Desert Star Weekly May 1, 2020 issue!

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Friday, May 1, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 34

“Mary Magdalene” Intriguing Biblical Film “Mary Magdalene” Explores Profound Vision Of The Apostles

By Jack Lyons Theatre and Film Critic Member American Theatre Critics Association The Easter Holidays

usually brings not only religious celebrations like Passover and Easter, but other arts entertainment as well. For years audiences have been treated to the retelling of and recreating

the lives of historical religious figures both of the Christian and Jewish faiths through books, plays, TV and films.

This year, however, an uninvited guest engulfed the entire globe with a

visit from what we now know to be the COVID-19 Pandemic; resulting in the cancellation or postponement of all arts entertainment venues in California and across the country.

Frustrated theatre critics and arts writers have resorted to writing about the current state of theatre and its future and by reviewing films that Continues on Page 6

COVID-19 Postcard Campaign Targets CA Seniors

By Desert Star Staff SACRAMENTO, Calif.

-- More than 1 million older Californians are receiving postcards in the mail chock full of information about COVID-19.

AARP has teamed up with the California Department of Aging and Gov. Gavin Newsom to offer tips on how to get basics, like food and medicine, delivered if needed. Patricia Perez, state president of AARP California, said the printed cards are targeted at seniors who may not be comfortable accessing information online.

“It has been verified and it’s simple, and it also includes phone numbers,” Perez said.

“So yes, websites if you have access to them. But if you don’t, phone numbers where you can call, leave a message or speak to someone.”

The stay-at-home orders have forced the cancellation of family visits, volunteer jobs, exercise classes and social gatherings. So, the postcards encourage older Californians to stay socially connected in order to combat loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Kim McCoy Wade, director of the California Department of Aging, said the cards also tell people how to report elder abuse or suspected fraud - and

Continues on Page 3

About 1.2 million California seniors are receiving this postcard to help them during the pandemic. (AARP)

As Number of Missing Native Women Grows, Who is Keeping Track?

By Desert Star Staff Jane Jacobs of New Hanover County says every day she wakes up feeling like it’s Dec. 20, 2018, the day her 46-year-old sister, Katina Locklear, was murdered in neighboring Pembroke.

Jacobs says she’s had no closure in the case, which is ongoing.

Research indicates native women are more than three times more likely to be a victim of violent crimes, and in North Carolina, roughly 90 cases of missing or murdered indigenous women and children -- some cases dating back to the early 1990s -- remain unsolved.

Jacobs says it’s an epidemic.

“Robeson County, and even New Hanover County, Hoke County, Bladen, Columbus County, there’s huge Indian populations,” she states. “Us tribe people in Robeson County, we actually know hundreds of people that are missing and murdered.”

Gov. Roy Cooper has

declared May 5 an official Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in the state.

The Raleigh-based group Women AdvaNCe recently held an online rally featuring more than 20 speakers, including victims’ families and elected officials, calling for legislation to create an accurate statewide database of victims.

Ericka Faircloth, co-director of Women AdvaNCe, says since most North Carolina tribes are not recognized by the federal government, there are no accurate records of exactly how many indigenous women have been murdered or have gone missing.

“People, they just vanish, all the time,” Faircloth states.

“It’s been going on for years.

No one can really pinpoint why. Anyone who investigates in the community, it’s very dangerous for them to do so.”

Faircloth also says misconceptions about what native women look like contribute to the problem.

Katina Locklear (pictured) of Robeson County, N.C. was murdered in 2018. The case remains unsolved. (Jane Jacobs) When a crime is reported, victims are often misclassified as black, white or Hispanic.

Jacobs says she believes that when a victim is identified as native, law enforcement tends to move slowly and prosecutions are rare.

“Evidence has been

missing, and tests not done when they should be done and sitting on shelves for two years,” she points out. “It’s like, even though we’re standing up and we’re raising our voice right now, we’re not getting very far with getting the help and the resolution on what’s happened

to these people’s loved ones. “ Jacobs adds that Facebook groups like Shatter the Silence and The Missing of Robeson County, NCserve as gathering places for communities to share information and document ongoing cases.

Farmers Union Cites Concerns Over Executive Order on Meat Plants

By Desert Star Staff At least 20 meat processing plants have closed temporarily across the country, including one in Wisconsin, following the spread of COVID-19 cases at these facilities.

And some say President Donald Trump was too quick to sign an order to keep all plants open during the crisis.

In signing the executive order, the president mentioned concerns about how these closings would impact the nation’s food supply chain.

But Kara O’Connor,

government relations director for the Wisconsin Farmers Union, says even though livestock producers are hurting right now, safety at the plants they sell to is more important.

“Farmers don’t want their livelihood to come at the expense of someone else’s life, quite literally,” she stresses.

Across the country, nearly 20 meat plant worker deaths have been linked to COVID-19.

O’Connor says the lack of safeguards was a concern long before the pandemic, and should be properly addressed before

production is at full capacity.

The National Farmers Union has issued a statement citing similar concerns.

O’Connor says the only positive outcome from the president’s action, which classifies these companies as essential, is that it might

speed up getting more protective gear for workers.

The union is calling on state and federal authorities to ensure that workplace protections are enforced.

“History has shown, time and time again, that large meat processing

plants are incapable of policing themselves,” O’Connor stresses.

The union also is calling on companies to provide robust testing at the plants, as well as sick leave for those who become infected.

Unions across the country say the meat processing industry should have enacted adequate worker safeguards long before the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

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Airlines received $25B in coronavirus aid — and are asking for more.

By Desert Star Staff Domestic airlines received a $25 billion bailout in Congress’ “Phase 3” coronavirus relief package — and they’re asking for more. To be sure, airlines have taken a severe hit during these times of social distancing and lockdowns. But what about their customers?

A group of senators revealed Friday that most major U.S. airlines that received coronavirus aid “still refuse” to refund about $10 billion to customers whose travel plans changed or were canceled due to the pandemic. Those airlines are holding on to customers’ cash and issuing credits instead, Nextgov reported.

What are the details?

Federal law requires that

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airlines offer full refunds if the company cancels a flight, but travelers who cancel their own flights receive airline credits.

That includes customers who cancel because of the coronavirus crisis.

Democratic Sens. Ed Markey (Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), and Kamala Harris (Calif.) sent letters on March 31 to 11 major domestic airlines and demanded that those companies issue cash refunds to all customers who cancel their flights during the pandemic.

The letters were sent to Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines, and asked the airlines to respond to the following questions: What is the estimated total value of all travel vouchers and credits you have issued during the coronavirus pandemic?

What is the estimated total number of flights that your airline canceled during the COVID-19 crisis, including flights canceled due to travel restrictions implemented by countries globally?

Will your airline commit to providing full cash refunds to travelers who cancel their flights during the coronavirus outbreak, including returns in place of travel credits to those who have already received but not used those credits during this pandemic?

Will your airline commit to providing full cash refunds to any travelers who experienced flight cancellations due to COVID-19 travel restrictions implemented globally?

Will your airline commit to working with the State Department to expedite commercial flights – at an affordable price – for all Americans who remain stranded abroad?

According to the senators, only two airlines — Allegiant and Spirit — said they were offering refunds to customers who canceled their own flights due to the coronavirus.

Of the other nine airlines, only JetBlue revealed the total value of travel credits and vouchers it had issued during the pandemic. The airline said that it issued more than $20 million per day of travel credits during the early weeks of March.

Nextgov reported: In their response letters to the lawmakers, most companies outlined how the pandemic is depleting their funds. JetBlue, for example, said in March 2019, a typical day would have meant about $22 million made from booking and fees. Still, this March, the company was “taking in an average of less than $4 million per day while also issuing over $20 million per day of credits to customers.” The company called it a “stunning shift and clearly insufficient revenue to come anywhere close to covering [its] daily expenses.”

Using the data from JetBlue and “[b]ased on JetBlue’s 5.5 percent share of the domestic market, and assuming a similar trend throughout the industry over the last month,” the senators extrapolated that

“this figure could mean that the airlines are sitting on more than $10 billion in customer cash.”

“If airlines dispute this exact figure, the Senators welcome more information from each company, which knows exactly how much of their customers’ money they are currently holding onto in the form of travel vouchers.

Most airlines have refused to share this information to date,” the lawmakers said.

‘Bogus’ claim by the airlines Consumer Reports’ aviation adviser Bill McGee said airlines’ claim that they don’t have the funds to issue cash refunds is “bogus,” Nextgov reported, adding that the domestic airline industry has scored “record profits” in recent years.

McGee told the outlet: We’re not ignoring the fact that the airlines are, you know, in bad financial shape right now because so many people are not flying. We get that. But the truth is, the answer to their financial problems is not to withhold funds from consumers who should be getting refunds.

They need to find another way.

McGee also said it’s “unacceptable” that the airlines are taking tax dollars for the crisis but refusing to offer refunds and noted that the airlines could have purchased

pandemic insurance, but none of them did so. More from Nextgov (emphasis added): McGee said that the current voucher vs. cash refund debacle has been an issue for years now, but it’s become “chronic” in the national emergency over the last six or so weeks. “We were not happy with airline refund policies before, but this is just unacceptable,” he said. Regarding the companies’ recent bailout, he also called it unacceptable that airlines are “accepting money from taxpayers, and on the other hand, they’re withholding refunds.” Further, McGee also made it a point to note that before the latest health crisis, “none of the U.S. airlines invested in” pandemic insurance, though such products have been on the market.

Consumer Reports launched a petition urging airlines to give cash refunds “to any customer who had a flight canceled, or elected to cancel a flight, due to COVID-19.

Vouchers for future flights are insufficient since no one knows when regular travel will resume, and some consumers will not be flying at all.”

The petition currently has more than 43,000 signatures.

Source: theBlaze.com

COVID-19 Postcard Campaign Targets CA Seniors

Continued from Page 1

they encourage everyone to reach out and make sure parents, grandparents and older friends are hanging in there during the lockdown.

“So, we want to encourage folks to make check-in calls, to know about warm lines and hot lines to reach out to and frankly, to stay safe,” Wade said. “If wellness checks are needed or if fraud is suspected, we want people to know how to get that information.”

The cards also include numbers for the California COVID information line, the Alzheimer’s Association, the

counties’ local services hotline, also available online at and the state Department AARP.org/coronavirus. of Aging. Information is Disclosure: AARP

California contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues, Senior Issues.

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Venice Confidential: Luxury Concierge Tells All

By Pam Price When it comes to travel this summer, all bets are off.

In this season of canceled flights and closed hotels due to the global pandemic, many would-be travelers have shifted into virtual vacations, or what we used to call armchair travel. But the appetite to get out there and explore, with surveys showing that some three-quarters of Americans still plan to travel in 2020. One of the most popular countries for European vacations is, of course, Italy, home to some of the world’s most legendary hotels such as the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice.

I’ve always thought of Venice as the ultimate movie star:

glamorous, and secretive, perhaps a little vain but always primed to give a command performance. Is it any wonder that some of the best hotels in the world are here? Now’s the time to plan your next sitting of sipping a Bellini at this storied hotel that’s actually favored by celebrities too numerous to mention, but including George Clooney. It’s on the island of Giudecca, directly across the lagoon from the Piazza San Marco. To find out what to do in La Serenissima, I turned to Belmond Hotel Cipriani’s concierge, Sebastiano Scomparin, for some expert tips. Born and raised in Venice, the dapper Scomparin received the

prestigious award of Les Clefs d’Or in 2002, and he joined the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in 2003. Like many of us, he is totally in love with his inimitable and romantic hometown.

“Venice is really a special and unique town as it is able to show a new part of itself each time you visit,” Scomparin says. “It is an incredible labyrinth full of monuments, old churches, art exhibits, palaces with antique art pieces, and more.

That is the beauty of this amazing place.” He adds, “There is always a reason to come here: a new important contemporary art exhibit, the reopening of a museum after years of renovation, or simply

the chance to discover a sestiere (a district in Venetian) off the beaten track.”

You were born and raised in Venice. But do you ever get lost in Venice?

Actually, this does happens to me, a 100% Venetian who sometimes turns into a wrong “calle” (street) by mistake— but then I might find a new unknown corner of the town.

We tend to think of Venice as a pretty ancient place. So what’s new?

“Orsoni mosaics,” a historical factory recently acquired by Bisazza (a top worldwide producer of furnishing accessories, mosaics in particular), has been completely refurbished and has opened its doors to the visitors who wish to discover this world of luxury. Also, “Chapel Club” is the hot new and unique speakeasy bar in Venice.

What is the best way to spend an evening in Venice?

Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, so during the day, it appears a bit touristy. But after 7:00pm, everything changes. In the evening, it becomes more real. Take a walk to the Rialto bridge, it is the most lively area. All around the fish

market is full of bars, Venetian trattorias, and pubs. I always suggest a drink at Ancòra, a cocktail bar, and one of my favorites. Sit outside, slow down, relax and feel the beat of the city. You will fall in love!

For dinner Venetian people like to graze, in fact, we are famous for our “bacaros” (a very simple restaurant where you can find a wide selection of Cicchetti, the Venetian tapas). We love to migrate from one bacaro to another one and have a wine and Cicchetti tasting in each. This is the best way to discover a world of traditions, flavors, and local products. Try these: Al Timon, Vino Vero, Antico Pizzo, Do Spade. And after dinner? Take a gondola or a water taxi to head back to your apartment or hotel, maybe with a bottle of Italian champagne, the famous “Prosecco” and…buonanotte.

That sounds wonderful.

And more tips?

Yes. Be ready to walk a lot, as this is the best way to discover the city. Also, the best restaurants are the small ones, so make your reservations in advance. Finally, don’t be shy about asking your concierge for more tips, as he or she has all the information you need about what is going on in Venice. If they are a “golden keys” [Les Clefs d’Or] member, that’s even better.

Visit www.belmond.com

“Do’s & Don’ts” Tips for Car Cleanliness During Pandemic

By Desert Star Staff TROY, Mich., - A vehicle could be a hotbed of germs and bacteria, if not properly cleaned. That’s why Ziebart, a 60-year-old global provider of vehicle appearance and protection services with 400 locations and 1,200 service centers across the world, is offering helpful car sanitization tips, including identifying and disinfecting high-touch point areas inside and outside of their vehicles.

Currently, select Ziebart locations are offering a free wipe down of highly touched areas for all first responder vehicles. When performing the free first responder service, Ziebart technicians pay special attention to the following areas, and recommend ALL consumers who must use their cars during the pandemic pay close attention to the same areas: High-Touch Point Areas: Steering wheels, door handles (interior and exterior), door latches, lock buttons, radio and climate control buttons, touchscreen radios/ GPS systems, seat belts.

Photos and videos related to this topic are available here: https://adobe.ly/3ez5Sfk

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“While we encourage people to stay home and abide guidelines to help flatten the curve, we understand it may be necessary to use your vehicle for certain essential trips, and want to help provide guidance where we can,” said Edmund Russell, Director of Product Development & Technical Support for Ziebart.

In addition to following CDC guidelines, such as wearing a mask, gloves and maintaining social distance, below are some DO’s & DON’T’s from Ziebart for when you must use your car: DO • After leaving the grocery store, place your mask in a paper bag before putting it on your car seat.

• Similarly, remove your gloves and place them in a bag before entering the vehicle.

Throw the bag with the gloves away when you get home.

• Placing your mask and gloves in a bag before entering your vehicle prevents any germs from the store that are now on the gloves/mask from being transferred to the car.

• Carry anti-bacterial wipes to disinfect the hightouch points of the vehicle noted above, including

steering wheels, door handles (interior and exterior), door latches, lock buttons, radio and climate control buttons, touchscreen radios/GPS systems, seat belts.

• To reduce damage, use an alcohol swab to clean touch screen radios in the car.

DON’T: • Don’t place used gloves and masks on the seats in the car after leaving the grocery store.

• Don’t throw used

plastic gloves on the ground outside of the grocery store.

• Never spray any liquid chemicals on electronic devices in the car – this can severely damage the system and lead to a high cost to repair • Don’t use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to clean – this can damage surfaces.

“While nothing you do on your own is comparable to receiving a professional, anti-bacterial detailing service,

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T

BY THEDA KLEINHANS REICHMAN

Chill Out with Disney’s ‘Frozen II’

Hopefully, our world will be back to normal soon. But till then, relax and chill out with a movie on DVD. There are lots of excellent films to choose from, ranging from “Parasite,” last year’s Oscar winner for both Best Picture and Best Foreign Film to

Disney’s animated “Frozen II.” For family fun “Frozen II” may be a cool choice during the current warm weather days ahead. This time out, Elsa (Idena Menzel), queen of the Nordic kingdom of Arendelle, joins forces with her younger sister Anna (Kristen

By Desert Star Staff If there’s a silver lining in the wake of the pandemic, it’s the increase in adoptions and foster families stepping up to take a pet into their home at a time when its needed the most. After successfully finding forever homes for 3,325 pets in the past month, BISSELL Pet Foundation is once again aiming to Empty the Shelters across the country, by appointment only, starting Saturday, May 9 through Sunday, May 17.

You can adopt a pet from one of the 120+ participating organizations for $25 and BPF will sponsor the remainder of the adoption fee. Plus, for one week following this Empty the Shelters promotion, BPF will also cover the same cost for new foster families who fall in love and decide to adopt their pets. All adoptions will be facilitated by appointment only to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Shelters are struggling with decreased foot traffic and fewer available staff and volunteers to care for their animals. As vulnerable populations become ill, pets inevitably will be surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. The combined impact is devastating for those trying to keep pets alive. BPF is encouraging prospective pet parents to consider adopting from their local shelter or rescue first.

“As a foundation, we pivoted quickly to help ensure

adoptions continue,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation.

“I am extremely proud of our incredible shelter partners who are adapting to this new norm of virtual visits, online paperwork and adoptions facilitated by appointment only.”

Over 120 organizations in 32 states are participating including: • Antioch Animal Services - Antioch, CA • Haven Humane Society - Anderson, CA • Napa County Animal Shelter - Napa, CA • Oakland Animal Services - Oakland, CA • Ramona Humane Society - San Jacinto, CA • Solano County Animal Shelter - Fairfield, CA For more information, or to view all participating locations, visit www. bissellpetfoundation.org/ets.

Adoptable pets can be found on shelter websites or Facebook pages. Once an online application is submitted for a pet, shelter staff will work with potential adopters to schedule an inperson appointment with social distancing in mind.

If you’re unable to adopt, please consider supporting BPF’s upcoming virtual walkathon, Walktail, “the Best DOG-GONE Walk in the Country,” which will raise critical funds for shelters and the animals in their care. This is essential to the mission

upbeat and cheerful throughout.

So does Kristoff’s reindeer, Sven As in the first first “Frozen,” there is an abundance of music written by Kristen AndersonLopez and her husband Robert Lopez that includes a reprise of their Oscar and Grammywinning show stopper “Let It Go” sung once again by Idina Menzel. The newest ballad is “Lost in the Woods” sung by Kristoff (Groff).

The film begins in the castle where Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff are playing a spirited game of charades. Suddenly Elsa has a premonition that her kingdom is in great danger. At that moment, she knows she must go into the neighboring enchanted forest and make peace with a tribe known as the Northuldra. The problem began 34 years earlier, and only Elsa can make things right. She Bell) and Anna’s handsome is joined in her mission by her sweetheart Kristoff (Broadway star Johnathan Groff). The latter sister, Kristoff, his reindeer Sven and the jolly little snowman Olaf. spends most of the film trying One of the new characters to get the chance to propose. is an adorable, but very But fear not, he eventually mischievous blue lizard succeeds. And of course, there who likes to start fires. is the lovable snowman Olaf He is a cute little handful (Josh Gad) who keeps things

for Elsa to calm down as she tries to sort things out and save her kingdom.

The underlying message in the story is that nature must be carefully tended to so that the world remains a beautiful place to live in.

The film’s anthem, “Into the Unknown,” was nominated for an Oscar for Best Song, but Kristoff’s ballad “Lost in the Woods” is also memorable.

Disney’s “Frozen II” is rated PG for action peril and some thematic elements. Running time 1 hour 44 minutes.

Some other films you might want to check out include “Marriage Story,” a bittersweet film about a once happy marriage coming to an end. The film stars Scarlett Johanssen, Adam Driver, and Laura Dern, who won an Oscar for her best-supporting actress role. Other Oscar nominees out now are “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” directed

by Quentin Tarantino, “1917,” “Joker,” and “The Irishman.”

Happy viewing, and stay cool.

to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF About BISSELL Pet is an extension of her longFoundation: BISSELL Pet Foundation is standing love for animals and a charitable 501©(3) nonprofit commitment to their welfare.

BPF has since partnered organization with a mission

with over 5,000 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Homecare, Inc where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit www. bissellpetfoundation.org.

Bissell Pet Foundation Assists Shelters Across the Country

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to end pet homelessness amidst the cancellation of scheduled fundraising events due to COVID-19.

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“Mary Magdalene” Continued from Page 1

appear on TV streaming platforms or by video rentals as a way of surviving during the country’s shutdown.

The public’s appetite for entertainment, however, has not abated. It keeps growing with lengthy quarantine lockdowns fueling the need for coming to grips with those pesky “sheltering in place.” mandates.

Showtime, recently screened the intriguing 2018 movie “Mary Magdalene”, written by Helen Edmundson and Phillipa Goslett, directed by Garth Davis. This provocative, revisionist, version (with undertones of the current worldwide feminism movement) gives one the opportunity to think outside the accepted “biblical box” concerning the role of women in history both religiously and socially.

Patriarchy has been with us since first cave man ventured out with his club and returned with his mate; who no doubt was probably kicking and screaming all the way. Mary Magdalene of the movie is a free spirited young woman who flees the marriage her family has arranged for her.

Mary, who prefers to make her own decisions about her life is hauntingly and introspectively portrayed by Rooney Mara, who projects an inner grace and glow of knowledge and enlightenment whereas the close male followers of Jesus – the twelve Apostles; in particular, Peter (nicely played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Judas Iscariot (solidly portrayed by Tahar Rahm, are not always convinced of the efficacy of Jesus’ mission.

Will this new movement succeed in proselytizing others into joining it? The obvious answer is yes. However, it will take 300 years of incubation before Christianity becomes a major player on the religious landscape. The beauty of this film lies in the bold approach of screenwriters Edmundson and Goslett in making Mary Magdalene the main protagonist, under the brilliant revisionist direction of Garth Davis.

The movie story set in the

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first century in the Holy Land during the time of Roman rule, explores the heightened messianic period of the time.

The Jews under the rule of King Herod a Roman puppet are steadfast in honoring their traditions and loyalty to their messianic expectation, which one day will be fulfilled as their core prophecy states.

Amid the unrest and turmoil of these turbulent times Jesus of Nazareth played by gifted but quirky Academy Award-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix, is costumed to look more like the middle-eastern Jews of the period. He has the look of authenticity: He is somewhat short (5’8”), bearded, swarthy complexion, unkempt black hair, dark eyes and soft spoken. Ironically, Phoenix’s Jesus visually resembles Charles Manson.

Jesus, a young rabbi

and carpenter is gathering large crowds wherever he goes to listen to his message of a new beginning for the Jewish people and all others: simply put, Love, not war, is the answer to mankind’s tribulations and suffering. God

is still the Supreme entity, but this new message of “Love” is being introduced through the presence of Jesus, a member of the Jewish underclass who is its Herald of ‘the good news’ for earth from the Father, by way of the Son. Director Garth Davis has gathered an international cast

however, is what makes this film so compelling to watch.

Rooney Mara’s Mary performance brings an almost ethereal inner quality of insight to her spiritual awareness portrayal. It’s reverential and understated but it’s totally honest. And the camera loves her: High cheekbones, classical profile and the ability to sustain her on camera moments long after the scenes are over become performance plusses.

Noel Coward called actors who possess these attributes and gifts as having “star quality”.

The on-screen chemistry between Ms. Mara and Mr. Phoenix is palpable. The two stars off-screen are a real-life couple which might account for their on-screen compatibility as both creative artists and as screen characters.

Additionally, players delivering solid support include: Irit Sheleg as Mother Mary; Theodoros Theodoridis as Lazarus; Luba Azabal as Susannah; and Shira Hass as of talented actors to flesh out Leah. None-the-less “Mary the familiar New Testament Magdalene” is Rooney Mara’s storyline often referred to as ‘the movie. The irony of Mary greatest story ever told’, which Magdalene is that of the twelve in my opinion faithfully follows apostles who followed Jesus, the biblical journey of Jesus. she was the only one who The freshness and POV of actually “got” the message that Davis’ creative team of artists, he was preaching. In 2016

May 1, 2020

Pope Francis rectified this oversight; rightfully restoring St. Mary Magdalene as Christ’s true 13th Apostle.

There is a saying in Hollywood…”if you buy the premise, then you will also buy the bit.” It’s one of the best biblical movies I’ve seen in a long, long, time. But, it’s not without some tidying up. One, its pacing is glacial at times which doesn’t sit well with younger audiences or with this audience of one. Two, it’s tad too long for some audiences with short attention spans, and three its biblical subject matter unfortunately is viewed as bit of a turn-off by some audiences without ever seeing it.

It’s a pity that this provocative and intriguing movie with top tier talent only earned $ 11.7 million in box office receipts. Now that America is experiencing stayat-home warnings for a spell one can now see it on various platforms and streaming services without ever leaving your couch or favorite chair.

Don’t keep mentally challenging the premise of the film. Let it unfold on screen and go with its flow…. then form your opinion.

Remember a great nation deserves great art.

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Desert Star Weekly Legals PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

City of Desert Hot Springs NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider the General Plan Updates and Zoning Updates (“Project”). The Public Hearing will be held as follows: DATE: Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 TIME: 6:00 P.M. (or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard) LOCATION: Video Conference (See below for details) The proposed General Plan Update (“GPU”) is a long-range planning program to guide the growth and development of the Desert Hot Springs Planning Area through the year 2040.

It is intended to communicate the City’s vision of its future and to establish a policy framework to govern decision making concerning the physical development of the community, including assurances that the community at large will be supported by an adequate range of public services and infrastructure systems. This Update includes both amendments to General Plan and Land Use Map. The General Plan Housing Element 4-year update is also included. The Planning Area consists of the corporate boundaries of the City of Desert Hot Springs and its Sphere of Influence. The City’s corporate boundaries total 30.5 square miles and its Sphere of Influence (unincorporated Riverside County) totals 28.8 square miles, for a total Planning Area of 59.3 square miles. The City of Desert Hot Springs is updating its General Plan consistent with State requirements.

The existing general plan was adopted in 2000. The updated General Plan serves as a policy guide for determining the appropriate physical development, community services, and character of the entire Planning Area. The Zoning Update includes both text amendments to the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code (“DHSMC”) and Zoning map updates.

The text updates include changes to the allowable use table for Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Mixed-use Zones. The Proposed General Plan, Environmental Impact Report, and Zoning Amendments can be found on the City’s website at https://www.cityofdhs.org/general-plan-update.

The following Resolutions are included in the project: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA REPEALING THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC PLANS, WHICH IN LIGHT OF THE NEW GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. GPA-20-1 AND ZONING AMENDMENT NO. ZA-20-1, ARE OUTDATED: 1) DESERT HIGHLANDS SPECIFIC PLAN, 2) EAGLE POINT SPECIFIC PLAN, 3) INDIAN HILLS SPECIFIC PLAN, 4) MOUNTAIN VIEW ESTATES II SPECIFIC PLAN, 5) ARROYO VISTA/RANCHO DEL ORO SPECIFIC PLAN, 6) VORTEX SPECIFIC PLAN, 7) INDIGO LAKE SPECIFIC PLAN, AND 8) VISTA DEL MONTE SPECIFIC PLAN”. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, 1) CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT; 2) ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS; AND 3) APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND LAND USE MAP NO. GPA-20-1, AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN AND LAND USE MAP FOR SEVERAL PROPERTIES IN THE CITY”. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS 1) AMENDING OR ADDING THE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS OF THE DESERT HOT SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE: A) 17.04.050 “DEFINITIONS”; B) 17.08 “RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS”; 4) 17.12 “COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS”; D) 17.14 “MIXED USE DISTRICTS”; E) 17.16 “INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS”; F) 17.64 “ADMINISTRATION”; G) 17.74 “ADMINISTRATIVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS” AND 2) AMENDING THE ZONING MAP IN ACCORDANCE WITH ZONING AMENDMENT NO. ZA-20-1.” ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) prepared for the proposed General Plan and Zoning amendments is a “Program EIR” pursuant to Article 11 Section 15168 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Handbook. The EIR analyzes the potential environmental impacts associated with the adoption and long-term implementation of the GPU. Program-level analysis was conducted for the GPU as a whole to account for the broad, cumulative impacts that may occur due to the anticipated, collective development of the Planning Area. The programmatic analysis focused on the long-term changes that the GPU implies and how those changes can be accommodated to minimize the impacts of land use decisions on the physical environment. At the meeting, the Planning Commis-

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

sion in its recommendation to the City Council will consider a Statement of Overriding Considerations to consider the benefits of the project in relation to its significant, unavoidable environmental impacts on Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Noise, and Transportation and Traffic. On May 12th, 2020, the Planning Commission, at the public hearing or during deliberation, may recommend to City Council to approve, deny, or propose changes to the Project or to the environmental determination. INTERESTED PERSONS MAY 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 you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else 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. Notice Regarding COVID-19 and Public Participation at Planning Commission Meetings. Pursuant to California Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders N-25-20 issued on March 4, 2020 and N-29-20 issued on March 18, 2020, the Planning Commission regular meeting will be conducted remotely through Zoom and broadcast live on the City’s YouTube channel. Access to the zoom meeting will be available with the published agenda. Pursuant to the Executive Orders, and to ensure the health and safety of the public by limiting human contact that could spread the COVID-19 virus, the Carl May Center/Council Chamber will not be open for the meeting. The Planning Commission and Staff will be participating remotely and will not be physically present in the Council Chamber. All information regarding the proposed project is available for public review on the City’s Website at https:// www.cityofdhs.org/general-plan-update.QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES regarding this matter for the above-described project: Contact Person: Rebecca Deming Mailing Address: Community Development Department 65950 Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 Phone: (760) 329-6411, Ext. 240 Email: rdeming@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 May 1, 2020.

DSW20-5084 City of Desert Hot Springs NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider Development Permit No. 20-3. The Public Hearing will be held as follows: DATE: Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 TIME: 6:00 P.M. (or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard) LOCATION: Video Conference. CASE(S): Development Permit No. 20-3 LOCATION: The project is located at the northwest corner of Pierson Blvd and Golden Eagle Way within the Residential Low (R-L/SP) District.

PUBLIC NOTICE

May 1, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE

will not be physically present in the Council Chamber. All information regarding the proposed project is available for public review by appointment 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 AND INQUIRIES regarding this matter or to review information for the above-described project: Contact Person: Patricia M. Villagomez Mailing Address: Community Development Department 65950 Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 Phone: (760) 329-6411, Ext. 243 Email: pvillagomez@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 May 1, 2020 DSW20-5083 MISSION SPRINGS WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF FILING OF REPORT OF THE ANNUAL SEWER USER FEES AND REQUEST THAT THE AUDITOR PLACE THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 SEWER USER FEES ON THE REAL PROPERTY TAX ROLLS A report (“Report”) will be filed by the Secretary of the Mission Springs Water District (“District”) with the Board of Directors of the District describing each residential parcel of real property subject to the sewer user fee (“Sewer User Fee”) and the amount of the Sewer User Fee to be imposed thereon for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

The District will propose to adopt the Report and collect the Sewer User Fee, any delinquent Sewer User Fees and any penalties, on the real property

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

tax roll of the District, which Sewer User Fees shall constitute a lien against the parcel or parcels of land described in the Report in accordance with California Health and Safety Code sections 5470 et seq. This matter will be considered and voted upon at a public hearing scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at 66575 Second Street, Desert Hot Springs, CA. This Notice is published in compliance with California Health and Safety Code section 5473.1 and California Government Code section 6006. Dated: 4/28/2020 /s/ Arden Wallum Secretary, Mission Springs Water District PUB: 5/1/2020 & 5/8/2020 DSW20-5082 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS MISSION MARKET, 5448 BLVD, JURUPA VALLEY, CA 92509. Riverside County. Full name of registrant LUCKY 8 MARKET, INC., 5448 MISSION BLVD, JURUPA VALLEY, CA 92509/CA. Business is conducted by CORPORATION. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/2017. 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 NITABEN PATEL, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/12/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003871. 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

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PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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., BUSINESSAND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 2020 DSW20-5077 AMENDED FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI¬NESS AS: Anhui Acupuncture & TCM Inc., 850 E Vista Chino, #24, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: Anhui Acu¬puncture & TCM Inc., 850 E Vista Chino #24, Palm Springs, CA 92262/CA. Business is conducted by: Corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to trans¬act 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: Christopher Thomas Burnett, President.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on February 18, 2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202002516. 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 STATE¬MENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTI¬TIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). DSW20-5060 March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020, April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 2020

We’re in a Rate Rally Again!!

10 YEAR FIXED INTEREST ONLY 40 YEAR AMORTIZED LOANS TO $10 MILLION

3.879% APR APPLICANT/REPRESENTATIVE: Andrew Washington, Eagle Pointe PROPOSAL: The applicant has filed an application to develop 15 single-family residences on vacant lots in Tract Map No. 30540 within the Residential Development Eagle Pointe Specific Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: In accordance with the provisions of the Pursuant to Section 15162(a) of the CEQA regulations, once an mitigated negative declaration (MND) has been adopted 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 is consistent with the original MND and no further analysis is required. On May 12th, 2020, the Planning Commission, at the public hearing or during deliberation, may recommend to City Council to approve, deny, or propose changes to the project or to the environmental determination. INTERESTED PERSONS MAY 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 you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else 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. Notice Regarding COVID-19 and Public Participation at Planning Commission Meetings Pursuant to California Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders N-25-20 issued on March 4, 2020 and N-29-20 issued on March 18, 2020, the City Council regular meeting will be conducted remotely through Zoom and broadcast live on the City’s YouTube channel.

Access to the zoom meeting will be available with the published agenda. Pursuant to the Executive Orders, and to ensure the health and safety of the public by limiting human contact that could spread the COVID-19 virus, the Carl May Center/Council Chamber will not be open for the meeting. The City Council and Staff will be participating remotely and

GOT NEWS?

LOAN AMOUNT PAYMENT $600,000 ................................................ $1,937 $900,000 ............................................... $2,906 $1.2 Million............................................ $3,875 $1.8 Million.............................................. $5,817

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COVID-19, a cold or the flu? How to tell the difference

As California and many other states have taken extreme measures to halt the spread of COVID-19, many people are still finding themselves falling ill, with symptoms ranging from coughs and sore throats to stomach problems and fevers.

As an illness comes on, the worry of having contracted COVID-19 looms large.

So how do you know if what you or a loved one has contracted is simply the common cold or flu, as opposed to the more dangerous COVID-19 virus? City of Hope’s Jana Dickter, M.D., associate clinical professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, helps us understand how to tell the difference, when to stay home and when to seek medical help.

What Are The Symptoms Of The Common Cold?

There are many different viruses that cause the common cold: rhinovirus, human parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus — and, actually, coronaviruses are a regular cause of the common cold.

Not COVID-19, obviously, but other strains of coronaviruses do cause colds. Most of those symptoms are mild: upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, some rhinitis (stuffy and runny nose), and discomfort in the ears, nose and face. It tends to be milder than influenza or COVID-19.

What Are The Symptoms Of The Flu? Influenza generally is worse than the common cold, and symptoms tend to be more severe. People often will have fevers in addition to cold symptoms. And while the flu can also cause sore throat, cough, runny/stuffy nose, fatigue and headaches, it may also cause body aches and GI upset. Influenza has more serious complications, which can include pneumonia, and in some serious situations it can cause inflammation of different parts of the body, including the heart, causing something called myocarditis; or the brain, called encephalitis, which can lead to renal failure and multi-organ system failure and even death.

People with influenza could also potentially be susceptible to “superbug” bacterial infections.

What Are The Symptoms Of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to flu symptoms, including fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue and lack of appetite. Like the flu, the infection can also become more

serious, with symptoms of shortness of breath on exertion or at rest. Loss of the ability to smell or taste has also been identified as an early symptom.

How Can You Tell The Difference?

It’s difficult to tell the difference, as there is quite a bit of variability in the symptoms.

Some people have no symptoms, some people have mild symptoms and some have serious symptoms. If a person has a stuffy and runny nose, a sore throat and congestion without a fever, they probably have a cold. If a person is having more serious symptoms with a fever, body aches and shortness of breath, this may indicate a serious infection.

Anyone with a mild illness, without problems breathing, should self-isolate. However, anyone who is experiencing problems breathing should seek medical attention.

How Are These Different Illnesses Spread?

All of these viruses are spread in a similar way, via hand contact like direct contact with another person who’s infected and is coughing or sneezing, or from touching contaminated surfaces. In addition, droplets can become airborne from coughing and sneezing that someone else can inhale and become infected.

Why Is COVID-19 Different From The Flu? The difference between flu and COVID-19 is it seems

that COVID-19 may be more contagious than influenza.

One person with the flu usually infects between 1.1 and 1.4 people, whereas it seems that COVID-19 might have an infection rate almost double that. So it appears to be much more contagious.

When Should I Stay Home And SelfManage My Illness?

If you are mildly ill, we really, really would request for people to stay home and just rest it off and stay hydrated.

Only come in if you’re having serious problems, such as if you start having shortness of breath or things along those lines.

Because every time someone who is mildly ill with symptoms of the common cold goes in to get tested for COVID-19, they are preventing someone more seriously ill from getting the attention they need. Right now, in Los Angeles County, they are asking that people who are home, who can get around without difficulty and who aren’t feeling terribly sick, to not get tested or go to an emergency room.

When Should I Seek Help For My Illness?

If you become very sick with a high fever, worsening symptoms and difficulty breathing, see your primary care physician or seek care immediately.

People who are older, have medical problems and/or are immunocompromised (such

as cancer and transplant patients) are at higher risk for having severe complications with COVID-19. So, when do you come in? The first step is to contact your oncologist or transplant physician to assess the need for urgent evaluation. Please note that you could be at risk for other infections as well. The time to seek help is when you’re feeling short of breath or have noted worsening symptoms.

What Are The Ways To Stay Healthy In This Time Of Pandemic?

The best thing to do right now is stay home, do not go out in public places, and if you do need to go out, be sure to wash your hands and avoid touching your face (eyes, nose and mouth). If you’re going out in public places and cannot wash, use an alcohol-based sanitizer, which has to contain at least 60% alcohol, after being in a public place. Get a flu shot if you haven’t had one yet. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine right now for COVID-19. There are efforts to create a vaccine, but right now, other than social distancing (staying 6 feet or more apart when interacting with people), staying home, avoiding people who are sick and washing your hands, there’s really not much else to do. There’s no data that supports any prophylactic medication to prevent infection that’s currently available. Source: City of Hope

Swift UAS Teams Break New Ground in Japan

The joint Swift teams successfully found all of their targets, including three ‘lost’ hikers who were located in different regions of a 550-acre area. The team accomplished its mission in less than 35 minutes.

By Desert Star Staff SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. and WAKE-CHO, JapanTeams from Swift Tactical Systems, in partnership with its Japanese counterpart, Swift-Xi, both subsidiaries of Swift Engineering, completed personnel search and rescue and animal identification missions as part of a contract with Okayama Prefecture in

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DesertSTAR

Japan. The proof of concept program validates Swift’s unmanned aerial systems and capabilities under unique scenarios. First, the team’s ability to perform advanced search and rescue missions in dense forests, and second, the system’s ability to quickly detect, identify, and track the nighttime movements of animals that

are destructive to the region.

The joint Swift teams flew integrated unmanned vehicle systems including, Swift air vehicles with mounted NightHawk2 cameras streaming live video to ground control. The operations teams demonstrated superior workflow capabilities during the day and nighttime missions. They exceeded performance expectations by May 1, 2020

identifying half a dozen animals during one-night flight and finding three separated, lost hikers in a heavily wooded area during another mission.

“Our teams proved that our combined military expertise and advanced UAS technology with real-time intelligence and data gathering capabilities are a powerful force in the industry. We were able to cover a 550-acre area and find all of our targets in less than 35 minutes,” says Alex Echeverria, Vice President of Swift Tactical Systems.

While this is the first time Wake-Cho is testing unmanned systems and technologies to perform tasks commonly addressed by humans on foot, it is not the first time Swift teams have provided real-time intelligence to government officials in Japan. Swift Tactical Systems and Swift-Xi recently

completed multiple contracts for Kobe City. Government officials there are using Swift’s unmanned aerial systems and teams to track environmental changes such as landslide monitoring, seawall shifts, algae blooms, and invasive species, all of which pose risks to its aging population.

“As Japan’s population rate steadily declines and its aging workforce continues to rise, government officials and the private sector are looking for ways to manage critical tasks that are traditionally performed by people on the ground. We are proud to support government officials and private sector visionaries who are looking ahead to ensure the safety of Japan’s population and its future,” says Rick Heise, President and CEO of Swift Engineering.

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