Coachella Valley Weekly - April 8 to April 14, 2021 Vol. 10 No. 4

Photo by Kurt Schawacker

coachellavalleyweekly.com • April 8 to April 14, 2021 Vol.10 No.4

Manager/Producer David Ross The Warburton Virtual Events Danny Serephine at The RockYard Baked Blossoms by Steph pg5

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

BY NOE GUTIERREZ Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

Krystofer Do & David Ross ................ 3-5 The Warbuton Virtual Events................. 6 Danny Seraphine of Chicago at The Rockyard at Fantasy Springs....... 6 Theatre - CVRep ...................................... 7 Safety Tips............................................... 7 Travel Tips 4 U ......................................... 7 Club Crawler Nightlife............................ 8 Consider This - Willie Nelson .................. 9 The Vino Voice ...................................... 10 Screeners ............................................... 11 Baked Blossoms by Steph.................... 12 Pet Place .......................................... 14-15 Cannabis Corner ................................... 16 Free Will Astrology .............................. 16 Plant Based Palate ............................... 17 Real Estate ............................................ 17 Haddon Libby ....................................... 18 Dale Gribow .......................................... 18

COVER PHOTO BY KURT SCHAWACKER

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inger, songwriter musician Krystofer Do is the antonym of failure. Every move he makes is artistry in motion.

His vocals are soulful and uncommon. His musicianship is rare. He’s also unorthodox.

He’ll be the first to tell you that he thrives in the limelight and welcomes the attention and criticism.

If his single and video for Time Stops are a sign of things to come, there’s no ceiling for what he can achieve.

David Ross is synonymous with the concept of immersion. The man dives into his artists and nudges the talent to the forefront.

Do is a participant in a new music competition with a star-studded panel of judges being filmed in Hollywood, California and will be able to tell us more after the air date is released but until then we are sworn to secrecy.

Do also won “Best R&B Artist” at the 2020 CV Music Awards held this past January.

Coachella Valley Weekly connected with both Do and Ross to get an update on their projects.

CVW: What was your experience on the aforementioned music competition?

Do: “I’m not allowed to say much, right now, but meeting all of the celebrity judges involved was an absolute treat! Being surrounded by industry professionals and getting compliments, advice, and critiques from people who know what they're talking about really changed my life. It was, in every sense of the word, awesome!”

CVW: You’ve participated in many competitions over the years, what have you learned from previous events that helped you in participating in this one?

Do: “I’m a pretty competitive person by nature, even though I still try to be humble about it. Other competitions really taught me to do my very best, no matter what.

What made this one different from the rest of the competitions was that I was competing against bands who were just AMAZING in

Photo by Sauce Box Photography

their own right, so it really brought my ‘A’ game.”

CVW: You joked about quitting music this past April Fool’s Day. I’m curious, what would you be doing if you couldn’t do music?

Do: “I love this question, because I honestly don't know. I put so much time and effort into my music and my vocals, that I haven't really thought of what I'd do if music, for some reason, wasn't an option. I do love martial arts, particularly sword martial arts. I would probably study that, or pursue acting,

dancing, or modeling.”

CVW: Many desert artists are set on the DIY approach to their careers. What has it been like having David Ross as your manager?

Do: “I’m a pretty hard person to manage.

At first, I told David I didn't want to be managed at all, but David's got a charm about him, and he's honestly such an amazing dude. I wouldn't have been able to experience many opportunities without him, and I really appreciate all the work he puts in for me. I can't wait for the other projects we'll be working on together!”

CVW Speaking of that, what other projects are you working on now?

Do: “Lots of new music, and a new YouTube series where I'll be highlighting moments from songwriting sessions, paired with funny moments and good times.”

CVW: In addition to your powerhouse vocals, you are prolific on the piano/ keyboards. How much are the two interlaced with each other?

Do: “Thank you so much. That really means a lot to me. I actually didn't even wanna play keyboard at all, but I learned how to play out of necessity. It's pretty much a required skill to know at least one instrument at a rudimentary level in order to write, and also, I wanted to make money doing solo gigs, and didn't really wanna sing to tracks, I feel corny when I do that, so I wanted to have that live feel while playing keys. If I could, I'd just hire someone to play keyboard for me.” continue to page 5

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KRYSTOFER DO & DAVID ROSS

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Photo by David Ross

CVW: You’re still a young dude in the biz.

What are your long-term goals in the music business?

Do: “I wanna tour, have number one hits, and just be an entertainer. I wanna make it into art galleries that feature the music icons of yesterday and today. It's been a dream of mine since I was younger. The experience of performing is exhilarating, and I've always been an exhibitionist of sorts, and I honestly don't imagine me doing anything else in life.”

DAVID ROSS: MANAGER/ PRODUCER EXTRAORDINAIRE

David Ross, as an artist manager, is synonymous with the concept of immersion.

The man dives into his artists and nudges the talent to the forefront.

Since 1985 Ross has had his hand in many a musical pot in the Coachella Valley. He’s also heavily involved in supporting local charities and individuals in need, especially musicians.

CVW: What has it been like managing Krystofer Do? What drew you to him initially?

Ross: “I saw Krystofer Do on two occasions and I knew he could be a mega-star. He had all the pieces. He had the amazing vocals, the performance and the look. I knew I wanted to manage him. I knew what to do with him. I’ve done it before. So, after a couple attempts, he decided to sign the contract with me. I also had heard his incredible song Time Stops and I knew with the right production it would be a winner. So, I took him and the band into 4th Street Recording in Santa Monica, CA and produced the song. I also have been dealing with labels on his behalf. One being Sumerian Records (The Smashing Pumpkins, Crosses), they also have the #1 series on Amazon right now called Paradise City. Ash Avildsen is the owner of the label and a good friend of mine.

I gave him one of the artists on his label, Palaye Royale, who is now highly successful and has music in Paradise City. Then there’s this new music competition show recording down in Hollywood with a celebrity panel of judges and I was able to get Krystofer in the competition. We can’t talk anymore about it just yet as they are waiting on an air date. So mum is the word until we exclusively share an update with CV Weekly to tell readers all about it. It has been an amazing experience for everyone. Krystofer will now be seen soon

on television”.

CVW: You’ve been in the music industry for 36 years now, what are you most grateful for?

Ross: “Grateful for every moment of it! It’s been a heck of a ride, starting as an engineer in Los Angeles, to producer and then manager. Managing and producing legends like Junior Walker, Ike Turner and bands like England and many others. I’m grateful to be alive and living my life doing what I love best… music!”

CVW: What is your finest accomplishment thus far?

Ross: “Finest accomplishment? WOW! I have no idea! I have relished in bringing up two children that were not mine, and they both turned out amazing human beings. My productions through the years, so far, have been well-received. I’ve helped for years at The Well in the Desert where we feed and provide clothes to the homeless in Palm Springs, and that is an accomplishment I am proud of.”

CVW: Your optimism is infectious. Where do you find the energy to stay positive?

Ross: “Ah! Optimism! Yes! I am always asked how come I am so optimistic and happy! I guess I like to look at people and things with the right focus. I try and focus on their positives and not their negatives. I also have just always had a desire to be happy.

I believe in acceptance! Acceptance is the answer to everything in life. Things happen that we cannot change and there is no point in getting mad or depressed over them. It’s a waste of emotion and just brings ya down.

Also, I try to stay in the ‘now’ and keep my mind out of yesterday and tomorrow. None of

these things are always easy, and I’m certainly not perfect, but I try daily to follow my own set of rules to be happy”.

CVW: You’re an artist manager but also a music producer. What’s it like for you to wear different hats and give each position its appropriate attention?

Ross: “Separating the music production job from the management job is not easy!

However, I have been doing it since the mid 80’s! It’s about mind over bullshit! When I am producing, I set my mind to only the music.

Naturally, in the back of my mind is always the thought, ’Is this going to be correct for the labels?' When managing, it is about trying to get the artist to listen and understand what is necessary to make it in the music industry. No matter what age they may be, they already know everything! Haha! Excluding Junior Walker and Ike Turner, they understood the business and were very easy to manage.

It’s the younger artists that are a bit more difficult”.

CVW: What are your plans postpandemic?

Ross: “During COVID I have spent more time producing and working on the artists than before COVID. Since the live shows were out, there has been a lot more time for studio work and videos, etc. So, after the pandemic we can begin with more shows! Won’t that be wonderful?”

CVW: What are you working on besides managing Krystofer?

Ross: “Besides working on Krystofer, I have been on a new project with a band that is just off-the-hook amazing! We have been in the studio during the pandemic and we are getting a lot accomplished. The band

David and Alice Cooper

April 8 to April 14, 2021 name is still under consideration, however the members are Erik Mouness ‘Erik Living Man’ on drums and lead vocals, Ethan Vega on guitar and Miguel Arballo on bass. This band is going to blow people’s minds. I am currently producing the new songs and I am loving the results! This band ROCKS! Period!

We’ll release a single and video over the next month. Watch for it! Also, plans are in the works to finish the Krystofer Do album.

I managed to befriend David Rath, Senior Vice President of A&R Elektra/Roadrunner Records and will be connecting with him again soon. I also am bringing in Alice Cooper for something here in our desert in the near future, can’t say anything now (wink, wink)”.

CVW: You also have other artists you've worked with as well. People like Chris Wyse, Calista Carradine, etc. Can you share a little about that?

Ross: “I am also still managing and producing Calista Carradine, David’s daughter. We have been discussing new ideas and possible recordings and shows. I also have some good things in the works with Riki Hendrix, Jimi’s cousin, and Leon Hendrix, Jimi’s brother. Leon will be coming to see me here in the desert in a couple weeks.

I’m looking forward to what is to come from these Hendrix boys! I am also getting ready to tape some new interviews for Coachella Valley Music Show very soon. We have some famous musicians in the works! I am also very grateful to my sister and brother from another mother, Tracy Dietlin and Phil Lacombe. Without them my music business and shows here in the Coachella Valley may have never occurred. They have been my close friends long before they created CV Weekly and I love them to tears!”

“Music is my life, and helping my artists to get to their dreams is my goal! People say, ‘David, you are living the dream!’ I say, ‘It has been a hell of a ride! And the ride continues…”

Check back with CV Weekly in the next few weeks for an update on the music competition that Krystofer Do has been competing in Hollywood. As soon as they have an air date we will release all details including the amazing star studded panel of judges.

Krystofer Do - Official video for Time Stops - youtube.com/watch?v=UbxLtlMHjUE Written and Performed by Krystofer Do Produced by David Ross Piano and Vocals by Krystofer Do Guitar by Razor J Bass by Miguel Arballo Drums by Sean McCune

Lzzy Hale and David

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THE WARBURTON GOES VIRTUAL WITH MUSIC EVENTS & AUCTION

EVENTS

TO RAISE SUPPORT FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL®. APRIL 20-21

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ow in its 11th year, the fundraiser is ranked No. 1 after raising over $16 million for St. Jude as its topgrossing golf tournament The 11th annual Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament, known as The Warburton, will not be a golf tournament for the first time since it began a decade ago in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Warburton will instead feature its signature music events and popular auction online to raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

Historically, approximately 75 stars, songwriters and rock legends join hundreds of guests for an annual weekend of golf and sold-out, one-of-a-kind music events in Palm Desert benefiting St. Jude. This year, Songwriters Night will stream online at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 20, and The Rheneypalooza Jam will stream online at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 21 via thewarburton.krglive.com. Typically, both evenings sell out however this year they can be viewed by all free of charge.

Because these events typically sell out and can be enjoyed for no admission fee this year, viewers and supporters are encouraged to shop and bid on the extensive online auction which is open now and will close at 9 p.m. PT on April 21. There will be featured auction items during the Rheneypalooza Jam, as well, showcased by celebrities who often participate in the golf tournament and music events. The auction can be found at www. stjude.org/warburtonauction.

St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Events like The Warburton help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Tournament host, actor Patrick Warburton, will also make a virtual

appearance during the streams. Warburton is perhaps best known for playing Puddy on Seinfeld as well as the star of the syndicated sitcom Rules of Engagement, the voice of Joe on Family Guy and numerous roles in movies like Ted and Ted 2, The Tick and Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove as well as Netflix’s Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.

This year’s featured songwriters include Wynn Varble, who has written dozens of hits including “Waitin’ on A Woman” by Brad Paisley and “I’m A Little More Country Than That” by Easton Corbin; Jim Collins, who has had over 200 of his songs recorded, including singles like "The Good Stuff” by Kenny Chesney and "Big Green Tractor" by Jason Aldean; Tim Nichols, who is known for his Grammy-winning “Live Like You Were Dying” performed by Tim McGraw and hits he’s written for artists such as Reba McEntire, Gretchen Wilson and Travis Tritt; and Rivers Rutherford, who had the Song of the Year in 2001 with Brooks and Dunn’s “Ain’t Nothing About You” and penned Gretchen Wilson’s “Homewrecker.”

The Rheneypalooza Jam – celebrating its tenth anniversary as an evening music

event that was added to The Warburton in its second year – is named for event cofounder and Board Chairman, Clarke Rheney, and has been a quick sell-out in recent years because of its unique line-up of Rock-andRoll Hall of Famers and other legends who perform their hits. The line-up of artists performing in this year’s Rheneypalooza Jam joining the talented house band, SIXWIRE, include Alice Cooper, Mike Mills (REM), Steve Augeri (formerly of Journey), Kenny Loggins, Kim Carnes, John Elefante (formerly of Kansas), Jason Scheff (former lead singer of CHICAGO), Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (formerly of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), Steve Cropper (Blues Brothers and Booker T & the MGs), country stars Charles Esten and Sara Evans, Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra) and Emerson Hart (Tonic).

“It’s a very different year, and despite our best efforts to create an event that our guests could attend in person, we’ve had to move The Warburton online and will be back with our standard format next year,” said Rheney. “This is an opportunity to enjoy our epic music events, which normally sell out, without having to purchase a ticket, so we

hope everyone will join us in being generous with their auction bids and donations online, so we can continue to raise much-needed funds for the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, so every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

This year’s virtual version of The Warburton is made possible by the H.N. and the Frances C. Berger Foundation, The Auen Foundation and Sandi Young.

The Warburton is the highest grossing tournament for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising more than $16 million to support its mission since its inception. For more information, visit thewarburton.com.

Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness, including this feature on Patrick and Cathy Warburton.

Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude. org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

CHICAGO CO-FOUNDER DANNY SERAPHINE HEADLINES SPECIAL EDITION OF THE ROCK YARD ON STEROIDS FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH

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ock and Roll Hall of Famer Danny Seraphine, founding member of the legendary band Chicago, headlines a special of edition of The Rock Yard on Steroids on Friday, April 16th at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Admission is FREE and open to the public. Must be at least 18 years old to attend; social distancing and face masks are mandatory.

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Backed by CTA, Seraphine’s Take Me Back to Chicago tour presents a dynamic set of rock, jazz and power ballads, culling from Chicago’s early classics (“25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Beginnings,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is?”), and the group‘s biggest hits (“If You Leave Me Now,” “Look Away,” “Baby, What a Big Surprise,” “You’re the Inspiration”).

Seraphine’s powerful drumming brings these beloved songs to life with world-class musicians and a driving horn section.

You don’t want to miss this amazing evening of live classic rock with Chicago’s Danny Seraphine — ONE NIGHT ONLY, Friday, April 16th at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

The Rock Yard is an amphitheaterstyle venue featuring Southern California’s premier tribute and cover bands live on stage every Friday and Saturday night, Spring

EVENTS

through Fall. New drink specials are offered weekly. Live music runs from 7 to 11 p.m.

For the upcoming lineup, visit www.

FantasySpringsResort.com.

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

THEATRE

THE ROOST LOUNGE PRESENTS: OPTIMISTIC VOICES FEATURING MARY CALLANAN & BRIAN PATTON

To continue CVRep’s mission of providing educational, entertaining and thoughtprovoking presentations, CVRep is offering Theatre Thursdays, a weekly, virtual entertaining and learning opportunity.

All presentations are offered via Zoom to observe social distancing guidelines.

Next week, Glenn Rosenblum will return to CVRep’s virtual stage with an allnew Broadway Showstoppers with Classic Moments Part II Join him for this uplifting presentation that will explore more classic moments on Broadway. Register in advance for this free one-hour, virtual event at www. cvrep.org.

worked together on and off for 35 years.

They have performed cabarets in Boston, New York, Provincetown, and on cruise ships. They will perform songs “It’s A Most Unusual Day,” “I Love Being Here with You,” and “Sing Happy,” on CVRep’s virtual stage.

SAFETY TIPS

FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

HOW A $20 BAR TAB CAN TURN INTO A MILLION DOLLARS - WORTH OF FINANCIAL STRESS!

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recently read a great article by FleetResilience on How a $20 Bar Tab Can Turn into a Million Dollars-Worth of Financial Stress. April is Stress and Alcohol Awareness Month so let’s take a look and pretend this is you out with some friends or alone.

Imagine you went to close out your bar tab before heading home on a Saturday night and the bartender said, “That’ll be $10,000.”

You stare at the bartender, stunned. As he starts to correct his statement, you let out a sigh of relief, assured that there is no way that is your tab. The bartender continues: “I meant $1 million.”

Research shows that the initial cost of driving under the influence (DUI) can average $10,000 – and that is just within six months of the incident. That money may be spent on initial fees which include bail, car towing, DUI classes, court-imposed fines, attorney fees, ignition interlock devices and more. But the financial stress does not stop there.

When the fictitious bartender corrects himself to say $1 million, he is referring to the bigger picture. After receiving a DUI, depending on the state, annual auto insurance rates increase significantly. In some states, the average Good Driver insurance discount is $1,307. After receiving a DUI, the same driver might pay up to $4,001 more.

That is an annual increase of $2,694, which would likely total tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Say you are planning to retire at age 50 or 60. Chances are you may likely lose your retirement or pension which will be thrown out the window Knowing the financial burdens – in addition to the health, career, and safety risks – would you still drink and drive? Or would you remember how hard you have worked to earn your living and your rank?

Plan for a safe ride home before you go out for the night—and stick to it.

Drink responsibly and keep what you have earned. Do not let a $20 tab turn into a $10,000 (or $1,000,000) budget-buster. Even driving minimally buzzed can increase your risk for a car accident by 46 percent. Know your limit before you get there, do not try to “keep up” with others and plan in advance for a safe ride home. You have earned it, do not waste it.

April is both Alcohol Awareness Month and Stress Awareness Month. For more tips on responsible drinking and stress-free living here is the entire article from Fleet Resilience https://lnkd.in/gMqHfRc. If you think you may be struggling with alcohol, contact a licensed therapist/psychologist or Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor.

TRAVEL TIPS4U

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

POPSICLES ART INSTALLATION PALM SPRINGS, CA

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OPSICLES is a 'cool' new art installtion that can be found on Sunny Dunes road across the street from Townie Bagels in Palm Springs, CA. John Cerney, the artist, came down from Salinas. He started working at 7 o’clock in the morning on Friday March 26th and by 6PM it was completely installed," “Their goal is to get art in every neighborhood in town and Sunny Dunes, in particular, is a street they have been wanting to do for the last year to help support the merchants who are here and make it look more lively," said Palm Springs Public Arts commissioner Russell Pritchard Steve Oppenheimer, a Palm Springs resident for 20 years shared his thoughts with News Channel 3. “I just heard about the new popsicle art installation in Palm Springs. They’re fantastic! They’re so much fun! I love this.”

The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission also uses its grant programs to help out local

artists struggling from the pandemic.

“They have put money in the pockets of approximately 65 local artists in this past year," Pritchard said.

The grants are between $500 and $5,000.

“For the artist, it’s stimulus money right in their pockets," he said.

The money comes from the City of Palm Springs Public Arts Fund.

Pritchard said he’s always looking for more artists to help liven up neighborhoods like this one.

“There’s more to come and if you’re a neighborhood in town and you see a building that needs some help reach out to them because they will hook you up with an artist, we’ll do the grant program with any neighborhood in town,” he said.

The popsicle art attraction will stay up until December 2021.

Think Keep Cool and Enjoy the Popsicles!

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Monday, April 12 Thursday, April 8 Tuesday, April 13

Wednesday, April 14

Friday, April 9 Sunday, April 11 Saturday, April 10

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CONSIDER THIS

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illie Nelson is less than a month away from his 88th birthday, with a new album, “That’s Life,” just released, he’s back in the studio, writing and recording a follow-up to last year’s First Rose Of Spring record. He’s also co-written with Turk Pipkin entitled Letters To America that’s due in June. Pandemic-shmandemic, while you spent the year sprawled on the couch in your jammies, binge-watching Bravo television, Willie’s been a whirlwind of activity. Pretty good for a life-long stoner!

Willie doesn’t waste time. He was born in Abbott, Texas in 1933, along with his older sister, Bobbie, he was raised by his grandparents. He wrote his first song at age seven and three years later, he was fronting his own band.

After high school, where he excelled at baseball, basketball and football and raised pigs as a Future Farmer Of America, he joined the Air Force. Following a medical discharge he became a disc jockey. After stints at radio stations in Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, he returned to Texas. There, he DJ’d by day and plied his trade as a musician at night. He first achieved notoriety as a songwriter. He sold two of his earliest songs, “Family Bible” and “Night Life” to a local musician for a combined total of 200 bucks.

By 1960, he had moved to Nashville and secured a publishing deal. Heavy-hitters like Faron Young, Patsy Cline and Ray Price hit #1 with Willie compositions like “Hello Walls,” “Crazy” and “Night Life.” But he was a performer at heart, and remained intent on playing his own music. His debut, And Then I Wrote, arrived in 1962 and was a moderate success.

Rather quickly, Willie fell in with simpatico singer-songwriters like Kris Kristofferson, Dottie West and Waylon Jennings. For most of the ‘60s, Nashville was a sea of big hair, sequins and rhinestones. Willie and his pals eschewed the glitter and glamor, opting instead for jeans, work-shirts and increasingly longer hair. The Country Music establishment viewed them as outlaws and outliers.

Although songwriting was his bread and butter, artistic success continued to elude him. In 1975, after his Ridgetop, Tennessee ranch burned to the ground and his second marriage ended in acrimony, Willie pulled up stakes and returned to Texas, specifically, Austin. A college town and one of the few liberal enclaves in the Lone Star State, it allowed Willie the freedom to let his long hair flow and his freak-flag fly.

He began hosting an annual July 4th concert/picnic that found rednecks coexisting peacefully with Hippies. Willie began to find his footing, artistically and commercially.

Innovative records like Shotgun Willie, Phases And Stages and Redheaded Stranger became genuine hits. Suddenly Country Music and the world at large were embracing this self-proclaimed outlaw. Pretty soon he was performing on “Saturday Night Live” and receiving invitations to President Jimmy Carter’s White House (where an insider invited him to the roof, where he promptly blazed a joint).

In 1978, Willie released Stardust. His 22nd

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

“THAT’S LIFE” WILLIE NELSON (SONY/LEGACY RECORDINGS)

solo album was a salute to Jazz favorites and Pop Standards that fully introduced him to the mainstream. Songs like “Blue Skies” “All Of Me,” and “Moonlight In Vermont” featured his sui generis phrasing and gritty guitar work. His version of “Georgia On My Mind” netted him a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal.

In no time, Hollywood came calling.

Willie stole the show in movies like “Electric Horseman” and starred in “Honeysuckle Rose,” the latter being a thinly veiled version of his own life. Throughout the ‘80s, he recorded myriad albums, toured non-stop as both a solo artist and as part of The Highwaymen a Country super group featuring old compadres like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson.

The party almost ended in 1990, when the Internal Revenue Service seized his assets, claiming he owed the government millions of dollars in back taxes. Turns out, his shady accountants hadn’t paid his taxes for years.

To satisfy his debt, he released Who’ll Buy My Memories, a two-CD set of strippeddown songs featuring only Willie, and his trusty guitar, Trigger. Despite the haphazard, willy-nilly execution, the album went on to pay down 3.6 million dollars of his debt.

Selling off what was left of his assets (to fans who promptly returned his keepsakes), and extensive touring put him back in the black.

By the 21st century, Willie had settled down with his fourth wife, Annie. Splitting his time writing, recording, touring and raising their sons Lukas and Micah, (all told, Willie has fathered seven kids), the family shuttled between their Texas homestead and their Maui retreat. An environmental activist and cannabis connoisseur, his tour bus runs on a biodiesel fuel created by a company he and Annie own. A longtime advocate for LGBTQ rights, he recorded a version of the Ned Sublette song “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond Of Each Other” for the film, “Brokeback Mountain.”

Willie has infamously burned the candle at both ends for nearly ¾ of a century. Despite a predilection for wine, women, weed and song, he has outlasted many of his friends and contemporaries. Sadly, he has had to say goodbye to running buddies like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Leon Russell, and most recently, John Prine and Charlie Pride. To paraphrase Curtis Mayfield, Willie keeps on keeping on, over the years his records have run the gamut from dazzling to middling to not-so-hot. But his latest, That’s Life, is pretty terrific.

A sequel of sorts to 2018’s Grammywinning My Way, this, his 95th(!) studio album, also pays tribute to the late, great Frank Sinatra. It gets off to a ring-a-ding start with “Nice Work If You Can Get It”, originally found on the 1956 record, A Swingin’ Affair.

A cheerful piano intro dovetails effortlessly with buoyant guitars and a breezy beat.

Willie’s matchless phrasing puts him just ahead or behind the beat. His manner, per usual, is laid-back and relaxed as he extols the virtues of marriage; “Loving one who loves you, and then takin’ that vow, nice work if you can get it, and if you get it won’t you

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

tell me how.” Steel guitar weaves in and out of the instrumental tapestry, unspooling a jaunty solo on the break that’s half-Hillbilly, half-Hawaiian.

Of course, Willie cherry-picks several wellknown Sinatra songs, but he also includes a couple of deep cuts that Ol’ Blue Eyes aficionados truly treasure. Take “Cottage For Sale,” which originally appeared on his 1959 Torch song collection, No One Cares.

A buttery string section is bookended by twinkly piano notes, willowy guitars and a meandering rhythm. Willie mines the melancholy baked-in to lyrics like “A little dream castle with every dream gone, is lonely and silent the shades are all drawn/And my heart is heavy as I gaze upon a cottage for sale.”

Then there’s “Learnin’ The Blues,” from Frank’s first summit with Count Basie in 1962.

Thanks to Neil Hefti, their arrangement was so tight, you could bounce a quarter off of it. Willie augments the sleek and syncopated groove with Tropical guitars and a loping, Western-Swing rhythm. Whereas the Chairman’s croon was supple and mellifluous, Willie’s vocals are ragged and roughhewn Both “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “Luck Be A Lady” are slightly recalibrated. On the former, time signatures shift, locking into a relax-fit Rhumba. Here, Willie’s mien is easygoing and authoritative as he leans into Cole Porter’s sophisticated wordplay; “I’d sacrifice anything come what might, for the sake of having you near, in spite of the warning voice that comes in the night and repeats, repeats in my ear ‘Don’t you know little fool, you’ll never win, use your mentality, wake up to reality’/But each time I do, just the thought of you makes me stop, before I begin, ‘cause I got you, under my skin.”

The latter, completely embraces its Jet set, mid-century origins. Powered by offkilter percussion and propulsive horns, Jazzy guitar licks snake through the song’s dense arrangement. Willie gambles nothing with his drawling delivery. Sprightly steel guitar and plaintive saxophone collide on the break, and the outro features chilly piano runs and piquant trumpet notes.

The best tracks here shine a spotlight on Francis Albert’s deft and disparate choice of material. “You Make Me Feel So Young” swings gently. A Rat Pack of horns sway over walking bass lines, pithy guitar riffs and complex piano chords. Willie’s nuanced

vocals extol the salubrious effects of new love; “You make me feel so young, you make me feel so Spring has sprung, and evert time I see you grin, I’m such a happy individual.”

Frank began his career in Tommy Dorsey’s band. In those days, most Big Band singers recited the lyrics in a rote, detached manner.

Frank was credited as the first vocalist to invest his whole heart and soul into each word, as though each emotion was his.

Willie follows suit on the latter. The mood is intimate and reflective as a fluttery stringsection lattices over saloon-style piano.

Vocals are front and center as lyrics parse the vagaries of romance; “In the wee small hours of the morning, while the whole wide world is fast asleep, you lie awake and think about the girl, and never ever think of counting sheep.” Harmonica and piano intertwine on the break.

Finally, on “I Won’t Dance,” Willie is the reticent rogue to Diana Krall’s sophisticated lady. The pair spar over tripping the light fantastic, he insists it will lead to romance, she demurs a dance is just a dance. Airy strings are matched by Diana’s trademark rollicking piano style, percolating horns and a buoyant beat. A sleek sax solo on the break gives the proceedings an extra kick.

Other interesting songs include “Just In Time” which pares down to a sharp Jazz combo featuring sparkly piano, upright bass, brushed percussion, searing harmonica and Willie’s crisp vocals. Although “That’s Life” has been done to death, Willie manages to inject something fresh by employing a Country-flavored arrangement. The instrumentation is anchored by Honky-Tonk piano, chugging guitars, Hammond B3 colors, woozy harmonica and weepy steel guitar.

On the album’s closer, he circles back around to “A Swingin’ Affair” for a version of “Lonesome Road.” Stripping away the brass accoutrements that almost overpowered Frank’s rendition, Willie opts for a Gospelinflected arrangement. Hammond B3 swirls around consecrated keys, Bluesy guitars and an irresistible handclap beat. Although it’s “Weary totin’ such a heavy load, trudging down that lonesome road,” Willie takes us to church. It’s a soulful and sanctified finish to an elegant effort.

Longtime producer Buddy Cannon has corralled a plethora of pickers and players including Matt Rollings on keys, guitarist Dean Parks, bassist David Piltch, drummer Jay Bellerose and steel guitarist Paul Franklin along with a horn and string section. Old compadre Mickey Raphael, who began playing in Willie’s Family band nearly half a century ago, adds his signature harmonica runs.

That’s Life debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Jazz chart. As he accelerates toward his ninth decade, Willie shows no signs of slowing down. Equal parts expansive and intimate this album is an affectionate tribute to a hero and a friend.

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

THE VINO VOICE KIWI LAND SPRING REDS

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couple weeks ago, we did it up fresh and zippy with coverage on this spring’s New Zealand white wine sippers: those Sauvignon Blancs that can quench a thirst in hot weather and matchup with most light foods. We even threw in a Riesling and an Albariño for further fun.

This time we thought we’d do the egalitarian thing and suggest some Kiwi reds for your springtime consideration. If one gives it a thought, it sounds like a fun wine journey to try some red wines from the southernmost wine producing country in the world. And as one would expect, there is some very tasty wine—and oftentimes so reasonably priced.

No surprise here but when it comes to Kiwi reds, Pinot Noir is king (Or queen, if you will: the French call their Pinot Noir the “queen” of the grapes and their Cabernet Sauvignon the “king” of grapes. No one should mind themselves much on these matters.)

Anyway—Kiwi land has earned itself a formidable reputation for mostly premium bottlings of pinot. There are regional differences, certainly: at the bottom of North Island in the Wairarapa region, the pinots offer dense, dark and tightly wound expressions. On the South Island, Central Otago yields complex wines from varying subregions that express exotic spices, dried flowers and an abundance of fruit. Other regions such as Marlborough, Nelson, North Canterbury and Waipara, offer softly spiced, fruit-led expressions. Many pinot lovers are now realizing how good the Kiwi stuff is.

The Syrah grape has been around New Zealand for a long while, however, new wine columnists are insisting it’s the new up and comer. So many of our desert dwellers favor a bold and powerful red wine. The Syrahs from the warmer North Island, in the clay-dominant soils of Auckland and Hawke’s Bay have shown for over a hundred years that this place delivers muscular and laser-focused.

Varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec are longstanding players in the North Island, as well. They are often blended into Bordeaux-style red wine that show an intensity of flavor and a supple tannin structure. And good news as well, the Gamay Noir performs very well in New Zealand: Kiwi Beaujolais! Who Knew!

And now, from reviews around the world, please consider the kissable Kiwi reds: The 2017 Mohua Pinot Noir ($25) begins with a pretty classic New Zealand Pinot Noir aroma full of red cherry, strawberry, cranberry, a touch of spice and a very nice earthy streak.

Most Pinot Noir doesn’t need a lot of aeration; this one however can use a bit of air to open up—and indeed it does! The light to mediumbodied wine is rich and round with wild raspberry, black currant, tart fruit and sweet spice flavors. It continues with an earthy streak and a smooth texture. There are also plenty of good oak and quiet red licorice notes. The finish is dry and dusty with more sweet fruit plus some lingering coffee and cocoa.

2019 Craggy Range, Syrah, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke’s Bay New Zealand ($30) Gorgeously lifted floral notes and raspberry juice purity on the nose; the palate is inky

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BY RICK RIOZZA

and youthful, packed with dense purple brambles, more ripe raspberries and sweet red cherries too. Super-bright cleansing acidity, a cool mineral tang and mouth-coating musky tannins. A stunner now but will age beautifully.

2019 Loveblock, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand ($26) This tasty wine shows aromas of rhubarb, red cherries and berries – a bright summer pudding-like purity. On the palate crisp red apple, cherry, plum and floral notes mingle with dusty tannins. Half the wine was aged in oak, giving good structure, in tandem with vibrant raspberry acidity. A really fun and interesting pinot!

2017 Man O’War, Dreadnought Syrah, Waiheke, Auckland, New Zealand ($39) If anyone that you know loves a big and complex Syrah, you just made their day with this gift. An elegant, sinewy style of Syrah, showing aromas of tarmac, cured meat and fresh blackberries.

Appealing balsamic freshness on the palate, which is strewn with peppery black fruit, dark minerals and structured chalky tannins, from 18 months maturation in barrel.

2018 Esk Valley, Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Malbec-Cabernet Franc, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand ($20) At this price, it may well be one of the best Bordeaux-blends around; surely it has the longest wine name ever. Fermented in old concrete vats, it retains pure black fruit flavors, with hints of anise and smoky oak notes from 50% of the wine maturing for 16 months in new oak. Raspy tannins and lively acidity give an engaging mouthfeel.

2018 Opawa, Pinot Noir, Marlbourough, New Zealand ($18) This is a great buy that goes perfectly with light dinner fare. “Opawa” means “smoky river” in Maori, and the estate vineyards are planted on an old riverbed of the same name. This lighter-style Pinot is less fruit-driven than some, but the crisp acidity and spice-inflected redcurrant and plum fruits make it a good match for light Italian, such as creamy mushroom pasta.

2019 Te Mata Estate Vineyards, Hawke’s Bay New Zealand Deep, brilliant crimson with a cherry-red edge, this Gamay sparkles with lifted candy-apple, strawberry, and star anise on the nose. Soft and luscious, the palate overflows with crushed red summer fruit, wild raspberry and cherry. Hints of rosewater and anise culminate in this wine’s sumptuous finish; refreshing in its appeal, beguiling in its detail. Sounds like a hit! Cheers!

SCREENERS

GODZILLA vs. KONG (2021)

Devoid of deep metaphorical meaning, often incoherent and dumb, director Adam Wingard’s film delivers the poster and washes or assaults? The audience in beautifully rendered waves of REALLY big, loud, city-destroying fun.

The fate of the world hangs in the balance when Kong and his protectors take

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No. 468

April 8 to April 14, 2021

GRUDGE MATCH

a dangerous journey to find his true home.

With them is Jia (Kaylee Hottle), a young deaf orphan girl with whom Kong has formed a singular bond.

On their journey, they unexpectedly cross paths with enraged Godzilla, who is already cutting a swath of destruction across the planet.

The epic clash between the two titans that ensues--instigated by unseen forces--is the beginning of the mystery that lies deep in the core of the Earth.

Kong is the heart of this entertaining and fun film. And it’s his relationship with the young deaf girl that is central to the movie.

But no one is going to this film (it’s already making money in newly-opened theaters) for

the admittedly pretentious and convoluted plot.

The draw is to experience the masterfully rendered, jaw-dropping clash of the legendary titans. And yes, it is truly spectacular.

Costars Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall do what necessary to help tell the story on a human level. Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment. In theaters and streaming HBO Max. Recommended for what is.

KING KONG vs. GODZILLA (1962) King Kong and Godzilla duke it out for the first time in this film that’s widely seen as a metaphor for 20th century U.S. –Japanese

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS relations. Kong was a symbol of America and Godzilla represented japan.

Their fighting was understood by many to be symbolic of the conflict of their two countries.

The best thing about this low-budget reboot of earlier Hollywood and Japanese horror films is the ineptitude of its obvious fakery.

Even so, this silly film was a big hit in its homeland, but for the U.S. market, most if not all of its lame satiric moments were cut and replaced with tiresome exposition that barely advanced the story – such as it was.

Ishiro Honda’s directing is nonexistent when anything happens apart from mass destruction. But that’s just fine, since that is the movie’s raison d’etre.

Yes, it’s preposterously silly, but at the same time a wonderfully bizarre and amusing ride.

I especially liked the sequence on iconic and sacred Mount Fuji where the monsters play catch -- or try to kill each other -- with a boulder. Make no mistake; this is a goofy comedy by design. Toho Companys, RKO General. Blu-ray. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

LOCAL BUSINESS

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pring is the time for so many beginning hallmarks, such as the arrival of Easter and the growth of fresh flower patches. One holiday that also comes during the time for spring beginnings is Mother’s Day in May. A go-to staple for this day includes gifting your mother with a colorful bouquet of arranged flowers, but those floral surprises only last for so long. Imagine if you can gift your mother edible flower bouquets on Mother’s Day. Baked Blossoms by Steph provides ornately gorgeous cupcakes that are frosted to look like realistic flowers and succulents, making a memorable and creative gift opportunity for your mother.

Stephanie Valencia began Baked Blossoms by Steph as a way to fully engage in her passion during the pandemic, as she normally loves being active and spending time with her family.

“Baked Blossoms by Steph allowed me to just focus my creativity into something that brought other people joy and that also tasted good. There are other bakers all around the world that offer tutorials for people to learn how to make cupcake bouquets. It was something I gravitated toward and truly had seen nothing like it before,” explained Valencia.

Stephanie has always enjoyed baking, but it was a slow burn getting to the level of expertise she possesses now. She started off in the beginning stages, burning a few cakes, and struggling to even bake something edible. Over time, she grew to master her own recipes and put her own spin on it. She enjoys making cupcakes for her family or just for special occasions, and Valencia originally intended on keeping it just as a hobby and not a business.

“I am grateful for the support of friends and family for encouraging me to start a business. Baking has always been a creative outlet for myself and while I never thought of myself as an incredibly creative person, cupcakes and the various things that I bake really did spark something in me. The eyeopening moment for me was when I got my first piping set and spent several hours that day trying to make something even remotely appealing. Flowers take time and practice

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and a lot of trial and error,” said Valencia.

Baked Blossoms by Steph currently offers cupcake bouquets for the holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and custom cupcake bouquets for any kind of occasion. Every flower is edible and made from buttercream. The flower varieties range from peonies, roses, hydrangeas, succulents, or even dahlias. All the cupcakes are individually piped and placed in a bouquet wrapped to look like a flower bouquet.

All the cupcakes are baked from scratch and made with a vanilla American buttercream. Each cupcake takes time, as each petal is individually hand piped onto the cupcake. When it comes to decorating,

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

Stephanie takes inspiration from the flower bouquets around her or even the desert plants in the Coachella Valley for her succulent cupcakes. She also lets customers send her their favorite Pinterest pictures or just the color scheme they would like, and she can take it from there. For any of the special occasion bouquets, such as Valentine’s Day and Easter, Stephanie comes up with the design so she can make as many as possible.

“I have hopes of branching out in the future and I have even started making various cookies, pies, and cheesecakes for fun! My family has been kind enough to be my guinea pigs for any new recipe I come up with. I come from a huge family who loves

to eat desserts. My fiancé and family have always been super supportive of everything I have done, especially my baking. Whether it is helping me set up for pop-up events or teaching me how to tie a bow properly, they are always there for me,” stated Valencia.

Stephanie balances her day job with her culinary passion. During the day, she is a Healthcare Recruiter for a local home healthcare agency, and she is very thankful that her job allows the flexibility to engage in her passion. She would eventually love to be able to teach others and offer personalized classes on how to pipe, as she herself has never gone to culinary arts school and had to rely on watching hours’ worth of YouTube tutorials to learn.

“My favorite part is seeing the reaction of people once they receive their bouquet.

The smiles and just awe from seeing my bouquets and being asked ‘wait, that’s a cupcake?’ During this time of isolation, I really enjoyed recording decorating videos to share my passion with other people maybe in hopes that they would enjoy baking as much as I do,” said Valencia.

Baked Blossoms by Steph is currently taking orders for Mother’s Day. For questions or to place an order, email Stephanie at bakedblossomsbysteph@gmail.com.

You can also reach out on the Instagram page, @bakedblossomsbysteph.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 8 to April 14, 2021

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

PET PLACE

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ne day in 2013, Lindi Biggi was at her Loving All Animals’ office in Palm Desert when a woman rushed in carrying a beautiful tan and white Spaniel dog. She excitedly explained she was a volunteer at the old Indio Animal Shelter (now closed), and she stole the dog upon learning he was about to be euthanized.

Lindi, founder and past president of Loving All Animals, wondered what might happen to her if she accepted this “stolen” dog. Her eyes locked with the soulful big brown eyes of the sweet creature, pleading eyes that seemed to sense the desperation of the moment.

It didn’t take long for Lindi, an ardent animal lover and rescuer, to decide to take in the precious pup. Next she noticed the animal’s front right leg was limp and badly deformed. But there was no way she was going to have him returned to the shelter to be killed.

Cassidy, named after the cowboy HopAlong-Cassidy, became part of the Loving All Animals rescue organization while Lindi

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CASSIDY, THE STORY OF A 3-LEGGED DOG

fostered him. Lindi recalls, “We put a lot of effort trying different things to save his leg.

The vet believed his injury was from an old accident. Different remedies were tried. But there was no saving his leg and finally it had to be amputated. Sometimes we try too hard, and the animal suffers. In this case we came to realize how painful it was for Cassidy to walk. He quickly recovered after the surgery, and walked and ran with the other dogs.”

When it came time to find Cassidy a forever home, adopters passed him up, perhaps due to his missing leg. One day he decided to take things into his own paws, and escaped from an adoption pen during an event at the Shadow Mountain Golf course.

He searched for the human he so loved, and ran into the arms of Lindi Biggi, his foster mom and savior. Again his pleading brown eyes sent a message, and the rest is history.

Lindi describes her dog Cassidy, “He is one of the smartest dogs I’ve ever known. When I get a new foster, he takes them under his wing and shows them around. He is the

kindest spirit. When I go out in the golf cart, he enjoys riding on board and then going for short runs alongside. He has absolutely no concept of being “disabled”, he just lives happily enjoying everything that happens.”

Cassidy was Lindi’s “nurse” while she was temporarily bedridden after an injury, never leaving her side. Cassidy resides with his active Husky brother Balto, blind brother Pug Baby, deaf sister Maltese Lollypop, and a duck named Lilly who has difficulty walking. This is one of the happiest loving group of animals you could ever meet!

Cassidy shows us what a wonderful life a “differently abled” dog can have. Almost all tripod (3 legged dogs) do very well both physically and emotionally. While removal of a limb is a big-deal operation, most dogs are up and walking without assistance within 12 to 24 hours. Bone cancer and accidents are the most common reasons why a dog needs a leg amputated. Being a dog, Cassidy does not have body image issues to deal with. It’s advisable to keep a tripod dog at the proper weight, as excess weight can put a strain on the remaining limbs.

Care needs to be taken to avoid sprains and additional injuries. Physical therapy, including swimming, can help a new tripod build up the strength in his remaining limbs and improve balance. Most tripods easily navigate stairs, but supervise initially to ensure he can do so safely. There is a huge website and online community devoted to tripod dogs at Tripawds.com and a You Tube channel called Tripawds.

Cassidy and his crew send a message to give animals with “special needs” a second

MEET CLYDE

SPECIAL COCO LINO

This happy 2-yr-old boy will greet you with a wagging tail when you come to meet him! Clyde loves all humans and all dogs. This great hiking buddy is a blend of Lab/Husky/Staffordshire/ Shepherd. He waits for a home at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley in N. Palm Springs. Call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet him and complete application at www.orphanpet.org.

Special Kitty Co Co Lino seeks someone with a big heart! He is a 9-yrold 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. (760) 416-5718.

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BY JANET McAFEE chance, be they seniors, fearful, or disabled.

Cassidy lives in the moment, showing us humans how to overcome whatever challenges we may face, and move beyond them to a better life.

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 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 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 Wed-Mon. View their animals online at 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 animalsamaritans. org. Email acorrow@animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (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 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 orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 3290203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at ForeverMeow.org, (760) 335-6767.

(Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them

April 8 to April 14, 2021

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, lovingallanimals.org, (760) 8347000. (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, view animals at living-free.org, (951) 6594687 (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (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) 3847272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at 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 DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

CANNABIS CORNER

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pril 7, 2021, marks the day we celebrate the child who revolutionized the cannabis industry with her miraculous recovery from Dravet Syndrome by ingesting cannabis. Dravet Syndrome, previously called severe myoclonic epilepsy, is a terminal childhood syndrome resistant to pharmaceuticals. It begins in infancy, and progresses, in Charlotte Figi’s situation, where she experienced up to 300 grand mal seizures a week by the time, she was five years old. The financial medical and emotional stress on the 24hr care required is unimaginable.

Charlotte’s mom, Paige, exhausted from watching her beautiful child experience seizures lasting 5-10 minutes, decided to investigate marijuana oil/cannabis in 2012. After Paige gave Charlotte her first dose of high cannabinoid (CBD) and low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), she noticed Charlotte did not have a seizure that day or night. The strain of cannabis she ingested was “Hippie’s Disappointment.” Because of Charlotte’s response, this strain is now called “Charlotte’s Web” for her name’s sake. Her story revealed in the CNN documentary changed Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s view on the medicinal benefits of cannabis and launched our country and the World into awareness for treating childhood seizures with cannabis.

Charlotte became the face of healing for children.

The Figi family’s experience blazed the trail that inspired pediatric doctors to accept the benefits of this miracle plant. The first legal use of cannabis in Mexico, a country riddled with drug lords, illegal drug distribution, and death, was for “CBD for childhood seizures.”

Charlotte’s Web is a brand name of Stanly Brother’s. proprietary hemp extraction with less than 0.3% THC. Charlotte’s story inspired Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL), a GOP champion for broad marijuana reform on Capitol Hill, to change his views on medical cannabis and successfully passed cannabis legislation in Florida. Due to the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018 Charlotte’s Web and other CBD products became legal.

There are many CBD products out there that are used for seizures, but they cannot claim the name Charlotte’s Web. Children who do not respond to a cannabis product devoid of THC can use ratios of CBD:THC 18:1 or

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BY RUTH HILL R.N. 20:1. Remember both hemp and marijuana is cannabis. The difference between hemp and marijuana is hemp contains 0.3% THC. The hemp legalized by the Farm Bill contains less than 0.3% THC. Another confusion with hemp oil products is some contain only an isolate of CBD. An isolate is just the molecule of cannabidiol.

Products on Amazon and other websites may not contain the terpenes, and enzymes of the cannabis flower. Cannabis has over 500 ingredients, 120 of them are cannabinoids in various ratios all contributing to the entourage effect. There are researchers who feel 70% of users require THC to obtain a therapeutic dose. A full/broad spectrum cannabis product will contain a mix of these 500 ingredients minus the extracted THC. Any parent can buy a 600mg/ml full spectrum cannabis plant that removed the THC for around $120.

Thus, Charlotte became the poster child for cannabis triggering a pharmaceutical race to produce the first FDA approved biosynthetic cannabis made from the cannabis plant with the THC extracted. The cost is $32,000/year and called Epidiolex. It comes in a 120ml bottle. Potency is 100mg/ml. According to WellEx.com, businesses like Costco, Ralphs, CVS, Walgreens, Vons, and Savon, all cover the cost with a $1600-$1800 coupon. Medicaid and some insurances have only a $25 copay.

The reader can decide if Epidiolex is a drug to add to the overall cost of health care or if the government should reimburse families for that plant based cannabis.

Colorado is featuring a Charlotte Figi Day virtual concert by "Rock the RoC" hosted by Realm a Caring (RoC), on April 7, 2021 in honor of her death on April 7th 2020. It features Grammy award winning artists, along with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, and Realm of Caring President and Co-Founder Heather Jackson.

Members of the public can secure a free virtual ticket at www.rocktheroc.org and stream the concert via www.nugs.tv on April 7, 2021. Those looking to support the event and RoC’s work can visit Kickstarter and make a tax-deductible donation.

For questions/comments go to info@ ruthahillrn.com

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF APRIL 8

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Author Susan Sontag defined “mad people” as those who “stand alone and burn.” She said she was drawn to them because they inspired her to do the same. What do you think she meant by the descriptor “stand alone and burn”? I suspect she was referring to strong-willed people devoted to cultivating the most passionate version of themselves, always in alignment with their deepest longings. She meant those who are willing to accept the consequences of such devotion, even if it means being misunderstood or alone. The coming weeks will be an interesting and educational time for you to experiment with being such a person.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the 1930s, Taurusborn Rita Levi-Montalcini was a promising researcher in neurobiology at the University of Turin in Italy. But when fascist dictator Benito Mussolini imposed new laws that forbade Jews from holding university jobs, she was fired. Undaunted, she created a laboratory in her bedroom and continued her work. There she laid the foundations for discoveries that ultimately led to her winning the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. I foresee you summoning comparable determination and resilience in the coming weeks, Taurus.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Religious scholar Karl Barth (1886–1968) wrote, “There will be no song on our lips if there be no anguish in our hearts.” To that perverse oversimplification, I reply: “Rubbish. Twaddle. Bunk. Hooey.” I’m appalled by his insinuation that pain is the driving force for all of our lyrical self-revelations. Case in point: you in the coming weeks. I trust there will be a steady flow of songs in your heart and on your lips because you will be in such intimate alignment with your life’s master plan.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “It is not easy to be crafty and winsome at the same time, and few accomplish it after the age of six,” wrote Cancerian author John W. Gardner. But I would add that more adult Crabs accomplish this feat than any other sign of the zodiac. I’ll furthermore suggest that during the next six weeks, many of you will do it quite well. My prediction: You will blend lovability and strategic shrewdness to generate unprecedented effectiveness. (How could anyone resist you?)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Staring at flames had benefits for our primitive ancestors. As they sat around campfires and focused on the steady burn, they were essentially practicing a kind of meditation.

Doing so enhanced their ability to regulate their attention, thereby strengthening their working memory and developing a greater capacity to make long-range plans. What does this have to do with you? As a fire sign, you have a special talent for harnessing the power of fire to serve you. In the coming weeks, that will be even more profoundly true than usual. If you can do so safely, I encourage you to spend quality time gazing into flames. I also hope you will super-nurture the radiant fire that glows within you. (More info: tinyurl.com/ GoodFlames) VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Physicist Victor Weisskopf told us, “What’s beautiful in science is the same thing that’s beautiful in Beethoven. There’s a fog of events and suddenly you see a connection. It connects things that were always in you that were never put together before.” I’m expecting there to be a wealth of these aha! moments for you in the coming weeks, Virgo. Hidden patterns will become visible. Missing links will appear. Secret agendas will emerge. The real stories beneath the superficial stories will materialize. Be receptive and alert!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Jungian psychoanalyst and folklore expert Clarissa Pinkola Estés celebrates the power of inquiry. She says that “asking the proper question is the central action of transformation,” both in fairy tales and in psychotherapy. To identify what changes will heal you, you must be curious to uncover truths that you don’t know yet. “Questions are the keys that cause the secret doors of the psyche to swing open,” says Estes. I bring this to your

© Copyright 2021 Rob Brezsny

attention, Libra, because now is prime time for you to formulate the Fantastically Magically Catalytic Questions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In April 1933, Scorpio-born African American singer Ethel Waters was in a “private hell.” Her career was at an impasse and her marriage was falling apart. In the depths of despondency, she was invited to sing a new song, “Stormy Weather,” at New York City’s famous Cotton Club. It was a turning point. She later wrote, “I was singing the story of my misery and confusion, of the misunderstandings in my life I couldn’t straighten out, the story of the wrongs and outrages done to me by people I had loved and trusted.” The audience was thrilled by her performance, and called her back for 12 encores. Soon thereafter, musical opportunities poured in and her career blossomed.

I foresee a parallel event in your life, Scorpio. Maybe not quite so dramatic, but still, quite redemptive.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I love to see you enjoy yourself. I get a vicarious thrill as I observe you pursuing pleasures that other people are too inhibited or timid to dare. It’s healing for me to witness you unleash your unapologetic enthusiasm for being alive in an amazing body that’s blessed with the miracle of consciousness. And now I’m going to be a cheerleader for your efforts to wander even further into the frontiers of bliss and joy and gratification. I will urge you to embark on a quest of novel forms of rapture and exultation. I’ll prod you to at least temporarily set aside habitual sources of excitement so you’ll have room to welcome as-yet unfamiliar sources.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn poet John O’Donahue suggested that a river’s behavior is worthy of our emulation. He said the river’s life is “surrendered to the pilgrimage.” It’s “seldom pushing or straining, keeping itself to itself everywhere all along its flow.” Can you imagine yourself doing that, Capricorn? Now is an excellent time to do so.

O’Donahue rhapsodized that the river is “at one with its sinuous mind, an utter rhythm, never awkward,” and that “it continues to swirl through all unlikeness with elegance: a ceaseless traverse of presence soothing on each side, sounding out its journey, raising up a buried music.” Be like that river, dear Capricorn!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?” wrote philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. In response to that sentiment, I say, “Amen!” and “Hallelujah!”

Even if you will live till age 99, that’s still too brief a time to indulge in an excess of dull activities that activate just a small part of your intelligence. To be clear, I don’t think it’s possible to be perfect in avoiding boredom. But for most of us, there’s a lot we can do to minimize numbing tedium and energydraining apathy. I mention this, Aquarius, because the coming weeks will be a time when you will have extra power to make your life as interesting as possible for the long run.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I know of four different governmental organizations that have estimated the dollar value of a single human life. The average of their figures is $7.75 million. So let’s say, for argument’s sake, that you are personally worth that much. Does it change the way you think about your destiny? Are you inspired to upgrade your sense of yourself as a precious treasure? Or is the idea of putting a price on your merit uninteresting, even unappealing? Whatever your reaction is, I hope it prods you to take a revised inventory of your worth, however you measure it. It’s a good time to get a clear and precise evaluation of the gift that is your life. (Quote from Julia Cameron: “Treating yourself like a precious object makes you strong.”)

Homework: Send brief descriptions of your top three vices and top three virtues. FreeWillAstrology. com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

PLANT-BASEDPALATE

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hen juggling a full-time job and a family (especially during a pandemic), one can find it challenging to prepare even the simplest of meals, let alone one within the parameters of a new diet. One of my best time savers is meal prepping, but not in the way one would assume.

I like to have a certain sense of spontaneity when planning my meals. Although one cannot often feed a family on a whim, not knowing what is in their pantry, it can be a real time saver to have certain items prepared in advance. In our house, each week I prepare a large quantity of grains (wild rice, quinoa, brown rice, and barley) and have the grain medley on hand for quick and easy stir-fry dinners, or to mix in with salads for added texture and nutrition. This week we made Stuffed Acorn Squash and the best part of it is that you can make it in as many ways as imaginable. Here is how I prepared ours.

What you will need: 2 whole Acorn Squash 2 Tbsp olive oil 4 cups pre-cooked grain medley 16oz package mushrooms, remove stems and quarter Fresh spinach, roughly chopped 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 small yellow onion and ½ small red onion, diced 1 can cannellini or navy beans, rinsed 4-6 cloves garlic, minced Fresh thyme Salt and pepper to taste

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STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Directions: When preparing the grains in advance, follow preparation instructions listed on the package. I like to substitute half of the water with vegetable stock, add sauteed onions, and season generously with salt and pepper.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut each Acorn Squash down the center from stem to crown and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Lightly brush the open surface of each half with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. If you are limiting your oil intake, this step can be omitted. Place squash halves in the oven on a baking sheet with the open side face down for 40-45 minutes. This will trap the steam inside, cooking evenly and thoroughly.

While the squash is in the oven, add to a large non-stick pan, olive oil, red and yellow onion, and bell pepper. Sauté over mediumhigh heat until onions are slightly translucent.

Now add mushrooms and canned beans to the pan. I like to add my mushrooms after the onion and bell pepper, so they do not cook down too much but that is a personal preference and not necessary.

Now add your grains to the mixture and sauté together with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Once this mixture is hot, turn off the stove and fold in your spinach. The heat from the grains and vegetables will wilt the spinach perfectly. This would be an ideal time to add a touch of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat to balance the natural sweetness of the squash.

For the final step, simply plate the roasted

April 8 to April 14, 2021

BY RAYMOND BILL Acorn Squash and fill with the vegetable/ grain medley. What is so great about this recipe is that it is not only easy, but adaptable. Once you know how to prepare the squash, and the grains are on hand, the rest can be changed to fit your taste or preference. Try adding some roasted corn and black beans with jalapeno for a southwest flavor. There are no limits when it comes to eating healthy, plant-based meals.

REAL ESTATE

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sk anyone who works in real estate how the housing market is going, and you may hear words like: “insane,” or “record breaking.” When interest rates dropped below three percent in 2020, high buyer demand and low inventory sparked a remarkable surge in home values. In the past year, the median price for Coachella Valley detached homes increased by 22 percent, with some cities reaching closer to 30 percent.

With several industries transforming to remote work, the Coachella Valley saw a rapid growth of homebuyers attracted to the desert’s reasonable cost of living and picturesque scenery. One of the desert’s top real estate agencies, Leaskou Partners Inc., spearheaded

by CEO Benjamin Leaskou, recently expanded to El Paseo in Palm Desert to meet the high demand of buyers in the central and eastern part of the Coachella Valley.

Real estate entrepreneur Benjamin Leaskou is familiar with the desire to relocate from the hustle and bustle of busy cities to the tranquility of the desert. After living 26 years in the Bay area, Benjamin decided to relocate permanently to his vacation home in Palm Springs to enjoy the year-round sun and better quality of life. In 2013, he founded a boutique real estate firm, Leaskou Partners Inc., with seven agents. The firm quickly expanded and opened a high desert office in Yucca Valley managed by top agent Stacey Nounnan. In 2019, BHG / Leaskou Partners Inc. was invited to partner with Adam Gilbert and The Firm Commercial to service land and commercial developments in the valley. After rapid success and recognition, including closing over $1 billion in real estate sales, Leaskou Partners Inc.

teamed up with nationally acclaimed partner: Better Homes and Gardens. As a franchisee of Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Real Estate, BHG / Leaskou Partners Inc. offers a national and global reach that is unsurpassed, including cutting-edge digital resources, marketing tools, and an expansive book of both commercial and residential buyers. This year, the company also expanded into the vacation rental market with Desert Lifestyle Vacation Homes.

While BHG / Leaskou Partners Inc. dominated the Palm Springs real estate market, CEO Benjamin Leaskou realized the firm needed a strong presence in the central and eastern part of the Valley. His vision to eventually expand to the upscale El Paseo shopping district came to fruition in January 2021 when BHG / Desert Lifestyle Properties was born. Stephanie Zinn,

BY CRAIG MICHAELS long-time realtor and past Young Professionals Network President, was chosen as the Palm Desert office manager and brings a wealth of experience. The company’s newest office is located at 73260 El Paseo Drive, Suite 3A. Just look for the pink rug in the window. You can also follow the smell of delicious Mexican food emanating from Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill, and you’ll find their real estate office right next door. Fur babies are also welcomed with a cool bowl of water and dog treats.

While El Paseo is prime real estate for BHG / Desert Lifestyle Properties’ new office, the technology, marketing tools, and top-notch talent are the same regardless of which office you visit. Eventually Benjamin will remove his last name from the company and all the residential real estate offices will fall under the same name: Better Homes and Gardens / Desert Lifestyle Properties.

If you would like a tour of our new El Paseo office or have questions regarding our current real estate market, please give me a call (760) 880-3848.

Craig Michaels - Luxury & Vacation Home Specialist. BHG / Desert Lifestyle properties DRE#02038709 craig@realestatepalmsprings.com

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

HADDON LIBBY

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ill these Twenties roar like those of 100 years ago? Most economists and investment managers think so.

While consensus expects a booming economy for the next two years, the direction of that recovery for many may weaken after one-time windfalls from government relief and stimulus fade.

Many people have a sense that they have more money than ever as shown by the surge of young investors in the stock markets. The challenge occurs when the cost of goods goes up as they inevitably do when you print so much money.

By printing so much money, prices go up.

A trip to the grocery store or the gas station already shows this in action. For many stocks, inflation is a good thing as companies with pricing power can increase prices along with the rate of inflation. Those without pricing power will struggle.

While interest rates may stay low for a few years, they will go up. A 0.6% increase in long-dated Treasuries during the first quarter of 2021 led to a 10.5% drop in value. If the Federal Reserve keeps rates artificially low for too long, inflation will increase slowing the economy just like an interest rate increase.

When interest rates go up, those most indebted typically do worse.

It is hoped that the massive relief and stimulus as well as trillions in infrastructure spending expected to be approved over the summer will provide the underpinnings

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A NEW ROARING 2020s?

BY HADDON LIBBY

needed to super-charge the economy, reduce unemployment and help us upgrade our infrastructure and job skills. By underinvesting in infrastructure over the last 20+ years, the United States has fallen behind countries that have invested in their economies with better airports, power grids, shipping ports, broadband access, etc.

In an economy that is 70% reliant on the consumer, we need to find ways to increase the value of work being done while finding ways to re-educate under skilled workers. As the last twenty years have shown, per capital GDP growth has been okay although the mix of jobs has caused the erosion of many low-skill, middle-class jobs. Without a way to re-educate millions of workers displaced by the new normal, the costs related to the underemployment of so many people will

serve to mute growth as increased taxes will be required to help those struggling to help themselves. The failure to help those in the most economic peril will lead to greater political instability if left unaddressed.

For the Coachella Valley, a large part of the recovery will not happen until people can get together en masse and travel by plane without fear of the contagion. We should all pray that the 38,000 person gathering for the home opener for the Texas Rangers does not spark the spread of a fourth COVID wave striking Europe, Japan and other parts of the world, While this suggests a challenging future for some, this time period may prove to be a boom period for those with the skills and education to benefit from this remaking of the new normal. Some companies will experience growth rates previously thought impossible

while others struggle to emerge from damage caused by the pandemic. This should cause more mergers and put more pressure on the labor market. As companies look to expand productivity through the use of technology, there is every reason to believe that a large segment of the population will become permanently unemployable requiring greater need for government-subsidized housing, food and medical assistance.

With this as a backdrop, states like New York and California increase taxes to pay for these heightened social needs yet face the mass exodus of business and jobs as a result.

Unlike the Roaring Twenties of 100 years ago, the outcome of this economic expansion on the back of massive government involvement is likely to cause those with real assets like their house or a 401k account to get richer while those struggling to get by find it harder as prices rise while wage gains struggle to keep up with the inflation caused by the issuance of trillions of dollars needed to keep the fabric of the economy together during these unique times.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. To reach him, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com or email Hlibby@WinslowDrake.com.

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED WHAT COULD DMV, A BOARDING PASS AND DOGS HAVE IN COMMON DURING COVID? THEY ARE ALL CURRENT SCAMS BEING IMPLIMENTED DURING COVID UPON YOUR CV NEIGHBORS!

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hishing Scams at DMV? DMV has warned California Drivers of a Phishing Scam using text messaging related to REAL ID. The DMV warns us that they never ask for personal info related to your Driver’s License number. However, during Covid there are scammers, allegedly from DMV, requesting an update on your contact information for the new REAL ID Compliance. Don’t get sucked in!

An updated mailing address and phone number are requested and when drivers click the button, the message “Action Needed: Due to an update on our regulation complaint, ever California DMV customer must update their contact information. Update now at …and then a phony link is inserted”. All CV Drivers must be warned that this is NOT from DMV. When the DMV does text, it is based on an action initiated by the driver. DMV never requests personal information like this just as the IRS never calls you. It is just not relevant to your DMV record. Soooo, if you receive a notice like this just delete it. Such notices can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint. For phishing emails, forward them to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.

Phishing text messages should be forwarded to SPAM (7726).

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It is important to note that as of October 1, 2021, the US Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, to board flights within the USA. Before you apply for the REAL ID, you should fill out the online application and bring the confirmation code and document with you to a DMV. More info can be obtained at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

BEWARE OF YOUR AIRLINE BOARDING PASS. You ask how an airline boarding pass left behind or thrown away, can be a problem?

Why should we not leave them on the plane?

If you look closely you will see a QR code on the ticket. A hacker, with a smart phone, can scan the QR code and get all your info and change your pin. Really……..no kidding!

Seriously DOG SCAMS??? Most of us are aware that the demand for dogs has skyrocketed since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. That is very understandable, as the imposed isolation caused many to understand the value that companionship pets can provide. In fact, the demand has increased to the point that some shelters have stopped accepting applications to foster animals and breeders say that the waitlists for puppies have quadrupled.

Unfortunately as demand for pets increase, so do the online scams. Our friendly Scammers set up phony websites or post fake advertisements for dogs that don’t exist. This is similar to some of the real estate scams that took place during Coachella and other concerts. People would offer to rent a nonexistent home or one that was rented to someone else or owned by someone else.

Reports on these scams have tripled since the time when Covid was not yet in “fashion”.

The Scammers will even offer to ship the dogs for a fee paid up front. That adds more money to their successful scams.

After the prospective pet owners place an order, the sellers often require additional fees to handle shipping issues or for other reasons.

Some buyers have lost hundreds of dollars before realizing the pet was never really going to arrive. This is similar to the advanced costs requested before the scammer can send you the lottery winnings that are YOURS!. Nonprofit consumer protection organizations report that the usual amount of money lost due to these scams has risen. These scammers play on the buyers emotions and vulnerability.

Pet scams can be the most emotional, and to avoid these scams: try to adopt from a pet shelter before opting for an online deal; be

circumspect of deals that sound too good to be true; research the price for the breed you are looking for, as deeply discounted prices should raise your suspicion; check for stock photos; avoid sending money through unusual means like wiring, sending gift cards etc. and double check the registration organization the seller mentions.

Some sellers try to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic as an excuse to not meet in person. However, a genuine breeder will agree to talk on the phone or video chat. Scammers are likely to try and handle everything through e-mail, as that way way their location is more difficult to track. You must stay vigilant.

DALE GRIBOW - Representing 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 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating “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” SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500/dale@ dalegribowlaw.com

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

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April 8 to April 14, 2021

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H S A R T Y A W A L AU H WE 20

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