HDLIVING LOCAL DINING | LOCAL MUSIC | EVENT CALENDAR | HD HEALTH | WINE TRENDS
YOUR PREMIER HIGH DESERT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
SPRING/SUMMER 2018
THE HIGH DESERT CORRIDOR
PLUS DRINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE V I C T O R V I L L E • S P R I N G VA L L E Y L A K E • A P P L E VA L L E Y • H E S P E R I A • O A K H I L L S
HDLIVING H.D. Living Magazine Volume 8, Issue 4, Spring/Summer 2018 PUBLISHER/CEO Frank A. Castillo frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com MARKETING/CFO Tiffany Santee tiffanys@hdlivingmagazine.com COPY EDITOR Elisa Urmston editor@hdlivingmagazine.com DESIGN and LAYOUT Everard Strong www.behance.net/whizbangstudios ADVERTISING DESIGN Chris Ackerman | Signify Designs CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Landers, Tere Kidd-Darnell, Katie Chavez, Stephanie Morris, Elisa Urmston, Dr. Brad Hannon, Alexa Whitney, Janelle Perez PHOTOGRAPHERS Celia Santee, Frank A. Castillo, Daniel Hayes ADVERTISING SALES (760) 241-8475 sales@hdlivingmagazine.com EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING INQUIRIES H.D. LIVING MAGAZINE INC. 6630 SVL Box Victorville, CA 92395 (760) 241-8475 www.hdlivingmagazine.com editor@hdlivingmagazine.com HD Living Magazine is a quarterly magazine published by HDLM, Inc.
2018 HD Living Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from this publisher. Photographs, graphics, and artwork are the property of HD Living magazine. HD Living magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers contained herein. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or its owners. HD Living is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are $9.95 per year domestically only. To subscribe, please mail payment to address above, or subscribe online at HDlivingmagazine.com.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2018
24
The High Desert Corridor
28
Interior Design Trends
30
Making a World of Difference
DEPARTMENTS 8 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 13 UPFRONT
Fun at the Fair, Burn Notice, Bluegrass Festival in the HD
16 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Archangel Financial
18 BUSINESS PROFILE Dr. Sunil Patel
19 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
20 HEALTH MATTERS Chemical X
32 HD DINING GUIDE
36 LOCAL DINING SPOTLIGHT Down Home Grill
40 WINE TRENDS
Drinking Outside the Box
42 SUSAN’S CORNER These are the Times That Try Our Critical Thinking Skills
36
FOLLOW US ONLINE
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
THE HD GROWS UP
G
rowth in the HD is at an all time high. New restaurants and businesses are popping up weekly, so for this issue we thought a feature on the High Desert Corridor would be fitting. Stephanie Morris brings us up to date on how the “HD Corridor” continues to grow. We also found a couple of local charities doing great things in the HD as Elisa Urmston shows us how those in the community are working everyday to make it better. Of course, this time of year is a great time to start that new project, so we also feature some great design ideas for the spring.Also, we have some great upcoming events in HD, including the San Bernardino County Fair and the Calico Spring Bluegrass Music Festival. In our UpFront section, we bring you info on both these events and spotlight some of the headlining acts coming to the fair this year. One of my personal all-time favorites, Lifehouse, will be performing on Memorial Day and I’ll be in attendance for sure. Now that I think about it, stay tuned as a ticket giveaway may be in order, Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for contest information. Frank Castillo, Publisher & CEO frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com
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PRESENTED BY
ETS K C I T Y U B W! O N E N I L ON
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High Desert Living magazine 11
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Dr. Leonard Schulkind, MD
(760) 948-0980 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
The Gin Blossoms
FUN AT THE FAIR! IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN as the San Bernardino County releasing six more albums over the years including Stanley Fair rolls back into town. Food, rides, concerts, Monster Trucks Climbfall, Lifehouse, and Smoke & Mirrors with top 25 hits and more make the fair an annual tradition for High Desert such as “You and Me”, “Halfway Gone,” “First Time” and families. From roller coasters and tall slides to magic shows “Between the Raindrops”. and petting zoos, this year’s fair has it all. Whether it’s family Gin Blossoms hit the scene in 1993 with the hit fun, date night for two, or just looking for local fun the San “Jealousy,” which was a top 25 single on the Billboard Hot Bernardino County Fair is the place to find it all. 100, along with their follow up hit “Found out About You” in This year’s fair headliners will include the alternative bands 1994. The band has continued to produce albums over the Lifehouse and the Gin Blossoms, along with country singer/ years and recently completed a new album in 2017. songwriter Dylan Scott, country band LANCO and hard rock Scott, who released his first single “Makin’ this boy Go band Blue Oyster Cult. Lifehouse burst onto Crazy” in 2013, has since released his the scene back in 2000 with their hit song self-titled album that included the hit song “Hanging by a Moment” which peaked at SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm”. #2 on the Billboard top 100 and went on FAIRGROUNDS With all of this going on, make sure to to become the #1 single in 2001. Since 14800 7th St., Victorville not miss any of the fun at this year’s San then, Lifehouse has continued their success For tickets go to www.sbcfair.com Bernardino County Fair!
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ARTS & CULTURE
Notice This!
O
ne of my favorite perks of writing for HD Living Magazine is that it gives me the excuse to touch base with our local artists and musicians and get updates on what is exciting in their world. We really are fortunate to live in a region that plays host to so many talented folks. One of the region’s perennial favorite bands is Burn Notice, and they sent their lead vocalist, Tom Kelm, to update me on what they are up to these days, and since it’s Friyay, and it’s time to dance, I wanted to know where I could catch their act and what was new. Kelm informed me that the group was together for about eight years, playing under another name, but since they brought him on board, they have changed their name to Burn Notice, and have continued to forge an identity as a fun, versatile group that can play just about anything, from Pink Floyd the Beatles to Ozzy, but with a focus on deep, danceable, album-oriented rock— songs you won’t hear every other band playing. Kelm says the secret to what makes the band so fun really isn’t even the talent—though there is plenty of that. Instead, Kelm says, it’s the fact that the band is composed of really nice guys who just love to rock out. With Steve Ashton on drums, Mike Hernandez on bass, Chris O’Rourke on lead guitar, Doug Reynolds on Keys and lead guitar, and vocalist Tom Kelm rounding out the lineup, you have a powerful group of seasoned heavy-hitters who display top-notch musicianship and know how to have fun—and that fun is contagious— just ask any of the folks who see them every year at the San Bernardino County Fair, or at the Etiwanda Roadhouse, or local hangout Johnny Fingers. Kelm says the band has cultivated its reputation for playing unique material, but is sharpening their focus to play only fun songs that make people want to dance and have a good time, and he invites everyone to come see what they’re all about! You can find their schedule on Facebook at burnnoticerockband. Save a dance for me. — Elisa Urmston
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ARTS & CULTURE
The Get Down Boys
BLUEGRASS IN THE SPRING
T
he annual BLUEGRASS IN THE SPRING FESTIVAL will be Mother’s Day weekend at the Calico Ghost Town in Yermo. Several Bluegrass and Country artists are scheduled to appear along with family fun and entertainment including the Bon Family Cloggers and pig racing shows. There will also be blacksmithing demos, old time games, contests, old West gunfight demonstrations and more, in-between sets. There will be a Friday Night Jam at the campground amphitheatre on May 11th at 7pm, hosted by the Southwest Bluegrass Association, and there will be RV camping available. The Calico Ghost Town and Shops will be open for dining
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and shopping, so plan on bringing Mom and the family down for a weekend of music and fun. Entrance to the festival is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-11 and, kids 3 and under is FREE.
CALICO BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo (800) 86-CALICO www.calicotown.com
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HD LOCAL BUSINESS
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: ARCHANGEL FINANCIAL
A
rchAngel Financial is a full-service, independent financial planning firm that has served the High Desert community for over 20 years. Located in Apple Valley, their motto is, “Caring for your financial security and peace of mind.” They believe that “a truly comprehensive financial planning process is more than a transaction-based relationship.” ArchAngel Financial offers a range of invaluable services, including financial planning, advisory and wealth management, estate and tax planning, as well as life, annuity and long-term care insurance advice. ArchAngel Financial is able to dedicate personalized attention to clients,
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something that differentiates them from larger investment, insurance and banking firms. No one enjoys feeling rushed or misunderstood—ArchAngel Financial believes in taking time to get to know clients, and fully understanding their position, life goals, and needs in order to fine-tune their financial roadmap. CEO Christopher Martin, a High Desert native, has been advising and helping clients tailor their personal financial strategies since 2000. ArchAngel Financial has been voted Best of the Desert’s Best Financial Planner and Best Investment Firm for the second year in a row by the Daily Press. Victoria Martin,
Chris’s wife and co-owner of ArchAngel Financial, is an estate planning attorney and owner of ArchAngel Estate Planning and a seasoned Investment Advisor in her own right. Their newest Investment Advisor Representative, Cesar Garcia, graduated from Hesperia High School and started out in the financial services industry as an intern with Morgan Stanley. After graduating from USC in 2003 with a degree in International Relations, Cesar became a broker, and then began his own construction company. Having all grown up in the High Desert, this trio has developed deep roots in their community and a unique understanding of specific challenges local residents face. They are each involved in many local organizations including the Apple Valley and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Apple Valley, and the St. Mary Trusted Advisor Group. They are committed to providing excellent customer service and advice tailored to each of their client’s needs so they are able to reach their financial goals successfully. If you are interested in planning for your financial future, visit their impressive website; it is chock-full of informative videos and articles on investing, planning for retirement, tools for small businesses, lifestyle management, compound interest calculators, and more. This easy-tonavigate site is an excellent resource for everyone from small business owners to college students to those on the brink of retirement. Anyone could benefit from visiting ArchAngel Financial’s site, at www.archangelfinancial.com. Cesar Garcia can be reached at: Phone: 760946-2220 and at cesar.garcia@cfiemail. com. By Janelle Perez
ARCHANGEL FINANCIAL 16191 Kamana Road Suite #202 Apple Valley, CA 92307 Phone: (760) 946-2220 Fax: (760) 946-2277 Toll-Free: (888) 294-4343 Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat-Sun: By Appointment
SPRING/SUMMER 2018
SPONSORED EDITORIAL
LOSE UP TO 30 POUNDS IN 30 DAYS! At RCMC Medical Clinic, we provide mindful weight loss guidance and nutritional counseling to help our patients not only meet their weight loss goals, but keep the weight off through lifestyle changes. Poor eating habits are one of the biggest nonmedical contributors to weight problems. Changing these habits is the largest hurdle most people face. Through individualized nutritional counseling, these poor habits are addressed, a plan is created to correct the habits, and positive reinforcement is used to help maintain the new healthier eating habits. The key to successful weight loss at a local medical clinic begins with a healthy, positive mental attitude. We know you have the power to achieve your weight loss goals and keep the weight off because we have seen so many people do just that. Each visit, you will be greeted by positive attitudes, encouragement, and all the support you need along your journey to a healthier you.
OUR MEDICAL CLINIC’S INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING ASSURES EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM WEIGHT LOSS Every person is unique, and their diets should reflect this. Our proactive approach takes many aspects into consideration, particularly our clients’ unique lifestyles. Every visit, your nutritional counselor will review your past results, and help you set new, realistic goals. As life throws new challenges and exciting events your way, we tweak your plan to compensate, allowing you to continue to meet your goals without the weight of guilt or denial holding you back.
A LIFETIME OF WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS The main goal of RCMC’s nutritional counseling at our Rancho Cucamonga medical clinic is to teach our clients healthy weight loss habits to boost the metabolism for a lifetime of weight management.
OUR 90% SUCCESS RATE The dedicated professionals at RCMC Medical Center work hard to help each and every client lose weight, get healthy, and live the life they have always wanted. We understand that no two people are the same, and because of this, no two weight loss plans should be the same. We personalize each diet plan to complement lifestyles and goals, which as earned us a 90% success rate
Just a Few of the Many Successes at the RCMC Medical Weight Loss Clinic JOETTA LOST 40 LBS IN JUST 12 WEEKS!
Before coming to us, Joetta had tried every diet out there and still could not lose the weight. A thyroid condition made dropping the pounds nearly impossible. But after developing a personalized diet plan, complete with underactive thyroid treatments, Joetta finally saw results. In just 12 weeks she lost 40 pounds! IN 10 WEEKS, CLIFF LOST 42 LBS!
Cliff is proof that exercise alone is not always enough to lose weight. He is a CrossFit coach but still could not get down to his ideal weight. After speaking to the nutritional counselors here at RCMC Medical Center, he was able to develop a personalized eating plan that finally allowed him to lose the weight. His hard work let him drop 42 pounds in only 10 weeks. TRISHA LOST 100 LBS IN 18 WEEKS! After having kids and going through life’s many stresses, Trisha found herself in poor health and overweight. She tried diet after diet, but never saw the results she dearly hoped for. RCMC Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Banning was her last hope of regaining her health and losing the weight. Over the course of just 18 weeks, our dedicated staff helped her lose a staggering 100 pounds though a personalized medical weight loss plan!
To learn how RCMC Medical Center can help you reach your weight loss goals through a personalized weight loss plan and one-on-one support, call the office today for a free Consultation. HESPERIA
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HD BUSINESS PROFILE
Dr. Sunil Patel
YOUR HOMETOWN DOCTOR DR. SUNIL PATEL of Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute knows how the desert can lure us home. An alumni of Desert Knolls Elementary School and Vista Campana Middle School (Apple Valley), he grew up here, but then followed his dream of becoming a doctor—what he calls the most noble and humbling profession. This dream led him first to Nova Southeastern University, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Science in Biology and where he was a Barry Goldwater Scholar. He then attended medical school at Midwestern University: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and graduated with honors. In between his undergraduate and medical school, he was also a scholar at National Institute of Health where he his focus was in research. He completed his studies in Internal Medicine from the University of Massachusetts, and finally, his training in Nephrology Fellowship from Kansas University Medical Center. At last, the siren song of desert and his desire to be near family beckoned him home in 2011, when he set up his practice in General Adult Medicine and Nephrology Specialty. Dr. Patel has a special interest in treating patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. His specialty related interests are nephrotic syndrome and autoimmune kidney disease. Patel’s practice offers comprehensive adult care, including annual adult health exams and screenings, and management of chronic illnesses. An important part of his practice is offering both in-center and at-home dialysis treatment, particularly peritoneal dialysis. He is a staunch believer in giving patients autonomy when it comes to their healthcare, adding that he believes a physician can help patients regain independence despite having a terminal illness such as kidney failure. His latest venture involves a home-care training facility known as US Renal Care-Victorville Home Dialysis, a project he feels will bring a wonderful new dimension of renal healthcare to the High Desert. Dr. Patel strongly believes individualization of medical treatments as echoed in his practice slogan: “Where treatment is science and patient care is an art.” It is obvious, casually chatting with this soft-spoken and thoughtful doctor, that he really understands good medicine is both. Having the personal experience of seeing how doctors helped his own family members when they were ill sparked his desire to go into medicine, and those memories stoke his passion still.
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Helping others when they are unwell is a calling, and he loves seeing how the medical profession can truly help improve a patient’s life. Luckily for us, Patel’s family roots called him back to the region, where he now lives with his wife—a pharmacist who he adores for both her beauty and intellect—and his two young sons. When he is not practicing medicine, he looks forward to spending his time with his family, attending school functions, vacationing— though he also loves organizing fundraisers to give back to the community that gave him such a solid start in life.
DR. SUNIL H. PATEL, D.O. 16003 Tuscola Rd., Unit H Apple Valley (760) 810-0888
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HD UPCOMING EVENTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY 4-6 THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Victor Valley Performing Arts Center 18422 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville www.vvc.edu/offices/ performing_art/events When a diehard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious musical farce. No sooner has the needle touched the record than we are transported to a 1928 Broadway theatre and into The Drowsy Chaperone, a play-within-a-play, crammed full of every cliche, gag and gimmick from the golden age of musicals. The Drowsy Chaperone is a masterful
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meta-musical, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre.
MAY 12-13 BLUEGRASS IN THE SPRING FESTIVAL Calico Ghost Town, Yermo www.calicoghosttown.com Calico Ghost Town’s annual Spring Festival is a bluegrass and Americana extravaganza. Aside from music filling the air the entire weekend, there are also cloggers, workshops, old time games, old West gunfight demonstrations, contests, kid’s activities, arts & crafts vendors and great grub. Take out mom for Mother’s Day for a weekend filled with all kinds of family fun. The perfect way to spend Mother’s Day!
MAY 19-28 SAN BERNADINO COUNTY FAIR San Bernadino County Fairgrounds 14800 7th St., Victorville www.sbcfair.com An annual event for 70 years, the San Bernardino County Fair is THE destination in the High Desert for Fun. Concerts, carnival rides, food, games, animals, exhibits, and more, the Fair provides a diverse entertainment offering for everyone at an affordable price. This year’s concert lineup includes alternative rock bands Lifehouse and Gin Blossoms along with country star Dylan Scott. For the full lineup visit the website.
EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT COMEDY SHOW HOSTED BY JT TURNER Green Tree Inn, 14173 Green Tree Blvd, Victorville www.facebook.comjtturner.com Look forward to a night full of laughs with some hilarious Comedians! Hosted by Comedian JT Turner! With Live music from DJ Joel Trujillo!! FREE GIVEAWAYS from High Desert Deals!! There is even an after party at The Coffee Bean Cafe located at the Green Tree Inn! Doors open at 7pm and the shows start at 8pm! Enjoy some DRINKS, FOOD and LAUGHS in the HD!
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HD HEALTH MATTERS
X
CHEMICAL DO YOU EAT 100% ORGANIC? Why? Why not? Is cost your only factor? How much does being sick cost? Include copays, deductibles, lost productivity, time off work, and reduced quality of life (which is tough to quantify). I just had a patient tell me his dialysis, resulting from type 2 diabetes, costs $50,000 per year. Do you know there are over 80,000 chemicals being used regularly in the US? Do you know that over 10,000+ of those are allowed in and on our food? The majority of these chemicals are not studied as much as you would like to think for their impact on our environment and our health. Many fall under what is called “Generally Recognized As Safe” or GRAS. Additionally, for what little research and investigation has been done, most is done on one chemical at a time. The average American is exposed to 100+ different chemicals from personal care products like deodorant or hairspray, takes multiple medications, and eats foods containing food coloring, preservatives, herbicides, pesticides, and more every day! With the nearly endless possible combinations of different chemicals, and each person having a different ability to process or detoxify these chemicals out, it is impossible to fully study the effects these chemicals could have in combination on our health and the environment. We are the experiment. What to do about all this? Recently, there has been a growing trend of people becoming vegan and vegetarians for health reasons. There are a growing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and menu items, and vegan and vegetarian-themed documentaries advocating animal rights, shaming animal cruelty and factory farming, discussing greenhouse gases, and health pollutants. One thing I have noticed as I watch these documentaries and eat at these restaurants which advocate a plant based diet, is the lack of information being provided in regards to the quality of veggies available and what chemicals are being sprayed on them, as well as whether they were grown using GMOs, in poor quality soil with decreasing topsoil nutrient density, decreasing topsoil microbiome (or soil based organisms)—which result in lower nutrient density fruits and veggies. The result is that most Americans are nutrient-deficient in many essential nutrients; the most common I personally see are magnesium, omega 3 fats, and Vitamin D deficiencies. Vitamin deficiency can also lead to many known diseases like Rickets from a vitamin D deficiency, Pellagra from vitamin B3 deficiency, Beri Beri from vitamin B1 deficiency, Goiter from an iodine deficiency, Iron or B12 deficiency anemia, Scurvy from a vitamin C deficiency, just to name a few. However, from an alternative holistic medicine
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point of view— or now people are using the term Functional Medicine—there are many signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiency that can be seen prior to the diagnosis of full-blown disease and resulting lab work or test findings, often referred to as “sub-clinical.” But, back to chemicals. In this article, I want to just address one chemical out of the over 10,000+ allowed in and on our food. For the time being, lets call this chemical “chemical X”. Chemical X is in roughly 750 products and is recognized as the most used chemical on farms, and I would argue it is very likely everyone has used a product that contains this chemical; chemical X is mostly aimed at weed control1. Being that chemical X is so prevalent, I would like to make an argument that the more non-organic plant based foods, or goods you eat the more of chemical X you will be consuming. It is a fair argument that if a vegan or vegetarian were to be eating nonorganic they will be greatly exposed to larger quantities of this toxin and would be more likely to have a negative health impact due to chemical X. What we know about chemical X and your health: • The WHO listed chemical X as “probably carcinogenic to humans”, with “sufficient” evidence of cancer causing in experimental animals, and “strong” evidence for genotoxicity (toxicity to your DNA), both for “pure” chemical X and for chemical X formulations2, 11. • State of California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment classifies chemical X as known to cause cancer5, 11. • Chemical X has been patented as an antibiotic7 • Chemical X has been found in many common orange juices found at the market15 • Chemical X has been shown to reduce minerals in the soil up taking into plants16 • Chemical X has been shown to effect minerals in the body11 • Chemical X has been found to be in human urine8, 12 • Chemical X has been shown to be in breast milk8 • Chemical X is known to be damaging to the gut and good bacteria3, 11 • Chemical X is known to stop the shikimate pathway in plants thusly stopping the production of 3 essential amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan)11, 14 • Chemical X is found to be in the water supply8, air17, and rain17
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• • • • •
•
Chemical X is correlated to kidney disease9 Chemical X is linked to birth defects and neurological development issues10 Chemical X has been found to accumulate in the bone marrow11 Chemical X impairs our bodies detoxification11 Chemical X is water soluble and can end up in water ways and bodies of water (think about that next time you go swimming in a lake or river)13 And much more!
I must make a quick side-note, as we need some understanding about amino acids. Think of amino acids like our alphabet, we use letters to build words, sentences, paragraphs, papers, books, etc. Similarly, our body uses amino acids to build things, but our body cannot produce all the amino acids; some we have to eat, and we call these “essential amino acids”. So if we do not get these essential amino acids in our food, or our digestive system isn’t functioning well, we will not be able to build things necessary to be healthy. Think about it like this: imagine I asked you to write a book and I limited you on how many times you can use three letters— for example the letters A, B, and C. It is going to be very difficult to write a book with this limitation. Now imagine your body being limited, or possibly deficient in three essential amino acids. The three essential amino acids that are effected by chemical X are phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. Understand that phenylalanine is the precursor for the amino acid tyrosine, and tyrosine is the precursor of catecholamines in the body which function as neurotransmitters in the body (particularly dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine); while tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin (another neurotransmitter). Low neurotransmitter levels are attributed to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, obesity, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, migraines, and much more. Do you know anyone with these issues? Now lets be fair and hear some of the arguments from the “other side”. Some people will argue that the amount of chemical X found in foods (often referred to as “residue”), water, etc, are at levels too low to cause harm and are lower than the EPA’s allowable chemical X residue level. However, those arguments don’t hold up to the research, which has shown that even at low levels, 0.1 ppm (parts per million), chemical X destroys beneficial, or often referred to as good gut bacteria3, 11, which can lead to many health ailments such as gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, immune dysregulation, auto immune diseases, food allergies, food sensitivities, and more. Furthermore, at 1 ppt (parts per trillion), chemical X showed estrogenic activity and proliferated the growth of human hormone-dependent breast cancer cells4, 11. Another study showed chronic low doses of chemical X to cause fatty liver in rats6. Again, to be fair, advocates for using chemical X also argue that its usage has decreased the cost of food in the US and that it has also replaced prior used chemicals which were
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much worse than chemical X; depending on what you read, chemical X has decreased the usage of other chemicals, but at what cost? I would like to point out that organic farmers cannot use chemical X and they are still able to farm and sell affordable produce and make a profit; often I see organic produce prices near, or even cheaper than, conventional produce. So let me summarize my current understanding of chemical X. Chemical X is heavily used by farmers, cities rely on it for weed control, as do homeowners. Chemical X damages our earth’s topsoil. Chemical X is water soluble, and therefore mixes well with water and ends up everywhere water is. Chemical X is in food, bodies of water, and air. People are coming in contact with chemical X, as it has been discovered in excreted fluids such as urine and breast milk. Chemical X reduces both minerals and essential amino acids in plants, which likely contributes to nutrient deficiencies and amino acid deficiencies in people, leading to poor health and likely poor mental health, which may be greater in those in the vegan and vegetarian population who do not consume 100% organic. Chemical X causes cancers to grow faster, fatty liver disease, kills good bacteria, birth defects, as well as reduced ability for the body to detoxify, and this is just a small portion of the known research and findings. I propose the idea that chemicals, and generally anything besides nourishing foods, should not be GRAS, or innocent until proven guilty, but instead, we should treat them as generally harmful until proven otherwise. We should not wait for government agencies to protect us, because unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the problems within our government and how lobbyists and special interests are controlling most regulations and legislation. Vote with your dollar by purchasing organic, preferably as locally as possible, and you will see things change. As it is, grocery stores have already begun to carry organic produce due to the public demand. Please understand that that not all farmers can afford the organic labeling certification process and that some farmers may be providing similar produce without the labeling at local farmer markets; ask your farmer what was sprayed to find out. I agree that we do need to eat a more plant-based diet, but we should make sure we are not increasing our toxin exposure in the process. Until next time. Yours in health.
DR. HANNON Graduated from the Southern California University of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Chiropractic program. Dr. Hannon dedicates his time to his passion of health, exercise, and nutrition.
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Apple Valley’s pro-business leadership, concierge staff, and streamlined entitlement process have cultivated a competitive alternative to the rising costs of the Inland Empire’s industrial market. Companies and their employees are attracted to Apple Valley by the low cost of business and living, available land for both commercial and residential development, an eager workforce, and quality housing. Beautiful parks and sports fields, amphitheater and aquatics facility, and the region’s most extensive trails system combine with safer neighborhoods, distinguished schools and leading health care services to help cultivate “A Better Way of Life.”
Cont a c t Us Town of Apple Valley
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Economic Development: (760) 240-7915
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select@applevalley.org
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Laying the Groundwork for Prospect, Hope, and Growth
THE HIGH DESERT CORRIDOR By Stephanie Morris
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T
raffic congestion — those of us forced to travel I-15 know the magnitude of it all too well. Undoubtedly, the accelerated growth of our HD community has been a contributing factor, but that’s merely a fragment of the problem. The vast number of freight trucks transporting vital cargo inland, from Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, also continues to rise readily, choking our freeways and increasing air pollution. And, of course, we’ve got the escalating influx of Las Vegas travelers continuously trekking through our region. It’s much more than a nasty traffic crisis we’re facing; we’re looking at an economic and environmental calamity in the making. However, there’s been a solution a decade in the works! The High Desert Corridor (HDC) will not only remedy our traffic woes, but it is also expected to generate great economic growth, facilitate valuable jobs, and improve our air quality.
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THE HIGH DESERT CORRIDOR IN A PETITE NUTSHELL
I
n 2007, the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Authority was formed to establish the High Desert Corridor— an expressway traveling from SR14 to I-15. The team includes board members from San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, the cities of Adelanto, Victorville, Apple Valley, Lancaster, and Palmdale, along with leaders from Metro, SANBAG, and Caltrans. Ultimately, the HDC evolved from a proposed highway project, intended to connect the counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino, into a projected multipurpose corridor that would also include a high-speed rail (HSR) connection, a bikeway, and green energy factors. First on the HDC agenda is the planned freeway connecting the Antelope Valley with the Victor Valley, linking commercial, industrial, and residential zones. The proposed 63-mile roadway would begin in Palmdale, run laterally and south of El Mirage Road—upon entering San Bernardino County, and turn east to Air Expressway Boulevard (near I-15). Then, it would evolve into an expressway at Dale Evans Parkway, ending at the SR-18/Bear Valley Road intersection in Apple Valley. The next proposal includes a High-Speed Rail feeder/ connector service, which is predicted to run between the Palmdale Transportation Center and the projected XpressWest HSR station in Victorville. The forthcoming passenger rail connection would potentially link San Francisco, Central Valley, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Diego. A bikeway is also in the plan, as part of the HDC Preferred Alternative. It’s expected to connect with the existing and
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anticipated network of bike paths in Palmdale and Adelanto. The bikeway would be designed to safely and efficiently correlate with the proposed freeway/expressway and HSR feeder service. The HDC project is also planning to create a truly sustainable corridor, or a green energy element. Electric transmission lines would run beneath the freeway and railway, while above ground, electric charging bases and alternativefuel stations for vehicles are anticipated.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US? GROWTH! The HD will and has already benefitted immensely. The HDC hasn’t even been completed, yet we’ve seen stimulation in development and a rise in our local economy. It’s no coincidence that Victorville was chosen as the home of California’s first Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, which created approximately 300 new jobs. Yes, “Restaurant Row” on Amargosa Road, continues to grow, and Pieology and Habit Burger Grill, among many others, are celebrated additions. Gateway West on Main Street in Hesperia welcomes Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, and Fatburger, and a Big Lots Distribution Center is making its home and creating valuable employment opportunities in Apple Valley. Subsequently, the projected HDC has already served as a light at the end of a crowded tunnel for our commuters. It has spurred economic drive, and its impending manifestation has become a mainspring of employment prospects and hope for our HD residents.
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interior design trends Story by Elisa Urmston 28 High Desert Living magazine
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A
fter a long, blustery winter, we wash our windows and notice our homes need not just a spring cleaning, but often a cheerful spring update as well. There are lots of fun design trends out there—so many, it can boggle the mind in fact— so I spoke with two international designers with their fingers on the pulse of what’s new and fresh to help make sense of it all. Here are these experts’ tips on what will bring your home’s interior back to life. According to Saurabh Mital, the master designer behind Rich Class Rugs—world-class rugs you’ll see featured in places such as Justina Blakeley’s Jungalow, Design Sponge, and HGTV, we should embrace color. For some people, that can be intimidating, but Mital suggests you can introduce pops of color—a bright rug or pillow as an easy and inexpensive way to instantly change the entire vibe of a room. “Colors give happiness—like flowers,” he notes, adding he has never seen a grey or beige flower. Mital says his favorite trend when he designs a rug is mixing traditional Turkish and Moroccan Berber patterns. He points out that geometrical patterns are a huge trend right now, and they work so well because they make a room seem larger. It is also such an appealing look, he notes, because it complements every style, from modern to traditional to boho, and these beautiful, artisan-crafted, oneof-a-kind rugs bring a fresh look to your home.
Eleni, from the eponymous Eleni Decor, whose signature design style can be defined as refined but relaxed and inviting, also sees exciting design trends on the horizon. First, she notes, are the trending deep hues, such as Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet (a color Pantone describes as “communicating originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us to the future”). Eleni loves how these rich colors bring vibrance and warmth to a room. DIY projects are also still hot in her opinion, noting how she loves to repurpose vintage or antique pieces to create something both unique and timeless. She also recommends a crystal chandelier as a lovely way to add sparkle to a room, but, like Mital, she encourages us to use color as a delightful way to bring the outdoors in and reminds us that it is one of the most simple but important ways to update your home for spring. We all love fresh flowers in our home, and springtime means there are so many varieties to choose from, so remember to pick up a few bouquets at the farmer’s market while you’re there. Tulips, peonies, or even some eucalyptus sprigs last up to—or even longer than a week, with proper care. By adding pops of color, life, and sparkle to our homes—whether it be through an exotic, beautiful rug or pillow, vibrant, repurposed vintage furniture pieces, a sparkling chandelier or that cheerful burst of blooms, they will become a more true and joyful reflection of who we are.
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High Desert Living magazine 29
MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE By Elisa Urmston
O
ne of the great things about our HD community is that there are so many people and organizations striving to make the region a better place. It is sometimes easy too look around and feel disheartened by the things we see that are problematic here, but there are so many wonderful things happening in the region, and nothing feels better than getting involved. Here is a brief—and by no means complete (we would need a whole magazine to list them all)— list of local charities striving to make a difference
OPERATION DESTINATION HOMEBOUND INC. www.operationdestinationhomebound.org Operation: Destination Homebound is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose volunteers provide free transportation and from airports, bus and train terminals, as well as to VA hospitals, for all branches of the military and their families. They pride themselves on being not just a ride and a chance for a snack and some water, but also for offering a caring ear and heart. Their drivers are mostly moms and dads of service members.
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MOJAVE DESERT ANIMAL RESCUE PO Box 995, Lucerne Valley Don’t forget our furry friends! Since 2011, this organization has been helping inneed pet owners acquire pet food and supplies. They currently distribute dog and cat food, free of charge, to local non-profits, assisting homebound seniors on fixed incomes, low-income families, veterans, and homeless pet owners. MDAR also provides skilled veterinary care to badly injured animals and loving hospice care to animals who are nearing the end of their lives. They also provide humane trapping services through their Desert Canid Project for dogs dumped in extremely rural areas, as well as sick coyotes and other desert canids. Mojave Desert Animal Rescue has also provided assistance nationwide in cases where animals are in need of emergency help—hurricanes, wildfires, puppy mills, cockfighting operations—if they are needed, they will be there.
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MOJAVE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CONSORTIUM www.meeconline.com The mission of the Mojave Environmental Consortium (MEEC) is to improve the environmental literacy of students, teachers and the community of the Mojave Desert region by actively providing quality educational resources. MEEC was founded in 2001, and is the High Desert zone of the California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) Network, a project of the California Department of Education. MEEC’s programs are 100% funded through sponsorships of different levels provided by 40-plus businesses and agencies. They offer free environmental teacher workshops, field trip grants, classroom presentations, STEM career mentors, classroom grants, essay contests, all designed to promote environmental stewardship through student-lead community projects.
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KINGDOM LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER/ANOTHER LEVEL FOR WOMEN Kingdom Life Christian Center 11555 Cortez Ave., Adelanto Led by Reverend Harold Hines and his wife, Ammie Hines, this ministry attends to the spiritual needs of the community, but they also view their church as a vehicle for helping the community in its day-to-day needs. Reverend Hines invites members of the region to come for an inspirational message about God, but then stay and break bread and get to know your neighbors. His Ministry offers clothing giveaways for folks who will be attending job interviews (the church has a clothing bank of nice clothes), help with job placement, as well as an active food ministries every Friday, where those in need can receive fruit, chicken, eggs—quality food. It has been estimated that Kingdom Life Christian Center and Another Level for Women feed up to 400 families every month. Reverend Hines believes in teaching a man to fish, but also in giving a man—or woman—a fish here and there, as well. Kingdom Life Christian Ministries invites folks to join them and experience the fullness of the rainbow that is our High Desert community.
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DINING GUIDE
The following is a listing of select High Desert Restaurants. These listings are a free service provided by H.D. Living Magazine and are subject to change. This guide also includes wine tasting venues. If you would like your dining establishment considered, send information to frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com, include your name, the name of the establishment, address, and contact information.
Victorville Down Home Grill 12120 Ridgecrest Rd. #101 (760)241-4663 Thai Dawn Bistro 14317 Bear Valley Rd Ste 2 (760) 244-7600 Republic SVL 13261 Spring Valley Pkwy, (760) 596-3971 Paulina’s Mexican Grill 14845 Monarch Blvd, (760) 955-2661 Tokyo Steak 14317 Bear Valley Rd. Ste 2, (760) 956-6888 Yoshi Sushi 14177 Kentwood Blvd, (760) 241-1960 Chateau Chang Restaurant 15425 Anacapa Rd, (760) 241-3040 Steer ‘n Stein Restaurant 12224 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-0775 D’Vine Wine Bar 14845 Monarch Blvd. suite C, (760) 843-3888 La Casita Mexican Restaurant 14977 Palmdale Rd, (760) 241-0119 La Casita at the Lake 12170 Spring Valley Pkwy, (760) 843-0440 The Corner Café 15683 Roy Rogers Dr., (760) 900-6676 Poncho’s Salvadorian Restaurant 16427 Victor Street, (760) 843-3336 Golden Gate Restaurant 15208 Bear Valley Rd # B, (760) 245-6189 Tokyo Sushi & BBQ 14741 7th St #A, (760) 955-7123
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Marie Callenders 12180 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-6973 The Brass Pickle Deli 15617 Roy Rogers Dr, (760) 241-4846 Outback Steakhouse 12400 Amargosa Rd # B, (760) 962-1003 Mimi’s Cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, (760) 244-6888 Original Roadhouse Grill 11940 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2308 Carino’s 11970 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2248 Giuseppe’s Restaurant 14309 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 949-5400 El Pescador Seafood & Mexican Grill 14144 Green Tree Blvd, (760) 245-4860 Poncho Villas Fresh Grill & Tequila 11620 Amargosa Rd. (760) 981-1958 Itchy Foot Islands Deli & BBQ 15329 Palmdale Rd, (760) 243-3354 Miguel’s Baja Grill 14480 7th St. (760) 241-3838 BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 11600 Amargosa Rd, (442) 600-2840
Apple Valley Go Bangkok Thai Cuisine 20783 Bear Valley Rd, Ste H (760) 240-3888 Di Napoli’s Fire House 17856 US Highway 18, (760) 242-5802 The Wine Seller Apple Bear Center, (760) 961-2500
Las Brisas 21919 CA-18 (760) 240-1051
Desert Barn Brewery 11352 Hesperi Rd. (760) 995-3894
Mega Tom’s Restaurant 20781 Bear Valley Rd., (760) 240-9022
Hidden Tavern 12728 Main St. (760) 947-0099
Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant 17790 Wika Rd. (760) 946-5344
Juliano’s Italian Restaurant 12052 Hesperia Rd., (760) 949-0595
Oggis Pizza & Brewing Co 19201 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 240-8977 Linko Sushi 12115 Apple Valley Rd, (760) 240-1125 Apple Valley Golf Course Grill 15200 Rancherias Rd, (760) 242-3653 Off the Grid Brewing Company 13615 John Glen Rd., (760) 247-5600 Mama Carpino’s 22010 Highway 18 (760) 240-9664 Marcelinos Mexican Restaurant 21510 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 240-4344 Viva Maria 20162 Highway 18 #D (760) 946-2087 Linko Sushi 12115 Apple Valley Rd, (760) 240-1125 Ninja Sushi 15850 Apple Valley Rd., (760) 242-3913 Siam Thai Cuisine 18564 Outer Hwy 18 Ste 203, (760) 242-5093 Giuseppe’s Apple Valley 18855 Bear Valley Rd. Ste. 1, (760) 247-1999 Havana Wine & Beer Club 13692 Apple Valley Rd, Suite 1, (760) 961-6880 Spirit River Cafe 16000 Apple Valley Rd. Ste. B4, (760) 242-1400
Go Bangkok Thai Cuisine 15800 Main St Ste 200, (760) 947-9029 Cancun Mexican & Seafood 15550 Main St, (760) 956-7720 Italian Kitchen 16409 Yucca St, (760) 244-7757 Thai-Lotus Restaurant 12027 Hesperia Rd, (760) 949-9362 Fina’s Giuseppe’s 15555 Main St. (760) 949-9600 Los Domingo’s Restaurant 15885 Main St, 92345 (760) 948-6161 Oasis Sushi Restaurant 12719 Main St, 92344 (760) 244-9608 Wood Grill Buffet 14135 Main St. Hesperia (760) 981-4418
Oak Hills Oak Hills Brewing Company 12221 Poplar St. #3 (760) 244-8278
Oro Grande Cross Eyed Cow 19242 National Trails Hwy (760)241-1987
Barstow Idle Spurs Steakhouse 690 Old Highway 58 (760)256-8888
Hesperia Whisky Barrel Restaurant & Saloon 12055 Mariposa Rd. (760) 244-1115
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LOCAL DINING SPOTLIGHT
HONEST YUMMINESS
DOWN HOME GRILL
DOWN HOME GRILL 12120 Ridgecrest Rd., #101, Victorville (760) 241–4663 www.downhomegrill.com
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A
re you trying to avoid unhealthy foods these days, but find this makes you sad because this means saying goodbye to all of your favorite comfort foods? Well, don’t fret! Down Home Grill is here to come to the rescue. What makes them different than certainly anyplace in the HD, as well as most of the rest of, well, the world? I sat down with George Sillas, owner of the restaurant, to have him tell us why you should pay them a visit. Sillas explains that it boils down to simple, honest ingredients. Let’s start with breakfast. If you crave pancakes—or my favorite— waffles, almost every restaurant will serve you that icky, high fructose corn syrup instead of maple syrup on the side. The reason behind this is that a gallon of “maple flavored” synthetic syrup is about $6/gallon. Real maple syrup $60/gallon. High fructose corn syrup is known to be a factor in adult-onset diabetes. The simple act of cutting out these synthetic sugars out of your diet will do wonders for your health. Down Home Grill uses only wonderful, real maple syrup. If your favorite delight is a nice, juicy
burger, Sillas reminds us that traditional beef is produced to be streamlined for maximum product yield and efficiency. The problem with this is the unsafe conditions the animals are living in. Minimal space, stepping in their own feces, and force feeding these cows grains to fatten them up produce E. coli. To solve the E. coli issue, the beef is then washed in ammonia, killing any contamination. Ack! Sillas cautions that there may be a link to this practice and most of the cancers we know today. Companies like J.R. Simplot (a major food manufacturer and distributor) are known to have cloned the best tasting beef, which is an odd practice we may wish to avoid until the science is in. Down Home Grill uses only grass-fed organic beef, eliminating this abnormal process. The result is a mouth-watering juicy burger that almost doesn’t need condiments. But if you do, at Down Home Grill, you’ll find great condiments like organic ketchup and real and raw sugar for your coffee. Who doesn’t love butter? Unfortunately, most restaurants
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these days use imitation butters and processed oils. The downside is these spike the body’s inflammation levels, increasing your chances of an eventual cardiovascular event. Down Home Grill uses only real butter, coconut oil and vegetable oil. You’ll taste the difference right away. Let’s face it—we are not giving up our french fries anytime soon, but the way fries are processed often includes harsh preservatives and chemically enhanced flavor. This also increases inflammation, which, in turn, increases the chance for diabetes and cancer later. Down Home Grill fresh-cuts real potatoes and drops them in vegetable oil, reducing health risks. Thinking you’ll sidestep the health risks by switching to fish? Think again— most restaurants use farm-raised fish products, which are usually imported from other countries that have fewer restrictions and health codes. These fish are often supplemented with color,
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which can cause behavioral problems in children. This may explain a lot! Down Home Grill uses all wild-caught fish—the “organic” of seafood. Gluten-free diets are a necessity for a lot of our younger generation. Speculation points to genetically modified organisms or GMO’s and vaccines causing uncomfortable symptoms like rashes, exhaustion, depression and more. Gluten is found in wheat products. Down Home Grill offers GMO-free blue corn waffles and pancakes and the option to substitute to a gluten-free bun on your burgers. Gluten is found even in unsuspecting places, where “fillers” can be used to reduce the weight and cost of food, like sausage. Down Home Grill uses a natural, full meat sausage without fillers or gluten. Sillas reminds us that chicken is probably the most irresponsibly raised food out there. Most restaurants serve chicken highly injected with hormones and
antibiotics, passing the unsafe effects to the eggs, which then requires even more procedures to eliminate disease. Antibiotics are good and work for humans. The problem is, we are becoming immune to antibiotics, which reduce their effectiveness when we need them most. Eating chicken and beef injected with antibiotics creates an immunity to antibiotics. Experts say we will soon be immune to antibiotics and the benefit they can bring us. Down Home Grill is one of the very few restaurants in all of California to offer organic white chicken meat and organic eggs. It’s clear to see that if you’re craving real, honest food made from healthy ingredients—from the butter to the toppings to everything in between, you owe yourself and your family a visit to Down Home Grill for a generous serving of yummy, real, delicious food. What a treat! See you there!
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A warm and intimate ambiance in a confortable setting with plenty of tasty and satisfying food combine to make Mama Carpino’s one of the High Desert’s favorite Italian restaurants. Featuring live entertainment on select weekends.
22010 US Highway 18 Apple Valley CA 92307-3971 (760) 240-9664 Mon: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Tue: Closed Wed, & Thu: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sun: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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High Desert Living magazine 39
WINE TRENDS
“My wine glass is the window to my soul” — MIDDLE SISTER REBEL RED
THINKING INSIDE THE BOX
M
ama always told me: “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” And, that was often followed by, “because it’s what’s inside that counts.” Packaging—we try, but it can be hard to look beyond it. Let’s be honest; trendy clothing and hairstyles can sometimes be a tad atrocious. I consider myself to be a “to each, his own” kind of person, but…truthfully, I’m bewildered by those still choosing to sport the man bun. Even the most free-spirited may feel a bit uneasy, from time to time, about packaging that doesn’t fit within her/his own personal comfort-box…unless, you know, her/his favorite wine might be lurking beneath the surface of said comfort-box. While wine is traditionally housed in ornately labeled glass bottles, which can look elegant and make us feel like fancy folk, the wine industry has discovered the advantages of using alternative, more practical packaging. Stop flinching. Premium boxed wine, canned wine, and Tetra Paks are gaining attention, and the benefits of such packaging are forcing elitist heads to turn and obstinate minds to change. Winemakers are finding that carton packaging better preserves wine taste and color. Cans and cartons also provide great protection, they’re lighter in weight, and easier to
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transport. If you’re in the mood for just one glass (as if), the air-tight/bib-sealing box wine will keep your remaining wine fresh for six to eight weeks, even longer if chilled. Canned and Tetra Pak wines are convenient and ideal for picnics, BBQs, and outdoor festivals. Boxed wine is also less expensive, and it’s not because the wine is of inferior quality. The materials used for bottled wine—the glass, corks, foil, caps, etc.—are costly, and the shipping expenses for such weighty merchandise are less than economical. Well, that extra expense gets passed on to us. There are environmental benefits to alternative packaging as well. Tetra Paks are made with renewable materials and are completely recyclable, and many other boxed wine companies are following suit. And, who says practical packaging can’t be snazzy? Designers are reshaping boring boxes into cleaver works of art, intended to attract and intrigue, and the increases in sales indicate their strategy’s working. Trust me, I appreciate the beauty of bottled wine. When I’m out to dinner or ready to raise my glass in a toast, I’d rather have an elegant bottle sitting next to me than a box. But, as a weeknight dinner companion, I find a box of quality wine… mighty fine. Cheers! By Stephanie Morris
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SUSAN’S CORNER
THESE ARE THE TIMES THAT TRY OUR CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS BY SUSAN LANDERS
A
A couple of issues ago, in Susan’s Corner, I wrote about the incredibly literate times in which we live: more access to literacy, information coming at us constantly, access to people and ideas from around the globe, and yet we find ourselves mired in our inability to use logic and reason to differentiate good information from bad. Thanks to false URLs, rumor, and innuendo, so called “fake news” abounds, but it is vital that we distinguish real, credible information from conspiracy theories and other material from the “lunatic fringe.” Once upon a time, the supermarket tabloids were what we called fake news, but now thanks to technology, Russian bots, and agenda-driven media sources, many people, even world leaders, cannot distinguish credible from non-credible sources. Thanks to a lack of scientific literacy, many people do not trust what they do not understand. Thanks to reality shows celebrating people’s ignorance, education is seen as somehow elitist. Thanks to fewer people reading (ironic in this era of literacy access), and a test score approach to academics, critical thinking skills are low on the curriculum agenda of many schools. Once upon a time, people would strive to be better than those who came before, better educated, better skilled, better citizens. The Founding Fathers thought an educated populace was vital to a thriving democracy, and access to public education throughout the 19th and 20th centuries allowed our democracy to thrive. A representative democracy such as ours depends upon the people being able to have access to information about their choices of representatives on the ballot; it requires an involved populace that cares about its communities; it requires a well-read population that votes based upon credible information. Today, we must be our own investigative reporters and not fall for anything that just comes across our computer or television screens. One of the best ways to ensure that the information we receive is correct is to find our information through a variety of sources. Do not merely watch one news channel or read one newspaper or source. If you only find a story on one site or on one channel or in one print newspaper, chances are it is not credible. If you cannot back up the information you read through at least two other credible sources, chances are, it is false information. Pay attention to the credentials of those who pass along information; are they genuine experts in the field or are they merely pundits with a political agenda? Who owns the news source you are consuming? What is their political bent/agenda? Not all sources are credible, and it is up to us to ensure that we are not only consuming correct information but that we are not passing along falsities. Do not pass along information merely because it fits your world view—ensure that it is reliable, credible, and correct by asking these questions: who is the source? What is their background? Can I verify this from other independent sources? Don’t fall for fake news.
If you would like to see something special featured in Susan’s Corner, or if you have a special recipe, drop me a line and let me know about it at: Susan Landers at H.D. Living Magazine 6630 SLV Box Victorville, Ca. 92395, or e-mail me at susanl@hdlivingmagazine.com.
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