Coachella Valley Weekly - July 1 to July 7, 2021 Vol. 10 No. 16

coachellavalleyweekly.com • July 1 to July 7, 2021 Vol.10 No.16

Acqua California Bistro

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Taste Of Summer 2021

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GameACon at Agua Caliente

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Cakes & Snakes

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

CONTENTS

The Shops on El Paseo.............................. 3-5 Travel Tips 4 U .............................................. 5 ShortFest Film Winners............................... 6 Consider This - Mumps............................. 8-9 Club Crawler Nightlife ................................ 9 Screeners.................................................... 10 Acqua California Bistro ............................. 11 Taste Of Summer 2021.............................. 11 The Vino Voice............................................ 12

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he Shops on San Pablo in Palm Desert has been the “Fashion House of Fun” for the desert since it opened a year ago. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of this style staple, The Shops on San Pablo will be hosting a Fourth of July event from noon to 9 p.m. The celebration will feature music, discounts, drinks, and smiling faces to kick off a day of summer fun.

Director of Entertainment for The Shops, Maryse Nicole, will be hosting the all-day Jam with some of the desert’s top performers.

Musicians like Patrice Morris, Keisha D, Jessica Taylor, Darcy Daniels, Marc Anotnelli, Tim Burleson, Johnny & Tracy Meza, Laura Hagen, Philly Joe, and John Castanian will all be stopping at The Shops to perform.

Designer extraordinaire Sheila Simone will present two fashion shows with the combined collections of all the designers at The Shops on San Pablo at 1 p.m. and once again at 4 p.m.

The Shops on San Pablo is also currently running a campaign to build up their mailing list. Participants are encouraged to spread the word and share a link for new customers, where they are then entered into a $500 shopping spree at The Shops. The winner will

be randomly selected and announced at 5 p.m. The guests from that mailing list and a link on the new Shops on San Pablo website will be sent an invite to RSVP for the 4th, where they will be given a drink voucher and a raffle ticket for an hourly drawing at the party when they come.

There will also be special deals and

discounts for the fabulous fashions available at The Shops. Every customer who makes a purchase can spin the wheel for an additional free gift. The Shops will also have over five racks of clearance items at 50 percent off or more and 25 percent off all patriotic wear for the 4th of July. continue to page 5

The Keg Whisperer..................................... 13 GameACon at Agua Caliente .................... 14 Agua Caliente Events Lineup.................... 14 Cakes & Snakes........................................... 15 Pet Place ................................................ 16-17 Safety Tips...................................................17 Haddon Libby ............................................ 19 Dale Gribow ............................................... 19 Cannabis Corner ........................................ 20 Free Will Astrology ................................... 20

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SHOPS ON SAN PABLO

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The event will close as Babaloo’s Gastropub & Lounge joins The Shops on San Pablo with a no-host full bar for a back lot fireworks tailgate party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Shops provides a great site to view the fireworks show happening in Palm Desert with a drink in hand.

When owner Lorie Loftis started The Shops on San Pablo in the Spirit of The San Pablo Corridor Project, she wanted to create a location for locals and tourists alike to get the flavor of the wonderful talent and creativity of the Coachella Valley. She wanted to start a collective showroom concept that could offer collaboration for a few small boutiques to survive the fiscal challenges of the seasonal business by sharing overhead costs and providing a spacious climate controlled event space for private and charity events.

“I love making people feel good. There is no better feeling than going out and seeing how great everyone looks in the clothes from The Shops on San Pablo and they are getting compliments and feeling like a million bucks. None of us really ‘need’ anything, but we 'want’ to feel good and alive again and sometimes buying a new outfit is exactly what you need to feel that way again,” said Loftis.

The Shop on San Pablo hosts a variety of local designers and sellers in the decorative

TRAVEL TIPS4U

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

aso Market Walk is a mixed-use development that gives residents and seasoned travelers the opportunity to convene, relax, shop, and taste the distinctive flavor of the Central Coast. Celebrating the people of Paso Robles – from the small scale, family-owned operations, to a new generation of standouts making names for themselves in food and wine, to the neighbors and guests who can savor them all.

A perfect stopping point along the 101 for the Central Coast traveler and a walkable, family-friendly neighborhood destination.

Paso Market Walk offers a gracious experience steeped in the local culture of Paso Robles.

Reinventing the traditional farmer’s market, the public market represents a unique opportunity to become the next local leader of the sustainable food movement.

Their marketplace aims to support a new generation of food purveyors– farmers, ranchers, chefs, vintners, makers, and producers committed to the values and practices of sustainable food and supply systems.

Their everyday presence in the neighborhood makes those systems available

showroom. Some of those featured are internationally famous accessories with Timmy Woods, who makes custom hand bags, and Laurent Scott Jewelry. Fashion designers include Ilze Volkweis and her Brazilian resort wear with a boho, vintage flair that appeals to all ages, and Sheila Simone, who was recently featured at Orange County Fashion Week and by special invitation, will be a featured designer this year at The Paris Fashion Week with her line of sexy and sophisticated resort wear.

Also in the showroom is Maryse Nicole, the proclaimed “Sparkle Queen of the Home Shopping Network” with her All About the Bling selection (which happens to be a treasure trove of outfits for entertainers) and Medical Aesthetician, Cindi Webb, Face & Body Transformation to help visitors feel even more confident in their appearance.

The Shops on San Pablo has hosted private parties where visitors can schedule birthday events, so they can shop and help pick out a new outfit for the birthday girl. House events, BB Ingle’s wing dedication, the GCVCC Lunch Bunch Mixer and Fashion Show, and photo shoots with pro makeup and photographers have also been held at The Shops.

“Our in-house aesthetician and guest professional make-up artists and photographers are featured once a month

on the second Saturday. It’s been fabulous for multi-generations and all body types to get free touch-ups or set an appointment at a special rate for a total makeover and our fashion stylists work with you to highlight our new arrivals and your best look for your body type. We get promo pics and you get a fabulous afternoon and a keepsake photo.

It’s a total love fest for all generations,” explained Loftis.

The summer hours for The Shops on San Pablo are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. All other hours are by appointment or special functions. The Shops welcome one-on-one styling appointments or smaller groups for birthdays, bridal parties, makeover parties, reunions, and mixers.

Applications are now being accepted for the

2021/22 season of vendors and designers for The Shops on San Pablo.

“I am grateful for the hope and love and the people who get how important it is to support local small businesses: my Chambers, my local friends and family that have supported us this past year, my networking friends that are talented promoters, and performers that came out to tape or do small functions at The Shops. The Shops on San Pablo will be known, by all ages, to be the ‘Fashion House of Fun’, to represent local designers who make unique, creative, and expressive clothing and offer our visitors private appointments for fun events to feel good about expressing their own fashion sense of style,” stated Loftis.

PASO MARKET WALK PASO ROBLES, CA ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

to the patrons who want to know where their food comes from and how it was made.

Wake up with hot fresh coffee and muffins from their local cafe counter, JoeBella Coffee Roasters.

Grab a vegan panini from The Vreamery (Plant Based & Dairy Free Fare), or a classic roasted turkey sandwich from their talented chef at Third Degree Grill on fresh bread and eat al fresco on our beautiful urban grounds.

Edible and sustainable landscapes make for a memorable experience from our outdoor lath house, and garden gifts for home and flower shop inside the market at Gather Garden Co.

Stop at their local brewery, Hog Canyon, for an ale or IPA, featuring imported champagne and fizzy mixed bubbles. If you are a Cider crowd, they have only the best hard cider in the country made in San Luis Obispo, SLO Cider.

Explore Momotaro Ramen (Japanese Soul Food) offering up an array of colorful and tasty noodle choices. Get your sugar fix at our local bakery, Just Baked, featuring their dessert bar.

And if you can't resist the Italian delicatessen on campus, Leo Gelato won't mind, anytime of the day.

Finish your day at The Wine Merchant for a beautiful glass or bottle of local still and

sparkling wines and vegetable forward menu.

Savor regional oysters served on weekends.

If you must go, your visit won't be complete until you take a shop at The Mercantile Paso, where you will find unique gifts, charcuterie boards, dried meats, local wedge cheeses, special household relics, exceptional candles and uncommon goods.

Their restaurants on campus are broad in flavors - Finca, offering "Cochina California" with the high point being a walk up taco window. In Bloom they will be serving incredible California Cuisine and their vibe will make you want to stay awhile.

Monday Closed Tues, Wed, Thur 7AM-8PM Fri, Sat 7AM-9PM Sunday 7AM-8PM For more information and directions visit: www.pasomarketwalk.com.

Enjoy this Wonderful Amazing Market Walk and be Sure to Spread the Word!

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

FILM

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BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

T

he Palm Springs International ShortFest excited audiences with week-long showings of short films from around the world. This has all culminated in the selection of winners chosen by a film jury and audience picks.

The Festival juried award winners were announced as part of Closing Night at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Awards and cash prizes worth 25 thousand dollars, including five Academy Award qualifying awards, were presented to the winners selected from the 295 short films that were part of the Official Selection. The winner of these awards may be eligible to submit their short to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar consideration.

The short film Unforgivable from El Salvador was the winner for the Greater Palm Springs CVB Best of the Festival Award and received a five thousand dollar cash prize courtesy of the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau. The short was directed by Marlén Viñayo and follows a ruthless hitman for the 18th Street gang as he serves his sentence inside an evangelical Salvadoran prison, where he is guilty not only of his crimes, but of an unforgivable sin under God and gang: being gay.

The winner for Best Animated Short, and recipient of a thousand dollar cash prize was Step into the River from China/France.

Directed by Weijia Ma, the film follows Lu and Wei who are two young girls living in a village nestled on the banks of a river that bears many tragic stories in this surreal and stunning exploration of China's one-child policy.

Best Documentary Short with a thousand dollar cash prize was awarded to Queen of Basketball from the USA. Directed by Ben Proudfoot, the film follows Lusia Harris, who is arguably the greatest American female basketball player of all time but struggles to get the recognition she deserves.

Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes and winner of a thousand dollar cash prize was The Criminals from France/Romania/ Turkey. Directed by Serhat Karaaslan, the plot is set late in the evening in a small Turkish town, when a young couple are trying to find a hotel room to spend the night together, but they face rejection from every hotel for not having the required marriage certificate.

Once they believe they’ve devised the perfect scheme, the situation gets out of hand.

Best Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and Under and thousand dollar cash prize winner was The Mohel from Canada. Directed by Charles Wahl, the plot takes place after James and his converted Jewish wife Lola celebrate the birth of their first son and fly a mohel out to perform the circumcision.

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James to confront the transactional nature of religion, and the realities of maintaining old traditions in a modern world.

The winners of Best Student Shorts all received a five hundred dollar cash prize.

Student Animated Short Winner was Love is Just a Death Away from the Czech Republic.

Directed by Bára Anna Stejskalová, the film shows that amid the debris of a perilous landfill, hopeful creatures yearn for an amorous connection.

The Student Documentary Short winner was The Void Inside from Germany/Iran.

Directed by Julian Dieterich, the film follows Vahid, who needs to sell one of his kidneys to avoid a long prison sentence. While waiting for a buyer, a wish for a better life starts to grow within him.

The Best Student International Short Winner was Her Dance from Israel. Directed

by Bar Cohen, the film follows Aya who shows up uninvited to her sister's wedding Shabbat night and her presence threatens to reveal family secrets and lies.

The Best Student U.S. Short winner was El Clásico from Mexico. Directed by Joel Vázquez Cárdenas, the film follows the tumultuous journey of two friends on their way to a soccer stadium hands them a new perspective of their friendship, their morals and Mexico City.

The Best International Short winner received a $1,000 cash prize and was awarded to Howling from Belgium. Directed by Laura Van Haecke, the short follows nine-year-old Bo as she moves to the countryside. Slightly bored in the new environment of fields and farms, the sisters look forward to the weekend when their fathers come to pick them up. Bo’s father, however, doesn’t show up time and time again.

The Best U.S. Short winner was awarded to Inheritance, directed by Annalise Lockhart.

The film follows a Black family in rural Vermont as they attempt to live a life of solitude and cope with the ghosts living on their property.

The Best Comedy Short winner was Break In from the USA. Directed by Alyssa Lerner, the short follows Nousha as she enlists the help of her best friend Oliver, and they set out on a mission to delete an erotic text she accidentally sent to her crush.

The Best LGBT+ Short winner was Eggshells from Bulgaria. Directed by Slava Doytcheva, the plot follows Nevena after her girlfriend chooses to spend Easter with family, so she dyes two red eggs and heads off to visit her own estranged father.

The Best Midnight Short winner was Night Bus from Taiwan. Directed by Joe Hsieh, the short takes place aboard a late-night commuter bus, where a stolen necklace sets off a macabre chain of events involving a jealous husband and a vengeful monkey.

The Mozaik Bridging the Borders Award winner received a $2,500 cash prize. The winner was A Broken House from the USA/ Lebanon. Directed by Jimmy Goldblum, a Syrian architect and artist stuck in the U.S. on a single-entry visa eases his homesickness by sculpting life-like renditions of the home he left behind.

The Local Jury Award winner received a thousand dollar cash prize and was awarded to Dying in Your Mother’s Arms from the USA. Directed by John Beder, the short follows Dr. Nadia Tremonti, a pediatric palliative care physician, who works to ensure that terminally ill children receive quality end-oflife care.

The Vimeo Staff Pick Award, selected by Vimeo curators, received a $2,500 cash prize.

The winner was The Nannies from Denmark, directed by Signe Barvild Staehr. The plot is about how Signe's mother died unexpectedly when she was five years old. Now a filmmaker, Signe reconstructs a forgotten time in her life with memories from nannies who cared for her. The film is a character-driven story about

a daughter trying to relive the past, and a father trying to avoid it.

The Young Cineastes Award winner received a thousand dollar cash prize. It was awarded to Americanized from the USA. Directed by Erica Eng, the film follows how growing up in Oakland's hip-hop culture and playing on the high school basketball team makes it difficult for Eng to identify with her Chinese-American roots. As her sophomore year of high school comes to an end, Eng tries to find a sense of belonging within the two worlds that don't accept her.

Audience Awards winners received a five hundred dollar cash prize. These were awarded to the film which scored the highest on ballots submitted by the audience in its respected category.

Best Live-Action Short went to The Departure from France, directed by Saïd Hamich Benlarbi. The film takes place in the summer of 2004 in Morocco, and 11-year-old Adil is upset by the visit of his father and big brother, who will leave for France in just a few days.

Best Animated Short went to Love is Just a Death Away from the Czech Republic, directed

by Bára Anna Stejskalová. Best Documentary Short was A Broken House from the USA/ Lebanon, directed by Jimmy Goldblum. Best Student Short was awarded to Her Dance from Israel, directed by Bar Cohen.

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

CONSIDER THIS

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hen the story of C.B.G.B.’s is told, the usual suspects are mentioned, The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith Talking Heads and Television. One band that seems to get lost in the shuffle is Mumps (sometimes known as The Mumps), and that’s a shame.

Hilly Kristal’s iconic East Village venue was ground zero for burgeoning NYC Punk scene. Mumps were an integral part of that history. The nucleus of the band was charismatic front-man Lance Loud and keyboard player Kristian Hoffman. Both grew up in Santa Barbara and became pals at school. In the early ‘70s, along with his parents and four siblings, Lance participated in a PBS documentary, “American Family, that became a cause celebre when it aired in 1973. Not only did his parents’ marriage implode as the series unfolded, but Lance also came out as gay on national television.

The Loud family were invited to appear on “The Dick Cavett Show” to publicize the documentary. Pat Loud agreed, but only if her kids’ band could perform on the program. As Loud & The Mumps, Lance and Kristian were augmented by guitarist Dave Collert, drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, bassist Kevin Loud, Kim Cheeseman on organ, and Lance’s sisters Delilah and Michelle handling backing vocals. Reaction was, um, mixed, to say the least, but not many Garage bands make their debut on network television.

Undaunted, Lance, Kristian and Jay Dee Daugherty relocated to New York City, home to Lance’s cultural avatar, Andy Warhol. Truncating their name to just Mumps, the trio enlisted guitarist Rob DuPrey and bassist Aaron Kiely and immediately began playing around town.

Landing a gig at the newly opened C.B.G.B.’s.

They quickly began making a name for themselves alongside Punk progenitors like The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith, Talking Heads and Television.

In 1976, Aaron left the band and Jay Dee actually jumped ship to join the Patti Smith Group. But Lance, Kristian and Rob persevered, adding bassist Kevin Kiely and drummer Paul Rutner to the line-up. They continued to ply their trade at C.B.G.B.’s as well as Max’s Kansas City, and began making inroads into the thriving Punk scenes in L.A. and San Francisco.

Audiences responded to their brash Punk/New Wave sound, Mumps opened for Van Halen at the famed Whisky A GoGo and Andy Warhol proclaimed them “one of the greatest bands of their time.” Rock superstars like Rod Stewart started checking out their shows and the band shared stages with Milk N’ Cookies, Cheap Trick and The Cramps. They released a double-sided single, “Crocodile Tears” b/w “I Like To Be Clean” via L.A.’s independent label, Bomp!

Recordings. The single received positive reviews and garnered airplay on the few few radio stations that took a chance and played Punk and New Wave music. In 1978 a three-song set, “Rock & Roll This, Rock & Roll That,” “That Fatal Charm” and “Muscle Boys” arrived under the aegis of

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“ROCK & ROLL THIS, ROCK & ROLL THAT: BEST CASE SCENARIO, GOT THE MUMPS” (OMNIVORE RECORDINGS) MUMPS YOU’VE

Perfect Records. Around the same time, Kevin quit and was replaced by bassist Joe Katz. Despite the fact that the Mumps had cultivated passionate fan-bases on both coasts, they couldn’t gain a foothold in middle America. Their sound was sharp and angular, displaying a caustic wit. It was slightly ahead of the curve, presaging artists like Oingo Boingo and Wall Of Voodoo. Even as their peers were scoring record deals, the band was left high and dry. Clearly, timid record labels couldn’t even try and figure out how to market a group fronted by two unapologetically out gay men. Frustrated, the band called it quits in 1979.

Lance went on to become a wellrespected journalist, contributing to publications like The Advocate, Details, Interview and Creem. Kristian remained in music, working with everyone from Klaus Nomi ,Lydia Lunch, ex-Kink Dave Davies, Ann Magnuson and Rufus Wainwright. He was also a part of bands like the Swingin’ Madisons and Congo Norvell, and made time to nurture a solo career.

Sadly, Lance contracted HIV and hepatitis C and passed away in 2001 at just 50 years old. There have been a couple of Mumps compilations, 1994’s “Fatal Charm” from eggbert Records and 2005’s “How I Saved The World,” released by the scrappy indie label, Sympathy For The Record Industry.

The latter even included a DVD packed with rare performance footage. Regrettably, both anthologies are long out of print.

But luckily, the cool kids at Omnivore Recordings have (once again) saved the day by releasing an exhaustive new collection cheekily entitled “Rock & Roll This, Rock & Roll That: Best Case Scenario, You’ve Got MUMPS.” The opening cut, “I Like To Be Clean” starts with Lance’s deceptively delicate hygienic musings; “Elbows brush secrets couple in the darkness/Cheeks will blush semi-circles in the darkness, nestling close.”

But rather quickly the instrumentation kicks in and Lance’s whisper becomes a scream, ping-ponging between twinkly keys, wiry bass and rapid-fire guitar riffs.

Slightly ahead of the zeitgeist circa ’77, the band fuses a snarly arrangement and instrumentation to knotty, yet erudite lyrics like “Quite sensibly, I like to be clean, that’s how grubby experience denies itself a guest, holy rest comes only to those who have been good/Peace is absence of motion but the white gloves move to test if the guest has gathered more mildew than he should.”

Chronologically, this collection jumps back and forth, but to paraphrase from the “Sound Of Music,” we’re going to start at the very beginning, as it’s a very fine place to start. A couple of songs date back to 1974 and ’75. “We Ended Up” is powered by rev’d-up, fuzz-crusted guitars, supercharged bass, plinky piano notes and a walloping beat. Lance’s histrionic rasp and lurid mien land somewhere between Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Frank N’ Furter, buttressed

by Delilah and Michelle Loud’s effusive backing vocals. Lyrics offer a snapshot of

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

a hedonistic existence; “We ended up in places that I’d like to take you, we ended up in places that I’d rather forget.”

“Forget-Me-Not,” recorded in 1975, is something of a homesick dispatch from the big city. Lance’s theatricality remains intact, anchored by flirty guitar riffs, shaky percussion, British Music Hall-style piano and a tip-toe-through-the-tulips beat. His tongue-in-cheek vocal delivery goes far in leavening sad-sack lyrics like “Well, the rain poured down in old Manhattan, made me feel so cold and blue, and when it does I think of you/Well, I used to sleep in sheets of satin, now some old burlap will do, and when it does, I think about you.”

As Punk Rock was exploding in Great Britain, Mumps were brandishing their acerbic wit and couching it in spiky melodies. Take “Crocodile Tears,” which weds smart-ass lyrics like “You bought the sofa that I wanted for years, and it makes me cry, but they’re crocodile tears” to descending guitar notes, barbed bass lines, rippling piano chords and a stop-start beat.

Then there’s “Anyone But You” which is built on jangly guitar riffs, snappy bass lines, warm piano and a kick-drum rhythm. Lyrics proffer a wilted bouquet of backhanded compliments; “You can make the mountains bow, me too, me too, you’re too bored to do it now, me too, me too/But I know it’s trueyou know it too, I’d believe in anyone but you.” Less than affirmative sentiments are nearly camouflaged by a sweet arrangement and lithe instrumentation. 1978 is wellrepresented on three tracks, beginning with this collection’s title-cut. Fluttery keys give way to Lance’s swoony, Presley-fied vocals, gritty guitars, wailing saxophone and an infectious handclap beat. Conversational lyrics attempt to break the elusive musical morse code that unlocks the secrets of success; “Rock n’ Roll come see, Rock n’ Roll comme si, Rock n’ Roll comme sa, Rock n’ Roll que sera sera, two words preceding the object, make it admissible fare, press that button and put your mind on hold/If you want to be a teenage technocrat, you need a Rock n’ Roll this and a Rock n’ Roll that, the requirements for a correct chit and chat are a Rock n’ Roll this and that.”

“That Fatal Charm” is surprisingly muscular. Guitar riffs slash and scratch over marauding bass lines, blustery piano and a rollicking beat. Lance checks his modesty at

the door and makes a case for his outsize personality and superior genes; “I have no second thoughts on how I came to ne, cause only students want to know that, I must confess that I can’t get enough of me and I am not ashamed to show that, and why should I be sorry, why should I care, I can’t help it if I’ve got that….. Fatal charm.”

Meanwhile, “Muscleboys” is exactly what you hoped it would be. Stabbing, sometimes flatulent keys partner with shang-a-lang guitars and a see-saw beat.

The melody and instrumentation echo the British Bubblegum Glam of The Sweet, but the lyrics are pure post-Stonewall liberation filtered through a narcissistic lens.

Announcing his presence with a Tarzanflavored yodel, Lance is literally cruising for a bruising; “I’ve driven the street forever thinking how good it would taste if someone big and strong would kick some sand in my face!”

Mumps closed out the “Me Decade” with a quartet of killer cuts. The buoyant “Brain Massage” blends liquid guitars, clustered piano chords, boomerang bass and a crackling rhythm. Snarky lyrics offer a withering assessment of Werner Erhardt’s Primal Scream therapy techniques; “What’s this feeling I’ve got in my head, it’s all filled up with poison, it’s all in the red, what is there left when I’d rather be dead and I don’t know what to do… Here’s the answer, a science that’s blessed, it puts the E-S-T into best, it takes off the pressure, I don’t wanna be pressed, and then you’re just like new/There’ll be no anger or guilt, love cannot blossom, so how can it wilt, step right this way and get your psyche rebuilt with a primal scream or two.”

“Did You Get The Girl” is a taunting lyrical harangue; “Gave the swine all my pearls, but did you get the girls?,” Lance’s sneering disdain is cushioned by a pulsating melody and crisp instrumentation. Prickly guitars sidle up to and search-and-destroy bass, as obsequious keys undercut arch rejoinders like “I fed the hungry and I cured disease and I made sure everyone had T.V.s, that’s how I saved the world, but did you get the girl?”

“Scream & Scream Again” beats Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to the punch by about three years. Spooky, oooky and kooky, it’s a lyrical mash-up of Edgar Allen Poe, “Frankenstein,” the Manson Family and “Night Of The Living Dead” with just a soupcon of cocaine paranoia. All of it wrapped tightly in an irresistible dayglo New Wave package featuring shreddy guitars, thumpy bass and neon Farfisa colors.

Finally, “Just Look, Don’t Touch” is a pluperfect slice of Power Pop/New Wave. Slingshot guitar riff-age connects with tensile bass, icy keys and a boinging beat. The lyrics are just looking for a little physical satisfaction, even if there are

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com consequences; “I got caught red-handed and got reprimanded, now my hands are red and proud, oh that scarlet letter makes me feel so much better, ‘cause I stand out in a crowd.” Actually, as it turns out, 1977 was a watershed year for Mumps. It’s too bad only the faithful were getting infected.

Along with instant classics like “I Like To Be Clean” and “Crocodile Tears” the band produced two more cutting and sublime songs that should have been hits, “Awkward Age” and “Not Again.”

The former is pleasingly Bowie-esque.

Between the descending piano notes, stinging guitar riffs and sing-songy chorus, puberty has never seemed so manageable!

Awkward adolescence and hormonal urges are explained away with a couple arty turns of phrase; “In tempera and egg and papier mache, the temperament is led astray, so what? You step to the floor-so what?/ And stumble once more, and so you keep trying, trying, trying, to be bored and bitter too, and someday you will-but you haven’t learned.” Rob rips a scorching solo on the outro that toggles somewhere between Styx, The Stooges and the Sex Pistols.

The latter shapeshifts from pastoral ode to an angsty lament, owing as much to mid-period Kinks as it does to wily contemporaries like Elvis Costello & The Attractions. Cascading acoustic guitars shade Lance’s warbly croon atop a meandering melody, but it’s suddenly supplanted by

July 1 to July 7, 2021

urgent guitars, pounding piano, sidewinder bass and a chunky backbeat. Omnivore also adds a treasure trove of unreleased gems, from the primitive cool of “Teach Me,” the Rent Boy dilemma of “Dutch Boy” and the Glam-tastic “Before The Accident,” to the preening theatrics of “S.O.S.,” the impish “Dance Tunes For The Underdogs,” the paparazzi lament of “Photogenia” and the fractious fuzz of “Stupid.” They even unearth a couple of Loud songs: the Mungo Jerry-fied “Cha Cha Cha” and the hardcharging “Back In The Street.”

Mumps music remains deceptively accessible, even as Kristian Hoffman’s ambitious melodies and quick-witted lyrics were matched by dense and complex arrangements. All of it delivered with deft economy by guitarist Rob DuPrey, bassists Aaron Kiely, Kevin Kiely, Joe Katz and drummers Jay Dee Daugherty and Paul Rutner. Lance Loud remained the focal point, and rightly so. Insolent and cocksure, his arrogance was tempered by a goofy likability that quickly endeared him to his audience.

This collection captures a moment in time, a period when Punk and New Wave seemed poised to take over the world.

Mumps were at the forefront of that movement, unfortunately, the record industry was too short-sighted to see what was right in front of them. Lance is gone but the legend lives on.

The Hood – Bingo – 8pm The Nest – Jojo Malagar – 7pm The Slice – Sergio Villegas – 5-8pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King and Danny Flahive – 6-9:30pm Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6-9pm

Thursday, July 1

Casuelas Café – Avenida – 6pm Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – 6:309:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Open Mic – 7pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Neil Morrow – 7pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm O’Caine’s – Midlife O’Crisis – 6pm The Nest – Bryan Magsayo – 6pm The Slice – Leanna Rogers – 5-8pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King and Danny Flahive – 6-9:30pm

Friday, July 2

Casuelas Café – The Myx – 7:30pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:309:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Acoustic Afternoon w/ Vinny Berry and Kelsey Manning – 2pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm La Quinta Brewery – Matt Davin – 8pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – The Champagne Band – 9pm Mastro’s – Nikki Dickinson – 6:30pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm O’Caine’s – Midlife O’Crisis – 6pm Pete’s Hideaway – Darci Daniels – 7pm Rockyard @ Fantasy Springs – In the End (Lincoln Park Tribute) and Steel Rod – 7pm The Cantina – Tribe-O – 6pm The Hood – Slipping Into Darkness, Cakes and Snakes, Saints and Rebels – 8pm The Nest – Jojo Malagar – 6pm The Slice – Marc Antonelli – 5:30-8:30pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King and Danny Flahive – 6-9:30pm Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6-9pm

Lit @ Fantasy Springs – The Champagne Band – 9pm Mastro’s – Jojo Malagar – 7:30pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm O’Caine’s – Midlife O’Crisis – 6pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – Krystofer Do – 9pm Rockyard @ Fantasy Springs – Kid Cocky (Kid Rock Tribute) and Steel Rod – 7pm The Hood – Comedy Night – 9pm The Nest – Nikki Dickinson – 6pm The Slice – Leanna Rogers – 5:30-8:30pm Twelve @ Fantasy Springs – Mark Gregg and Co. – 7-10pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King and Danny Flahive – 6-9:30pm Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6-9pm

Saturday, July 3

Casuelas Café – Johnny Meza Duo – 7pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Acoustic Afternoon w/ Adam Gainey, Nick Hales and Courtney Chambers – 3pm Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Mastro’s – Nikki Dickinson – 6pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm Palm Canyon Roadhouse – Mikole Kaar Jazz Event – 2-5pm, Sunday Night Jam – 6-11pm

Ace Hotel – David Oh DJ Set – noon poolside Casuelas Café – Giselle Woo and the Night Owls – 7:30pm Chef George’s – Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision – 6:30-9:30pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Dale’s Records – Fever Dogs – 7pm

Sunday, July 4

Monday, July 5

The Nest – The Trebles – 6:30-9:30pm

Tuesday, July 6

Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:309:30pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Mikole Kaar and the Kaar Club – 4:20-7:20pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Brad’s Pad – 7-10pm The Nest – The Trebles – 6:30-9:30pm The Slice – Sergio Villegas – 5-8pm

Wednesday, July 7

Ace Hotel – Horizons – Jazz Series – 7pm Casuelas Café – Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs – 7:30pm Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:309:30pm Cunard’s – Bill Baker – 6pm Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm The Cantina – T- Bone Karaoke – 7pm The Nest – The Trebles – 6:30-9:30pm The Slice – Marc Antonelli – 5-8pm Vicky’s of Santa Fe – John Stanley King and Danny Flahive – 6-9:30pm

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

SCREENERS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

No. 480

SLIP SLIDIN’ AWAY

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

ICE ROAD Jonathan Hensleigh’s by the numbers visceral action thriller is an edge-of-yourseat ride most of the way. Contrived and predictable as it is, after a slow start, the movie picks up speed and hits all the necessary beats.

Neeson is just fine in his older guy action star. The great stunt work and convincing effects with the big rigs dueling on the

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treacherous collapsing ice is worth the price of admission.

This solid B- movie certainly evokes the tension and mood (minus the existential tone) of Henri Georges Clouzot’s superior 1953 French thriller “Wages of Fear” and of course William Friedkin’s 1977 remake “Sorcerer.”

The story is set in Canadas’s far north, after a diamond mine collapses. Neeson’s big rig ice driver must lead a seemingly impossible rescue mission over a frozen sea to deliver equipment to save the trapped miners, fighting the thawing, a massive storm, and human betrayal from within. Worth a look.

Streaming now on Netflix.

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R

ancho Mirage restaurant to re-open on July 7th with their award-winning delicious food, great drinks, smiling service, and fun!

Join us on the new Pazza Terrace for terrific sharable plates and creative cocktails, brunch and dinner!

Acqua California Bistro is welcoming guests back to its beautiful, shaded outdoor Pazza Terrace and lively indoor dining rooms along The River’s signature waterfront beginning on Wednesday, July 7, when the restaurant re-opens for Weekend Brunch and Dinner after a 15 month “Covid break”.

“We’re thrilled to be back at The River,” said Jerry Keller, creator of Acqua California Bistro. “We’ve missed serving our longtime and loyal guests during this difficult time, but we’re back with an award-winning weekend brunch and superb dinner menu served in this beautiful waterfront setting.”

Acqua will open with summer hours serving brunch on weekends and dinner

7 nights a week. To welcome everyone back, Acqua will re-open with 3-course $19.99 summer dinner specials served from 4-6pm, Monday-Friday, featuring a choice of linguine checca, chicken picatta, signature meatloaf, or fresh Atlantic salmon with soup or salad and dessert. Or, another SUPER SPECIAL…A glass of house wine instead of dessert!

Acqua’s idyllic, misted and cooled Pazza Terrace offers amazing waterfront and mountain views and sets a welcoming, relaxed tone for outdoor dining. The new comfortable lounge-style seating and a delicious sharable plates menu make the Pazza Terrace the ideal place to sit and enjoy Acqua’s delicious food and cocktails. The indoor Pazza Lounge is the cool, new area to meet friends, grab a bite and sip a cocktail while viewing the sun setting through large windows overlooking the water.

Acqua California Bistro’s upbeat, friendly and professional staff brings energy and

July 1 to July 7, 2021

PAMPEREDPALATE

excitement to The River. From the festive, fun décor to the meticulous choice of incredible dishes on the menu, everything at Acqua is designed to provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience.

Over the years, Acqua has been awarded many Desert Sun “Best of the Valley” awards including BEST: new restaurant, happy hour, weekend brunch, romantic ambience, petfriendly dining and martini, and the readers of Palm Springs Life have voted Acqua

BEST in Rancho Mirage for alfresco dining, American cuisine, breakfast, burger, caterer, continental cuisine, craft cocktail, pizza, romantic dining, Sunday brunch and vegan/ vegetarian menu.

“We serve smiles at Acqua”… Acqua is located at The River in Rancho Mirage, at 71800 Highway 111 (corner of Bob Hope Drive and Highway 111). For further information, call 760-862-9800, or visit Acqua’s website, acquaranchomirage.com.

PAMPEREDPALATE It is more important than ever to support local businesses and nonprofit organizations; with Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage, it’s fun and so easy! The entire community gets involved.

Taste of Summer is a true WIN-WIN-WIN event: § Restaurants keep busy during the summer months § Local nonprofits and the chamber sell the wristbands to fundraise after a very hard year § And, residents/visitors get to enjoy delicious food, cool treats and GREAT specials - we’re even creating a passport so that participants can check off each experience!

The month long food-fest is July 15 August 15, 2021 WRISTBANDS HERE Get a $10 wristband today to grab those great deals, enjoy much-loved favorites and try some new spots this summer, too. Specials vary by location and the chamber is aimed

at having twenty incredible restaurants and eateries to visit. To date, we also have twenty nonprofits selling wristbands to the tune of 10,000 dollars in donations!

The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce is laser focused on the comeback of the community and this is just one example of an economic development driver, aimed to rally the valley!

Participating restaurants: Brandini Toffee, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, The Slice – N.Y. Style Pizzeria Ristorante, Maracas Mexican Cantina & Grill, Ben & Jerry’s at The River, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, Babe’s Barbeque and Brewhouse, Norma’s Italian Kitchen, Pinzimini at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, Shame on the Moon, Dringk Eatery & Bar, Si Bon, Acqua California Bistro, Las Casuelas Nuevas, Haus of Poke and more are signing up this week!

Nonprofits selling wristbands: United Cerebral Palsy Inland Empire, Elder Love USA, Variety – The Children’s Charity, Desert 4 Baggers, CV Volunteers in Medicine, Friends of the Desert Mountains, American Cancer Foundation Discovery Shop, Coral Mountain Foundation, Rancho Mirage Library Foundation, CREATE Center for the Arts, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, JPL Bible Church, Lifestream Blood Bank, Animal Samaritans, Desert Futbol Club, Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City, Rotary Club of Rancho Mirage, Riverside Sheriff’s Association, Braille Institute, Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, Rancho Mirage Chamber and more!

“We invite everyone to participate to both make an impact and enjoy this summer as we open back up. Taste of Summer

Rancho Mirage is the perfect way to bring our community together and show support for restaurants and nonprofit organizations that have been put through the ringer over the past year and a half. While we have made many changes throughout the crisis, the chamber’s mission to support business, jobs, nonprofits and residents has not stopped. ” – Katie Stice, CEO, Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by the City of Rancho Mirage, Southern California Gas Company, KESQ News Channel 3, and the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Thank you media partners: Marker Broadcasting, Alpha Media and Audacy

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

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THE VINO VOICE CHIROUBLES BEAUJOLAIS IS NOT FROM CHERNOBYL

BY RICK RIOZZA

N

ot that you’re asking, but just in case one might be thinking that a Chirouble Beaujolais is in fact produced around the Chernobyl region that experienced the nuclear accident disaster in the Ukraine over 30 years ago, you can ease your mind.

Chiroubles is one of the preeminent wine areas in Beaujolais region of France. You’ve probably heard of the “cru” designations in Beaujolais that distinguish the vineyards as the best. Chiroubles is one of those ten that produce our favorite red Gamay wine. And there are beaucoup Beaujolais fans all over the world.

Last week, we informed many of you wine folk that a “white” Chiantiu really exists and makes for a great summertime quaff. But here we go again: many of you wine folk will claim that Beaujolais is a red wine and only a red wine.

However, known as Beaujolais Blanc, Chardonnay grows exceptionally well in Beaujolais—it’s just much harder to find. Only one percent of the wine in Beaujolais is white.

Rounded and fruity, the Beaujolais Blanc is seductive. In other words, this is the newest sexy wine to show off at your patio parties this summer.

The Chardonnay vineyards are small (1 hectare), all of which are in Chiroubles—the highest elevation of all the cru Beaujolais appellations. The soils are granite, which maintains the heat nicely and give the Chardonnay a more balanced acidity. It is generally aged in stainless steel, so you get rich flavors without the influence of oak.

So let’s talk about the white elephant in the room: the “ABC” club or “association” that pines for any white wine around as long as it’s Anything But Chardonnay. You may well be a member or know someone who is. As I’ve commented before, although I’m not a big fan of Chardonnay—I don’t hate it! But members of the ABC club do dislike it no matter what, in face of some of the most delicious Chardonnay on the market. I think that’s crazy—but as you folks point out: it’s your palate!

But as a duty to you enthusiasts—no matter what your ilk, I must share any wonderful wine that comes my way and are just so fabulous to experience.

In the glass, the golden color of the Blanc charms the eye before enchanting the aromatic nose of citrus and white flesh fruit.

The palate shows various floral and mineral

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notes with a refreshing and pleasing finish. It’s a medium to full bodied wine, which means it can carry an entire meal.

Fish and white meat are the obvious pairing choices, but whites from the Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages AOCs are as good with appetizers as they are with a fish or rabbit starter, for example. They also bring out the best in goat cheese or desserts like red fruit zabaglione or exotic fruit tiramisu, and are sure to jazz up a chestnut tart.

Beaujolais white wines are produced in the Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages AOCs by nearly 500 of the region’s 3000 estates.

About 2 million bottles are produced a year.

Currently there is an increasing in demand by connoisseurs who love a new exciting white; the personality of these wines is surprising and is becoming more and more popular.

Enter now Jean-Pierre Large, Beaujolais Cru master behind this enigmatic and charming wine. He's the same winemaker of (the perennially popular) Domaine Cheysson Chiroubles. Domaine Cheyssson, Beaujolais Blanc, L’Exception 2019 ($20). Jean-Pierre has managed the Cheysson family vineyards for more than two decades. His style is aromatic and he goes for fruit and freshness.

Jean-Pierre's considerable winemaking talent coaxes the best from the unique Chiroubles terroir.

Jean-Pierre calls his Beaujolais Blanc, "L'Exception," because he makes such a small amount of it. L'Exception takes the name Beaujolais Blanc in Chiroubles because it's THE exception. Yes, this 100% Chardonnay is sourced from a precious small vineyard plot, it also means that he doesn't make all that much.

If you are a fan of unoaked Chardonnay, well, L'Exception is one delivering a juicy mouthful of white peach and apricot notes. Cheers!

KEG WHISPERER

W

hen La Quinta Brewing owner Scott Stokes first announced the building of a new Brewery and Tasting Room back in June of 2019, he knew the project would take the better part of two years to complete. What he couldn’t have foreseen was what those two years would entail. Brewery expansions are almost always an onerous task, having to deal with a pandemic during construction is practically unfathomable.

Team La Quinta persevered and the result on 74714 Technology Drive in Palm Desert is simply stunning. Located on the southwest quadrant of the I-10 and Cook Street, the gleaming new building shines like the oasis that it is. Combining exquisite brickwork, steel, and wood, the expansive (and dog friendly) patio invites guests to discover the treasures within.

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Upon entry I was struck by the inherent beauty of the Tasting Room design. The twosection bar and draft beer system dominate the western wall, separating the bartenders and guests from the bustling kitchen. Yes, I said kitchen…more detail on that later. The rest of the interior, with its beautifully swirled concrete floor is a mixture of four and six-seat tables as well as long community tabletops.

Regular patrons of the original facility on Wildcat Drive will be thrilled with the amount of room now afforded guests.

New amenities bring loosened rules and the new establishment is now much more family friendly than the original. The Tasting Room opens at 12pm daily with table service as well as the aforementioned full-service kitchen. The menu is traditional pub grub, but the food exiting the kitchen is more than visually appealing and is borderline culinary

delight.

We started with the Large Soft Pretzel, because pretzels and beer are a staple for those of us living and breathing the beery life. Thanks to ample amounts of Poolside Blonde cheese sauce and honey mustard, this particular pretzel never stood a chance and was quickly vanquished. I’ve made a mental note that next visit must include the Poutine off the Starters Menu as several passed us by and the wedge fries, cheese curds, brown gravy, and bacon were a sight (and scent) to behold.

My tablemate, another beer industry vet, opted for Fish and Chips as his main course and I dove straight into the LQBC Burger and its American Wagyu patty nestled with the usual accoutrements including a delightful chipotle aioli. The Fish and Chips were wonderfully prepared with a crisp outer shell perfectly protecting the delicate sole inside. It arrived with both malt vinegar and a housemade tartar sauce which was tangy and fresh. The burger arrived cooked to my specs and didn’t disappoint. The Brioche bun did its job in containing all the juiciness and thick cheddar cheese really held everything together.

The beer selection has been expanded as well to include guest beers to compliment the range of styles produced by La Quinta’s Brewmaster Scott Grabbe. Scott is currently featuring some great beers to beat the summer heat such as Poolside Blonde, Sundaze Session IPA, and Blonde Date (Poolside with, yup, you guessed it…). No brewery lineup is complete without an IPA, and they pour my personal favorite year-round LQBC beer, Even Par 7.2 IPA as well as the aptly named Haboob Hazy IPA. Maltster fans also have choices with the easy-drinking Heatwave Amber Ale and Bourbon Barrel Aged Koffi Porter for those looking to join the dark side.

The guest beer selection is well-rounded and shows plenty of effort in showcasing the myriad of styles that has come to define beer in 2021. Fourteen guest handles stand at attention, each awaiting their particular call to duty. On the easy-drinking side, you will find a Hefeweizen from Beachwood Brewing, a Pilsner from Boulevard, a Belgian White from our good friends at Stone, and a beautiful citrus Blonde from Figueroa Mountain.

Rounding out the lighter offerings is House Beer, a straightforward, no-nonsense Lager which will appease even the ficklest of Bud and Coors drinkers.

Heading to the hoppy side of life, I was overjoyed to discover not one, but two Pale Ales on tap. While the Alesmith tap is pouring

July 1 to July 7, 2021

BY BREWMASTER ED HEETHUIS San Diego Pale Ale .394, which is a staple in these parts, discovering Topa Topa Level Line Pale was akin to a little gift from the Beer Gods. The only IPA on the guest side is Bell’s Two Hearted, which has been named the America’s Favorite IPA for so many years running, even industry lifers can recall how many it really is.

Craig, the beer-buyer, also had some fun with a few beers not normally seen in these parts, starting with Pepper & Peaches from Claremont Craft Ales. Officially classified as an IPA, this refreshing bit of sunshine is brewed with copious amounts of peaches and pink peppercorns. The combination sounds strange coming off the tongue, but that same tongue is amply rewarded with a true one-of-a-kind beer. Second Chance in San Diego delivered nicely with a fruited sour they named Fistful of Gummies. Lastly, Abita in New Orleans is the source of Andygator, a superb Bock served in a 10oz glass due to its higher than average ABV. The menu contains Sweet Treats, but dessert will have to wait until a future visit as my LQBC Burger was more than adequate for my dinner. Other menu options include sides including rings and potato wedges and selections for the kiddos as well. Overall, it’s well showcased pub grub, perfectly suited to a grown-up Brewery’s Tasting Room.

When Ed Heethuis isn’t brewing at Spotlight 29 Casino for 29 Brews, you will find the Certified Cicerone® / Brewmaster out on his road bike, looking to set a stone-skipping record at Lake Cahuilla, or talking beer with the patrons at Taproom 29. He may be reached at: heethuis.ed@gmail.com or wherever beer may be found in the wild.

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

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gua Caliente Casinos, the awardwinning premier casino and entertainment resort in the Coachella Valley with three distinct properties (Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, Agua Caliente Palm Springs and Agua Caliente Cathedral City), will be hosting Gameacon, a video gaming expo presented

by Black Dog Gaming at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. This two-day ticketed experience is open to the public, for all ages and takes place August 14-15, 2021. As a leader in gaming innovation, Agua Caliente Casinos hosts esports tournaments at Rancho Mirage and is always investing in the future of gaming to offer guests and members the most innovative technology, entertainment and special events. Gameacon at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage will attract competitive gamers, video gamer enthusiasts, and all interested in the future of esports and technology.

There will be a full exhibition floor in the Agua Caliente Ballroom, featuring artists, developers, merchandise, and technology.

Gameacon is also the home for fans of all types of nerd culture including comics, movies and music. The packed agenda includes Cosplay,

VR, AR, a Magic the Gathering Tournament, a Smash Brothers Tournament and special guest appearance, among others Veronica Ash Taylor from Pokemon.

Esports and gaming industries have experienced explosive growth in most recent years. An estimated 474 million fans worldwide watch esports, according to Statista, and is expected to grow nearly 22 percent by 2024 to 577.2 million. The number of casual gamers has increased as Newzoo reports there are now 2.81 billion active gamers globally.

“Esports, with its millions of engaged enthusiastic players all over the world, represents the future of casino business,” said Brian Bork, Senior Director of Marketing, Agua Caliente Casinos. As leaders in utilizing cutting-edge technology to create gaming and

entertainment experiences, we are happy to host Gameacon and bring together the best and brightest luminaries in the field, as well as offer the gaming community of all ages the opportunity to compete in tournaments, try the latest games and accessories, and have fun. Agua Caliente is always looking towards the future, and esports is the future now.

Gameacon kicks off a day on August 14 for all public as well as industry and investors.

The all-access ticketed agenda on Saturday August 14 and Sunday August 15 will have the exhibition areas open from 10am-5pm and breakout rooms for panel talks, influencer meet and greets, and streaming celebrities and tournaments running all day from 10A-10P both days.

Ari Fox of Gameacon added, “We

EVENTS are thrilled to be back at it for the Indie developer and the video gaming community at large. After a year and half of isolation there is nothing that beats in-person events.

Gameacon should NOT be missed! We have Indie games that could be the next Rocket League, influencers, esports tournaments and great personal and business relationships that come from attending our events year-round.

If you want to learn, prosper, and play in the video gaming industry, Gameacon is the way!”

Gameacon is the only conference of its kind that combines the business-to-business networking and educational opportunities of the GDC with the entertainment and public feedback aspects of Magfest or Pax. Their mission is to promote artists in game creation by providing a space for them to showcase their work, the opportunity to reach an audience who craves to see it, and a forum to learn from each other.

Gameacon Tickets at Agua Caliente Casinos are now on sale with prices beginning at $20.

Agua Caliente Casinos will also be announcing special events throughout the resort that will take place during Gameacon. For more information, go to www.hotwatercasino.com/ RM-Gameacon.

EVENTS

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gua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, home to Southern California’s premier entertainment venue, The Show, today announced its “The Summer Is On Concert Series.” One of the first post-COVID live concert series to be unveiled in Southern California, the shows feature an all-star lineup of award-winning music artists, popular standup comedians, and fan-favorite variety and tribute acts. Newly unveiled artists slated to appear in the series include legendary award-winning rock band, STYX on Sat. Sep. 18; award-winning artist, Pat Benatar with Neil Giraldo on Sat. Sep. 4; Emmy-nominated funnyman Kevin James on Sat., July 31; and R&B, soul, and funk powerhouse Tower of Power with Average White Band on Sat. Sep. 11.

“From Jo Koy and Kevin James to STYX and Pat Benatar, our summer concert series has a little something for everyone,” said Darrel Kammeyer, Vice President of Marketing, Agua Caliente Casinos. “The Show has been quiet for far too long, and we thrilled to offer audiences a normal night out to catch top-notch standup comedy and hear hits from some of their favorite music artists.”

Previously announced shows in series include Beatles tribute The Fab Four on Sat., July 10; Theresa Caputo, star of the hit show “Long Island Medium” on Sat., July 24; comedian Jo Koy on Thur. Aug. 5, Fri. 6, Sat. 7 (all shows sold out); Eagles tribute Hotel California on Sat. Aug. 14; Mexican rock legends Caifanes on Sep. 3; and Michael Carbonaro, star of the hit series “The Carbonaro Effect” on Sat., Sep. 25.

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Fans with tickets to the previously announced 2020 shows are encouraged to hold on to their tickets as they will be honored for the new dates. If you are unable to attend the new date, you will be able to request a refund. For more information, visit hotwatercasino.com/ theshowinformation or contact your point of purchase.

Following CDC and state guidance, vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear masks during performances. In December 2020, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage was one of the first hotels in the world to successfully become Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED® with Forbes Travel Guide.

Sharecare’s solution requires that hotels verify their health protocols on an ongoing basis across more than 360 expert-validated standards, including health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, ventilation, physical distancing, the guest

experience, and health safety communication with guests and employees.

Concerts and events coming to The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage through December 2021 include: The Fab Four, Sat. July 10, 2021, 8pm Theresa Caputo, Sat. July 24, 2021, 8pm Kevin James, Sat. July 31, 2021, 8pm Jo Koy, Thu. Aug. 5, Fri. Aug. 6, Sat. Aug. 7, 2021, 8pm (All shows currently sold out) Hotel California, Sat. Aug. 14, 2021, 8pm Caifanes, Fri. Sep. 3, 2021, 8pm Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Sat. Sep. 4, 2021, 8pm Tower of Power / Average White Band, Sat. Sep. 11, 2021, 8pm STYX, Sat. Sep. 18, 2021, 8pm Michael Carbonaro, Sat. Sep. 25, 2021, 8pm Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Sat. Oct. 9, 8pm Old Dominion, Fri. Nov. 12, Sat. Nov. 13, 2021, 8pm Engelbert Humperdinck, Sat. Dec. 4, 2021, 8pm A full calendar of events at The Show with links for buying tickets can all be found at hotwatercasino.com/theshow.

Upcoming entertainment planned for Agua Caliente Palm Springs includes: DJ DL, every Fri. & Sat. 7pm – 2am (Casino Floor) Big Queen Bingo, Mondays, 6pm – 9pm (Cascade Lounge) Jazzville, Thursdays through September, 6pm – 9pm (Cascade Lounge) Visit Jazzville Palm Springs for the full schedule.

Latin Nights, Sundays, 9pm – 1:30am (Cascade Lounge) Upcoming entertainment planned for Cathedral City includes: Cornhole Tournament, Wednesdays, 6pm (Agave Caliente Terraza) DJ DXSKO, Thursdays, 9pm – 1am (Agave Caliente Tequila Bar) Oasis De Noche with Nacho Bustillos & Quinto Menguante, Fridays, 9pm – 1:30am (Agave Caliente Tequila Bar) Super Sonido with Alf Alpha & Friends, Saturdays, 7pm – 1:30am (Agave Caliente Terraza) Rewind with Rafa, Sundays, 2pm – 6pm (Agave Caliente Tequila Bar) Special Fourth of July weekend entertainment at Agua Caliente Cathedral City includes: Oasis de Noche with Nacho Bustillos & quinto Menguante, Fri. July 2, 9pm – 1:30am (Agave Caliente Tequila Bar) DJ C, Sat. July 3, 2pm – 7pm (Agua Island) Roller Rink with DJ Alf Alpha, Sat. July 3, 7pm – 12am (Agave Caliente Terraza) Cirque performances, Sat. July 3, 8pm – 12am, every hour on the hour (Casino floor) Rewind with Rafa, Sun. July 4, 2pm – 6pm (Agave Caliente Tequila Bar) Roller Rink with DJ Alf Alpha, Sun. July 4, 7pm – 12am (Agave Caliente Terraza) Cirque performances, Sun. July 4, 8pm – 12am, every hour on the hour (Casino floor) For more info on upcoming concerts and entertainment events, visit www. hotwatercasino.com.

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O

ver the past several decades, the Coachella Valley has become known for its diverse, homegrown music scene that transcends and often fuses various genres to create unique and unexpected musical projects. Cakes & Snakes is no exception. The band formerly known as, “Cakes and the Assholes,” has taken the concept of fusion to a fantastic level and the rest of us have been marveling at the results of their evolution.

Cakes, who herself is a dynamic, multitalented artist, has evolved as a performer over her 10 plus years on the local scene. Much of her evolution has been guided and swayed toward the band's current manifestation by the stellar group of artists she has thoughtfully assembled. At the risk of sounding cliche, Cakes has convoked a bit of a, “super- band” that consists of musicians who are all individually known and respected in the community for the various projects they have and are still a part of. Seeing as how a frontwoman is only as good as her accompaniment, her strategy has clearly paid off which is evidenced in the multiple CV Music Awards they have received including, “Best Live Performance Band,” “Best Band,” and “Best Frontwoman.”

The “Snakes” in the group consist of Joshua Fimbres on drums, Nick Hales on guitar, Shannon Graham on synth/bass, and Renee Almodovar on percussion. The position of bass player was formerly filled by local music veteran, Aaron Ramson who left the band due to moving upstate.

I sat down with Cakes and Snakes over beers and pizza and decided to take advantage of being in the presence of so many accumulated years as performers by asking a bit about where they are and how they got there.

CVW: Let’s talk about the new album being released. It’s called, “Stimuli.” What’s the meaning behind that?

Fimbres jests: Because all the songs we did sober sucked. (Table erupts into laughter).

The best songs we came up with were created while we were

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ inebriated and feeling ourselves. I mean...the song, “Pussy Poppin’ Blues” was basically a live recording we did at 1:00 am.

CVW: Okay, Josh. I know you well enough to know that music has always been an important part of your life. Many people have known you as a rapper from the hip hop group, Thr3 Strykes, but you are a drummer and dabble in guitar as well. How did you get into music in the first place?

Fimbres: Well, my grandpa was a musician and played in big salsa and merengue bands and they were really good. I guess it was intimidating because I stopped playing guitar at age 10 because I thought I could never be as good as them. Then all my friends started playing guitar and someone needed to play drums so, I basically taught myself. I’ve been playing for 25 years now.

CVW: How about you Renee? Same question.

Almodovar: I started out as a rock drummer in LA. We would play covers at weddings and those sorts of events. Eventually, I joined a bigband orchestra that had been around since the 30s and 40s. We played all kinds of events from family reunions to conventions and corporate gigs. It was a really great experience. After I started working a government job, I basically just quit music for 25 years until I came back to the desert where this guy from a group called, “Cock Robin” asked me to play percussion with them at Joshua Tree Music Fest. I told him I didn’t have drums at that point, but he had some I could borrow. The best part was afterwards, when he paid me, he told me that I could go ahead and keep the drums!”

CVW: Shannon, you are the newest addition to the band and in my opinion your sound provides an immense amount of depth and texture to the general sound.

Over the years, between your projects, “Techno Hillbillies,” and “Alien DNA,” you have established yourself as somewhat of a wildman on the keys with a ton of innovation behind every jam. I’m sure that some people might be surprised that you are

somewhat of a classically trained musician.

Care to elaborate on that?

Graham: At the age of 5, I started training in classic piano in a little town just outside of Memphis. I really wasn’t any good until about the age of 9 when things started to click. Ironically, that was about the time that I discovered Jimmy Hendrix. That was when I thought I really wanted to be a guitar player... which I did. But I always kept playing the piano and studied classically until I was around 14.

I also played trombone in marching bands throughout my years in school and anyone who knows about marching bands in the south knows they are a big deal. As far as what I do on the piano, I truly believe that I could not have learned my improvisational skills in California. That was a benefit of learning and playing music in the south.

CVW: Nick, you are the youngest member of the band which might account for the energy level it must take in order to juggle so many bands in which you are an integral member. I think most of us lost count a long time ago but it’s no secret that you are the most in demand guitarist around these days.

How did you get started?

Hales: I started playing guitar around the age of 12. Eventually I met enough likeminded kids who played instruments and we formed the first band I was in called, “Fist Full of Glass.” We actually recorded an album when we were around 17. One project always leads to another, so here we are. Doing what it is that we love the most.

CVW: Let’s talk about the new album.

Cakes: Stimuli is being released on July 2nd. It was recorded, mixed and produced at an undisclosed location called The Fold in Palm Desert by Tony Gafrancesco and Jon Russo. We recorded a week before everything shut down for Covid and the band didn’t meet back up for practice again until 5 months after the shutdown happened.

This whole process for this album was interesting. Do we put out an album when it seemed like the whole world was shut down and nothing would come of it or do we wait?

We waited, and I’m glad we did. Yeah the songs are two years old now and our sound has evolved since then but these will be the OG Cakes and the Assholes songs that we

July 1 to July 7, 2021

LOCAL MUSIC

played with our bass player Aaron before he left.

CVW: Do you want to talk about Aaron (Ramson, former bass player)?

Cakes: Yes, he was my music brother and we definitely had a connection which makes me sad that he is gone but happy for him because he has moved on to better things.

This album wouldn’t be what it is without his input in playing and writing of these songs and I’m glad we were able to have this musical journey of 3 years with him.

CVW: Why did you decide to change the band’s name?

Cakes: I was feeling some pressure to change our name because it wasn’t commercial enough. I am a business person so I understand having the word Asshole in your name would cause some problems and after we had to change it on a flyer several times for kid friendly shows, we decided it would be best for our future to change it. After some random names got thrown around we decided to change it to CAKES & SNAKES because at a show at the Saguaro, Josh’s dad said we would be a lot cooler if we were called Cakes & Snakes. True Story.

CVW: What's something you always wanted an interviewer to ask you?

Cakes: I would want an interview to acknowledge my song writing or maybe ask me what the songs are about. I feel like I’m a better songwriter than I am a singer and I have a knack for coming up with cadences and free styling but, when it comes up to writing, I always save it for when I am at my lowest because I feel like my honesty and emotions come through better than just writing some generic shit to fill in some gaps. That's why all my songs are kind of angry I guess you can say...or sad. I don’t like to write to major chords, the guys can tell you. Shannon will start a scale on a major and I’ll shake my head and say no I can’t do it. Happy chords are not my jam. The bottom line is that I create Music because it fulfills me in ways that love, money, and people will never fulfill me.

Cakes & Snakes will be performing along with Slipping Into Darkness on Friday, June 2nd at The Hood Bar & Pizza in Palm Desert.

Keep an eye out for Stimuli on all platforms.

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

PET PLACE

T

his week we humans cheerfully celebrate our nation’s July 4th Independence Day with fun, food, family and fireworks. In past years, July 4th is the worst day of the year for our canine and feline friends. Folks setting off fireworks outside their homes may or may not realize the loud noise is extremely painful to dogs’ ears. The bangs, explosions, bright lights, and sirens create fear and confusion for our beloved pets.

Riverside County prohibits the use of these fireworks, and violators may be fined up to $1,000. Frustrated pet owners can report these fireworks to the Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY AN ADDRESS. The loud booms are distressing to animals, create stress for some of our combat Veterans who have PTSD, and disturb the sleep of thousands of others.

In past years, our streets and highways look like war zones on July 5th with dead and injured animals who escaped from homes in their fright. Others end up as strays in our public shelters. Dogs in their fearful frenzy from fireworks will jump tall fences that ordinarily contain them. My best friend’s cat broke through a window screen and escaped, though luckily returned the next day. Shelters coping with budget issues and reduced staff from Pandemic woes may not have the manpower to respond to calls about injured and lost animals.

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KEEPING FIDO & FLUFFY SAFE DURING FIREWORKS

What are some things you can do to keep your pets safe? THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO IS TO KEEP YOUR PETS INDOORS DURING THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND, EXCEPT FOR SHORT SUPERVISED POTTY BREAKS. WALK YOUR DOGS BEFORE THE FIREWORKS BEGIN, AND KEEP ALL PETS SECURELY INSIDE THE HOUSE UNTIL THE NIGHT AND FIREWORKS ARE COMPLETELY OVER. The actual holiday falls on a Sunday this year, but we may see and hear illegal fireworks throughout the week.

When your pets are safely inside, play soft music, turn on the television, or put in a fan to create white noise that sooths them from the extreme sounds. Keep windows and curtains closed to further reduce noise and keep out the bright firework flashes.

Be careful when the front door opens. Your pet is already under stress, and he is more likely to dart out an open door or window. If you have a dog that is prone to running off, consider purchasing a GPS tracker that can monitor his location.

You may want to purchase rescue remedy or other calming supplement from a pet specialty shop. One owner reported a few drops of Frankincense essential oil placed along the back of their dog’s neck helped him stay calm. For more serious cases of anxiety, your veterinarian can prescribe medication.

Consider purchasing a Thundershirt for your pup, a gentle garment designed to

reduce anxiety. Provide your pet with a new toy such as a Kong with their favorite treats inside.

YOUR PET SHOULD WEAR AN ID TAG ON HIS COLLAR AT ALL TIMES WITH YOUR CELL PHONE ENGRAVED. These inexpensive tags can be purchased at Petco and PetSmart.

Your pet should be microchipped and contact information kept current. Make sure you have a current photo of all pets. These are the most important things you can do to ensure the safe return of a missing pet.

If your pup is outside as you prepare a holiday BBQ, keep these curious creatures away from charcoal. Don’t give them “people food” treats. Foods such as onions, chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, and yeast dough can be toxic. Never leave unattended alcoholic drinks near your pets as they have the potential to poison them.

Similar precautions need to be taken by cat owners. Some cats are oblivious to fireworks, while others become very agitated. Keep all windows and blinds shut.

Offer needed reassurance. Allow them to hide under the bed or burrow under a blanket until they feel it’s safe to come out.

Looking for a missing pet? The Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter, located at 72-050 Pet Land Place in Thousand Palms, houses stray animals from all Coachella Valley cities other than Palm Springs. You can contact them at (760) 343-3644 and www.rcdas.org. The Palm Springs shelter is located at 4575 Mesquite in Palm Springs,

MEET SUNSHINE

PRETTY TORTIE

Sunshine hears with her heart! She is hearing impaired and follows commands in sign language.

Just 6 yrs old, Sunshine is 74 lbs of doggie love. She waits for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. Dog ID#A1629151. Contact MBergeron@animalsamaritans.org.

This pretty 2-yr-old Tortise Shell kitty is a little sad being at the shelter! She’s cat ID #A1628567 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72050 Petland Place, Thousand Palms. Call 760-3433644 for a same day appt to meet her and their other cats & kittens. www.rcdas.org.

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BY JANET McAFEE (760) 416-5719 and www.psanimalshelter. org. An effective way to get a missing dog or cat returned is to post their photo on www.NextDoor.com which alerts hundreds of your neighbors. There are several local Facebook pages dedicated to reuniting missing pets, including “Lost and Found Pets in the Coachella Valley”.

I wish you and your 4-legged family members a happy, safe, and healthy July 4th!

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a cat or dog. Please check their websites in advance for updates on adoption procedures during the quarantine.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt.

Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833.

(Private)

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HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs and some cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 3290203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700.

(Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 3356767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is

closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, view animals at www.living-free.org, and call (951) 659-4687 for an appointment (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue. com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

July 1 to July 7, 2021

SAFETY TIPS FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

W

e have not seen rain in several months. Fuel moisture content is aat 0%. We are at what we call 100% probability of ignition. This means the tiniest spark can start a fire.

The Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before you, your family & friends celebrate, make sure everyone knows about Fourth of July safety. If not handled properly, fireworks, barbecues and high temperatures can be dangerous and cause injuries to children, adults & pets.

Fireworks Safety: First and foremost, make sure fireworks are legal in your community. Check with your local fire department. If they are allowed, always read directions. Use outdoors only! Do not use near grass or other flammable materials. Light one at a time. Spectators need to keep a safe distance. Never point or throw fireworks at people or objects.

Always have a garden hose, bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Never attempt to re-light or fix fireworks. Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. When disposing of used fireworks, soak them in a bucket or trash can of water overnight, away from the house or garage. A responsible adult should be in charge of the activities. Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Did you know a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees? Think about that

before handing one to a child!

Barbecue Safety: Keep grills away from anything that can burn, such as your house, combustibles or dry vegetation.

Don't leave the grill unattended while it's cooking. Keep children and pets away from the grill. For charcoal grills, only use starter fluid designed for grills; Never use gasoline or other accelerants. Do not add lighter fluid to an already lit fire. Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel. Make sure coals are completely extinguished and cold before disposing of them. Never wear loose clothing when cooking. Never barbecue indoors.

It will be warm outside: Don't get dehydrated - consume lots of water. Make sure your pets have lots of water. Keep them inside as loud noise will scare them. If outside they may run away. When outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible - avoid the direct sun. Avoid severe sun burn by applying sun block.

For additional Fourth of July safety information or to see if fireworks are allowed in your city, contact your local fire department.

As a Fire Chief, my advice: Leave it to the professionals! It is more safe and you won’t watch your money go up in smoke!

Be Safe and Happy Fourth of July!

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

HADDON LIBBY

A

ccording to the Total Audience Report from Nielsen, four in five Americans have access to traditional TV. Only 62% of Americans between 18 and 34 watch traditional TV. Traditional TV is what you would get from DirecTV, Spectrum or Dish. Traditional TV’s poor showing with this key demographic group means that advertisers increasingly siphon dollars toward more targeted Internet options like Facebook or Google.

Marketing information service, Marketing Charts points out in a recent report that 89% of 18-34 year-olds usage of the Internet is 2.5 times that of traditional TV viewership at 1:12 hours each day.

Traditional TV viewership amongst 12-17 year-olds is the weakest of all demographic groups with 53 minutes of viewing time each day. As Marketing Charts points out, this demographic group was watching ten hours of traditional TV per day only three years ago.

Guess which age group watches the most TV? If you said Americans over 65 years of age, you are correct. Senior Americans watch an astounding 6:39 hours per day!

Time on TV connected devices for Seniors is 37 minutes per day. For comparison, 18-34 year olds spend three times that time on TV connected devices. A TV connected device would be an over-the-top service like Netflix or Disney+, a gaming console or a DVD.

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TELEVISION VIEWERSHIP TRENDS

The next heaviest consumers of traditional TV are 50-64 year olds at 5 hours per day with 1 hour on TV connected devices. The 35-49 year old group watches 2:43 hours of television and another 1:18 hours on TV connected devices The Total Audience Report is from Nielson, the preeminent ratings service for audience share.

Nielsen estimates that the United States has 121 million television homes at present.

Within these homes, there are 308 million viewers. In a nation with about 332 million folks, the rest are either under two years of age or one of the very few without access to television.

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

Season ratings for the programming on those traditional TV source recently finalized.

The NFL held three of the top rated programs for the recently completed season. Sunday Night Football on NBC ranked first with 16.6 million viewers on average, Thursday Football on Fox at 13.4 million and Monday Night Football on ESPN at 11.3 million.

The top-rated program was NCIS on CBS with 12.73 million viewers with The Equalizer in second with 12.69 million. CBS took the sixth, seventh and ninth spots with FBI (11.1), 60 Minutes (10.9) and Blue Bloods (10.2).

NBC’s preoccupation with crises in Chicago landed them in the eighth, tenth and eleventh spots with Chicago Fire (10.3), Chicago Med

July 1 to July 7, 2021

BY HADDON LIBBY (9.9) and Chicago PD (9.8).

Overall, the most watched network was CBS with 6.2 million viewers. As the CBS audience skews older and older Americans watch more traditional TV, it makes sense that this is America’s most watched network. NBC was second at 5.2 million, ABC at 4.6 million and Fox with 4.2 million.

Advertisers target the 18–49-year-old demographic. Based on this criterion, Fox had the greatest share with 1.37 million viewers.

NBC was a close second at 1.31 million, CBS at 1.24 million and ABC at 1.17 million.

These ratings show how far traditional television networks have fallen as over-thetop streaming services have promulgated.

Nevertheless, traditional TV still captures a 62% share of viewer time using their televisions with streaming services at a little less than half of that level while gamers represent nearly a 10% share. While streaming services only represent 3 of every 10 viewing minutes today, analysts believe steaming will grow to half of all viewership by the end of next year.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Director of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

WHY DID YOU REJECT MY 2021 ACCIDENT WHEN I WAS NOT AT FAULT?

PART 2 ast week I explained that an accident

L

case is made up of Liability and Damages. First you have to show that someone else was at fault and that the treatment received was reasonable and necessary. If you are not taken by ambulance or go to the hospital or ER within 24 hours, many of my contemporaries will not accept the case. But who wants to go to a hospital or ER where there are so many sick people…who may have Covid?

I reject a Palm Desert Accident, if you have talked to the insurance adjuster. It is not just what you said, but what the ADJUSTER THOUGHT THEY HEARD YOU SAY. Your lawyer will never know if you said something that could sink your case at trial, and the insurance adjuster will not share this information before trial. S/he will sandbag you and the defense adjuster or lawyer.

S/he will wait until trial to present the evidence that could potentially blow your case out of the water. In other words, Mr. Victim, On June 23, 2021 didn’t we speak and you advised me you may not have been paying attention to the road? Or did you not say you were not hurt and the pain you were experiencing was from a slip and fall in the shower a week earlier or from a sports injury?

I explain to potential clients that things have changed dramatically in recent years and more so with Covid 19. Today, insurance

companies do not want to settle any soft tissue case where nothing is broken. Also, jury verdicts are lower today because the public has been brainwashed into thinking that a soft tissue injury will heal without treatment or that the plaintiff was milking the insurance company.

In addition, insurance companies carefully examine the medicals. They look to see if the treatment you received was clearly from this accident and not pre-existing. If you had a prior auto accident or slip and fall in the shower, or around the pool, 10 years ago, they will argue your treatment is from a preexisting condition and not accident related. Thus they refuse to pay…or they may just make a LOW BALL offer.

There is a big difference between $9,000 of medicals comprised of a $7,500 medical bill from Eisenhower for a few hours of diagnostic.

This might be followed by a few doctors’ appointments and no physical therapy.

Compare that with a bill of the same amount that is mostly Physical Therapy. A bill of $7,500 for 40 PT visits and $1,500 of diagnostic and exams would be worth a lot more.

In 2021 the cost of litigation will be a major concern for an accident lawyer. If the insurance company forces you into litigation by offering $6,000 on your bill of $9,000, your lawyer has to invest his/her money into your case. That just happened to me in the last few months. Unfortunately, these cases could cost a fortune as with Covid it could easily take 5 years of litigation before you get to trial. Now,

with Covid, all cases are being continued for long periods of time. No cases are going out to trial. This plays into the hands of the insurance company. Why would they want to settle if they can do so with 2026 dollars and not 2021?

There are also costly depositions to be ordered. If the judge rules incorrectly on an issue the lawyer sometimes must hire an appellate attorney to make things right.

Because the plaintiff has the burden of proof, when you get to trial your attorney has to pay YOUR DOCTORS to come to court to testify.

Unfortunately this process is not a science.

Because a case is set for trial on January 15, 2021 does not mean it will go out on that date. With Covid, I can assure you it will be continued for over a year.

Meanwhile the doctor demands $5,000 to $15,000 per day, up front, to testify. The lawyer pays this when the doctor reserves that date and does not schedule patients. When the date is changed or the testimony of a witness runs over, the doctor will ask for the same amount for the second day.

We recently had a doctor who moved to NY to join the faculty at NYU but had treated my client locally. He demanded we fly him back first class and pay him $7,500 a day for travel and his testimony, in addition to paying for his hotel room at a 4-5 star hotel …plus all his expenses. Absent a large case, a lawyer cannot afford to lay out this amount of money. It is not fair to a client who would wind up with nothing after the legal fees and

costs are deducted from the settlement. As a matter of fact, all the money could conceivably go to costs, and not legal fees or money to the client.

As a Palm Spring Accident Lawyer, I have been representing plaintiffs injured by drunk drivers, as well as, representing those charged with driving under the influence for over 30 years, and there has never been a more challenging time to handle a Greater Palm Springs accident case. This includes Coachella Valley auto accidents, slip and falls and dog bites. The insurance companies recognize that lawyers in 2021 cannot afford to fund these cases and thus low ball an offer or make no offer. This was true before Covid and doubly true now.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760-8377500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER…IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HAVING AN ARREST OR ACCIDENT AND CALLING ME… SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER DALE GRIBOW - Legal Representation Of The Injured and Criminally Accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-21 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016-19 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

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July 1 to July 7, 2021

CANNABIS CORNER

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

E

ntering a local dispensary introduces you to a plethora of balms, tinctures, and roll-ons for topical application. Skin is the largest organ in the body consequently it has more endocannabinoid receptors than any other organ.

Cannabis topicals are excellent for treating arthritis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pressure ulcers, rashes, cancer, pigmentation disorders like vitiligo, radiation burns, and numerous skin ailments. Remember, cannabidiol (CBD) is mainly for inflammation while 9delta tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is mainly for pain. THC is added to many skin preparations due to its anti-aging properties; it blocks harmful oxygen particles. All topicals are an individual preference unless the treatment is for cancer lesions or pressure ulcers. For these conditions, it is best to consult with a cannabis specialist.

Since arthritis is a painful inflammation of the joints, a topical rich in CBD is a good start. Apply a CBD-rich balm 2-4x/day.

Relief is noticed within 30-60 minutes.

Once this is ineffective try increasing the potency of the balm. Switch from a low dose (175-300 mg/jar) to a high dose (600800 mg/jar). The next step is to include a hybrid that contains THC. CBD alone may not work. High intense painful skin conditions sometimes require ingestion of a systemic tincture along with the topical.

I do not recommend purchasing CBD products from Amazon, other Internet sites, or grocery/cosmetic stores. While they have zero THC, these hemp products are labeled nutritional supplements, are not regulated by the FDA, are not required to provide a Certification of Analysis (COA) to authenticate potency, safety, or purity, and they do not include on the label terpenes unique to that strain.

Terpenes or other ingredients included can be peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree essential oil, frankincense, calendula, tulsi, vanilla bean, cinnamon, lavender, lavender spike, myrrh, bergamot, rosemary, cineole, sage, and lemongrass. Every manufacturer has its own preference. The only product

20

that is effective is the one that works for you.

Products known by this author are: Papa Barkley Relief CBD balm/roll-on available in California; Aunt Zelda's - THC Topical balm cultivated by Myra Gordon, only available in Northern California; Dragon 1:1 deep tissue salve which includes myrcene, pinene, humulene, caryophyllene, and nerolidol, only available in WA state; MUV Evolve 1:1 THC:CBD Gel, only available in Florida; and lastly but not least, physiciandeveloped Healer Topical Hydrogel Cream containing 850mg 1:1 CBDA:CBD, menthol, and Copaiba; it does not contain THC, therefore Dr. Dustin Sulak from Healer. com can ship his product to all states.

I leave you with a side note to illustrate how hypocritical our government is. Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It is caused by the lack of melanin, the pigment in the skin. Our United States Government (we taxpayers) have a patent dated February 28, 2019, (US020190060252A120190228) which verifies a 15% efficacy of cannabis treatment when the higher dose is used.

Who would have thought? The patent states: “The method comprises topical application of a composition containing cannabinoids, in particular, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), at a concentration of 3 % - 20 % by weight of the composition onto the affected skin area of a subject in need thereof. Application may be twice (2) daily for about six (6) weeks.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) may be sourced naturally or synthetically and applied daily for about six weeks.”

Beware of product or dispensary websites that fail to include the potency/ or strength of the jar. (e.g. 300mg CBD or 175mg CBD:175mg THC). California websites rarely omit the amount of THC in the picture. Websites that show labs (COA) are the best products. Experiment with different balms and share your critique. I am always interested in what other states have to offer. Please share your favorite topical with me.

Visit Ruth A Hill at www.ruthahillrn. com for more information.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF JULY 1

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Columnist Linda Weltner says that there’s a dual purpose to cleaning your home, rearranging the furniture, adding new art to the walls, and doting on your potted plants.

Taking good care of your environment is a primary way of taking good care of yourself. She writes, “The home upon which we have lavished so much attention is the embodiment of our own self love.” I invite you to make that your inspirational meditation for the next two weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “For peace of mind, I will lie about any thing at any time,” said author Amy Hempel. Hmmmm. I’m the opposite. To cultivate peace of mind, I try to speak and live the truth as much as I can. Lying makes me nervous.

It also seems to make me dumber. It forces me to keep close track of my fibs so I can be sure to stick to my same deceitful story when the subject comes up later. What about you, Taurus? For your peace of mind, do you prefer to rely on dishonesty or honesty? I’m hoping that for the next four weeks, you will favor the latter. Cultivating judicious candor will heal you and boost your intelligence.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In her essay about education, “Don’t Overthink It,” philosopher Agnes Callard reminds us, “No matter how much we increase our investment at the front end— perfecting our minds with thinking classes, long ruminations, novel-reading, and moral algebra— we cannot spare ourselves the agony of learning by doing.” That will be a key theme for you in the next four weeks, dear Gemini. You will need to make abundant use of empiricism: pursuing knowledge through direct experience, using your powers of observation and a willingness to experiment.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said that when our rational minds are working at their best, they inspire us to cultivate our most interesting and enlivening passions. They also de-emphasize and suppress any energy-draining passions that might have a hold on us. I’m hoping you will take full advantage of this in the coming weeks, Cancerian. You will generate good fortune and sweet breakthroughs as you highlight desires that uplift you and downgrade desires that diminish you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo author Wendell Berry suggests, “It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey.” Although there’s wisdom in that formulation, I don’t think it’s true a majority of the time. Far more often we are fed by the strong, clear intuitions that emerge from our secret depths—from the sacred gut feelings that give us accurate guidance about what to do and where to go. But I do suspect that right now may be one of those phases when Berry’s notion is true for you, Leo. What do you think?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1750, more than 250 years after Columbus first visited the New World, Native Americans were still a majority of the continent’s population. But between 1776 and now, the United States government stole 1.5 billion acres of land from its original owners—25 times the size of the United Kingdom. Here’s another sad fact: Between 1778 and 1871, America’s federal administrations signed over 500 treaties with indigenous tribes—and broke every one of them.

The possibility that these sins will eventually be remedied is very small. I bring them up only to serve as possible metaphors for your personal life. Is there anything you have unfairly gained from others? Is there anything others have unfairly gained from you? The next six months will be prime time to seek atonement and correction.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh advises you and me and everyone else to “seek the spiritual in every ordinary thing that you do every day.” You have to work at it a bit, he says; you must have it as your firm intention.

But it’s not really hard to do. “Sweeping the floor, watering the vegetables, and washing the dishes become holy and sacred if mindfulness is there,” he

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adds. I think you Libras will have a special knack for this fun activity in the coming weeks. (Thich Nhat Hanh wrote a series of “Mindfulness Essentials” books that includes How to Eat, How to Walk, How to Relax, and How to Connect. I invite you to come up with your own such instructions.)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): My unexpected interpretation of the current astrological omens suggests that you will be wise to go naked as much as possible in the coming weeks. Being skyclad, as the pagans say, will be healing for you. You will awaken dormant feelings that will help you see the world with enhanced understanding. The love that you experience for yourself will soften one of your hard edges, and increase your appreciation for all the magic that your life is blessed with. One important caveat: Of course, don’t impose your nakedness on anyone who doesn’t want to witness it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you analyzed the best-selling songs as measured by Billboard magazine, you’d think we were in the midst of a dangerous decline in population. The vast majority of those popular tunes feature lyrics with reproductive themes. It’s as if there’s some abject fear that humans aren’t going to make enough babies, and need to be constantly cajoled and incited to engage in love-making. But I don’t think you Sagittarians, whatever your sexual preference, will need any of that nagging in the coming days. Your Eros Quotient should be higher than it has been in a while.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pulitzer Prizewinning author Donna Tartt, born under the sign of Capricorn, writes, “Beauty is rarely soft or consolatory. Quite the contrary. Genuine beauty is always quite alarming.” In my view, that’s an unwarranted generalization. It may sometimes be true, but is often not. Genuine beauty may also be elegant, lyrical, inspiring, healing, and ennobling.

Having said that, I will speculate that the beauty you encounter in the near future may indeed be disruptive or jolting, but mostly because it has the potential to remind you of what you’re missing— and motivate you to go after what you’ve been missing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): On July 21, 1969, Aquarian astronaut Buzz Aldrin was the second human to walk on the moon. It happened during a spectacular astrological aspect, when transiting Jupiter and Uranus in Libra were trine to Aldrin’s natal Sun in Aquarius. But after this heroic event, following his return to earth, he found it hard to get his bearings again. He took a job as a car salesman, but had no talent for it. In six months, he didn’t sell a single car. Later, however, he found satisfaction as an advocate for space exploration, and he developed technology to make future trips to Mars more efficient. I hope that if you are now involved in any activity that resembles Aldrin’s stint as a car salesman—that is, a task you’re not skilled at and don’t like—you will spend the coming weeks making plans to escape to more engaging pursuits.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Astronomers say the Big Bang birthed the universe 13.8 billion years ago.

But a star 190 light years away from Earth contradicts that theory. Its age seems to be 14.5 billion years, older than the universe itself. Its scientific name is HD 140283, but it’s informally referred to as Methuselah, named after the Biblical character who lived till age 969. Sometimes, like now, you remind me of that star. You seem to be an impossibly old soul—like you’ve been around so many thousands of lifetimes that, you, too, predate the Big Bang.

But guess what: It’s time to take a break from that aspect of your destiny. In the next two weeks, you have cosmic permission to explore the mysteries of playful innocence. Be young and blithe and curious.

Treasure your inner child.

Homework. Send your suggestions about how I might be able to serve you better. Newsletter@ freewillastrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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