimed at him and his colleagues over the last six years tells a different story and has left many suggesting that the department’s failures are not limited to their handling of the massacre at Stoneman Douglas High School two weeks ago. The list includes accusations that Israel’s deputies and other employees are responsible for drugtrafficking, armed kidnapping, falsifying records, battery, assault and more. One of the investigations in question is the shooting of Jermaine McBean, an African-American IT engineer who was killed by officers in 2013 when they received a

call saying he was walking around with a gun. It later transpired that the weapon resting on his shoulders was an unloaded air-rifle that he bought that afternoon. Two years later, photographs of the victim revealed that McBean had been wearing headphones when he was shot, which explained why he did not react to warnings from police. At the time of the incident, however, those same headphones were said to have been found in the victim’s pockets, which has lead to suspicions of an attempted cover-up. The details outlining the broader failures by the Sheriff’s Department have been brought to light by David Schoen, the attorney representing McBean’s family, who accuses Israel of trying to shift blame, saying “the buck never stops with him.” Court records filed against Sheriff Israel by Schoen reveal the extent of the accusations being made. Approximately 66 BSO (Broward Sheriff’s Office) deputies and other employees, including supervisory personnel were arrested for, charged with, and/or convicted of crimes that run the gamut

from Armed Kidnapping, to Battery, Assault, Falsifying records, Official Misconduct, Narcotics trafficking, and other crimes involving dishonesty and violence in the years immediately proceeding [sic] 2013 when Jermaine was killed. Most of the offenses on the list occurred in the years 2012-2013. Schoen goes on to outline that the cases are often resolved by “guilty pleas resulting in short or no period of incarceration and a chance for the criminal record to be cleared after a period of time.” The major source of

criticism for the embattled sheriff has come in the light of apparent failures following the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14. Israel is accused of not taking responsibility for the fact that his deputies did not attempt to stop the shooter sooner and that they prevented paramedics from treating victims at the scene. There are also concerns that the Sheriff is hiding important information in his refusal to release footage that might shed light on what exactly happened during the shooting. It has also been

demonstrated that his department received no less than 23 calls relating to the possibility that the shooter was a risk to the community, two of which referred specifically to his intention to attack a school. Furthermore, accusations of racism at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office are emerging on Twitter as users point to news stories in the past where it had been alleged that the department was using women to entrap black men into committing crimes and that deputies had been asked to wear ski-masks and disrupt hip-hop events.

fourth largest in the country. Herat says detainees held nine hunger strikes at the center in 2017 over conditions in the prison, yet are forced to wait there under this Supreme Court decision. “That can take years and years and years,” she laments. “It’s a real waste of resources for our country and it really is something that tears families apart. It’s a devastating decision in that sense.” The lead plaintiff in the case, Alejandro Rodriguez, was a legal permanent resident convicted of joyriding in 1998 and a drug possession five years later. He was detained for three years without the right to ask for bond. The deportation order against Rodriguez has since been canceled.

like automatic weapons. Politicians and commentators took to Twitter to welcome the move, praising the company for its “leadership” and criticizing US President Donald Trump for his perceived inaction in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting. Meanwhile, others believe the measures should act as a blueprint for new gun control legislation.

Immigrants Can Be Detained Indefinitely Under Supreme Court Ruling

By Desert Star Staff SEATTLE — People waiting for their immigration case to be decided can be held indefinitely, even if they are legal permanent residents or asylum seekers. In a 5-to-3 decision issued Tuesday, the U.S.

Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Jennings v. Rodriguez that gave detainees the right to a bond hearing every six months. People are held an average of 13 months waiting on their cases. However, the

Supreme Court also sent the case back to the Ninth Circuit for reconsideration based its constitutional merits. Enoka Herat, police practices and immigration counsel with the ACLU of Washington state, says her group is disappointed

with this decision. “Something that the dissent pointed out and recognized is that indefinite immigration detention is a severe and unconstitutional deprivation of one’s liberty, and the court actually allowed that deprivation to continue in this decision,” she says. “But the fight isn’t over.” The court wrote that immigration officials have the right to detain people during proceedings to determine if they should legally be in the country. There’s a backlog of more than 660,000 cases in immigration courts, including more than 10,000 in Washington state, according to a government data-tracking project by Syracuse University. Tacoma is home to the Northwest Detention Center, the largest immigrant prison on the West Coast and the

By Desert Star Staff One of largest sports retailers in the US will halt the sale of assault-style weapons at all its outlets, according the firm’s chief executive. Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Ed Stack says he expects a backlash. The move, along with a string of other measures governing weapons sales, was announced during an

appearance on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America.’ Stack said he and his fellow executives were moved by the revelation that Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz purchased a weapon from one of the outlets prior to the shooting. “Following all of the rules and laws, we sold a shotgun to the Parkland shooter in November of 2017. It was

not the gun, nor type of gun, he used in the shooting. But it could have been,” Stack said in a statement on the company’s website. “Clearly this indicates on so many levels that the systems in place are not effective to protect our kids and our citizens. We believe it’s time to do something about it.” The company had stopped the sale of the rifles after the

2012 Sandy Hook massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, but still permitted the sale of the weapons in its 35 Field & Stream stores. The chain will also no longer sell firearms to anyone under 21 years of age, nor will it sell high capacity magazines. It also promised to continue not selling bump stocks which allow semiautomatic weapons to operate

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Major US sporting retailer ends sale of assault-style weapons at outlets

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Graham praised by Trump, politicians as ‘America’s pastor’

By Laurie Kellman WASHINGTON - The president gently touched the bare wood of Billy Graham’s casket. The speaker of the House bowed his head. And hundreds of other lawmakers, family and friends stood in a rare salute Wednesday to the man they called, “America’s pastor.” “He ministered to all walks, from some of the greats whose statues line this hall - Eisenhower, King, Ford, and Reagan - to the everyday citizens lining up today to pay their respects,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan, gesturing to Graham’s casket under the eye of the Capitol Rotunda. President Donald Trump, who met Graham but is closer to his son, Franklin, nonetheless

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & MANAGING EDITOR Max Liebermann __________________________ OFFICE MANAGER Mindy Salas ART DIRECTOR Dina Rivera CONTRIBUTORS Beverly Cohn, Janice Gough, Jack Lyons, Kelly G. Richardson, Kevin Powell, Pamela Price, Risa D’Angeles, Robert Kinsler, Shirley Brenon, Theda Kleinhans Reichman PHOTOGRAPHERS Pat Krause ADVERTISING ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Please Call 760-671-6604 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Arlette Capel Desert Star Weekly 13279 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. The newspaper reserves the right not to accept an advertiser’s order. The entire contents of the Desert Star Weekly newspaper © 2013. All rights reserved.

recalled that the elder Graham had long been part of his life. Trump said his father, Fred, “said to me, ‘Come on, son ... Let’s go see Billy Graham at Yankee Stadium.’ And it was something very special.” He called Graham “an ambassador for Christ who reminded the world of the power of prayer and the gift of God’s grace.” Graham’s influence stretched far beyond the city where he counseled presidents and lawmakers to a global flock over the better part of seven decades. He is known for having met every president, Trump included, and counseled most. But he learned to be wary of the heat of politics. Close to Richard Nixon, Graham later said the details of the Watergate scandal made him feel used. But the world of American politics and government embraced Graham on Wednesday, a week after he died at age 99. Those gathered, including Vice President Mike Pence, some members of Trump’s Cabinet and members of the House and Senate, stood around the casket. They were ringed by paintings of the nation’s founders. “The man we recognize today shared the Gospel with more people, face-toface, than anyone else in history,” said Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. As the leaders stood by the casket, Trump reached out to touch it. Ryan, nearby, bowed his head. Some 30 family members accompanied Graham’s casket to Washington, where he

had befriended presidents of both parties. Graham’s son, Franklin, tweeted a photo Wednesday of family members loading the casket onto a jet emblazoned with “Samaritan’s Purse,” the name of a Christian relief charity that he chairs. Graham is lying in honor before a funeral Friday near his home in North Carolina. The Rotunda entrances were draped with black fabric, and Graham’s casket rested on a black-draped catafalque beneath the soaring ceiling and its painting, the “Apotheosis of Washington.” Graham felt burned by Nixon for years. Nixon’s White House tapes released in 2002 included Graham’s voice telling the president that Jews “don’t know how I really feel about what they’re doing to this country.” He apologized. Nonetheless, he ministered

to other presidents until his health began to fail. Former President Bill Clinton recalled seeing one of Graham’s crusades as a child, a profound experience that became more amazing over his life. Graham counseled him as Arkansas governor, and later as president in the White House itself. “In that little room, he was the same person I saw when I was 11 on that football field,” Clinton said Tuesday after viewing the casket at Graham’s home. Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, visited Graham’s home earlier in the week. In Washington, Ryan said there had been no doubt that Graham would receive the honor of a public viewing in the Rotunda. He told reporters that almost immediately upon

hearing of Graham’s death he, Trump, McConnell and Rep. Patrick McHenry, who represents the Graham family’s district, agreed it would happen. Trump met Graham at the pastor’s 95th birthday party in 2013, but is closer to Franklin Graham Jr. Graham shares the honor of a public viewing in the Rotunda with 11 presidents and other distinguished Americans, starting with Sen. Henry Clay of Kentucky in 1852 and, most recently, Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii in 2012. Graham is only the fourth private person to lie in honor since 1998. The others are two U.S. Capitol Police officers who died in the line of duty in 1998 and civil rights hero Rosa Parks in 2005. Source: KMIR/AP

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Exec claims Trump paid more for election ads than Clinton By Desert Star Staff A Facebook executive has published details on how much US presidential election candidates paid to reach potential voters on the social media platform in 2016. Critics say Trump was rewarded for provocative and divisive content. Andrew Bosworth, the executive in charge of ads during the 2016 election, posted a chart to his Twitter feed Tuesday. “After some discussion we’ve decided to share the CPM comparison on Trump campaign ads

vs. Clinton campaign ads,” Bosworth wrote. CPM refers to the cost per thousand impressions and it is how price is typically measured for digital ad campaigns. “This chart shows that during [the] general election period, [the] Trump campaign paid slightly higher CPM prices on most days rather than lower as has been reported,” he added. Bosworth’s chart covers the period from June 21 to November 8, 2016. During that time, President Donald Trump’s CPM rate appears

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and attempt to control the robot car from afar. It will be just like playing a video game, except lives will be at stake,” said John M. Simpson, privacy www.desertstarweekly.com

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik). Crews prepare for the late Rev. Billy Graham to be honored Wednesday in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 in Washington.

at times dramatically higher than former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s. Earlier this month, a Wired report suggested that Trump got a better deal on Facebook ads because his page drove more interactions, which, in turn, drove down the cost. Critics of the social media giant feared that the platform’s algorithms rewarded Trump for his more provocative and divisive content. However, the chart published by Bosworth seems to show this was not the case. Responding to the Bosworth tweets, another

with Domino’s Pizza and Postmates, the robo-cars will deliver food around the streets of Miami and Miami Beach. and technology director at The catch: delivery cars are Consumer Watchdog. not actually driverless. While Driverless cars are also the company hopes the cars on the menu in Florida. Ford will be completely automated Motor Company has announced soon, the initiative aims to suss plans to pilot semi-automated out how customers interact delivery vehicles. In partnership with the delivery vehicle. March 2, 2018

Wired report claims the Facebook executive’s graphic failed to shed light on whether Trump’s sensationalist ads had any effect on CPMs, as it contained no information about the content of ads on the charted days. For his part, Bosworth claims that Facebook wants to reveal more information about campaign spending on the platform, but he needs the campaigns’ permission to do so.

“What we learn from this customer experience research will be applied to the design of our purposebuilt self-driving vehicle that we plan to launch in 2021 to support the expansion of our service,” said Sherif Marakby, VP of autonomous vehicles and electrification at Ford.

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Israel Guide Dog

Founder Helen Varon, Special guest Lili Goldwin, Michael Leventhal and Mickey Goldwin. Photo by Pat Krause Story and Photos by Pat Krause The 8th Annual Matthew Varon Memorial Luncheon was held on Feb. 23rd at Desert Willow Country Club. The luncheon benefits the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind. They announced that they were going to present a special award to honoree Bianca Rae who is the morning anchor with KESQ News Channel 3. Rae is the founder of The Bianca Rae Foundation which is a non-profit charity that serves disadvantaged children and all animals. Rae created

a Ray-of-Hope for middle school girls and organizes adoption events for animals in shelters and helps get animals into a no-kill shelter. The Guest of Honor was Lili Goldwin who lost her sight as a young woman from a little-known disease. She was determined to do something with her life after her dream of becoming a veterinarian was lost along with her sight. She wanted to help others in her situation, so she went to school. She got a B.A. in Agriculture and got another

Carlos King, Bianca Rae, and Helen Varon. Photo by Pat Krause

degree as a special needs teacher. She said she had to keep changing her dreams as she lost her sight. She made the trip from Israel just for this luncheon. She is a courageous and determined woman who has helped so many in a variety of causes. She said her guide dog, ZITA, is her constant companion and allows her the freedom she would not have without her dog. She shared her incredible story with all the guests to help them understand the help a Guide Dog can give

a blind or disabled person. Goldwin along with her husband operates a Bed-andbreakfast, have four children and eight grandchildren. They prove that life can be lived fully with a disability like blindness with dedication and a mission to help others and how a Guide Dog helps along the way. Israel Guide Dogs is an accredited Dog training center in Israel. People had to travel to the U.S. to get a dog before the Israel Center. The Center breeds, raises and trains the dogs at the cost of $25,000

Symphonettes Sweetheart Luncheon

Story and Photos by Pat Krause The second Annual Desert Symphony Symphonettes Sweetheart Luncheon was held at the new Craft Restaurant in Rancho Mirage that is now open to the public on Feb. 19th. Co-chairs for the event was Nancy Tapick and Jo Ann Horwitz. There was a fashion boutique provided by Shirley’s Boutique and La-di-Da Jewelry for shopping. The ladies had their choices of some very upbeat clothing, purses and jewelry at reasonable prices. It was fun and unique shopping

experience for the guests. One of the highlights was a speaker that is a teacher in Palm Springs, Jason Powell. He spoke candidly about his life as an unwanted child who was raised by parents that were less than loving. He said he was punished at age 6 for being caught for stealing. His parents taught him at an early age the things most kids are taught not to do. Taking, selling drugs, etc. that his parents did. His life included drugs, being shot, starving and getting into trouble. He grew up in an abusive household

Linda Williamson, Nancy Tapick, Gary Berkson and Jo Ann Horwitz. Photo by Pat Krause

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and remembered eating out of dumpsters. He said he would not tell some of the most horrific parts of his life to spare the audience. He said he attended a concert with a friend and was thrilled by the drummer. He found out there was a course for learning the drums. It was not for him, so he bought a guitar and practiced. One of the teachers said he was great and he has never heard those words before. He exercised, even more, was told he had high worth as a musician. Again he had never thought he had

worth as a person. It changed his whole outlook on life. He teaches and tells his students they have worth and are great so they will never have to feel like he did. Impressive speech to the guests so they will know, realize and help with what music can do for any child. Guests were given letters of thanks written by children that attended the concerts. Guests were entertained during the cocktail hour by Pianist, Derrick Lewis. Nancy Tapick, Jo Ann Horwitz, and Maestro Gary Berkson spoke to the guests about

per dog and takes about two years to accomplish. The Luncheon last year raised enough to create 2 Guide Dogs. There was a giant raffle with expensive items. The Founder Helen Varon surprised the guests by donating several items not on the list with help from Carlos King. There was only one live auction item that went for $5,000. 92 % of all monies raised go to creating a Guide Dog. Only 1% of the 24,000 blind people in Israel have a Guide Dog, so donations are critical. the accomplishments of the Desert Symphony. Music is the core of education to teach children about Symphony with the Children’s Music Discovery Series. The symphony and the symphonettes were able to bring concerts to Valley Area student. Over 2,200 school children got to hear operas like Carmen and other classical pieces at the McCallum Theatre. These concerts open up a new world of music to our area children. They also announced a new documentary, Becoming Marilyn Monroe, starring Sunny Thompson that will be shown at the Camelot Theatre on April 10th.

Joanne Vilardi, Mayor Robert Moon, Renee Glickman and Joey English. Photo by Pat Krause March 2, 2018

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T

BY THEDA KLEINHANS REICHMAN

Gary Oldman Shines in Universal’s ‘Darkest Hour’ On Sunday, March 4, the 90th Academy Awards ceremony will air on ABCTV at 5 p.m., hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. The nine films contending for Oscar gold are: “Shape of Water,” “Dunkirk,” “Call Me By Your Name,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” ”The Post,” “Phantom Thread,” “Lady Bird,” “Get Out” and “Darkest Hour” starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill. “The Darkest Hour” was nominated for six Academy Awards--Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design. Best Makeup and Hair Styling and Best Production Design. Gary Oldman has already won the 2018 Golden Globe for his gripping, emotional portrayal as Churchill in “The Darkest Hour” and he may also garner the Best Actor Oscar as well on March 4. “The Darkest Hour” begins as Hitler’s army is storming across Europe, heading toward

Great Britain. France and Poland have fallen, and Great Britain must consider if they want to negotiate with Hitler or to suffer massive losses that would lead to an invasion of the island. At this point Winston Churchill is elected the new Prime Minister, replacing an ailing Neville Chamberlain. Churchill’s party questions his every move, and King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) is skeptical of the choice for Prime Minister. Fortunately, his wife (Kristin Scott Thomas-”The English Patient”) has total confidence in his ability to lead. It is also clear that she and his children love and support him. Lily James (TV’s “Downton Abbey,” Disney’s “Cinderella” and “Baby Driver”) is his young and competent secretary. While the film deals with approaching war and difficult choices, there are also moments of happiness and at one point Churchill even decides to ride the underground railway where he talks with startled

passengers. This is one of the film’s highpoints. This year I am not going to make any predictions because in November I broke my femur after a fall. That was a real downer and kept me from seeing many of the films under consideration. However, I have a hunch that the makeup artist for “Darkest Hour” will win for changing actor Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill on screen. Another hunch is “The Shape of Water” may

take home the Academy Award for Best Picture since the film received the most nominations--13 in total. If you haven’t had the chance to see “Darkest Hour,” it is now available on Blu-ray +DVD +Digital from Universal. Bonus features include: Into Darkest Hour--A comprehensive overview of all that went into making this epic wartime drama, including how they maintained authenticity in depicting 1940’s London

and Gary Oldman: Becoming Churchill--Filmmakers, cast and crew marvel at Gary Oldman’s layered, transformative performance. Gary Oldman also weighs in on the most significant challenge of portraying a man as iconic and complicated as Winston Churchill. The final feature is a commentary with director Joe Wright. Running time is 125 minutes. Rating: PG-13 for some thematic material.

Trump Budget Pushes 98% Cut to Decades-Old Public Lands Program By Desert Star Staff ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 54-year-old conservation program that has helped provide outdoor recreation access across New Mexico and the nation would be all but eliminated in the 2019 budget President Donald Trump has sent to Congress. The Land and Water Conservation Fund gets its money from offshore oil and gas leases, but the proposed budget would divert 98 percent of those funds. Land Tawney, president and CEO of the group Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, said for decades, the program has been successful in increasing access to parks and public lands by diverse groups of people. “You know, there’s nothing

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more American than our public lands, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund helps provides opportunities for all Americans to enjoy these public lands that belong to all of us,” Tawney said. “And the idea of cutting this program doesn’t make any sense to us, and I don’t think it’s going to make any sense to the American people.” In New Mexico, LWCF funds have helped conserve such places as the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The budget proposal would use LWCF funding to help address the maintenance backlog in national parks instead. In addition to funding public lands access, Susan Torres with the New Mexico

New Mexico has received $37.8 million from the now-threatened Land and Water Conservation Fund since it was established in 1965. (santefehorse.org) Wildlife Federation said LWCF grants are used as matching money to build

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community soccer fields and baseball diamonds. “There are these parks that rely on LWCF funding to maintain their access and make them safe for kids throughout the city,” Torres said. “So I think that that’s one of the things that I personally think is very important about LWCF is making sure that our parks are safe and equitable for everyone to be using them.” Outdoor recreation is the nation’s third-largest economic driver, generating $887 billion each year. Torres said ending the program would leave many current parcels of land unprotected and outdoor restoration projects unfinished. “So there could be a

lot of restoration programs throughout New Mexico that don’t go funded - wetlands rehabilitation, increased access to places in Rio Grande Del Norte where people can go fishing,” she said. “A lot of those places where we’re working to get more access, those things could just kind of fall to the wayside and cut people out from where they should have access to.” The Land and Water Conservation Fund has never received full funding, as Congress often diverts the money for other purposes. In recent years, funding has hovered around one-third of the full, authorized level.

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LGBTQ Group Pushes Back Against Lawsuit Targeting Transgender Students

By Desert Star Staff DALLAS, Ore. — A lawsuit is challenging an Oregon school district’s policy protecting transgender students - but

opponents say the case should be thrown out. The ACLU of Oregon wants to intervene on behalf of Basic Rights Oregon, the state’s

largest LGBTQ advocacy group, in a case in the Dallas School District, located near Salem. A group known as Parents for Privacy sued the

Oregon Department of district in November over its policy allowing students to use Education guidance issued by Gov. Kate Brown outlines bathrooms and facilities that conform to their gender identity. how school districts should accommodate transgender students. Herzfeld-Copple Amy Herzfeld-Copple says Basic Rights Oregon is co-executive director of provided input in developing Basic Rights Oregon. these guidelines. “We feel like it’s “We worked with the fundamentally mean-spirited and transphobic and motivated Oregon Department of Education in 2016 to release by a desire to exclude trans new guidelines that are transstudents from school life and inclusive and are among some not respect their dignity,” of the strongest guidelines in Herzfeld-Copple says. the country to make sure that Parents for Privacy says K-12 schools are providing the school district is violating a safe and inclusive learning the rights of other students by environment for trans students,” accommodating transgender students. Similar cases against Herzfeld-Copple explained. Oregon has strengthened school districts in Illinois and protections even as the federal Pennsylvania have failed in government has weakened recent years. The ACLU still them. Last year, the U.S. is waiting to hear if it can Department of Education intervene or if the case will rescinded guidance that be dismissed. The Dallas outlined federal protections School District also has filed a for transgender students. motion to dismiss the case.

By Desert Star Staff Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, accused of enabling US President Donald Trump’s rise to power through “Russian meddling,” are facing pressure to deplatform heretics. This has raised fears for the safety of free speech in the US. At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this past weekend, media crusader James O’Keefe headlined an hourlong panel on social media censorship, arguing that it targeted mostly conservatives. “They really make sure you don’t see any differing views,” O’Keefe said at the panel. Last week, the blogging platform Medium deleted a number of accounts, including those of Mike Cernovich, Jack Posobiec and Laura Loomer, described by The Hill as “prominent far-right figures.” The purge took place after Medium replaced a commitment to free speech in its terms of service in favor of fighting “online hate, abuse, harassment, and disinformation.” Though Medium would not comment on individual account bans, it is notable that Cernovich’s account was deleted after he was named in a Newsweek article that blamed the “alt-right,” overseas social media bots and “Russians” for the ouster of Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota) over sexual misconduct. Newsweek retracted the story after criticism that it could not be substantiated. A number of YouTube creators have complained that the video platform has demonetized basically

anything that isn’t deemed “family friendly,” including political dissent. Another crackdown followed the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, after the top-ranking video on the site featured accusations that some of the students were “crisis actors.” Yet if YouTube simply censored any videos even referring to conspiracy theories, that would surely present a new problem. After all, wouldn’t it also undermine efforts to debunk them? Conservative critics accuse the social media giants of being run by Democrats. There is certainly evidence pointing in that direction, from the involvement of Alphabet (Google’s parent company) CEO Eric Schmidt with Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and the Obama presidency, to Twitter’s admission it censored the hashtags about WikiLeaks’ publication of revealing emails from Clinton’s campaign chief John Podesta in the run-up to the November 2016 vote. Those emails also revealed the commitment of several Facebook executives to get Clinton elected. After Clinton lost to Trump, however, the three social media giants found themselves in the crosshairs of Congress. Many Republicans joined the chorus of Democrats accusing the social networks of enabling alleged “Russian” activity. “You created these platforms... and now they’re being misused,” Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) told the executives of Facebook, Google, and Twitter during a hearing in October 2017. “And you have to be the

ones who do something about it — or we will.” So far, “doing something” seems to consist mostly of purging “Russian bots,” as identified by the either the social media companies themselves or an alliance of Democrats and neoconservatives ousted from power by Trump, and now seeing Russians behind every hashtag. Censorious actions also include what activists call “de-platforming” of people singled out for unacceptable or offensive opinions by the ad-hoc online mobs. For example, after the Florida school shooting angry Twitterati have successfully badgered a number of businesses into canceling discounts they previously offered to members of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Amazon also found itself under pressure to drop the “NRA TV” channel from its platform. In a recent interview, former Google engineer James Damore speculated

that social media companies have an atmosphere reminiscent of universities. Such locations have also seen crackdowns on freedom of expression in recent times. “It was very much like a college campus,” Damore told the Washington Examiner. “And they tried to make it like a college campus where you would live at Google essentially, where they have all your food and all the amenities, and once you start living there you aren’t able to disconnect, and so you feel like my words were a threat against your family. That was part of the fervor, I think.” Damore was purged from Mountain View over a memo in which he questioned the company’s practices. The heart of the issue was diversity. While the social media companies may hope lawmakers would be appeased by an occasional purge of unpopular voices, another danger is headed their way. The legacy media is aiming to recapture its

A lawsuit challenges Oregon’s protection for transgender students. (ACLU of Oregon)

Social media bow to pressure and censor dissident voices

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DesertSTAR

March 2, 2018

hold on audiences. On Monday, CNN president Jeff Zucker addressed the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. His thrust was that government should look into Google and Facebook “monopolies” if journalism is to survive. “In a Google and Facebook world, monetization of digital and mobile continues to be more difficult than we would have expected or liked,” Zucker said, according to Variety. “I think we need help from the advertising world and from the technology world to find new ways to monetize digital content, otherwise good journalism will go away.” Tempting as it would be to quip about CNN’s tenuous relationship with “good journalism.” At this time, doing so would be self-defeating as the chances are it would get one quicklybe a shortcut to getting purged from Google, Twitter or Facebook.

www.desertstarweekly.com


Desert Star Weekly Legals PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

AND INQUIRIES regarding this matter or to review information for the above-described project: Contact Person: Benjamin Torres Mailing Address: Community Development Department 65950 Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 Phone: (760) 329-6411, Ext. 251 Email: btorres@cityofdhs. org Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 329-6411 or via email at jsoriano@cityofdhs.org. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting(s) will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility. Publish March 2, 2018 DSW18-5038

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGAND NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider a request for an Amendment to Conditional Use Permit (CUP No. 14-16) for a change in circulation to an approved Cannabis Facility in the I-L (Light Industrial) zone. The Public Hearing will be held as follows: DATE: Tuesday, March 13,2018 TIME: 6:00 P.M. (or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard) LOCATION: Carl May Community Center 11711 West Drive Desert Hot Springs, California, 92240 CASE(S):Conditional Use Permit Amendment No 14-16 LOCATION: The project is located on the east side of Little Morongo Road within the General Plan Light Industrial (LI) Zone. (APN: 663-270-001)

APPLICANT/R EPRESENTATIVE: Medmen PROPOSAL:T he applicant is requesting an Amendment toConditional Use Permit 14-16. The proposal includes the relocation of the project site entrance to Little Morongo Road due to a light pole that cannot be relocated. The project site is located on a 9.75-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Little Morongo Road and Hacienda Avenue. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: On April 18, 2017,The City Council approved the Medmen cultivation project and in doing so certified the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Project. Pursuant to Section 15162(a) of the CEQA regulations, once an MND has been certified for a project, no subsequent environmental review needs to be completed unless there are substantial changes in the project that warrant additional review. The Planning Commission only needs to make a finding that the request for an amendment is consistent with the original MND, and no further analysis is required. No significant changes are proposed as a part of the proposed interim site plan. INTERESTED PERSONS MAY appear and be heard, or written comments may be submitted prior to the Public Hearing(s). Written comments will be made a part of the public record. If this matter should at some future date go to court, court testimony may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Desert Hot Springs, at or prior to, the public hearing. QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES regarding this matter or to review information for the above-described project: Contact Person: Fernando Herrera Mailing Address: Community Development Department 65950 Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 Phone: (760) 329-6411, Ext. 258 Email: fherrera@cityofdhs.org Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 329-6411 or via email at jsoriano@cityofdhs.org. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting(s) will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility. Publish March , 2018 DSW18-5039 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider the following: 1) Conditional Use Permit No. 10-16 Amendment. The Public Hearing will be held as follows: DATE: Tuesday ,March 13, 2018 TIME: 6:00 P.M. (or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard) LOCATION: Carl May Community Center 11711 West Drive, Desert Hot Springs, California, 92240 CASE(S):CUP 1016 Amendment LOCATION: The vacant 2.31-acre project site is located approximately 350 feet east of Little Morongo Road and 1,000 feet north of Two Bunch Palms Trail in the Light Industrial (I-L) Zone. APN:663-280-002

APPLICANT/REPRESENTATIVE: Rudy Dekermenjian, Green Bond, LLC PROPOSAL: Green Bond, LLC, is requesting an amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. 10-16 to increase the size of the originally approved Cannabis Cultivation Facility from 62,994 SF to 70,118 SF, in addition to rotating the building to take advantage of the sunlight to the south and west. The proposed rotation changes the site plan, drive aisles, parking, lighting, etc. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: On October 18, 2016, the City Council approved the Green Bond (formerly AB Wellness) Cannabis Cultivation Facility Project and in doing so certified the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Project. Pursuant to Section 15162(a) of the CEQA regulations, once an MND has been certified for a project, no subsequent environmental review needs to be completed unless there are substantial changes in the project that warrant additional review. The Planning Commission only needs to make a finding that the request for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment is consistent with the original MND, and no further analysis is required. No significant changes are proposed as a part of the proposed Amendment. On March 13, 2018, the Planning Commission, at the public hearing or during deliberations, may recommend approval, denial, or propose changes to the project or to the environmental determination. INTERESTED PERSONS MAY appear and be heard, or written comments may be submitted prior to the Public Hearing(s). Written comments will be made a part of the public record. If this matter should at some future date go to court, court testimony may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Desert Hot Springs, at or prior to, the public hearing. All information regarding the proposed project is available for public review at the City of Desert Hot Springs City Hall, 65950 Pierson Boulevard, during regular business hours (Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM). QUESTIONS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE (Sec. 6101-6111 UCC) Escrow No. 107-037551 Notice is hereby given that a Bulk Sale is about to be made. The name(s), and business address(es) to the seller(s) are: FAM-WELL, LLC, a California limited liability company, 466 N Coast Highway 101 #5, Encinitas, CA 92024 Doing Business as: FULLY LOADED MICRO JUICERY All other business name(s) and address(es) used by the Seller(s) within three years, as stated by the Seller(s), is/are: Fully Loaded Micro Juicery, 2820 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106 The location in California of the chief executive office of the seller is: 68020 Monterico Road, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 The name(s) and business address(es) of the Buyer is/are: MBGA CALI, LLC, a California limited liability company, 10741 Escobar Drive, San Diego, CA 92124 The assets to be sold are described in general as: the furniture, machinery, fixtures and equipment, inventory, leasehold interest, leasehold improvements, goodwill, transferable government licenses and permits, all customer/client lists, telephone numbers, fax telephone number, e-mail addresses, URL addresses, intellectual rights, vendor lists, distribution rights, employee lists and information, computer and customer software, covenant not to compete, and use of the trade name and are located at: 466 N Coast Highway 101 #5, Encinitas, CA 92024 The Bulk Sale is intended to be consummated at the office of: The Heritage Escrow Company, 2550 Fifth Avenue, 8th Floor, San Diego CA 92103 and the anticipated date of sale/transfer is March20, 2018, pursuant to Division 6 of the California Code. This bulk sale Is subject to California Uniform Commercial Code Section 6106.2. [If the sale is subject to Sec. 6106.2, the following information must be provided] the name and address of the person with whom claims may be filed is: The Heritage Escrow Company, 2550 Fifth Avenue, 8th Floor, San Diego CA 92103, Escrow No. 107-037551, Escrow Officer: Barbara Curry & Debbie Howe and the last date for filing claims shall be March 19, 2018, which is the business day before the sale date specified above. Dated: February 07, 2018 MBGA CALI, LLC, a California limited liability company By: /s/ Gabriel AltmayerTitle: Managing Member 3/2/18 CNS-3105345#DESERT STAR WEEKLY. DSW18-5037 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NO. PSC 1800512, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 3255 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92263, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. WILLIAM RANDOLPH SUMNER filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: 1a. Present Name WILLIAM RANDOLPH SUMNER to Proposed Name: RANDY RAE RICHARDSON. 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 16, 2018 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 26, 2018. Judge of the Superior Court, Publish February 21, 2018, March 28, 7, 14, 2018.. DSW18-1026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: FABIAN’S GARDENING, 49430 NARCISO LANE, COACHELLA, CA 92236. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: FABIN ALBERTO BERRUECOS ZAZUETA, 49430 NARCISO LN, COACHELLA, CA 92236. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious 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: FABIN ALBERTO BERRUECOS ZAZUETA. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on February 2, 2018. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201801788. 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 IOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW18-5041 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: JJ TILE AND MARBLE, 88510 AVE 69, THERMAL CA 92274. Riverside County; PO BOX 1231, MECCA, CA 92254. Full name of registrant: JUAN- -CHAVEZ MARTINEZ, 88510 AVE 69, THERMAL, CA 92274. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious 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: JUAN- -CHAVEZ MARTINEZ. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on February 2, 2018. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201801626. 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 IOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW18-5040 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: PINK SWIRLS COTTON CANDY, 48128 SAN GORGONIO ST, COACHELLA, CA 92236. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: MAYRA EVA PALOALTO, 48128 SAN GORGONIO ST, COACHELLA, CA 92236. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious 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 MAYRA EVA PALOALTO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on February 7, 2018. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No.R-201801809. 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 IOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER

PUBLIC NOTICE

March 2, 2018 PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW DSW17-5329 December 27, 2017, January 3, 10, (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND 17, 2018 February 16, 23, March 2, 9, 2018 PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW18-5036 March 2, 9, AMENDED FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATE16, 23, 2018 MENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE DOING BUSINESS AS: BLUE RIBBON LEADS, FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- 43850 RENDOVA PLACE, TEMECULA, CA 92592. NESS AS: SCOTTDRA, LLC, 74401 HOVLEY LANE Riverside County. Full name of registrant: TAYMO EAST #1317, PALM DESERT, CA 92260. Riverside ENTERPRISES, INC., 43850 RENDOVA PLACE, County; PO BOX 11741, PALM DESERT, CA 92255. TEMECULA, CA 92592/CA. Business is conducted Full name of registrant: SCOTTDRA, LLC, 74401 by: CORPORATION. Registrant commenced to HOVLEY LANE EAST, #1317, PALM DESERT, CA transact business under the fictitious business 92260/CA. Business is conducted by: LIMITED LI- name(s) listed above on January 1, 2018. I declare ABILITY COMPANY. Registrant has not yet begun that all the information in this statement is true and to transact business under the fictitious name(s) correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, informalisted above. I declare that all the information in this tion which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who crime) Signed: STEVE P. SCHATAN, VICE PRESIdeclares as true, information which he or she knows DENT. This statement was filed with the County to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed SHAWNA Clerk of Riverside County on January 4, 2018. Peter DANIELLE SHELTON, CEO. This statement was Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on R-201800148. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSIFebruary 21, 2018. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County NESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS Clerk-Recorder File No.R-201802419. NOTICE — FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEA NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHO- IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER RIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW BUSINESS NAME IN IOLATION OF THE RIGHTS (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESSAND OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COM- PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW18-1011January 10, MON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSI- 17,24, 31, 2018, February 16, 23, March 2, 9, 2018 NESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW18-5034 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT February 23, 2018, March 2, 9, 16, 2018 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE BUSINESS AS: ELITE TOW & TRANSPORT, FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- 85150 CALLE ROSA, COACHELLA, CA 92236. NESS AS: FCM ROOFING, 33450 SHIFTING Riverside County. Full name of registrant: MAURO SANDS TRAIL, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. ALONSO GODINEZ PEREZ, 85150 CALLE ROSA, Riverside County. Full name of registrant: FA- COACHELLA, CA 92236. Business is conducted BIAN- -CERVANTES MEDRANO, 33450 SHIFTING by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun SANDS TRAIL, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. to transact business under the fictitious name(s) Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant listed above. I declare that all the information in this has not yet begun to transact business under the statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who fictitious name(s) listed above. I declare that all the declares as true, information which he or she knows information in this statement is true and correct. to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed MAURO (A registrant, who declares as true, information ALONSO GODINEZ PEREZ. This statement was which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on crime) Signed FABIAN- -CERVANTES MEDRANO. January 11, 2018. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County This statement was filed with the County Clerk Clerk-Recorder File No.R-201800525. NOTICE — of Riverside County on February 20, 2018. Peter THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS No.R-201802401. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTI- OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHOTIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE RIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS BUSINESS NAME IN IOLATION OF THE RIGHTS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMUSE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS MON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINAME IN IOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER NESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW18-5031 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW February 9, 16, 23, 2018, March 2, 2018 (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW18-5033 February 23, FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI2018, March 2, 9, 16, 2018 NESS AS: EMERGE FINANCIAL SERVICES, 83-135 AMENDED STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT REQUA AVE SUITE 6, INDIO, CA 92201. Riverside OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME The County; 1002 LYONS COURT, BANNING, CA following fictitious business name(s) RIBEIRO JIU 92220. Full name of registrant: JEFFREY MICHAEL JITSU LA QUINTA, 79485 HIGHWAY 111 UNIT 3, HOHMAN 1002 LYONS COURT, BANNING, CA LA QUINTA, CA 92253. Riverside County has been 92220; ERICK- -RODRIGUEZ, 66389 BUENA abandoned by the following person(s): HARGETT VISTA AVE, UNIT A, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC, 77770 COUNTRY 92240; PEDRO- -PEREIRA, 19608 TUMBLEWEED CLUB DRIVE STE B, PALM DESERT, CA 92211/ TRAIL, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92241; EDUCA. This business is conducted by: LIMITED LI- ARDO- -CARDENAS, 48909 CHARLTON PEAK ST, ABILITY COMPANY The fictitious business name(s) COACHELLA, CA 92236. Business is conducted by: referred to above was filed in Riverside County GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. Registrant commenced on:02/14/2017. I declare that all the information to transact business under the fictitious business in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant name(s) listed above on 01/02/2018. I declare who declares as true, information which he or that all the information in this statement is true and she knows to be false is guilty of a crime. Signed: correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, informaCHRISTOPHER WILLIAM HARGETT, VICE PRESI- tion which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of DENT This statement was filed with the County a crime) Signed: JEFFREY MICHAEL HOHMAN. Clerk of Riverside County, signed by, Peter Aldana This statement was filed with the County Clerk Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder on January 10, of Riverside County on February 7, 2018. Peter 2018 File No. R-201702165 Publish January 12, 19, Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. 26, February 2, 2018, February 23, 2018, March 2, R-201801863. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSI9, 16, 2018. DSW18-5006 NESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE AMENDED FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATE- OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS MENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED DOING BUSINESS AS: VIP FINANCIAL SERVICES, BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATE19608 TUMBLEWEED TRAIL, DESERT HOT MENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN SPRINGS, CA 92241. Riverside County. Full name THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME of registrant: PEDRO ADOLFO PEREIRA JR, 19608 IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER TUMBLEWEED TRAIL, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW CA 92241. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESSAND Registrant has not yet begun to transact business PROFESSIONS CODE).Publish February 9, 16, 23, under the fictitious name(s) listed above. I declare 2018, March 2, 2018 DSW18-5030 that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, T.S. No. 061886-CA APN: 623-320-020-0 NOinformation which he or she knows to be false, is TICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE IMPORTANT NOTICE guilty of a crime) Signed PEDRO ADOLFO PEREIRA TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT JR. This statement was filed with the County UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 2/10/2007. Clerk of Riverside County on January 10, 2018. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBNo.R-201800492. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS LIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER On OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTI- 3/27/2018 at 3:00 PM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as TIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS of Trust recorded 2/16/2007, as Instrument No. STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE 2007-0111502, of Official Records in the office of USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS the County Recorder of Riverside County, State of NAME IN IOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER CALIFORNIA executed by: SYLVIA PEDERSEN AS UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW TRUSTEE OF THE SYLVIA N. PEDERSEN LIVING (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND TRUST DATED MARCH 6 1991, AS AMENDED AND PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW18-5008 January 12, RESTATED ON NOVEMBER 9 2006 WILL SELL 19, 26, February 2, 2018, February 23, 2018, March AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR 2, 9, 16, 2018 CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A AMENDED FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATE- STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK MENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND DOING BUSINESS AS: EMERGE FINANCIAL LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SERVICES, 83-135 REQUA AVE SUITE 6, INDIO, SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF CA 92201. Riverside County; 1002 LYONS COURT, THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BANNING, CA 92220. Full name of registrant: JEF- BUSINESS IN THIS STATE: AT THE FRONT STEPS FREY MICHAEL HOHMAN, 1002 LYONS COURT, TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE FORMER CORONA BANNING, CA 92220; ERICK- -RODRIGUEZ, POLICE DEPARTMENT, 849 W. SIXTH STREET, 66389 BUENA VISTA AVENUE UNIT A, DESERT CORONA, CA 92882 all right, title and interest HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240; PEDRO- -PEREIRA, conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed 19608 TUMBLEWEED TRAIL, DESERT HOT of Trust in the property situated in said County and SPRINGS, CA 92241. Business is conducted by: State described as: MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. Registrant has not yet SAID DEED OF TRUST The street address and other begun to transact business under the fictitious common designation, if any, of the real property dename(s) listed above. I declare that all the information scribed above is purported to be: 77705 SEMINOLE in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, ROAD INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA 92210 The who declares as true, information which he or she undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed JEF- incorrectness of the street address and other comFREY MICHAEL HOHMAN. This statement was mon designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on be held, but without covenant or warranty, express January 2, 2018. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County or implied, regarding title, possession, condition, or Clerk-Recorder File No.R-201800065 NOTICE — encumbrances, including fees, charges and expensTHIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT es of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS Deed of Trust, to pay the remaining principal sums FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust. The A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATE- total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation MENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE secured by the property to be sold and reasonable FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF estimated costs, expenses and advances at the AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTI- time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale TIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN IOLATION OF THE is: $655,945.02 If the Trustee is unable to convey RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall DSW18-5004 January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2018, February have no further recourse. The beneficiary under said 16, 23, March 2, 9, 2018 Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to undersigned a written Declaration of Default and AMENDED FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATE- the for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and MENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DO- Demand to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice ING BUSINESS AS: HARRIS MECHANICAL, 71370 Election of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the 18TH AVE., DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92241. county where the real property is located. NOTICE Riverside County. Full name of registrant: HARRIS TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering & SONS FLOOR COVERING INC., 71370 18TH bidding on this property lien, you should understand AVE., DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92241/CA. that there are risks involved at a trustee Business is conducted CORPORATION. Registrant auction. You will be biddinginonbidding a lien, not on the has not yet begun to transact business under the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee fictitious name(s) listed above. I declare that all the auction does not automatically entitle you to free information in this statement is true and correct. (A and clear ownership of the property. You should registrant, who declares as true, information which also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed: ERICA LEIGH HARRIS. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on December 8, 2017. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-201715759. 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).

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PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 (844) 477-7869 or visit this Internet Web site WWW.STOXPOSTING.COM, using the file number assigned to this case 061886CA. 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. FOR SALES INFORMATION: (844) 477-7869 CLEAR RECON CORP 4375 Jutland Drive San Diego, California 92117. Publish March 2, 9, 16, 2018. DSW18-5035 T.S. No.: 2017-02630-CA A.P.N.:645-330-020-1 Property Address: 73230 Avenue 20, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE § 2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR. NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED注:本文件包含一 个信息摘要참고사항: 본첨부문서에정보요약서가 있습니다NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTOTALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKALAKIPLƯU Ý: KÈM THEO ĐÂY LÀ BẢN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LƯỢC VỀ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI LIỆU NÀY bIMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 10/03/2006. 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. Trustor: Lori Pond, Married Woman As Her Sole And Separate Property Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC Deed of Trust Recorded 10/17/2006 as Instrument No. 20060762005 in book ---, page--- and of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Riverside County, California, Date of Sale: 03/22/2018 at 09:30 AM Place of Sale: THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRWAY TO THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 849 W. SIXTH STREET, CORONA, CA 92882 Estimated amount of unpaid balance, reasonably estimated costs and other charges: $ 135,955.23 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE THE TRUSTEE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK 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, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE: 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 as: More fully described in said Deed of Trust. Street Address or other common designation of real property: 73230 Avenue 20, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241 A.P.N.: 645-330-020-1 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. The sale will be made, 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 thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $ 135,955.23. Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt. 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 beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE 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 this 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 (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site http://www.altisource.com/MortgageServices/DefaultManagement/TrusteeServices. aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2017-02630-CA. 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. Western Progressive, LLC, as Trustee for beneficiary C/o 1500 Palma Drive, Suite 237 Ventura, CA 93003 Sale Information Line: (866) 960-8299 http://www. altisource.com/MortgageServices/DefaultManagement/TrusteeServices.aspx ______________ __________________________________ Trustee Sale Assistant Date: February 6, 2018 WESTERN PROGRESSIVE, LLC MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Publish February 23, 2018, March 2, 9, 2018. DSW18-5032

TO PUBLISH YOUR

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME CALL 760-671-6604


The Power of Serendipity Fuels North Coast Repertory Theatre Comedy

L-R: Yolanda Franklin, Lisel Gorell Getz, Ava-Hill, Kevin Hafso, Koppman Anne, Gee Byrd. Photo by Aaron Rumley By Jack Lyons Theatre and Film Critic Member American Theatre Critics Association Beauty, it is often said, is in the eye of the beholder. Serendipity, however, is often just being in the right place at the right time. So there’s a definite correlation when it comes to the North Coast Repertory’s (NCRT) current heartwarming comedy production about truth, misinformation, and understanding. “This Random World”, written by prolific playwright Steven Dietz, draws from the idiosyncrasies of ‘American Millennials’ and ‘Generation X’ -ers on how they process information, situations, and unexpected opportunities in our digital age. Directed with an assured hand by NCRT’s artistic director, David Ellenstein, the cast of “This Random World” – most of whom have San Diego connections either educationally from USD/ Old Globe MFA programs or from other regional southern California theatres – are a cast of skilled ensemble veterans. Ellenstein, has a penchant for selecting interesting, bold and thought-provoking plays and playwrights to fill slots in his season line-ups at NCRT. The story in short, follows, each character’s journey in this sometime biting, but always, insightful, intimate, non-linear comedy of serendipitous intersects and connections. Whether, it’s Scottie Ward an older, ailing lady (Ann Gee Byrd) who is making plans to take one last journey abroad with her paid travel companion Bernadette (Volanda Franklin), while her daughter Beth Ward (Lisel Gorell-Getz), who is unhappy in her present situation, flees to Nepal via a get-away trip as way of escaping her shallow domestic life,. There she meets Gary (Patrick Zeller), a fellow American also traveling in Nepal who briefly connect and then go their

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DesertSTAR

own separate ways. Then there is her brother Tim Ward (Kevin Hafso Koppman), who carries his laptop everywhere he goes, who decides, as a joke, to post his own obituary on his website. Not a very adult thing to do, however, digitally-saturated Gen-exers and millennials often do a lot of strange and unusual things when hunched over a keyboard. Tim’s post sets in motion the thrust of this tale of misunderstood messages (a favorite ploy of many Shakespearean comedies as well) only to discover it’s not that easy to debunk a post on the internet. Once messages are launched, truth and understanding take on a life of their own. When Claire (Diana Irvine), an ex-girlfriend of Tim’s learns about the post, she gets all sentimental over his “death” and tries contacting his family. When Tim tries to tell everyone that was just a joke, no one believes him. They think they’re dealing with a ghost or an imposter. Yep, some of us live in the Hollywood-created reality zone of Zombie Apocalypse, the Walking Dead, and such. When Tim actually confronts Rhonda (Ava Hill) the staff employee at the mortuary she thinks Tim is an apparition. After all she read his obituary on the internet. Truth dies quickly on the internet but fake news thrives and spreads like the plague, even on our stages, silver screens and on TV. Despite all of the implausibility of the plot, I remember the sage words of my grad school professor Charles Champlin, the Arts and Entertainment Editor of the Los Angeles Times, back in the 60’s who said, “if an audience accepts the original premise of the story, then they will buy the ‘bits’ that go along with overall narrative.” He also cautioned, “I don’t want any of you to become verbal vaudevillian style writers either. Always respect the

Ava Hill & Anne Gee Byrd (sitting) Photo by Aaron Rumley

efforts of your fellow creative artists. Be critical but fair.” Words to live by for a critic. The combination of a talented cast of pros, under the creative direction of David Ellenstein, delivers a first-rate evening of sharp comedy, punctuated with moments of poignancy, with which all audiences can relate. To really enjoy this production

just let the skills of the actors work their on-stage magic while you review some of your own life’s serendipitous moments. It’s cathartic. As usual the technical credits at NCRT are always top drawer. When Set Designer Marty Burnett, Lighting Designer Matt Novotny, Costume Designer Elisa Benzoni, Sound Designer

Melanie Chen Cole, and Prop Designer Holly Gillard, are on the job, one can rely that a stellar production will be the result. Christopher M. Williams stage manages. “This Random World” performs at the North Coast Repertory Theatre, in Solana Beach, CA through March 18, 2018.

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CONSERVATION Partnering with you to ensure that future generations have access to the same resources we enjoy today.

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Partnering with you to ensure that future generations have access to the same more atresources MSWD.org/Conservation we enjoy today.

Learn more at MSWD.org/Conservation Mission Springs Mission Springs Water Water District District 66575 66575 2nd 2nd StreetStreet Desert Hot Springs, Ca. 92240 Desert Hot Springs, Ca. 92240 www.mswd.org www.mswd.org March 2, 2018

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