Coachella Valley Weekly - February 19 to February 25, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 48 by CV Weekly

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • February 19 to February 25, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 48

The Dinah

pg 6

CV Wildflower Festival

pg 7

Songwriter’s Showcase

pg 26

IshaTakomaki

pg 15

C.P.K.

pg 20

February 19 to February 25, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

February 19 to February 25, 2015

Slightly Stoopid, Ozomatli and Fishbone to Headline at the 2015 Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience

by lynn Bremner

Saturday, February 28th, 2015. Craft beer and wine tasting pairs with five live bands and amazing art installations.

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Alaina Majiros, Raymond Bill, Jorge Gutierrez, Edward L. Prichard III Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Salkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Kira Golden, Rich Henrich Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Karen Creasy, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Monica Morones Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery, La Maniaca Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

4th Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience... 3 The Dinah Celebrates 25 Years................. 6 CV Wildflower Festival.............................. 7 President Obama ...................................... 7 Don’t Be Cluless In The CV........................ 8 Theatre - Lucy & Lawrence....................... 9 Breaking the 4th Wall- Luck Be A Lady... 9 The PS Local - Ruth Hardy...................... 10 Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition.......... 12 LMS - Nashville & SoCal Songwriters.... 12 Consider This - Dwight Tilley.................. 14 Art- IshaTakomaki................................... 15 Pet Place................................................... 16 The Vino Voice......................................... 17 Club Crawler Nightlife............................ 18 The Pampered Palate- CA Pizza Kitchen.. 20 Screeners................................................. 22 Book Review............................................ 23 Chariton Insurance Services, Inc........... 26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.................... 27 Dale Gribow............................................. 27 Safety Tips................................................ 28 ShareKitchen........................................... 28 Unleashing HOPE.................................... 28 Sports Scene............................................ 29 Sports....................................................... 29 LifeStream Blood Drive.......................... 30 Free Will Astrology.................................. 31 Mind, Body & Spirit................................. 31 Life & Career Coach................................. 32 Heart Health Facts from HARC............... 32 Weiss Cracks............................................ 34

mpire Music Ventures is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience on Saturday, February 28th, 2015 at the Empire Polo Club. Taste craft beer and fine wine in one of the most beautiful venues in the Coachella Valley as you groove to the tunes of a diverse musical line-up designed to offer something for a variety of ages and musical tastes. This year, the Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience will feature an impressive selection of artists playing an eclectic mix of reggae, folk, rock, blues, Latin, funk and laid back hip hop. The event is transitioning beyond its R&B roots, offering fans a new fusion of rhythm showcased by this year’s billing of five exciting bands. Slightly Stoopid, Ozomatli and Fishbone will headline the 2015 Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience. All three bands are multigenre and offer a mix of music that appeals to a broad audience of fans. Headliners will perform on the Main Stage from 7PM – 11PM. Strangers You Know and The Suffers will play earlier in the day from 4PM – 7PM on the BuzzBox stage in the beer garden. “My focus this year was to draw a more diverse crowd to the event by offering a broader selection of artists and music,” said Alex Haagen IV, producer of the Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience. “Our past events featured well-known R&B talent. This year we will feature some R&B along with a new infusion of reggae, Latin, funk, rock and a bit of hip hop. It should be a really fun show with a lot of energy both on and off the stage.” The craft beer and wine garden will be packed with regional breweries and wineries pouring tastes from 3PM to 7PM. Food trucks and local restaurants will offer a variety of mouth-watering menu options ranging from lobster tacos and gourmet pizza to

juicy Tavern hamburgers and spicy Mexican cuisine. Tickets & Event Information Tickets to the 2015 Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience can be purchased online at www.RWBexp.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate the day of the festival. Children 12 and under are free. Ticket holders must be 21 years of age or older and show ID at the festival to taste beer and wine. Details: Date: Saturday, February 28th, 2015 Time: 3PM-11PM At Empire Polo Club-50725 Monroe St., Indio, CA 92201 General Admission: $85 per person VIP Admission: $150 per person A portion of the proceeds benefit the Casey Lee Ball Foundation to support pediatric kidney research Food will be available for purchase Huge selection of breweries and wineries offering tastings Wine and beer tasting from 4PM-7PM (VIP Tasting 3PM-7PM) Main Stage and Headline Performances from 7PM-11PM General Admission includes: Entrance to the RWB Experience 4PM-11PM Unlimited tastes of beer or wine 4PM-7PM Souvenir tasting glass Free Parking VIP Pass includes:* Entrance to the RWB Experience 3PM-11PM Unlimited tastings of beer/wine 3PM-7PM Access to VIP Tasting Lounge 3PM-7PM Access to the VIP Lounge and Bar Souvenir tasting glass VIP Parking Invitation to Friday night Bottle Share and Kick-off Party *VIP Admission includes access to VIP tasting area with specialty wine and beer not available in the general tasting area,

and complementary food. Also includes access to a second VIP lounge with a full bar adjacent to main stage. Bottle Share & Kick-off Party On Friday, February 27th the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience is hosting a Bottle Share and Kick-off Party in the Rose Garden at Empire Polo Club for VIP ticket holders and vendors. VIP guests each bring a bottle of unique craft beer to share with the other VIP guests. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and discover new craft beers while enjoying live music by Penny Unniversity in the fragrant gardens of Empire Polo Club. For more details about the Bottle Share & Kick-off Party visit www.RWBexp.com. RV & Tent Camping Onsite RV and tent camping will be available. Fees include 2-days of camping: Friday, February 27th to Saturday, February 28th. Visit www.RWBexp.com for more details about camping onsite. Buy 1 night and get the 2nd night FREE. 10’x10’ Tent Campsites are $30 RV Campsites are $100 Directions to the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience at Empire Polo Club: From I-10 take the Monroe St. exit and head south on Monroe St. Follow the parking signs between Ave. 50 and 51 lots along Monroe St. Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience Contact Information info@RWBExp.com RWBfest.com About The Bands Ocean Beach, California-based band Slightly Stoopid delivers a diverse sound that’s a fusion of folk, rock, reggae and blues with elements of hip hop, funk and continue to page 5

February 19 to February 25, 2015

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continued from page 3

punk. Always a crowd favorite, the band has crafted an original sound perfected after years of playing and touring with bands like the Marley Brothers, blink-182, G. Love & Special Sauce, Pennywise, and N.E.R.D. Sensational multi-genre, multi-cultural Grammy winning Ozomatli hails from Los Angeles and brings on an eclectic collision of musical styles including Latin, hip hop, rock, salsa, jazz, funk, reggae and rap. The band has long been popular with international audiences and has played everywhere from Japan to North Africa and Australia. Their music seamlessly blends and transforms exotic traditions from Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. What other band could record a song once described as “Arabic jarocho dancehall”?

00 8

EST. 2

The Suffers are a ten-piece band from Houston, TX who are redefining the sound of Gulf Coast soul, intertwining elements of classic American soul with rock and roll. Both sonically and visually arresting, the large ensemble packs each position of the rhythm section and horn section with a level of talent and taste that provides the perfect foundation for singer Kam Franklin’s

& FO R K K

FISHBONE has been trailblazing their way through the history of American ska, funk, punk, rock fusion and (so-called) black rock since starting their professional career in Los Angeles’ burgeoning alternative rock music scene of the mid-1980s. Angelo Moore’s ability to combine thought-provoking, humorous social commentary with FISHBONE’s frenzied, up-tempo music and frantic, euphorically entertaining stage show has cultivated their undisputed reputation as one of the best live acts in music history. Indie-folk-pop band Strangers You Know was brought together by chance, and then kept together by similar musical interests, forming a sonic collective in Southern California. From folk to electro, the group has explored both polarities and everything in between.

he Bottle Share event is open to Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience VIP ticket holders, Sponsors and Press. Everyone that comes to the Bottle Share is requested to bring one or two 22oz or 750ml of quality beer to share with the group. Throughout the night different beers will be opened and enjoyed. The person who brought the beer will open it and pour it for friends who wish to try it. Not everyone will taste every beer. RWB will provide a few select beers for

February 19 to February 25, 2015

massive voice. About Empire Music Ventures and Empire Polo Club Events Empire Music Ventures is located in Indio, CA and produces concerts and festivals. These events include the Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience and numerous concerts held at the Date Shed and the other venues.

the whole group to enjoy for participating in the 1st Annual Bottle Share sponsored by Whole Foods. Event Details Date: Friday, February 27th, 29015 Time: 7:00 -10:00PM At: Empire Polo Club, 50725 Monroe St., Indio, CA 92201 Parking will be located on Monroe Street south of Ave. 50. Enter at Gate K. Live Music by Penny Unniversity Food available for purchase.

February 19 to February 25, 2015

events

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events

by Lisa Morgan

Featuring World Record Sand Sculptors, The Sand Guys. Saturday, March 7, 9am-4pm. Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center

And 2015 will be no different! Now ready to soar to new heights, the 25th installment of The Dinah is already expected to be one of the major highlights of the 2015 Palm Springs festival season. The ultimate MUST-SEE, MUSTEXPERIENCE DINAH EVER that is once again delivering a spectacular slate of legendary headliners, rising pop stars and celebrities. Pop sensation and 2015 Grammy nominee Meghan Trainor known for her infectious hit “All About that Bass” headlines the Dinah during the Black Party held Saturday, April 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Also set to top the bill at the epic lesbian party is international Billboard Top 40 superstar Christina Perri, the extraordinary voice behind the hits “Jar of Hearts” and “A Million Years” who headlines the White Party on Friday, April 3 at the Convention Center. Joining them are pop music’s new “it” girls Bebe Rexha and Ivy Levan. The Dinah 2015 will also be rocked with special performances by club diva Crystal Waters (“100% Pure Love”, “Gypsy Woman”), disco legend Rose Royce (“Car Wash”), and Holy Child, Olivia Sommerlyn, and E11even.

On the comedy front, “The Dinah Comedy Night” hosted by Suzanne Westenhoefer will be headlined by Dana Goldberg, Gloria Bigelow and Dinah Leffert. The non-stop action, the house-packed crazy wild Pool Parties, the sexiest GoGo dancers, the best DJs, the spectacular entertainment, the celebrities, plus the hottest girls in the world, the epic five-day world-renown weekend has it all! The Dinah has certifiably come to represent an ever-growing movement that has crossed over to mainstream bringing

February 19 to February 25, 2015

Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival in Full Bloom

The Largest Lesbian Event in the world, The Dinah, Celebrates 25 Epic Years Rocking Palm Springs

quarter-century ago, Mariah Hanson did more than just kickstart her Dinah. She also and most importantly launched what would become her enduring legacy to both the city of Palm Springs and the LGBT community. From a small, one-night event at a Palm Springs museum with 1,500 participants twenty-five years ago, to booking lavish locations at deluxe hotels over five days of epic pool parties and world-class entertainment, The Dinah has evolved into one of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley’s largest tourism boosters. Today Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend rallies some 15,000-plus attendees not to mention major corporate sponsors, and has cemented its status as the undisputed biggest lesbian event of its kind in the world. A cultural phenomenon that has not only reached epic proportions but has as well continuously been transforming lives and making a difference in and for the LGBT community… The Dinah offers an unparalleled one-of-a-kind experience for myriads of women who come every year from all over the world to enjoy the freedom to be who they truly are, and gain, as well, a tremendous amount of self-worth.

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more and more visibility to the lesbian community - one that had never existed before. Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is not just breaking grounds; it is making history! For more information and/or to purchase tickets go to: TheDinah.com Follow us on Twitter: @dinahshore Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/TheDinahWatch The Dinah 2015 Promo Video: youtu.be/3TtTaxALUiI

riends of the Desert Mountains are at it again, creating a brilliant family friendly event in honor of our desert’s incredible blooming landscape. As with last year’s successful event, the festival will feature plenty of music and food, a beer and wine garden, interpretive hikes, as well as a fun Kids Zone. But this year, one of the most exciting attractions will be world renowned sand sculptors, known as the Sand Guys. Scott White, president and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau shared, “The Greater Palm

Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau is passionate about our outdoor recreational opportunities and the scenic beauty of our surrounding mountains and open spaces. The annual Wildflower Festival is a perfect time to showcase our myriad of outdoor offerings. We are excited to help bring the internationally known Sand Guys, stars of the reality show ‘Sand Masters,’ and their sand creation to the event this year. It will be an unforgettable experience for the entire family.” The Sand Guys were behind breaking the Guinness World Record for highest sand sculpture ever built, a project they undertook in Brazil. Kirk Rademaker, founder of The Sand Guys, shared, “I was a project manager for a construction company for many years. I would go to the beach and sculpt in the sand to relieve stress. I thought I knew stress, but I didn’t know stress until I did that job in Rio. I felt like I turned 70 doing that job,” he said laughing. That being said, bringing in approximately 22 tons of sculpting sand for the Wildflower Festival should be a piece of cake. Rademaker and sculpting partner, Rusty Croft, can also be found creating sand sculptures for international corporations such as Yahoo, Google and Facebook. Sand Guys also give workshops and lessons that develop team

building, creativity, and most of all fun. As to what they will be creating for us here at this event -well, you’ll just have to go to find out. They will also be unloading some of their sculpting sand in the Kids Zone so our younger sculptors will be able to participate. Last year’s Wildflower event was a great success in spite of some less than perfect weather, but so far, weather predictions claim sunny skies in the low to mid 70’s. The funds generated by the event will help Friends of the Desert Mountains continue to acquire land for conservation, educate kids, lead hikes, build and maintain trails, pull weeds, man the Visitor Center, and to do many other things in support of both our National Monument and of conservation efforts throughout the Coachella Valley. Admission and parking will be free. Shuttles will run from St. Margaret’s Church at 47-535 Highway 74, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival, go to DesertMountains. org or call (760) 862-9984 Follow the Sand Guys on FB at www. facebook.com/SandGuys or at www. sandguys.com

NEWS

photos by richard Noble

Palms springs is a Presidential grade Vacation

resident Obama landed in Palm Springs on Friday, for several days of golf with friends of his from Hawaii. His strut across the Tarmac was warm, happy and friendly. The downtime came directly after his attendance at the Cyber Security Summit at Stanford University where he signed his Executive Order “Promoting Private Sector Cybersecurity Information Sharing”. The President was accompanied by his National Security Advisor, Susan Rice.

February 19 to February 25, 2015

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

Lights! Camera! Action! Style! Smile! Over here! Turn this Way! Smile!

or the Hollywood starry firmament dressed in Glamorama Garb, it’s a step-and-repeat world and you don’t want to trip up on the Red Carpet, bloody red, as the English would murmur ever so stiff upper lip and through firmly gritted teeth. Advice from Dame Helen Mirren-- “Everyone is in black. You can’t go wrong in black,”-overheard a few years ago at the Palm Springs International Film Festival where the British actress was picking up her award. On Sunday, February 22 there will be an Oscar Party starting at 3:30 PM on the Red Carpet that will benefit Variety Children’s Charity and will be hosted by Vicky’s of Santa Fe starting with the Red Carpet parade, followed by the Oscar Awards telecast that begins at 4 PM. Tickets are $85 per person, call 760345-9770. So, It’s your big chance to make an entrance! Pile on the bling and the Glamour! Stay home? Don’t be clueless, where’s the Paparazzi in that?

Friday, February 20, 8 PM. No one could work a phone like comedian Bob Newhart, appearing for one night, tomorrow night, at the McCallum Theatre, but then again he has been one of the most influential, and beloved figures in the history of American comedy, having entertained audiences for over 50 years. In that time, Bob starred in two of the most popular sitcoms in television history, “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart,” won Peabody and Emmy awards for “The Bob Newhart Variety Show,” released eight comedy albums (including the first to ever hit #1 on the charts), hosted “The Tonight Show” an astounding eighty-seven times, won three Grammys, and appeared in fourteen feature films. Here’s the Back Story on our lead-in: While working at an ad agency, Bob and co-worker Ed Gallagher would make extended, random phone calls to one another throughout the day. They eventually decided to record the phone calls and use them as audition tapes for comedy work. Ed began concentrating more on his job at the agency, while Bob continued doing the phone calls on his own; a bit that would eventually

become a staple of his stand-up comedy. In 1959, a disc jockey in Chicago heard his material and introduced Bob to the head of talent at Warner Brothers Records who signed him to a contract. The rest is history. Let Bob tell his-story in his own inimitable way. That is with humor.Tickets are priced at $95, $75, $65 and $45 available at the web site www.mccallumtheatre.com or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260.

Sunday, February 22, 10 AM. Loving All Animals presents the “4th Annual Pars 4 Paws Golf Tournament” with Registration and Brunch at 10 AM, Shotgun Start at Noon, plus Awards and Happy Hour following play. Amazing prizes donated by Christina Gantz! You are invited to join as a golfer, a spectator, and/or a member of the cheering section to help the organization find a home for homeless animals who know that ”there is no place like a forever home.” Entrance fee: $150 per player; $500 per Foursome. Super ticket, $40, 15 Raffle tickets, 2 Mulligans. During the tournament you’ll get personal tips from a Golf Pro on the driving range and putting green, use golf pro drive on one hole, and a putting contest with 2 chances to win a prize. Get a Hole-in-one and get a golf cart, courtesy of Caddyshack Golf Carts, Palm Desert . For more info or to register, email info@lovingallanimals.org . Location: Shadow Mountain Golf Club, Palm Desert. Loving all animals’ mission is to bring together local and national animal welfare organizations to work together for the benefit of animals. For more info, call 760-834-7000. Address: 73550 Alessandro Dr, Palm Desert CA 92260. Monday & Tuesday, March 2 & 3. Palm Springs Art Museum Unites Artists From Across the World for “The Art of Shopping.” The Museum Associates Council or “MAC” at Palm Springs Art Museum is pleased to present once again the highly anticipated fundraising event---and our favorite pastime, not only “shopping,” but even better, the “art” of it all. Every step of the way, this event brings together 34 studio craft artists from across the world for a shopping extravaganza of jewelry, apparel, accessories, and other

unique treasures. Held at at Palm Desert Art Museum in Palm Desert, The Galen and the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, this international ensemble of fashion trends and more, includes original creations from Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands; as well as United States artists coming from 20 states. Attendees will find purses, hats, scarves, necklaces, rings, bracelets, handdyed tops, bespoke jackets, hand-painted silks, and much more. This is an opportunity for men to find that one-of-a-kind tie or wallet as well. On Monday, March 2, a delectable lunch is included in the ticket price of $100, but must be purchased in advance. On Tuesday, March 3, the ticket price will be for admittance only and is $10 in advance or at the door. Palm Desert residents receive complimentary admission on Tuesday. For more information and tickets contact the Museum Associates Council (MAC) at (760) 322-4816. For more information about Palm Springs Art Museum visit www.psmuseum. org or call (760) 322-4884.The Museum Associates Council or “MAC” was established in 1966 by a small group of members. Today, more than 250 MAC members plan and execute a variety of fundraising events. The funds raised each year by MAC allows Palm Springs Art Museum to offer exceptional opportunities for up to 15,000 children and adults take part in the many activities. Money raised also supports essential museum operations which allow for world-class exhibitions.

Thursday – Sunday, March 5 – 8, 10am to 5pm each day! Save the Dates for Arts sake! Explore, savor, celebrate the 33rd La Quinta Arts Festival! Recognized as Southern California’s premier fine art festival, it has been ranked #1 in the Nation. In a magnificent outdoor gallery setting, LQAF showcases a juried selection of 230 top artists from around the nation and around the globe in Ceramics, Drawing & Pastel, Fiber/Textile, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Wood. Live entertainment, food and drink complement your experience. Art. Culture. Life. Art touches every aspect of life. Creative imaginings give birth to innovation, moving people ever forward, dynamic, engaging and inspiring – art is the glorification of the human spirit. Experience LQAF’s diverse offerings of events, activities and programs providing cultural enrichment and opportunities for residents, visitors, and artists of the Coachella Valley & beyond. La Quinta Arts Foundation is host of the #1 in the Nation La Quinta Arts Festival and a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, incorporated in 1982. “Promoting and Cultivating the Arts” is the mission. To learn more go to www.lqaf.com. Ticket prices: Adults, $15. Multi-Day pass, $20. Children under 12 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance on our website. Free parking is available in the Village of La Quinta, along with paid valet and self-parking options. La Quinta Arts Festival is located at La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta. CA. Event proceeds have to date funded LQAF scholarship awards totaling over $1.1 million to students pursuing an education in the visual arts. More info, go to website or call 760-564-1244. “Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Thanks!

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theatre

February 19 to February 25, 2015

When Lucie Met Larry

Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill to Appear at CVRep’s Luminary Luncheon, February 25, 2015 at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences

he Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre has announced that stage, screen, and television performers Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill will be the special guest artists at their February 25th Luminary Luncheon at 12:00 noon. In order to accommodate its growing patronage, this month’s Luminary Luncheon will be held at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower Medical Center.

You’re sure to enjoy a charming afternoon as these two show-biz veterans reveal, among other things, their chance meeting while both performing in Neil Simon plays in New York—she in They’re Playing Our Song and he in Chapter 2—in 1979. From that jumping-off point, you’ll learn about this dynamic duo’s captivating roles on stage and screen over the years, from Mr. Luckinbill’s powerful and mesmerizing solo performances in his self-penned works Teddy Tonight! and Lyndon to Ms. Arnaz’s first appearance in front of the camera on The Lucy Show and her recent appearance as Berthe in the U.S. national tour of the Tony Award–winning revival of Pippin. This special luncheon, which is open to the public, is part of CVRep’s series of Luminary Luncheons and will be held on Wednesday, February 25th at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower Medical Center, 39000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. The luncheon,

Breaking the 4th Wall

A Stage Review of “Luck be a Lady”

“I’m a bad woman, but I’m damn good company” – Fanny Brice nd so aptly describes the antics of Darci Daniels and Francesca Amari in their fun, feel good show, “Luck be a Lady; let us blow on your dice.” Billed as Two of Palm Springs’ favorite songbirds joining forces to present a musical revue about the lives of women from all perspectives: childhood, love, family, friendship and men, these two performers have created a show that will pull at your heart strings and make you laugh out loud for a solid hour and a half. In the spirit of Lily Tomlin’s ‘Edith Ann’, Daniels kicks off the show with 4 year old Jenny Rebecca and the two ‘soul sisters’ rock and roll through the their teens and into adulthood with music to accompany every stage and phase of a woman’s life. The laughs and humor were so much fun, but it was the touching and moving moments such as Daniel’s rendition of Nancy Wilson’s classic jazz song, “Guess Who I Saw Today” and a song for her mother, that took the show to a much deeper and impactful place. Amari’s Gilda Radner impersonation of ‘Tap your troubles away”, (as originally seen performed by Radner on the Muppet Show), was a perfect follow up to the more serious

moments. Amari has been touring with her one-woman cabaret show, “You Make Me Laugh: A love song to Gilda Radner” and from this brief Gilda moment, I was definitely left wanting more.

sponsored by Lulu California Bistro and Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, begins at noon and will be followed by an Actors Studio–style interview, conducted by emcee and TV/Radio host Don Martin, with Ms. Arnaz and Mr. Luckinbill. Tickets are $45 (all inclusive), and reservations are required as seating is limited. For tickets call our box office at 760-296-2966 or visit our website at www.cvrep.org.

By Dee Jae Cox Dave Ring keeps the rhythm and music flowing with his piano accompaniment and musical direction. Ring’s talented playing keeps the spotlight on the show’s two performers, but remains a constant presence in every scene. It is more than obvious that Daniels and Amari have synchronicity and chemistry in

the beloved spirit of Lucy and Ethel, as they take the audience on a musical ride through the stages of a woman’s life. Both equally talented singers and actresses, as they both performed tributes to some of the women that had influenced their lives, and it was Daniels’, Mae West impersonation and her unique and risqué rendition of Julia Lee’s 1950’s classic “My Man Stands Out”, that I found to be the hysterically funny highlight of the show. The “All That Jazz” finale’, was the perfect ending to a fun, musical, roller coaster ride of pure fun and enjoyment. Go see this show. “Luck be a Lady,” is probably most appreciated by adults, so leave the kids at home. Enjoy a night out with dinner, drinks and a show that will have you laughing and reminiscing and leaving feeling a whole lot better than you were when you sat down. “Luck be a lady” is being performed on Sunday evenings at 7pm at the 360 North, located at… 360 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. For Reservations: brownpapertickets. com/event/972081 360 North: www.threesixtynorth.com Dee Jae Cox, is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project and the host of KPTR 1450’s hit radio show, “California Woman 411” in Palm Springs.

February 19 to February 25, 2015

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the palm springs Local

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February 19 to February 25, 2015

By Denise Ortuno Neil

Ruth Hardy’s Palm Trees

t is easy to take seeing palm trees in the Coachella Valley for granted. They are everywhere, and not only are a visual staple of our beautiful desert but also of Southern California itself. Imagine Palm Canyon without palm trees lining the famous street. It was so at one point, but thankfully through Ruth Hardy’s vision 66 years ago, Palm Canyons palm trees stand proud in downtown Palm Springs. Ruth Hardy was one of those female pioneers of Palm Springs back in the day. Along with the likes of Pearl McCallum, Nellie Coffman, Julia Carnell, and others who helped turn Palm Springs into the world famous resort destination that it is today. Hardy was a city councilwoman for Palm Springs in the 1940’s. She also had a hand in the Ingleside Inn’s fame. She purchased the Birge estate and converted into a 20 room hotel for exclusive cliental including, Ava Gardner, Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. She operated the hotel for decades until her death in 1965. Ten years later, the hotel was purchased by Mel Haber who turned it into the iconic Ingleside Inn. When Hardy was a Palm Springs City councilwoman, she came up with the idea to line the city’s downtown street Palm Canyon with palm trees. The city embraced Hardy’s vision and in the summer of 1949, 300 palm trees were planted up and down Palm Canyon. The palm tree implementation was part of the city’s $950,000 renovation of downtown Palm Springs. The trees selected were Washingtonia Filifera (Desert Fan Palms) and Washingtonia Robusta (Mexican Fan Palms), 150 of each. The Mexican Fan Palms are tall and thin, where the Desert Fan Palms have more girth and the skirt effect, which is made when the trees fronds die and adhere themselves to the trees trunk. Palm trees can live well past 100 years and are able to withstand high winds and even fire. Indian Canyons in

South Palm Springs has the largest collection of Desert Fan Palms in the world. In the fall of 1949, the city dedicated the palm trees in an official ceremony. The palm trees on Palm Canyon help to usher in visitors to not only Palm Springs, but into the Coachella Valley. They serve as ambassadors to our gorgeous desert and still stand tall after all of these years. Thank you Ruth Hardy! For more information about Ruth Hardy, visit The Palm Springs Historical Society www.pshistoricalsociety.org

February 19 to February 25, 2015

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Local Music Spotlight

Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition New Year’s Edition – Week 5

eek #5 of The Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition New Year’s edition brought an exciting evening for all plus an unexpected ending! Between the new $100 weekly cash prize for 1st place, fantastic prizes for 2nd and 3rd places, and the new 50% judge vote and 50% audience applause vote, the musicians worked hard and gave it their best. Giveaways from the Mary Pickford Theater such as hats and t-shirts got the audience whooping and hollering to win. After the tallying of the anonymous judge vote and the audience applause score, it was almost a tie for 1st and 2nd place. Maddy Ebersole was awarded 1st place and $100 cash. However, since Maddy is already in the finals, she agreed to move 2nd place winners, Broken String, to the Grand Finals for a shot at a 3 day, 2 night trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka, a $500 shopping spree at Guitar Center an Artist Development Session with Producer, Ronnie King, an artist spotlight article in Coachella Valley Weekly and a band/artist showcase concert from Morgan James Entertainment. For being awarded 2nd place, Broken String took home a Beauty Package from Blo Dry Bar as well as $20 to Record Alley. 3rd place went to Porsia and James who decided on a gift certificate to Stuft Pizza. THANK YOU to ALL of our performers at the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition for putting on

a great show AND for being so supportive of the other artists: Jason Romero, Kyle Paras, Richard Finn, Ernest Nunez, Sabrina Diaz, Manny Perez, Daniel aka The Puppet, Jim Holiday, Mike Sick-boy, Gustavo Gonzalez, Eduardo Gallega, Maddy Ebersole, Tanya Nunez, Rick Dame, Ryder Groves, Jackie Priddy Porsia Smith, James Velasquez. I hope to see you all next week! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Ronnie King Music, Guitar Center, Crater Lake Vodka, CV Weekly, Morgan James Entertainment, Stuft Pizza, Mary Pickford Theater, Skitzo Kitty and KAM Music Studio. Remember, the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition is ALL AGES and runs EVERY WEDNESDAY. YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition may run to 11pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!! For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or call her at (714) 651-1911.

Local Music Spotlight

by Lisa Morgan

Nashville and So-Cal Songwriter Showcase

Featuring TRAVIS MEADOWS, JANN BROWNE, CISCO & DEWEY and more than 15 other artists. Benefiting STREET LIFE PROJECT. FEBRUARY 27, 2015 7PM – 1:00 AM. SCHMIDY’S TAVERN, PALM DESERT

t’s a funny, yet sad truth, that few people can understand the fine line between “home” and “homeless” like those trying to carve out a living as musicians. Perhaps that is why this incredible lineup of troubadours, committed to the craft of creating new music of their own, are lining up to support a local (with hopes of going national) outreach that is loving people back to life from the streets. The outreach is the Street Life Project, and the event is the Nashville and SoCal Songwriter Showcase. The event has its own theme song entitled, “What We Ain’t Got”. This song recently hit the airwaves through popular country artist, Jake Owen, and it is currently headed for country music’s top 10. Jake Owen has been very vocal about the origin of this song, and the man who bled it from his own personal story - Nashville songwriter, TRAVIS MEADOWS. Meadows has since been hailed, “Nashville’s Most Badass Songwriter” by Rolling Stone Magazine, heating things up for this songwriter and performer whose life story is as big as his song catalogue, a catalogue that has been cherry picked by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackberry Smoke, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church and Wynona Judd to list a few . Fortunately for us, he is making time to fly here from Nashville for this very special benefit. STREET LIFE PROJECT There are secret communities of homeless all across our low and high desert communities. They make their homes in our overpasses, where they sleep in catacomb-like insets below overhead traffic. They use broken pieces of furniture set in the dirt and hang pictures on the cement walls to make it feel like...well, less homeless. There are camps nestled in the Tamarisk trees, using broken brick and stone or tires to form an entry. There are broken people, some from heartache, some from addiction, but human, hurting and hungry just the same. And there is a lot of mental illness, women and men that have slipped through the cracks of our system. There are individuals who know these people and their stories first hand, because they are part of a volunteer organization called Street Life Project. They do more than deliver food and toiletries. They talk to them, hear their stories, find out why they are there and if there is a desire to make a change. Tuesdays, they cover Indio and Coachella. They meet first at Miles Avenue Park, then behind Winchell’s Donuts, then under the overpasses, then outside of Martha’s Village, then to the tree lines by the freeway off of Highway 86. Thursday it’s Palm Springs starting at Sunrise Park. These bruised and breaking are evidence of how little distance there really between society and its forgotten. Life is a slippery slope, for some more than others, and the climb back out is much more difficult than the slip to the bottom. Street Life Project, driven by Christian Jelmberg of Jelmberg Real Estate, is there consistently, meeting all the immediate needs they can, but never without offering a way out. David Tonelli is there every week. David knows the power of being loved back into life, because little over a year ago, it was his turn. After a year of being offered help to beat the clench of

heroine that had dominated his life for decades, the people of Street Life Project were there when he was ready to change his life. Street Life Project was there when he finished his time in rehab. Street Life Project was there when he needed a suit and a resume to apply for a job. They were also there when he had to face jail time for past offenses left unattended. Now, having done the work and paid his dues, David is one of their numbers, there to offer the same hope and help he found. He has also been clean and sober for 17 months, and works a security detail at Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. While Street Life Project is experiencing major triumphs helping the homeless get off the streets in Indio and Palm Springs, there is a huge need to fill in Palm Desert as well. It is for this reason, a benefit concert has been organized. Just like compassion is the heart beat of Street Life Project, songwriting is the heart beat of the music industry. While celebrating both, we hope to get closer to meeting human needs by inspiring volunteers and building the financial resources required. The artists helping to make this happen: TRAVIS MEADOWS Headlining the event, is Travis Meadows, the songwriter Rolling Stone Magazine calls “Nashville’s Most Badass Songwriter.” He will be sharing decades of songwriting along with the songs we have very recently heard on the radio. Meadows describes himself as, “an orphan who turned into a preacher, a preacher who turned into a songwriter, a songwriter that turned into a drunk, and a drunk that is learning to be a human being.” His journey, bled through pen and guitar, has a way of inspiring the rest of us to be more “human”. This is what Nashville is saying about him: “Travis is such an amazing artist, singer and songwriter,” says Jake Owen, who recalls sitting in on a writing session with Meadows six years ago. “I remember looking at him and thinking, ‘Man, I can’t hang with this guy. He’s better than me at this point in my life. I need to practice really hard.’ We ended up becoming friends.” Jake Owens, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com “I run into people every day in search of authenticity. They want to discover the real deal. Well, call off the search – I’ve found him. His name is Travis Meadows. I am proud to call him a friend and I’m in awe of his talent. Killin’ Uncle Buzzy is the most honest record I’ve ever heard. In one word, it is stellar! I can’t wait to hear what comes next!” - Eric Church, 2014 “When I first heard that song (“Riser”), I thought, ‘Wow’. It really hit me hard. Not only did we know we were going to record it, but we thought it’d be the cornerstone of the record,” says Bentley. “You hear a song like that and you have to meet the guy behind it. And Travis has been through a lot — he’s lived and breathed and died with that song. I feel honored to have it.” - Dierks Bentley, 2014 “NASHVILLE’S MOST BADASS SONGWRITER, TRAVIS MEADOWS… The artist who conquered cancer and addiction, and made friends with Eric Church and Jake Owen, has penned some of country’s most stinging songs…” - Joseph Hudak - ROLLING STONE, 2014 CISCO & DEWEY (Acoustic Duo)

Tony “Cisco” Marsico was a member of the Los Angeles punk band, The Plugz, who would later morph into the Cruzados. The Cruzados released two albums on Arista records. Their bands wide open desert sound was a hybrid of Tex Mex and rock and roll that helped set the tone for the L.A . scene in the 80’s consisting of X, The Blasters, Los Lobos, Dwight Yoakum and more. Marsico would go on to record as a session bassist with Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Roger Daltrey, Marianne Faithful, Dr. John, Matthew Sweet among others. It was on a session for songwriter Gerry Goffin where Marsico would first run into Darran “Dewey” Falcone who had been putting down some vocals and harmonica on the tracks. The two struck up a friendship and started writing songs together. Marsico got called on the road for the next ten years with Matthew Sweet and Dewey pulled up stakes in Los Angeles for a simpler life. In April of 2014 Marsico and Dewey reunited. In May, the two talked about getting back together and writing songs, and by July, they began recording with producer Tom Lavin. The album is available at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ CiscoandDewey and is, of course, already garnering serious label attention. Musicians on the album include Tony “Cisco” Marsico (Bob Dylan, Neil Young”), Darran “Dewey” Falcone (Gerry Goffin), Tony Gilkyson (X, Dave Alvin), Joel Alpers (Carole King), Greg Leisz (Eric Clapton, k.d. Lang), Rick Vito (Fleetwood Mac, John Fogerty), Barry Goldberg (Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan), Gary Mallaber (Van Morrison, Steve Miller) and Gia Ciambotti (Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams). JANN BROWNE Country Music artist Jann Browne will be joining the line-up. Jann Browne was selected by The California Country Music Association as “Entertainer of the Year” two years in a row and was a nominee by the Academy of Country Music as “Female Vocalist of the Year”. Her first

and war are just some of the topics songwriters Vanessa Olivarez and Elizabeth Elkins prefer – all fitting subjects for a band named after a 19thcentury typewriter. With sonic references like Lyle Lovett, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson, Granville Automatic has created a quiet and lyrical sound devoted to telling stories from the past. These artists are accustomed to playing sold out crowds at the Bluebird in Nashville, and for good reason. (Note: Vanessa Olivarez was a popular contestant on American Idol’s second season she made it to the top 12) RICK SHELLEY album “Tell Me Why” produced two top ten hits, along with a number one video on CMT. Jann once toured as female lead singer with Grammy award winning band Asleep at the Wheel. She is a shining link in the Southern California Americana roots tradition. Emmylou Harris said: “There’s something about the way she sings that is so pure and honest, and her writing is wonderful.” Emmylou backed up her quote to the LA Times newspaper, by singing with Jann on her first CD. The song “Mexican Wind”, co-written by Jann, became a number one video in the U.S., and was recorded by a variety of international artists. A Los Angeles Times pop critic named Jann’s 3rd album, “Count Me In” as one of his three favorite albums of the year (alongside Johnny Cash and Neil Young). Times critic Mike Boehm placed it first on his list calling it “Cohesive, sumptuously melodic, emotionally vivid, and insightful.” Jann’s song “Trouble’s Here” was recorded by country singer Lee Ann Womack, and gave Browne and her co-writer/guitarist, Matthew Barnes, their first gold record. Other artists including Joy Lynn White, Dwight Yoakam and Texas singer Danni Leigh, have also recorded music penned by Jann. Her album Buckin’ Around (Jann’s tribute to her friend Buck Owens), was chosen as one of the TOP 30 Albums of Decade by Paul W. Dennis, a “The 9513” contributing writer. (“The 9513” is the web’s premier country music blog, and a goto resource for thousands of readers in search of the latest country music news and reviews.) Jann has performed on the Grand Ol Opry, CMT, and many other TV and radio shows. She has been featured in “People” magazine and “USA Today”. The artists that Jann has toured and performed with is a virtual Who’s - Who of country music history - names such as Dolly, Willie, Vince Gill, the Judds, Emmylou, Trisha Yearwood and on and on. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear one of country music’s true and authentic voices! GRANVILLE AUTOMATIC This Nashville, singer/songwriter duo, Elizabeth Elkins and Vanessa Olivarez, were recently featured on CMT with their song, “Never On a Sunday”. Led by a modern-day Linda Ronstadt, Granville Automatic writes songs the Associated Press call “haunting tales of sorrow and perseverance.” Horses, history

There must have been something in the Southern California desert water when Rick Shelley, Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri, John Garcia, Brant Bjork and others were growing up in music together in the early 80’s. Somehow, though gaining a huge local following and the production of some incredible records, the gods of “luck” didn’t meet up with Shelley’s band, Woodshed, like it did with Queens of the Stone Age or Kyuss. But that does not mean that they were any less deserving. Though the band has dispersed, the calling of song crafting never left Shelley, and the world is better for it. This highly respected artist, musician and human being has crafted music that paints emotion through honest and humble themes, backs them each with seasoned guitar work and an authenticity that is totally deserving of bigger spotlights and forums. JOHN MAREK Local musician, John Marek, gained worldwide attention, but none sweeter than when Dave Navarro re-tweeted his one man band,

February 19 to February 25, 2015 YouTube video saying, “This kid, John Marek, pretty much rules.” Navarro nailed it. The views of that video are just under 1 million, and the number is still rising. Marek continues to put creative genius not only into his song writing but into their production, making them radio ready gems. This prolific songwriter, skilled guitar player and unique vocalist is the whole package, one that stands above many who come through here to play our festivals. OTHER STELLAR TALENT FROM OUR OWN DESERT Other local songsmiths joining the lineup have been hand-picked for their genuine, committed love for their craft, as well as their incredible gifts. They include Wade Crawford (Nominated for Song of the Year LA Music Awards 2014), Greg Vincent, Larry Pedersen, Michael Pedersen and Lisa Morgan (4 Song writers for R Buckle Road, CVMA’s Country Band of the Year 2014), Michael Keeth (CVMA Male Vocalist of the Year), Josh Heinz (Blasting Echo, CVMA Nominee for Best Frontman and Best Rock Band), Derek Jordan Gregg (Hive Minds CVMA Nominee for Best New Duo), Giselle Woo (CVMA Nominee Best Rock Band, Best Female Vocalist), Wayward Sirens, and more. There will be a suggested donation at the door of $10. A signature Crater Lake/Lotus Elixir cocktail will be received with each donation. The event is open to all ages until 10pm. Schmidy’s Tavern is located at the corner of Fred Waring Drive and Highway 111, next to Men’s Warehouse. It is sponsored by Lotus Elixir, Crater Lake Vodka, Musician’s Outlet, FG Creative and of course, CV Weekly. For more information call Lisa Morgan at (760) 464-6773.

February 19 to February 25, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

“Always” DWIGHT TWILLEY (Big Oak Records)

Consider This

wight Twilley has been recording music, with varying degrees of success for nearly 40 years now. In The pantheon of Power Pop, Twilley remains god-like for faithful fanatics of the genre. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native formed a firm musical partnership with Phil Seymour after the two met following a screening of the Beatles’ “Hard Day’s Night” movie in 1967. Inspired, they began making music with guitarist, Bill Pitcock IV, forming a band called Oister. As Twilley and Seymour began writing music together, their next step was recording their songs. It seemed too farfetched to relocate to Los Angeles or New York, so the pair travelled to Memphis, Tennessee. They stopped at the first place that seemed like a recording facility, ironically, it was Sun Studios, Elvis Presley’s old stomping grounds. They encountered Jerry Phillips, son of Sun Studios founder, Sam. He took the duo under his wing, sending them to the Tupelo, Mississippi studio of former Sun recording artist, Ray Harris. Twilley and Seymour credit Harris with adding a Rockabilly twang to their pretty Pop sound. Ironically, when they did relocate to Los Angeles and sign with a record label, it was Shelter, the label co-owned by Denny

WESTFIELD MALL 72840 Hwy 111 #171 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-2017 www.recordalley.com

Cordell and Tulsa musical legend, Leon Russell. Cordell convinced them that Dwight Twilley Band was a better name than Oister. Bill Pitcock joined them in L.A. and they began recording. Their first single was the incendiary “I’m On Fire.” A perfect distillation of Power Pop crunch and Rockabilly swagger. The song was released in early 1975. Despite minimal promotion, it rocketed up the charts, peaking at #16. Unfortunately, Shelter was mired in legal difficulties, and their fulllength debut Sincerely, didn’t arrive until 18 months later. By then, the momentum was lost the album was a commercial failure. It was the beginning of a bad luck streak that would plague the band. They recorded a follow-up album in England that went unreleased. Luckily, Twilley and Seymour befriended fellow label-mates and kindred spirits, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. They provided backing vocals on Dwight Twilley Band’s next official release, Twilley Don’t Mind. Although it received great reviews, fame and financial success continued to elude the band. Phil Seymour left the lineup in 1978. Twilley soldiered on alone, switching to the Arista label for his third album, Twilley and EMI for his fourth, Scuba Divers. By 1984, he briefly returned to the charts with the Top 20 hit, “Girls” from his fifth record, Jungle. His 1986 effort, Wild Dogs again went unnoticed.

Throughout the 1990s, Twilley maintained a low profile, but labels like DCC and The Right Stuff re-issued his early music, sparking a renewed interest and creating a new generation of fans. By the turn of the century, Twilley seemed re-energized. He began writing and recording at a furious pace. Between 1999 and 2011, he recorded a number of great albums including Tulsa, The Luck, 47 Moons, Green Blimp and Soundtrack. He also managed to record a Christmas EP, a covers record, a Beatles tribute, and a live effort. He even released a series of rarities albums. Now Dwight Twilley has returned with his 12th studio album, Always. Opening with the title track, Twilley’s first words are a call-back to his very first hit, “How long you gonna make me feel like I’m on fire/ You’re wearin’ me out, but Baby Baby I’m not tired.” Both “A Million Miles Wide” and “Lovers” have the stripped down, economical sound that recalls Twilley’s ‘70s output. The former weds a muscular back beat to stinging guitar riffs. The lyrics offer a sharp encomium to everlasting love. “But the love that lives inside, and the love that fills your mind/And the love you’ll keep til you die, is bigger than the sky, a million miles wide.” On the latter, urgent synths pulse through the melody like heart beats. Rubbery bass lines, plinking piano keys and plaintive horn

accents act like a wall of sound, insulating these clandestine lovers. Twilley expands his sonic palette on three tracks. “Everybody’s Crazy” blends a countrified melody with kaleidoscopic guitar riffs that echo the Beatles at their most psychedelic. The moody atmospherics accentuate the desolate feeling of being alone in a crowd. Twilley positively croons over the shivery “Moth To A Flame,” giving the song an early ‘50s patina. The lyrics explore our need to push the envelope, offering this hard won wisdom, “I’d really rather burn than be ignored, there’s a secret code to the crooked road, to places unexplored.” Finally, “I See It In Your Eyes” is a tale of mutual attraction, powered by a sort of sideways “Skip-To-My-Lou” rhythm, jaunty piano fills and a spiraling guitar solo. Everlasting love is the theme of this record. Twilley finds fresh ways to chronicle the long standing relationship he has with his wife Jan. “We Were Scared” is a soulful recollection of their early days. On “Everyday”a thudding backbeat threads through a tapestry of shimmering organ and swirly guitar. Here Twilley seems grateful for the happy domesticity that cushions hard knocks of life. “Happy Birthday” is a tender tribute to the woman he has chosen to walk through life with. Other interesting tracks include the rollicking 12 bar Blues of “Til The Jukebox Dies.” “Fools Like Me” is a sunny collision of gritty guitars, kick-drum rhythms, soulful harmonica and Doo-Wop harmonies. The album closes with the forward looking “Tomorrow.” Sadly his original compatriots are no longer here to enjoy Twilley’s powerful resurgence. After two solo albums and a stint in the Textones, Phil Seymour tragically succumbed to lymphoma cancer in 1993. Bill Pitcock returned to play with Twilley from the late ‘90s until he died in 2011, following a long battle with cancer. Dwight Twilley continues to thrive because he no longer relies on major labels or cities to support his career. Several years ago he returned to Tulsa and started his own label, Big Oak. Always confirms what Power Pop fanatics have always known, Dwight Twilley is a musical god.

art Scene

IshaTakomaki

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 19 to February 25, 2015

By monica morones Photos By George Duchannes

ainter, Tattoo artist, and Animator IshaTakomaki (Marissa Parayno) opens up about the struggles, labels, and the learning process of being an artist. Multi-talented with a distinguishable style and positive attitude continues to keep Isha striving towards new ventures and possibilities. MM: How old are you and where are you from? IT: I am twenty-nine years old. I am from Porterville, California. I lived most of my life traveling from town to town, but Porterville was where I was raised most of my life. I had finally moved here to the Coachella valley at the age of 16 when I was a junior. My family relocated here because my father got a job here. I attended Coachella Valley high school and my math teacher threw me into the AP Art class one day during his class period. He said I belonged there. MM: You go by the artist name IshaTakomaki. How did you come up with that name? IT: “IshaTakomaki,” it’s a whole name. My mom has called me Isha since I was 4 years old because my little brothers and sister couldn’t say my real name. I just randomly made up the Takomaki end part just because I liked the phonetics of it, and because I could make a cute looking logo out of it. My real name is a Filipino first and last name and because I am part Japanese as well, I wanted to use the Japanese language to make up a last name for my artist name. MM: How did it all begin? IT: My mother was my first teacher. She showed me how to read, write, and draw. I was

always imagining “what if...” so I used art to create everything and anything I could imagine. MM: What would you describe as your style? IT: I suppose I can say my art is “self-taught” with influences of: Symbolism, Art Nouveau, Expressionism, Folk Art and Modernism. MM: Did you go to school and what are your thoughts on that? IT: Quite honestly, I went to college at a vulnerable-immature state. Vulnerable because I was young and high school kept pounding it into my head that I needed to go to college to “become” somebody. Immature because I didn’t know what was important to me in life at the time. I regrettably attended Brooks College for animation. I did graduate and I received an A.S. in animation. Shortly two years after, the college was shut down for good, due to fraud and embezzlement. I learned throughout the years that you can learn anything by teaching yourself through trial and error; and resources such as the internet or library. Also, the people you surround yourself with influence and motivate you. “Surround yourself with wisdom, and you too will become wise.” MM: What is your favorite medium to work with and why? IT: I like acrylic paint! I love that I can freely use it to look like watercolor, or oil paint (without the commitment of waiting for it to dry for a week.) continue to page 26

February 19 to February 25, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

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by Janet McAfee

oachella Valley residents and their pets have experienced some cold days this winter. However, now in February most of our pets are basking in bright desert sunlight when they go outside, though some of our mountain peaks are still tipped with snow. The news brings us reports of freezing blizzards ravaging our East Coast, and I shudder to think how this extreme weather impacts domestic animals, particularly young kittens and puppies kept

Handsome Trey

Trey is a patriot, loyal to his country and his humans. This handsome, playful 3-yr-old Blue Point Siamese is Polydactyl and 3-legged. Contact ForEverMeow at (442)234-8405.

Meet Allie

This 6-month old Tabby sweetheart has all her vet work completed and is ready for a “purrfect” home with you. To adopt this sweet, loving girl, contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000.

outside. There are many compelling reasons to include your pet as an INSIDE member of your family, and the extreme weather that brings them suffering, frostbite, and death is only one of those reasons. Why do some people believe their pets are perfectly fine outside 24 hours a day? Someone I know believes it is okay to keep the family dog in the back yard, banned from crossing the threshold of the family home. This dog chews up everything in the yard and digs holes from boredom. Some people were raised by parents whose admonishing “Dogs belong outside!” still replays in their decision making. Many believe being outdoors all the time keeps their cat happier. Some folks grew up on family farms where the cats and dogs mingled outdoors with the farm animals and slept in the barn at night. They believe “My family did it this way, and that’s what I do too!” Sometimes pets are relegated to the outdoors when their humans develop allergies, have a new baby, or develop behavior problems. A professional dog

by Rick Riozza

The Best of Italia at Pinzimini Wine Dinners

Keep Pets Loved and Indoors!

trainer can help these situations. People can get lots of free advice online or from an animal welfare organization to solve pet problems, which is preferable to separating it from the humans it loves. Ironically, keeping a dog for home security in the backyard doesn’t do much good when the burglars break into the dwelling where the valuables are kept. During the past year, a shocking story surfaced about an Arizona boarding facility where 20 dogs perished from heat stroke. Animals cannot be left on hot concrete surfaces in our desert sun. Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do, and rising temperatures can cause a multitude of medical problems including heat stroke. Many small dogs and cats are killed by prey, including coyotes. Tiny animals can be seized by birds of prey such as hawks and owls. A friend of mine had the horrific experience of hearing her Yorkshire Terrier cry out amidst the flutter of wings, and the dog disappeared in a matter of seconds. Animals can escape and be stolen from back yards, so you are wise to keep them supervised when outdoors. What can you do if someone you know keeps their dog chained up in the backyard, or confined outdoors in bad weather? These animals often become a neighborhood nuisance with their barking. Under California

Goldie Girl

Goldie Girl, the pup with a heart of gold, promises to light up your life with love and smiles. She says, “Thank you Pet Rescue Center for saving me!” Contact this lovely private rescue at (760) 398-7722 to adopt this 1-yr-old angel in fur.

www.coachellapetrescuecenter.org

penal code section 597, it is illegal to tether or chain a dog to a doghouse, post or other structure for longer than 3 hours in a 24 hour time period. Our leash laws forbid dogs from roaming neighborhoods. Engage your neighbor in a calm conversation, and ask them in a non-accusatory manner why they keep their pet outside. Most people would do better if they had more information and assistance. Give them a copy of this article. Contact county animal control if the situation is abusive. Here is the best reason of all for keeping your pet in the house as a treasured member of the family. He will become your best buddy, loyal, happy to see you when you arrive home, comfort you when you are sick, and communicate without speaking in ways you never imagined. Jmcafee7@verizon.net

February 19 to February 25, 2015

iao! Tutti!! Hey Eveyone! I’ve got great news for wine lovers in our valley. Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa announces the new wine dinner series, “Le Serate di Vino,” meaning “Evenings of Wine”, to be held at the resort’s beautiful Pinzimini [Peen-zuh-Meenee] Restaurant. The first dinner, titled, “Il Meglio di Italia, (“the Best of Italy”) will showcase world class wines from the most famous Marchesi De Frescobaldi Winery, as well as the fresh delicious wines of Friuli. The wines will be paired with a four course display of signature dishes of the resort’s James Beard Honored Executive Chef Joel Delmond and Chef de Cuisine Juan Leon. Many of you readers remember both my coverage of this great wine dinner series held elsewhere, and, my annual Pinzimini Italian-Christmas wine dinner articles. Che fortuna! So how fortunate is this to have the celebrated event held at this outstanding venue together. Pinzimini is one of the most romantic Italian eatery locales in our valley that is both stunning in design but relaxed in dining. I’ve always referred to this restaurant as “Milano-chic but with Tuscan family comfort”. The authentic cuisine, the stellar wine list, and the atmosphere always set this place at the top for an exquisite dining experience. The Frescobaldi family has been a part of the history of Florence, and, are one of the most significant wine producers in Italy. From the Middle Ages to the present day Frescobaldi has been a select wine for King Edward I and II in the 14th century, and wine was traded with renowned 16th century Renaissance artists. The extensive vineyards include nine estates producing unique wines that reflect the rich diversity of Tuscany. For generations, Attems Winery, which is associated with Frescobaldi, has been considered synonymous with viticulture in Friuli Venezia that borders the Alps to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south. At Attems a philosophy exists that sees the true expression of its territory in the wine’s quality and personality, indisputably Friuli with a unique style, reflecting its tradition in

the times of today. We recently sat with Chef Delmond, his team, and wine wise guy Ray Croteau, who will be on hand for the evening’s wine talk. It was like being inside a music studio where the consummate professionals talked through their artistic ideas, reasoning with each other how to bring the best in the performance. Of course we’re talking total cuisine here with the guys enthusiastic to bringing the best in Italian food & wine pairing. Here’s a look at the prospective courses and wine line-up: To showcase the Italian white wines, the chefs will be matching a Bruchetta Liguria, prepared with artichoke pesto, walnuts and pecorino, to the Frescobaldi Pomino Chardonnay from Tuscany. This is a beautiful wine with fragrances of white flowers and jasmine, apple and passion fruit that lead into the palate along with delicate mineral notes. It’s both elegant and fresh with an enchanting finish. Will be wonderful surprise for Chard enthusiasts. Next look for a dish of Goat Cheese Arancini atop baby beets, citrus segments, and pomegranate vinaigrette to match the Attems Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a classic and consummate match—that of goat cheese and a Sauv Blanc. And then we’ll all be awaiting one of Chef’s signature dishes, the Grilled Branzino to be paired with the world famous Attems Pinot Grigio. This is a beautiful presentation and a match made-in-heaven type combo. The Pinot Grige is set apart from the usual with a bouquet marked by impressive fruitiness, and the palate demonstrates all of the amazing qualities of the terroir: superb weight and viscosity, mineral-edged,

savory, tangy, and lively. Moving to the Italian reds, the Frescobaldi Nippozano will be paired with Agnolotti, a stuffed pasta pocket of butternut squash, sage, and butter Parmesan. The Nippozano is one of my all-time favorite wine, which I’m always recommending when customers wish to try a delicious Reserved Chianti. And another signature dish will be the Wild Boar Braised in Barolo Wine along with Accasciato Creamy polenta, cipollini, Portobello mushrooms and rapini. This wine sauce is one of the best that I’ve ever had, and, I usually enjoy it with Chef’s Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Now to be trying the Barolo wine sauce with wild boar sounds like a gastronomic dream ready to happen; especially, when the dish is teamed with the renowned 2012 Frescobaldi La Vite Lucente wine from Tuscany. A full-bodied red blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that exhibit some gorgeous aromas of dried black cherry, cedar, smoke, and fleshy blackberries. Such an elegant wine with great balance and lasting finish. For dessert, expect a luscious Panna Cotta of vanilla and pistachio custard, seasonal berries and Amarena cherries, that

will meet up with an in-house Moscato. As you can tell, I really love this place with its authentic Italian cuisine along with the most friendly and attentive staff. I’m really looking forward to the dining experience. Hope to see you there! And the good news is that this Italian wine dinner series will continue for the next couple of months—so stay tuned. Arrivederla! The cost of the “Il Meglio di Italia” dinner is $85 plus tax and gratuity, with limited seating available. Reservations are required asap by calling (760) 770-2150. Buon Appetito and Saluté!

February 19 to February 25, 2015

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February 19 to February 25, 2015

Club Crawler Nightlife

Scan the QR Code to get the Club Crawler Nightlife on your Mobile Device via the Smartphone Phone Book!

THUR FEBRUARY 19

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Eevaan Tre 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Courtney Chambers 5pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 Duover 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Battle of the Bands 8:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ TBA 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Blues and Supper Club Night w/ Kal David 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Two Lane Blacktop 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Open DJ Night 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Jason Weber 4:30pm, Francesca Amari 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm

VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Rodeo Drive’s Happy Hour Cabaret 3:30-5:30pm, Stan Watkins Latin Swing 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Powerman 5000, Hed Pe and Knee High Fox 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Tropicana Nights 9pm

FRI FEBRUARY 20 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Daze Presents: Good Shit w/ Fever The Ghost & Desert Daze DJs noon and 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 TBA 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 Brigette Marie Valdez 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 The Green w/ Through the Roots 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 The Hive Minds 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Blasting Echo and Elektric Lucie 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Larry James Band 8pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Kevin Quinn & The Typical Lizard 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Meltdown 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 KCRW Presents: Best Coast w/ Lovely Bad Things 9pm SOLD OUT PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Nutty/Jetsetter Jazz 6:30 and 8:30pm, Waxy and Right On Right On 11pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Machin’ Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Spankshaft, Mgp Ska, Terror Cult, Venus & The Traps, Sun Baked and Moribund 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Wyldsky 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Trish Harley & Barney McClure Duo 6:3010pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A.

1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT FEBRUARY 21 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Daze Presents: Good Shit w/ Fever The Ghost & Desert Daze DJs noon and 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 Karaoke 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 CLOSED HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9p m INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm, Doo Wop in the Desert 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 DJ Geo 9pm continue to page 24

February 19 to February 25, 2015

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The Pampered Palate California Pizza Kitchen: An Unexpected Surprise!

had not planned on writing a review this week and certainly not at the last minute on a Tuesday which is production day here at CV Weekly. However, events lead me to a meeting and holiday gift cards from my daughter lead us to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. It had been over 10 years since my last visit to this restaurant and much had changed. They now have a separate bar area divided by a glass enclosure and a lunch menu designed to satisfy every palate. I’m not usually a fan of chain restaurants but I assure you I will be returning to this establishment very soon. From the time we walked in we were waited on hand and foot. Our lovely server Leah Juarez, was not only friendly and professional but she made us feel like we

were her personal guests at her home and not serving us in a restaurant. You could tell this 20 year old girl loves her job. Her vivacious yet genuine personality truly was a breath of fresh air. I must also mention the great assist from bartender Michele who was also a delight. While my back was to the kitchen, my husband pointed out that the manager, Danny Hoben, was working right along with his cooks to keep things moving smoothly during heavy lunch hour. My husband and I decided to try the Tuscan hummus with warm pita bread for an appetizer while enjoying a glass of chardonnay. Delicious! Our food arrived in a timely fashion and was superb. I chose the kale salad which had shaved Brussel sprouts, pear, candied pecans, cranberries, quinoa and gorgonzola

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February 19 to February 25, 2015

By tracy dietlin

topped with salmon. Even though it was the ½ size salad it was so big I could barely finish it. It was definitely one of the best salads I have eaten and the salmon was perfectly prepared. My husband selected one of the lunch specials; the oven roasted turkey sandwich on toasted ciabatta with warm brie, shaved Bosc pears, baby greens

and house-made honey mustard. This was accompanied by a Caesar salad. (With ½ sandwich and salad only 9.95 and with full sandwich 13.45) His meal was equally as impressive as mine was. So much that he didn’t even share a bite. Even though we were too full for dessert, Leah twisted our arms and insisted we try the salted caramel pudding with black cocoa cookie crumbs, housemade whipped cream, caramel sauce and natural flaked sea salt. What more is there to say! A perfect ending to an unexpectedly delicious and refreshing dining experience. CPK is located at 73-080 El Paseo in Palm Desert. Call 760-776-5036 for curbside takeout.

February 19 to February 25, 2015

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

50 SHADES OF MEH... FIFTY SHADES OF GREY

In our porn saturated age, it’s amazing that the rather tame movie adaptation of the first volume of E.L. James’ 100 million selling trilogy even made it to the big screen. An erotic book is a far different experience than sexually charged film. But, there’s no arguing that the inevitable compelling curiosity factor of a semi-taboo subject and worldwide best seller will get huge attention. It always has and always will. But the trick is making it palatable for both sexes without being sexually explicit. Ideally, ample female nudity and a slick, romantic, materialistic setting and two great looking leads are essential. As directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, from a screenplay Kelly Marcel, based on shy Brit

housewife Erika Mitchell’s “mommy porn” walks a fine line between the laughable language of the book and the potentially off-putting – perhaps dangerous – subject matter. After all, the story is about Christian Grey (James Dornan) stalking, a handsome billionaire sadist who carefully groom mousy virginal Washington State college student Ana Steele (Dakota Johnsons) for his own perverted, pain-fueled pleasure. No question the movie is better than the book, but far less graphic than the print version. For opening weekend, Universal was wise to market the $40 million film under the banner of “Curious?” The fold over ad wrapped the front page of Sunday’s LA Times. Even though it opened on Valentine’s Day weekend, the movie is not really a romantic film. It just kind of looks like one. In reality, it’s a horror story. The first half of the film is glossy, and, on the surface, about how boy meets girl. At first, it’s almost a Cinderella story. And then it takes a darker turn when we realize the handsome prince hands still naïve Ana a thick contract that clearly states the nature of their relationship. If she agrees, theirs will be a dominant submissive relationship. “It’s the only sort of relationship I have,” says Christian. That means Ana must be

Screeners No.152

willing to get whipped, bound, gagged and more for Christian’s pleasure and, just maybe, hers as well. However, what begins as sexually charged and rather sweet, soon turns sinister. The last 30 minutes is grueling. But it’s hard not to laugh at the overwrought S&M sequence with it’s oh so slo-mo emphasis. In the end, this tries to be a story of Ana’s dominance and thus redemption. Kind of. But there’s no real understanding of Christian’s need for absolute control and peculiar depravity. Will there be an audience for the next two installments now that the curiosity factor has been sated? I don’t think so. OLD FASHIONED

BELLE DE JOUR

BLUE VELVET

Exceedingly dull and self conscious, this “faith-based” film is about one man’s stern moral code on display in a perverted Middle American rural landscape that is a bucolic nightmare. Where is Rod Serling when you need him? If you’re looking for real pain that far exceeds anything in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY -- check out this mind-numbing “romance.” Rik Swartzwelder (who?) stars, wrote and directed. In limited release. MORE KINK FOR THE HOME THEATER: If your inner kinkster has been awakened, you might enjoy these films that wander into taboo territory.

Kyle MacLachlan is a college student who discovers a severed ear and ends up sucked into the world of a deranged psychopath (Dennis Hopper). Isabella Rossellini is a tragic lounge singer. From 1986, David Lynch’s best film still casts a spell. STORY OF O

9 1/2 WEEKS

Although Adrian Lyne’s bondage themed story predates James’ erotic fan fiction by 25 years, the big beats of the two stories are very similar. Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger burn up the screen as two strangers who get involved in a kinky relationship that does not involve genuine love or sharing. A superior film to FIFTY SHADES OF GREY that still shocks and arouses.

Book Review

This hard-to-find 1975 Franco-German erotic bondage film directed by Just Jaeckin was adapted from the disturbing, scandalous, thought to be true, 1954 French story of by Pauline Réage -- actually Dominique Aury, who famously said: “We are all voyagers, lost between the waves and the clouds.” This dark story is the real progenitor of James’ “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

February 19 to February 25, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

Life is Full of Possibilities

Catherine Deneuve is a young housewife who fulfills her masochistic fantasies by working part time in a brothel as a high-class hooker in Luis Bunuel’s still provocative 1967 film.

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rief is a powerful human response and people grieve in different ways. In Kaui Hart Hemmings’ The Possibilities (Simon & Schuster, 276 pages), a mother seeks to understand her place in the world without her son. The story begins three months after 22-year-old Cully has died in an avalanche. Sarah St. John, Cully’s mother, narrates as she tries to comprehend the impact of the loss and the nature of grieving. Now back at work, Sarah struggles to concentrate. She is host of a television show aimed at tourists in the Breckenridge, Colorado, ski resort where she lives. Sarah is 43. She grew up in the area and her family is part of the local history, yet she constantly feels like an outsider. Aware of her moodiness and short temper, Sarah is bewildered why she can’t control her behavior. Her producer and cohost treat her with kid gloves, which she appreciates -- and despises. Sarah’s father, Lyle, lives with her. He too mourns his grandson with whom he was very close. Retired, Lyle spends his days watching television and ordering TV products he thinks are ingenious inventions. When Sarah comes home, Suzanne, her

The Possibilities By Kaui Hart Hemmings Fiction best friend is clearing out Cully’s belongings. Even though Sarah asked her for the help, she finds herself deliberately being mean to her dear friend. Suzanne is getting divorced and says she is grieving a kind of loss too. Sarah wonders if divorce and the death of a child can really be compared. As Suzanne goes through Cully’s things, she discovers he was selling marijuana.

Suddenly Sarah is confronted with the fact she didn’t know everything about her son. Cully had secrets – at least from her. Cully also had a relationship with his father, Billy, which Sarah didn’t know about. Sarah discovered she was pregnant after she and Billy broke up during college. She decided to keep the baby and be a single mom. Billy asked her to marry him, but she said no. Now Billy is divorced. Sarah and Billy rekindle a love affair as they deal with the loss of their son together. In short order, a strange girl shows up. Kit is a girlfriend of Cully’s and is pregnant with his baby. Kit wants to meet the family that Cully was so proud of before she terminates the pregnancy. Sarah soon sees a new version of Cully through Kit’s eyes. Once Kit gets to know the family, Sarah, Lyle, Billy and Suzanne, she offers to carry the baby full term if Sarah wants to raise the child. This creates a whole new wave of grief and confusion for Sarah. Yes, she wants to have a grandchild. In a way, have Cully back. She considers the possibilities of raising a child at her age and all the things she would change for the better -- to do it right this time. Maybe Billy would be a part of the picture? Sarah, Kit, Lyle, Billy and Suzanne travel to a memorial service for Cully at the college he attended. During this road trip, Sarah considers her options. In the process, Sarah reconciles her past and comes to terms with her future. With the help of her father, Billy and best friend, Sarah is able to make a decision. With this intense experience, Sarah finds hope and laughter again as well as a new appreciation for her son and the life he lived. Her suffering is lessened and she again sees the possibilities of having a life after the death of her beloved boy. This first-person narrative gives the reader an honest and painful interior voice

of a grieving mother. She considers if there is any type of pain greater than a mother who has lost a child. Author Hemmings has a gift for the way people talk. She is witty and has cleaver observations on human behavior. She structures the story in a linear way. This gives the reader insight to how the protagonist is dealing with the grieving processes. Her memories, guilt, regrets and her own upbringing constantly torment her. But none of it will bring her son back. The beauty of The Possibilities is that Sarah finally sees her son as his own person who lived his own life. This realization gives her permission to stop punishing herself and to embrace the short, but beautiful life Cully lived. Hemmings keeps the question of Kit’s pregnancy, whether “Choice” or “Right to Life,” unanswered. She certainly starts the debate but makes no commitment one way or the other. Kit and her own family are left to make the decision. Yet, whatever side you may be on when it comes to abortion, The Possibilities takes the issue very seriously and may be the central theme and meaning of the title. Hemmings is the author of The Descendants, which was made into an award-winning movie staring George Clooney. Hemmings recently spoke at the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Books to Screen event about the adaptation of The Descendants. She said it was a terrific experience working with director Alexander Payne. The Possibilities is under option with director Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air). The Possibilities is available in paperback February 24.

February 19 to February 25, 2015 continued from page 19

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, at night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Pop Vinyl 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Lucky Tongue 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Radio 60 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Brett Dennen and Willy Tea Taylor 9pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Pocket Yellow 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 Kal David & The Real Deal 8:30pm, Deep Rooted w/ DJ Journee & AimLo 11pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Arnie Vilches & Friends Sidebar Patio 7pm, Machin’ Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Total Distortion A Tribute to Social Distortion 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-3297929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am

VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN FEBRUARY 22 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Sleep Over noon, Slacker Sunday w/ Induce 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Hot Fudge Sunday Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Reaction 3-6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Luck Be a Lady w/ Francesca Amari and Darci Daniels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm,

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony DiJerlando 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON FEBRUARY 23 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ D Rad noon poolside CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Spencer Day 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Family Karaoke hosted by Joleene 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE FEBRUARY 24 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Darci Daniels 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 T.B.A. 4pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Fat Tuesdays/ New Orleans Dixieland 6pm

WED FEBRUARY 25 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sarah Ault 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm

BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 John & Gina Carey 6pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Lizann Warner 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOLFGANG PUCK’S; PD; 760-568-2700 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deana Bogart 6pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping Sewer & Drain Cleaning Odor Control

February 19 to February 25, 2015

California Woman 411 with your host Dee Jae Cox

760-404-6325

(760) 340-2840 www.triabike.com

‘Talking to women who lead and inspire’ Saturday’s from 10 – 11 a.m. KPTR 1450 AM Palm Springs, CA California

CA-WMN-411 www.CaliforniaWoman411.com

Open Daily 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 12 - 5pm 44841 San Pablo (West Side of Street), Palm Desert, CA 92260

Produced by The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project:

www.lawtp.org www.californiawoman411.com

February 19 to February 25, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

continued from page 15

MM: Where have you shown your work? IT: Palm Desert Art Museum, The Date Festival, Michael H. Lord Gallery, The Hood, Raices Culturas, Porterville Developmental Center, The Hue Music and Arts Festival, The Walter N. Marks center for the arts. The list goes further. I also worked on an animation short “Torrey Pines: Deliverance” It won for Best Animated Short at the Moondance Film Festival. I did the background design and worked as a “clean-up artist.” MM: You are also a tattoo artist. When did you start tattooing? IT: I started learning about tattoos in 2007. I am self-taught. I did a lot of research, read articles, watched videos, learned about sanitation, blood borne pathogens. I could not find, at the time, an available artist in the Coachella Valley for an apprenticeship. I looked for two years and then I gave up. I decided to tattoo myself for practice, so that I could grasp the idea of tattooing on real skin. I later then started tattooing family members, and after a year of practicing I decided to check with the shops again and see if there were any apprenticeships available. A lot of the shops didn’t want to take me because I was

considered a “scratcher.” I was giving up hope, until I met this Filipino artist in Palm Desert! He wanted to help me. He wanted to teach me and I felt so happy that he loved my style! Unfortunately the elder female shop owner over heard that I had been tattooing (and that was a big No No). She was yelling at me, cursing, calling me names, telling me she doesn’t want him to teach me because she doesn’t “want my kind” in there. So I moved along to another shop and found a spot, but I had to pay $6,000

business profile

FOR YOUR OWN INSURANCE, USE AN AGENT!

hy should I use a professional insurance advisor? Independent agents represent a number of different health insurance companies and health plans. Under PPACA, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care ACT, there have been so many dramatic changes in the insurance marketplace. The value of a professional insurance advisor’s role has been increasingly more important to individuals and businesses. They provide and service insurance products with no additional cost to the members or employers and advise you on how to manage risk and make informed insurance choices. If you missed the 02/15/2015 deadline for purchasing individual health insurance, is it too late for you to buy it now? There are certain life events that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. This is one of the reasons you need an informed specialist

to help you through the maze of insurance regulations. Should I buy insurance online? Buying health insurance is no different than getting advice from a realtor on buying a new home. You need an expert to help you with the complex benefits so you can understand your medical coverage and protect both your family’s health and their finances. If you have purchased insurance through Covered California and not assigned an agent to your account it is not too late. You can still assign an agent to advise you on the health insurance plan you bought online. Otherwise, you may not have an advisor when and if problems arise. As Agents we help our clients resolve claims issues, including writing letters to doctor’s offices, hospitals and insurance carriers. We compile documentation to help resolve claims. We constantly resolve billing issues, explain plan designs and options to employees and individuals. As agents we help COBRA-eligible beneficiaries with coverage following the loss of a job. Approximately 80% of our job is done after the enrollment. For over 14 years I have been a licensed Life and Health Agent in California, helping individuals and employers, including groups of over two-hundred people, with their health insurance needs. I have saved employees and individual clients tens of thousands of dollars in physician’s fees and billing errors. Here is just one example of how I helped a couple recently: Imagine, having your first baby and paying a few thousand dollars to the hospital, as well as the OB/GYN and countless other expenses. You have met

for 3 months; they wanted $3,000 upfront, but unfortunately I couldn’t get the money. So I gave up. Then later down the line a police officer/tattoo shop owner, saw my tattoo work on some girl and gave her a card. He said “Tell her to call me, I really would love to have her work for my shop,” and so I worked at a shop for a year, then moved to a different shop for another year or so. I’ve had some really kind people willing to teach me and help me, I am very thankful. There will always be obstacles, negativity, people criticizing you; but you have to remember that whatever your dream may be, there is no greater obstacle than yourself. You can decide to further your education and become whomever you wish. I have a friend who has less than a year tattooing and every day, he did everything he could to find a place in a shop. He listened with his heart and mind to what I and other artists had to teach him... his dream has been realized, and I am very happy for him. Never give up! Keep your heart in it 100% MM: What do you think is the biggest struggle for you as an artist? IT: “The starving artist,” I had not realized the meaning until I experienced it. I rarely sell artwork. I wouldn’t be able to make a living off

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painting. I paint for myself for most part. When I do showcase my art I like to “people watch.” I like to see the expressions on people’s faces, and I like to eavesdrop on what they have to say...I find it interesting. MM: What do you think of the art scene in the Coachella Valley? IT: I like the fact that the art community grows each year. There is more opportunity to show case in the desert such as: Raices Culturas or Coachella Valley Art Scene. I like that those places try to inspire and spark interest in our community. MM: What are your future goals for your art career? IT: My goals are indefinite and are constantly changing. I would rather not set anything into stone. I’m free-spirited and I wouldn’t want to constrain my mind to one thing. The universe has something great planned for me and I welcome the unknown. MM: What is the root of your inspiration? IT: Emotion. Whether it be sadness, anger, anxiety, happiness, pain or love, my artwork reflects my emotion; as well as people and the impact they have on me. That is inspiring. See more of Isha’s work at www.facebook. com/IshaTakoMakiInk

By Jean Chariton what you’ve been told was your maximum out of pocket, only to get another bill for thousands of dollars. This is exactly what happened to my client. The bill was $6,000 from the Anesthesiologist alone. Their office was billing the client asking for payment even when they were not entitled to it. You can imagine how happy these new parents were when I called them and told them the doctor was going to except the out-ofnetwork payment from the insurance carrier as payment in full. Well, I can tell you, I was over joyed to give this couple the news and they were very grateful for all my assistance. You can check out websites, like Facebook pages or log onto the California Association of Health Underwriters’ local site or the NAHU website for the national list of professional agents. These groups offer broker education and other resources for agents as well as a wealth of information for the consumer. If you have the opportunity to explore these websites they have a

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

Franchising in America

hat business type is expected to outperform the overall economy this year? Franchises. Franchises can be in any business - food, accounting, cleaning, etc. On the whole, business owners of franchises can expect business to increase 5% this year, a full 2% more than the U.S. economy as a whole. Despite this rosy outlook, there is one risk factor that could undermine growth the joint-employer rule being proposed by the National Labor Relations Board. This ruling, if it survives legal challenges, means that the franchisor will be held responsible for all of the actions of their franchisors. Let’s use an example to show how that could affect the franchisor as well as all of their franchisees. A franchisee that I will call ACME does all sorts of labor law violations against their employees and then goes bankrupt. The harmed employees could sue the franchisor, ACME USA, for the actions of a business owner that the franchisor had little to no control over. Assuming that the franchisor has to pay claims to the violated employees, ACME USA would have to increase its prices to its other franchisees to make up for the actions of the violating and

now defunct franchise operator. Not only would this mean higher prices to all of us but it could cause the failure of a franchisor and subsequent failure of all of their other franchisees, do to no fault of their own. Assuming that legal challenges prevail and cause a more thoughtful and fair way to insure that franchisors adhere with the law and best practices, what are the best franchise types for someone looking to start their own franchise in 2015? Personal services - This category includes businesses like hair salons, child care, senior care and paint-and-sip studios like Color Me Mine and Painting with a Twist. Lodging - With an improving economy, travel is increasing. This means that franchises like Red Lion and Holiday Inns are growing again. Business Services - This sector includes businesses like The UPS Store, FastSigns and tax service companies like H&R Block and Liberty.

Dale Gribow On The Law SENIOR VETS TARGETED IN FREE LUNCH/DINNER EVENTS

whole section on finding an agent, looking for health insuance and coverage for the uninsured. CAHU can help you find an agent near you! If you have questions or want to make a complimentary consultation with Jean Chariton call 760-656-8956 to set up an appointment.

ast week I wrote about vets being scammed, yet again, with offers of free meals. Of course not all free lunch or dinner events are meant to take advantage of seniors. As a matter of fact I too have lectured at senior centers on Estate Planning and the options available to seniors. When a lawyer gives the seminar you know who is talking to you and that he/she is mandated by the State Bar to be ethical and honest. A non-lawyer is often described as an Investment Counselor, Educator, Financial Planner and there is no disclosure, as mandated by law, that the person is there for the sole purpose of selling insurance. The issue is the sale to unwitting retirees, of an unsuitable annuity….and being deceitful while doing so. There is a widespread scheme of inducing elderly residents of retirement homes and assisted living facilities to reposition their assets, in order to apply for pension benefits offered by the US Department of Veteran Affairs providing Aid and Attendance to those that qualify. The unethical salesmen convince seniors if they were in the military 1 day while the USA was at war anywhere in the world, they then can apply and receive the $2,000 per month tax free for the rest of their life. They fail to advise the seniors of the other requirements necessary to qualify for the Aid and Attendance. The senior must be at least 65, unemployable

with an honorable discharge and a medical necessity requiring assistance. To further induce the seniors they should go after this “free money” they incorrectly state if assets are over $80,000 that they can put them into an irrevocable trust. This sales pitch is inappropriate because the Aid and Attendance program was not designed to assist wealthy or even moderately wealthy retirees. They target wealthy seniors in expensive retirement homes because those are the people who have money to buy insurance products. The seniors who truly would qualify for the Aid and Attendance can’t afford these “retirement digs” and are thus passed over. Moreover the annuities recommend are long term investments, inappropriate for most seniors. They are often inflexible and not appropriate for senior portfolios. The recent lawsuit filed on behalf of a 90 year old Rancho Mirage woman, involved her repositioning $500,000 of assets making 8%, and putting them into a 10 year annuity spinning off less than 1%. Chances are she will never live to its conclusion. Last week’s article produced a call this morning from a 79 year old who purchased a 10 year annuity three years ago, which was arguably not appropriate. He was told it would provide monthly payments for the rest of his life. They did not explain that as the years wore down the amount per month would likewise go

Quick-service Restaurants - More than 40% of all hiring by franchises occurs in this sector. With consumers looking for healthier food alternatives, franchises like Panera Bread and Corner Bakery Cafe are expanding quickly. Other - A mix of businesses like 7-Eleven, ServiceMaster and Pearle Vision. At present, the best franchise to own based on average sales is Chick-fil-A. Their average franchise earns $3.2 million in revenues annually. Founded in 1946, Chickfil-A has nearly 1,700 stores. Despite negative press in the media, McDonald’s remains one of the most valuable franchises in America. With average sales of $2.6 million at over 12,605 stores, expect a rebound as new management helps their franchisees with a fresher, more stream-lined menu.

down. Unfortunately the financial elder abuse of seniors requires them to “get involved” in the litigation and go to court. Prescott Cole, senior staff attorney for the California Advocate for Nursing Home Reform in San Francisco explains “They can’t handle going to court and they do not want it”. The filed case involves someone representing himself as assisting senior vets but did not disclose he was an insurance salesperson. The California Insurance Code mandates that agents, engaged in the sale to a prospective insured 65 or older, have a duty of honesty, good faith and fair dealing. The code goes on to explain that holding seminars or informational meeting that may result in the sale of insurance products to seniors “without divulging that such meetings constitute INSURANCE SALES PRESENTATONS, are in violation of California Insurance code section 787. Moreover the code states that “failing to advise seniors, or their agents, in writing that the sale or liquidation of any stock, bond, IRA, certificate of deposit, mutual fund or other assets to fund the purchase of an annuity may have tax consequences, early withdrawal penalties or other costs in violation of section 789.8. Under that section failing to advise seniors or their agents they may wish to consult independent legal and financial advice before selling or liquidating any assets and prior to the purchase of any life or annuity product

February 19 to February 25, 2015

Jason’s Deli, which has their closest location in Riverside, is the third best franchise to own with average sales of $2.56 million per location. Founded in 1976 in Texas, Jason’s has 245 stores. While the Coachella Valley is looking forward to the expansion of Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme is the fourth best franchise to own with average sales of $2.4 million over their 239 stores. Panera Bread which was founded in St. Louis in 1981 has quickly grown to become the fifth most valuable franchise with average sales of $2.43 million across their 1,652 stores. While owning a franchise may seem like a great business opportunity, many operators complain that the franchisors are increasingly stripping away profits and equity. Many employees have made it clear that many of their jobs do not pay a living wage. Nevertheless, franchises are a business type that Americans are frequenting on an increasing basis.

offered for sale is likewise illegal. The same code section states that the failure to adhere to the standard for visiting a senior in their home for the purpose of selling annuities is in violation of this code section Litigation initiated against one insurance company last week resulted in their ceasing to sell their product in California. A special Hotline has been set up for elder abuse victim’s complaints and assistance. Elder abuse can be financial, like the case herein, or a hospital or nursing home mistreating the senior. The law allows for a recovery of three times the amount of the PUNITIVE DAMAGES. The VETERAN FRAUD HOTLINE number is 760 837-7555. Questions? Contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw. com 1) TOP LAWYER rating by Palm Springs Life every year. 2) Perfect AVVO 10.0 Peer Review Rating by fellow attorneys 3) Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell legal directory. 4) Selected for Best Attorneys of America (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys in each state). 5) Man of the Year 7 times- including the City of Palm Desert and the City of Hope. 6) Dale Gribow Day proclaimed 4 times.

February 19 to February 25, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

It’s Time For A Heart to Heart!

f your husband has chest pain you’d call 911. However, many women may not recognize signs of heart attacks themselves. Did you know that heart attack symptoms in women can be quite different from men’s symptoms? Heart disease is often thought about as a man’s disease, but recent studies show that heart disease is actually the number one killer of women in America. Yet acting quickly is vitally important. “Getting immediate, appropriate care is the single most important thing you can do to lessen the damage of a heart attack,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Call 911 immediately! Why? “Because within the first few hours after a heart attack, if untreated there is a higher risk of fatality. Every minute of delay means more heart muscle is damaged.” Symptoms of a Heart Attack – In both Men and Women may include, but not limited to:

• Squeezing chest pain or pressure • Shortness of breath • Sweating • Tightness in chest • Pain spreading to shoulders, neck, arm, or jaw • Feeling of heartburn or indigestion with or without nausea and vomiting • Sudden dizziness or brief loss of consciousness Symptoms More Likely in Women: Indigestion or gas-like pain. Dizziness or nausea. Unexplained weakness or fatigue. Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades. Recurring chest discomfort. Sense of impending doom. Any of these signs seek immediate help. Your Action Plan: Call 911 immediately. Give CPR if the patient is not breathing. Get to the hospital quickly. The longer it takes to get treated, the more badly damaged the heart will be. If you don’t know CPR, find a class and sign up. It’s easy to learn, and it can save lives after a heart attack. Contact your Doctor for a Heart to Heart and visit: www.heart.org/HEARTORG February is National Heart Awareness Month! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Community

The City of Indio partners with Southwest Church for a HOPE Project

Help your Community by Volunteering on February 21 for HOPE Project in Indio

s part of the City of Indio’s 85th Anniversary Celebration, the City of Indio and Southwest Church will unleash HOPE in the Coachella Valley by participating together in cleanup efforts at various locations throughout the City. Come volunteer and join us on Saturday, February 21 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM for this exciting opportunity. We will meet at Miles Avenue Park (82-540 Miles Avenue, Indio) at 8:00 AM for the kickoff meeting and receive team assignments. You can stay for partial or full day shifts up until 4:00 PM, where we will return to Miles Avenue Park for a closing ceremony and celebration!

This is a FREE, family-friendly opportunity to get involved in the local community. The cleanup effort will help keep the City’s parks and other facilities a great place for kids and families to enjoy. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and dress in comfortable work clothes (please bring work gloves if you have them). A full calendar of events for the City of Indio’s 85th Anniversary Celebration is available on the City’s website at www. indio.org. For questions about this event, please contact Jim Curtis, Community Services Manager at (760) 391-4174 or jcurtis@indio.org.

sharekitchen

What’s On The Calendar?

S.M.A.R.T. Goals Workshop at the CVWBC Effective goal setting is one of the key factors in achieving success and providing you with a clear vision of the path you want your business or career to take. This workshop utilizes the strategic approach of the S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting methods for your marketing and business plans. If you need focus you need this workshop! February 21 from 10am-2pm. Seating is limited! $20 with online registration at CVWBC.org - For more information call Kim at 760.345.9200. Give the Gift of Education and Eat Chocolate! Yes, it’s true! You can raise money for scholarships while enjoying an amazing Italian Feast and chocolate buffet on Sunday, February 22 at 11am. Eat chocolate with the Palm Springs Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) at the 16th annual event, L’Affaire Chocolat, hosted by La Spiga Ristorante in Palm Desert. This year’s keynote speaker is Diana von Welanetz Wentworth, the author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Cookbook. Save room for the famous 25-foot

chocolate dessert buffet because the sweet treats are from some of the Desert’s best restaurants and chefs including La Spiga, Sherman’s Delicatessen, Wilma & Frieda, Exquisite Desserts, Cello’s Pantry, ShareKitchen, New Leaf Catering, Brandini Toffee, and many more. LDEI is a world-wide organization of executive women in the hospitality industry that conducts fundraising projects and awards scholarships to women continuing higher education in the industry who are often the first in their families to attend college. Lunch is $100 per person inclusive. For reservations and credit card payments, call (760) 895-9899. Thinking of starting a Cottage Food Operation? Join us at ShareKitchen on Monday, March 2 from 6pm – 8pm for this FREE informative workshop that will get your new home food business off the ground. Workshop includes information on what a CFO is, which products qualify, which forms to fill out and basic safety and sanitation practices. Located at ShareKitchen - 68805 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Cathedral City. Space is very limited – RSVP Required to Casey@ShareKitchen.org.

sports scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Julie Buehler

Breaking News: Super Bowl 49 Ended On A Run, Not A Pass id you know: The Super Bowl ended worst call in NFL history and NOT the reason the

with a run. It did, try to keep up… Oh I know, you know EVERYTHING about football and the only reason you’re not an NFL coach is because you chose to pursue that engineering degree or that marketing career. But you KNOW football. And you KNOW, without a shadow of a doubt, that if Marshawn Lynch would have gotten the carry on 2nd and goal in Super Bowl 49 that the Seahawks would be hoisting their trophy and the Patriots would be wondering “What if?” You KNOW it was the dumbest, worst, most ill advised and stupidest play in NFL history. That’s not opinion, that’s fact. And you KNOW it. ANYONE who knows football knows that. Then again, maybe you know nothing about football and you were just watching the Super Bowl cuz that’s what every warm-blooded body does in ‘Merica on that particular Sunday. And maybe you’d had too much to drink and were a little swollen from too much guacamole and nachos, but even through your bleery-eyed assessment, you thought, “Wait, did my footballvirgin eyes deceive me? Did the Seahawks really pass the ball on 2nd and goal rather than dump it to their bulldozer of a back?” The mistake was easy to spot. Not because of the mistake, but because of the outcome. But don’t confuse the worst possible outcome with the worst possible decision. I said it on game day, wrote about it in this space after the Super Bowl and have to reiterate once again due to deranged and highly delusional football fans : the call to pass on 2nd and goal with :26 left in the game was NOT the

Seahawks lost the game. In fact, it wasn’t even close, the game did end with a run. First, I would argue, on just causal reasoning, that decisions made through the 43-8 annihilation of the Denver Broncos the year before were likely worse than those made that resulted in a 28-24 final. That’s pretty easy to wrap your brain around. Second, when understood in a risk-reward proposition, the stats support the Seahawks decision. A) Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 5 times within the 1-yard line, i.e. against stiff goalline defenses, and scored only once all year. He lost yards twice. So there were double the odds he’d lose yardage than score, according to the regular season sample size. B) Russell Wilson had not thrown a single interception on any pass thrown on any down when the team needed 1-2 yards to convert and he threw only 1 interception all year within the opposition’s 10-yard line, but threw 7 touchdowns. So there were 7-to-1 odds Wilson would score. C) The Patriot’s run defense is really good. In fact, only 1 team in the NFL allowed fewer rushing touchdowns. So, when examining the risk of Lynch losing yards against one of the top run defenses in the NFL and the likelihood of Wilson uncharacteristically throwing an interception, you can understand why the coaching staff would to attempt to catch the Patriots goal-line run defense off-guard and score through the air. Third: Don’t diminish the Patriots’ defense. It was really good. Really underrated and Malcolm Butler made a PERFECT play. The jump he got on the ball, his ability to read that play, his angle of

sports UNLV & Sports Fans Everywhere Recognize A Legend

egendary UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian has passed this week in a Las Vegas hospital. He was 84 years old. Jerry Tarkanian had been in the hospital since Monday night, dealing with low blood pressure and an infection, according to the Las Vegas Sun. The news of Tarkanian’s passing was reported by son Danny Tarkanian via Twitter. @DannyTarkanian tweeted; “Coach Tark, my father, the greatest man I have ever known, passed today, to take his place in heaven. I will miss him every day of my life.” Jerry was a head college basketball coach from 1968-2002, most notably at UNLV. Tarkanian guided the Runnin’ Rebels to 4 Final Four appearances and an NCAA Championship title over Duke in 1990. Tarkanian’s win over Duke is the largest win over that program in the last 25 years. Tarkanian was a mainstay in the Las Vegas community. As Vegas doesn’t have any professional sports teams, UNLV became the official Vegas team, with Tarkanian’s “Defense-creates-offense” play style, making the Thomas and Mack arena the go-to destination during his tenure.

February 19 to February 25, 2015

Fans took to Twitter to say their wellwishes and goodbyes to the legendary Hall of Fame coach. Nicknamed “Tark the Shark,” Jerry retired in 2002 with 729 career wins as a coach. With a .784 win PCT, Tarkanian entered the Hall of Fame in 2013 with the 7th best winning percentage in NCAA history. The towel chomping Tarkanian fought consistently with the NCAA, eventually having the United States Supreme Court rule against them in 1988, saying his due process was violated when the NCAA suspended him for two years before the start of the 1976-77 season. Tarkanian’s health had been failing in recent years, with frequent stays in the hospital. In a statement to the Las Vegas Review Journal, Lois Tarkanian released a statement regarding the death of her husband, Jerry. “Jerry has been in fragile health since 2009. He fought his health problems with the same tenacity he showed throughout his life. Our family thanks, from the bottom of our hearts, all those who have sent letters and prayers, who have shown their love for Jerry and support for our family, the numerous fans and the many players who considered him a second father. Our hearts are broken but filled

pursuit and the fact he actually caught the ball rather than just knocking it down made all the difference. Lastly, and most importantly, there is a fundamental key to winning big and it doesn’t matter if we’re speaking of team sports or individual competition, or even office games and politicking. The single most important thing to understand in competition is how to divert your opposition from playing to their strengths and forcing them to play to their weaknesses. You want to win championships? Convince your opponent their best isn’t good enough. Convince them to scrap their plan and start guessing. What’s shocking isn’t the play call itself; it’s the fact the Patriots were able to convince the Seahawks their tried-and-true running game wasn’t good enough. It was the fact the Patriots convinced the Seahawks to outsmart themselves. It was the fact the Patriots bullied the team that had been the NFL bully for the better part of 2 seasons into relying on stats and new-age intel and subterfuge to decide what to do on the game’s final drive. THAT’S good football. And THAT’S how to win championships. The play call wasn’t the best and it’s not what most on-lookers would have decided to do. But on-lookers hadn’t been in the trenches for 59plus minutes, getting their faces caved in by a ferocious defense they hadn’t anticipated. Most on-lookers didn’t get spun around in circles as their defense wasn’t getting stops and their offense was abiding by a hope and a prayer that a big play would save the day. Most on-lookers haven’t played chess against the likes of Bill BeliCheck-Mate.

And the interception, that’s not what lost the game for the Seahawks. The encroachment penalty by Michael Bennett on the next play, though? THAT was the final dagger. Had he not handed the Patriots 5 yards by jumping the snap, they would have had to run a play to get off the 0-yard line or give up a safety and a whole cascade of possibilities come into play. But Bennett jumped, and the most penalized team in the NFL incurred another penalty. The Patriots then had room to take a knee and run out the clock. See, at the end of the day, the game did end on a run. So settle down Seahawks fans, your team got beat over 60 minutes of great football, not on a single play of stupidity. Now turn your attention to your Mariners, coffee, pasty complexion, and flannel pjs, I’ve got Kings hockey, 80-degree temps and a tan to enjoy. Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 1-4 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station. She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners. Tune in M-F 3-6 pst at www.team1010. com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

by Flint Wheeler

with incredible memories.” “He always told me to do what was right. That was the thing as much as anything that he instilled in me and those around him — a commitment and a confidence to do what you felt was right for the people around you, not necessarily what was popular.” Jerry Tarkanian will be remembered in Las Vegas for helping establish UNLV as a basketball powerhouse. He’ll be remembered throughout basketball as being an excellent coach who challenged the NCAA his whole career. Jerry Tarkanian is survived by his wife Lois, his children Danny, George, Pamela, and Jodie, as well as 11 grandchildren and all of Las Vegas. When I attended U.N.L.V. in the late

90’s early 2000’s, my apartment was on the corner of Tarkanian and Harmon Blvd. Long passed were the days of the full court press, Hollywood like home games and a sold out Thomas & Mack. However, everywhere throughout the city and especially around campus, evidence was abundant that this man had left a legacy and example never to be matched. All he ever wanted was an opportunity and was looked over or second guessed throughout his career, fitting that his legacy is that of giving those who were second guessed an opportunity. Thank you Mr. Tarkanian for damning the critics, the system and doing it ‘Your Way”. In a society of whistle-blowers, P.R. agents and herds of finger pointers, you danced to your own tune. And I was a fan, always will be, because of it. FlintWheeler.com - Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through A.I.G./Valic. PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” on Fox Sports 1270 from 3-7pm on Thursdays, Live from The Kilt. Contact at 760-409-4612

February 19 to February 25, 2015

Health&Fitness

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

LIFESTREAM COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVEs Give Hope – Give Life – Give Blood

LOCATIONS: College of the Desert • 43500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert • Date: Wednesday, Feb. 25 • Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Desert Oasis Healthcare • 275 N. Cielo, Palm Springs • Date: Wednesday, Feb. 25 • Time: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Desert Mirage High School • 86150 Avenue 66, Thermal • Date: Thursday, Feb. 26 • Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fiesta Ford • 78990 Varner Road, Indio • Date: Friday, Feb. 27 • Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Indio Middle School • 81195 Miles Ave. • Date: Friday, Feb. 27 • Time: 1 to 6 p.m. • At ALL locations donors receive free cholesterol screening and Gift of Life Donor

Loyalty points that may be redeemed in the online donor store at www.LStream.org. Those aged 18-44 years may register for Be The Match bone marrow screening at all donor locations free of charge. Healthy individuals at least 15 years of age may donate blood. Fifteen- and 16-year-olds must provide LifeStream with written parental consent. Parent consent forms are available at any donor center, community blood drive or at www.LStream. org. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors receive a free miniphysical as part of the donation process. Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime. For more information, please call 1-800-TRY GIVING. Join the LifeStream volunteer team and make a lifesaving difference! For information, call 1.800.879.4484, ext. 458.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Community

The Friends Pet Project

he Friends Pet Project was created because we felt people shouldn’t have to lose their pets, because they have fallen on hard times. For many homebound seniors and people who are disabled, the cost of providing food for their pets is impossible and many share their own food with their pets. Often these pets are surrendered to the shelter. Our mission is simple: we believe that people and pets should stay together. For many elderly or impoverished people, pets are their only family. A companion pet provides unconditional love and comfort and can be essential to our own health and happiness. Thanks to compassionate donors and our army of volunteers we now have the only dedicated Pet Food Bank in the Coachella Valley. Every month we help feed the beloved pets of the most fragile members in our community. The Friends Pet Project Pet Food Bank continues to grow and we need your help. To make a donation please visit our website: psanimalshelter.org. We accept donations of food at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter located at 4525 E Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264. We also now have our Wish List on Amazon. We are a 501 (cX3)

non-profit organization and we thank-you for your support! Pet food drive: February 23rd-Mar 4th Raymond Cree Middle School, Palm Springs Drop off dog and cat food “I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends” Benefit: Monday March 9th, 5-8pm The Purple Room in Palm Springs featuring The Gand Band $65/person or $120/couple Appetizers and specialty cocktails

Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Rebecca Diaz

760-325-3400 Dr. Rebecca Diaz is a cat-loving veterinary professional, dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens happy and healthy with top-quality care in a stress-free environment.

Feline Veterinary Service

Every aspect of our clinic is designed with the special needs of cats in mind. From the quiet serene waiting room to the relaxing exam rooms and cat-friendly cages for hospitalized patients, our goal is to promote a peaceful, stress-free environment for your cats.

Services include: • Routine Care • Geriatic Care • Spay/Neuter

• Digital Radiology • Laboratory Services • New Kitten Care

• Vaccinations • General Surgery • Dentistry

67870 Vista Chino Cathedral City, CA 92234

www.catcitycat.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of February 19

ARIES (March 21-April 19): There are many different facets to your intelligence, and each matures at a different rate. So for example, your ability to think symbolically may evolve more slowly than your ability to think abstractly. Your wisdom about why humans act the way they do may ripen more rapidly than your insight into your own emotions. In the coming weeks, I expect one particular aspect of your intelligence to be undergoing a growth spurt: your knowledge of what your body needs and how to give it what it needs. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What is the proper blend for you these days? Is it something like 51 percent pleasure and 49 percent business? Or would you be wiser to shoot for 49 percent pleasure and 51 percent business? I will leave that decision up to you, Taurus. Whichever way you go, I suggest that you try to interweave business and pleasure as often as possible. You are in one of those actionpacked phases when fun dovetails really well with ambition. I’m guessing that you can make productive connections at parties. I’m betting that you can spice up your social life by taking advantage of what comes to you through your work. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1900, the world’s most renowned mathematicians met at a conference in Paris. There the German whiz David Hilbert introduced his master list of 23 unsolved mathematical problems. At the time, no one had done such an exhaustive inventory. His welldefined challenge set the agenda for math research throughout the 20th century. Today he’s regarded as an influential visionary. I’d love to see you come up with a list of your own top unsolved problems, Gemini. You now have extra insight about the catalytic projects you will be smart to work on and play with during the coming years. CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Spanipelagic” is an adjective scientists use to describe creatures that typically hang out in deep water but float up to the surface on rare occasions. The term is not a perfect metaphorical fit for you, since you come up for air more often than that. But you do go through phases when you’re inclined to linger for a long time in the abyss, enjoying the dark mysteries and fathomless emotions. According to my reading of the astrological omens, that’s what you’ve been doing lately. Any day now, however, I expect you’ll be rising up from the Great Down Below and headed topside for an extended stay. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When faced with a big decision, you might say you want to “sleep on it.” In other words, you postpone your final determination until you gather more information and ripen your understanding of the pressing issues. And that could indeed involve getting a good night’s sleep. What happens in your dreams may reveal nuances you can’t pry loose with your waking consciousness alone. And even if you don’t recall your dreams, your sleeping mind is busy processing and reworking the possibilities. I recommend that you make liberal use of the “sleep on it” approach in the coming weeks, Leo. Revel in the wisdom that wells up in you as you’re lying down in the dark. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1962, Edward Albee published his play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? It won numerous awards and is still performed by modern theater groups. Albee says the title came to him as he was having a beer at a bar in New York City. When he went to the restroom, he spied the words “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” scrawled in soap on the mirror. I urge you to be alert for that kind of inspiration in the coming days, Virgo: unexpected, provocative, and out of context. You never know when and where you may be furnished with clues about the next plot twist of your life story. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Edward III, a medieval English king, had a favorite poet: Geoffrey Chaucer. In 1374, the king promised Chaucer a big gift in appreciation for his talents: a gallon of wine every day for the rest of his life. That’s not the endowment I would have wanted if I had been Chaucer. I’d never

get any work done if I were quaffing 16 glasses of wine every 24 hours. Couldn’t I instead be provided with a regular stipend? Keep this story in mind, Libra, as you contemplate the benefits or rewards that might become available to you. Ask for what you really need, not necessarily what the giver initially offers. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): To make the cocktail known as Sex on the Beach, you mix together cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, peach schnapps, and vodka. There is also an alternative “mocktail” called Safe Sex on the Beach. It has the same fruit juices, but no alcohol. Given the likelihood that your inner teenager will be playing an important role in your upcoming adventures, Scorpio, I recommend that you favor the Safe-Sexon-the-Beach metaphor rather than the Sex-onthe-Beach approach. At least temporarily, it’s best to show a bit of protective restraint toward the wild and sometimes erratic juvenile energy that’s pushing to be expressed. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In Herman Melville’s short story “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” a lawyer hires a man named Bartleby to work in his office. At first Bartleby is a model employee, carrying out his assignments with dogged skill. But one day everything begins to change. Whenever his boss instructs him to do a specific task, Bartleby says, “I would prefer not to.” As the days go by, he does less and less, until finally he stops altogether. I’d like to propose, Sagittarius, that you take inspiration from his slowdown. Haven’t you done enough for now? Haven’t you been exemplary in your commitment to the daily struggle? Don’t you deserve a break in the action so you can recharge your psychospiritual batteries? I say yes. Maybe you will consider making this your battle cry: “I would prefer not to.” CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” That’s what American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson advised. Even if you’re not naturally inclined to see the potential wisdom of that approach, I invite you to play around with it for the next three weeks. You don’t need to do it forever. It doesn’t have to become a permanent fixture in your philosophy. Just for now, experiment with the possibility that trying lots of experiments will lead you not just to new truths, but to new truths that are fun, interesting, and useful. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The art of the French Aquarian painter Armand Guillaumin (18411927) appears in prestigious museums. He isn’t as famous as his fellow Impressionists Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro, but he wielded a big influence on them both. His career developed slowly because he had to work a day job to earn a living. When he was 50 years old, he won a wad of free money in the national lottery, and thereafter devoted himself full-time to painting. I’m not saying you will enjoy a windfall like that anytime soon, Aquarius, but such an event is possible. At the very least, your income could rise. Your odds of experiencing financial luck will increase to the degree that you work to improve the best gifts you have to offer your fellow humans. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “It isn’t normal to know what we want,” said pioneering psychologist Abraham Maslow. “It is a rare and difficult psychological achievement.” That’s the bad news, Pisces. The good news is that you may be on the verge of rendering that theory irrelevant. In the coming weeks, you will be better primed to discover what you really want than you have been in a long time. I suggest you do a ritual in which you vow to unmask this treasured secret. Write a formal statement in which you declare your intention to achieve full understanding of the reasons you are alive on this planet. Homework: Where in your life do you push harder than is healthy? Where do you not push hard enough? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com. Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

February 19 to February 25, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

ULTIMATELY COMPROMISING

ften we hear one should compromise in a relationship. Compromising in any and all relationships will be a necessity. Regardless of how long you have known the person or what the dynamics are, compromise will be an integral component within your relationship. Compromising is healthy and essential for a prospering relationship. Perhaps you are dating. Naturally you are going to have expectations of this person. Remember they will have expectations of you too. The word “compromise” may trouble you and lead you to believe that you are giving something up. Consider “cooperation” as a substitute. Nobody wants to feel as though they are relinquishing something or that the other person gains control with compromise. Cooperation, on the other hand, may create balance, strength and an open line of communication and mutual understanding. Most people who are dating commit to saying a lot of what they think the other person wants to hear. This is a recipe for disaster. Be candid from the first date. Reacting to someone with a lack of authenticity is sure to backfire. Clearly this will be damaging to the future of the relationship. Not being yourself would be an over the top compromise of self. Do not negate what is important to you. It is obvious we bring ourselves into the relationship. What follows us is our ego. It is inevitable. Our ego protects us to a certain degree. However, one must be cognizant of our little shadow. Ego, our fundamental

survival instinct may keep us to bound to our own interest and sabotage future relationships. Relationships need to be nurtured and both parties need to communicate. One if not the main reason relationships falter is the lack of communication. Two people can communicate, but are they saying the right words and asking the important questions? Often the answer is, no! Striving for greater communication will take effort. Be laconic about how you feel and what you are thinking. This also means you should be clear about the questions you ask of the other person. Be prepared that whatever you ask you can reciprocate and give an honest answer. Don’t play games, lie, cut corners or be deceptive. Ask yourself, how would I feel if the shoe were on the other foot? Place yourself in your partner’s position. It may feel as though you are losing control. It is not necessary to compete with your partner. Your relationship should be based upon friendship. Cultivating a best friendship will help both people to establish greater trust, intimacy and improved communication both verbal and non-verbal. Whichever words appease you… “compromise” or “cooperation”… select one and execute within your relationships. You will only prosper and foster healthy relationships in your life. Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

February 19 to February 25, 2015

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Navigate Calmly - Charter New Territory

ix weeks ago Gina sought my help due to her job loss. It was the beginning of an emotional rollercoaster ride normally experienced by individuals who are tapped on the shoulder and given a message they are not prepared to receive. Many of us have been through it. The script begins with verbiage about a company restructuring and ends with the notice that jobs have been eliminated. I coached my new client through rebounding from the shock, knowing she would eventually look at this as an opportunity to affect change. Gina confessed her biggest concern was the interviewing process. She had been with the company 15 years, hiring on after completing her internship. Gina’s resume showed solid skills and experience making her a desirable candidate for the right position. My client needed to regain her confidence and step outside her comfort zone to feel in command and market her skills in an interview setting. When life boots us out of the nest, survival tactics involve learning how to navigate calmly as we charter new territory. I counseled Gina to acknowledge her fear as real but something that could be managed. Obviously, it would be too big a leap to immediately push her into an interview situation. We did some prep work and she learned to control her anxiety. I explained behavioral interviewing, how to maneuver

through a panel interview and techniques of selling your skills at a job fair. Our next round to increase Gina’s comfort level involved several mock interviews. In addition to our sessions, she asked friends and family to interview her. Within a few weeks Gina was ready for a real life experience. What about you? Are you too comfortable in a dead end job, or a stale relationship? Have you stopped taking risks? Do you consistently play it safe? Challenge yourself to embrace new experiences. You do not have to sign up for a trapeze class to conquer your fear of heights. As in Gina’s case, slow and steady wins the race. Start on the edge of your comfort zone by taking an elevator up to a third floor patio and spending some time enjoying the view. By gradually increasing your exposure to an activity that makes you feel queasy, you will adjust. Expanding our horizons builds confidence and boosts our mental health. The brain receives additional stimulation, we become more resilient. The area outside your comfort zone can become your new normal. Make a plan today to take a few risks and embark on a new adventure. Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com

Health&Fitness

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 19 to February 25, 2015

Show Your Heart Some Love: Fight Heart Disease Through Prevention

or many Americans the month of February is about paper hearts and the love they represent on Valentine’s Day, but it should also be about the human heart and the love we show it by keeping it healthy. In 2012, President Obama declared February “American Heart Month” to raise awareness on the Nation’s number one killer of both men and women, cardiovascular disease. CVD includes heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. The findings, published in HARC’s 2013 Community Health Monitor demonstrate that this is an issue that affects a great number of adults in the Coachella Valley. Over one-third of adults (37.8%, or 134,208 adults) have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension. An estimated 8.0% of adults have been diagnosed with heart disease, representing 28,332 adults. Approximately 3.0% of adults have been diagnosed with a stroke. While noting the prevalence of CVD in the Coachella Valley, it is also important

to recognize some of the risk factors that may contribute to this disease. Risk factors include being obese or overweight, high cholesterol, alcohol consumption, tobacco use and diabetes. Approximately 59.5% of Coachella Valley adults are either obese or overweight. With healthy eating habits and regular exercise many of these risk factors can be prevented. As mentioned above, tobacco use is also a risk factor so if you are a current smoker like 16.2% of adults in the Coachella valley, consider quitting today. In America, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CVD costs the United States over $300 billion each year including the costs of health care services, medication and lost productivity.1 HARC’s CEO Eileen Packer, RD, said “There is good news though, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Maintaining a healthy weight by eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly, quitting smoking and taking medication as prescribed, can significantly help protect your heart.”

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