coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 4 to March 10, 2021 Vol.9 No.51

Olive A’Sudden

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CVRep - Marvelous Monologues

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The CMFs

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*NEW COLUMN* - Keg Whisperer

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March 4 to March 10, 2021

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL BLOOMS

March 4 to March 10, 2021

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Noe Gutierrez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Esther Sanchez Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Denise Ortuno Neil, Rob Brezny, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dee Jae Cox, Angela Romeo, Aaron Ramson, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Michelle Anne Rizzio, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Iris Hall, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

CV Wildflower Festival ....................... 3 Local Business - Olive A'Sudden........ 5 CVRep - Marvelous Monologues....... 5 The CMFs.............................................. 6 Club Crawler Nightlife........................ 6 Consider This - Starcaster................... 9 The Vino Voice .................................. 10

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he Friends of the Desert Mountains’ annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival is bringing in spring for the entire month of March. Normally a bustling community event, Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival 2021 is blossoming into an exotic hybrid of online activities and individualized outdoor challenges to raise awareness of the many wildflowers throughout the Coachella Valley — always with an emphasis on exploring and supporting the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. While this virtual event will be different this year, the mix of fun activities planned makes the Festival even more accessible to anyone wanting to connect to the land in the Coachella Valley. Tammy Martin, Executive Director of Friends of the Desert Mountains, believes that although this year’s Wildflower Festival is different from previous celebrations, participating and staying active is still very important amid an isolating pandemic. “The goal of staying active is what inspired us to create all these different activities and expanding the event throughout the entire month of March. Normally the Wildflower Festival lasts only a day, but we wanted to make it an accessible family event to get involved with nature,” expressed Martin. There are several activities planned throughout the month. Participants can

walk, hike, run, ride, or roll 30 miles in 30 days for 30 dollars in the 30x30x30. Participants will have their own unique fundraising page on the Friends of the Desert Mountains website, and all who complete the minimum earn a special CVWF t-shirt. There is also a handy Field Guide to Coachella Valley Flowers that can be downloaded on the website to help increase how many blooms can be identified among the wildflowers. Participants are encouraged to post pictures on social media with the hashtag #VirtualSuperBloom to share the unique beauty of wildflowers with the world. The Friends of the Desert Mountains are also setting up Scavenger Hunts all over the Coachella Valley in March and a Silent Auction to wrap up March madness with fun auction prizes. A Youth Art Contest will be held for age groups of 4-6 years old, 7-9 years old, and 10-12 years old to be creative and create a piece of art that relates to the desert, such as trees, animals, or plants. There will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each age bracket. A Native Cooking Demo will provide lessons on creating mesquite bars taught by Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians while Solar Astronomy enables participants to pop in for a quick lesson and chat regarding astronomy with a local astronomer. “The Wildflower Festival is an outreach

event to get others involved in the organization—and that can be anywhere from volunteering or doing research or hikes. At the start of the pandemic, many people were afraid to go out, but now there are many who want to embrace being out in the open and enjoy the environment safely,” stated Martin. For more information, visit the official Wildflower Festival website at www. desertmountains.org.

*NEW COLUMN* - Keg Whisperer .... 11 Screeners ........................................... 12 Pet Place ...................................... 14-15 Haddon Libby ................................... 16 Dale Gribow ...................................... 16 Safety Tips......................................... 17 Swag For The Soul ............................ 18 Free Will Astrology ........................... 18 Keto.................................................... 19

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LOCAL BUSINESS

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OLIVE A'SUDDEN PALM DESERT, CA

March 4 to March 10, 2021

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

to southern California. They also stock gourmet foods, gift sets, serving accessories, Olivella Skin Care and more. Whether you’re a foodie, gourmet cook, or just someone who enjoys great tasting experiences, Olive A’Sudden has something for you. Visit their website oliveasudden.com. Think Oils and check out their Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Tastings!

COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY THEATRE THURSDAYS PRESENTS:

MARVELOUS MONOLOGUES

session with founding Artistic Director, Ron Celona. To join this one-hour free, virtual event visit cvrep.org and register. Actors and their performing monologues include: Elizabeth Saydah (A Tale Told by an Idiot/Disgraced) performing, Women

THEATRE provoking presentations, CVRep is offering Theatre Thursdays, a weekly, virtual entertaining and learning opportunity. All presentations are offered via Zoom to observe social distancing guidelines. Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) is an equity theater company, designated a Small Professional Theatre under the Actors’ Equity Association. CVRep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide thought provoking theatre of substance.

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March 4 to March 10, 2021

LOCAL MUSIC

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he CMFs are Joseph Vaughan on guitars and vocals, Jasyn Smith on percussion and Matt King on bass. I don’t particularly care for any artist that would have the gall to use a vulgarity in the title of their artist name, hence my initial disregard for the band five years ago when they hit the local desert music scene as The Classy Mother F?ckers. Over time, I was convinced by the band to ask myself, “What is REALLY in a name?” But if you’re talkin’ acronyms, I’m all for it! I give you The CMFs! Coachella Valley Weekly caught up with the tawdry trio to see what they have been conjuring up. CVW: What have The CMFs been up to since the pandemic began? The CMFs: “Well, COVID-19 obviously came as quite the shock. We were in the process of finishing up our debut album, Chaka, and honestly figured the whole thing would blow over by the time we released it, but here we are just about a year later. Our album has dropped on all major platforms, and yet we're still unable to play any shows in support of it, or any other new music we have in the works.” CVW: It really has been a potential death sentence for live music artists. How have you

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THE CMFs

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

dudes remained resilient? The CMFs: “It really is a bummer, but fortunately we had already started to work on our YouTube channel just before COVID hit. So we have managed to remain hard at work throughout the lockdown, releasing everything from goofy skits to sports analysis shows, as well as live jam session performances while we took our time building up our studio and equipment in order to become fully independent in terms of recording and releasing music. And so everything you hear or see from us this year will have been written, recorded and produced by The CMFs!” CVW: THE CMFs have released some interesting video pieces during COVID. How have you maintained your relevancy and what will you do to keep it going? The CMFs: “Releasing music during quarantine has definitely posed a challenge, yet an interesting opportunity as well. There is certainly no better way to capture an individual's or audience's attention than a raw and powerful live performance. However, considering we're unable to take advantage of that at the moment, it has forced us to get creative in order to stay relevant, and in many ways become even more determined and

dedicated to our craft. For starters, alongside all of our sketches and shorts, we will be implementing more music on our YouTube channel. We have been working on a new series of collaborations with unexpected artists from all walks of the Coachella Valley music scene. These collaborative YouTube ‘exclusive’ tracks will be some of our most experimental work to date, and by no means will be bound by any genre or title.” CVW: The CMFs have taken the road less travelled in regards to consistent releases. How will you be presenting the new music? The CMFs: “To keep the music and good times rolling, whether live shows come back or not, we will be releasing a brand new single on the final Friday of every month for the entirety of 2021! January brought the release of Afterglow. A very contemplative and pacifying three and a half minute record that sounds tremendously unique to anything else we've put out thus far. So if you haven't checked out Afterglow by now, be sure to log on to our website at thecmfs.com or Spotify as soon as you're done reading this! We think you'll be pleasantly surprised if you do!” CVW: What song will we be hearing next? The CMFs: “For this month’s release we

went back to our roots; revisiting a classic CMFs song that didn’t quite make our album, but we knew it still deserved its place in our catalogue. Now that we have decided to release a year's worth of music for 2021, we thought what better opportunity then now to bring to you, Service Man! Revamped and re-done, bigger and better than ever!” CVW: Where can fans find you and your music? The CMFs: “Our website thecmfs.com is your one-stop-shop for all things ‘classy’! From merch, to music, videos, and social media updates thecmfs.com is the way to go! You can also find us and follow us on ALL social media platforms, ALL major music streaming sites, as well as YouTube and newly added TikTok! All @TheCMFs!” CVW: A little birdie told me you all have faces for radio. The CMFs: “Tune into our monthly residency on 93.7 KCLB as well! We will be on-air following each and every release with an interview and an exclusive radio play!” Afterglow - youtu.be/fyZuFM0gW0g Social Media Links: thecmfs.com Facebook.com/TheCMFs Instagram.com/thecmfs YouTube.com/user/TheClassyMotherFkers Twitter.com/TheCMFs Soundcloud.com/thecmfs thecmfs.bandcamp.com o p e n . s p o t i f y . c o m / artist/71OYd1LtkbRw6Y0Sw0sSfQ Amazon.com/gp/product/B08NFC137D/?ta g=distrokid06-20

Monday, March 8 Thursday, March 4 Tuesday, March 9

Wednesday, March 10 Friday, March 5 Saturday, March 6

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Sunday, March 7

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CONSIDER THIS

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t isn’t a stretch to suggest that Fernando Perdomo is the Orson Welles of the Los Angeles Rock scene. A multiinstrumentalist, production wizard and something of a musical polymath, he arrived in L.A. less than a decade ago, and immediately made a name for himself. Born and raised in Miami, Fernando’s obsession with music began as a kid. He haunted thrift stores and flea markets searching out old vinyl. Formal training started early and by the time he was a teen he was part of Miami Senior High’s acclaimed Classical Guitar Ensemble and Rock Ensemble programs. At the same time, he embarked on what would become a lifelong friendship with ensemble-mate Chris Price. By the turn of the 21st century, at the tender age of 19, Fernando was enough of a gunslinger to be featured on a nationwide commercial for Pier One Imports. He made his bones playing in a series of bands, Avenging Lawnmowers Of Justice, Sixo, Trophy Wife and Dreaming In Stereo. He also became an in-demand studio and touring musician. He built a reputation touring internationally and recording with established artists like Hilary McCrae and Andy Pratt. On the heels of relocating to L.A. he released a solo EP, opened his own recording facility, Reseda Ranch Studios and reconnected with Chris Price. Their first collaboration was producing Linda Perhacs’ long-awaited followup to her 1970 debut. Released in 2014, Linda’s “The Soul Of All Natural Things” was hailed as a welcome comeback. Plenty more music followed. Fernando toggled between nurturing his solo career (releasing long-players and EPs at a furious clip), as well as engaging in production and session work for Sam (as in Sam & Dave) Moore, reclusive musical genius Emitt Rhodes, local hero Ken Sharp, Power Pop/ Glam Goddess Cait Brennan, Linda Perhacs again, Chris Price and his longtime musical hero, Todd Rundgren. His watershed solo effort, “The Golden Hour,” was released in 2017. He also indulged his passion for Prog-Rock on “Out To Sea” (second and third “Out To Sea” volumes arrived in 2019 and 2020, respectively). Jumping at the chance to record at London’s venerable Abbey Road studios, 2018 saw the release of his fifth LP, “Zebra Crossing.” A selfproclaimed love-letter to the ground zero for all things Fab, Fernando succeeded in creating a majestic and mystical pocket symphony. That same year, Fernando was also an integral part of “Echo In The Canyon” a documentary film that paid homage to the fertile Laurel Canyon music scene of the ‘60s. Featuring musicians like Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, Beck, Cat Power and Norah Jones, the film culminated in a concert at the Orpheum Theatre where these younger musicians paid homage to Canyon classics like the Byrds’ “It Won’t Be Long,” Buffalo Springfield’s “Expecting To Fly” and the Mamas And The Papas’ “Go Where You Want To Go.” Fernando played a plethora of instruments on stage, as well as on the soundtrack. Recently, he completed a passion project, his 11th solo effort, “TRGTR.” A guitar-driven tribute to his idol, Todd Rundgren. To paraphrase “The Sound Of Music,” Fernando starts at the very beginning, as it’s a very fine

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(FORWARD MOTION STARCASTER RECORDS)

place to start. The all-instrumental album opens with “Open My Eyes” from Todd’s mid ‘60s combo, Nazz, and hopscotches through hits like “Hello It’s Me,” “Can We Still Be Friends” and “A Dream Goes On Forever,” along with deeper cuts like “Wailing Wall” and “Lucky Guy” as well as newer songs like “Smoke,” “Espionage” and “Collide-A-Scope.” Like any true renaissance man, the impetus to create seems to spark 24/7. This time, what Tenacious D. refers to as “inspirado,” came in two forms, the purchase new guitar, and the backlash Phoebe Bridgers received following her recent “Saturday Night Live” performance. Fernando recently acquired a Fender Starcaster. The ‘70s era guitar was created to compete with the Gibson 335, and only lately, has it attained a measure of cachet. Meanwhile, L.A. native and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Phoebe appeared on “SNL” a couple of weeks ago and concluded her second song by smashing her (Danelectro, if you care) guitar adding a touch of theatricality to her performance. Predictably, the internet went batshit, as though the world had never seen this before. Um, The Who first achieved notoriety 50 years ago when Pete Townshend would end each show by smashing his guitar. Everyone from Jimi Hendrix to the Clash to Green Day have turned guitars into kindling at one time or another. The backlash seemed wildly misogynistic. Even David Crosby weighed in, judging it “pathetic.” Perhaps he only approves of self-destructive behavior. Fernando wasn’t having it! He quickly wrote his first protest song on the spot. Five more songs followed in rapid succession. Playing everything himself, he recorded in two, two-hour sessions. Adopting Starcaster as his new nom-de-Rock, he has just released this new, self-titled EP. The EP kicks into gear with “Crazy.” The song’s intro is an explosion of squally, spaceage guitars, and wicked bass lines, bookended by a walloping back-beat. Rather quickly, it powers down, locking into a Beatlesque groove on the verse, followed by a manic upswing on the chorus. This feels wholly apropos since the lyrics confront the specter of mental illness; “’Take control of your life,’ said the man with no control of his booze and his wife, don’t believe the man in white.” By the chorus, the amateur diagnosis gets the “I’m-rubber-you’re-glue” treatment; “If I’m Crazy, so are you, if I’m crazy, so are you, it I’m crazy so are you, if I’m crazy…” The arrangement accelerates on the break, hugging the melody’s hairpin turns, shifting from frenetic to phased and dusted. “Life Without Her” is slightly more laid back. The song has a classic ‘70s AOR feel (think E.L.O. without the strings or Styx sans bombast, with hints of plush Power Pop goodness that recalls the Raspberries and, of course, Todd Rundgren). A whooshy intro features stacked guitars that shimmer and swoon, but quickly downshift. Anchored by a whipcrack rhythm, boinging bass fills brush up against chunky power chords. Although the opening lyrical gambit; “I was looking for a new love, when an extra special old love came knocking at my door,” threatens to veer into fantastical “Penthouse Forum” territory, the song really just wants to celebrate rekindling an old romance. The arrangement’s crisp

March 4 to March 10, 2021

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

melodicism proves difficult to resist, guitars spark and pinwheel on the break, tapping out a series of darting morse-code-ish riffs, touching down on the outro with a shuddery flourish. Not so much a wistful recollection of halcyon high school days, “Class Of ’98,” is more of a pedal-to-the-metal declaration of teenage independence; “I’m a part of the Class of ’98, I wore Beatles shirts, I was a terrible flirt, but I got a girl.” The instrumentation is bare-bones, but thanks to skittery guitars, prowling bass runs and a cantilevered beat, there’s a Spector-esque Wall of Sound density baked into the arrangement. Souped-up guitar pyrotechnics race and rev on the break, achieving face-melty bliss. The EP’s ne plus ultra track is also it’s raison d’etre. For “Smash Your Guitar Phoebe,” rampaging guitars ride roughshod over leapfrogging bass lines and a piledriver beat. His very first protest song is sharp and succinct,

getting straight to the point; “Smash your guitar, smash your guitar, Phoebe, smash your guitar, smash your guitar, Phoebe/Little bitches shouldn’t tell you what to do, little bitches shouldn’t tell you what to say, smash away, smash away, smash away.” Deft and economical, the jittery solo crests as Fernando wildly exhorts; “Smash your guitar in the monitor” and then does exactly that. The metallic, bubblegum crunch of “The Girl With Everything,” is accomplished by matching vroomy guitars with shivery Mellotron notes, stutter-step bass, crashing hi-hat action and a chunka-chunk rhythm. Here, Fernando unleashes some slithery, come-hither circa ‘70s lounge-lizardry; “You got vibe, I got vibe, let’s vibe together/You got style, and I got style, it will be worth a while, a while?” The EP closes with the title track. A flurry of guitar feedback gives way sandblasted riffage, ascending bass lines and a jackhammer beat. The calibrated chaos offers up a perfect ending to a solid, six-song set. Like any self-respecting auteur, Fernando has moved on to creating new music, producing other musicians and playing with friends. No doubt, as he finishes production chores on Cait Brennan’s latest opus, in his head he’s scoring a soundtrack played on tiny toy pianos. Hopefully, Starcaster isn’t a oneoff, and it’s something he will periodically revisit. Either way, this EP is a raucous good time.

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THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

ACES HIGH AT THE ACE HOTEL!

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o—the internationally famed Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs is not the new gambling casino in our Coachella Valley; don’t take the title of this piece the wrong way. Rather, I’m using the expression “Aces High” to give a royal flush salute & shout-out to the new chef and his new cuisine menu at the King’s Highway Restaurant at the Ace Hotel. Recently I joined the food & beverage bloggers, Penny and Paolo Max from The Palm Springs Wine Blog to meet with Chef Yssac Ramirez and check out the new open seating scene by the hotel’s poolside patio. Nice to check out the restaurant scene again! Since The P.S. Wine Blog already wrote their review, being in the mix that evening, it’ll be easy for me to quote our findings. And I’ll finish up reviewing the wines we tasted from The Amigo Room wine list. “What an enjoyable time we had at the King's Highway Restaurant at the Ace last evening. The tables were staggered outside by the pool, the heaters made it extra cozy and warm and the band played some delicious live jazz. What made it even better was the food! Chef Ysaac Ramirez has created a new and extremely delectable menu, creative and delicious, well balanced, fresh and vibrant. “For appetizers, we started out with the Tabbouleh Salad (quinoa, kale, basil, smoked barley, hazelnuts, feta) it screamed spicy freshness in the best way. Next, we tasted the Maitake Mushrooms (sour cream, chives, caramelized onion, and prosciutto), you've got to taste it to believe it. It was soft and crunchy at the same time, intriguing. We followed that up with beets (buttermilk, radish, chives, almond crumble, parmesan), a delectable concoction. “The main courses we tried were the Bucatini (tomato, garlic, basil pesto, grana padano), featuring a perfectly cooked fresh pasta, delivered from Domenicos in L.A.; The chef's favorite, Quarter Chicken (tomato, barley, kale, salsa mojo), that was reminiscent of a delicious confit; and the Redtop Farm Pork Chop (buttermilk mash, pearl onions, apple, red onion reduction) which was tender and unctuous.” The Amigo Room is where one can find “inspired cocktails and craft beer in a cool cavenous space.” For those of you who’ve been there—well, you know what we’re talking about. An honorable mention to Erica the

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bartender for the mocktails she poured namely the Desert Facial (cucumber, pineapple, mint), a good palate cleanser, and the Cranky Coyote (grapefruit, lime, rosemary syrup, with a salted rim), a fan favorite. All drinks were served to us on the patio. I was pretty pleased with the versatility of wines by the glass on the list: They cover the sparkling wine waterfront with a House Bubbles Prosecco-style, $11; and a cremant from Burgundy, Bailly-Lapierre Brut Rose, $14. Available by the bottle is the Spanish Mont Marcal Cava (Penedes, Spain) $45; and we have the ever-popular Veuve Clicquot at the celebratory price of $166. The House Rose is a Provençal one from France, a Grenache Noir, $14; and a Curran Rose, a Grenache Gris from Santa Barbara. For you snappy Sancerre fans, there is one from the Loire, Domino Sancerre $19. If a California Sauv blanc is more your speed with softer citrus notes, there’s the Cadre Stone Blossom, $16, from beautiful Edna Valley. A very nice glass of Chard shows up as a Trefethen Chardonnay, $15. As to a nice Pinot Noir, I enjoyed the house pinot, which at the time was the 2018 McIntyre from Santa Lucia Highlands—absolutely tasty! However currently, they are serving the 2017 Poppy Pinot Noir, $15—which is tasty as well. I’ve met the mother of the winemaker from Poppy while she was shopping in my wine department; so I have some type of affinity to that wine as well. Finally, for a Cab, there is the 2018 Chateau Souverain from the North Coast of California. This wine just recently received some high marks from Wine Spectator magazine. All in all, I found the white wines and the pinots to best fit Chef Yssac’s cuisine style. Unfortunately, or fortunately—depending on your world view on the wine game, this wine list above is subject to change—indeed, we hear that there will be some changes in the coming month. The best thing of course is to check the website at kingshighwaydiner.com/drinks. It was just great to get out and dine again. With all the safety precautions in place, I know we are all looking forward to enjoying and supporting our local restaurants. Let’s keep in touch—Bon Appétit & Cheers! Rick is a certified wine steward and your somm-about-town, hopefully soon to be pouring at your favorite wine venue. Contact him at winespectrum@aol.com.

KEG WHISPERER

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ell, hello there! I don’t believe we’ve met. My name is Ed and I’m your new beer columnist here at CV Weekly. Forgive me, but I haven’t occupied the business end of a keyboard in a writing capacity in quite some time, so for your sake and mine, let’s both hope that this is just like riding a bicycle. Honestly, there are so many beery adventures to take you on…I’m nearly bursting at the seams. At the same time, this brand-spanking clean slate of a column is a wee bit daunting. You see, I can’t wait to describe for you the magnificence that is the nearly 80-year-old Anchor brewhouse in San Francisco; ground zero for the birth of the American Craft Beer movement. Together we will examine the German made copper

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NEW COLUMN! KEG WHISPERER

kettles, the open fermenters of Steam Beer lovingly cooled by the fog rolling in off the bay, and the many secrets hidden within the oldest brewery in California. We will also make a run to Chicago and explore The Hopleaf in all of its Belgian-inspired glory. Good luck finding better Pomme Frites or Bitterballen than their authentic presentation. Next, I’ll buy you a pint at The Map Room; a hidden gem in the suburbs where you will fall in love with the owner, the staff, and most importantly, the common, hard-nosed men and women who work hard and play hard in the City of Big Shoulders. Between these long-distance excursions we will explore the Coachella Valley, neighboring cities, and surrounding counties. We will expose the myriad of chop houses,

gastropubs, burger joints, and brewers who make this one of the finest places to live in terms of combining cuisine and the world’s earliest alcoholic beverage. You will be introduced to Chefs, Brewers, and the rest of the industry people who take immeasurable pride in not only satisfying our appetites, but do so with a passion and dedication that turns the mere act of eating into an all-inclusive fine dining experience. I’ve traveled this Ale Trail for almost thirty years now and its high time to share not only my past experiences, but for us to mutually explore our bountiful back yard. Admittedly, beer is at the top of my many passions, but I like to think that I’m multi-dimensional as well. If you toss in a love of live music, road cycling, hockey, and fishing, my idea of a good time becomes pretty clear. With the possible exception of patio dining during a Nor’easter, I’m happiest while doing something outdoors or within the friendly confines of a brewery. Once Covid restrictions are lifted, we will stroll hand-in-hand through beer festivals held on many different levels. We will attend home-grown events, meander into Orange County for the Brew HaHa, and venture up to Mammoth for Bluesapalooza, a three day / five-star event featuring the best the Blues have to offer while complimented by 80 different brewers. Heck, we will even hit The Granddaddy of Them All, The Great American Beer Festival in Denver, although this year’s event will look a little different because of the lingering pandemic. While beer is the central theme of the column, it’s really the cast of dedicated people who keep the suds flowing that make

March 4 to March 10, 2021

BY BREWMASTER ED HEETHUIS all of this worthwhile. I will introduce you to industry legends such as Fritz Maytag of the aforementioned Anchor Brewery as well as cult favorites like Vinnie Cilurzo and his wonderful wife Natalie who own and operate Russian River Brewing up in Santa Rosa. We will collectively meet and discover what inspires our local brewers and brewery employees to labor daily; putting fresh, tasty local beer on your table. Well, that’s my side of the equation and it’s time for me to ask some questions. What would you like to see in this space? What would you like to learn about beer? Where would you like to go? Who would you like to meet? Communication is key and I cannot stress enough that I would love for these pages to become a two-way street. My email address is located at the end of the column and I absolutely love hearing from our readers. Hmmm. That ought to take care of introductions for now. Finally meeting you is certainly my pleasure and I can’t wait to see where this all leads. Until next time, be safe, seize the day, and please be good humans. (When Ed Heethuis isn’t brewing at Spotlight 29 Casino for 29 Brews, you will find the Certified Cicerone / Brewmaster out on his road bike, plotting a Beer Dinner with one of the Valley’s many acclaimed Chefs, or talking beer with the patrons at Taproom 29. He may be reached at: heethuis.ed@gmail.com or wherever beer may be found in the wild.)

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SCREENERS

BACH’S AIR ON THE G STRING MOSHB (“CONFESSIONAL with GODDESS KAT”)

The Great Kat Metal Goddess visits her local church on a Sunday. The Great Kat whips out her guitar, shreds and moshes Bach’s sacred Baroque masterpiece. Inspired by the sacred ambience, The Great Kat enters the confessional booth to confess her demonic & wicked Seven Deadly sins to the priest; whipping our chains, backward crosses, whips and more symbols of the Seven Deadly Sins to demonstrate her evil ways. The priest forgives The Metal Goddess and decides that J.S. Bach’s music

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No. 464

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT…

is so powerful that even evil temptation can’t undermine it. The holy priests, bishops, monks and even J.S. Bach unite by moshing in unison in appreciation of Bach’s metal masterpiece! The Great Kat Metal Goddess performs Johann Sebastian Bach baroque genius music “Air” composed in 1730. Originally the 2nd movement from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.3, BWV 1608, Bach’s famous masterpiece gets The Great Kat’s metal treatment as The Great Kats Baroque Guitar Shredder virtuosically shreds 5 lead guitars with beautiful melodic contrapuntal melodies and harmonies, while Great Kat’s heavy metal rhythm guitars, bass and drums pound with headbanging and moshing rhythms. J.S. “Air” is one of the most popular Baroque Classical works in history and the The Great Kat, Julliard grad violin virtuoso and “Top 10 Fastest Shredders Of All Time” – Guitar One Magazine, is the only guitar/violin double virtuoso shredding Bach’s masterpiece at high speeds and moshes, while bringing his genius music to a whole new generation with metal. The Great Kat, Metal Legend, celebrates Bach’s 336 Birthday year (March 21) with this powerful new music video that is best experienced at full volume. Available on Amazon Movies. VICTOR AND VALENTINO Get ready to escape boredom and embark on hilarious adventures in a small town filled with legendary stories and mythological encounters where fantastical creatures and

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

folklore come to life. Cartoon Network’s Imagen Awardnominated series finally arrives on DVD for the first time! Created by Diego Molano, this supernatural adventure comedy is about two half-brothers who spend a summer with their grandmother in Monte Macabre, a small, mysterious town where the myths and legends of Mesoamerican folklore come to life. With a run-time of almost two and a half hours, the 18 engaging episodes include: “Folk Art Foes,” Dead Ringer,” “Brotherly Love,” “Chata’s Quinta Quinceañera,” “Legend of the Hiddn Skate Park,” “Cleaning

Day,” “The Babysitter,” “Hurricane Chata,” “Lonely Haunts Club,” “Suerte,” “The Dark Room,” “The Collector,” “The Boy Who Cried Lechuza,” “Boss for a Day,” “Cuddle Monster,” “Los Cadejos,” “It Grows” and “Welcome to the Underworld.” Warner Bros Global Kids, Young Adults and Classic (GKYAC) brings together Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), as well as Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation. Among the iconic franchises, series and charcters under the GKYAC banner are Looney Tunes, DC’s animated Super Heroes, Rick and Morty, Craig of the Creek, the classic Hanna-Barbera library, Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, Warner Bros. unrivaled film library and many more. Warner Bros. DVD. Comments or Questions? I want to hear from you. robin@coachellavalleywekly.com

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March 4 to March 10, 2021

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March 4 to March 10, 2021

PET PLACE

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omeless kittens sometimes end up in unusual places, but the February 11th call to Loving All Animals from “Rick” stunned everyone. A construction worker at a Coachella housing subdivision, Rick found two tiny kittens inside a concrete container on his job site. The containers were piled up ready for underground installation to hold water meters. The concrete containers were manufactured at a Riverside plant. They were sealed early that morning with plastic before being trucked into Coachella. They were lifted by forklift into stacks at the construction site awaiting underground placement. The container came very close to becoming a coffin for the hapless creatures. Miraculously, the lid tipped, allowing the worker to see something moving inside. Could he bring the kittens to the Loving All Animal? The worker sounded busy, replying there was no way he could leave his shift. He rattled off his location with vague directions, no specific address on Shady Lane. Sensing that the kittens’ situation was urgent, Jeanette sprung to the rescue. It sounded like the kittens were newborns and in need of a bottle feeding foster home. She called Jamie Sue Stout, experienced kitten foster mom, before heading to the worksite. In a fortunate coincidence, Jamie Sue was nearby

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RUFUS & GYPSY, THE CONTAINER KITTENS

about to enjoy a picnic lunch with her husband John in a Coachella park. John overheard the conversation, packed up their meal saying, “Let’s go!” In a race against time, both groups of rescuers found themselves lost on rural roads, and Rick at the construction site was not answering his cell phone. They located the vast construction site with dozens of workers, but no one knew anything about “Rick” or any kittens. Finally, they found Rick near a large black pickup truck surrounded by stacks of concrete containers. They were tiny precious creatures, a male orange tabby and a female tortoise shell. Jamie Sue noted their eyes were already open, estimated they were about two weeks old, and dehydrated but otherwise appearing healthy. She thinks it is most likely their mother was in the process of moving them either into or out of the container when it was suddenly sealed and forklifted onto a truck. Always equipped with kitten formula, the couple gingerly transported the tiny animals home for immediate feeding. This amazing animal lover grew up with many pets and participated in 4H animal activities. While on duty as a dispatcher for the Escalon Police Department in 2000, she received a call from a panicked animal control officer seeking help with feeding some abandoned newborn kittens. This cat lover

had no formal training, but quickly did some research. She was soon feeding them during her lunch break and they went home with her until they were old enough to be vetted and adopted. Hundreds of litters later, saving these tiny creatures is a “love affair of the heart”. Jamie Sue has fostered close to a thousand cats and kittens of all ages, and tells us, “The neonatal bottle feeding kittens are the most work, but I love caring for them, they are the most rewarding as we watch them grow.” Jamie Sue named the male and female kittens Rufus and Gypsy, “traveling hippy” names reflecting their journey from Riverside to the Coachella Valley. Initially they required bottle feeding every 2-3 hours, but that is now reduced to every 4 hours. The pair are thriving thanks to the love and skilled care provided by Jamie Sue. Rufus and Gypsy wrestle and play joyfully together. They are now almost five weeks old and being litter box trained. Jeanette will soon arrange for the series of vaccinations and spay and neutering. She has a list of potential adopters seeking kittens. Jeanette tells us, “Kitten and cat rescue is a lot of work. It was an adventure just to find these two kittens! For a rescue with limited personnel to go out and find and pick up kittens when the finder is unable to transport shows how much work there is before they come into our care. If you come across a litter of kittens, please determine if there is a mother cat nearby before you seize kittens to rescue them. Taking them away from their nursing mother can endanger baby animals. Thankfully, we were able to help with Rufus and Gypsy.” Kitten season has arrived. Feral cats, also known as community cats, give birth to hundreds of litters in Coachella Valley fields, in backyards, and sometimes in enclosed areas for protection. Many will not survive, perishing from disease, predators, and the elements. Others will survive to join large colonies of unsocialized community cats. Loving All Animals, www.lovingallanimals. org, seeks to be part of the solution, participating in efforts to Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) community cats in our Valley. The organization is blessed to have a handful of kitten foster homes that will surely be busy this season. If you would like more information on the plight of neonatal kittens, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary has an excellent resource,

MEET CHRISSY

MEET COCO LINO

This lovely 3-yr-old mixed German Shepherd girl waits patiently for a home at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley in N. Palm Springs. Sweet & loyal Chrissy had a long wait at the San Bernardino County shelter at Devore when abandoned, only to have her adopted human pass away from cancer. Chrissy will do best with a dog experienced family. Call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet Chrissy and give her another second chance, www.orphanpet.com.

Co Co Lino seeks someone with a big heart! He is a 9-yr-old special needs boy with diabetes. He adores all humans, and takes his daily insulin like a champ! This guy is 18 lbs of kitty love. Co Co Lino waits at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, go online at www.psanimalshelter.org to complete an adoption application and their staff will call you.

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BY JANET McAFEE network.bestfriends.org/lifesaving-library/catresources/neonatal-kitten-toolkit. janetmcafee8@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a cat or dog. Please check their websites in advance for updates on adoption procedures during the quarantine. COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at  www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt. Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at  www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public)  ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 6013918. (Private)

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CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs in addition to small dogs and cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www. kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at  www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 335-6767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at  www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs

March 4 to March 10, 2021

and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella,  www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, view animals at www.living-free.org, (951) 659-4687 (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree,  www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 3663786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 386-9280. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).  DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/ San Bernardino area. Contact them through website  www.DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

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March 4 to March 10, 2021

HADDON LIBBY

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enator Elizabeth Warren has proposed a special 2% tax on people’s wealth over $50 million and 3% for those worth more than $1 billion. Termed the “Ultra-Millionare” tax, her proposal is fraught with “implementation problems” were it to come into law, says Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Warren estimates that her proposal could add $3.75 billion to government income over the next ten years. It is estimated that this law would impact no more than 100,000 families. This tax would be in addition to normal income taxes. Warren’s logic for a net worth tax is based on the rapidly expanding income gap that has grown worse during the pandemic. As discussed in my January 7th article, “The Income Gap”, only 10% of Americans earn $100,000 or more in income. Only six in ten working age Americans earn an income, the lowest level on record. Of those working 46.5% earn less than $30,000/ year with 2/3rds earning less than $50,000/ year. Warren’s proposal seems ill-concocted and D.O.A. How could her plan win approval where the Biden Administration is finding it difficult to pass a $15/hour federal minimum wage? Her proposal or the increase in the

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AMAZON, JOBS AND ULTRA-MILLIONAIRES

minimum wage gains traction in large part as the ranks of the middle class in the United States has consistently eroded over the last 30 years as the production of many goods and services flowed to lower cost places for manufacturing. If we set the pandemic aside, the key issue before us relates to a widening skill gap between those looking for good paying jobs and the needs of the companies responsible for the best paying jobs. We need more doctors of all kinds around the country, yet an insufficient amount is generated from the educational system. Digital engineers, data miners and data scientist positions cannot be filled domestically and are regularly outsourced to offshore workers or those entering with work visas as a result. An increased focus on educational is needed if we are to grow the ranks of those earning more than $100,000/year to

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

RANDOM PI/DUI THOUGHTS

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S A YOUNG BOY I WOULD MARVEL AT SOME OF THE RANDOM THOUGHTS OF GREAT THINKERS LIKE WILL ROGERS. Here are a few of my less insightful ones. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR BE IMPAIRED WITH MJ. REMEMBER DUI MEANS BEING IMPAIRED WITH EITHER ALCOHOL OR A PRESCRIPTIVE OR NON PRESCRIPTIVE DRUG...LIKE MJ A Personal Injury (PI) Lawyer is a safety lawyer. We got after people that have violated safety laws resulting in an accident. There are 10 x’s more people hurt from violations of Safety Laws than Criminal laws. The DA is a hero by going after the bad guys…PI Lawyers do the same thing by going after people that violate safety laws resulting in injuries to others. A Drowsy Driver is just as bad as A DUI DRIVER. Texting while driving is just as bad as Drinking and Driving There is no such thing as ONE BEST ATTORNEY for a serious accident case. It depends on a number of factors! Handling a Truck accident is different from an Auto/ Motorcycle, Uber/Lyft or Slip and Fall Accident. The best lawyer may depend on what court you are going to, who is the judge, which insurance company are you fighting etc. 1. Accidents will happen: I help clients

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more than 10% of the 60% of working-aged Americans who are working. With this as a backdrop, the City of Cathedral City will be getting an Amazon Distribution Center in the old Sam’s Club location. Creating approximately 150 jobs, most of these workers will earn $15, $17 or $22/hour with medical, a 401k and higher education reimbursement. While these may not be the highest paying jobs, the ability of every worker to get educational costs reimbursed allows each the chance to increase their skill sets and either move up the corporate ranks or transition to a preferred career in another field. Expectations are that Amazon will be adding another facility down valley in the near future. Along with the new Amazon Distribution Center, Starbuck’s and Chipotle are expected as part of the redevelopment of downtown Cathedral City. Part of that redevelopment will be a gated community across from City

BY HADDON LIBBY Hall which is expected to focus on higher-end condos and townhomes. While these new employers and construction projects coming to Cathedral City may not be an employment solution to everyone who is looking for work, each is greatly welcomed given the devastation caused to the leisure/entertainment by the pandemic. As college or a graduate school degree is beyond the reach of many people financially, professional certificates may be another way for many people to gain the skills needed to find better paying jobs. Looking at Google’s skills training center, those who complete Virtual Career Certifications on their platform earn, on average $63,600/year for entrylevel jobs. Four careers currently offering virtual career certificates in are IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management and UX Design. For more information, visit grow. google. Haddon Libby is the Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached via www.WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

cope with pain and suffering and other issues. 2. You had an accident… now what will happen? Use your phone to gather info and take pix of the scene, CDL, Insurance Card etc 3. Law is an information/documentation gathering game and communication is a 2 way street. If your lawyer doesn’t return your calls… change lawyers. Some lawyers and doctors are arrogant jerks…….Fire them. The fee will be split between the new and old lawyer. It will not cost you .01 cent more. 4. Remember SILENCE IS GOLDEN: DON’T TALK TO THE INSURANCE CO. IT’S NOT JUST WHAT YOU SAID BUT RATHER WHAT THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER OR DEFENSE LAWYER THOUGHT YOU SAID. 5. SHARE ALL INFO WITH YOUR LAWYER WHO WILL COACH YOU ON WHAT YOU CAN SHARE. 6. DON’T GO TO YOUR OWN DOCTOR OR ANOTHER DOC, WITHOUT FIRST DISCUSSING IT WITH YOUR LAWYER. WE ALL HAVE THINGS IN OUR MED RECORDS THAT WILL CAUSE SOME JURORS TO THINK LESS OF YOU…(ABORTION; DRUG /ALCOHOL ABUSE; PRIOR ACCIDENTS; SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE ETC….. 7.Wear a mask…it is a question of mutual respect for your neighbors and it is the right thing to do……..it is not just for your protection but that of others……..we have to all do the right thing. 8.Wearing a mask is like not drinking

and driving…it is not just you that you are protecting, but the next guy too. You should not just be concerned about your getting in an accident and hurting yourself, but rather about that next innocent guy that could be hit by you. Not wearing a mask is grossly irresponsible……..not just so you won’t get Covid, but also so the next person won’t get it from you. 9. Sometimes Common Sense is not so Common. 10. Communication requires family member to talk to the lawyer too. Sometimes the client is not the best historian. In other words the plaintiff is not aware of some things they are doing that are different. The family must share that with the lawyer. 11. In some instances, even when you do everything right, the pain for NOT go away. 12. There is no test that can prove there is not pain in your back. 14. However there are different ways to test for Malingering. 15. Sometime things happen that change a case when the police arrive for an accident or DUI. 16. If you have brain cancer, you don’t ask your dentist “what should I do?” If your car has a problem, you don’t seek help from a plumber! Do your homework before hiring a lawyer… especially one on TV that is overwhelmed resulting in your talking to someone assigned to your case that has NO legal training. 17. The public should not care what an athlete or celebrity endorses as an attorney? If we want to know about football, then

depending on the information we seek, we might consult with the athlete. However, even a quarterback doesn’t seek advice on playing his position from a defensive tackle! 18. There is a wave of Covid 19 SCAMS that will hit soon. 19. It is even more important during the age of COVID, that we all stand together…as we stand 6 feet apart. 20. Numbers: The Freshman 15 vs Covid 19…both referring to pounds gained from 1st year of college or 1 year of Covid19 at home. DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. BEING INTOXICATED, IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS BEING INTEXTICATED. A DRIVER MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME” Ideas for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com. DALE GRIBOW - Legal Representation Of The Injured and Criminally Accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-21 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019

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SAFETY TIPS

March 4 to March 10, 2021

FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

SPRING INTO SAFETY!

replacing conventional bulbs with energyefficient compact fluorescent or LCD bulbs? Rumor has it, replacing standard bulbs with energy-efficient ones saves money. If you are not able to safely use a step ladder, contact a family member, friend or perhaps contacting your local fire department and ask for assistance. Next, check the first-aid kit. It’s a good time to check your first aid kit and replace or upgrade any missing supplies. Finally, this is a good time to review your family emergency plan. If an emergency strikes, will your family know what to do? Review your family’s emergency plan, or create one for the first time. Hold a meeting with family members to explain what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. How about your earthquake preparedness supplies? Make sure you have them and they are up to date. Update phone numbers, addresses and contact information, and post an emergency information page near the phone. Your local fire department will be glad to help you with any of the above. Be safe!

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March 4 to March 10, 2021

SWAG FOR THESOUL

“Fear and anger cannot survive in the presence of forgiveness and heartfelt gratitude. In the same token, forgiveness and gratitude do not naturally evolve from an environment fear, anger, disappointment and all those other emotions that cause us discomfort…” – Gratitude + Forgiveness X (LOVE) = Happiness by Aimee Mosco and Donald L. Ferguson, page 57. ven when you understand that forgiveness is the best way out of an emotional entanglement that triggers you time and again, it can be difficult to truly forgive another person who has inspired your pain, anger or disappointment. Awareness and practice are two different animals. If you understand that pain, as unwelcomed as it is, serves a purpose and always connects with a lesson, then you give yourself the opening to rise above it. Awareness marks the beginning of this journey. Exploring the elements of your lessons comes next. That happens most effectively and thoroughly when you put your ego on a shelf and turn your focus inward. Your lessons are yours to own. They serve you. While others may play important roles in your awakening process, their behaviors and motivations are their business. Keep your focus on you to move forward. Claiming ownership of your emotions is a mandatory rest stop on your journey. Others only hold as much power over your emotions as you allow them to. In other words, your emotions are your responsibility, and they deserve your full

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BY AIMEE MOSCO

attention when you explore your lessons. You can’t speed past this part because if you do, you only cheat yourself. When you don’t own your emotions, you will likely be inclined to blame others for how you feel. If you generate emotions according to your divine will, you are the generator and you are in charge. When you direct love, appreciation and joy that you generate inward to fill your reservoir so it overflows, there is no void left to fill. You will never be left to wait for, wish for, or expect emotional fortification from someone who may not be willing to offer it. Triggers born from expectations or desires lose all of their power when you choose to give love in abundance to yourself. While it requires some soul searching and discipline to grow your awareness and put in place a self-love practice that delivers you to a destination above the hurt where gratitude, forgiveness and love flourish, it is well within reach. In my pursuit to help human beings stay focused on love, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella and me. Go to facebook.com/groups/evolvethroughlove and share with us your joy. Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Spiritual Teacher and Co-Founder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s desire to help others inspired her book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. Aimee is a founding member of World Game Changers and she serves as Vice Chair to the Board of Directors of this charitable CIC based in the UK. Find Aimee at www.ihsunity.com.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF MARCH 4

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In late April of 1969, Cambridhgeshire, UK hosted the first-ever Thriplow Daffodil Weekend: a flower show highlighting 80 varieties of narcissus. In the intervening years, climate change has raised the average temperature 3.24 degrees Fahrenheit. So the flowers have been blooming progressively earlier each year, which has necessitated moving the festival back. The last preCovid show in 2019 was on March 23-24, a month earlier than the original. Let’s use this as a metaphor for shifting conditions in your world. I invite you to take an inventory of how your environment has been changing, and what you could do to ensure you’re adapting to new conditions. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Author Leo Buscaglia told us that among ancient Egyptians, two specific questions were key in evaluating whether a human life was well-lived. They were “Did you bring joy?” and “Did you find joy?” In accordance with your current astrological potentials, I’m inviting you to meditate on those queries. And if you discover there’s anything lacking in the joy you bring and the joy you find, now is a very favorable time to make corrections. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): At age 11, the future first President of the United States George Washington became the “owner” of ten slaves. A few years later he “bought” 15 more. By the time he was president, 123 men, women, and children were struggling in miserable bondage under his control. Finally, in his will, he authorized them to be freed after he and his wife died. Magnanimous? Hell, no. He should have freed those people decades earlier— or better yet, never “owned” them in the first place. Another Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin not only freed his slaves but became an abolitionist. By my count, at least 11 of the other Founding Fathers never owned slaves. Now here’s the lesson I’d like us to apply to your life right now: Don’t procrastinate in doing the right thing. Do it now. CANCER (June 21-July 22): During World War II, the Japanese island of Ōkunoshima housed a factory that manufactured poison gas for use in chemical warfare against China. These days it is a tourist attraction famous for its thousands of feral but friendly bunnies. I’d love to see you initiate a comparable transmutation in the coming months, dear Cancerian: changing bad news into good news, twisted darkness into interesting light, soullessness into soulfulness. Now is a good time to ramp up your efforts. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Scars speak for you,” writes author Gena Showalter. “They say you’re strong, and you’ve survived something that might have killed others.” In that spirit, dear Leo, and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to authorize your scars to express interesting truths about you in the coming weeks. Allow them to demonstrate how resilient you’ve been, and how well you’ve mastered the lessons that your past suffering has made available. Give your scars permission to be wildly eloquent about the transformations you’ve been so courageous in achieving. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): According to novelist Doris Lessing, “Everybody in the world is thinking: I wish there was just one other person I could really talk to, who could really understand me, who’d be kind to me.” She implied that hardly anyone ever gets such an experience—or that it’s so rare as to be always tugging on our minds, forever a source of unquenched longing. But I’m more optimistic than Lessing. In my view, the treasured exchange she describes is not so impossible. And I think it will especially possible for you in the coming weeks. I suspect you’re entering a grace period of being listened to, understood, and treated kindly. Here’s the catch: For best results, you should be forthright in seeking it out. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “How much has to be explored and discarded before reaching the naked flesh of feeling,” wrote composer Claude Debussy. In the coming weeks, I hope you’ll regard his words as an incitement to do everything you can to reach the naked flesh of your feelings. Your ideas are fine. Your

© Copyright 2021 Rob Brezsny

rational mind is a blessing. But for the foreseeable future, what you need most is to deepen your relationship with your emotions. Study them, please. Encourage them to express themselves. Respect their messages as gifts, even if you don’t necessarily act upon them. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You may never wander out alone into a dark forest or camp all night on a remote beach or encounter a mountain lion as you climb to a glacier near the peak of a rugged mountain. But there will always be a primeval wilderness within you—uncivilized lands and untamed creatures and elemental forces that are beyond your rational understanding. That’s mostly a good thing! To be healthy and wise, you need to be in regular contact with raw nature, even if it’s just the kind that’s inside you. The only time it may be a hindrance is if you try to deny its existence, whereupon it may turn unruly and inimical. So don’t deny it! Especially now. (PS: To help carry out this assignment, try to remember the dreams you have at night. Keep a recorder or notebook and pen near your bed.) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “What damages a person most,” wrote philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “is to work, think, and feel without inner necessity, without any deep personal desire, without pleasure—as a mere automaton of duty.” Once a year, I think every one of us, including me, should meditate on that quote. Once a year, we should evaluate whether we are living according to our soul’s code; whether we’re following the path with heart; whether we’re doing what we came to earth to accomplish. In my astrological opinion, the next two weeks will be your special time to engage in this exploration. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What are your edges, Capricorn? What aspects of your identity straddle two different categories? Which of your beliefs embrace seemingly opposed positions? In your relations with other people, what are the taboo subjects? Where are the boundaries that you can sometimes cross and other times can’t cross? I hope you’ll meditate on these questions in the coming weeks. In my astrological opinion, you’re primed to explore edges, deepen your relationship with your edges, and use your edges for healing and education and cultivating intimacy with your allies. As author Ali Smith says, “Edges are magic; there’s a kind of forbidden magic on the borders of things, always a ceremony of crossing over, even if we ignore it or are unaware of it.” AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): According to intermedia artist Sidney Pink, “The idea of divine inspiration and an aha moment is largely a fantasy.” What the hell is he talking about?! That’s fake news, in my view. In the course of my creative career, I’ve been blessed with thousands of divine inspirations and aha moments. But I do acknowledge that my breakthroughs have been made possible by “hard work and unwavering dedication,” which Sidney Pink extols. Now here’s the climax of your oracle: You Aquarians are in a phase when you should be doing the hard work and unwavering dedication that will pave the way for divine inspirations and aha moments later this year. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): For you Pisceans, March is Love Yourself Bigger and Better and Bolder Month. To prepare you for this festival, I’m providing two inspirational quotes. 1. “If you aren’t good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you’ll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren’t even giving to yourself.” —Barbara De Angelis 2. “Loving yourself does not mean being self-absorbed or narcissistic, or disregarding others. Rather it means welcoming yourself as the most honored guest in your own heart, a guest worthy of respect, a lovable companion.” —Margo Anand Homework. What’s your theme song for 2021 so far? FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

HEALTH

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s Keto gains popularity you may be wondering what do I eat on Keto? It seems to be a terrific way to lose weight quicky, but will I like the foods and be satisfied? Even though Keto is now a common household word …there is still a lot of misunderstanding of exactly what to eat. The rumors are true: You can eat bacon on the keto diet. That alone gets a stamp of approval for Keto and makes it doable! There is a wide variety of delicious and filling Keto friendly foods and recipes. However, many processed, packaged foods are off-limits, and even certain whole foods are too starchy (sorry, sweet potatoes). You need to fill your plate with low-carb, highfat foods such as meat, seafood, non-starchy produce, and healthy fats. Keto is a healthy high fat diet with moderate protein and low carbs. I tend to customize macros for my clients depending on their needs like health, lifestyle, age activity level, etc. However, the “typical” Keto diet is approximately 75% fat, 20% protein and 5% carbs. Take a look at a sampling of some of Keto’s food options: Meat – Keto is a high-fat diet, not high protein, so you don’t need huge amounts of meat. But when eating meat think steak, chicken, lamb hamburger and the heartier dense meats. Fish and seafood – These are all good. Think scallops, halibut, cod, shrimp, and

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WHAT FOODS DO I EAT ON KETO?

especially fatty fish like salmon. Eggs – Nutritious and delicious no matter how you make them. They can be egg bites, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, omelets, deviled eggs, egg salad. Natural fat, high-fat sauces, and oils – You’ll likely get much of your fat from natural sources like meat, fish, eggs, etc. But also use fat in cooking with butter, avocado oil, olive oil or coconut oil. Add olive oil to salads and delicious high-fat sauces to main dishes. Eating the right kind of Fat is important for optimum health. Avoid polyunsaturated fat at all costs (vegetable and seed oils) Nuts – We love our nuts on Keto in moderation. Nuts can be consumed raw or as a nut butter except Cashews which are high in carbs. But that leaves Hazelnuts, Pecans, Sunflower seeds, Walnuts and Macadamia nuts.

Berries – A moderate amount is OK on keto and make a delicious dessert with strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries and whipping cream. What About Vegetables? Yes, you can have vegetables on Keto. You choose them carefully based on carb count and typically eat those growing above ground. Choose vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, avocado, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, green beans, asparagus, or zucchini. Vegetables replace carbs like rice, pasta, and potatoes. Think of Zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, cauliflower mash as great keto substitutes. Can I Have Dairy? Yes, if it’s high fat dairy. We don’t use any low-fat products on Keto. So, you’d be eating butter, high fat cheeses, sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese and heavy whipping cream. Often this short list is enough to convince many to give Keto a try. They have eliminated these foods from their diet for so long and are excited to add them back in. What Foods to Definitely Avoid Beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts Grains, such as rice, pasta, and oatmeal Low-fat dairy products Added sugars and sweeteners Sugary beverages, including juice and soda Traditional snack foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, and crackers Starchy vegetables, including corn, potatoes, beets, carrots and peas I Didn’t see Alcohol…Can I have it?

March 4 to March 10, 2021

BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK Yes. Alcohol can be consumed in moderation, but you’d avoid most beers and certain wines or sweetened cocktails. But there are plenty of low carb alcoholic drinks you can enjoy. One of the hardest parts of starting the Keto diet is knowing what the best foods are to help you hit your daily macros and get into ketosis faster for weight loss. Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Everything You Can Eat on Keto This is a good basic list but if you’d like a copy of my ultimate guide to everything you can and can't eat when you go keto— please email me at ketoiseasy@gmail.com. Keep it with you everywhere you go: to the grocery store, to restaurants and your keto life just got easier. About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto Lifestyle coach, a Seasoned expert on Customized Keto. Keto weight loss results can be greatly improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability, and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, goal setting, ongoing support and more. Follow Keto is Easy coach on Facebook and Instagram or go to Ketoiseasycoach.com.

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March 4 to March 10, 2021

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