Desert Star Weekly May 3, 2023 issue!

desert STAR

Jon Pardi to be “GOO 225th!”

Jon Pardi invited during his performance at Stagecoach on Friday night to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry (l to r: Opry’s Dan Rogers, Pardi, Guy Fieri)-Photo credit: Jody Domingue

By Desert Star Staff

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Capitol Records Multi-Platinum singer/ songwriter/producer Jon Pardi was surprised last night during his performance in Indio, CA, at country music’s premier festival Stagecoach, when his

friend and Emmy-winning famed restaurateur, author Guy Fieri directed him and the attention of his thousands of cheering fans to a video where Opry member and Country Music

Hall of Famer Alan Jackson appeared officially inviting the

California native to become the newest member of the Opry. to watch Alan’s invitation.

“That mic stand represents the future of country music and its incredible history,” Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer, told the crowd after

he sat the Opry mic stand down in front of a surprised Pardi. “This night will go down in history, too, because Jon is the first artist invited to join the Opry on this stage, and he’s the first native Californian to get that call. What a great night!”

“I moved to Nashville chasing a dream at 22, and now I’m here. I love you guys, and I love country music. Thank you, everybody. This is an amazing night. I’ll never forget it,” said an emotional

Continues on Page 7

“Rock Out to Knock Out CANCER.”

Story and Photos

by Pat Krause

The “Lip Sync For A Cure” Event was held on April 29th to benefit the American Cancer Society. The theme was “Rock Out to Knock Out CANCER.” The event was held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, formerly the Camelot. This event is fun as celebrities perform a Lip Sync show on the stage. Celebrity guests speak about each show and judge each performance. The performances were well rehearsed, and many brought much laughter. Even the judges were laughing. Many were choreographed beautifully and showed

much time in rehearsal. Many were so good that you thought they were singing. The video backdrop for each performance showed off the performer and the character.

Performers characterized celebrities like Joan Rivers, John Travolta, and Olivia Newton-John from the movie Grease. Four women came out to dance to the music of the Moulin Rouge in the costumes of that era. FUN. The costumes and the make-up brought to life the celebrity they were impersonating. This production took much work, rehearsing, and planning, and was

Continues on Page 7

Kane Brown at Stagecoach. See more pictures on page 7. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach.

Keisha D. Gretchen Bonaduce, Bobbie Brown, and Melissa Neiderman. do the Moulan Rouge skit. Photo by Pat Krause

MUSIC

BY GEORGE A. PAUL

Catching Up with First Quarter Gems

and more to create a truly enticing sonic blend. Frederick and frequent contributors

Andy Creighton and Rob Campanella handled multiple instruments, while Emmy Award-winning composer Ben Eshbach (The Sugarplastic) returned to do string and orchestra arrangements. Annie Hayden and Lindsay Murray add heavenly backing vocals.

Some noteworthy electronic, alternative rock and folk albums from recent months are spotlighted.

Artist: The New Division

Title: Modern Life (Division 87)

You might like if you enjoy: M83, St. Lucia, New Order

Tell me more: The New Division came to life during the mid-2000s while John Kunkel attended Riverside’s California Baptist University and made synth-pop music inside his dorm room. Full-length debut Shadows emerged in 2011. Positive word-of-mouth spread quickly, and TND opened gigs for Peter Hook

(New Order, Joy Division) and Peter Murphy (Bauhaus). Currently based in LA, Kunkel handles nearly everything on engaging latest album Modern Life. Swathed in reverb and featuring more electric guitar than 2020’s Hidden Memories (Brock Woolsey and Charles M. Labarbara assist on two new tunes), Kunkel deftly explores such dark lyrical themes as escapism, isolation, chaos, and technological effects. Danceable standouts here include the infectious title track, the mysterious percolating synth swirl of “Stateside,” a mechanical “Silent Films” and exotic “Sequence.” This is TND’s best

album to date. Information: newdivisionmusic.com

Artist: The Black Watch

Title: Future Strangers (Atom)

You might like if you enjoy: The Jazz Butcher, Lush, The Chills, Dinosaur Jr. Tell me more: Singer/ songwriter, author and college instructor John Andrew Frederick has been making intellectually minded alternative rock music as The Black Watch for 35 years. On the critically acclaimed Santa Barbara band’s 21st studio album Future Strangers, he delves into jangle pop, Sixties psychedelia, British shoegaze rock sounds

“Wish I Had Something” boasts a hypnotic Middle Eastern vibe, while the plaintive, acoustic guitar-based “Julie 3” is just plain gorgeous. Other highlights: the melodically appealing, Cure-styled “Nothing Left to Say,” a densely poptastic “Neverland of Spoken Things” and the shimmering “Dani.” Information: facebook. com/theblackwatchmusic

Artist: Robert Forster

Title: The Candle and the Flame (Tapete)

You might like if you enjoy: The Go-Betweens, Lloyd Cole, Edwyn Collins, Paul Kelly

Tell me more: As half of

the duo The Go-Betweens –one of the most influential pop/ rock music acts to emerge from Australia in the Eighties –Robert Forster penned darkly reflective ballads as well as atmospheric pop songs with late musical partner Grant McLennan. The Candle and the Flame, Forster’s eighth solo album since 1990, was mostly written before his wife’s ovarian cancer diagnosis. But as with other observational songwriters, the lyrical content on “It’s Only Poison” and “There’s a Reason to Live” proved prescient. Forster’s son, daughter, wife, and The Go-Betweens’ 2000s reunion bassist Adele Pickvance all helped out with the recording. Ruminating on marriage (“Tender Years”), European travel (“The Roads”), aging (“When I Was a Young Man”; a wryly humorous, Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash-esque “I Don’t Do Drugs, I Do Time”), Forster’s folk-based songs are warm and inviting. Information: robertforsterlive.com

Becky G To Be Honored With a Key To The City of Coachella

By Desert Star Staff

COACHELLA, Calif.– The city of Coachella, Mayor Steven Hernandez, and the City Council are brought a musical highlight from the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival further eastward to Coachella as multi-platinum, awardwinning singer, songwriter, actress, and activist Becky G was presented with a key to the City last Saturday, April 22, 2023.

The 26-year-old global superstar’s long list of achievements includes four Latin GRAMMY nominations, four number-one hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay Charts (“Mayores, “Sin Pijama,” MAMIII,” and “BAILÉ CON MI EX“), and her debut album Mala Santa (October 2019)

is certified 8X Platinum in the United States, Platinum in Spain, and Gold in Mexico, putting Becky at over 8.9 billion global career streams to date. In May 2022, Becky released her second studio album, ESQUEMAS, which debuted at #1 on the Latin Pop Albums Chart and #5 on the Billboard Hot Latin Album Chart. The album is certified 3x platinum by the Latin RIAA and has garnered over 1.3 billion streams.

Most recently, Forbes named Becky one of their Forbes 30 Under 30. In addition, she was honored on the cover of Variety’s Young Hollywood issue, highlighting her career and the accolades she has accomplished in her 26 years. In early March,

Becky received the Billboard Women in Music Impact Award for using her music and platform to create positive social change while advocating for women in and beyond the music industry.

“So many young women in our community can relate to overcoming adversity at a young age,” said Mayor Steven Hernandez. “A granddaughter to immigrants from Jalisco, Mexico, and daughter to parents who struggled financially to support the family, Becky G began working part-time jobs at a young age and propelled forward despite all odds to make her dream in the music industry a reality. She is proof that hard, honest work prevails.”

Steps You Can Take to Control Your Asthma

By Desert Star Staff

Did you know asthma affects 1 in 13 people in the United States (U.S.)? Asthma is a long-term condition that can make it harder for you to breathe because the airways of your lungs become inflamed and narrow. So, if you have the disease - or think you do - don’t tough it out. While there’s no cure for asthma, it can usually be managed by taking critical steps to help you live a whole and active life.

Here are some essential facts to know first:

* Asthma affects some communities more than

others. For example, black people and American Indian/ Alaska Native people have the highest asthma rates of any racial or ethnic group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, black people are over 40% more likely to have asthma than white people.

* Asthma rates vary within some communities. For example, Puerto Rican Americans have twice the asthma rate of the U.S. Hispanic/Latino population.

* Some groups are more likely to have severe consequences from asthma. For example, the CDC found that Black people are almost four times more likely to be hospitalized because of their asthma than White people.

* Almost twice as many women as men have asthma.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & MANAGING EDITOR

Max Liebermann

OFFICE MANAGER

Mindy Salas

ART DIRECTOR

Dina Rivera

CONTRIBUTORS

Beverly Cohn, Janice Gough, Kelly G. Richardson, Madeline Zuckerman, Pamela Price, Pat Krause, Risa D’Angeles, Richard Rowland, Robert Kinsler, 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

Even if you experience asthma differently than others, you can still take action to try to control your symptoms and begin doing the things you love. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends these four steps:

Talk to a healthcare provider. You can work with a healthcare provider to set up an asthma action plan. This plan explains how to manage your asthma, what medicines to take, and when and what to do if your symptoms worsen. It also tells you what to do in an emergency.

Know and track your asthma symptoms. For example, are you experiencing coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath? Tell a healthcare provider about them, and keep track of any changes. Then, you and the provider can know if your treatment plan works.

Identify and manage your triggers. Some common asthma triggers include dust, mold, pollen, pests like cockroaches or rodents, and pet hair. The asthma action plan can help you determine what stimuli worsen your asthma and how to manage them.

Avoid cigarette smoke.

If you smoke, talk to a healthcare provider about ways to help you quit. If you have loved ones who smoke, ask them to stop. Do your best to avoid smoke in shared indoor spaces, including your home and car.

Asthma doesn’t have to stop you from leading an entire and active life.

Learn more about asthma and how to manage it from NHLBI’s Learn More Breathe Better(r) program at nhlbi. nih.gov/breathebetter.

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Features

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

THE WESAK BUDDHA FULL MOON FESTIVAL

There is a valley lying at a rather high altitude in the Himalayan ranges in Tibet. With mountains on both sides, a stream running through it, the land is vast and wind-swept, once covered with ancient ice. It is a place of titanic forces. Here at the moment of the full moon in May, the Wesak Festival, occurs (this year, Friday, May 5). The Wesak Valley is filled with pilgrims from around the world. Among those gathered is a group of great Beings, custodians of God’s plan for humanity, known as the “Knowers of Divinity.”

The Wesak Festival occurs under the full moonlight of Taurus (this year we also have a lunar eclipse, something in form disappears). Wesak (holy waters) is the great Eastern festival of the Buddha, expressing the wisdom, light and divine purpose of God. Buddha and his brother, the Christ (Pisces World Teacher) are present at the Wesak Festival. The Christ represents the Love of God.

Wesak, a day of supreme spiritual impact, is not a celebration of the past. It is a real, present, living event, a sacred ceremony. Present with the Buddha (Wisdom) and the Christ (Love) is the united spiritual Hierarchy (inner spiritual government) and the Forces of Enlightenment, emanating from the heart of God. This energy flows outward into human consciousness, “illuminating the minds of men.” (men = Sanskrit for “thinkers.”)

The energy flowing into the Earth at Wesak transmits divine principles of love and wisdom, of which the Buddha and the Christ, always in unison, represent. Together they evoke, awaken and pour forth a spiritual demand that the immediate future demonstrate what is deeply needed – that of active Peace on earth and Goodwill within all of humanity.

At the moment of the full moon the Buddha can be seen in the clouds above

RISA’S STARS

the valley. His energy body descends to a level close to the physical plane so that a blessing from the Lord of the World can easily pass through his aura, precipitating down to the Christ, the Hierarchy, Initiates, Disciples and into the hearts and minds of humanity everywhere. A doorway to another world thus opens for humanity.

Everyone is invited to this festival. One’s acceptance is simply aspiration to participate.

When the Buddha was about to depart from Earth (500 BC), he said, “I am not the first Buddha who has come to Earth, nor am I the last. In due time another Teacher will appear, a Holy One. He will be called Maitreya, a name that means “filled with kindness.” (That precipitation begins in 2025).

ARIES: The next three months sees you working in groups, then sliding behind veils and protecting yourself so you can once again at a later time reveal yourself to the world, offering new ideas, thoughts, agendas and above all a new identity. Be aware of flowing, flexible shifts both within and without. When summer comes you will communicate a new way of life, new values, new money and new ways to create the foundation of the new era and the next civilization.

TAURUS: More and more you become comfortable being in groups. In fact they call to you and although you may be hidden and in a hermitage of sorts, you challenge yourself to say yes and to participate. There you learn a lot, become active with forward thinkers like yourself, help others set new goals for the future, change previous beliefs, and together set about creating ways for people to live more cooperatively and in community. You’ll be focused on biologic architecture for homes and buildings.

GEMINI: There are a lot of questions for Gemini, who is often of two minds. Will you travel or will you not? Will you expand your area of interests, studying all things new? There may be a wound surfacing or a state of disillusion. It is most important to seek right livelihood in areas that reflect your values. It’s also important to ask what your role is in the future is. If you ask yourself what you want it to be in the new era, then the answers begin to emerge. An entirely new person comes forth.

CANCER: You are integrating new ideas, new thoughts and realities. And this will continue. Through discussions with others - teachers, mentors, farmers, those who till the land, astrologers or shamans - a different world opens up and it is both a surprise and a comfort.

You realize others are interested in your life, your thoughts and beliefs and your perception of reality. The person you thought you were in the past is slowly evolving into a person you slowly getting to know. A new self-identity is forming.

LEO: The planets in the sky influence and affect daily life, especially our relationships The I/Thou relationship is particularly important now. Everything we encounter is a relationship. Relationships always expand us. At times they activate a deeply hidden wound. That is part of relationship’s purpose. From relationships we always encounter the concept of sharing. Always share. Then more is always available. On a practical level, update all legal papers (insurance health, etc.) and be sure finances are in order. Tend to these now before everything changes.

VIRGO: You may feel the need to study and bring a new vital future into everyday life. Study takes a focused mind, which is actually a type of

meditation. Study to heal wounds, bring ideals into closer focus, and to set yourself upon the path you chose before coming into this lifetime. Notice if new revelatory ideas are being impressed upon your mind. This is Mercury, your ruler, nudging you into new pathways, new work, new levels of service. Should you respond, a new confidence surges forth, offering you new vitality, and a new happiness.

LIBRA: You wish to be relieved of a burden you are carrying. You wish for a bit of fun and romance and having a good time. These bring forth your creating self-expression. They make you happy and when you’re happy people notice a sort of golden light emanating from you. You seek love and humor and the warmth of companionship. However your greatest joy will be the way you express beauty through your talents and gifts. I sense a sadness, something’s hidden. What is it? Forgiveness heals.

SCORPIO: You are able to create a home wherever you are; inviting others to come into your inner sanctum (just a few, of course, you are careful and must trust them first). You seek to understand the values and foundations of your family, all that helped you grow. This knowledge creates a new foundation that comforts nourishes. There may be a move, new dwellings to be constructed, perhaps a family reunion. There’s forgiveness, too, which adds to your well-being. Everything in the past will soon disappear.

SAGITTARIUS: Your intelligence and skill will increase in the coming months. You have a great attraction for new studies that builds the new knowledge needed to construct the new culture and civilization. As you learn you will teach others, expanding their knowledge and through this inviting them to be part of

the new era, the new world being built. Walk through neighborhoods, becoming familiar with the architecture, gardens, fences, gates, flora, fauna and the people living there. Photograph, draw and paint aspects of these neighborhoods. Design a village, each neighborhood a community. Read Christopher Alexander’s works.

CAPRICORN: Your personal values, finances and all that brings you comfort are assessed and reassessed. You feel more confident and productive and seek greater ways to bring your gifts forth. Your talents are part of your value system. Think about what these talents and values are and how they help bring forth the new era - one that is entirely different than any past times we’ve lived in. You give abundantly to others in all ways. This assures that great abundance is returned to you ten-fold. Giving is the true valued currency of our new times.

AQUARIUS: You have, in the past year, experienced great changes in your life. A new faith in the world and in yourself has expanded your reality and previous challenging problems are being overcome. As new challenges arise, you are creating a definite image of yourself as successful. Make sure that as much as has been given that you also give to others in return. Do not overindulge, be aware of diet and exercise, allow your carefree self not to be care-less. Tend to health very carefully. And think about how you will help build the new world that’s coming. You are one of its leaders.

PISCES: You are often behind the scenes, being private and hidden so you can quietly contemplate the future which in many ways is still unformed. There is a new call now to be out and about. Your inner self seeks to give to those in need without being noticed, known or even thanked. You can do both – inner and outer presence simultaneously. Giving of the self allows one’s inner life to be purified and regenerated. Dreams become intuitive guidance. Do everything with gratitude. Write letters by hand. Study the art of calligraphy.

Four Pending Bills Would Badly Affect HOAs (second of 2-part series)

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

The Legislature is active this year regarding HOAs, and eight bills may significantly affect California associations. Last week’s column discussed four helpful bills. Unfortunately, the four bills discussed below have good intentions but may create more problems than they solve.

The worst of the four is Assembly Bill 572, authored by Assemblyperson Haney of San Francisco. AB 572 would cap assessment increases on deed-restricted affordable housing units, restricting the HOA board to a maximum of 5% increase on those units. If the HOA needed to increase assessments on all units by more than 5%, a membership vote would be required to accomplish this. This bill tries to protect affordable housing unit owners but is a terrible idea. It sets up affordable housing as a separate class of homeowners, who would pay less of their fair share of the HOA’s expenses than their neighbors. It would arguably override most CC&Rs, which usually specifically allocate the distribution of assessments among owners.

Assembly Bill 1033, authored by Assemblyperson Ting of San Francisco, proposes to make a simple but potentially troublesome amendment to Government Code Section 65852.2, the section regarding municipal approval of Accessory

Dwelling Units (“ADUs”). The bill authorizes local jurisdictions to allow lot owners (including owners in planned developments) to convert their properties to miniature condominium HOAs so that both the principal residence and the ADU(s) on the property could be sold to buyers. Fortunately, the bill does not say that it would override planned development CC&Rs, because if it did override CC&Rs it would essentially allow rewriting of the subdivision map under which planned developments are created. In the scenario of a new mini-condominium HOA inside a planned development, would there now be additional planned development association members?

Furthermore, many (if not most) tiny HOAs ignore the DavisStirling Act, so creating more doesn’t help the homebuyers.

Assembly Bill 1572 is authored by Assemblyperson Friedman of Burbank. This bill proposes to create a new Water Code subsection 10608.14, which would ban all property owners (except single family homes) from using potable water on “non-functional turf” after the start of 2029. For larger HOAs, this could mean huge plumbing and landscaping expenses to water green belts or other common areas, which are deemed “nonfunctional.” It also could mean great problems and expenses for the HOA and for the municipality in areas that do not currently have reclaimed water available.

Senate Bill 403, authored by Senator Wahab of Fremont, would declare illegal discrimination based upon “caste,” defined as “an individual’s perceived position in a system of social stratification on the basis of inherited status.”

In North American culture, caste is not typically recognized. This very broad definition could result in misunderstandings and misapplication within HOA neighborhoods. Is someone shunning social interaction because another came from more humble beginnings, or perhaps a more privileged upbringing? While such behavior is shallow and ignorant, should it be illegal? Taking a practice from another culture and trying to define, understand, and ban it in our North American

culture seems problematic.

The deadline for bills to pass their initial house of origin is June 2, 2023, so there is time to contact your representative and voice your opinions.

Visit www.leginfo.legislature. ca.gov to read the bills and comment to the author.

Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.

$25

is

A Guardian Angel In Our Midst . . .Bobbi Lampros Shines

By Madeline Zuckerman

As the Giving Sponsor of Fashion Week El Paseo 2023 for the second consecutive year, Rancho Mirage resident Bobbi Lampros is shining a light on five nonprofits within our Valley. These deserving nonprofit organizations celebrated at this year’s Fashion Week El Paseo included Desert Arc, Safehouse Of The Desert, Oak Grove Sanctuary, Mizell Center’s Meals On Wheels, and Palm Springs Pathfinders.

Growing up on a farm in rural Oregon, Lampros was raised by hard-working parents with seven children and very little money.

Lambros recalls that her mother “always found a way to find people who were poorer than we were in order to help them.” Because of my mother, I learned that helping others, especially the less visible, was the right thing to do.”

Even as a farm girl, Lampros always had a flare for fashion because she knew she could wear clothes to express her personality. She would even pick strawberries to afford school clothes she liked. As she grew older, Lampros thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of helping other people look good without spending much money.

“Desert Arc is grateful for the kindness of benefactress Bobbi Lampros in opening

the door to Fashion Week El Paseo to our nonprofit organization,” said Richard Balocco, President/CEO of Desert Arc. Her belief in Desert Arc’s mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities took the form of our firsttime participation in an extraordinary evening as a proud beneficiary of this vogue event. It was a fantastic networking runway and gave Desert Arc entrée to a new audience of potential supporters. Reflecting on her tour of Desert Arc and drawing on this experience, our activation during the reception took the form of a showcase and sale of jewelry and artwork designed and created by people with disabilities. Her generosity and philanthropic spirit is a gift beyond measure to Desert Arc.”

Lampros’ hope as the Giving Sponsor of Fashion Week El Paseo was to raise visibility on the critical work these nonprofits do in our community and to encourage attendees to donate their time and financial resources to these deserving organizations.

“One of the best things we can give ourselves as a gift is to give back to others,” Lampros commented.

On Wednesday, March 22nd, Education Sponsor Jordan Schnitzer presented

the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Debut Collection, benefitting Desert Arc. The evening’s festivities began with an elegant and fun Reception at 7:00 pm followed by an extraordinary Runway Show at 8:00 pm attended by several hundred people. During the show, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising’s graduating third-year couture students revealed their Debut Couture Collection. These emerging designers presented a unique and modern take on what’s next in the fashion world. Collections shown during the evening featured

She still has to work at 91

By Desert

Star

Staff

Betty Glover (91) is still working at the supermarket checkout at the US chain “WinCo.” Twice a week, she earns extra money.

Because: The greatgreat-grandmother from

Phoenix (US state Oregon) has big money problems. Despite her advanced age, she lives in a mobile home and still has to pay it off. Her eyes are also slowly failing her. By her own account, she has already

put a full seven decades of work behind her - the last ten of them at “WinCo.” Now she may have enough money to retire. She owes it all to a touching donation campaign on the Internet. Betty received

designers Joel Elliott, Esther Gaor, Susan Lizotte, Ethan Martin, Yubin Min, Cole Moscaret, Thierry Kepgang Nana, and Sasha Swedlund. While their collections were decidedly personal and individualistic, overarching themes of sustainability, self-assuredness, and growth wove them with a sense of harmony that uplifts audience members.

“It’s important that everyone, especially young people, have a chance to make their dreams and hopes soar,” commented Jordan Schnitzer.

SAVE THE 2024 DATES FOR FASHION WEEK EL PASEO,

almost 90,000 US dollars - more than double the donation goal (40,000 US dollars). “I need to retire,” she said in it.

Betty initially needed help figuring out how to start a fundraising appeal on the web. Her granddaughter helped her, she recounted. Then, having little hope, she said, “Nobody will do anything. No one cares anymore.”

Like Germany, many retirees in the U.S. struggle with money problems in old age. Inflation is making medicine more expensive in addition to purchases. For millions, getting older is becoming a burden in everyday life.

MARCH 15-21, 2024.

DESERT ARC

Desert Arc boasts an impressive 64-year history of providing comprehensive programs and services for over 700 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the Coachella Valley, the Morongo Basin, Palo Verde Valley, and outlying Desert Communities.

For more information on how you can assist in supporting Desert Arc’s vital programs and services, please call 760-404-1368 or visit www.desertarc.org

Betty is fortunate. Betty’s everyday life was sweetened to the end by her regular customers. Because of them, she loved her work despite her advanced age. Yet a year ago, her legs began to fail, she recalls. As a result, she had to cut back and reduce her hours from four days to two.

But that, too, will soon come to an end. Thanks to the fundraising campaign, she can finally hang up her job! May 1 is the day.

Betty is looking forward to spending time with her family. She has two children, four grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

(left to right) Richard Balocco, President/CEO of Desert Arc, Bobbi Lampros, Giving Sponsor of this year’s Fashion Week El Paseo, and Jules, St. Marie.

Cash-strapped grandma Betty Glover launched a fundraising appeal to help her retire sooner

Continued from Page 1

Pardi from the stage later in the night, noting, “I always wondered how this might happen if it was going to. I never imagined anything this great. That was incredible.”

“There is no better representation of Northern California than you, man,” said Fieri backstage after the moment. Rogers added backstage, “For nearly a decade now, Jon Pardi has been adding something great to the

worldwide via when playing House. I have good times ahead Jon as a future Coming just receiving his third

Brooks & Dun. Photo courtesy Stagecoach.

Lainey Wilson. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach

Jon Pardi and Guy Fieri. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach.

Morgan Wade. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach

Luke Bryan. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach

Tyler Childers. Photo Courtesy of Stagecoach

Chris Stapleton. Photo courtesy Stagecoach

show every time he plays the Opry.

I’ll never forget the big sounds he brought to the Opry stage during the pandemic and how he connected with audiences our live stream, even to an empty Opry no doubt there are ahead for all of us with future Opry member.”

just a week after third consecutive ACM

Album of the Year nomination (for being both artist and producer for Mr. Saturday Night), the invitation to become an Opry member was made even more special because it happened in his native home state of California in front of his home state fans. As a result, Pardi will become the first native Californian to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. An official induction date will be announced soon.

Since first hitting the country landscape, Jon Pardi has separated himself from the pack, carving his lane by producing, writing, and singing

songs he created from the melodies and earning praise. “Jon Pardi cut a path through modern country’s embrace of pop, hip-hop and EDM”

(The New York Times) with “an emboldened work… a distilling of his sound into a more potent form that draws both vitality and assurance from his anything-but-sterile relationship to his tradition’s modern era” (NPR). With his “state-of-the-art blend of traditional instrumentation and progressive grooves that point to country’s future”

(Rolling Stone), Pardi is “a leader among a growing number of artists bringing back fiddle, steel and twang”

(People). “Even when he’s singing sad songs, he wants people to have a good time” (Associated Press).

Named a “hero in the making” (Variety), Pardi has earned five No. 1s on country radio and is noted for his “long-lasting mark on the genre” (MusicRow) and his impressive ability to carve out his path creating “the kind of country music multiple generations came to know, and love can still work on a mass scale” (Variety). Filled with fiddle, twang, and steel guitar, Pardi continues to “apply new ideas to country’s old sounds” (Los Angeles Times) and “bring authenticity back

into Country music” (People).

Among the artists scheduled to appear on the Opry in the coming weeks include Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Deana Carter, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Isaacs, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Michael Ray, Ricky Skaggs, Jeannie Seely, Josh Turner, Rhonda Vincent, Carrie Underwood, The War and Treaty, and Lainey Wilson, among many others.

Tickets are on sale now for all Opry 2023 at (615) 871OPRY and opry.com

ZZ Top. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach

Luke Bryan. Photo Courtesy of Stagecoach

Melissa Etheridge. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach

Old Dominion. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach.

Elle King. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach

Nikki Lane. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach

Kane Brown and Wife Katelyn Jae. Photo Courtesy of Stagecoach

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

By Desert Star Staff

Let’s do the time warp again!

After a successful run last November, the Coachella Valley Shadow Cast is back with two electrifying performances of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show this Memorial Day Weekend, on Friday, May 26th, and Saturday, May 27th. The interactive screenings will occur at the Historic Camelot Theatre within the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Directed by UCSB Film Studies alumna Katrina Storton, the Coachella Valley Shadow Cast is ready to bring The Rocky

Horror Picture Show once again to life with a fully interactive, unforgettable experience. In addition to the entire shadow cast, the two events will feature all the classic elements of RHPS audience participation, including an interactive pre-show, screen callbacks, and prop bags. As a result, audiences will have the chance to experience the iconic cult film, which was meant to be seen on the giant screen in the Coachella Valley.

“We are so excited to put on another production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show!” said Coachella Valley Shadow Cast Director Katrina

Storton. ”We’ve been amazed by how many people want to be a part of our kooky show, and we’re looking forward to an incredible performance to start this summer off right.”

Doors will open at 8:00 pm for a cocktail hour, where attendees can enjoy a full bar, drink specials, and hot-buttered popcorn. The pre-show and screening will commence at 9:00 pm. Tickets are priced at $15 and can be purchased here. In addition, the first 100 attendees to arrive and check in for each event will receive a free prop bag.

Companies Give ‘Fair Chance Hiring’ a Shot

and growth of a business while also helping alleviate a nationwide labor shortage.

Ken Oliver, executive director of the Checkr Foundation, said at least 37 states had implemented policies to remove arrest record history questions from job applications and delay background checks until later in the hiring process.

“So, really looking to hire the best person for the job,” Oliver explained. “And removing the barrier of the record rather than looking at the record as the deciding factor for a candidate.”

Formerly incarcerated people are unemployed at a rate of more than 27%. Oliver noted that a bill under consideration in California would help improve the speed by banning most private employers from seeking a background check into a job candidate’s conviction history.

“So if a company posts a job on Indeed or LinkedIn, they now have to say these charges would preclude someone from applying for this particular job,” Oliver emphasized. “They couldn’t do it later after the fact.”

By Desert Star Staff

Employers are increasingly using what’s known as “fairchance hiring” to help the

nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults with criminal records gain access to living wage jobs. Advocates for formerly

incarcerated people said they are a motivated and skilled pool of workers who can add to the diversity

Oliver argued that it is suitable for business and society. Before the pandemic, the estimated cost of employment losses among workers with criminal records was $65 billion per year in lost gross domestic product.

Oliver observed that companies are looking for new talent during the current labor shortage and improving their diversity and inclusion hiring practices. He added that employers are learning to “unpack” a candidate’s story and hire them not because of their record but because they are the best candidate for the job.

CA Parent, Youth Helpline Wins Grant to Continue for 2 More Years

By Desert Star Staff

Just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month in May - the California Department of Social Services has provided a new grant to continue the California Parent & Youth Helpline for another two years, with an option for a third.

When kids, parents, or caregivers call the helpline, they can speak with a trained counselor and sign up for a free evidence-based weekly support group.

Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin is the president and CEO of Parents Anonymous, which launched the helpline in 2020.

“Every week, we get people who feel suicidal calling us,” said Pion-Berlin. “People who’ve been hurt in a serious crime, children who are afraid to talk to their parents about bullying or drugs at school.”

The helpline number is 855-427-2736.

The website is www. caparentyouthhelpline.org.

The helpline has

translation services for 240 languages, including American Sign Language.

Pion-Berlin said the helpline operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week but will stay open until 10 p.m. starting July 1.

“This is going to provide an opportunity for more parents to

call after their children go to bed or they come back from work, as well as teens who are staying up late and reaching out for help,” said Pion-Berlin.

“The helpline is staffed by caring, trained counselors to provide emotional support and linkages to other services appropriate.”

California is home to 9.3 million children. According to the California Health Care Foundation, one in 14 children has some emotional problem that limits their ability to function in school, at home, or engage in day-to-day activities.

Desert

ADVERTISE to 10 million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home.

Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers.

Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

AUTOMOBILE

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today!

Help and Support our Veterans.

Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax

deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Cash for cars: We buy any condition vehicle, 2002 and newer. Nationwide free pick up! Call now:

1-800-864-5960

Cash for cars: We buy any condition vehicle, 2002 and newer.

Nationwide free pick up! Call now:

less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews.

833-308-1971

Personal & Business Loans. Up to $500,000 unsecured. Personal, Emergency, Auto, Business Startup, Debt Consolidation, Home Improvement, etc. Visit: EasyLoanNetwork.com

HEALTH Generic

Were you or a loved one diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Fallopian Tube Cancer or Peritoneal Cancer in 2010 or later and used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder regularly in the genital area previous to diagnosis? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call 877-761-9069.

HELP WANTED JOB-Opportunity. We pay you big residuals to build your team with our virtual communication center! See our video presentation: 01.fastcashsite.com

LEGAL

Do you owe $10,000+

any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855903-3048 Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936 CLAIRVOYANT MEDIUM, with special gifts to share; if you want guidance from above, reconnect with those you love: call Margaret 951) 390-4469.

Discount air travel. Call Flight Services for best pricing on domestic & international

No wi-fi needed! Special offer w/code CARE20 for $20 off Mobile Companion. 1-855341-5862

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Paying top cash for men’s sportwatches! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 833-603-3236

Business owners. Eliminate credit card processing fees 100%, pass on a legal 4% non-cash charge to the customer. Chain stores welcome. 337-849-8083 Stop worrying! SilverBills eliminates the stress & hassle of bill pmts. Household bills guaranteed to be paid on time as long as appropriate funds are available. No computer necessary. Free trial/custom quote 1-855-703-0555 RECEIVE LOCAL OFF-MARKET MOTIVATED SELLER LEADS WITH THE CLICK OF A BUTTON AT WWW.HOMEOWNERSMOTIVATEDTOSELL.COM

Looking

“Rock Out to Knock Out CANCER.”

enjoyable. One should take advantage of the next one.

Melissa Neiderman spoke to the audience about Cancer and how everyone should support the American Cancer Society, which has 1.5 million volunteers nationwide to help cancer patients seeking a cure for Cancer. Author Andrew and Diane Neiderman spoke on video and how Diane is a two-time Cancer Survivor. A silent auction in the lobby included a windmill tour, baskets of goodies, dinners, trips, massages, yoga, wines, and art.

Co-Hosts were Tristan Rogers, better known as Scorpio, and Tim Gross, Keyboard player for many bands. Melissa Niederman also mentioned the event’s honoree, Tristan Rogers, for his many years of work with

Cancer and other charities. A video of his life was shown on the big screen. Rogers spoke about how everyone in the audience probably knows someone with Cancer or is battling Cancer. He hopes everyone will support Cancer with donations.

The event also honored Matty Spindel, who lost his battle with pancreatic Cancer last year. Long-time friend and fellow bandmate Rick Springfield gave an emotional video message keeping him. Videos were a big part of this show as they were a backdrop to performances and showed the honorees, artists, and judges’ works.

The cast members included David Bader, Gretchen Bonaduce, Bobbbie Brown, Ethylina Canne, Stephanie Czajkowski, Kat Kramer, Carolyn Hennesy, Keisha D, Garyk Lee, Paul Mahoney, Donald Cook Metzler,” DJ,”

Desert High School Young Artist Exhibition

The Artists Council held its Young Artists Exhibition opening reception on April 29th. Eighty-eight young artists from 14 high schools in the Coachella Valley are submitting artwork. Admission was free, allowing art lovers, the artist’s family, and friends to attend.

This is a juried art show, so the young artists were eager to show their creativity with drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. Families took pride in seeing their child displaying their art. The young artists were also thrilled to see their art displayed in a beautiful facility. Each child was awaiting the judge’s decision with much anxiety. Children today have few opportunities to show their creativity. Art Council allows them to show what they do and are very capable of thru art.

The Art Council gallery was filled with people interested in seeing what our Valley children can do. People milled around looking at all the different types of displays and were able to talk to the young artists. The children were eager to discuss their art and how it was created.

The students in the Coachella Valley are very talented by what they displayed on Saturday.

The students displayed ranged from Grades 9 thru 12.

The winners were announced that night. Many students were named for the various mediums used. Named were Karla Andrade, Joanna Becerra, Ivan Colin, Lauren Cruz de Ar, Viviana Aliyah Guzman, Amber Jennings, Quinlin P. Lee, Jennah Lopez, Ricardo Mendez, Parker Merlin, Amelia Misell, Alejandro Morales. Esteban Olivares, Kenya

Cesar Andrade, Daniel Hulsey, Artist-Karla Andrade. Sonia Andrade,Martha Carrillo, Cesar Andrade. Photo by Pat Krause.

Andrew Schick, Liam Schick, Artist-Max Schick, Kelley Schick and Jeff Schick. Photo by Pat Krause.

Kevin Weiler “KJ” and Yo Younger. Judith Chapman, Kathy Coleman, Wesley Yure, Ava Lazar, Jeremy Miller,

Kim Waltrip, and Jimmy Van Patten were judges. Each performer or Judge is wellknown in the entertainment

industry. An after-party was held in the lot outside the theatre with Keisha D and the Hearts of Soul entertaining.

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

Ruiz, ‘Malinee Tookchit, Jose Toscano, Layla Winchell, Mariah Young, Melanie Zdrojek, and

Lucas Zuniga. Congratulations to those who were given accolades for their creations.

They were all winners by being accepted into the

Yo Younger, D J Cook-Metzler, <Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta> impersonators with celebrity Judge Judith Chapman. Photo by Pat Krause.