Coachella Valley Weekly - May 4 to May 10, 2023 Vol. 12 No. 8

Kathy Bates, Raymond Bill

Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmions Noe Gutierrez, Tricia Witkower, Marissa Willman

Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Rob Brezsny, Craig Michaels, Dee Jae Cox, Denise Ortuno Neil, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Ed Heethuis, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman, Daniel Paris, Michelle Borthwick, Nadia Popova, Merita Wheel-Zot, Dennis Shelly, DeAnn Lubell

Photographers

Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez

Videographer

Kurt Schawacker

Website Editor

Bobby Taffolla

Distribution

Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Each and every first Thursday of the month, Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails has presented the wildly successful acoustic music showcaseIntimate Acoustics hosted by Morgan Alise Carmona & Johnny Carmona. For the last 9 years the showcase has featured incredible local music talent from a variety of genres making it a monthly event not to be missed! The showcase began as an inviting space where new musicians could perform for their friends and family. Today, Intimate Acoustics not only continues to host new musicians, but also brings out some of the valley’s most accomplished as well. Plus Kyle Krehbiel, our resident bartender, is an absolute staple who provides excellent service and a familiar friendly face to the event each month.

So what makes this month’s event so special? It falls on May the Fourth. Star Wars fans rejoice! May the Fourth has become an informal commemorative celebration due

to the success and evolution of the franchise over its 45 year history. California even voted to declare May the fourth Star Wars Day in 2019- and who can blame them with Disneyland’s recent opening of Galaxy’s Edge, a succession of popular television series and big box office films, not to mention coincidental word-play this good?

As a community of creatives and music fans, the opportunity to celebrate was just too good to miss.

So how are we combining a Star Wars theme with an Acoustic Music Show?

• Themed drinks created by Kyle Krehbiel

• Star Wars themed music

• Laser Lights and Decor

• Costumes (optional, but encouraged)

If you love acoustic music and feel like a fun night out, join us! The show begins promptly at 8pm and ends around 11pm.

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails has more than just music and drinks with 4 pool tables, shuffle board, and darts, there is

something for everyone. This venue is strictly 21+ so please leave little Grogu at home. If you’re interested in performing in the future, please email morganalisecarmona@ gmail.com for details.

“I’ve always enjoyed the opportunities to play Intimate Acoustics, the line-ups are always top notch. I try to go even when I’m not performing because you never know who Morgan is going to invite- it’s always an eclectic night! Plan B is the place I have played most in the valley so if I’m presenting a new song, I wait for Intimate Acoustics to play it for the first time.” -Jeremy Goodlander of Five Acre Dream

“I love everyone at Plan B- their vibes and personalities are reasons why I always come back to perform!” -Krystofer Do

“Plan B is the very first place Christine & The Lost Keys played in 2019. Over the years, Morgan has invited us back to play for acoustic nights and we just love it. It’s a place for everyone to come together and support one another. From new musicians to veterans. I love getting to watch the diverse pool of talent we have in this valley and becoming friends with them.” - Christine Michele of Christine & The Lost Keys.

“I am very excited that this event will be our first show at Plan B as we are looking forward to performing there!” -Emmelle

“I feel so fortunate to offer this event for artists to share their music and have a special camaraderie with each other and the audience. You never know who’ll jump up for an impromptu jam or duet. Every month provides inspiration and lots of laughs! I want to thank Jeannette Krehbiel for inviting us each and every month to play for the past 9 years at her incredible venue.”

-Morgan Alise Carmona of The Sieve & The Saddle Intimate Acoustics

Every First Thursday 8pm - 11pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

32025 Monterey Ave, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 21+

Looking for a way to beat the heat this summer? Registration for Youth Summer Art Camp and adult fourweek classes from June through mid-August are going to be announced very soon at the Old Town Artisan Studios website. Classes will be grouped by medium and released on specific days, starting at 10 a.m. each day. Please allow a few minutes for all classes to appear online the day of their scheduled release.

Camps for participants ages 7 to 10 and 11 to 15 offer students the chance to work with a wide variety of mediums, such as ceramics, fused glass, watercolor, acrylic painting, sewing, theatre, and more. Multiple, week-long sessions will be offered throughout the summer. Each session takes place Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each day, students will have 2 classes with an hour lunch break in between.

Adult pottery wheel classes are also available, where participants can discover how the pottery wheel is a rather exciting and challenging tool in the world of ceramics. Students can explore the art of throwing clay

on the pottery wheel as they learn to craft one-of-a-kind pieces from start to finish. Students will learn the basics and beyond, including clay preparation, proper body positioning, centering, pulling walls, shaping, trimming, and glazing. No experience required. Class size is limited to 8.

Ceramics I is an introductory handbuilding class in which students learn all about techniques and tools. Students will be creating, by hand, functional ceramic pieces from start to finish with the guidance of an instructor. Learning to build with tools in the studio other than the wheel is key to understanding the art of clay. Students will get to explore the various capabilities of the slab roller, extruder, and numerous

hand tools, all of which provide an excellent foundation for the art of sculpture and pottery wheel. No previous experience required.

Ceramics II is an intermediate level handbuilding class in which students will build on the skills learned in the introductory course. Students will have the opportunity to expand their thinking and drive their own creative ideas for class projects. Completion of Ceramics I is not required, but is highly recommended.

Ceramics III enables students to come together with other experienced artists to challenge themselves and strengthen their skills in a more fast-paced and independently driven environment. Students will have access to all studio tools, including the pottery wheel. Previous experience and instructor permission is required.

Fused Glass I is an introductory level class in which students will learn safety and basic fusing concepts such as how glass behaves at different temperatures in a kiln, cutting and shaping sheet glass, and the various types of glass that are available to the kiln glass artist. The class will focus initially on arranging glass for flat fusing―the first step towards many more advanced techniques, including bowl making. Students will work on specific projects designed by the instructor to master each of the basic skills. No previous experience required.

Fused Glass II is designed to build on the skills learned in this introductory class. With a solid foundation of knowledge and

ARTSCENE

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

technique, this intermediate class will spark students’ creativity and imagination to help them see what is possible when you begin to unlock the “artist within”. In this course students will create and design unique projects of varying size and shape. Students will learn how to incorporate different materials such as metals, enamels, and decals into their work. It is encouraged that students bring in their inspiration photos and create their own one-of-a-kind piece. Completion of Fused Glass 1 or instructor approval is required.

The Transparent Watercolor adult class is tailored for beginning to intermediate students with some drawing skills. Advanced level artists are also welcomed. Students will learn and practice basic techniques of transparent watercolor and become familiar with the concept of creating art (not copying nature). Students will review the basic principles to creating good art and share ideas and tricks of the trade with each other.

The Interpreting the Landscape in Watercolor adult class lets students explore the concepts of expressing the feeling of a subject and how not to paint “in the lines”. Learn to paint free, loose and fun, as instructor Dave Howell shares his philosophy, techniques and theory of this expressive medium. Students will work on landscape, seascape and cityscape. Their own paintings will be based on “how they see it” by interpreting nature, not copying it. Basic design fundamentals will be stressed. Some watercolor experience is recommended. A suggested list of supplies will be provided. All classes, workshops and private events require full payment upon registration. If you miss a class, there are no make-up classes available. When an item/class is in your cart online, the spot is not yours until payment is completed.

Cancellations must be done at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of class in order to receive a full refund. If cancellations are made less than 2 weeks before the start of class, refunds will only be issued if the seat is filled. Once classes are in session, all fees are non-refundable.

For more information, please call the Old Town Artisan Studios front desk at 760-777-1444, or visit the website at www. oldtownartisanstudios.org

COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY announces its 2023 SUMMER CABARET SERIES, presented in CVRep’s casual, intimate setting every Thursday evening from May 4 through August 24. Each performer is a captivating storyteller, using music, personal experiences, and passions to take audiences on memorable journeys. The series opens with Melissa Errico on May 4, followed by Alan H. Green (May 11), Steve Ross (May 18), Teri Ralston and Alix Korey (June 8), two evenings with Glenn Rosenblum and guest artists (June 15 and August 3), Christiane Noll (June 22), Flamenco Company Miguel Bernal (July 13), Maximo Marcuso (July 20), Christia Mantzke (July 27), Lisa Vroman (August 10), Mark Evans (August 17) and artists from CVRep’s acclaimed production of ONCE: Molly Coyne, Trevor Lindley Craft and Eileen Doan (August 24).

Tickets are on sale now. Tickets for Melissa Errico are $38.50 and all others $45. They may be ordered online at www.cvrep.org, by calling (760) 296-2966, ext. 201, or at the CVRep box office located at 68510 East Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City. Special packages will be available. Box office hours are Monday-Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. and two hours prior to performances. In order to better serve audiences, patrons requesting accessibility assistance are encouraged to contact the box office at least 24 hours prior to their ticketed performance. Artists, show titles and dates are subject to change.

MELISSA ERRICO │May 4, 2023 - NO ONE IS ALONE – MELISSA ERRICO REMEMBERS

STEPHEN SONDHEIM - Broadway star, Tony Award nominee, actress, singer and author Melissa Errico performs her very personal one-woman tribute to the late, great genius of American musical theatre. She will sing all of the Sondheim standards, interspersed with stories and insights from her decadeslong relationship with him. One critic said that hearing Errico singing Sondheim left him, “Stunned into an amazing feeling of having witnessed something life changing, life enhancing and of incredible beauty.”

ALAN H. GREEN │May 11, 2023 - “Powerful voice,” “dynamic stage presence” and “incredible versatility” are all phrases used to describe this charismatic Broadway veteran. Green has appeared in hit shows such as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, School of Rock, Sister Act and Play On! Off-Broadway credits include Broadway Bounty Hunter and Happiness at Lincoln Center. He has been featured in regional theatre productions across the county. Green received a prestigious Berkie Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical and BroadwayWorld’s

Best Performer. In addition to his stage and television work, Green has performed at the White House, Radio City Music Hall, and the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

STEVE ROSS │ May 18, 2023 - Returning to Coachella Valley Repertory with An Evening With Steve Ross, the “Crown Prince of New York Cabaret” (NY Times) brings his personal tribute to Fred Astaire. He’ll perform classics by music titans George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim and Noel Coward. A magician of the keyboard, Ross is as debonair as Astaire, with the wit and sophistication of Coward and Porter. Acclaimed in London and adored in NYC, Ross proves that glamorous evenings still happen. The London Times hailed his show as “the smoothest cabaret act in the world.” Above all, all else, Steve Ross is just plain fun.

2023 SUMMER CABARET SERIES

May 4 - Melissa Errico

May 11 - Alan H. Green

May 18 - Steve Ross

June 8 - Teri Ralston & Alix Korey

June 15 - Glenn Rosenblum

June 22 - Christiane Noll

July 13 - Flamenco Co. Miguel Bernal

July 20 - Maximo Marcuso

August 3 - Glenn Rosenblum

August 10 - Lisa Vroman

August 17 - Mark Evans

August 24 - Molly Coyne, Eileen Doan & Trevor Lindley Craft

Date & Time: All performances are at 7 p.m.

Tickets: Melissa Errico - $38.50

All other performances - $45

To purchase: Online - www.cvrep.org

Phone - (760)296-2966, ext. 115

Box office - 68510 East Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City

Facebook: http://facebook.com/CVRep

Twitter: @CVREP

Instagram: @coachellavalleyrepertory

COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY is a nonprofit, professional regional theater. It is the only theater in California’s Coachella Valley that has Small Professional Theatre (SPT) status with Actor’s Equity.

CVRep produces professional theater and educational programs that present thought

provoking theatre of substance. It also offers professional level theatre training for young people and adults in its Conservatory, Writing Competition, and other meaningful, socially, and culturally relevant children’s outreach programs. As a member of the Coachella Valley community, CVRep is committed to enriching the quality of life for all residents and to providing memorable experiences for the Valley’s many visitors.

CYBERCORNER

TikTok has grown significantly in popularity and user count from its early days as Musical.ly when it was mainly used for lip-syncing. TikTok may be credited for some of the most popular trends and viral videos you see on other platforms. That’s how popular the app is right now. While governments from around the world are continuing to ban Tiktok over security and privacy concerns which raise the question, “What data does TikTok collect?” and Why is it important?

The most serious concern about TikTok’s safety is related to national security, namely the threat that ByteDance’s ownership of the app may provide the Chinese government access to its users’ data. So, what information do they have?

Let’s take a deeper look.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a video-sharing application that allows users to make and share short-form videos on any topic of their choice. Although TikTok videos may still be seen on the web app, it is primarily a platform for mobile devices. Users can get creative with their content by applying filters, stickers, voiceovers, sound effects, and background music on the platform. According to the most recent TikTok statistics, the app has been downloaded 3 billion times. It also boasts 1 billion monthly active users. Furthermore, the platform is no longer limited to lipsyncing. Creators on the site are getting

increasingly creative with their material, putting together funny sketches and educational videos.

What data does TikTok collect?

Several privacy and security professionals who have studied TikTok’s app say no obvious issues indicate the service is now spying on individuals or leaking their information. The Washington Post collaborated with a privacy expert in

2020 to investigate TikTok, noting that the app does not appear to gather any more data than a normal mainstream social network. Even so, if TikTok gathers roughly the same amount of data as Facebook or Twitter, that’s still a lot of information, including details about the videos you watch, comments you make, private messages you send, and — if you consent to this level of access — your precise geolocation and contact lists.

According to TikTok’s privacy statement, the company also gathers information such as your email address, phone number, age, search and browsing history, the content of the images and videos you upload, and, with your permission, the items in your device’s clipboard so that you can copy and paste data into the app.

Theoretically, TikTok could have “privacy-violating hidden features“ that the general public might not be aware of and that can be turned on or off with a tweak to its server code.

Here are some examples of data that TikTok gathers:

• Name, age, username, email, password, phone number, and location.

• Message content, as well as who reads and when messages are delivered, received, and read.

• Clipboard contents, including text, photos, and videos.

• Information about purchases, such as credit card numbers, billing addresses, and shipping addresses.

• What users do on other websites, applications, or in stores, including the products or services they buy there.

• File types and names.

• Keystroke rhythms and patterns.

• Your IP address, mobile service provider, time zone preferences, device type, and operating system.

• Details regarding photos, audio, and video.

• The scenery and items you use in the videos you make, such as landmarks, stores, and tourist destinations.

BY DENNIS SHELLY

• Biometric identifiers like voiceprints and faceprints (this information enables TikTok to target political messages, adverts, and videos according to your preferences and interests).

• Cookies that track users’ interactions with content and the websites they visit most frequently.

The company has admitted to using small images or pieces of data that may identify the time and date a page is seen as well as a description of that page, which are embedded in photos and advertisements.

How can I use TikTok while protecting my data?

1. Create an anonymous profile

Creating a TikTok account that doesn’t instantly expose your identity is the first step. Remove personally identifiable information and use a secondary, anonymous email address whenever feasible. You’ll be less likely to experience identity theft if you use a false name and birthdate.

2. Your account should be set to private

You may control who can access the content by making your account private. If you aren’t quite ready to uninstall TikTok, this can significantly increase your online security.

1. Toggle off the “Suggest your accounts to others” switch.

2. Uncheck “Find your contacts” and “Who can send you direct messages” for Friends.

3. Prevent others from downloading your videos

Toggle off “Allow others to download my videos” in your account’s Privacy and Safety menu to modify this setting. As a result, no one will be able to save the videos anywhere without your consent.

Conclusion

According to experts, TikTok’s data collection practices aren’t any more intrusive or illegal than those of other US tech companies, despite the fact that much of it is done secretly. Security experts believe that this isn’t a problem unique to TikTok but rather a reflection of the overall liberty we’ve granted tech companies to manage our data. Whenever you download an app, you are giving the company your trust to install software on your device, which may expose you to risks and introduce you to vulnerabilities. They are also collecting as much data as you are willing to give them access to.

Have a suggestion for our next article?

Please contact us by visiting our website at www.eggheadit.com, by calling (760) 205-0105, or by emailing us at tech@ eggheadit.com with your questions or suggestions.

IT | Networks | Security | Voice | Data

IAN JONES

Ian Jones grew up listening to The Beatles and Bob Dylan, along with Outlaw Country legends Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and David Allan Coe. One of three siblings, he was raised by a single mom in the shadow of Mount Rainier. It was a hardscrabble existence, as he recently recalled, “my babysitter was the record player.”

By the time puberty hit, he was writing his own songs on a beat-up Classical guitar. He cycled through a series of bands as he relocated from Seattle to Santa Barbara to L.A. In 2021, he released his solo debut, the Evergreens EP.

A prolific songwriter, he quickly amassed enough new music to record his first official long-player. Reaching out to his old pal, musician/producer Jesse Sibenberg (Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real, Lissie, Kenny Loggins), they corralled a wolfpack of talented pickers and players to add some instrumental color. The result is Not Typical.

The album opens tentatively with “Rollin.” Sun-dappled acoustic guitars lattice searching piano chords, thrumming bass keening pedal steel and brushed percussion. Ian’s warm tenor echoes antecedents like James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Elton John. Efficacious lyrics hint at a hard case of wanderlust; “I crossed the border, California bound, night was falling, dawn coming on fast, Thank God almighty I am free at last, and I’m out on the road and I’m rollin’/Then I put my feet on uncertain ground, guard up, to keep from falling, but I didn’t seem to find any peace around, so I hit the road and I’m still rollin’.” A sturdy piano solo hurtles through the break, underscoring the restless reluctance to embrace real life responsibilities.

Over 11 tracks, Ian somersaults through a plethora of styles and consistently sticks the landing. Three songs serve up a potent combo-platter of Rock, Soul and R&B, traveling a path pioneered by Derek, some Dominos, Delaney, Bonnie plus a few Mad Dogs and Englishmen. “Without You I’m Lost” blends a breezy conga-fied beat, tropical guitars, rippling piano runs, buoyant bass, a snazzy horn section and fluttery woodwinds. Lyrics offer an ardent encomium to his better half; “I’ve traded my sweat for a dollar at the end of a long hard day, the ache in my back and the lines on my face is the price I pay, the love I find when I come home to you is worth it whatever the cost, and I know that without you, I’m lost.” On the break, the horn section hugs the melody’s voluptuous curves, sidling up to Big Easy piano notes, lithe guitar licks and twinkly percussion, before powering down on a dime.

“You Can’t” immediately takes flight, launched into the stratosphere powered by churchy keys, swirly Wurlitzer, angular bass, flinty guitars, shivery pedal steel, brass and woodwind accents and a propulsive beat. Part Big Pink workout, part sanctified stomp, lyrics are suffused in bitterness and betrayal; “You’re caught at the cross roads of a truth and a lie, you turn to go one way, but it’s dark and you’re tired, you try and explain, say this time it will last, you think there’s a way to take back what you say,

but you can’t.” The arrangement builds to an ecclesiastic crescendo on the final instrumental break, that feels cathartic even when the lyrics offer no respite.

Meanwhile, “Lost Highway” is an ode to the open road anchored by syncopated horns, pulsating woodwinds, thready bass, tensile guitars and liquid keys. Tart Wurlitzer notes punctuate each twist and turn as meandering lyrics try to outrun a broken romance; “Sometimes the trees can get so thick here upon us, you think that we’d be blind and miss that forest, but you might just think that we’re blind anyway, it might be wrong, hell, it really don’t matter, if you were listening you might hear my heart shatter as I pick myself up off that lost highway.”

The best songs here match nuanced narratives to memorable melodies and dexterous arrangements. “You’re Gone” takes from Steve Earle’s wellworn playbook, offering a masterclass in heartache. Willowy guitar notes, bruised bass lines, faded pedal steel and dusty keys are wed a thunky 3/4 beat. Ian slips into the skin of a contrite but clueless ex-husband trying to woo his former flame; “I dusted off my mirror, grabbed a pair of jeans and my best shirt, pulled myself together the best way I know how despite the hurt, I gathered up my courage and walked up to you because I wanted to dance, but you walked out in front of me, straight out the door, before I got the chance.” A mournful pedal steel solo underscores the solitude and the ache.

Somewhere between Jimmy Webb and early Elton John stands “Athens Smiles.” Honky-Tonk piano notes are bookended by shimmery guitars, spidery bass and a snappy shuffle rhythm. Once again, the road beckons, offering a temporary panacea for a girl itching to escape her Georgia hometown. Working her way toward the west coast, this expansive

travelogue is fueled by swoony strings. Of course, L.A. proves too much for the (wo) man, and soon enough she’s back on the road; “Now the road east from California is hot and long and without end, and by the time she reached Odessa, I bet she was glad to leave the 10, down through Dallas and Texarkana, Memphis, Chattanooga then she’ll go rolling back down into Athens, watching Athens smile again.”

On “Again,” stately piano chords dovetail with shuddery bass, sinewy acoustic guitar and a barely-there beat. Sepia-tone lyrics unspool a solitary saga of an outlaw on the run; “Sun went down and I never looked back, ditched the body ‘neath the railroad tracks, crossed the border and headed south, where it was easier to fit in.” Lofty electric guitar riffs soar untethered, even as this wily desperado longs to be free; “Now I think I’m safe and there ain’t no one around, take time to get straight, see what I’ve found, thought I had a good thing, thought I’d settle down…again, again, I’m on the run.”

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

Finally, “Have Mercy” is a sad sack Waltz anchored by a walking bass line, strummy guitars, high lonesome pedal steel, plaintive piano and a shambling beat. A lachrymose lament steeped in self-pity, (Crocodile) tears fall into beers and the Lord is on stand-by. But this guy is just going through the motions; “It’s been so many years, and long lonely nights where I cried in my beer, I asked for forgiveness so many times, and all those times you stayed, but now you’re gone, I’ve made my excuses, I know I was wrong, so have mercy, take a chance on me.” It’s clear his “kind woman” is in the wind.

Other interesting tracks include the tender piano ballad, “She Is Lost,” as well as “Some Day,” a molasses-thick shot of redemption. The album closes with “Goodbyes Are The Hardest Words.” Ghostly piano notes connect with spectral guitars, nimble bass lines and a rock-ribbed beat. A bit of a restless farewell, the lyrics are shot through with sin and salvation, gravitas and grace; “And if I reach the gates before you, I’ll be waiting to take your hand, cause forever lasts a long time or so I’ve heard, so far now I’ll just say I love you and I’ll see you in a little while, cause goodbyes are the hardest words.” It’s a melancholy end to a great record.

This is a solo album in name only, alternately, Gabe Noel and John Flaugher held down the low end on bass. Piano, keys and Wurlitzer were handled by Dave Palmer and Aaron Embry, Jason Soda and Paul Jacob Cartwright played guitar. Lee Thornberg tackled brass and horn arrangements, Paulie Cerra did the same for woodwinds. Joey Waronker played drums on every track, and producer Jesse Sibenberg achieved MVP status by adding pedal steel, electric guitars, percussion and backing vocals.

Ultimately, the triumph of Results Not Typical belongs to Ian Jones. He has crafted a cogent set of songs that are at once fresh and familiar, intimate and universal. Each one hitting that perfect bittersweet spot.

Thursday, May 4

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar –

3:30-6:30pm, Paul Douglas Wergley – 7pm

Casuelas Café – Avenida – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewery – Open Mic

– 6pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Christine Love – 6pm

Jazzville @ Agua Caliente – Tony Guerrero w/ Lia Booth – 7pm

Jolene’s – Rebecca Clark – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Mark Guerrero, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Ken O’Malley – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the Plaza – 5-8pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Mat the Fourth be with you Acoustic Music Show w/ Krystofer Do, Five Acre Dream, The Sieve and the Saddle, Christine and the Lost Keys, Wes Gainey, Nick Hales and Emmelle – 8pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – Latina Night w/

DJ LF – 9pm

Purple Room – Sharon Sills – 6:30pm

Runway – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Shanghai Red’s (PS) – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 6pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King

Trio – 6pm

The Village – DJ Cranberry – 9pm

Friday, May 5

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, Cinco De Mayo Party w/ Off Da Cuff – 7pm

Bart Lounge – DJ Axel Alatriste – 8pm

Casuelas Café – Daveed Macias –

11:30am, Flashback Boyz – 6pm, The Myx – 7pm

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewery – Cinco De

Mayo Party w/ Mario Figeuroa and Mikey

Reyes – 6pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc

Antonelli – 6pm

Jolene’s – Patrice Morris – 7pm

Larkspur Grill – Live Music – 7pm

Lavender Bistro – Jeff Bonds, Scott

Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Reel Band – 9pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 122:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Craic Haus – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the Plaza – 6-9pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Haley Heynderick

X – 8:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – Travesuras

Cinco De Mayo Party – 9pm

Purple Room – Randy Roberts – 6pm

Rock Yard @ Fantasy Springs – Red

Hot Cholo Peppers (RHCP Tribute) and

Pandora’s Rock – 7pm

Sullivan’s – Hotwyre – 5:30pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 7:30pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30pm, DJ Gio

the Ace – 9pm, DJ Cranberry – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Saturday, May 6

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano

Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, J and the Sundawgs

– 7pm

Bart Lounge – Luna Negra Presents:

Twin Ion Engine, Carrellee and Freedom

Cruse – 8pm

Big Rock Pub – Hairforce – 8pm

Casuelas Café – Vinny Berry – noon, Flashback Boyz – 4pm, Lis Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 7pm

Chef George’s – TBA – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewery – Brewhouse Rocks w/ Jonny Ransom and Blasting

Echo – 8pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc Antonelli – 6pm

Jolene’s – Fun with Dick and Jane – 7pm

Larkspur Grill – Live Music – 7pm

Lavender Bistro – Jeff Bonds, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Reel Band – 9pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 122:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

O’Caine’s – Kilty as Charged – 6pm

Old Town La Quinta – Live Music in the Plaza – 6-9pm

Pappy & Harriet’s – Caroline Rose – 8:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Pretty Faces Nightclub – DJ LF – 9pm

Purple Room – Debby Holiday: Tina

Turner Tribute – 6pm

Rock Yard @ Fantasy Springs – Smooth

Sounds of Santana (Santana Tribute) and C4 – 7pm

Sullivan’s – Paul Villalobos – 5:30pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 5pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Rose Mallett –

5-7pm, John Stanley King – 7:30pm

The Village – Rob & JB – 1pm, Dio DJ the Ace – 9pm, DJ Cranberry – 9pm, DJ Erika

Starr – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Sunday, May 7

Babaloo Lounge – Tristen/Flamingo

Guitar – 1pm, Bob Corwin Piano Bar –

3:30pm, Tim Burleson – 6pm

Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ LF –

8pm

Big Rock Pub – Cole Withers – 11:30am

Casuelas Café – El Mariachi Coachella –

1pm, Voices Carrie – 5:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewery – Acoustic

Afternoon w/ Five Acre Dream and Matt

Davin – 3:30pm

Fisherman’s Market, PS – Live Music –

6pm

Jolene’s – Desert Crows – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Scott Carter, Mark

Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 3:30-7:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Mariachi El Bronx

– 8pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails

– Inakaraoke Karaoke – 7pm

Tommy Bahamas – Alex Santana – 12pm

The Village – Gio the Ace - 9pm

Monday, May 8

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar

– 3:30, Tim Burleson – 6pm

Casuelas Café – Live Music – 5:30pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Larry

Copeleto – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Abbie Perkins, Mark

Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Pappy and Harriet’s – Sam Nelson –

8pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Richard “88 Fingers”

Turner – 6pm

The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

Tuesday, May 9

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar

– 3:30-6:30pm, Roxanne Avaro – 6:30pm

Casuelas Café – The Desert Suite Band – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Patrice Morris, Marc Antonelli and Christine Love – 6pm

Lavender Bistro – Abbie Perkins, Mark Guerrero on the Patio – 6pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Purple Room – Rose Mallett – 6:30pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – Slim Man Band –6pm

The Village – DJ Erika Starr – 9pm

Wednesday, May 10

Babaloo Lounge – Bob Corwin Piano Bar – 3:30-6:30pm, The Myx – 7pm

Bart Lounge – Karaoke – 8pm

Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 5:30pm

Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:30pm

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Trivia Night – 7pm

Cunard’s Sandbar – Bill Baker – 6pm

The Fix – Alex Santana – 5:30pm

Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Rebecca Clark – 6pm

Jolene’s – Open Mic – 6:30pm

Lavender Bistro – Mark Guerrero, Scott Carter on the Patio – 6pm

Lit @Fantasy Springs – Neil Morrow –7pm

Mitch’s on El Paseo – Alex Santana – 122:30pm

The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm

Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm

Purple Room – Charles Herrera, Darci Daniels and Michael Holmes – 6:30pm

Tack Room Tavern – T-Bone Karaoke –7pm

Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King – 6pm

The Village – DJ Cranberry – 9pm, Banda Revolucion – 10pm

Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, SO. CALIFORNIA

Cholla Cactus Garden is

and the lower Colorado Desert, this level quarter-mile loop provides access to an intense concentration of cholla cacti. Perhaps the cutest cactus on the planet, the cholla has been nicknamed the teddy bear cactus, but this is one teddy bear you do not want to hug! The cactus is covered

in spines that will latch in to your skin on the slightest touch.

This defense mechanism is effective for desert survival but can create an unpleasant experience for those who don’t stick to the trail.

Cholla cactus have sharp spines that can easily detach from the plant and attach themselves to passersby.

However, you can easily avoid getting hurt by these spiny plants by staying away from them. If you find yourself close to a cholla cactus, be sure to take caution and avoid getting too close.

A pamphlet at the trailhead provides more information about this unique desert plant. The short easy hike through Cholla Cactus Garden is well worth the stop. Just stay on the path!

Joshua Tree National Park is open every day, year round. Oasis and Joshua Tree Visitor Centers are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Cottonwood Visitor Center

is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more info, visit hikespeak.com/ trails/cholla-cactus-garden-in-joshua-tree Think Cholla Cactus. Look, do not touch or get too close.

one of Joshua Tree National Park’s oneof-a-kind features. Located at the merger of the upper Mojave Desert

EXPLORE THE WINE REGIONS OF THE WORLD AT MORGAN’S OF THE DESERT

BY MARISSA WILLMAN

Brut Rose.

TRAVEL

If you’re a food and wine lover looking for a special night out, look no further than Morgan’s in the desert, the signature dining venue at La Quinta Resort & Club. This top-rated restaurant is reintroducing their Wine Dinner Series through June, celebrating different regions of renowned wine country each month.

April kicked off the series with its “Spring in Tuscany” theme, highlighting expertly paired bottles from various Northern Italian regions with an exquisite four-course menu for an

incredible dinner experience.

April’s menu truly whisked patrons away to the lush countryside of Tuscany, with a fourcourse menu that offered an ode to springtime in Italy. The first course included an Arugula and Roasted Beet Salad that truly looked like a Tuscan countryside, thanks to edible flowers with a bright palette. The salad was perfectly paired with the Northern Italian 2020 Corte all Flora Venezie Pinot Grigio.

The second course is also a perfect pairing: handmade Linguini Pasta with sauteed tomato

and mushroom, and parmesan cheese, served with a 2015 Corte alla Flora Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva.

The main course featured a Lamb Loin, served with polenta with truffle gouda cheese and seasonal vegetables, and the expertly paired 2015 Corte alla Flora Pugnitello.. And then finally, to end the evening on a sweet note, the dessert course included a Caramel Gelato and Chocolate Mousse, served with rich sea salt caramel sauce paired with the light, bubbly N.V. Corte alla Flora Vino Spumante

In May, the Wine Dinner Series will shift its focus to “California’s Hidden Gems,” followed by “The Oregon Wine Trail” in June. Each updated menu features wines from the highlighted region, paired with the chef’s handcrafted menu to perfectly complement each featured wine.

So why not treat yourself to a night of unforgettable dining and wine pairings at Morgan’s in the desert? The prix fixe menu is priced at $200 for 4 courses with wine pairing, with reservations highly recommended. To learn more or to make your reservation, visit morgansinthedesert.com

LOCATIONS, LOCATIONS, LOCATIONS! THE VINO VOICE

Ask anyone in the real estate biz and they’ll repeat the title of this piece (okay—maybe not in the plural so much, but certainly in the singular).

And since vineyards are indeed real estate, location is indeed everything. When the Europeans first came to California—from the early Spaniards to the later Italians, Swiss French, and Germans, they all picked out some very relevant “terroir” in and around Napa/ Sonoma and other of our famed wine regions & locations

Enter now abruptly: Dave Phinney previously and somewhat currently known as Orin Swift, actually had entered the wine game back in 1997. A California native, he became a vigorous vine enthusiast when he traveled to Firenze and came back to work the harvests at Robert Mondavi.

The very next year, he started his own Napa Valley brand (Orin Swift Cellars), purchased some terrific Napa grapes and then figured out what to do with them. Clearly he had a mind for grapes and business for he readily created a rich, seductive wine that became the darling to many a fruitforward following who love bombastic wine. But it wasn’t just big fruit—it owned some fine complexity and acidity.

The wine became The Prisoner: an unusual blend (at the time) of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Charbono. Phinney played around with a lot of inventive blends using only the best quality grapes he could fined. Many of you folks will remember his other original brands such as Mercury Head, Papillon, Machete, Saldo and many more.

It’s been said that “He’s the man, the man with the Midas touch.” And he’s been very smart and fortunate in wine opportunities. Perhaps never before have we seen such a perfect storm of quality grapes, expert winemaking—and slick packaging.

So after his quick rise in wine biz—he immediately sells his company, takes his 300 million and buys vineyard properties in France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and other parts world-wide. Interestingly, E & J Gallo company ended up with Orin Swift Cellars for which Phinney is one of their winemakers!

But back to the locations that Phinney purchased around the globe. Producing top quality wine from these regions, he calls this new brand Locations. You recognize these bottles of wine because they have a big capital letter of the country the wine is made from: F for France; I for Italy; and E wait for it! España (Spain).

On this international ambition quest, Phinney states, “I created Locations based on a simple concept – make the best possible wine from a given country or location. This simple concept ended up being pretty challenging to put into action. I traveled the world, explaining my concept to some of the worlds’ finest vineyard owners, eventually turning skeptics into believers, and secured some of the best fruit to make the wines. In the process, I’ve had a lot of fun, visiting incredible vineyard sites and meeting amazing people, while challenging each other to make the best wine possible. “Throughout the world of wine there are distinct and highly-prized geographical areas

BY RICK RIOZZA

where soil and climate interact to produce grapes that uniquely express their sense of place through wine. These prized vineyard areas are situated within appellations of the old (primarily Europe) and new (mostly the rest of the world) but are rarely combined in the art of blending, due to local laws and restrictions. These local laws and restrictions make it almost impossible to express true winemaking freedom. “I seek out high-quality vineyards, and forward-thinking growers, across appellations to create a wine that proudly represents the best viticultural parcels of that country or location. Our quest is for old vines with low yields, to bring out the best of a specific vineyard and area. We then combine these parcels to craft a wine that pays homage to the country of origin; a wine that makes all of us proud.”

And now—some reviews of the Locations line-up: Bottle prices hover around $25.

Locations CA stands for the California blend—The red wine is made from Petite Sirah, Barbera, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Grenache. The wine is a deep purple that opens with ripe black fruits. Dense and rich, there are hints of chocolate, blackberry compote. The finish has tangy acidity and soft, succulent tannins.

Locations F for the French blend—Opaque with ruby accents, the wine is intensely perfumed with aromas of vivid berry, warm spice, plum, kirsch, lavender and subtle oak nuances. The entry is juicy and penetrating with rich flavors of ripe blackberry, racy currant and blueberry that generously coat the palate. Easy drinking, the finish is long and clean with just the right amount of polished tannins to keep the fruit in focus. Extremely well-balanced, this delicious red is ready to open and drink now.

Locations I is an Italian red blend made from Negroamaro, Nero d’Avola and Barbera! (Sounds Sicilian to me.) The wine has aromatic notes of black cherry, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, balsa, and evergreen. The silky-smooth entry is met with a textured mid-palate of velvety fig, blueberry jam, and soft oak. The finish has a hint of sea salt and fades out slowly. How about a Sicilian dish here—such as Pasta alla Norma.

Locations E—This Spanish red blend is a delicious full-bodied bottle of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell and Carinena grapes. Aromas of dark berries and smoke. Will pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roast chicken, roast pork—and turkey burgers, if you can find a really good one! Cheers!

ARTSCENE

BY DEANN LUBELL

Sally Lavinich is often referred to as the jewelry and clothing designer for the stars and royalty. Her clients have included the author, Anne Rice, along with actress Elizabeth Taylor and countrywestern singer Tanya Tucker. Sally was commissioned to create approximately 95 pieces specially designed for Rice, who penned gothic fiction, erotic literature, and Christian literature. Rice was best known for her series of novels The Vampire Chronicles.

“Anne loved my imaginative designs, techniques, and the beautiful materials I used,” said Sally. “She described me as profoundly gifted. Anne had so many of her fans inquiring as to who designed these pieces of art, that she created a promotional video for me and linked it to her website.”

Sally has been inspired and influenced by a most interesting life. A life full of glamour and beauty came very naturally for this gifted Michigan born girl. She became an award-winning hairstylist shortly after completing beauty school, a fulfillment of her dreams. She has a great eye for balance and a flair for beauty. She loved molding and weaving the hair into fantasy designs that won her many awards.

As she followed her passion for glamour and beauty, she set her sights for the movie industry, and California was the place to be, as any young starlet would do. Her acting and musical talents were fun and exciting, but her creative talent would soon take a surprising turn. As she started creating the most unusual accessories for her fellow actresses and friends, unexpectedly she was discovered by a large Los Angeles dress manufacturer.

This talented hobby soon became a big business as she began providing her special designer trims for several large dress manufacturers in Los Angeles. In 1986 Lanivich was established, becoming the love of her life. This was truly a gift from God. Lanivich would continue to expand her horizons as she went on to design the most beautiful jackets, belts, jewelry, and home décor.

“I am inspired by all things beautiful that have quality and character,” said Sally. “My designs include objects of distinction and antiquities from all around the world such as semi-precious stones, cubic zirconia, and leather. I particularly love freshwater pearls that I incorporate in many of my original designs. Fresh water pearls are the only gemstone which come from a living organism and carry the wonderful vibration of the sea. For centuries the pearl has been a symbol of power and royalty.”

Shoppers can find Sally’s extensive jewelry and vintage art-to-wear collection at The Shops on San Pablo located at 44850 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert, CA. A select few pieces of art jewelry are available at the Allan Pitchko Gallery Fine Art & Antiques, 73300 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260. To find out more go to slanivich@ gmail.com or www.lanivich.com

(Photos provided by Sally Lavinich)

PET PL ACE BECOME A LIFE SAVING FOSTER LIKE MARIE MARCINKO

BY JANET McAFEE

In a nation that treats dogs like family and delights in the joy of lively puppies and kittens, there are still countless litters of these little creatures rendered homeless by a variety of circumstances. Groups of abandoned and neglected animals suffer in our desert heat, laying huddled together for comfort. They are subject to heat stroke, parasites, and a variety of deadly diseases. Some will perish. Others, litters of young animals and older ones end up in large overcrowded public shelters. Sometimes these facilities cannot accommodate their frequent feedings, including possible bottle feeding, as they do not have overnight staff.

For a variety of reasons including the economy and the number of renters with pets facing eviction, 2023 brings an increase in the number of stray dogs and cats roaming

the streets and coming into public shelters. At the same time, there is a shortage of foster homes. The snowbird fosters are gone until late Fall. After restricted travel during the pandemic, many Coachella Valley residents are taking long vacations.

One local woman making a difference is Marie Marcinko, Loving All Animals extraordinary foster mom, who specializes in fostering precious homeless puppies. This amazing woman has fostered a total of 140 dogs and puppies for Loving All Animals. Sometimes Marie fosters a mother dog with nursing puppies. At other times she fosters just the little orphaned ones or a single older small dog. CAN YOU FOSTER JUST ONE ANIMAL?

Marie enthusiastically exclaims, “I love fostering! I love knowing that my efforts often save a dog’s life. Fostering is such an

important part of my life that I can’t imagine not doing it. Yes, sometimes I cry a little after they leave for a home, but the sadness quickly leaves when I anticipate the next one. And I think about how sad that dog was when it was in a shelter. Fostering gives me purpose, and it fulfills a need within me that is hard to explain in words. I participate in the adoptions and get photos and updates from the adopters.”

Dedicated foster parents like Marie Marcinko expand the walls of our valley’s shelters. They are the vital link to creating a “No Kill Coachella Valley” where the number of dogs and cats euthanized in public shelters is dramatically reduced. A rescue dog or cat is more likely to be successfully adopted after the loving handling and attention they receive in a foster home. Foster parents provide valuable information

MEET LIL MEET LIAM

This adorable large breed female puppy was rescued by Loving All Animals along with 3 siblings. They are 10 weeks old, very active, and need a yard for exercise and people with time to train and provide care. Call (760) 834-7000 for an appointment to meet them.

I am a handsome 2-yr-old German Shepherd boy hoping to go home with you! I’m 50 lbs of doggie joy, love humans and other pups. Come meet me at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday. www.rcdas.org

about the pet’s temperament.

Loving All Animals provides foster parents with food, supplies, and the support they need every step of the way. Loving All Animals pays for the vet care the animals require, including their vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering. They have extensive social media contacts to find wonderful adopters, and fosters are encouraged to participate in the adoptions.

Loving All Animal may call you requesting help to foster a particular animal in need such as an animal with medical issues. You can also help select the type of dog or kitten you would like to care for.

Your phone call today enables Loving All Animals to save a homeless animal in need. Call Loving All Animals at (760) 8347000 or visit www.lovingallanimals.org and complete the online volunteer application to become part of their life saving foster team. The greatest need is for fosters for big dogs and fosters for kittens.

You can also foster a dog or cat directly from our Riverside County Shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. They can be contacted at www.rcdas.org and (760) 343-3644. Because of staff shortages in answering calls, you can go there in person during visiting hours 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday and sign up. That animal will be overjoyed when it leaves with you!

They call it a “foster failure” if you decide to adopt your foster animal, but that’s also a happy ending! Join Marie Marcinko and become part of an amazing life saving team. Janetmcafee8@gmail.com

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS –

Open 10:00-4:00 Monday through Saturday. View animals online at all 4 county shelters www.rcdas.org, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public)

PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER –

Open to the public, closed Tuesday. View animals online at www.psanimalsshelter. org and complete application for the one you want to meet, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, Call (760) 416-5718. (Public)

DESERT HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL - Open daily 9:30-4:30. www. cityofdhs.org/animal-care-control.com , View animals at www.petango.com/dhsacc 65810 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, Call for appointment (760) 329-6411 ext. 450.

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – Open to the public. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email volunteer@ animalsamaritans.org to foster or volunteer. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private)

CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - Call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www.californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-3833. (Private)

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Fill out an application online www.orphanpet.com and call for an appointment. This shelter has dogs of all sizes and cats, Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private)

KITTYLAND – Open to the public to adopt cats and kittens. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www. kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private)

PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact

them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private)

LOVING ALL ANIMALS – Call for appointment to adopt dogs. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www. lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private)

ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA (ARC), Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. www.thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077. (Private)

FLUFFS & SCRUFFS – Foster based rescue for small dogs in Cathedral City. FLUFFSANDSCRUFFS@AOL.COM, (310) 980-3383. (Private)

SOCIETY’S OUTKAST ANIMAL RESCUE

– Foster based rescue for dogs in Rancho Mirage, www.societysoutkasts.com, (760) 832-0617. (Private)

LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY –

Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, www.living-free. org, (951) 659-4687. (Private)

CITY OF BANNING ANIMAL SHELTER –

Open daily 10am-6pm. Located at 2050 E. Charles Street, Banning. Many beautiful animals of all sizes. View animals at www. arerecue.org/banning (951) 708-1280 Short staffed so don’t always answer phones. (Public)

CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL

SHELTER – Open 12:00 – 3pm Tues through Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL

SHELTER AT DEVORE – Open 7 days a week. Call (909) 386-9280, www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you are interested in adopting, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino. (Public)

Award-winning local theatre company, Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley (GRTCCV), debuts Gary Soto’s awardwinning “Novio Boy” and takes it on the road to the people.

Beginning in La Quinta and continuing onto venues in Thermal and Desert Hot Springs, the touring company brings this comedy of adolescence and ambition told through the lens of its main character, Rudy (played by the talented and charismatic Luis Miguel Ibarra) who may or may not be the autobiographical voice of the author.

The simple set yet complex collection of props in addition to the innovative hair and makeup by Heaven Rodriguez, create the scenes for the audience and transport them

on a journey of family, relationships, love and loss, and eventually celebration and success. A backdrop designed and painted by local artist Michael Angelo Hernandez brings in the flavor of the culture being highlighted in this play while the script, even though focused on Soto’s upbringing in Fresno, has been updated by director David Catanzarite (with permission from Soto) to reflect the local experience and environment of the East Coachella Valley.

The small ensemble of 10 actors truly deserve a standing-O. Their energy is infectious, delivery of lines is truthful (although sometimes a bit over-the-top), and they win over the audience’s affection through their delightful storytelling.

In addition to the aforementioned

REVIEW BY JEFFREY SCOTT

Ibarra, other standouts are the outlandish and hilarious performance of Zelaya Divina Sanchez who’s comic timing rivals that of Alda Rodriquez and Julian Perez who commands the stage each and every time he walks onstage. Perez and fellow musician Ambry Padilla also create some wonderful musical moments throughout the production.

GRTCCV’s Executive Artistic Director David Catanzarite says he “hopes to expose more of the community to highcaliber theatre by providing all of the performances free to the public, thanks to an IMPACT Grant from the California Arts Council. This show is for people of all ages who may not have easy access to theatre. We’re bringing professional theatre to their

neighborhoods.”

The final performances of “Novio Boy” are on Saturdays, May 6 and May 13 at 1 p.m. at Grace Church in Desert Hot Springs, 17400 Bubbling Wells Road.

For more information, updates on the performance schedule, or to get involved with GRTCCV, please call (760) 696-2546 or visit www.greenroomtheatrecompany.org

Jeffrey Scott is a former reviewer for BroadwayWorld-Los Angeles, now freelance.

LISTS

Most of us like lists. The Fortune 400 list ranks the net worth of the richest people in the world. The Standard & Poor’s 500 or Dow Industrials Index are lists of companies that we use when investing.

Given that we live in a resort community with a high percentage of retirees, did you ever wonder which cities are the ones that people over 60 are moving to? SmartAsset used data from the US Census Bureau to compile its list of most attractive locations for people entering their Golden Years and found that Mesa, Arizona attracted the most with a net gain of more than 3,600 residents entering their Golden Years.

The second most popular destination was just outside of Las Vegas. Henderson, Nevada attracted 1,600 new retired residents. North Las Vegas comes in fourth with 1,100 making this region of the country one of the most popular in the United States.

San Antonio is third with 1,160 followed by Boise, Idaho in fifth, Wilmington NC, Frisco TX, Miami, Jacksonsville, and Raleigh, NC.

To place anywhere in the top 25, a city would need at least 400 new residents over 60. No Coachella Valley made the list.

GREAT MOMS

With Mother’s Day coming up, did you ever wonder who is viewed as the best mother in the history of the world? Besides my mother or yours, Mental Floss put

together a list of the best moms. Topping the list was Marie Curie. Curie is the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her work in chemistry. Born in Warsaw, Curie isolated radium which was used in X-rays and cancer treatment until less toxic treatments were developed. Curie earned two Nobel Prizes in her life while her daughter earned one.

Born as a slave named Isabella Baumfree in 1797, Baumfree escaped slavery to become an early women’s rights activist at the age of 29 with her daughter. Once free, she went to court to have her son freed from slavery making her the first black woman to go to a court on such issues. She went on to become an activist preacher and change her name to Sojourna Truth.

Others on this list include Abigail Adams, the wife of President John Adams and mother to John Quincy Adams. A more recent addition to this list is Kathy Headee who started Mothers Without Borders in the 1990s to help orphaned children around the world.

AIRPORTS

With temperatures in the desert returning to triple digit numbers, many of us will be jetting off to other places this summer to beat the heat. Our Palm Springs International Airport is a nice size that has lots of departure locations without the crowds of a major airport like LAX.

The busiest airport in the world is in Atlanta with more than 93 million passengers each year. Dallas/Fort Worth

is second with over 73 million passengers followed by Denver, Chicago’s O’Hare, Dubai, LAX, Istanbul, London’s Heathrow, Delhi’s Gandhi and Paris’ De Gaulle.

HOMES

It is fair to say that the cost to buy or rent a place to live is absurdly high in most of California. According to Rocket Homes, the most affordable place to live is in the Midwest. For someone earning $65,000/ year to live is Wausau, Wisconsin is considered the most affordable including an average home price is in the low $200,000s. Lafayette, Indiana comes in second with a $240,000 average price. Other affordable markets include Columbia, Missouri, Grand Forks ND, Morgantown WV, Bangor, Maine,

BY HADDON LIBBY

Pittsburgh, Chambersburg PA, Syracuse and Lansing, Michigan.

DOGS

What is the easiest breed of dog to train? According to professional dog trainer Layton Kelly in a Mental Floss article, Doodles like a Goldendoodle, Labradoodle or Aussiedoodle “make things pretty easy” offers Kelly. It makes sense then that golden and Labrador retrievers come in second and third. A Bernese mountain dog are “the modern age golden retriever.”

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information on his services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com

Contrary to what most of us think, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day…it is September 16…Diez y Seis de Septiembre! But it matters not. Instead of thinking about Mexican Independence, some Coachella and Stagecoach locals and visitors, are also trying to obtain freedom.

I’m talking about getting out of the Indio Jail or JFK/Eisenhower, or Desert Regional, after their DUI arrest or not at fault traffic accident. Yes, it can be dangerous leaving Coachella or Stagecoach, with so many “impaired” from drinking or “using” in the sun.

A DUI arrest requires dealing with jail and the costs, stress, court time and classes etc…a traffic accident is similar. Of course, Kentucky Derby day, results in the same scenario… more arrests/traffic accidents, injuring the innocent, and necessitating a Monday call to my office.

To understand a DUI, remember, you don’t have to be drunk…”just impaired”. One Tequila shot won’t do it, but several may It is NOT the number of drinks, but rather the amount of alcohol in each drink

Last year, I had a 21 year old boy arrive with his mom for a DUI. He swore he only had one drink, which clearly could not have caused the high reading. We believed him.

I asked if he used a red Costco cup, filled it with Vodka, topping it off with OJ? He said yes. I explained he had 12 oz’s of Vodka, which was the same as 12 drinks. Oh! he exclaimed.

The correct charge is Driving Under The Influence (DUI). You merely have to be Impaired; Under the Influence; or Buzzed

from alcohol and or a drug. Depending on a number of factors, several Tequila’s may do it. Police look at the Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) Breath Test at the scene and the Breath/Blood test at the station.

This article references a 5 (Cinco de Mayo) and 2 (as in 23152). A DUI has always been called a DEUCE. This is because the Vehicle Code violation has always ended in a 2, and thus Drunk Drivers are referred to as “Deuced”. A DUI was initially called a 502 requiring a .15 reading and next was called a 23102 …needing a .10 reading.

Some juries returned not guilty verdicts, thinking the driver was not DRUNK, because they were able to drive without getting into an accident. Defense lawyers argued to the jury that the driver complied and produced their driver’s license and insurance when asked and the driver did not fall down while

exiting the car.

As of May 5, 2023, it’s called a 23152 (a & b), thus allowing the DA to file two counts One is Driving under the Influence and the second count is Driving with a Blood Alcohol level of 08 or more Many juries “split the baby”, and find the driver innocent of one count and guilty of the other. A guilty verdict on either count is a DUI, with the same sentence.

In California, you are under the influence if your ability to drive is impaired Impairment occurs when your blood alcohol reading is 08 or higher Thus, if you are driving on a California road with 08 or higher the burden of proof almost reverts back to you, to show that you weren’t under the influence and/or your blood alcohol was not .08.

Sooo, if DUI charged, you don’t need some random 800 number lawyer. You need

a hometown attorney. An attorney focusing on DUI law here in the CV. With a DUI, don’t take a chance with remote, out-of-town legal representation. Choose Dale Gribow, practicing in Palm Desert for over 25 years. You may incorrectly think that once you blow into the breathalyzer the game’s over. But it’s not. With experienced legal defense, you can assert your rights. So if you’re looking at a bad DUI, that could haunt you for the rest of your life, don’t gamble with some outof-town 800 number attorney.

I look upon my job as protecting the Constitutional Rights of every American who drinks, drives and gets arrested for a DUI or has an ACCIDENT.

I do however “Change Hats” when I SUE Drunk Drivers for damages to my Injured or Deceased (Wrongful Death) clients.

DALE GRIBOW Attorney at Law

Representing the Seriously Injured and Criminally Accused

Successfully defending the rights and dignity, and obtaining, the best results possible, for PI/DUI Clients for over 30 years.

DO YOU WANT A LAWYER THAT IS COMPETENT, QUICK OR CHEAP…PICK 2, BECAUSE YOU CAN’T HAVE CHAMPAGNE TASTE, ON A BEER BUDGET

A Placekicker, like a Lawyer, is not important until you need him/her!

DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SWIMMING POOL? LUXURY POOL CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN OFFER FINANCING

It’s summertime, and the living is anything but easy - Unless you have access to a swimming pool or outdoor water feature. Thanks to Luxury Pool Construction & Design, financing options are available. This means this summer could be the one during which you make your living easy.

The modern swimming pool was, for those who may not know, a derivative of Ancient Rome. The first heated swimming pool was constructed by Gaius Maecenas in the 1st century B.C. (Before Christ). At the time, Gaius was a wealthy Roman lord, and was more than likely the type that lorded over others. However, it wasn’t until 800-600 B.C. that the first recreational swimming pools were birthed into existence.

In 600 B.C. ancient Greece’s economy had blossomed. The result was trading, and commerce were pillars that even the mighty Hercules couldn’t shake to their foundations. Due to the Greek’s society’s flush wealth, citizens had more free time and more disposable income to establish the original leisure centers.

A leisure center is a popular concept in Europe. It consists of various large and smaller halls, exercise rooms, saunas, and in or outdoor swimming pools. These are places in which individuals keep the body active, relaxed, and improve physical and mental health. In America, the most comparable facility to a leisure center would be a spa. In ancient Greece, the original leisure center known as the “Palaestrae” (or open-air gymnasium), which included heated baths, and such was first conceived. The rest, as it has been stated time and time again, is history.

Similarly, to society’s’ ancestors, modern

culture has given rise to easier access to larger sums of money, and more so during the last thirty years. If one has good credit, and within a considerable amount of good reason, they can free up enough money to pursue leisurely pastimes, buy homes, and or make additions to current homes.

None of the above is intended to elevate or glorify those who lived in ancient Rome. Likewise, the above is not in any manner created to demean or belittle those who may not have good credit - yet. The good news is that credit is a commodity that can be attained by anyone. Before you know it,

whatever your station in life, credit can soar like a raging tidal wave crashing against the feet of The Colossus of ancient Rhodes.

The Coachella Valley is now ablaze with summer temperatures, and if year’s past where longer winters reigned are anything to go by, this summer will be a long raging scorcher. It’s time to step off hot surfaces and dip your toes in cool waters.

LUXURY POOL CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN is celebrating a decade of design. Over the ages, constructs have dazzled skeptics, and answered the dreams of the dreamers. The exquisite beauty of Luxury

MAY IS WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH!

As fire officials, we preach this message every year “this will be our worst fire season ever!”

Though we were not completely spared of wildfires, we have dodged the bullet the past two years of significant wildfires in Southern California. The third year won’t be a charm, especially with all the vegetation growing from recent rains.

When we say “this will be the worst fire season ever” it’s easy to understand how the average person tunes out our messages. So how can we convey the dangers of the impending wildland fire season in a way that commands the public’s attention and gets you to believe what we say?

Here’s a simple, illustrative way to explain it:

Take a 5-gallon can of gasoline and place it in your garage this year. Do it again next year. Every year your garage doesn’t burn, add another 5-gallon can of gasoline. After 5–10 years, you’ll have 25–50 gallons of gasoline in the garage. Although you’ve escaped those years without experiencing a fire, when one comes, it will be much worse than it was before you started to store the gasoline. It will burn with tremendous heat, spread at a rapid rate and move quickly out of control, threatening any exposures nearby.

The same happens with the fuels (vegetation) in our hillsides. Every year an area does not burn, more fuels grow. Even more so with all the rain we have received. Eventually the hills will burn — and now the fuel load is extremely full, explosive even. Under these conditions, fire will burn with intensity and spread rapidly — just like if you stored additional fuel (gasoline) in your garage each year.

The public often points to rainy winters and relief from drought conditions as a reason not to fear wildland fires in the summer. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Our recent winter rains have doubled and even tripled the fuels in our hillsides. As the rain ebbs, the heat picks up and the

BY TIAR’A LITERARY & ILLUSTRATION

Pool Construction & Design is that their expression of luxury, unlike the ancient Romans and Greek’s, has been made affordable. Financing options are now available for anyone seeking to construct the swimming pool, or outdoor water feature of their dreams.

Luxury Pool Construction & Design“Taming the Tides of your Imagination” TIAR’A LITERARY & ILLUSTRATION is a premier content creation, marketing, and public relations company producing works for individuals and businesses worldwide. Email: tiarapublications@gmail.com

SAFETYTIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

winds start, all that green vegetation quickly turns to fuel.

And all of this is happening long before Santa Ana and Diablo winds begin to blow. We all know what happens when those strong, dry winds hit.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month. And May 6th is Wildfire Prevention Day. Will this year be the worst fire season ever? Time will tell. None the less, it is our responsibility to get out in front of our communities and explain the threat that is looming ahead and when we say it, we mean it – “This will be our worst fire season ever!”

Here is some safety information to use and share with your community:

Protecting the Most Valuable Parts of your Home: https://lnkd.in/gAKaS3jR

Wildfire Season is Coming Are You Prepared? https://lnkd.in/gT_Ba6zf

When It’s Time to Evacuate: https:// lnkd.in/gHG2CWCZ

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

TOP REASONS PEOPLE FAIL ON KETO

Here are a few top reasons people fail to lose weight on the keto diet:

1. Cravings - I work with a lot of people that are self-proclaimed sugar addicts and they think it’s impossible that they’ll ever be free of it but my approach gets them craving free. There are mixed feelings in the Keto space about using keto friendly sweeteners. Some say no. I say yes. It will help you cope with cravings then you can decide if you want to go completely sugar free after you’ve built a strong keto foundation.

Also, avoid time online looking at keto dessert recipes. It will trigger your cravings. Do spend time online looking for healthy keto recipes. Eating foods that are delicious and you love make the keto lifestyle satisfying.

Learn to manage your cravings, find healthy keto substitutes and change your mindset. (I have lots of diet hacks and tips to make this easier)

2. Not Losing on Keto - People find me when they are frustrated with Keto. They still believe in it but aren’t sure what to do to make it work for them. They aren’t losing weight, or they stopped losing weight and then are beginning to lose their motivation. The truth is that keto is not a one size fits all diet. There’s no one approach that works for every single person.

So, you need to have multiple measures of success. What does that mean? I want to see labs at the start and we’re going to check those again at the end, and we’re going to be able to see improvements on the inside of your body, your waist measurement, take photos, your skin may change and clear up or you may get off blood pressure medication. If you don’t have multiple measures of success their eyes will only be focused on the scale then all they want to see is the number go down every single week, every single day. And

HEALTH

BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK

if it doesn’t, they give up quickly and easily. So sometimes the scale does not go down every single week. Then the next week it may go down 2-3 pounds and you’ve lost inches. It’s also important to measure other nonscale victories as well such as improvement in your energy, your mental clarity, body aches, bloating, stomach upset and more.

It’s rewarding to keep a journal of these things, keep track of them, measure all the things that are getting better, your blood pressure, your blood glucose numbers, etc. It’s helpful to have an expert that is experienced in this to coach you through those times when the scale is not moving. You don’t ever need to have a keto stall.

3. Not Doing it Correctly - People fail on keto because they are doing it wrong. People may say I tried keto, and I had blah, blah, blah, blah, blah happen and it didn’t work. This is another reason why it’s worth investing in an expert to guide you and get you started properly, or course correct if you have stumbled.

Some common side effects are: constipation, muscle cramps, lightheaded, dizziness, sleep, disturbances, heart palpitations, hunger, etc. How do you deal with this? If you’ve tried Keto try again with the support of somebody who knows what they’re doing and you won’t have to have any of these issues.

There are solutions to Keto properly. If you’ve struggled with Keto please reach out to me for a free consult. You may be confused about how to Keto properly to get lasting results. Or, you’ve had results and Keto stopped working for you. As a Keto Coach I can make it easy, effective and jumpstart your progress. There are lots of ways to Keto, let’s find out what works best for you.

Michelle Borthwick is a Keto Lifestyle Coach and Customization Expert - Breakthrough approaches to Keto to unlock confidence, increase willpower, and guarantee weight loss. Michelle offers expert Diet Hacks for quick weight loss, Small group sessions, Private sessions. Michelle teaches women how to fall in love with Keto by doing it their way so they can embrace and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Find out more at KetoisEasyCoach.com. Mention you are a CV Weekly Reader when you book your free 30 minute private consultation to talk about Keto.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Before forming the band called The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney performed under various other names: the Quarrymen, Japage 3, and Johnny and the Moondogs. I suspect you are currently at your own equivalent of the Johnny and the Moondogs phase. You’re building momentum. You’re gathering the tools and resources you need. But you have not yet found the exact title, descriptor, or definition for your enterprise. I suggest you be extra alert for its arrival in the coming weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I’ve selected a passage to serve as one of your prime themes during the rest of 2023. It comes from poet Jane Shore. She writes, “Now I feel I am learning how to grow into the space I was always meant to occupy, into a self I can know.” Dear Taurus, you will have the opportunity to grow evermore assured and self-possessed as you embody Shore’s description in the coming months. Congratulations in advance on the progress you will make to more fully activate your soul’s code.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Georges Rouault (1871-1958) was a Gemini painter who bequeathed the world over 3,000 works of art. There might have been even more. But years before he died, he burned 315 of his unfinished paintings. He felt they were imperfect, and he would never have time or be motivated to finish them. I think the coming weeks would be a good time for you to enjoy a comparable purge, Gemini. Are there things in your world that don’t mean much to you anymore and are simply taking up space? Consider the possibility of freeing yourself from their stale energy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Britain occupied India for almost 200 years. It was a ruthless and undemocratic exploitation that steadily drained India’s wealth and resources. Mahatma Gandhi wasn’t the only leader who fought British oppression, but he was among the most effective. In 1930, he led a 24-day, 240-mile march to protest the empire’s tyrannical salt tax. This action was instrumental in energizing the Indian independence movement that ultimately culminated in India’s freedom. I vote to make Gandhi one of your inspirational role models in the coming months. Are you ready to launch a liberation project? Stage a constructive rebellion? Martial the collaborative energies of your people in a holy cause?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): As crucial as it is to take responsibility, it is also essential to recognize where our responsibilities end and what should be left for others to do. For example, we usually shouldn’t do work for other people that they can just as easily do for themselves. We shouldn’t sacrifice doing the work that only we can do and get sidetracked doing work that many people can do. To be effective and to find fulfillment in life, it’s vital for us to discover what truly needs to be within our care and what should be outside of our care. I see the coming weeks as a favorable time for you to clarify the boundary between these two.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo-born Marie Laveau (1801–1881) was a powerful Voodoo priestess, herbalist, activist, and midwife in New Orleans. According to legend, she could walk on water, summon clairvoyant visions, safely suck the poison out of a snake’s jowls, and cast spells to help her clients achieve their heart’s desires. There is also a wealth of more tangible evidence that she was a community activist who healed the sick, volunteered as an advocate for prisoners, provided free teachings, and did rituals for needy people who couldn’t pay her. I hereby assign her to be your inspirational role model for the coming weeks. I suspect you will have extra power to help people in both mysterious and practical ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What are the best methods to exorcize our personal demons, ghosts, and goblins? Or at least subdue them and neutralize their ill effects? We all have such phantoms at work in our psyches, corroding our confidence and undermining our intentions.

WEEK OF MAY 4

© Copyright 2023 Rob

Brezsny

One approach I don’t recommend is to get mad at yourself for having these interlopers. Never do that. The demons’ strategy, you see, is to manipulate you into being mean and cruel to yourself. To drive them away, I suggest you shower yourself with love and kindness. That seriously reduces their ability to trick you and hurt you—and may even put them into a deep sleep. Now is an excellent time to try this approach.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As she matured, Scorpio poet Sylvia Plath wrote, “I am learning how to compromise the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities without such screaming pain.” I believe you’re ready to go even further than Plath was able to, dear Scorpio. In the coming weeks, you could not merely “compromise” the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities. You could synergize them and get them to collaborate in satisfying ways. Bonus: I bet you will accomplish this feat without screaming pain. In fact, you may generate surprising pleasures that delight you with their revelations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some primates use herbal and clay medicines to selfmedicate. Great apes, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas ingest a variety of ingredients that fight against parasitic infection and help relieve various gastrointestinal disturbances. (More info: https://tinyurl.com/PrimatesSelfMedicate.) Our ancestors learned the same healing arts, though far more extensively. And many Indigenous people today still practice this kind of self-care. With these thoughts in mind, Sagittarius, I urge you to spend quality time in the coming weeks deepening your understanding of how to heal and nurture yourself. The kinds of “medicines” you might draw on could be herbs, and may also be music, stories, colors, scents, books, relationships, and adventures.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The mythic traditions of all cultures are replete with tales of clashes and combats. If we draw on these tales to deduce what activity humans enjoy more than any other, we might conclude that it’s fighting with each other. But I hope you will avoid this normal habit as much as possible during the next three weeks, Capricorn. I am encouraging you to actively repress all inclinations to tangle. Just for now, I believe you will cast a wildly benevolent magic spell on your mental and physical health if you avoid arguments and skirmishes. Here’s a helpful tip: In each situation you’re involved in, focus on sustaining a vision of the most graceful, positive outcome.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is there a person who could serve as your Über Mother for a while? This would be a wise and tender maternal ally who gives you the extra nurturing you need, along with steady doses of warm, crisp advice on how to weave your way through your labyrinthine decisions. Your temporary Über Mother could be any gender, really. They would love and accept you for exactly who you are, even as they stoke your confidence to pursue your sweet dreams about the future. Supportive and inspirational. Reassuring and invigorating. Championing you and consecrating you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Congratulations on acquiring the Big New Riddle! I trust it will inspire you to grow wiser and kinder and wilder over the coming months. I’ve compiled some clues to help you unravel and ultimately solve this challenging and fascinating mystery. 1. Refrain from calling on any strength that’s stingy or pinched. Ally yourself solely with generous power. 2. Avoid putting your faith in trivial and irrelevant “benefits.” Hold out for the most soulful assistance. 3. The answer to key questions may often be, “Make new connections and enhance existing connections.”

Homework: Name three wonderful things you want to be experiencing one year from today. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

ASK YOUR TRAINER ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISES FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.

Your Physical Training can improve not just your wellbeing but your mental health as well. Did you know that working out regularly has a positive impact on your mental health?

Exercise can support mental health in a multitude of ways, from reducing stress to calming anxiety.

We are always more aware of the benefits of exercise for our physical health. However, the benefits of exercise for mental health are just as important.

If you are struggling with your mental health and anxious about working out, our advice is to start small & opt for 1-on-1 sessions with a personal trainer. Not only will you get a programme personalized for your unique body & goals, you will also be able to speak to your coach about your mental health challenges.

Here’s how personal training helps with your mental health:

• Maintaining a regular fitness routine is an investment in your mind & body.

• Improve mood

• Help alleviate depression and anxiety

• Sharpen cognitive function

• Boost self-confidence

• Increase energy and stamina

Endometriosisis a condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (called “the endometrium”), is found outside the uterus. Left untreated endometriosisis induces a chronic inflammatory reaction that may result in scar tissue. It afflicts 11% of women worldwide during their reproductive years of 15 to 49. Previous studies have indicated that the endocannabinoid system may participate in the progress of endometriosis.

The symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, painful ovulation, pain during or after sexual intercourse, heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and fatigue. Not all women experience these symptoms but if left untreated can lead to infertility.

Gender bias by both women and health care providers, due to a “normalization” of symptoms, results in a significant delay from

• Lessen fatigue

By making your personal training sessions a habit and being regular, you will soon feel stronger, more confident with a sense of self-worth.

With your coach pushing you all the way,

you’ll definitely feel a sense of achievement even when you meet the smallest of goals. And your Coac will always celebrate those wins with you.

You will have a Stronger resilience

When faced with emotional or mental

BY COACH NADIA POPOVA

challenges in life, exercise can help you cope in a healthy way. More importantly, exercise prevents you from resorting to negative behaviors that ultimately can make your symptoms worse.

Working out regularly has a positive effect on anxiety & depression

You will learn about your body. You might be surprised!

Personal training programmes aren’t cookie cutter programs, they’re personalized for your own unique body & goals, for you to get to know your body.

By hiring a personal trainer, you get to ask them questions that are catered to you, your lifestyle & your current condition. In return, you’ll get specific feedback that is tailored to your lifestyle.

Our Personal Trainers are always there to help you with your fitness journey. Book a FREE consultation with one of our coaches to help you get on the right track for your fitness journey! Visit our website cvsendmeatrainer. com or call us at (760)880-9904.

CANNABISCORNER

when a woman first experiences symptoms until she eventually is diagnosed and treated.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Treatment includes pain killers such as nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), heating pad, birth control pills, and opiates. Often after a pregnancy the condition is improved but not cured. Doctors in the 60’s and 70’s recommended hysterectomies. A laparoscopy can facilitate the lysis of tissue outside the uterus.

A national online survey of Australian women with endometriosis showed several self-management strategies. The most common were heat, rest, and meditation or breathing exercises. Cannabis, heat, hemp/CBD oil, and dietary changes were the most highly rated in terms of selfreported effectiveness in pain reduction.

Physical interventions such as yoga/Pilates, stretching, and exercise were rated as being less effective. Adverse events were common, especially with using alcohol (53.8%) and exercise (34.2%).

Women are at higher risk for endometriosis if they have a mother, sister, or daughter with endometriosis, or started their periods at an early age (before age 11). Other risk factors are short monthly cycles (less than 27 days), heavy menstrual periods that last more than 7 days, or are infertile. Pregnancy, or breastfeeding may lower the risk.

Endometriosis and Endocannabinoid Dysfunction

Endometrial cells, like cancer cells, tenaciously refuse to die and migrate to other parts of the human organism. When functioning optimally, the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the body’s innate regulating system, should be able to cause natural cell death and prevent unwanted cell proliferation. However, in the case of endometriosis, for some unknown reason the cells are left to run riot.

Ethan Russo, MD, who originally coined the phrase clinical endocannabinoid deficiency, suggest that a dysfunction of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) may be the explanation. Russo noted a study in 2017 that showed endometriosis lesions compared to controls, were decreased in both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It explains why THC [tetrahydrocannabinol] and potentially other components of cannabis would be symptomatically helpful, and also affect the actual pathological process of endometriosis.

Whole Plant Cannabis Not Isolates

Dr Russo maintains there are “multiple components of cannabis that can be put together in the right preparation to treat

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

the symptoms, and the disease process itself of endometriosis. In a previous article by CannaAngel in Cannabis Corner discussed the effectiveness of N-Palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) a close relative of anandamide, for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain.

Choosing the correct cannabis oil for pain is a trial-and-error experience. Previous use, tolerance, and access make titrating doses difficult. Effectiveness is related to the various modes of administering cannabis. Inhalation lasts for two hours. Oral ingestion of tinctures, capsules, or gummies have different effects and sometimes take up to two hours to work. Gummies are usually isolates. Russo recommends whole plant cannabis. There may be instances when vaginal suppositories are more effective during menstruation, while switching back to capsules, gummies, or inhaling when menses is complete.

Access to high dose cannabis (1:1 ration of CBD:THC) can be obtained from these two companies vetted by CannaAngel. For suppositories try Synergy Wellness For high dose tinctures to put in food try Firebird Touch Therapy Remember in suppository mode THC is not psychoactive because it does not get metabolized by the gut. For other references See an excellent video. or The Endo Monologues

Learn Cannabis Education, Dosing Without the High on the 1st Saturday of the Month from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Vault Dispensary Lounge. Call 760-866-9660 or send comments to cannaangel16@gmail.com.