Coachella Valley Weekly - May 24 to May 30, 2018 Vol. 7 No. 10

coachellavalleyweekly.com • May 24 to May 30, 2018 Vol. 7 No. 10

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Justin Moore

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Joe Baldino ACT For MS Contact In The Desert pg26

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET TICKETS TO THE PARTY AND CHARITY FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR

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 Domingo Winstead, Kirby Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Avery Wood, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Steve Brown, Kristen Elaine, Olga Rodriguez Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Laura Hunt Little, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Flint Wheeler, Denise Ortuno Neil, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Angela Romeo,Aaron Ramson, Elizabeth Scarcella, Jennifer Jank Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CV WEEKLY’S TOP 10 MOST INTERESTING & INFLUENTIAL MEN & WOMEN OF 2018

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n Thursday, May 24 we will throw a party to honor these amazing Men & Women with 3 charities benefitting from the event The event will be held at the new Hotel Zoso in Palm from 6-9pm. The cost is $20.00 cash at the door or to reserve tickets in advance with credit card call 760-501-6228.

The majority of the proceeds from the door will be split between 2 charities: One of the 10 Men’s names will be drawn and one of the 10 Women’s names drawn at the end of the night with their charity of choice written on their sealed cards.

We also have a friendly competition going. Whoever of the Top Men or Women

and women in the valley, with several of them actually being part of my CV Weekly team, I chose each of these Men & Women for specific individual reasons. I selected people that have contributed their time, money and passion to charities, that are at the pinnacle or perhaps precipice of their careers, whose talents are undeniable, those that are successful in their fields, are respected by others, and have a strong sense of community.

We look forward to you joining us.

The Top 10 Women’s issue published on May 10 and here in this issue are the Top 10 Most Interesting & Influential Men of 2018.

VINCENT BATTAGLIA: OWNER OF RENOVA ENERGY

CONTENTS

2018 Top Ten Men of the CV ................. 3 Vincent Battaglia.................................... 3 Todd "TK" Killiam.................................... 5 Joe Funkey.............................................. 6 Dougie VanSant...................................... 7 Alex Haagen IV....................................... 8 Adam Levy.............................................. 8 Steve Johns.......................................... 10 Ken Hanna............................................ 11 Chef Paul Hancock................................ 11 Gregory Goodman............................... 12 Instigator CD Release Party................ 13 Consider This - Arctic Monkeys ........... 14 Sting & Shaggy at Agua Caliente........ 15 Pet Place................................................ 16 The Vino Voice ...................................... 17 Club Crawler Nightlife ................... 18-19 Pampered Palate - Castelli's ............... 20 Screeners .............................................. 22 Book Review ........................................ 23 Safety Tips ............................................ 23 Justin Moore at Spotlight 29 .............. 25 TCL & En Vogue at Fantasy Springs..... 25 Rock Yard Phase ................................... 25 Backstage Jazz - Joe Baldino.............. 26 Breaking the 4th Wall Francesca Amari............................... 26 AMP Fundraiser - Act For MS............... 27 Contact In The Desert 2018................. 27 Haddon Libby...................................... 28 Dale Gribow......................................... 28 Real Estate........................................... 29 Travel Tips 4 U...................................... 29 Sports Scene........................................ 30 Brewtality............................................ 30 Free Will Astrology............................... 31 Mind, Body & Spirit.............................. 31 Cannabis Corner................................... 32 Life & Career Coach.............................. 32

brings the most people, their charity of choice will receive half of the proceeds from the raffle. So make sure to let us know when reserving tickets in advance or when you come through the door, who you are there to support.

A buffet dinner will be provided by CV Weekly from Hotel Zoso and is included in the $20.00 charge. There will be a no host bar to purchase adult beverages. Raffle tickets will be $10.00 each or 3 for $20.00 with a fantastic array of prizes.

This will be a fun-filled evening benefiting charities while honoring these fine Men & Women.

While there are many deserving men

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orn and raised in Oceanside, New York, Vincent Battaglia become a West Coaster when he moved to Southern California in high school.

He moved a little up the coast when he attended San Luis Obispo for undergrad and then went on to receive his MBA at UCR Palm Desert. This is where Vincent

envisioned the company he founded, Renova Solar. As a requirement for graduation, he defended his thesis on solar energy after proving the concept of adding energy efficiencies into a home and then capping with a custom solar system and prewiring for the addition of battery storage in the future. He graduated and incorporated in 2007 and grew the company organically by reinvesting all net earnings back into the company. There were no banks lending or investors investing at that time, so $500 of seed money and a lot of hard work (and Top Ramen) was all it took as Renova’s total revenue surpasses $40 million in 2018.

So what made him choose this career path? According to Vincent, he despises bureaucracy and always had a passion for open source and free availability of renewable sources of energy generation.

Combine the two, he says, and you get an entrepreneur too stupid to know when to say no. His entrepreneurship starting young and has carried throughout his career. He is a Certified Auto Mechanic and used those skills to get through college. He then lived overseas for seven years in the TV and Film Industry, Import/Export, and Construction.

BY TRICIA WITKOWER

Returning to the States in 1999 he earned his Real Estate Broker’s license and worked in commercial real estate introducing sustainable building practices to US Retail Developers. This ultimately drove him to land his purpose at age 39 in the renewable energy space. With his career his main focus, Vincent has no pets, but does have several godchildren around the world.

The most rewarding aspect of his career so far is converting the company to an Employee Stock-Owned Program to make every team member a partner/owner in the company. The knowledge that together with his customers, he’s making real positive change and setting the stage for even greater energy independence is what inspires Vincent to continue doing what he does. Says Vincent, “It’s exciting to know that we have limitless sun, wind, waves and more that can provide what we need, if everyone will just work together to help achieve it.” Even if Vincent had chosen a different career path, it wouldn’t be one that veers sharply from what he does now. “I would be involved in the nonprofit world helping to bring solar power to continue to page 5

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VINCENT BATTAGLIA continued from page 3

those without electricity and working to influence policies regarding the adoption of renewable energy in the world.”

His successes have not gone unnoticed

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in the Coachella Valley. He was awarded Businessman of the Year by the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, in addition to being an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. His company, Renova Solar, has been voted Best of the Valley for the last four years, and both SunPower’s Dealer of the Year and Customer Excellence Award Honoree out of 450 dealers. He continues to be inspired by the positive changes taking place and the enthusiasm and passion of those on the journey with him.

When Vincent finds time to relax, his favorite hobbies are cycling – he’s a selfdescribed spin fanatic, he loves reading non-fiction science journals on energy, he practices Bikram yoga, and he’s on an endless hunt for the perfect bottle of Italian wine. His top vacation spots are Naples and Mykonos. He’s a movie buff and counts Gladiator, V for Vendetta, and Godfather I and II among his favorites, as well as the series Godless on Netflix.

When he’s listening to music, he loves Led Zeppelin, The Killers, OMD, Green Day, Colin Hay, and The Specials as well as the Darkness on the Edge of Town album by Bruce Springsteen. To revive and refresh his mind, body, and spirit, he likes to raise his heart rate in any way his passion takes him.

When asked what man and what woman he respects the most and why, he answers his father and his sister. His father, he says, for his spirit and persistence. His sister, he respects for her inspiring entrepreneurial passion for the law in the area of human resources. Sounds like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree in either instance.

His mantra is, “I am”.

He really is.

Vincent is representing Children’s Hospital Los Angeles/Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center as his charity. He was very involved with their Make March Matter campaign here in the Desert. They are working to land the services of CHLA that are offered through the BSCC.

TODD “TK” KILLIAM: PROGRAM/MUSIC DIRECTOR AND ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF 93.7 KCLB

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he 93.7 KCLB Program/Music Director and on-air personality, Todd “TK” Killiam, is all about radio, as he brings the Coachella Valley community which he loves, the best in Rock.

He’s always been into radio, even as child in Chicago. TK recalls falling in love with radio at the tender age of 7, as he listened to the sounds coming out of what he perceived as “bigger than life” speakers in downtown, he knew then that radio was where he belonged.

Although he was born in the Midwest, TK has spent most of his life in Southern California. With his affinity for radio, he got his first job in the business as a teenager, after a short-lived stint working in a hardware store. He has worked predominantly in the San Diego and Los Angeles markets where he gained experience, learning every aspect of the business. In Los Angeles he worked for Indie 103.1, a place he referred to as “radio heaven”. The station would feature new bands, introducing and supporting them. DJ’s such as Rob Zombie, Dave Navarro (Janes Addiction), Joe Escalante (The Vandals), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Dickie Barrett (Bosstones), Full Metal Jackie, Sat Bisla, Joe Sib and many others energized the stations air-waves. The station had a who’s who of musical artists and other creative visionaries who would stop by consistently. It was at Indie 103.1 where he gained a true appreciation for radio and how it can have a beneficial impact on the community in which it serves. A quality that he has brought and infused into his position at 93.7 KCLB. TK moved to the desert about 4 years ago, and has no plans on leaving. Before making the Coachella Valley his home, he would frequently visit the desert area. The

reality of living in the desert and working as a part of Alpha Media, which owns 93.7 KCLB, has been an amazing experience for him. He is an advocate of supporting the local music scene, and Alpha Media shares the same belief, “We play local music on 93.7 KCLB every week with a feature called, Support Local. Alpha Media is one of the few radio companies that get it. I’m very proud to be part of their team,” says TK. The aspect of being in radio that TK finds most rewarding is simple; it’s all about making the listener happy. From sharing and talking about music, to being at events, to seeing the joy on the face of a loyal listener after winning a station prize, it makes it all worth it and it’s what he loves to do. He enjoys the excitement that radio brings, of not knowing what will happen during the day, “It never gets old, from the first day that I was in radio, to last Friday…I feel an amazing passion for it,” he said. For TK, Rockin’ the desert on 93.7 KCLB is a big enough accolade for him. There’s really nothing else that he’d rather be doing.

On his down time, he’s still going, as he has relentless energy. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking off to favorite spots in California, Arizona and Las Vegas, which refreshes him. His sports team preferences include the Dodgers, Packers, Chargers, Padres, Blackhawks, Lakers and Cubs. TK is also a huge movie buff, going to the movies on an average of three times a week, and is a constant at Camelot Theaters in Palm Springs. As for his favorite movies or albums, it’s too difficult for him to choose, as his library tops over a thousand, in all genres, “Asking a movie freak and music head their favorite band or movie is a tough one,” he says.

He keeps himself together by adhering

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to his positive view on life, he has been that way since he can remember and it has stuck with him. It ties into his mantra of, “Serve, Be Positive, Be the Ball.” The people that TK respects and admirers the most are his mother, father and sister.

When asked what people would be most surprised to know about TK, he says, “93.7 KCLB listeners would be surprised to know that I used to drive a Prius.”

TK’s passion for radio comes through the air waves throughout the Coachella Valley with each broadcast at 93.7 KCLB. Coupled with his dedication to supporting local music artists, it’s sure that T.K. will keep this

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valley Rockin’ for years to come.

The charity that TK works with is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The goal at St. Jude’s Hospital is to advance prevention, treatment, and cures for children with catastrophic diseases. The organization was founded by Danny Thomas, and their continued vow is to never deny treatment to a child “based on race, religion or their ability to pay.”

Todd “TK” Killiam will be representing St. Jude Children’s Hospital as his intended charity at the Top Men’s & Women’s Fundraising Charity Event on May 24th at Hotel Zozo in Palm Springs.

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JOE FUNKEY: RESTAURATEUR/OWNER OF GIUSEPPE’S

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estaurateur Joe Funkey was born in Harvey, Illinois, where he went to school nearby. After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corp and was enlisted from 1977 to 1981. There he met his wife Susan while in the Marine Corps, who was also from Chicago, and in California for vacation. After spending only a month with her, he knew she was “the one”. His enlistment ended 3 months after they met, and he went back to Chicago and brought her back to California with him.

They have been married for 34 years and have three children and one grandson.

Prior to the restaurant business, Joe was in the mortgage industry. In 2007, with the market seeming unsure, they decided to change directions. He and his wife entered the restaurant business in 2008, when they opened Giuseppe’s in Cathedral City. His oldest, Donovan, has been involved in their

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restaurant business since 2009, where he started as a cook, then bartender. In 2013, they opened Bar together in downtown Palm Springs (which has since closed). His daughter, Kimberleigh, started working with them since their first restaurant opened in 2008, and had been his right hand person at Giuseppe’s until April of this year (when she purchased Power Yoga of Palm Springs). His youngest, Jordan, is following her passion as a commercial dancer living in Studio City.

They opened their second Giuseppe’s in 2011 in Smoke Tree Village and in 2013 they opened Smoke Tree Supper Club, a grill your own steak house, which they reopened as Smoke Tree BBQ (and recently just sold in May) and most recently opened another location in Palm Desert, (Giuseppe’s Pizzeria).

Never one to rest on his laurels, Joe and his son Donovan and are starting up their eighth company in ten years, Funkey Industries, a supply company for restaurants and hotels providing cleaning supplies and service for dishwashing machines and laundry. Joe previously ran Funkey Industries in a prior iteration from 1986 to 1999. Almost 20 years later and after being on the other side as a restaurateur, he realized there was a need for a local company in Coachella Valley.

They start selling and servicing the desert this summer.

Asked what is most rewarding about his career, Joe can’t narrow it down to one thing. He thrives on building relationships with their local clientele and loves and appreciates their customers. Working with his family doing what he loves makes his job even more joyful. On top of that, he loves being able to provide a great product at a fair price and with great service. He

wouldn’t be able to do the last part without fantastic employees. The challenge of building successful restaurants has been a reward in and of itself to Joe. “I really like being an entrepreneur, but I must say I am hoping that this will be the last company I start. But we will see,” Joe said laughing.

When Joe isn’t starting companies and opening new restaurants, he finds time for his hobbies. He is a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys many aspects from track days on a sport bike to month-long trips with Susan traveling around the country on his Harley. “Susan and I have been to 29 states and tens of thousands of miles. It is

BY TRICIA WITKOWER a great way to see our magnificent country.

Motorcycling is also a great way to relax, revive and gives me much time to think and sometimes get inspired.”

Joe drew inspiration in his life from his father, who he says he respects more than any other man he’s known. “I am what I am because of what he taught me. How to be a loving husband and father and always putting family first. He also taught me hard work and to put the needs of your customers first in business.” For women, he sweetly names his wife, heaping praise on his life partner. “I am so fortunate to have Susan as my wife and partner in business.

She is my hero. Susan allows me to try new things, even when she may not believe they may be the right decisions, and never says I told you so even if they go awry. She is very supportive and never says anything bad about me to others. She is great at keeping me grounded, we make a great team in both life and business.”

With restaurants, new businesses, family, and friends, Joe keeps grounded through his faith in Jesus his Savior. The Bible is constantly teaching him how to live his life, he explains. “I am not the greatest at always doing the right thing but I know I am forgiven and that gives me peace.” He believes that if you do what’s best for your customers, you will succeed in business. His mantra is the golden rule: do unto others as you would want done unto you.

Joe is representing Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert. He chose this charity in part because his daughter, Kimberleigh, is the vice president of Young Variety and also because he believes there is nothing better than helping children. His main charity focus for all of his family’s business will be on helping children.

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DOUGIE VANSANT: FRONTMAN FOR THE FLUSTERS AND TRIO NV

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ouglas L. VanSant, Jr. – that’s Dougie to you – is a jack of all trades. And well, he’s a master of them too.

His main gig is the front man (as well as guitarist and manager) for the Palm Desertbased indie dream-surf band, The Flusters.

Dougie’s resume reads like a combination of the liner notes for an album and the end credits of a movie: Singer, Songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist, Composer, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor, Graphic Designer, Actor. You get the idea. Since one band wasn’t ambitious enough for him, he recently formed Trio NV, an acoustic act that covers stripped-down, well-known favorites. In addition to playing music professionally, he co-owns and operates a music rehearsal studio in Palm Desert with his fellow Flusters bandmates. He freelances as a Commercial Ad Producer, Editor, Soundtrack Composer, Jingle Writer, and Voiceover Actor. All this, and one wonders when he finds time to sleep.

Dougie’s vibe is that of a California native, but he actually just moved here in 2013. He was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, where he grew up and attended school until he went to college at Temple University in Philadelphia.

He currently lives in Palm Desert with his girlfriend (who is also his Trio NV bandmate), Meagan, their Siberian husky puppy, Bowie, and two cats, Tusk and Quaker. Although it wasn’t until he was thirty that Dougie started to fully focus his mind, body, and spirit on monetizing his skills as a creative and performer, he’s always known that he was born to perform and create and never found anything else that made him feel whole.

“My current career path has been calling me loudly as far back as I can remember. I’ve been a creative since childhood but creative skills can often be stifled by the traditional, conservative idea that the arts should be viewed as no more than a hobby. I struggled a lot as a kid trying to right-fit myself but never found my true skin until I started writing music,” shared Dougie. Until finding his niche, he traveled down several career paths, namely bartender, caseworker, cook, salesman, administrative assistant, to name a few. As recently as a year ago, Doug was working in sales until he embarked on a national tour with The Flusters, started life as a full-time artist and never looked back.

The Flusters have earned tons of well-

deserved respect in the valley. They were one of only a few local bands chosen by Goldenvoice to play at Coachella in 2016 and have won many awards, including Best Live Performance Band at the 2017 CV Music Awards, and two-time Best Local Band by a local publication. Their 2018 CV Weekly Music Award Nominations include: Best Band, Best Alternative Rock Band, Best Live Performance Band, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Song «Everyday Dreaming”, while Dougie was nominated as Best Front Man and his other band, Trio NV, was nominated as Best New Band. (Winners of these nominations will be announced on June 3rd.) The Flusters toured nationally and recently played with Stone Temple Pilots, The Psychedelic Furs, and She Wants Revenge at Rhythm, Wine, and Brews Fest. All of these accolades are rewards in and of themselves, but Dougie counts the most rewarding part of his music career that he’s able to make a living by pouring his passion and energy into what he truly loves and create a legacy for himself – as opposed to creating one for someone else. Dougie claims if he were not in entertainment he would still utilize his creativity and work for himself, make people smile, bring friends and family together, travel and enjoy his life. That is to say, he would own and operate a food truck.

While the path to a music career was always clear in his heart, it wasn’t an easy road. Dougie struggled with addiction and alcoholism for nearly twenty years. His addiction caused destruction and he lost a lot – even coming close to dying several times before finding recovery. “To this day, I have no idea what kept me alive other than forces greater than human understanding. I’ve been given the gift of living two lifetimes in one life and it inspires me every day.” These days, he constantly finds way to refresh his mind, body, and spirit. He enjoys activities with his dog, attending the Center for Spiritual Living for meditation and reflection, cooking, cleaning, praying, and most importantly, utilizing the tools for living life on life’s terms – something he learned from the program of recovery that saved his life. Now that he’s his own boss, he finds it’s easier to get wrapped up in time-wasting activities. To keep it together in today’s world he finds that if his goals stay clear and his resolve remains strong, he’s able to block out the static long

enough to stay sane. He subscribes to the mantra “This too shall pass,” which reminds him that life is a series of peaks and valleys and that we are not meant to stay rooted in sadness or in happiness, that life is a cyclical and ever-changing series of unpredictable events and it is our adaptation and spirit that makes us who we are.

When Dougie isn’t playing in either of his bands, he loves to adventure travel with his dog and girlfriend in tow. Their favorite place to go currently is Laguna Beach, which they love for its dog-friendliness, easyaccess beach, and restaurants. When he has free time, his favorite movies and TV shows to watch are The Goonies, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, and The Office. His favorite musical artists are Roy Orbison, Tears for Fears, The Pixies, and The Smiths. His all-time favorite album is Chris Cornell’s Euphoria Morning. His favorite book is Everybody Poops. Really! He’s also a huge Philly sports fan and loves the Philadelphia Eagles, in particular (even before their Super Bowl win months ago).

Dougie has done a good amount of theatre and is a self-professed “total nerd for it.” He’s

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BY TRICIA WITKOWER starred in such shows as 42nd St, Westside Story, Seussical the Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, A Christmas Carol, and Rumors. It’s been over ten years since he’s done theater, but he’d willing to return for two (and only two) roles: ‘Roger’ in Rent or ‘Hedwig’ in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Dougie’s roots are never far from him – indeed that’s the case when he’s asked who he respects most in the world. Without hesitation, he answers that it’s his parents.

Douglas VanSant, Sr., he says, worked hard every day of his life so his two sons never wanted for anything. By his own admission, Dougie was defiant as a child and hard to handle, constantly testing his father’s patience and pushing boundaries. This caused the two to bump heads often. Once Dougie got sober, he began to appreciate his father for what he was – the life of the party, a great storyteller, beloved by all who know him. He’s someone who Dougie now calls his “best friend in the world.” His mother, Theresa, also worked hard to make sure Dougie and his brother were well-provided for. He owes his love of performance to her – as a child he would dance on her feet and sing Sinatra. To this day, she still loves hearing her son sing and watching him perform as much as she did back then. During his darkest days, she believed in his talent and star power and never gave up on him. She was his first and biggest fan and most devout supporter.

Dougie is supporting the Academy of Musical Performance (AMP). AMP is a contemporary music education program whose goal is to enrich the lives of young musicians living in the Coachella Valley by fostering productivity and social responsibility through creativity, communication, and collaboration in the development and enhancement of musical performance and concert production skills through participation in a «rock band» style educational setting. “Growing up with the dream of being a rock star, I would have freaked if something like this was available to me. I›ve been lucky enough to work with AMP on several levels and I›ve seen the amazing effect it has on young, local musicians. As a member of local art & music community, I find this charity extremely important to support and would do anything within my power to ensure it continuation and growth.”

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ALEX HAAGEN IV: OWNER OF EMPIRE POLO CLUB AND THE DATE SHED

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hen you think of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, you unmistakably think of Coachella, one of the most revered music festivals in the world…EVER! You think of Stagecoach, California’s premiere country music festival. You consider the incomparable level of world-class polo matches being played. It is commonly understood that Alex Haagen IV has had an extensive hand in all of the above.

What you may lose sight of is the Date Shed, a live music venue that began as a private club but has turned into the most sought after stage by all desert musicians and host to many a national and international touring artist. You should contemplate the encyclopedic line-ups of the Rhythm Wine & Brews Experience, now in its eighth year.

Then you have the new Desert Oasis Music Festival, the highly anticipated inaugural event in 2017 that did not disappoint, with major Reggae, Latin, Hip Hop and Ska acts performing. The Empire Music Ventures team has brought such a wide cross-section of artists to RWBE and DOMF. The whiz behind that team is Alex. Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Alex, one of our Ten Most Interesting and Influential Men of the Coachella Valley 2018.

The man behind the curtain was born and raised in Los Angeles and first started coming to the ‘City of Festivals’ in the mid80’s. He is married with a son, daughter and sweet Rottweiler. Aside from festival production, Alex’s multi-faceted career also includes real estate. Alex shared, “The real estate development part of my life started when I was still in high school and

I was fortunate enough to be mentored by my grandmother and grandfather who were pioneers in the industry.” He is also enthusiastic about branding and art. Alex admitted, “If you told me 20 years ago that I would be here doing and loving the things I do, I would have looked at you with a puzzled look, but today I can’t imagine being and doing anything else.”

Something people may not know about Alex is that he served the City of Indio and its residents as a reserve police officer with the Indio Police Department for over 22 years. Alex’s blue-collar attitude is similar to the typical working class approach. “I start with some really strong coffee and hit the ground running every day.” What may differ is the breadth of his vision and extent of his persistence. Alex admitted that his mother and father are the most prominent

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influences in his life. “Their kindness and strengthened intelligence has molded me into the person that I am today.” Alex has a motto, “Never give up and dream big!”

Alex has definitely built his castles in the air. The most recent RWBE showcased Stone Temple Pilots, The Psychedelic Furs and She Wants Revenge while DOMF is scheduled to return on October 13-14, 2018. Last year’s DOMF featured Damian Marley, Rebelution, Steel Pulse, J BOOG and Los Lobos to name a few.

In speaking about RWBE and DOMF, it’s obvious the most gratifying moments come from entertaining music fans. He confirmed this. “The most rewarding part of my career would have to be creating a concept, spending enormous time, effort and energy with a team of great people to bring it to fruition and then a month later stand off to the side and hear strangers make comments about how much they are enjoying themselves.” This ‘behind the scenes’ mentality is what makes Alex punch the clock on the daily.

Alex believes that you have to live and work like you’re on vacation. “It’s not work; it’s fun. Doesn’t everybody want to have fun?” This does not come by accident. Alex surrounds himself with supportive and like-minded individuals. “I have a bunch of great friends and I believe that socializing with them keeps me centered and young at heart.” He also participates in water sports, snowboarding and vacationing in Idaho.

Although Alex remains a mystery to some, he is highly respected and understood by his employees. None better than Kristen Reinhagen Ortiz, Director of Operations at the Date Shed and Senior Talent Buyer for Empire Music Ventures.

ADAM LEVY: MARKETING GENIUS OF HOTEL ZOSO

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dam Levy is outgoing, gregarious and spontaneous in nature. These traits are necessary as Marketing Director of Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs. With his Bachelor’s Degree from California State University San Bernardino with a Major in Management and Minor in Finance, Adam has brought some unique entertainment and events to the Palm Springs hotspot.

Adam also holds two Associate Degrees from College of the Desert in Liberal Arts and Accounting. Despite the recent change in branding, things at Hotel Zoso are business as usual according to Adam. “We are a tight knit group and are close with each other. The transition from Hard Rock to Hotel Zoso has only made us closer.”

Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Adam had a wonderful upbringing strewn with solid family values. Adam explains, “I’m a native ‘Palm Springsian’. I was raised by a loving and worldly mother Liz (now a retired Special Education Teacher) who enabled my creativity while pushing me

Kristen said, “I think one of the most surprising things to people is how handson he is. If a palm tree needs to be moved, he’s the first to jump right on a forklift and move it. He waters the grass and puts up lights. He designs merchandise. It’s what I love most about him.” These perceptions of Alex by team member’s delegates him as an emergent leader in the Coachella Valley.

We congratulate Alex Haagen IV! Alex will be representing the American Cancer Society. The AMC are on a mission to free the world from cancer. Money raised by the ACS is to fund and conduct research, share expert information, support patients, and spread the word about prevention. All so we can live longer and better. www.cancer.org www.rwbexp.com desertoasismusicfestival.com

BY NOE GUTIERREZ to be realistic about goals. My father Leon is from Rhodes Island in Greece raised in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles and was an allstar football player and accomplished blues musician in his time. My dad prioritized sports, music, and religion in our household.

I have an awesome younger brother Matt who’s always been my right-hand man and an overachieving older sister Jenny who consistently set the bar for us to follow. My mom’s family tree is a sprawling orchard with countless relatives all over the globe, where my dad’s family all sadly vanished in the Holocaust. On holidays our house was like Grand Central Station with a revolving door full of family, laughter, singing, cooking, traditions, and rad memories. I’m very close with my entire family, especially my uncle Mike, who not only is one of my role-models but also our patriarch. We all genuinely share an unconditional love for one another and honor our long-lasting family crest inscribed motto, ‘Family Over All.’” The saying conveys Adam’s love for his family.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Adam’s family is what grounds him and provides him inspiration. “My wife Erin and one year old daughter Lena are my pride and joy. My wife is an elementary school teacher at Cielo Vista Charter who has, what I call, a ‘warrior spirit’. Once she sets a goal, nothing stands in her way until it’s accomplished.

She’s the type who would crawl through the finish line if it meant finishing the race.

She is the most determined, intelligent, detailed, passionate and beautiful woman I’ve ever met. She gets this vigor for life from her awe-inspiring parents, Patty and Dan. Married for decades they are an incredibly loving and driven duo who sincerely enjoy talking with each other and express love through actions not just words or materialism. When I’m not with family I enjoy hanging with my large inner circle of friends, most of whom I’ve known since preschool and elementary school.”

Adam has actively developed a formula for success in life.

Adam’s path is on a trajectory towards continued achievement. “I feel my career has just begun. But, I’m fairly confident that I’ll feel this same way until the day I retire. I’m constantly reinventing myself to stay ahead of the curve and always pushing myself to learn more. How I got to where I am now proves that there is no specific route to get to one’s destination, instead, it’s a journey.” The journey was led him to the arts.

A class clown, Adam was deemed a wild child by many. “My mom placed me into musical theatre and I fell in love with being on stage. By high school I had performed in dozens of productions, for thousands of people. By high school I wanted to give writing my own material a shot. At age 13 I recorded my first song, at age 14 I started the band, Roomservice, and at age 15 began writing screenplays. It was this pivotal time where I first began to hone my skills of bringing vision to life as a result from hard work and dedication. In college I started the rock band, Lexilust. We gained a large following, played with our favorite bands, and made a name for us in the Emo scene. I later transitioned from music to film. Most notably writing, producing, and directing a game show pilot for Adult Swim called Pick-a-Split starring salty comedian Neil Hamburger, Ace Hotel’s late icon Linda Gerard, and the Ska band Suburban Legends. When nothing happened with Pick-a-Split my wife talked me into finishing

my Bachelor’s degree. After graduating I landed a job in marketing at Agua Caliente Casino. I worked there for a couple of years before being promoted to the Advertising Manager at Spa Resort Casino.” Enter the Hard Rock Hotel.

Accepting the role as Marketing Manager of the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs changed the direction of Adam’s marketing career.

“I was empowered to make decisions that proved to maximize the property’s exposure and brand awareness. I quickly identified all of the challenges the property faced as opportunities for improvement and implemented quantifiable solutions and standards of procedures. I capitalized on the company’s mission statement of ‘creating authentic experiences that rock’— with an overall goal of bringing ‘big city’ activations to downtown Palm Springs.

Within one year we won ‘Best Hotel’ in the Desert Sun’s Best of the Valley Awards, launched the first and only Burlesque show in the CV, created ‘Cinema Bizarro’ a horror-hosted movie night, and turned our nightclub into a live music venue — most notably hosting the bands Senses Fail and The Crystal Method. Being in a leadership role where you are empowered with a team that stands behind you and your vision is a

key element.”

Adam has consistently taken a leadership role in all he has done to lead up to his current position. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but this was arguably my first job in marketing. As the lead singer I wrote all the lyrics in screenplay format and developed a signature style to our songs. I always pushed the band to maintain an image and to write songs within our brand standard to sound like us. The ultimate takeaway was mastering the art of selling yourself.”

Adam has had some rewarding elements to his career. “I created a social media content marketing campaign with my partners at Scene Creative designed to spark organic engagement, reach, and Facebook and Instagram followers. The campaign was called the ‘Sound of Your Stay Artist Series’.

All Hard Rock Hotels feature the ‘Sound of Your Stay’ amenity that allows guests to check-out guitars, record players, and DJ mixers. I utilized my personal contacts to invite some of my favorite bands to stay and vacation free of charge in exchange for a photo and video shoot of them playing instruments checked-out at the front desk.

Over 3 months we hosted Jared Swilley and Cole Alexander of Black Lips, Aaron Gillespie and Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath, Buddy Nielsen of Senses Fail, Anthony Raneri of Bayside, Anthony Green of Circa Survive, and Chino Moreno of the Deftones.

Not only did we create some really amazing content that gained tons of views and likes, but we were able to really connect with these artists on a personal level.”

Adam’s wife and one year old daughter provide the necessary inspiration to continue to do what he does every day.

“My family is my daily beacon of light. They provide in helping me in the process of bringing creativity, ideas, and vision to my life.”

Adam feels there’s a whole spectrum of possibilities if he was not working in marketing. “On one end, I can see myself hustling for investors at a start-up company in Silicon Valley. At the other end, I can see myself painting characters of tourists as a beach bum in Maui. The only constant in this spectrum is that it would have to be something I could pour my heart into.”

Adam is proud of the list of awards and accolades he has received over the years.

“I’ve been on the Dean’s list, won Employee of the Quarter. My band won some awards.

I was nominated as Best Director at the

May 24 to May 30, 2018 Idyllwild Film Festival. But to be honest, I feel most proud of being named by CV Weekly as one of the Top 10 Most Influential and Interesting Men of 2018. I’m sincerely honored and grateful for this recognition.”

Adam has traveled a lot and lists some of his favorite stops. “Living Desert, Pappy & Harriet’s, Indian Canyons, Draughtsman, Tryst, Truss & Twine, Cheeky’s, Workshop, Tonga Hut, Moxie, Dead or Alive, Bootlegger, Mr. Seymour’s.”

Staying grounded is an absolute choice for Adam. “Prioritizing and keeping my professional and family life highly organized keeps me focused.” Adam paints with acrylics to replenish his mind, does yard work to rededicate his body and says nightly prayers to retune his spirit”.

“I have a lot of mentors and idols.

However, in my adulthood it’s become evident that the individual I’ve held in the highest regard for the longest period of time is my late Uncle — Joe Steinberg. He was a free-thinking family man with an incredible IQ and larger-than-life personality. He served in World War II, played the guitar, directed movies, and left his children and grandchildren with a legacy. He was an allaround great man who was the life of the party.”

Adam’s mantra and mission statement is adopted from his family: “‘Nothing happens unless you make it happen’ - a beloved saying from my grandfather Harry Stonehill. I’ve lived by it for as long as I can remember.”

Adam has such an affinity for the arts and cinema in particular. “My first memory of going to the movies was when I was 5 years old. My parents took me to a late night double-feature showing of JAWS and The Monster Squad at the Palms to Pines movie theatre in Palm Desert. If you grew up in the CV, that theatre is super nostalgic.

30 minutes into JAWS I fell asleep and woke up just in time for The Monster Squad. It blew my mind; kids teaming up to battle all the Universal Monsters to save the world.

Insane! To this day, it remains my top shelf classic.”

Adam’s favorite TV show is Breaking Bad. “The show was a masterpiece; hands down, storytelling at its best. Vince Gilligan is beyond visionary.” His favorite bands are Sublime, Millencolin and HIM and his favorite album is 40oz. to Freedom by Sublime. His favorite book is The Great Gatsby.

Something you may not know about Adam: Stan Lee, creator of Marvel Comics and Spiderman, based the character Green Goblin after his Grandfather, Harry Stonehill.

Adam will be representing Jewish Family Services of the Desert for some very personal reasons. “When I was young I went through some hard times and they provided counseling that I attribute to helping me overcome what could have become a more serious issue. They also donate eye glasses to kids here in the valley and lots of other great stuff.” jfsdesert.org hotelzosopalmsprings.com

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

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STEVE JOHNS: PROMOTER EXTRAORDINAIRE

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oted for his expertise with nightclubs, parties and promotions, Steve Johns has been known as the “nighttime mayor” of nightlife in the desert for close to 40 years, and he is still going strong.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Steve Johns, you will notice that outwardly, he might seem to be the opposite of the industry that he loves. He is not loud, or flashy, but rather extremely generous, kind, and camera shy to a fault.

He makes you feel at ease, and comfortable, the best qualities of a perfect host…making it all about the guest and not about himself, the spotlight is on you.

Born in Chicago and the youngest of five, Johns moved to Palm Springs as a child with his family. His father was in publishing, and owned Kitchen & Bath Magazine, which was known world-wide.

He and his family lived in the well-known, affluent neighborhood of Las Palmas. He played with the children of celebrities, the streets of the famed neighborhood was his playground. He attended the local schools, and later Palm Springs High School, where he was known for throwing wild parties. It would be these parties that would set the stage for his future.

“I throw good parties,” says Johns as he giggles mischievously, referencing the party that started it all for him. It was a party that he had right after graduation.

Because the parties that he would have at his house would draw the attention of the police, he needed a different location.

He reached out to the Agua Caliente Band of Indians to see if he could rent out their tribal building on South Palm Canyon. His motivation for this, was because the reach of the police could not extend onto Indian land, pretty calculating for a teenager.

The party was dubbed “The Party of the Century,” and drew attention from all over town. Everyone was invited, and pretty much everyone showed up.

Johns recalls being a patron of Zeldas Nightclub shortly thereafter in the early 80’s, owned then by Harvey Izen and Joe Gallager, and getting one of the first VIP Cards there, even though he was under age. When John’s through a raging party at Saturday’s Nightclub, owned by Mel Haber,

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which was not far from Zeldas, Izen and Gallager were not pleased, realizing that he had stolen some of their business. They confronted Johns on the steps in front of Zeldas and said, “Maybe we should take away his VIP Card?” Johns quickly retorted and suggested that they hire him instead to do marketing and promotions, and so they did.

After sometime at Zeldas, he worked for Brandy’s Nightclub, and then was beckoned back to Zeldas. Johns then helped to get Cecil’s on Sunrise up and going with Mike McCormick, in the mid 80’s, at one point almost becoming a partner. When the deal fell through, Johns was immediately snapped by Pompeii Nightclub, run by owners Vaso and John Boreta and bar manager, David Spinale. The club was not up to its potential, and they knew that Johns could turn it around. Johns exceeded expectations, making Pompeii the hottest nightclub in desert and known across Southern California. The club was notorious for hosting outlandish parties, and catering to celebrities and locals alike, and even some infamous characters such as mobster,

BY DENISE ORTUNO

“Sammy the Bull” Gravano. The party lasted under Johns for 5 years, until the club was closed due to a major fire in 1991.

Johns switched gears and did business consulting for some time after the club closed, as well as starting PS Page Me and Check Cashing Stores, along with Charles Singer. Then, in 1996, Pompeii came calling again after being resurrected by Paradise Corp. Johns returned to the massive 26,000sq. ft. club as General Manager.

He jokes about being brought back into Pompeii, loosely quoting a scene from Godfather III, “Just when you think you’re out, they drag you back in.” Although Pompeii’s second go around was short lived (closing in early 1998), while it was opened, the club broke attendance and financial records. Johns had once more made it the hottest club in the Coachella Valley, it was amazing and is still talked about with reflective euphoric delight from those who still remember the clubs heydays.

Johns continued to consult, and was a minority owner in South Beach Nightclub in the mid 2000’s, until the club changed hands. He also authored, Idiots Guide to Starting and Running a Bar and was a partner at VIP Palm Springs with Lee Masterson. Today, Johns does consulting and marketing for a variety of businesses including, Desert Dreams Dentistry, Citi Dank Dispensary, Coachella Winery, The World Famous Palm Canyon Roadhouse, and everything else in between.

The most rewarding part of the nightclub business for Johns is creating an atmosphere for a party that everyone will enjoy. It is part of what inspires him to do what he does, “I love what I do, or I wouldn’t be doing it,” says Johns. He also points out that the challenges in the business are vast, and it takes perseverance and a true love for it to be successful, giving props to his industry colleagues. Some promoters do quarterly or once a year parties. But promoters/ owners like myself, Rod Copeland, Mike and Cody McCormick, Ernesto Gutierrez (Zeldas), David Mariner (Village Pub), Greg and Eleanor Lariviere (The World Famous Palm Canyon Roadhouse) and Dominic “Mr. Miami” Scharff (Copa Nightclub), have to create and market daily, weekly and monthly events, which is some of the

hardest things to do in the business…to keep the party going,” said Johns.

Accolades and awards have never been a goal for Johns, it’s not about the recognition and he is grateful for every “Thank you.”

He has been a part of a multitude of charity events throughout the years, and is dedicated to, Variety - The Children’s Charity of the Desert, where he was a board member for 16 years.

When asked what he would be doing if he was not in the nightclub industry he says laughingly, “Sitting on a beach somewhere in the world”. Which is actually how he enjoys spending his vacations. He enjoys his single life, and to relax and unwind, Johns is all about massages, “It’s my vice,” he says. He also enjoys going to the movies quite often, some of his favorites are, Casino, The Godfather and Iron Man. As for his preference in music, he truly is open minded and enjoys all genres.

The way he keeps himself together is by pacing himself and by writing everything that he needs to do down on paper, “I keep really good notes,” says Johns. He advises that when you write down what needs to be done, you are more inclined to accomplish it.

His mantra that helps him every day is simple and poignant, “A Good Day Ahead.”

Its positive message keeps him focused on the best outcome possible.

Perhaps the thing that would surprise people the most about Johns is that he is not the extrovert that is most times associated with being in the nightclub business, “As much as I might seem on my game in the business, I’m actually shy…. very introverted,” he admits.

Steve Johns is embedded in the nightclub history books in the Coachella Valley, and has dedicated himself to the betterment of the community through working with charities. With his attention to detail, creativity and generous nature, there is no one like him who can do what he does. For Johns, “the party will always be in progress.”

Steve Johns will be representing, VarietyThe Children’s Charity of the Desert, as his intended charity at the Top Men’s & Women’s Fundraising Charity Event on May 24th at Hotel Zozo in Palm Springs.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

KEN HANNA: ENTREPRENEUR/OWNER OF BIG ROCK PUB AND INDIAN SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

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hen talking to Ken Hanna, one thing becomes obvious – he’s a man of few words and many actions. His quiet humility is one of his defining features. He’s passionate about giving back, being charitable to causes he cares about, and making a difference. He likes those actions to speak for themselves and seems endearingly uncomfortable bragging on his philanthropy. “I’m not a limelight guy,” he says, a great understatement.

Born and raised in Central Canada, even his beginnings were humble - Ken started out as a piano mover when he was younger.

Ken founded and runs a successful food warehousing business in Canada, where he’s based outside of Vancouver in a town called White Rock. His company, CDS Group of Companies, distributes frozen and dried food products all over Western Canada. Aside from food warehousing and distribution, Ken has a transportation company he uses to ship said food products as well as export meat out of the country.

Aside from this, he also owns and runs Indian Springs Golf Club, highly rated by Golf Digest and The Desert Sun (among others) as one of the top golf spots in the Coachella Valley, and Big Rock Pub, the new(ish) venue for music, delicious and cleverly-named dishes (Fleetwood Mac and Cheese and Sympathy for the Devil-ed Eggs, to name just a witty few). This savvy business owner had to work his way to the top. He started from nothing in 1995 moving pianos. Through hard work, innovative thinking, and perseverance, he now travels back and forth between White Rock, Bellingham, WA, and Indio to run his businesses, which employ several hundred.

When asked what he feels has made his

businesses a success, Ken’s answer was simple, “A mixture of excellent customer service, going beyond the call of duty and most importantly, treating his staff with respect.” Said Ken, “I never ask my staff to do something I wouldn’t do. They enjoy the work they do and in turn, they do a good job for us and for our customers. That makes our customers feel wanted and supported and further drives our success.” His chosen career path, he says, was guided by him being a niche guy who saw a niche for what he does today.

Ken’s wife, Peggy, and fifteen-year old daughter Ashley live in Canada with their dog, Nico. When asked how he juggles a busy

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time). But before his college days, he got his first job in the restaurant industry as a busboy at Beaufort House Restaurant. Hancock was determined to learn everything about food and beverage and immersed himself in it, even working for free at times just to get the experience and learn different techniques.

There were times when he found himself paying high library fines for cook books that he had held past their due date. At the age of 18, Hancock began to travel, with the desire to learn different culinary methods from different countries such as Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, Guatemala and the Caribbean.

Although there was a time when he was studying Finance in college, he always felt most comfortable in the kitchen and it was his refuge where he was able to flex his creativity. It was while working in a restaurant during a summer break when the chef at the establishment told him that maybe he should seriously give the vocation a try, “That stuck with me and months later I was in full-time… it sort of chose me,” said Hancock.

BY TRICIA WITKOWER

business life and his family, Ken claims he’s a “master of delegation.” While he does work a lot, he blocks weekends off for family time.

Says Ken, “My wife and daughter are pretty cool and understanding. We take vacations and I turn my phone off. But I enjoy what I do and they know that. It’s all about balance.

I have great staff that can handle things when I’m not around. I delegate as much as I can. Right now things are running quite well in Vancouver.”

When not working, Ken enjoys relaxing by drinking, golfing, and keeping busy doing odd jobs. To revive and refresh his mind, body, and spirit, he takes a holiday. His favorite vacation spot is Mexico and he loves to cheer on his sports teams – namely the Seattle Seahawks and Vancouver Canucks.

His favorite movie is The Shining, favorite show is Seinfeld, and favorite bands are Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. His method for keeping it together in today’s world is not sweating the small stuff. In fact, that’s his mantra in life.

Ken’s passion for rock n’ roll and its memorabilia (as seen at Big Rock Pub) developed at an early age. He describes himself as a lifetime music fanatic. He took lessons as a child, but nothing ever panned out, so he now admires instruments although he doesn’t play any. One of his good friends is the biggest memorabilia dealer in the world and that has certainly influences how many pieces he owns. These pieces number over 100, including prized memorabilia from Jim Hendrix and Eric Clapton. He has more, he tells me, that he hasn’t had a chance to put up yet. He accepts no help when hanging memorabilia up at Big Rock Pub. All 100 pieces have been hung by Ken Hanna

CHEF PAUL HANCOCK: MIRAMONTE RESORT

xecutive Chef Paul Hancock brings his culinary prowess to the Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, showcasing a marvel of creative fare inspired by his travels and love of food.

Standing on a chair in his grandmother’s kitchen when he only 4, Hancock already had an attraction for the magic of the culinary arts. He loved to watch his grandmother, mother and aunts, turn ingredients into heavenly aromas and was transfixed by the process. Hancock was born and raised on Harker Island, North Carolina along with 3 sisters and a brother, which he is very close to. The children were brought up with strong values which they have carried through adulthood. Although he came from a family of fisherman and boat builders (and apart from his love of sailing) his heart has always been in the kitchen.

He attended East Carteret High School, and later East Carolina University, NCSU, and did an apprenticeship in France, under the guidance of Chef Marc Veyrat, at Auberge de l’Eridan (which held 3 Michelin Stars at the

May 24 to May 30, 2018

himself before the Pub opened and he hangs any new pieces up after hours, sometimes staying until 2 am for this labor of love.

When asked why he doesn’t delegate this duty to any of his employees, he states that as the Pub is a replica of his Canadian home, he knows best where they all should go. During Desert Trip, Coachella, and Stagecoach in 2016, Ken donated guitars to be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Desert Cancer Foundation. All told, the guitars raised about $40,000 for cancer care and Ken couldn’t be happier to do that for the organization. Since then, he’s held many more events with the proceeds going to DCF, including hosting Rock the Ride, a popular car show. Not long ago, Ken lost his brother to cancer and loves being able to combine a passion with a charity close to his heart.

“The money goes to making sure people get treatment and it’s just an awesome way to give back to the community.” He is proud to be representing Desert Cancer Foundation for this honor.

When asked what the most rewarding part of his career has been, Ken is quick to say it’s the people he employs. He understands that a business is nothing without its employees and believes in treating them fairly and making sure they’re happy with what they do. Being happy with what he does is what gives Ken the inspiration to continue doing what he does every day.

He thrives on growing his businesses and tackling challenges. So far, that all seems to be panning out amazingly. If not his current career, Ken says he would be doing something with cars – either racing them, working on them or building them. As the twice-nominated Entrepreneur of the Year in Canada, there’s no doubt Ken would excel at whatever path he chose.

BY DENISE ORTUNO

Hancock is inspired by what he does, and it energizes his zest for life. He has an insatiable appetite to keep going and improving, “I enjoy being able to give and provide for others, and I am able to do that by creating dishes and feeding people,” says Hancock.

He has been recognized for his for his culinary expertise as one of the Best Chefs in America from 2014 to 2018, received the Trip Advisors Certificate of Excellence, and most recently won Palm Springs Life’s Best of the continue to page 12

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

CHEF PAUL HANCOCK continued from page 11

Best campaign for Best Sunday Brunch, and Best Breakfast in Indian Wells.

Down time for Hancock means spending time with friends and indulging in his hobbies which include, stamp and currency collecting and physical activities incorporating sports, namely sailing, hiking, tennis and baseball.

He also meditates, gets massages and is well versed in the benefits of a soak in a Jacuzzi.

Hancock has an endless list of movies that he enjoys such as, The Aviator, Field of Dreams and Anchorman. On the smaller screen, he’s a fan of Chef’s Table, Dexter, Archer, Homeland, The Big Bang Theory and Seinfeld. His love of music is vast, gravitating to bands that include, CCR, Imagine Dragons, Put de Mayo, Celentano, Renaud, The National, and Alan Jackson just to scratch the surface. For his favorite page turner, his preference is La Methode, Le Technique, by Jacques Pepin.

When it comes time for Hancock to take off for a vacation, he revels in a long list of stunning spots around the world that include, St. Barts, July in St. Tropez at Club Cinq Au Cinq, the Amalfi Coast, the Dijon region of France, Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai-

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Thailand, Tulum- Mexico, beautiful places in the U.S such as the Florida Keys and sailing in San Diego.

The best way that Hancock finds to keep his progressive life together involves forward motion, but appreciating taking a step back, “Take yourself out of the equation and see if what you’re doing makes an impact.

Sometimes you need to change a slight direction and then there are times to make a radical change,” he says. He also prays, and reads as much as possible, and does his best to keep up on many topics. He also follows his mantra of, “This is not a dress rehearsal, do or do not, don’t just try.”

The people that Hancock respects the most include his mother, “She taught me so many life lessons at a very young age,” he says. He also is impressed by football player JJ Watt, as a humanitarian, competitor and for being as Hancock puts it, “A darn right good guy.”

The charity that Hancock is connected to is Find Food Bank, which is a non-profit organization serving eastern Riverside as well as southern San Bernardino Counties.

They work with community-based partners

who run programs such as soup-kitchens, food pantries, senior programs and more, distributing over 10 million pounds of food assistance annually, aiding to nourish 85,000 people a month.

Chef Paul Hancock finds joy in creating innovative dishes and seeing the smiles on the faces of those that enjoy his culinary

GREGORY GOODMAN: OWNER OF MY LITTLE FLOWER SHOP AND MY LITTLE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

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regory Goodman has been beautifying people’s lives for decades with his creative floral arrangements, bringing smiles to their faces one petal at a time.

Born in Cleveland Ohio, Goodman was somewhat pre-determined to be in the floral business. His father opened a floral shop of his own that was attached to the house that they lived in. Goodman, only 4 years old at the time, would play in the shop, interacting with customers…initiating sales of his own.

He grew up in nearby Ashland, and then spent his high school years in Mansfield, where he graduated from Madison High School. He worked for his father until he was 18, and then went to college. He

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majored in Theater and Pre-Law, at NYU and Heidelberg College. After college, he opened his own floral shop in Ohio, which quickly grew into having 4 stores.

His desire to become an actor was calling to him. So he sold off his stores and moved to Los Angeles. He did a variety of parts in movies and plays, but after some time, he decided to go back into the floral business and opened a small floral shop in Beverly Hills. The shop took off, and soon Goodman was making floral arrangements for celebrities and grand events including the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. Goodman also was President Obama’s personal florist when he would be in L.A. He also did the floral arrangements for the Inaugurations of President Obama, President Bush and President George W. Bush, and President Clinton.

His husband, Alan Kelly and he, have been married for 10 years, and together for 20. They had a second home in Palm Springs, and when the recession hit years back, they decided to move to the desert full-time.

They opened My Little Flower Shop 7 years

ago. When asked why they chose the name, Goodman said, “We thought it sounded cute. It makes us sound small, but we really are not.”

Besides My Little Flower Shop, Goodman runs Season’s, My Bridal and My Little Fun Factory, as well as participating in networking events with Wedding Warriors.

To relax and unwind from his business’s, Goodman enjoys spending time with family and friends and taking lots of vacations to places such as Puerto Vallarta and Hawaii.

He also enjoys spending time with their dogs, Sammie, Molly and Daisy. When its movie time, Goodman loves Sci-fi movies and ones with superheroes. His favorite film is, It’s a Wonderful Life.

The man in his life that he respects the most is President Obama, and the women who inspire him are his sisters Cari and Lisa, “They are the most amazing women I know,” says Goodman.

His mantra is, “To give until you cannot give anymore.” The mantra seems to fit into his plans to run for Palm Springs City Council in 2019. His platform will be to help support small businesses, “I feel if you don’t stand up for things that you believe in, you have no right to complain,” says Goodman.

He feels that small businesses have no one to speak up for them right now, and he is ready to be that voice. It is his love for Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley that is prompting him to run for the council.

The charity that is close to Goodman’s heart is the American Cancer Society. His nephew fought cancer and beat it, and his mother was sadly taken by the disease.

The organization is focused on saving lives through research, patient support and prevention. The goal is to have a world free from cancer.

vision. With his love for all things delicious, he will continue to help keep the Coachella Valley as a hub for phenomenal fare.

Chef Paul Hancock be representing the American Find Food Bank as his intended charity at the Top Men’s & Women’s Fundraising Charity Event on May 24th at Hotel Zozo in Palm Springs.

BY DENISE ORTUNO

As for something that people would be surprised to know about Goodman, would be the fact that like many creative souls, he is an introvert, “No one would ever know,” he says.

Gregory Goodman has spent his life making the world around him even more beautiful with his flower arrangement creations. With his love for the city in which he lives, he will move forward in bringing the best out of his community, and watch it grow with lasting radiance.

Gregory Goodman will be representing the American Cancer Society as his intended charity at the Top Men’s & Women’s Fundraising Charity Event on May 24th at Hotel Zozo in Palm Springs.

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

INSTIGATOR CD RELEASE PARTY-MAY 25TH AT THE HOOD

his Friday, May 25th, the guys from Instigator will be celebrating the release of their new, self-titled demo at The Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert along with fellow rockers, Minor Emergency and Frank Eats the Floor. It’s been just over a year since Instigator blew up on the scene as the new, kick-ass, thrashmetal band that blew both judges and spectators away when they became finalists at the CV Showcase. Their skills as musicians were definitely enough to impress their audience without adding the fact that they all happen to be teenagers. That’s right, folks...these La Quinta High School students are already blowing minds and melting faces and aren’t stopping anytime soon. There is something to be said about a group of kids who are playing a metal show in Hollywood one night and literally have to be in class the next morning.

I sat down with the guys to discuss their journey thus far.

CVW: So how did you guys initially find each other and start making music?

Jaxon Fischer--age 17--(Rhythm guitar/ vox): “Mark and I met freshman year and we were both into metal and playing guitar so we would sit around and make riffs and play songs together. We did that for a while and I think it was during our sophomore year we decided we needed to find a bassist and drummer so we could get serious.”

Garrison Calkins--age 17--(bass/vox): “Sometime in Oct, 2015 I posted a video of myself playing bass on Instagram. I had maybe been playing for a month or 2. One of the guys followed me on IG and saw it and they knew where I sat for lunch every day. We would pass each other and make comments, but never really talked before the day they approached me at lunch and asked me if I wanted to come over and jam with them on Friday. When I showed up I don’t think I knew how to play any full songs except for, ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls,’ by Metallica. We kept jamming continuously for several months until we finally got Joe.” Joe Boomer--age 17--(drums): “I was just hanging out at school one day when a bunch of kids came up to me and said, “You’re a drummer, right?” And I was like, “Yeah?” And they said, “You’re coming with us to jam today.” And I did. That very day. It was quick and simple.”

CVW: What inspired a group of High Schoolers to seriously pursue becoming a metal band?

Mark Wadlund--age 18--(Lead guitar/ vox): “Basically I think the desire and intentions were always there from day one.

We were really inspired by watching early videos of all of our favorite bands such as Megadeath circa 1985, Slayer, Venom and Exodus. Watching that stuff made me personally think, this is what I want to be doing. This is something I want to be a part of. The sounds of the guitars, the loud and fast drums...It’s all so exhilarating.”v CVW: When talking about the music that inspires you, you are talking about

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ

music that generally came way before your time. Considering what’s on the radio these days, how did you guys get into classic metal in the first place?

Joe: “We have different influences as individuals, but the common thread among us was metal. I came in from a lighter side of things being into alternative rock and punk and these guys sort of exposed me to metal.

The key I think is high-energy music.”

Mark: “For me, I would say a lot of it started by going through the parent’s old CD collections in drawers or in the car.”

CVW: Speaking of parents…I think it’s pretty obvious that in order for a group your age to pull off being in an actual, functioning band, you must have to have some pretty supportive parents, right?

Mark: “Yeah, for sure. It’s been a lot of work for them to I guess and it hasn’t always been a perfect situation but, yeah, your right. For the most part they all have been really supportive which has been important to make this all possible. I mean the main thing with the parents has been about us keeping our grades up and school being a priority which can be hard.” (Entire band nods in agreement.)

CVW: So let’s talk about the new demo!

Joe: “We got really lucky to know Brian “Puke” Parnell of Regurgitation Records who was willing to help us out with our first real recordings. He invited us up to Idyllwild to record and we had such an amazing time I wish it was still happening.”

Garrison: “Brian is really an amazing guy

that we have learned so much from. He is kind, caring, inspirational, and has become like a big brother to us. I personally look up to him a lot and want to be more like him.”

CVW: Brian is really part of an extended music scene that really seems to have embraced you guys from the get go. How does it feel to be High School students by day and members of a thriving music community by night?

Jaxon: “It is really cool to be a part of something bigger than yourself. To meet people who are sincerely into what you are doing and visa-versa. We tend to have a lot more in common with the adults we meet in other bands than the kids at school sometimes.”

Garrison: “Every member of every band that we have met has been so warm and kind to us. We haven’t dealt with any attitudes or egos whatsoever. In fact it’s been the complete opposite. It seems cliche, but it’s all about the music. Our experience so far has been very humbling and we are truly honored to be doing what we love.”

Find Instigator online! facebook.com/instigatorofficial facebook.com/RegurgitationRecords www.regurgitationrecords.com Search Instigator Band on YouTube.com and subscribe.

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

BASE MOTEL + CASINO” (DOMINO RECORDS) ARCTIC MONKEYS “TRANQUILITY

F

ive years is a long time between records. The music industry is constantly changing these days and fans have become more fickle (fickler?) and less loyal in this culture of instant gratification. It feels so half-century ago to be counting the days for the long-awaited Fleetwood Mac or Led Zeppelin record when Cardi B and Post Malone are releasing downloadable singles at a furious clip. But, it seems like if anyone could weather a lengthy absence and emerge with their fans intact it would be Arctic Monkeys.

The British four-piece formed in High Green, a suburb of Sheffield England in 2002. A year earlier front-man Alex Turner and rhythm guitarist Jamie Cook received guitars for Christmas. They quickly connected with drummer Matt Helders and bassist Andy Nicholson. Not long after, they were uploading nascent compositions on Myspace (ahh, Myspace!). A fierce bidding-war broke out between large and independent record labels, but the lads chose to sign with Domino Records. (The indominable Indie has been home to the Feelies, Neutral Milk Hotel and Superchunk).

When their debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not burst on the scene in 2006, it built off the pure Punk energy exhibited by other 21st century bands like Clinic and the Libertines. Attempting to perform CPR on the moldering corpse of Punk Rock, they succeeded in channeling the explosive fury and snarly intensity that the Sex Pistols and Clash displayed three decades earlier.

Not only did Whatever… debut at #1 on the British charts, it was the fastest selling inaugural release since Oasis’ Definitely Maybe album in 1994. Even though Andy Nicholson amicably left the band and was replaced by bassist Nick O’Malley, the band suffered no growing pains on their second effort, Favorite Worst Nightmare. Released in 2007, it doubled down on the winning formula of the first album, only faster and louder.

For 2009’s Humbug the band traded the metropolitan grit of London For the arid,

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

14

desolate landscape of Joshua Tree. Taking a jagged left turn they tapped QOTSA frontman Josh Homme to co-produce, and multiinstrumentalist and Renaissance man Alain Johannes to engineer. Shifting gears from the combustible economy of Punk, their sound became more expansive and opaque.

The gamble paid off, raising the band’s profile in America. For their fourth album, provocatively entitled Suck It And See, the band returned to their Steel City roots.

Two years later the band relocated to Los Angeles, and it was there and Joshua Tree where they wrote and recorded A.M. Expanding their sonic palette exponentially, Arctic Monkeys layered Glitter/Glam, Psychedelia, Blues, Desert Rock and R&B over their Punk Rock foundation. Influences ranged from Black Sabbath and “Ziggy” era Bowie to Outkast and Aaliyah. Critical acclaim was unanimous and their popularity skyrocketed, A.M topped the charts worldwide.

Following lengthy world tours, the band went on hiatus in late 2014. During the interim Alex Turner recorded a second album with his side project, The Last Shadow Puppets, and Matt Helders played drums on Iggy Pop’s 2016 album, Post Pop Depression.

In early 2017 the Monkeys reconvened in Los Angeles to listen to Alex’s home studio demos. After a bit of woodshedding, they returned to London to lay down tracks and the result is their sixth album, Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino.

If longtime fans are expecting the band’s stripped-down guitar Punk, or even the Glam-tastic Soul of A.M. they are in for a rude awakening. The first three tracks set the tone for this record. “Star Treatment” opens this 11 song set with stuttery drums, cocktail Jazz piano, bloopy synths and practically nonexistent guitars. The melody simply plods along as Turner adopts a deadpan manner speaking, rather than singing non-sequiturs like “Maybe I was a little too wild in the ‘70s, rocket-ship grease down the cracks of my knuckles, karate bandana warp speed chic/ Hair down to there, impressive moustache, love came in a bottle with a twist-off cap, let’s all have a swig and do a hot lap.” Um..huh?

“One Point Perspective” extends the droopy quietude, as plinky-plunky piano notes hopscotch over a programmed kickdrum beat. Lush synths whoosh underneath, echoing early ‘80s stalwarts like ABC and the Style Council, (sans those bands’ innate sophistication). Squiggly bass lines thump and pop, Wait, is that some fuzzy guitar? Guitars briefly appear and retreat as Turner’s vocals toggle between lethargy and histrionics.

The soporific “One Point…” folds into “American Sports.” As twinkly synth recede and time signatures shift. The guitars are wobbly and exiguous, although they briefly flare and fuzz on the instrumental break. Jabberwocky lyrics touch briefly on “battleground states,” “most muscular regrets,” “Parliament brawls” and video

chats with God. And so it goes. This record feels less like 21st century Arctic Monkeys music and more like a forgotten softcore Porn score, circa 1977. The title track isn’t too bad, weaving angsty, Spaghetti Western guitar, marauding keys, roiling bass lines and swirly harpsichord notes over a vaguely space-age melody.

Here Turner’s self-satisfied croon caresses nonsense lines like “Kiss me underneath the moon’s side-boob.”

Admittedly, the first single “Four Out Of Five,” feels slightly more engaged. The instrumentation is equal parts poppy and gritty. Menacing guitar chords wrap around a sinewy rhythm punctuated by a satisfying thwok. Self-aggrandizing couplets like “I put a taqueria on the roof, it was well reviewed, four stars out of five and that’s unheard of” mean…exactly what?

Sadly, the balance of this record feels phoned in, half-assed and perfunctory.

Although it sports an ambitious title, “The World’s First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip” is a lugubrious fever dream powered by a Woodpecker rhythm, (which feels purloined from the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds instrumental). “She Looks Like Fun” is a

collection of riffs and grooves that never coalesce.

The titles of both “Science Fiction” and “Batphone” hint at Superhero whimsy, but that’s just wishful thinking. Over rippling percussion and quavery keys, the former smugly asserts “I want to make a simple point about peace and love, but in a sexy way where it’s not obvious.” Yeah, maybe next time cut the Prozac in half.

On the latter, the same cluster of synth figures unspool ad nauseum. Humble-brag lyrics like “It’s a big night in Tinsel City, life became a spectator sport/I launch my fragrance called ‘Integrity,’ I sell the fact that I can’t be bought,” is simply Hipster horseshit.

The musical equivalent of a man-bun.

The album closes with “The Ultra Cheese.”

The title feels wholly apropos for this abysmal outing. The song is a Morrissey-esque pastiche in ¾ time. Expansive piano runs, lonesome pedal steel and stately Wurlitzer fills can’t camouflage the fact that there’s no there there.

If this was another band member side project, it could easily be viewed as an interesting experiment. But billing it as an Arctic Monkeys record is almost like false advertising.

This record feels chilly and dystopian, maybe it’s a reflection of the times. But where are the hooks? Where are the choruses? It’s just verse after verse with no sweet respite. Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino is a glaring mis-step. 12 years ago, shit, five years ago, this band had swagger. Now the Arctic Monkeys seem smug and complacent.

It’s not a good look.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

STING & SHAGGY

EVENTS

May 24 to May 30, 2018

BRING UPBEAT, ISLAND-FLAVORED 44/876 JOINT TOUR TO THE SHOW AT AGUA CALIENTE CASINO RESORT SPA ON OCTOBER 12, 2018 TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY, MAY 24TH, AT 10 A.M.

S

ting & Shaggy will bring their dynamic and vibrant joint live show to Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa’s The Show on October 12. Performing in this intimate venue, the iconic artists will combine their bands to play songs from their recently-released, island-flavored collaborative album, 44/876 (A&M/ Interscope Records), and to collaborate on each other’s most celebrated hits such as “Every Breath You Take,” “Englishman In New York,” “Message In A Bottle,” “It Wasn’t Me,” “Mr. Boombastic” and “Angel.”

Sting and Shaggy initially joined forces to record a new song, “Don’t Make Me Wait” (which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s digital reggae singles chart), as a tribute to the Caribbean sounds that influenced them both and ended up recording an entire album full of joyful and uplifting, melodic music. With its title referencing their respective telephone country codes (44 for the UK, Sting’s birthplace, and 876 for Jamaica, Shaggy’s homeland), 44/876 honors the duo’s deep-rooted love for

Jamaica: Shaggy’s birthplace, and where Sting penned such classics as “Every Breath You Take.”

Along with continuing each artist’s exploration of reggae and its transcendent rhythms, songs like “Don’t Make Me Wait,” “Morning is Coming,” and “Gotta Get Back My Baby” reveal Sting and Shaggy’s shared passion for creating timeless music that defies expectation.

On May 25 Sting and Shaggy will be joined on the 44/876 Tour by Sting’s players.

Sting and Shaggy’s October 12th performance will mark Sting’s second appearance at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. With all seats 125 feet or less from the stage, the extraordinary design of The Show creates an intimate space for experiencing legendary performances.

Tickets range in price from $130 to $180, available online at HotWaterCasino.com or by calling (800) 585-3737 starting on May 24 at 10 a.m. Every online ticket purchase includes one digital copy of Sting and Shaggy’s album, “44/876.”

15

May 24 to May 30, 2018

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JANET McAFEE

ON THE ROAD WITH LILLY

D

ogs love to travel! Chances are your dog races to go with you when you gather up your car keys. Dogs are natural nomads, traveling in packs in the wild. They are curious creatures who love seeing new places and meeting new friends.

Traveling with pets has become easier with more businesses happily accommodating them.

MEET BONNIE This lovely Calico loves humans and dogs, but would like to be your only cat.

Playful 3-yr-old Bonnie is one cool, confident cat. Rescued by www.ForeverMeow.org, call (760) 335-6767, meet Bonnie at Petco Palm Desert.

MEET MILA This adorable 12-lb pup waits to meet you at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter, 72-050 Petland Place, Thousand Palms. A sweet Chihuahua/ Pug mix, she’s just 8 months old and loves to cuddle.

Call (760) 343-3644, refer to DOG ID#A1438659.

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Some restaurants even have “doggie” menus with special cooked items for canines.

Your well behaved leashed dog is welcome at many local retailers including Home Depot, Lowes, Apple, The Pottery Barn, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Many major hotel chains including Marriott’s Residence Inn, The Fairmont, Motel 6 and Best Western allow pets. The Red Roof Inn hotel chain is among the many that don’t charge a nightly fee or deposit for pets. Campgrounds are full of family pets. Doggie day care programs can provide coverage if you visit tourist sites where dogs are not allowed.

CAR TRAVEL A host of new products ensure the comfort and safety of your dog during car trips. Cool pads inside his carrier cool down his temperature during hot weather. Socks or little shoes keep his feet from burning on hot pavement. Tiny sunglasses with UV protection guard against sun damage to the eyes and block dust and debris. “Cool down” harnesses and vests containing cooling crystals help on hot days. Car harnesses protect your dog if you have to stop suddenly.

Pictured here is Lilly, an adorable rescue Bichon mix, who recently traveled by car

from her home in Alameda, California, to her vacation home in La Quinta. On the trip Lilly enjoyed a lunch stop at the Harris Ranch outdoor snack shop and a trip to Nordstrom, another dog friendly business. Of course, unlike Lilly in this fun photograph, dogs should not be left alone in cars.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CLOSED VEHICLE ON A HOT DAY, even with the windows cracked. The temperature inside can soar in a matter of minutes. Unattended animals inside cars are also at risk of being stolen. It takes less than a minute for someone to break a window and steal your pet. If you are traveling alone with your dog and can’t find a responsible person to watch him, no one will object if you take a calm dog into a public restroom. Drive through restaurants or outdoor cafes with dog friendly seating are perfect for meal stops.

AIRLINE TRAVEL A health certificate from your veterinarian is required for airline travel. Bring copies of shot records including rabies. Check in advance with your airline as pet requirements can differ. If you have a small dog under your airline’s weight limit, it is recommended you take them in a carrier in the passenger cabin where they travel under your seat. Some groups advise against shipping your pet in the cargo area due to instances of loss, injury and even death. If you must ship an animal below cabin, book a direct flight. Your trusted veterinarian can decide if sedation will make his flight easier.

TRAIN TRAVEL Amtrak does not allow pets other than service animals. Smaller regional rail companies are more hospitable, but call first to find out about crating and other restrictions. Some transit companies don’t allow animals during crowded rush hours.

Short leashes are recommended.

A wonderful resource, “U.S and Canada Dog Travel Guide”, can be ordered online at www.dogfriendly.com. Grab the car keys, hit the road, and double your fun with Fido onboard.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE VINO VOICE

May 24 to May 30, 2018

BY RICK RIOZZA

ELEVATING ZINFANDEL: IS IT THE “NEW” PINOT NOIR?

T

his past week, Paolo Maxilmilliano representing the Palm Springs Wine Blog and myself for CV Weekly, along with a few other wine traders and buyers, were invited to a most interesting private wine tasting affair at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills— fancy surroundings for sure. But apart from the luxuriance, there was some big California wine news and attitude on the horizon.

Maybe not your usual warning Breaking News!—but, a new wave in the wine game is afoot. And we can file it under Not your Grandfather’s Zinfandel.

This column has certainly discussed Zinfandel previously—it’s often times deemed “California’s native grape”. A quick summary would state: Zinfandel wine grapes may have arrived in America as early as 1820 and soon became a popular table & wine grape. Zinfandel then made its way west when the Gold Rush affected national history. It was the wine of the pioneers and millions of gallons were being transported and stored in San Francisco warehouses for bottling. (Interesting to note: Unluckily, during the 1905 San Francisco earthquake, so much of those stored millions of gallons of wine had to be utilized to put out the fires breaking out in the city!)

By the close of the 19th century, Zinfandel grapes were being planted all over California.

Some of these “old/ancient vines” still exist today and produce wine that can readily be found in most stores. Just a couple of weeks ago, we wrote about the Galleano Winery which is one of a handful of wineries that produce Zinfandel from remaining acreage of what was once the old Rancho Cucamonga vineyard land grant in Riverside County.

Zinfandel wine exudes ripe, red and black fruits including raspberries, blackberries, jammy black & red cherries, strawberries and red plums along with spice, pepper and jam characteristics.

For so many years in the Northern California wine country which includes Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Amador, El Dorado, Nevada, Calaveras, and Lodi, the Zinfandel produced was allowed to broadly express its full-body, full-on powerhouse quality.

Purple-stained winemakers relished to maintain Zin’s lip-smacking intensity and concentration of expressive dark fruits by

allowing their juice extended contact with the red grape skins, giving the wine its strong tannins and bold flavors that can meet up with any pepper steak or rack of grilled and charred meats lathered with sweet & spicy sauces.

During the 70s and 80s, thick full-bodied fullon vino was lovingly known as “Boot-Strapping Zin”. Winemakers almost dared each other to make high alcohol wines—with of course, ample fruit, acidity, and tannins to balance things out.

The good stuff was delicious—albeit heavy, but no one cared at the time, we Zinners simply enjoyed the moment and the style.

But let’s clear things up: Some wine consumers get a bit confused with the multiple personalities Zin has shown over the years. It’s been made red, white, rosé, sweet, dry, lateharvest (“Port”) style, Beaujolais-style and even sparkling. I’ve met several shoppers who thought White Zinfandel came from a white grape!

And for as long as Zin has been around, its production style and its demand at restaurants and markets has gone in and out. Right now, Zinfandel is becoming a popular request at many California wine-savvy restaurants. And the reason is: high-minded winemakers and producers are crafting their vino along leaner and more structured lines. Moving from full to medium-bodied with complex nuances, this new wave of Zinfandel is reflective of a European wine: the latest Zin personality appears in the style of—dare we say it—a Pinot Noir!

WineLA—a wine education, culture & events organization—as mentioned, presented the trade, and later that day, a consumer tasting called Elevating Zin at the Montage, where they teamed up with some of the world’s best Zinfandel producers showcasing the “Crème de la crème” of the Zinfandel community. Check out their wine enlightening website: www. winela.com For you high-end Zin fans, you would have recognized many of the producers at the event.

As your somm-about-town, I’ve come to know many of our valley’s vintage wine collectors. And whether you’ve been educated and made aware of quality Zinfandel from your country club wine groups & tastings, or, from your local wine purveyors in our quaint valley, you guys have some impressive Zins in your cellars! Indeed, many of you have turned me on to the likes

of Biale, Turley, Bedrock, Hendry, A. Rafanelli.

William Selyem, Seghesio, Bella, and Gamba.

Yup—these famed winery owners and/or winemakers, along with other prized California Zin producers, were on hand to personally discuss and taste through their current releases and a few of their prized library selections. It was one of the most elegant but relaxed & fun tastings we’ve been to this year. For particular wine reviews, check out palmspringswineblog. com.

Women Who Zin This column has always enjoyed covering the men and women in the wine game. Continuing with the moniker, Wine Wise Gals, it was great to see and chat with the irrepressible Shauna Rosenblum from Rock Wall Wine Company and taste through her line-up of delicious Zins.

From her childhood, gleaning from the talents of her famed Zin winemaker dad, Ken, she is

everything one could expect from a gregarious and inventive art teacher/winemaker—she’s a hoot!

I enjoy her Rock Wall Star email newsletter regularly and I recommend it to you. Sign up at www.rockwallwines.com And it was also our pleasure to meet and talk with one of the new wine wise gals on the scene, the talented and multitasking, Stephanie Cook, winemaker and owner of Wonderment Wines— www.wondermentwines.com.

Born and raised in Leesville, South Carolina, Stephanie began traveling the world as a fashion model, and then on to a restaurateur & epicure. But it was her secret dream to be a winemaker, and within these past few years, having worked with the likes of Biale and Staglin, she’s catapulted to high-end wine production.

Her Zin portfolio was impressive; so stay tuned.

Cheers!

17

May 24 to May 30, 2018

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THUR MAY 24

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Todd Albright and Hotel Ten Eyes 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill and Doug Duo 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Dessert R&B Party w/ DJ Riotboy and Dxsko 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Kristy King 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 TBA 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 8-10pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry, Bob and Riz 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm LA QUINTA OLDTOWN TAPROOM; LQ; Wyldsky 8-11pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Doo Wah Riders 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Rick the Piano Man 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Fishbone and The Aggrolites 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Wayne Boyer 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-7pm, Steve Oliver 7:3011pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Linda Peterson 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI MAY 25

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Fast Heart Mart 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Blank Tapes and Dirdy Birdy 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Shelley Yoelin Group 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The Seven/Six Presents: 90’s Party w/ DJs Earthquake, Smoke 1 and Cornbreeze 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Pop Gun Rerun 8:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm COACHELLA BAR: Coachella; Regaae Night w/ Mozaiq, Dubious Distinction and Mario Quintero 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm

ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Instigator’s CD Release Party w/ FrankEatstheFloor and Minor Emergency 8pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm HOTEL ZOSO; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Black Water Gospel 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke 7:30pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY; PD; Taji Music 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 House Party 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Eevaan Tre 6:30pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Dude Jones 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Meltdown 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Godspeed You! Black Emperor 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Scot Bruce 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Mark Gregg 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN MAY 27

TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Barflys 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Dance Night w/ Johnny Meza 6-9pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King Show 8pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Boys Night Out w/ DJ House Whores 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Calista Carradine 7pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez, Todd Ashley and Lisa LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

SAT MAY 26

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Madame Gandhi DJ Set 11am poolside, Dublab Presents: DJ Sets by Wyldeflower and Novena Carmel 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Super Sonido w/ Alf Alpha, Pleyboyz and Cholo Bueno 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Pop Gun Rerun 8:30pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Jack Ruvio 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Josh’s Bday Show w/ Blasting Echo, 5th Town and Black Water Gospel 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 7pm

HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-10pm HOTEL ZOSO; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ David Macias and Friends 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 Los Romanticos De Mexico 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 House Party 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Pop Vinyl 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Inxsive Tribute Band 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Orlando 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Jesse Dayton 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Show 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Alyce Bowie 8:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Dennis Michael 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett & Co. 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30-11pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 6pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Hammer of the Ozz 7:30pm

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Chief Boima DJ Set 11am poolside, The Trap Set w/ Joe Wong 9pm, Here Lies Man 10:30pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Trish Hatley and Barney McClure 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Fusion Latin Night w/ DJ LF and Friends 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Brian Denigan 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Country Night 5pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Lori Yeary 6-9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Jack Ruvio 6-9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Reggae Night w/ Mozaiq and Friends 9pm continue to page 24

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

THEPAMPERED PALATE

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CASTELLI’S RISTORANTE GOES RETRO FOR 30TH ANNIVERSARY

P

alm Desert’s famed Castelli’s Ristorante is turning 30, and to celebrate they are clicking back prices to the 1980’s. Retro never tasted so good!

It’s cray-cray to believe that it’s been 30 years that Casetllis has been around in Palm Desert. I remember going to their 20th Anniversary a decade ago, and it seriously seems like…well, not a decade ago. The Castelli’s brothers, Michael and John have come a long way, and have become engrained in Palm Deserts restaurant history, not an easy thing to do, especially in such a seasonal place like the Coachella Valley.

For their special 30th, they are doing the unthinkable, albeit very generous, rolling back of their prices from when they first opened on Memorial Day in 1988, with the same menu that they had back then. Oh how things have grown and changed in Palm Desert since the late 80’s. Gratefully, one thing that has stayed the same, is the fantastic food and ambience at the treasured Castelli’s.

The menu for the party is quite vast, with many offerings of items that the still offer today. Starters include, Escargot Italiano ($7.95), Antipasto for Two (assorted meats, cheese, seafood & marinated vegetable, $10.95) and Bocconcini de Mozzarella Caprese ($6.95), among others. The entrée selections range from pasta, to veal, chicken, beef and seafood such as, Fettuccini Alfredo (imported pasta, cream, butter, freshly grated Parmesan from Parma Italy-$10.95), Linguini de Mare

20

( imported pasta, with tender baby calamari, shrimp, baby lobster, scallops, fennel, diced green onion, with their special marinara sauce-$14.95), Ravioli Florentine ( jumbo cheese and spinach filled ravioli, served with tomato cream Parma Rosa sauce-$11.95), Scallopes Cipollina (seared jumbo scallops with a light sauce of white wine, butter, lemon, garlic, green onions and fresh basil, served on a bed of linguine with clam sauce-$20.95) and Veal alla Parmesan ( fresh, thinly sliced and pounded veal, sautéed and topped with zesty marinara sauce, melted parmesan and mozzarella cheese-$16.95) plus many more. And let’s not forget their garlic read, oh the garlic bread!! It is something to be cherished and devoured, and has always been complimentary, then and now. Bless you Castelli’s!

Besides their flash back menu, they will also be offering their regular menu as well….. at their regular prices (sorry). The discounted retro menu also will feature wine as well.

Guests can order a glass of their house wine for only $5, and a bottle of the house for $18, the prices alone will make you tipsy. Beer will also be offered at retro prices at $4 for Domestic and $5 for Imports.

Of course the most important elements on their 30th will be the special vibe that Castelli’s exudes, one of the few restaurants in the valley that still has a dressy feel, but not at all stuffy. It transports you to a different place, it is its own event every night.

Reservations are definitely needed for their 30th Anniversary, so don’t delay if you want partake in this special night. It is sure to be a retro wonderful experience. Here’s to 30 more years Castelli’s. Saluti!

For reservations call 760-773-3365, www.castellis.cc

BY DENISE ORTUNO

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 24 to May 30, 2018

21

May 24 to May 30, 2018

SCREENERS

NOW SHOWING: DEADPOOL 2

The thing that made the first Deadpool movie work so well was the novelty of a comic super-hero movie full of knowing, self-referential mockery, along with the everpresent fourth-wall demolition.

So if you liked the original, the second time around is more of the same. Thanks to Ryan Reynolds winning charisma (he was also a co-screen writer), and the bigger budget and grander action sequences, this sequel delivers on the premise and the poster.

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No. 318

CAPTAIN SNARK

I laughed out loud when Deadpool referred to Cable as “Thanos.” For the shortterm memory challenged, Thanos is the name of the villain in Avengers: Infinity War, Cable, is mostly the villain in this latest iteration of Deadpool. (Both Cable and Thanos are played

by Josh Brolin).

The movie is chuck full of jokes that work on many levels, some of them flash by in mere seconds of screen time.

The script, by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Ryan Reynolds is loaded with meta, humor that is often a little too on the nose but a welcome send-up of the genre. However, the non-stop jokes can be tiresome and a tad exhausting.

I’d prefer a stronger story along with the irreverent, profane humor. But I really enjoyed the stunning, eye-popping action sequences.

The new plot has our wisecracking mercenary joining forces with three mutants -- Bedlam, Shatterstar and Domino -- to protect a boy from the all-powerful Cable.

I think I audibly groaned at references

to The Andy Griffith Show and Back to the Future, but appreciated the almost deadly bovine attack and the disfigured cafeteria chef Wade Wilson’s determined but admittedly loony goal of becoming Mayberry’s hottest bartender.

When it’s all over, the not so subtle message of the movie is the importance of family and friends. But plot is irrelevant to the crazy joyfulness of the whole enterprise. I did want more near death stuff with the cow.

This winning sequel is bigger, funnier and more satisfying than the original. If you liked the original, you’ll love this. See it on one of the big screens at Mary Pickford,D’Place Entertainment.

NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: BENT

“bent,” or corrupt after botching drug bust that killed his partner (Vincent Spano) as well as an undercover detective.

After three years -- and prison time -- Gallagher decides to investigate a carbombing death he believes linked to the fatal drug bust. With help from family friend and former cop Jimmy (Andy Garcia), Gallagher follows a series of clues and connections involving a string of nefarious types. (The film, set in Louisiana, was hot in Rome.)

Dull action and fight scenes and an unconvincing fling between Gallagher and a federal agent (Sofia Vergara) connected to the car bomb victim don’t amp up the tension – or drama.

Oddly, Gallagher is cut, or was never in, the film’s final showdown.

The government conspiracy angle involving a top spy agency was a nice touch of faux relevance.

I’ve always liked “ex cop seeks redemption” stories. But this almost lifeless crime drama is forgettable. Lionsgate. Bluray.

GAME NIGHT

Don’t confuse this crime thriller with the superb Holocaust-era drama of the same name. This is a modern B-movie filled with obvious characters, standard toughtalk and unremarkable plotting. It’s about a discredited cop (Karl Urban) hunting for his partner’s killer when he uncovers a government conspiracy tied to a woman’s car-bomb murder.

While watching the movie, I wondered what drew writer-director Bobby Moresco, the Oscar-winning co-scripter of “Crash,” to such mundane material.

The story is based on characters created by novelist J.P. O’Donnell. Danny Gallagher (Karl Urban) is an ex-cop wrongly deemed

22

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

Batman and McAdams star as Max and Anni, whose weekly couples game night gets kicked up a notch when Max’s charismatic brother, Brooks, arranges a murder mystery party, complete with fake thugs and faux federal agents.

So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it’s all part of the game…right? But as the six ubercompetitive gamers set out to solve the case and win, they soon discover that neither this “game”—nor Brooks – are what they seem to be.

Over the course of one chaotic night, the friends find themselves increasingly in over their heads as each twist leads to yet another unexpected turn. With no rules, no points, and no idea who all the players really are, this just might turn out to be the most fun they’ve ever had and much more than they bargained for. Serious laughs in this unpretentious yet absurd comedy thriller.

Recommended. Warner Bros. Blu-ray.

Comments? robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

A

uthor Tom Wolfe was raised in the South, lived in New York, and cherished the California lifestyle. He passed away this month. He was 88.

His Southerner look was not an act. Every day Wolfe donned his iconic outfit: A cream or white three-piece suit, tie, handkerchief, a matching homburg hat—oh, and spats!

Starting his writing career as a journalist, Wolfe wanted to stand out, neutralize and provoke those whom he was interviewing thus “making him, in their eyes, a man from Mars, the man who didn’t know anything and was eager to know.”

Below the disarming charm and country gentleman attire, Wolfe was a sophisticated and astute observer of American culture.

Earning a Ph.D. from Yale University’s American Studies program, he quickly became one of America’s best ethnographers.

As a reporter, Wolfe was drawn to people and places not politics. But, in 1959 he was hired at the The Washington Post where he won an award for his reports on Cuba.

In 1962, Wolfe left for New York to become a reporter and feature writer for the Herald Tribune. During a newspaper strike, Esquire magazine asked him to write a story on the custom car culture in Southern California.

Wolfe struggled how to tell the story and with the encouragement of his editor, Wolfe found his voice and style.

Wolfe ignored the rules and constraints of journalism, and enlisted colorful descriptions,

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TOM WOLFE 1930 -2018

sounds, dialogue and subjective commentary.

The article drew attention and provided notoriety both favorable and unfavorable.

But, Wolfe soon had a publishing deal. “The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby” was a collection of Wolfe’s periodical work. Wolfe’s writing technique became known as the “New Journalism” where literary style was applied to reporting the facts.

It was during this time Wolfe found a fondness for California. He admired the changes taking place in the state. Like an ethnographic study, Wolfe began to tell the stories that were shaping California culture: Its people, architecture, surf, liberal thinking and drugs.

In an interview, Wolfe told Marc Weingarten author of “The Gang That Wouldn’t Write Straight: Wolfe, Thompson, Didion, Capote and the New Journalism Revolution,” how Los Angeles shaped his prose.

May 24 to May 30, 2018

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

“When I started writing in what was known as my style, I was trying to capture the newness and excitement of the West Coast.”

At the behest of author Ken Kessey, (One flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) Wolfe embedded himself with Kessey’s communal clan, which resulted in Wolfe’s beloved work about the San Francisco counter culture The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.

Over his lifetime, Wolfe wrote 13 nonfiction works. The Right Stuff about the Mercury space program and the astronauts who worked from California’s Edwards Air Force Base was made into a feature film.

Several of his nonfiction books focused on California personalities and lifestyles.

SAFETY TIPS

Wolfe wrote four novels. His first The Bonfire of the Vanities was published in 1987 and became a bestseller and critically acclaimed establishing Wolfe’s place in history as a literary powerhouse. It was also made into a Hollywood movie. His novel I Am Charlotte Simmons 2004 was panned at the time, but still speaks to the issues of what it’s like to get a university education. His last novel Back to Blood was published in 2012.

I was surprised to discover Wolfe was a good baseball player and tried out for a position with the New York Giants as a pitcher! He was cut. But, for such a dapper intellectual, he was also a jock. In addition, Wolfe was an accomplished artist preferring pen and ink. He often illustrated his written work Wolfe’s prose were honest, direct, and subjective. He was a cultural anthropologist writing about his world. Wolfe wanted his experience to be the reader’s experience.

He dared to satirize and cross lines trusting the reader to see the humanity and the compassion of the people who populated his stories. But what I most appreciate about Wolfe, is that he made journalism more readable, interesting and fun.

Rest In Peace.

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SAFETY!

N

ext weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. “Let’s all take part by being responsible for our self and others,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Here are a few safety tips: Travel Safety: Hitting the road locally or with some distance, remember: • Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.

• Be well rested, alert and patient; give your full attention to the road. Do not text and drive!

• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.

Water Safety: Paddle Board? Jet Ski? It’s all harmless fun, right? Fun, certainly. But think before you play. Whatever the activity, observe these three cardinal rules: • Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

• Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Let others know when you hit the water and when you plan to return!

• Learn to swim. Do not swim alone or leave children unattended! Let someone know where and what time your leaving

and intend on returning!

Fire Safety: • Never grill indoors or unattended – not in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.

• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. Hot grease or ashes could spill from the grill onto the wooden deck or into dry leaves or grass.

For additional safety tips go to: redcross. org/news/article/Memorial-Day-SafetyTips Happy Memorial Day and Be Safe!

23

May 24 to May 30, 2018

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 19

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 John Doe, Particle Kid and Feisty Heart 8:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Open Mic w/ Rockin’ Ray 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King & Trio 6-9:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 6-9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Cinch 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey and Friends 6:30pm

MON MAY 28

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Memorial Day Party w/ DJ Sets and Performances by

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Jakkz, Meduso, b2b, Lobotomy, Kashrules, Billie Dale and Mick Mac 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Open Mic 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Jazz Show 6:30-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 The Mighty Sweet Nothings 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6:30pm

TUE MAY 29

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Jasmine Tommaso 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Carole Hampton 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Rewind Tuesdayz w/ DJ Richie Rich 9pm

BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Big Rock Big Blues Jam 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 7-10pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke 8-12 VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

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760-404-6325

John McCormick and Co. 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm

WED MAY 30

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Big Horn w/ Soul Jams 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Lucid Wednesday w/ DJ Sugarfree 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Johnny Meza 7-10pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 Live and Local w/ TBA 5:308pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DRAUGHTSMAN;PS; 760-507-1644 Derek Jordan Gregg 8pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm

THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke 7:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roger & Friends 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Local Artist Spotlight 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Wine Down Wednesdays w/ Joe Baldino 4-6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Mikole Kaar 5-8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Cinch 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Kimberly Cofer 6pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Valerie Geason 6:30pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

EVENTS

BY TRICIA WITKOWER

JUSTIN MOORE AT SPOTLIGHT 29

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ith four studio albums and six #1 singles, country music singer and songwriter Justin Moore has made a big splash since debuting on the country scene ten years ago. He’s made a name for himself in a huge way, sharing the stage with such country greats as Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams, Jr., and more. In between touring, he spends time at his home in Arkansas with his wife, Kate, three daughters, and baby son. He made time to talk to us ahead of his Saturday, May 26 show at Spotlight 29 Casino.

CVW: Now that you’ve been performing nationally for over a decade, what do you draw inspiration from and has that changed over the years?

JM: “As far as playing music live, the inspiration comes from the fact that I love doing it. It’s why I started doing it. Nothing I’ve found can duplicate the feeling of being on stage. I draw inspiration from everyday life; being a husband, being a dad. I’ve learned a long time ago if I’m going through it someone else is too. As a songwriter, you kind of pay attention to what’s going on around you.”

CVW: Talk to me about your next album.

JM: “We’ve written the entire album, but have yet to record anything at all. I’m really excited about it! It’s going to be a product of the 80s and early 90s. I always said if I had opportunity to make the album I wanted to make without interference; it would sound like it came out in ‘92. We’re pretty traditional sounding and always have been but this is the most traditional yet. I really like a lot of the music. I’ve written over 40 songs in the last 5-6 months. We’ll go in and track some songs in next month or so.”

CVW: What do you love about touring and how do you juggle life on the road and family?

JM: “I love touring because I get to see different parts of country, as well as outside of the country. The best part of touring is the two hours we spend on stage with fans.

Of course it’s difficult being away from my wife and kids but we understand that’s part of it. They come on road with me as often as they can. With school it’s more difficult to navigate than when they weren’t. But in the summer they come on road. I’m not a big fan

of modern technology but Facetime makes it easier. We try to always make the most of our time together.”

CVW: You write a lot of your own music.

Do you have any dream collaborations – writing or singing?

JM: “Yeah, you know as far as both of those facets – I’ve been really lucky because I have been doing it this long to knock a lot of them off the bucket list. But as far as recording-wise the one I haven’t yet that’s my favorite artist is Dwight Yoakam. So I’m keeping my ears open for that perfect song. But I’ve been lucky in my career already to collaborate with legends like Charlie Daniels and Hank Jr, and my buddies Brantley (Gilbert) and Miranda (Lambert). Any time I have the opportunity to do that with either my buddies or my heroes, it just makes this all even more enjoyable.”

CVW: What can fans expect at your show?

JM: “Hopefully to have a good time and really get their money’s worth. It’s a high energy show. The fans and country radio have allowed us to have hit records and we like to get crowds helping out with singing. We’ve thrown some older material in as well, stuff fans have enjoyed and haven’t heard in a while” Grab your cowboy boots and hat and get your tickets to see Justin Moore perform at Spotlight 29 on Saturday, May 26. You can purchase tickets here: spotlight29.com/ entertainment/concerts/justin-moore

May 24 to May 30, 2018

MUSIC LEGENDS TLC AND EN VOGUE

WILL SHARE THE STAGE FOR ONE NIGHT IN SEPTEMBER AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO

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LC is the undisputed best-selling American girl-group of all time, and they’re teaming up with En Vogue, one of the top five best-selling American female music groups in history, to bring their fans one night of incredible music at The Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

One of the greatest legacies in music history can be summed up by just three letters—TLC. Those characters merely hint at the talent of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, but they immediately evoke an unparalleled journey nonetheless. That journey encompasses immortal anthems such as “Waterfalls,” “Creep,” “No Scrubs,” and “Unpretty,” to name a few, as well as sales of 70 million records worldwide, four GRAMMY Awards, two Diamond-selling albums among a total of four multiplatinum albums, ten Top 10 singles, and four Number 1 singles. Meanwhile, the VH1 original film CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story chronicled their rise and broke records as the highest-rated television film premiere of 2013 and the highest-rated original premiere on the network between consistent touring.

TLC has now released their first album in 15 years, titled simply TLC. “We’re still TLC,” affirms Tionne. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. We kept the same recipe, which is strong lyrical content and talking about things that affect all of us. When you have time between albums, you have more to speak on. We talked

about what was on our minds and hearts.”

En Vogue, with current members Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis and Rhona Bennett is recognized as one of the top 5 highest selling American female music groups in history, En Vogue has sold over 20 million albums to date.

Their effortless transition into the digital age, complemented by their effortless chic, has garnered the group over 30 million streams and 26 million plus YouTube views on their Top 6 hit smashes such as “Hold On”, “Free Your Mind”, “Never Gonna Get It”, “Giving Him Something He Can Feel”, “Don’t Let Go” and “Whatta Man” (feat. Salt N Pepa).

In March of this year, En Vogue released their first album since 2004, Electric Café, which presents their most diverse work yet. The first single “Rocket” pushed its way onto radio playlists across the country and solidified En Vogue’s legacy well into the new millennium.

Tickets for the 8pm TLC and En Vogue performance on Saturday, September 15, 2018 go on sale Friday, May 18th for $89, $69, and $49 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via phone (800) 827-2946 or online at FantasySpringsResort.com.

LOCAL FAVORITE SEASONAL CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES: THE ROCK YARD AT FANTASY SPRINGS 2018 -PHASE 2 ANNOUNCED

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he Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has become the premiere setting for live rock ‘n’ roll music in the Coachella Valley, developing a following of fans that recognize the venue as their favorite source of live rock music – it’s the desert’s version of The Roxy and The Whisky A Go Go. After a hugely successful Phase One, the list of bands for Phase Two is finally ready to be revealed. The country’s best tribute bands and the most accomplished cover bands in Southern California are ready to start your summer off right! The Rock Yard runs every Saturday night (plus some Fridays) starting at 7:30pm for 5 straight hours of music.

Bands play the biggest hits and perform as the Legends of Rock themselves; including tributes to favorites like Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, Ozzy Osbourne, Matchbox 20, Iron Maiden and many more.

The Rock Yard outdoor concert stage is an amphitheater-style area featuring two side-byside stages holding audiences of more than 3,000 passionate music fans. The Rock Yard runs from Spring to Fall and is always live, always free, and always outdoors. New beer and drink specials (often themed to the bands performing on stage) are offered weekly. Guests must be 18 and older to rock.

ROCK YARD 2018 LINEUP (PHASE TWO): MAY 19 - MOTLEY INC. (Motley Crue Tribute) w/ ALMOST FAMOUS MAY 25 - (FRI) PYROMANIA (Def Leppard Tribute) w/ WEEKEND WARRIORS MAY 26 - ESCAPE (Journey Tribute) w/ ANTHEM ROAD JUNE 2 - WHICH ONES PINK (Pink Floyd Tribute) w/ THANK YOU, DRIVE THRU JUNE 9 - APPETITE 4 DESTRUCTION (Guns & Roses Tribute) w/ COUGRZZ ROCK JUNE 16 - STONED TEMPLE PILOTS (Stone Temple Pilots Tribute) w/ REVOLVER JUNE 23 - MISTRESS OF REALITY (Ozzy

Osborne Tribute) w/ PLAYGROUND JUNE 29 - (FRI) MATCHBOX 22 (Matchbox 20 Tribute) w/ CLASSIC ROCK REVOLUTION JUNE 30 - SOMEWHERE THRU TIME (Iron Maiden Tribute) w/ BARBOYZ For more info on upcoming Rock Yard performances or other events at Fantasy Springs, log onto FantasySpringsResort.com.

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

JOE BALDINO

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY PATTE PURCELL

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FRANCESCA AMARI –

BY DEE JAE COX

A LITTLE BIT OF DESERT MAGIC

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oe Baldino is a passionate guitarist, composer, musician and performer.

His songs are all original and the sound is a melting pot of acoustic, easy listening jazz saturated with a Latin feel. Joe has been working on his second CD called In the Flow for the last 3 years writing all new original music. It is being produced by legendary bassist and producer Brian Bromberg who’s had a slew of top 10 Billboard hits.

Every instrument on this CD is live and ‘organic’ as Brian calls it.

Joe enthused about the recording process “We’re recording everything on a $100,000 perfectly tuned piano.”

Whether it’s a Rhodes keyboard sound that’s wanted or something else, it’s recorded on this piano and then edited into the final masterpiece.

Joe said the reason it’s taken so long is that he’s reworked the songs a total of 3 times to get them where he and Brian want them to be. After the third time, Brian told him “This is it!” The core band which consists of Hans Zermuehlen on keys, Joel Taylor on drums (Yanni), Brian Bromberg on upright bass and of course Joe on guitar making this a small tight ‘organic’ group that will give you hours of listening pleasure.

Baldino said he ‘loves the sexy sound’ of the upright bass. His first CD was more electronic in nature so this is a complete departure from his previous sound. He said the first recording session was a love-fest which is unusual. The whole team worked together to put together a great CD. There was a revelation when they discovered that Joe plays his music ‘by feel’ or by ear.

Once that became known everyone worked together to help make it great.

Next up is going into a bigger studio in LA

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

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to add real strings and real horns. A purist, Brian says that 50 years from now this will still be ‘real music’. He also said “Dude, this music is really good, it’s going to get airplay.” Those words couldn’t be sweeter to hear.

There are 10 songs on the CD that is coming out. One of them is “Bennie Blues” which was reworked many times. After Joe spent many hours on it, Brian heard it and told him. “OMG this is great! But now we’ve got to cut it in half.” He believes it’s better to make it right then to make it quickly.

I worked with Joe for the last few years and introduced him to Brian when he started talking about doing a new CD. It’s wonderful to see this CD coming to fruition.

He thanked me for that opportunity and also for playing in the Celebrity Jazz Jams where he got wonderful feedback on his music from Darryl Williams (#1 Smooth Jazz hit), and Greg Manning (numerous #1 hits).

He said playing with them and practicing 16 hours a day to match them helped him ‘raise the bar’ on his playing. Joe has such a great attitude, always positive no matter the situation making him a delight to work with. He told me, “beautiful things come out of humility.”

This beautiful CD will be coming out this fall.

He also wanted to thank Fitz for all his help and Will Donato for joining him on stage. Joe is nominated for the ‘Best Jazz Instrumental’ CV Music Award. He will be performing one of his new songs at the awards on Thursday, May 31 in the Jazz and blues segment from 6:00 to 6:40 at the Big Rock Pub in Indio. This half hour will also feature Keisha D, Deanna Bogart, Kal David and Lauri Bono, and The Smooth Brothers.

If you’d like to see Joe perform you can see him at Venus de Fido in Palm Desert. He also plays at Europa and Ponte Wineries in Temecula. He performs his original songs with tracks and several live guitars that he plays. It is mesmerizing and relaxing.

If you’d like to book Joe Baldino contact me at 1-702-219-6777 as I am now representing him. His website is www. joebaldinomusic.com.

veryone is looking for a little magic in their lives. We find it in the songs we hear, the laughter that erupts from the heart, the emotions that are inspired by a moving performance or piece of art. We search for the creative connection that passes from one soul to another, as we seek to make sense of our world. Sometimes it’s an escape to the past through music and song and other times it’s what brings us back to the present. But the magic of art is always a necessity in the chaos we call life.

If you’re looking for that little bit of magic to fill the hours of an evening with a mate or with friends, there’s no need to look further than Francesca Amari.

Amari is an imported talent who originates from the mid-west and has performed from coast to coast. Following her heart to Southern California in 2010, she has become a featured desert performer.

I discovered the talent of Francesca Amari when I first saw her comedy duo show, “Luck be a Lady,” with Darci Daniels at 360 North in Palm Springs. It was a hysterically funny show and a night that left those lingering feel good thoughts of having laughed too loud and clapped too hard. With her critically acclaimed one-woman show, “You Made Me Laugh: A Love Song to Gilda Radner,” performance at the Purple Room, Amari had me laughing and teary eyed simultaneously, as she so perfectly channeled the brilliantly talented Gilda Radner. Her sexy, sultry performance as part of her ‘Lost Cherry Cabaret’ show at Wendy’s Hideout, which is part of Pete’s Hideaway, was the best theatre in the round experience you could imagine.

Wherever she goes, Amari sprinkles, laughter, music and a whole lot of magic. Her dance card is always filled.

Upcoming performances include “The Mod Squad Variety show” on Thursdays May 24 and 31st, June 7th and 14th, with Jeff Stewart and pianist Wayne Abravanel at the Copa.

(Located at 244 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA) The Mod Squad features a huge variety of fun & music from Mid-Mod Century, The Rat Pack, Broadway and more.

Saturday, June 2nd at 8pm you can see Amarai’s incredible tribute show, “You Made Me Laugh: A Love Song to Gilda Radner,” at the Desert Rose Playhouse. (69-620 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA) Celebrating Radner’s life with music, stories and laughter.

Amari, will be performing in ‘Sitcom,’ presented by PS Underground, June 1st, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th,evening shows. And Sunday afternoon, June 10th will feature her new show,

“Where the Boys Are: Francesca Sings Beatles, Bacharach & More,” at the Arthur Newman Theatre, located at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert, which is part of Les Michaels’ Summer Cabaret Series.

If Francesca Amari, isn’t a household name in your home, then you haven’t yet discovered the best music, theatre and magic that Palm Springs has to offer.

For more information on Francesca Amari and her awe inspiring shows, please visit: www.francescaamari.com.

Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomenstheatreproject.org palmspringstheatre.com

EVENTS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 24 to May 30, 2018

ACT FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TO HOST ROCK FOR MS ON WORLD MS DAY

LOCAL YOUTH BANDS WILL ‘BATTLE’ TO RAISE FUNDS & AWARENESS ON MAY 30TH BY ANDREA CARTER

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local celebration tying into World MS Day – the 2nd Annual Rock for MS – will be hosted by Westfield Palm Desert and ACT for Multiple Sclerosis on May 30, 2018. The event will feature 7 local youth bands formed through the Academy of Musical Performance (AMP) and raise awareness and funds for ACT for Multiple Sclerosis, the Coachella Valley’s nonprofit organization providing free programs and services to those living with MS in the surrounding communities.

Rock for MS will be held at the center of the Westfield Palm Desert mall, from 5:308:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30. Each band will compete in a friendly competition with a panel of local celebrity commentators, similar to ‘The Voice.’ The bands include: Quest, The Country Meme, D’Tension, Jakes and the Cupcakes, Traveler, The Perfect Catastrophe, and Yzark – and all are made up of local youth from the AMP program.

AMP is a non-profit organization that offers a contemporary music education to young musicians from all over the Coachella Valley.

“This event is such a fun way too raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis while celebrating World MS Day with thousands of others around the globe,” said Jennie Rayner, Executive Director for ACT for Multiple Sclerosis. “This event is a winwin for two local nonprofits, providing awareness and fundraising support for ACT

for Multiple Sclerosis while offering youth bands the chance to gain more experience performing as they take part in a fun competition.”

In 2009, the MS International Federation (MSIF) and its members initiated the first World MS Day. World MS Day is officially marked on the last Wednesday of May. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis.

While other organizations are working

CONTACT IN THE DESERT 2018

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n its sixth year, the conference outgrew its previous location in Joshua Tree as interest in UFOs flourishes.

Contact in the Desert was created as an educational event, with lectures and workshops on extraterrestrial life, human origins, crop circles, government disclosure, sightings, proof of alien visitation, interplanetary living, contact and abduction experiences, and ancient civilizations.

Renowned experts include the pioneer in ancient astronaut theory Erich von Däniken, author of Chariots of the Gods; History Channel’s Ancient Aliens star Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, Coast to Coast AM radio host George Noory, and Communion author Whitley Strieber. From FBI, NASA, military, and government officials, to ancient alien researchers and scientists, as well as archeologists and cosmologists, there will be over 50 presenters in the strongest line up

toward finding a cure, ACT for Multiple Sclerosis provides a variety of services to assist in the quality of life for Coachella Valley residents living with MS, including strength training and massage; adaptive yoga; an aquatic program; wellness education; peer support activities and electric bill assistance – as well as quarterly luncheons and a client resource center. All programs are free.

Westfield Palm Desert is located at 72840 Highway 111 in Palm Desert. To learn more about Rock for MS, find ACT for MS

on Facebook and join the “event” that has been created. For more information on ACT for Multiple Sclerosis, go to ACTforMS.org or call (760) 773-9806.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST UFO CONFERENCE, CONTACT IN THE DESERT, WILL BE HELD JUNE 1- 4 AT THE RENAISSANCE RESORT AND HOTEL IN INDIAN WELLS.

ever assembled in the UFO field.

Contact in the Desert celebrates the Coachella Valley area’s rich history of UFO sightings, including an experience of synchronized lights over the Joshua Tree Retreat Center campgrounds, witnessed by over 100 people during the conference in 2015. Indian Wells had its own sightings in 2016 - will there be more unidentified flying objects spotted this year?

Attendees from all over the globe are heading to Indian Wells to be a part of this conversation. With increased mainstream news coverage on secret space programs and reports of UFOs on the rise, the Contact in the Desert conference promises to be more fascinating than ever.

Weekend passes are $260 single; $470 for couples through May 29, with higher fees at the door. More information at www. contactinthedesert.com

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

HADDON LIBBY

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hile Memorial Day is meant as a day of remembrance to those brave men and women who the made the greatest of sacrifices in defense of our freedoms and liberties, it also signals the start of the summer season when most take breaks from their day-to-day lives.

Meanwhile many full-time desert residents appreciate the quiet that comes with the flight of the snowbirds while planning their own escapes from temperatures that will soon top 120 degrees.

Memorial Day finds its roots in the late 1860s following the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, it was a day when Americans visited the gravesite of fallen soldiers, adorning the tombstones with American flags and flowers. Approximately 660,000 Americans died during the Civil War. Since 1775, 1.5 million Americans have given their lives in service to our country while another 1.5 million have been wounded.

As a reminder, we honor all soldiers and civilians who served in our military on November 11th which is Veterans Day. Memorial Day is for those who have died in service.

According to Michael Jones, director of the General John A. Logan Museum in

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 11

Murphysboro, Illinois, General John Logan is responsible for this day of remembrance. His inspiration came from his wife, Mary, who noticed the dead flowers and flags on the graves of Confederate soldiers. She thought that type of honor was something that Union soldiers should receive as well. General Logan agreed and suggested May 30th as it was a date that did not commemorate any battles. As the country was in a period of healing, a non-partisan date seemed best. As such, on May 5, 1868, General Logan issued General Order Number 11 setting aside May 30th as the day of remembrance for fallen soldiers. Despite the initial day of healing and conciliatory gestures, Confederate soldiers

were not considered part of the national day of remembrance by most on subsequent Decoration or Memorial Days until after World War I. As a side note, eleven Confederate have separate Confederate Memorial Days with only Virginia honoring their Confederate soldiers on Memorial Day. Started two years before Decoration day on April 26, 1866, Confederate Memorial Day was a grassroots movement started by many of the women who lost husbands, brothers or fathers during the war.

As most will not remember, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act fifty years ago in 1968. That Act standardized a number of federal holidays and made each occur on Mondays. This was done to remove concentrations of holidays during certain parts of the year while trying to reduce the disruptions caused by federal holidays on business (while making long weekend getaways easier to create and far more crowded). At this time, Congress also noted that Waterloo, New York was the location where the idea of Memorial Day came into being. While this is roundly considered a fiction, by declaring an official location for the holiday, tourist stands in Waterloo had a

few more things to sell.

Many celebrate Memorial Day with copious amounts of barbecue and beer. Over 40 million Americans will leave town for the long weekend. According to AAA Travel, 90% will drive, 9% will fly and the rest will use other means of transportation. The most popular destination is Orlando, Florida. Other popular choices are cruises to Alaska and trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas and southern California.

Overseas, Rome, London and Dublin are popular destinations for Americans.

Hertz states that reservations are heaviest in Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Hawaii with average stays of one week.

However you choose to spend your long weekend, try and take at least a few minutes honoring our fallen soldiers with your thoughts and/or prayers.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Small Business of the Year nominee Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

the defendant is in the car and then walks into the jail. This often breaks the 15 minute window. A failure to properly collect blood evidence, such as not noting what the blood nurse does after blood draw may result in a dismissal. Likewise, for a missing inversion of the blood vial so that the blood and anticoagulant do not mix properly with the preservative of sodium fluoride. If this is not done correctly, then fermentation occurs and shifts the burden back to the DA/DMV. Many officers lack a true understanding of field sobriety tests. They sometimes improperly instruct, demonstrate and record the tests. There are 3 standard tests but, the hand pat, finger count and finger nose are not standardized. They are subjective versus an objective standardized test. Officers often don’t factor in fatigue, the grade or the gravel at the location.

DALE GRIBOW - “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life-(DUI)-2011-19 “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov. ‘16 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating 10 BEST ATTORNEYS FOR CALIFORNIA “PREEMINENT” Rating - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “BEST Attorneys of America”-“Rue” (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys per state) To make suggestions for upcoming articles: Dale Gribow at (760) 837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT, CALL A TAXI, UBER OR LYFT.......IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HAVING AN ACCIDENT OR DUI AND CALLING ME ........SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER THIS SUMMER

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

HOW TO BEAT A MEMORIAL DAY DUI

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ell, “beat” may be too strong a word since a lawyer looks for the best result possible with the facts presented. However, following the advice herein, may allow your lawyer to get a drastic reduction or at least have to deal with less evidence against you.

Less evidence increases your chances of a successful result. So with Memorial Day this week, beware of more cars on the road thus more accidents and DUI’s. More police on the streets means more checkpoints.

Initially, when stopped for a DUI, pull over safely to the side of the road, with your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer before you move. Be polite and courteous. Then remember you have the right to remain silent. Use it! Do not help the police build their case against you. I believe this is the same advice President Trump is currently getting from his lawyers. The first question will be “have you been drinking?”

Remain silent. You do not want to admit to drinking nor do you want to lie and say you have had nothing. They will smell alcohol on your breath and know you have lied to them. Silence is Golden and Handcuffs are Silver.

Remember, the Field Sobriety Tests, finger to nose, walk the line etc. are all optional. You, don’t have to take them. Cut out the card at the end of this article, keep it in your wallet, next to your license and hand it to the officer. These tests are designed by the police to confirm their suspicion of

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a DUI. In addition the breath test, at the scene, is likewise optional.

Advise the officer you would be happy to cooperate with law enforcement and take anything that is mandatory. Request a blood test at the station....though you could also take a breath test there. Many professionals believe the blood test is preferable because with the passage of time, your reading is decreasing. The police call someone to draw the blood and if you are lucky, it takes a while to get them there. Remember, if now you do not take a chemical test, your license will be suspended for a year.

Even when arrested for a DUI, a good lawyer will looks for police mistakes. Some police prepare poor reports and have bad note taking skills or lack the intellectual capacity and don’t take evidence down as it occurs. They don’t prepare their reports for 45 minutes or so and sometimes write down what they “thought” the driver said.

Sometimes there is an improper collection of evidence at the scene and they often do not interview the passenger or look in the car for evidence.

DUI’s are controlled by Title 17, which establishes the protocol for how police departments administer a DUI blood or breath test. It shifts the burden back to the DA or DMV and they have to call experts, and they do not want to do so. Title 17 requires 15 continuance minutes of observation.

When the officer gets to the station s/he has to secure their weapons. Meanwhile

REAL ESTATE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY CRAIG MICHAELS

AMAZING COACHELLA VALLEY HOMES

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s a desert native for over 30 years, I have spent ample time in each of the Coachella Valley’s nine cities.

While our desert is very richly diverse with Hollywood history and stunning views, people from across the world are discovering this is a great place to settle down or have a second home.

Desert locals have known me as Craig Michaels, a radio and TV personality, for many years. But last year, I made the decision to get my real estate license and joined Leaskou Partners real estate firm in Palm Springs.

Besides boasting a dog-friendly environment, I liked that they are a dedicated group of realtors who are extremely professional and they sell a large amount of homes in the Palm Springs area.

While a majority of the low desert has rebounded from the last housing bubble of 2008, the west side of the Valley has seen some of the biggest gains in home sales. In the last 12 months, Palm Springs has seen a 12.7% growth in the sales of Single Family detached homes. The Palm Springs lifestyle and the mid-century modernism that embodies it are just some of the driving factors in this upward movement.

There are many beautiful neighborhoods to choose from in this internationally known city. The Deepwell Colony Estates is one neighborhood in particular which seems to have excellent resale value and is currently in high demand with buyers. Its close proximity to downtown, well-maintained houses, and beautifully remodeled mid-century homes, make this neighborhood highly sought after.

In this issue, I want to feature an amazing new listing situated in the desirable Deepwell neighborhood. This mid-century inspired gem has only been on the MLS for one week and is already generating high interest from prospective buyers. Having undergone an extensive renovation, this home truly delivers on all levels. Upon entering the home, guests are greeted by a massive great room with three sliders made of new LoE 360 (heat reflecting) glass overlooking the pool and spa. The brand-new kitchen and appliances are complimented with top-notch finishes including custom cabinets, a large center island, a farm-style sink, and immaculate

TRAVEL TIPS 4 U

May 24 to May 30, 2018

BY LYNNE TUCKER

THE EDWARD-DEAN MUSEUM

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quartz countertops.

There are two bathrooms including an incredible master en-suite featuring an oversized double shower with rainfall showerheads and double vanity. The 24 x 24 ceramic tiling looks very rich in this open floor plan. With our gorgeous desert weather, outdoor entertainment space is often considered a “must have” for potential buyers and this home does not fail to deliver.

In addition to the pool, spa, and fire pit, this home has several lounging areas, an outdoor shower, and a built-in BBQ surrounded by mature fruit trees. Guests can also relax in the hammock or play some bocce ball for fun.

With over 1,900 square feet of living space, this home comes with duel AC for climate control. This would make a great primary residence or a second home for out of town buyers. Located at 1691 E. Ocotillo Ave. Palm Springs, the home is priced at $799,000 and is the lowest priced home currently listed for sale in the Deepwell Colony Estates. If you would like a private showing of this home or any other “Amazing Coachella Valley Homes” you can follow my Facebook page at www. facebook.com/amazingcoachellavalleyhomes.

I love helping people achieve their real estate goals. My motto is “I don’t just sell homes, I change lives.” Let’s change your life today.

Craig Michaels - Leaskou Partners BRE#02038709 (760) 880-3848

he Edward-Dean Museum was created by Edward Eberle and Dean Stout. It derives its name from these original owners and donors. The structures were built is 1957 and given to the County of Riverside in 1964. The Edward-Dean Museum is a historic home that is committed to preserving its collection of 16th to 19th century decorative arts while offering social, cultural and educational enrichment.

HISTORIC ROOMS Pine Room - Presented in Stained Norwegian pine paneling carved in the 1680’s, considered the work of “Girnling Gibbons” for the home of the Earl of Essex at Cassiobury Park. This room recreates the look of a 19th century English Manor Home.

Art and artifacts displayed reflect the eclectic tastes of the day.

Blue Room - Designed to reflect the comfortable feel of a sitting room during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Irish Bristol and Waterford crystal chandelier illuminates this room containing a Broadwood forte piano reminiscent of those used by musical composers of the Baroque and Classical era.

Picture Gallery - Recreates the look of a long gallery room. A room such as this was an important feature in many of the great houses of Europe.

COLLECTIONS Asian Room - Displays a collection of Chinese paintings, sculptures, and costumes it sits next to an alcove containing Classic and Neo-Classic sculpture of bronze and marble.

Edward-Dean Library - Houses an impressive collection of over 3,000 books covering a variety of subjects including science, culture, and the arts.

Rabe Gallery and Oak Room - These exhibitions contain fine and decorative arts from the 16th to 19th centuries.

GARDENS Legacy Rose Garden - Presents a display of blooms that provide a dramatic backdrop for the collection of free-standing sculptures.

Koi Pond - A tranquil setting to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Garden Maze - Recreates a small version of a popular form of landscape design. In times past, this art form was used for exercise and contemplation as well as entertainment.

The Museum is located at: 9401 Oak Glen Road, Cherry Valley, CA. Hours of operation: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00A to 5:00P Closed on county holidays Admission to the museum: $5 for adults; Free for children 12 and under.

For more info call: (951) 845-2626 www.edward-deanmuseum.org.

Think Travel and enjoy the journey!

Lynne Tucker is a travel writer and photojournalist based in Palm Desert, CA. Lynne Tucker, CTC - Reports Analyst, Client Reporting. Protravel International 73-730 El Paseo Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92260. 818.455.4218

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

SPORTS SCENE

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he Vegas Golden Knights have a nickname for themselves. After they punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday night, they’re happy to say it with pride.

"We call ourselves the Golden Misfits for a reason," said winger Ryan Reaves, who scored the game-winning goal in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. “We’ve proven everyone else wrong all season.”

Vegas defeated the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 on the road to win the series 4-1.

The Golden Knights dropped the first game of the Western Conference finals then won four straight, never trailing in that span. They have been defying expectations and know they still might be underdogs.

Whoever we play in the next round, I'm sure they will not be favored. The Golden Knights will play the winner of the Tampa Bay Lightning-Washington Capitals series. The Lightning lead the series 3-2, with Game 6 on Monday in Washington.

The Golden Knights become the second expansion team in the NHL, NBA, NFL or MLB since 1960 to reach a championship series in their first season. The other team was the 1967-68 St. Louis Blues, although that was at a time when the league had just 12 teams and eight made the playoffs.

The Jets had the second-best record in the NHL and their longest winless streak during the

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VEGAS' 'MISFITS' IN STANLEY CUP FINAL…

regular season was three games. They lost four straight to end the season.

After the game, the Golden Knights were awarded the Clarence Campbell Trophy for winning the Western Conference. Some people in hockey are superstitious and don’t believe in touching that trophy because it signifies celebrating before the grand prize: the Stanley Cup. According to Engelland, he was encouraged by goaltender Fleury, who said Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had no problem touching the Prince of Wales Trophy, yet still won the Stanley Cup three times.

"All season long we haven't been superstitious," Marchessault said. "Why stop now?"

Golden Knights general manager George McPhee participated in a small scrum in the locker room after the game, then politely cut it short, telling reporters: "You know what, this should be about the players."

Fleury once again sparkled for the Knights, stopping 32 shots for the win. It has been quite the year for Fleury, a former No. 1 pick of the Penguins, for whom he won 375 games -- and three Stanley Cups -- over 13 seasons.

On May 17, 2017, Fleury allowed four goals on nine shots in the first period of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Ottawa Senators and was pulled in favor of Matt Murray. It was Fleury’s final appearance

for Pittsburgh.

One year and three days later, he is once again in the Stanley Cup Final -- this time with a brand-new group.

The two players to score for Vegas on Sunday were not selected in the expansion draft. Winger Alex Tuch tallied a goal 5:11 into the first period. Tuch was acquired as part of a trade agreement between the Minnesota Wild and Golden Knights, through which Vegas agreed to take forward Erik Haula in the expansion draft, instead of one of the Wild’s better unprotected players. Reaves tipped in a shot at 13:21 of the second period for what would be the game winner. Reaves was acquired at the trade deadline from the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins.

Even the Golden Knights did not predict this success.

We don't have high expectations for this year," owner Bill Foley told NBC Sports way

BREWTALITY EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CORONA PREMIER, THEN REALIZED YOU DIDN’T CARE

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rowing up, there were two rumors that persisted enough so that I staunchly believed them. The first was that cheap cigarettes were made from the tobacco that factory workers swept off the floor, and the second was that Corona beer contained pee from the brewery workers who knew those bottles were coming to the US. The fact that I lost sleep over urban legends about booze and cigs tells you a lot about what was important to me in my youth.

The story about brewery workers pissing in Corona persists to this day, and it’s a miracle that the brand endures the popularity that it does despite the popularity of the story!

See, back in the late 1970’s, Corona had just started being imported from Mexico to the United States and it quickly became the number two selling imported beer behind Heineken.

Well, distributing company Luce & Sons of Reno was keen on Corona staying number two, and they were the people responsible for starting the rumor about Corona piss in 1987.

That rumor spread like wildfire, the slander spread across the nation, and Corona not only sued Luce & Sons of Reno, they spend about half a million dollars on a public education campaign to let the country know that the piss taste of Corona didn’t come from actual piss.

Now, if you’ve ever had a Corona that did taste like a skunk relived itself in your bottle, there’s an actual scientific reason for that.

Beer has this weird way of tasting sulfury and skunky if sunlight is allowed to hit the

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bottle for even a little bit of time. The UV rays breakdown the acid compounds found in hops, and those denatured compounds create a new chingadera that is molecularly like sulfur.

Anyway, if you’ve been drinking Tecate your whole life because you’ve been trying to avoid drinking pee, I’m here to tell you it’s safe to swig Corona because it’s pee-free, my peeps.

By the late-90’s, Corona had recovered from the declining sales caused by the rumor, and was once again a success in the US thanks to clever marketing and advertising. And here we are in 2018 with the first Corona product to debut in 29 years, Corona Premier.

Premier is the brands version of an ultralight beer, with only 90 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs per bottle. My cast iron liver and

I bought a six-pack of the stuff, and set to review the seasons newest light lager.

APPEARANCE - Gone is the yellow labeling of a Corona extra bottle, premier goes for a sophisticated look with grays and blacks against a stark white background, the word premier written in an almost taciturn font that complements the old English lettering of the Corona label.

The beer itself pours an assertive gold that isn’t quite the light hay color you’d find in a Michelob ultra or similar beers that pride themselves on being more alcoholic then tap water.

Just to be sure (and because I wasn’t drunk yet), I popped open a second bottle and added a wedge of lime in the neck. What is it about Corona that lime enhances it so much? It just becomes much more of a treat with the added acidity from citrus fruit. 4/5 SMELL - The nose is familiar if you’ve ever had a Corona product; a light herbal bitterness with a barely perceptible citrusy hint, the yeast used in Corona seems to have more character in the nose than anything else. 3/5 TASTE - You can definitely tell this beer is missing calories. Smooth, without any kind of astringency or bitterness; the beer has a light and almost airy character to its flavor but still manages to retain the character of Corona.

3.5/5 MOUTHFEEL - Medium-thin, which is still fuller bodied than you’d expect from a beer with 2.6 g of carbs. Not the carbonated barley

BY FLINT WHEELER back in August. "We're going to be competitive.

If we're going to lose a game, we'd like to lose by a goal or two, not lose by five or six. We don't want to be a walkover team. We want to be competitive, we want to be entertaining on the ice, we want to score some goals."

Foley, who paid a $500 million fee for expansion, also laid out his expectations in August: "We'll be pretty good in three years and we'll make a run in five or six."

The Golden Knights' stunning season sets the bar high for the next time the NHL expands. The league, currently at 31 teams, has allowed an ownership group from Seattle to apply for expansion. The fee the NHL set is $650 million, a $150 million raise from what it set for Vegas. Which currently have the Knights as co-favorites at +112 with Tampa Bay then the Washing Capitals at +850. Being a U.N.L.V. Graduate and living part-time in Summerlin. I personally am proud of my home town Vegas Knights. I’m proud that the old boring narrative of professional sports couldn’t work in Las Vegas because of the gaming aspect has been defeated. They are no doubt my and quickly becoming America’s home team for Hockey.

GO KNIGHTS!

BY AARON RAMSON water that is Michelob Ultra. 3/5 OVERALL - No one is going to call this competition for Alesmith’s Sublime Mexican Lager (still my favorite when it comes to the style), but compared to Michelob Ultra, Miller 64, and Bud Select 55, Corona Premier packs more flavor into that narrow-ass bottle neck than the competition. An excellent summer beer that keeps you in that bikini body without feeling like you’re drinking pee-pee water.

Which you’re totally not, just saying.

Fucken Luce & Sons of Reno.

OVERALL SCORE: 3.4/5

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of May 24

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The Aries poet Anna Kamieńska described the process of writing as akin to “the backbreaking work of hacking a footpath, as in a coal mine; in total darkness, beneath the earth.” Whether or not you’re a writer, I’m guessing that your life might have felt like that recently. Your progress has been slow and the mood has been dense and the light has been dim. That’s the tough news. The good news is that I suspect you will soon be blessed with flashes of illumination and a semidivine intervention or two. After that, your work will proceed with more ease. The mood will be softer and brighter.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Do you know what you are worth? Have you compiled a realistic assessment of your talents, powers, and capacities?

Not what your friends and enemies think you’re worth, nor the authority figures you deal with, nor the bad listeners who act like they’ve figured out the game of life. When I ask you if you have an objective understanding of your real value, Taurus, I’m not referring to what your illusions or fears or wishes might tell you. I’m talking about an honest, accurate appraisal of the gifts you have to offer the world. If you do indeed possess this insight, hallelujah and congratulations! If you don’t, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to work on getting it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Now is a favorable time to worship at the shrine of your own intuition.

It’s a ripe moment to boost your faith in your intuition’s wild and holy powers. To an extraordinary degree, you can harness this alternate mode of intelligence to gather insights that are beyond the power of your rational mind to access by itself. So be bold about calling on your gut wisdom, Gemini. Use it to track down the tricky, elusive truths that have previously been unavailable to you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “A poem is never finished; it is only abandoned,” wrote poet W. H. Auden, paraphrasing poet Paul Valéry. I think the same can be said about many other kinds of work.

We may wish we could continue tinkering and refining forever so as to bring a beloved project to a state of absolute perfection. But what’s more likely is that it will always fall at least a bit short of that ideal. It will never be totally polished and complete to our satisfaction. And we’ve got to accept that. I suggest you meditate on these ideas in the coming weeks, Cancerian. Paradoxically, they may help you be content with how you finish up the current phase of your beloved project.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I highly recommend that you spend the next three weeks hanging out on a beach every day, dividing your time between playing games with friends, sipping cool drinks, reading books you’ve always wanted to read, and floating dreamily in warm water. To indulge in this relaxing extravaganza would be in maximum alignment with the current cosmic rhythms. If you can’t manage such a luxurious break from routine, please at least give yourself the gift of some other form of recreation that will renew and refresh you all the way down to the core of your destiny.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Contemporaries of the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras told colorful stories about the man. Some believed he was the son of a god and that one of his thighs was made of gold. When he crossed the Casas River, numerous witnesses testified that the river called out his name and welcomed him. Once a snake bit him, but he suffered no injury, and killed the snake by biting it in return. On another occasion, Pythagoras supposedly coaxed a dangerous bear to stop committing violent acts. These are the kinds of legends I expect you to spread about yourself in the coming days, Virgo. It’s time to boost your reputation to a higher level.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): My counsel may seem extreme, but I really think you should avoid mildness and meekness and modesty. For the immediate future, you have a mandate to roar and cavort and exult. It’s your sacred duty to be daring and experimental and exploratory. The cosmos and I want to enjoy the show as you act like you have

© Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny

the right to express your soul’s code with brazen confidence and unabashed freedom. The cosmos and I want to squeal with joy as you reveal raw truths in the most emotionally intelligent ways possible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): French novelist Honoré Balzac periodically endured intense outbreaks of creativity. “Sometimes it seems that my brain is on fire,” he testified after a 26-day spell when he never left his writing room. I’m not predicting anything quite as manic as that for you, Scorpio. But I do suspect you will soon be blessed (and maybe a tiny bit cursed) by a prolonged bout of fervent inspiration. To ensure that you make the best use of this challenging gift, get clear about how you want it to work for you. Don’t let it boss you.

Be its boss.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Ancient civilizations waged war constantly. From Mesopotamia to China to Africa, groups of people rarely went very long without fighting other groups of people. There was one exception: the Harappan culture that thrived for about 2,000 years in the Indus River Valley, which in the present day stretches through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Archaeologists have found little evidence of warfare there. Signs of mass destruction and heavy armaments are non-existent. Art from that era and area does not depict military conflict. One conclusion we might be tempted to draw from this data is that human beings are not inherently combative and violent. In any case, I want to use the Harappan civilization’s extended time of peace as a metaphor for your life in the next eight weeks.

I believe (and hope!) you’re entering into a phase of very low conflict.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Every human being I’ve ever known, me included, has to wage a continuous struggle between these pairs of opposites: 1. bad habits that waste their vitality and good habits that harness their vitality; 2. demoralizing addictions that keep them enslaved to the past and invigorating addictions that inspire them to create their best possible future. How’s your own struggle going? I suspect you’re in the midst of a turning point. Here’s a tip that could prove useful: Feeding the good habits and invigorating addictions may cause the bad habits and demoralizing addictions to lose some of their power over you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Some books seem like a key to unfamiliar rooms in one’s own castle,” said author Franz Kafka. I suspect this idea will be especially relevant to you in the coming weeks, Aquarius. And more than that: In addition to books, other influences may also serve as keys to unfamiliar rooms in your inner castle. Certain people, for instance, may do and say things that give you access to secrets you’ve been keeping from yourself. A new song or natural wonderland may open doors to understandings that will transform your relationship with yourself. To prep you for these epiphanies, I’ll ask you to imagine having a dream at night in which you’re wandering through a house you know very well. But this time, you discover there’s a whole new wing of the place that you never knew existed.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Just for now, let’s say it’s fine to fuel yourself with comfort food and sweet diversions. Let’s proceed on the hypothesis that the guardians of your future want you to treat yourself like a beloved animal who needs extra love and attention. So go right ahead and spend a whole day (or two) in bed reading and ruminating and listening to soul-beguiling music. Take a tour through your favorite memories. Move extra slowly.

Do whatever makes you feel most stable and secure.

Imagine you’re like a battery in the process of getting recharged.

Homework: Send news of your favorite mystery -- an enigma that is both maddening and delightful -- to Freewillastrology.com.

---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

May 24 to May 30, 2018

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

BY BRONWYN ISON

HOW TO LIVE FLEXIBLE & BALANCED

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ne of the most common statements I hear as a yoga instructor is, “I am not flexible and my physical balance isn’t very good.” Two objections to this statement — You do not have to be flexible or have great balance to partake in yoga and the word “CAN’T,” should be removed from your vocabulary. Yoga is not about flexibility or having perfect balance.

It is about showing up on your mat. Breathing.

Doing your best with your breath and setting clear intentions.

It isn’t really all that germane whether or not you can touch your toes or stand on one foot. In fact having to be flexible to engage in yoga is a myth.

Yoga is so much more than a physical practice.

You can be or become mentally, emotionally and spiritually flexible and more balanced. This is paramount in enhancing your personal growth and yoga practice. Going with the flow of life can be adventurous. This of course is if you are willing. How would you identify yourself? Do you find it hard to laugh at things that challenge your opinions or routine? Do people in your life describe you as inflexible or unbalanced? Or, perhaps you are open-minded, flexible and have the ability to be light-hearted and silly.

Our own flexibility, mental and spiritual balance can be a teaching moment to others such as our family, children, friends and our co-workers.

Consider the next time something new is proposed to your emotional flexibility? This is the perfect time to be honest with your self. When a different plan, idea or concept is brought to your attention are you reactive or open? If you go with the proposed plan are you angry and resentful? Do you find yourself desiring to cling to the original

plan? Do you feel stressed or aggravated? Possibly you have never pondered these questions.

Recognize next time you are approached with a new idea or concept – can you be flexible in your thinking? Think of coloring outside the lines. Doing something that renders you uncomfortable (of course with out being dangerous). This will likely be an adventure because it is something different. You will recognize that you will bring greater awareness to accepting change with out judgment of self.

Consider waking up earlier to begin your day with a short yoga practice. Moving through a few yoga postures can be exactly what you need to gain a jumpstart to your day.

Simply follow these steps towards cultivating openness and emotional flexibility and balance: 1. Try something new every day ~ Take a different route to work or try a new food.

2. Slow Down ~ Take a few moments to catch your breath. Be fully present!

3. Listen ~ Most of us do not listen. If you are good listener you can be emotionally available.

4. Meditate ~ Try doing this before you leave the house. Visualize your day.

5. Think before you speak ~ Pause and be sure you understand what the person is conveying to you. Hence, think of your response before you react.

6. Gravitate to your yoga mat ~ Just get on your yoga mat!!!

Conquer the myth that you have to be flexible physically to begin a yoga practice. This is generally the number one reason people do not show up to practice. Once you cultivate a regular practice you will gain greater flexibility/balance physically and mentally.

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May 24 to May 30, 2018

CANNABIS CORNER

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BY RUTH HILL R.N.

CANCER AWARENESS MONTH & CANNABIS

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ay is a busy month. First, we honor our mothers, then, we celebrate nurses, and teachers. Since this CV Weekly issue is about the Top 10 most influential men I would like to address the top ten health issues in men especially since May is brain, bladder and skin cancer awareness month. Let’s review the statistics.

In 2018 more than 81,000 will be diagnosed with bladder cancer and 11,000 will die.

Bladder Cancer is the 4th deadly cancer in men and the 11th deadly cancer in women. Each year 23,000 people will be diagnosed with brain cancer. More astounding is three million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Skin cancer is a lifestyle disease. It is preventable.

The belief that damage is already done so why take preventive measures in our 60’s or older is a myth. Taking preventative measures to cover our face and head, using sun screen, wearing long sleeves, reducing smoking and alcohol intake all contribute to minimizing our risk of fatal diseases at any age. Being a cancer survivor means being aware of abnormal bodies changes and reporting them to your physician. Every year more men die of lung cancer. Two thirds of melanoma (skin cancer) deaths are men. Make cancer a chronic disease instead of a lethal one.

African-American men have 100,000 more cardiac deaths than Caucasian men, and the highest rate of HIV among all men. Men account for ninety-two per cent of the 5,524 total occupational injuries last year. Men tend to dismiss symptoms of disease as a sign of weakness. This is inculcated into their consciousness from a young age through TV, and social media.

Depression is another major risk for men.

While women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to die from suicide.

Alcohol and smoking lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver disease.

Once a diagnosis is made for cancer how does medical cannabis factor into the person’s treatment. It is a scientific fact that the major molecules in cannabis of cannabidiol (CBD) and 9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have medicinal benefits because they mimic the CBD (2-AG) and THC (anandamide) substances all mammals produce naturally. Research has shown that CBD works on the immune system to kill abnormal cells naturally. When a person gets cancer a cascade of immune enzymes and ligands our body produces are released from the immune system to kill cancer cells.

Dr. Michael Stewart who spoke at the Palm Springs Cannabis Film Festival in April believes any person taking chemotherapy should also be on cannabis as CBD and THC enhance the effects of chemotherapy. Researchers like Guzman, Donadelli, Nabissi, and Zogopoulos have articles available on PubMed.gov showing the benefits of cannabis and brain cancer. Marijuana wellness at www.marijuans. com gives a detailed protocol for resolving skin lesions from melanoma. Medical cannabis is already used by millions for symptom relief of nausea vomiting pain anxiety or depression, caused by cancer and other diseases.

The Rube Goldberg approach to legalizing this powerful herb does a disservice to the

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public. Every city or state creates a mosaic of regulations impossible to adhere depriving sick residents the horrendous task of legally ingesting an herb that mimics substances our own bodies make naturally. Education on early detection for cancer is a person responsibility.

The advances in cancer research are moving towards oral and subcutaneous injections which relieve the patient of long hours tethered to an intravenous pump.

Whether one chooses the most up to date pharmaceutical or a powerful herb early detection through awareness of bodily changes that need medical attention are the rewards for a long-lasting healthier life.

Ladies help the men in your life attend to their symptoms of bodily and mental change. It is not macho to ignore illness. It can be fatal to refuse help.

Send questions to hilruth@gmail.com

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

WHY OPTIMISM WORKS

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othing delights me more than a positive thinker. I encountered such an optimist the other day, only this character had feathers. While walking around the lake I stopped to watch a Mallard duck studying a swan feeder. It was obvious he wanted dinner, but without the long neck of a swan, those food pellets were impossible to reach. I watched sensing that little guy was determined to find a way. Several minutes later he performed a Michael Jordan jump. The duck went from ground zero to three feet straight up but still could not score a meal.

Who knew ducks could jump? Actually they are not built for jumping, but my determined feathered friend found a way. This guy won my heart. I stepped up to the feeder and grabbed a handful of pellets for my new friend. He quacked. I laughed and we happily parted ways.

As I continued my walk, I realized the duck reinforced an important life lesson. There is power in a positive mindset. His optimistic thinking did not solve his dilemma, but it made a huge impression on me, one worth addressing.

Positive people are memorable. Win or lose, it makes no difference. These role models inspire and impact others.

Think being optimistic is a bunch of rosecolored-glasses hooey? Not so. According to psychologist, Michael F. Scheier, optimists are

not Polyannas; they are problem solvers always working on improving the situation. Makes sense to me. It was obvious my Mallard friend worked hard on solving his problem.

Perhaps you don’t feel naturally optimistic and label yourself a realist. No worries.

According to Dr. Srikumar Rao, author of the book, “Are You Ready to Succeed?: Unconventional Strategies for Achieving Personal Mastery in Business and in Life,” we all have the power to rewire our brain. In his Ted Talk, Dr. Rao provides strategies to help plug into our hard-wired happiness and coax out our inner optimist.

Want to work on being more positive? Try conditioning yourself. Create random moments of positivity by pushing negative thoughts to the background. Too often we let good moments pass without a second thought. This week, when you experience something pleasant, perhaps as small as a good laugh between you and a friend, savor it.

Here’s more homework for the week. Think of a problem you’ve been struggling with, then think of the duck. If a duck can brainstorm a possible solution, you can too. Let the power of positive thinking help you live life to the fullest.

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com.

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