Coachella Valley Weekly - July 28 to August 3, 2022 Vol. 11 No. 20

coachellavalleyweekly.com • July 28 to August 3, 2022 Vol.11 No.20

Krystofer Do

pg5

Taste Of Summer Rancho Mirage

pg6

C.V. History Museum

pg7

Joe Bourdet

pg8

Stone Brewing Co. Sold

pg13

July 28 to August 3, 2022

2

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 28 to August 3, 2022

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, Kathy Bates, Raymond Bill Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Esther Sanchez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Tricia Witkower Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Rob Brezny, Denise Ortuno Neil, Dee Jae Cox, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman, Ed Heethuis, Daniel Paris, Michelle Borthwick, Nadia Popova, Dennis Shelly Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS Pretty Faces Nightclub .............................. 3 Krystofer Do ................................................ 5 Taste Of Summer Rancho Mirage 2022 .... 6 Coachella Valley History Museum ............ 7 Consider This - Joe Bourdet....................... 8 Club Crawler Nightlife ............................... 9 Screeners................................................... 10 The Vino Voice .......................................... 12 Keg Whisperer .......................................... 13 Pet Place .............................................. 14-15 Haddon Libby ............................................17 Dale Gribow .............................................. 17

A

night out in Downtown Palm Springs just got even more tantalizing with the addition of the brand new Pretty Faces Nightclub, embellished with quirky interior designs, dazzling light shows, and a touch of avant-garde personalization to transport you to a wonderland of whimsical sights and soundscapes.

Adjacent to Hotel Zoso, Pretty Faces Nightclub is a labor of love concocted by Michael Murphy. Michael, owner of desert nightlife favorite Bart Lounge in Cathedral City, wanted to open a nightclub in Palm Springs that was catered to people looking for an elevated entertainment experience, where guests can have fun while immersed in a welcoming yet unique atmosphere. With the help of a team of eclectic, talented, outof-the-box thinkers, Michael found a way to bring a nightclub experience that evoked a genuine Palm Springs vibe.

“It kind of occurred to us that there was a void in the market for just a happy, fun dance club. We would notice that bridal parties would go to gay nightclubs on the strip, and we wanted to create a place that everyone could enjoy. Bart Lounge has done

Photos by Crystal Harrell

an excellent job in providing a service to the locals in that same kind of ideology. Everyone is invited and we keep them safe,” stated Murphy.

Michael originally had plans to open a club in Los Angeles, but sought the opportunity in the deserted location along the Palm Springs strip. It would also be in closer proximity to his other nightclub, Bart Lounge, which recently celebrated its 8th anniversary of opening.

“I wanted to retain the same feel as Bart, but I think Pretty Faces is more adult, or at least more like a teenager in comparison. Bart has toys and video games—definitely more on the kiddie side,” explained Michael.

In a similar spirit to Bart Lounge, music and art dominates the visceral landscape of Pretty Faces Nightclub, which gets its namesake from The Killers song, “All the Pretty Faces”.

Upon entering the front door guarded by a purple octopus on the outside pavement, visitors will be greeted by several handpainted murals done by Michael himself, depicting finely detailed ink drawings and spiral-infused forest scenes. Curating all of the supplies and finishing decorating the space took about eight months in a joint

effort between Michael, his father Kelly, and fellow artist Rambo.

Michael’s inspiration for the overall aesthetic of Pretty Faces is derived from his love for Tim Burton and the fantastical landscape of a psychedelic Alice in Wonderland world. Glowing mushrooms, neon dinosaurs, and hand-shaped seats complete the backdrop for a one-of-a-kind nightclub experience.

VIP bottle service is available at Pretty Faces, with bottles starting at 250 dollars, and 100-dollar birthday bottles on Thursdays. The music at the nightclub also predominantly features young, established DJs from across the Coachella Valley, with a desire to even branch out to LA-based entertainment. Stateof-the-art light shows and smoke accompany music on the dance floor to create an intoxicating aura of mystery and excitement.

“We’re trying to bring in some elevated DJs—LA DJs, Splash House DJs, Insomniac DJs—we want to bring them to the club so they’re out here on a more consistent basis,” shared Murphy.

Pretty Faces Nightclub celebrated its grand opening with entertainment provided

by Bones & Lee Wells on July 15, followed

by Kyle Walker on July 16. Francis Davila performed at the nightclub on July 22, and Pico & Alex Alatriste performed on July 23.

There are also future plans to do “2000s” themed nights after Labor Day weekend.

“We create the vibe here for everyone.

This is a destination location, and what better place to come and get an intimate experience with some of the world’s best DJs? We’re trying to bring big names,” said Omar Czar, the Booking and Marketing Director at Pretty Faces Nightclub.

Pretty Faces Nightclub is currently open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. For more information on upcoming DJs and events, follow Pretty Faces Nightclub on Facebook and Instagram @PrettyFacesNightclub.

Cyber Corner ............................................. 18 Safety Tips ................................................. 18 Send Me A Trainer ................................... 19 Free Will Astrology................................... 19 Cannabis Corner ....................................... 21

3

July 28 to August 3, 2022

4

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

LOCAL MUSIC

A

desert rat through and through, Krystofer Do has spent the bulk of his life as a musical performer entertaining throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond, in many capacities. Starting out as a MIchael Jackson impersonator in his teens, Do began honing his performance chops doing shows arranged by his grandmother for folks in the Vietnamese community she was a part of in Orange County. Over the years since, Do has grown, evolved and learned to flourish as a singer/songwriter, vocalist and musician.

Whether accompanying himself on keyboard for his solo act or being backed by the stellar band he has put together, Do continues to blossom as a performer while learning valuable lessons along the way. One of the many experiences he has chosen to use to challenge himself is through entering competitions. In fact, that is precisely the way I first became acquainted with Krystofer. Through a local, live performer competition that was sponsored

by CVW. Although Do didn’t end up ultimately winning the competition, he left a huge impression on the judges and everyone else in attendance while his reputation as a kickass showman began to spread.

Do recently participated in a national competition show that can be seen on YouTube called, “No Cover,” which is solely for unsigned bands performing original music. The judges on the recent season of No Cover include rock legends, Alice Cooper, Gavin Rossdale and Lzzy Hale along with alt/pop star Bishop Briggs and guitar legend Tosin Abasi. The show is now over, (spoiler alert, Do and his band didn’t win) but the multiple episodes Do and his band are featured in are quite entertaining. (Check out the links below for your own viewing pleasure.)

The Krystofer Do band consists of Razor J on guitar, Miguel Arballo on bass and AEIOU on drums. These are guys who are all individual artists with separate projects who came together through friendship and the idea being a part of something they believe in. When it came down to competition time, they not only brought their A games for the judges, they conducted themselves with the kind of class and dignity that makes those of us from their hometown proud.

Do: “We heard about No Cover through my manager, David Ross. We basically applied for it and they liked us so they reached out and told us they wanted us on the show so David took care of all that stuff for us. When the time

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 28 to August 3, 2022

VALLEY ARTIST STRETCHING BOUNDARIES AND OPENING DOORS INTO THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT KRYSTOFER DO COACHELLA finally came for the show to actually happen it was surreal. There were a lot of hoops we had to jump through regarding negative Covid tests within a particular timeframe. In fact, I believe there was one band that made it in and unfortunately wasn’t able to compete because they couldn’t get their test results in time.”

Do continues: “In the first round we competed in, there was another band who was picked to move on to the next round but lucky for us, there was a wild card round. What that meant was, we were asked to come back and meet with a bunch of producers including the CEO of Sumerian Records and some other musicians wherethey would sit the bands down, talk to us and decide whether or not they wanted us to move on to the wild card round.

The producers did like us a lot so we were able to move on to that round which was pretty awesome.”

Do continues: “It was during the wild card round that some drama came up. I don’t want to give too much away but, it had to do with the producers suggesting that I collaborate with another band which both bands, for a multitude of reasons, ultimately decided against. That caused a bit of conflict on the show and particularly in comment sections online but ultimately, the guys in the band talked about it quite a bit and felt as though it was likely a lot of stuff that was simply for TV…which is fine.

We understood what we were getting ourselves into.”

CVW: “I think that most of us, even those with musical talents, would find the idea of voluntarily putting yourself in a situation to be publicly judged and possibly ridiculed to be terrifying so I am always fascinated by the artists who have the confidence and bravery to put themselves out there with such vulnerability.

When we have spoken previously, you spoke frankly about being a kid that dealt with a lot of bullying for always being different and that caused you to have to change schools a lot.

Do you think learning to cope with that type of treatment as a kid helped you develop the thick skin that is required to participate in these competitions?”

Do: “Definitely. I believe that completely.

I think I can also attest that to the household I grew up in. When I was a kid, I wouldn’t be exaggerating when I say that there was fighting in the house literally every single day. I guess I had to learn how to sort of tune out negativity and develop that thick skin in order to get by. But

also I think that when you are doing something that you love and feel so passionate about such as music, you deal with the politics or the drama or whatever it is that might be standing in your way so you can do what it is that you love. It comes from a place of passion.”

CVW: Now that No Cover is over, you have moved on to another competition called, ``The Opening Act?” Do: “The Opening Act is an online competition run by Odyssey which was formerly called Radio. com. Artists are basically competing to be the opening act for an annual concert called, “We Can Survive.” Last year’s lineup included acts like Maroon 5, Doja Cat, Shawn Mendes and Black Eyed Peas. Essentially some of the biggest names you could open for. This year’s lineup will be released in August and we’re in the running for opening the show. We made it through the first round in the top 20 of our group. As far as I know, the winners are entirely vote based. It’s friends, families and fans in the public who get to vote and decide which is the main difference between this competition and No Cover which was exclusively judge and producer based.

Voting is still open so I would be grateful for all of the clicks I can get.”

Do continues: “Going back to what you were saying earlier about why any artist would subject themselves to such scrutiny, I came into all of this in the hopes of just getting people to see what it is that I do. I want people to know

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ my art. It’s been a journey for sure to go along with a pandemic, a screwed up economy and personal issues like everyone else. I was able to ask myself what my next step is. So now that I have some momentum going, my next step is releasing my album! Now that people are paying some attention to me and what I do, it’s the perfect opportunity to finally release a fullfledged, balls to the wall release that says, ‘This is Krystofer Do! This is what I have to offer.’ My new album is called ‘Love Algorithms’ and is set to release in August. It’s a very eclectic mix of genres, from pop to rock to hip-hop and even musical theater!”

CVW: “You have mentioned to me over and over that Krystofer Do is not a one man show and you have a lot of wonderful people who have made this journey possible for you.”

Do: “Absolutely! First off, I can’t say enough about my band. Miguel Arballo, Razor J and Aeiou have not only my friendship, but my utmost respect.They are their own artists in their own right which is one of the reasons I thought it was so appropriate for us to perform together. I didn’t want a band that was mindless and just there to do what I said. I wanted all of their ingredients added to the recipe. Music should be a collaborative effort and that’s what I get from these guys.”

Do continues: “I also want to give a shout out to Alisha Bates who is my life coach, for helping change my life and giving me new skills required to deal with the stresses and challenges I face. In addition and most importantly, I just wanna give a heartfelt thank you to all my friends, fans and family for believing in me and my art. I know I’m not an easy person to know; I’m eccentric and I’m flawed but, I want everyone to know that I don’t take you for granted. I hope I’m able to make this valley proud and help represent the versatility the Coachella Valley has. You guys have made me.”

Vote for Krystofer Do and follow his journey!

Opening Act competition: theopenact.com/2022/krystofer-do Twitch (gaming and exclusive concert streams): twitch.tv/krystoferdo Instagram: @krystoferdo Facebook: facebook.com/krystoferdo

5

July 28 to August 3, 2022

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE HEAT IS ON AND THAT MEANS TASTE OF SUMMER RANCHO MIRAGE IS BACK!

I

t 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-WINWIN event: Restaurants keep busy during the hot

6

summer months: 20 participating Local nonprofits and the chamber sell the wristbands to fundraise: 20 participating And, residents/visitors get to enjoy delicious food, cool treats and GREAT specials - we’ve created a passport so that participants can check off each experience

The month-long food-fest is now through August 12, 2022. Get a $10 wristband today to grab great deals, enjoy much-loved favorites and try some new spots this summer, too. Specials vary by location and come hungry because there are over twenty participating eateries!

We also have twenty nonprofits selling wristbands to the tune of 10,000 dollars in donations!

IF PURCHASING YOUR WRISTBANDS ONLINE, PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO MAIL WRISTBANDS. YOU WILL NEED TO PICK UP IN PERSON AT OUR OFFICE 71905 Highway 111, Suite H, Rancho Mirage between 10:00 AM 3:00 PM. We recommend calling ahead to make sure someone is in the office.

Occasionally we are called out of the office for a Chamber meeting or event.

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!

“Come hungry! We invite everyone to participate in Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage to make a positive impact on our community while enjoying time with

EVENTS

friends and family. This is the perfect way to bring our community together and show support for restaurants and nonprofit organizations after a few very hard years.

The chamber’s mission is to back business, jobs, nonprofits, and connect to our residents – we thank you for shopping local with us!” – Katie Stice, CEO, Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by the City of Rancho Mirage, KESQ News Channel 3, CBS Local 2, The CW, Fox 11, Telemundo and the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce TasteofSummerRanchoMirage.com

COMMUNITY

H

istory can be found around every corner, and the mission of the Coachella Valley Historical Society, Inc. is to preserve, interpret, and share the artifacts that create a dialogue about the evolving history of the Coachella Valley.

Located in Indio, the Coachella Valley History Museum is the best way to learn about the history of this beautiful desert. With a rich collection of exhibits, visitors can learn all about the people, places, and times that have made the Coachella Valley the epicenter of so much in Southern California history, resulting in a rich, entertaining, and educational museum experience for adults and kids alike.

There are a variety of permanent, interactive exhibits that provide further insight into the cultural and historical significance of the Coachella Valley. Corazón de Mexico features an outstanding and eclectic and colorful collection of Mexican folk art, including textiles, pottery, costumes, and wooden toys.

This exhibit captures the vibrant spirit and life of this amazing artwork. Visitors are invited to view an eclectic collection of Mexican folk art representing many Mexican artisans of textiles, pottery, costumes and wooden toys displayed in the museum’s very own 1926 Smiley-Tyler Adobe House.

Another permanent exhibition, the SmileyTyler House, was once the private personal residence of Dr. Smiley and Dr. Tyler. This building now houses many of the Coachella Valley History Museum’s most popular attractions: The Desert Cahuilla People Room, Water & Agriculture Exhibit Area, Heritage

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

COACHELLA VALLEY HISTORY MUSEUM CREATES INTERACTIVE LEGACY

Room—this year’s annual rotating exhibit, Railroad & Fire Department Room, The 1930s and 1940s Kitchen, and the Pioneer Hall. Guests have a chance to learn their amazing story and how the Smiley-Tyler families enriched the history of this one-of-a-kind campus property.

The California Date Museum is another exhibition that lets visitors experience the culture of the Coachella Valley Date by covering the history of the world’s oldest cultivated crop: the date palm. From its origins in the Middle East to its introduction to Coachella Valley and up to the modern-day, visitors can learn about the horticulturalists and essential workers who helped the date palm take hold.

For a real trip back in time, visit the 1909 Indio Schoolhouse, Indio’s third school, which was transferred to the museum grounds in 1999. The school was originally built with help from the Southern Pacific Railroad, something

July 28 to August 3, 2022

ARTICLE & PHOTOS

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

that is clear in the early train depot design.

Student desks are set up as they were so long ago, complete with slate boards for writing lessons.

Pioneer Hall was renovated in 2012 with the help of the Indio Sunrise Rotary Club and the Woman’s Club of Indio. Pioneer Hall is Indio’s hub for local artists to come together, proudly hosting their rotating artwork and commemorating the talent of Indio’s most creative artists. It also serves as a venue for intimate gatherings both public and private.

The last permanent exhibition is the Outdoor Gallery, which pays homage to when available land and water brought people to the Coachella Valley to grow fruits, vegetables and hay over 100 years ago before there were any automobiles or air conditioners. In tribute to the pioneers, cultivators, railroad workers, and blacksmiths, this array of tools, structures and equipment are on display to give a sense of how the Coachella Valley was being transformed to pave the way for the 21st century.

The Coachella Valley Historical Society, Inc. also maintains an archive depository. History from the entire Coachella Valley is included from newspapers and magazines, to business licenses and photographs. The archives house over 100 years of history. Internship opportunities are available for college students

and researchers are welcome to explore.

Please contact the Museum with requests for historical information or opportunities to conduct research in the archives, as scheduling is done on an appointment basis.

The Coachella Valley History Museum’s “History Hunters” is a new group event that is open to the public and free to join. Meetings are the last Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and feature local history, artifacts, and speakers.

“We talk about different historical questions of the Coachella Valley, and people are invited to bring items of significance as well. Some of the attendees of History Hunters are over 90 years old and have helped us identify certain things from the archives. It’s like solving little mysteries and I’ve actually found more information on my own family as well,” stated archive volunteer Linda Beal, who has been volunteering at the Coachella Valley History Museum for 20 years.

For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.cvhm.org.

7

July 28 to August 3, 2022

CONSIDER THIS

I

don’t have to tell you, times are tough.

Shit is serious, I mean, let’s just scroll down the list: beginning we the most egregious development, according to the Supreme court, and several state governors, women are no longer in charge of their own bodies. Then there’s a war in Ukraine, gas prices through the roof, the worst inflation rates in 40 years. Europe is currently en fuego, and, oh yeah, there’s a deadly shooting (or mass shooting), practically every day. I don’t know about you, but I need a break from all this tsuris. This week at least, I’ve been getting that peaceful, easy feeling from Meadow Rock, the solo debut from Joe Bourdet.

Happily, this record creates a sound that echoes early ‘70s antecedents like Seals & Crofts (R.I.P. Dan Seals), Poco, Crosby, Stills & Young, Firefall, Doobie Brothers, America, Jackson Browne, and yes, the Eagles.

Joe Bourdet spent his formative years in the small, Bay Area town of Lafayette, California, in the house his grandparents originally purchased in the 1930s. A little later, they moved to Grass Valley and the neighboring metropolis of Nevada City. As a kid, musical influences were plentiful. Driving around with his dad, the cassette deck was loaded with Classic Rock from the ‘50s and ‘60s, as well as Roy Orbison Beach Boys tapes. At a young age, he and his best pal Fantasi would skip rope and sing those same ‘50s and ‘60s songs like “Rockin’ Robin.” Fantasi’s granddad, Jack Minger, was a renowned Jazz trumpeter and also a huge inspiration. Throughout the ‘80s, Joe absorbed his share of Top 40 hits, but a chance encounter with a VHS rental copy of The Beatles’ Hard Day’s Night simply blew his mind. It also ignited a passion to create his own music. Although he’d picked up a guitar in grade school, he didn’t stick with it. But by his teens, he borrowed his Uncle Mike’s guitar and redoubled his efforts to learn.

Once he was in high school, he channeled his outlier energy into music. Not only did he master guitar, he also became proficient on bass and keys.

As a film major at UC Santa Cruz, he began playing in local bands. Around the same time, he came across a collection of whipped, firedamaged (but playable) vinyl from the ‘70s that completely fascinated him. By the turn of the century, he relocated to Los Angeles, intent on pursuing a music career full-time.

Connecting with like-minded musicians, he spent time as part of the band, Whispering Pines.

His next musical adventure was as part of Josh Schwartz’ post Beachwood Sparks/ Tyde project, Painted Hills. The four-piece’s sound was a sharp amalgam of Psychedelic and Americana. A self-titled debut arrived in 2010. Sadly, after a valiant battle with ALS (Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis), Josh passed away in 2017. Following Josh’s death, Joe decided to forge ahead with a solo career.

The result is his debut, Meadow Rock.

The album springs to life with “Songbird Revisited.” Sugary acoustic notes intertwine with swivel-hipped electric riffs, matched by Hammond B3 colors, loose-limbed bass and a percolating rhythm. Joe’s warm tenor, equal parts honey and woodsmoke, soars over the instrumentation. Reflective, slightly cryptic lyrics; “My songbird, my sweet songbird, what shall we play today, you find me in sweet

8

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

JOE BOURDET

peace and time and welcome me to stay/You come to my window, sing for me and oh, to touch you, but I’d rather just let you be,” seem to summon the elusive muse and pay homage to the revered Gibson guitar. On the break, sanctified slide guitar solos unfurl from each speaker, cushioned by churchy B3 runs. The song powers down as chunky electric chords intertwine with plangent acoustic notes.

It seems like most of the songs here celebrate the majesty that is mother nature.

That’s no accident, although Joe has made Los Angeles his home, he remains homesick for the Sierra Nevadas and the foothills of his childhood. Take “El Capitan,” wherein rippling acoustic licks thread between agile bass lines, and a rock-ribbed beat, as sylphlike pedal steel weaves in and out of this aural tapestry. Lyrics manage to humanize every crag and crevice of this formidable Yosemite monolith; “All along the Muir trail and over the Nevada Falls, underneath the HetchHetchy, when they flooded her walls, I sense a presence there in the pines and the stones, a heartbeat much deeper than, of mere flesh and bone.” Joe scales the musical peaks on the verses, but receives a little harmonic heft on the chorus, courtesy Mimi Michel. Swirly Moog notes achieve elevation gain on the break, dovetailing with finger-picked acoustic riffs and a towering pedal steel solo.

Conversely, “Seamist” heads to the coast.

Sparkling guitars, fizzy Fender Rhodes, pliant piano, and a breezy beat hug the melody’s rugged playa. The sure-footed arrangement echoes early ‘70s era Beach Boys, while the lyrics bypass the adrenalin-rush of surfing, for the more ephemeral pleasures of what John Lennon characterized “watching the wheels.”

Mostly, it’s an homage to the hypnotic powers of the ocean; “Goodbye Laguna, I should’ve left the party sooner, and Leo Carillo, adios, mi amigo, I stare out at the vastness of the sea, a wave of memory comes crashing over me.” Glassy slide guitar riffs oscillate on the break, quietly framing this sleek siren song.

The action slows for a couple of introspective cuts. Read between the lines of “Call You Friend” and it’s part environmental rallying cry, meant to protect this fragile planet, and part restless farewell to a longtime compadre. Sidewinder acoustic guitars slither around fuzzy electric riffs, tensile bass, pillowy Hammond B3 and a loping beat. Almost from the jump, Joe warns the “Tired Earth is about ready to give up.” Rather quickly, the ecological becomes interpersonal; “Are you feeling no pain, feel no wind, feel no rain, but ain’t it a shame, for we who remain, to go on without you ‘til the end, I called you friend.” Slinky guitars spark and pinwheel on the break before linking up and unspooling a couple of interstellar solos that feel effortless.

Meanwhile, “Unwritten Story” simply seizes the day. The melody shares some musical DNA with the Cat Stevens deep cut, “Trouble,” anchored by molasses-thick Hammond B3, burnished piano, wily guitars, buoyant bass lines and a kick-drum beat.

Lyrics offer up a carpe diem philosophy; “I just want to live in the moment, time is not worrying me, make every moment a home and let everything be, let everything be, let everything else be.” Joe stacks his harmonies on the bridge, as he imparts a last bit of hardwon wisdom; “It’s like a book you’re reading,

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

with nothing left in the fold, an unwritten story, that as you’re living gets told, the moment is waiting, so take all the time you need.”

The best cuts here fold a bit of grit and gravitas in into the sunshiny textures.

“Amongst The Pines” is equal parts bucolic and beatific. The instrumentation blends braided acoustic licks, stinging electric riffs and cascading mandolin atop slippery bass and a thunking beat. Joe reminds us that the stunning vistas that surround us shouldn’t be taken for granted; “Come wander out amongst the pines, farther out, dappled and gray, now higher we climb and for this brief time, yours and mine we all survey/So let the world spin in moonlight, mountain sounds for us to play, and I will give you a taste of the good life, call it foggy mountain way.”

Meanwhile, the gossamer harmonies that lattice “Lost Along The Way” (courtesy Alana Amram), lean closer to The Bee Gees than the Eagles. Liquid acoustic arpeggios intersect with lithe bass lines, lush Wurlitzer, plaintive piano and a galumphing beat. The meandering melody wraps tight around metaphorical lyrics that delineate a crisis of confidence; “I’ve done this drive a hundred times, don’t recognize the highway signs, I’m stranded, old mission empty for morning prayer, no one can hear me crying out here, abandoned.”

Finally, Joe pays homage to the late, great Josh Schwartz by covering a Painted Hills favorite, “Morning Light.” Joe’s version is slightly less Psychedelicized than the original, more stripped-down. Flickering guitar fillips coil and converge, sidling around authoritative double bass, patchouli-flavored Hammond

B3, and a propulsive rhythm. Fittingly, lyrics address an absent friend; “Sometimes I read a picture like a book, then I close my eyes and take a second look, the images take on a strange new life, colors flying in the moonlit night, one time I swear, I saw your face, staring down from outer space.”

Finally, on the painterly “Mantra.” Joe’s Prog-Rockified vocals sail skyward over chiming guitars, whirring keys, roiling bass and a rock steady beat. Lyrics share a path to personal enlightenment; “I’m balanced here, as if on a clothesline, and although I fall, I easily find I return to mantra that’s tuned to my mind, and with meditation I’m leaving behind sense-gratification for self-realization, sense-gratification for self-realization.”

On the break, kaleidoscopic keys bookend double-decker slide guitars and skronky electric riff-age. This muscular magnum opus closes out the record with a satisfying cosmic kick.

Although Joe plays nearly everything on the album (acoustic, electric, high-strung and slide guitars, Hammond B3, piano, bass, Fender 6 and Moog), he also relied on a wolfpack of talented pickers and players.

The roster includes Justin Smith, Will Scott and George Sluppick on drums, Brian Filosa and Rob Douglas on bass. Vic Martin on keys, Tim Walker on pedal steel, Dave Blaine on mandolin and Jason Soda on guitar. Backing vocals were provided by Mimi Michel and Alana Amram, the latter not only co-wrote “Lost Along The Way,” but also added Wurlitzer, bass and electric piano to the song.

Joe’s debut returns you to the halcyon days of shag carpets, shag haircuts, bellbottoms, mood rings and pet rocks. The ‘70s were far from perfect, but it was a much less complicated time. There’s nothing gimmicky about Joe’s affinity for this musical era.

It’s clear he soaked up a lot from that old record collection that he rescued, and he’s distilled those influences into his own heady musical brew. The playing here is impeccable, remaining lean and unfussy throughout.

Meadow Rock wraps around the listener like a comfortably frayed jean jacket.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Babaloo Lounge – Hot List – 6pm Bart Lounge – DJ Q-Baby and DJ Bart Lounge – Open Decks DJ Armstrong – 8pm Night – 8pm Casuelas Café – The Myx – 7pm Chef George’s – Marc Antonelli – Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm Coachella Valley Brewery – Open 6:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Mic – 6pm Four Twenty Bank – Ultimate Jam Trivia Night – 7pm Four Twenty Bank – Live Music – Sessions – 6pm Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Kristi 6pm Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc King – 6pm Jazzville @ Agua Caliente – Jason Antonelli – 6pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Rhythm Fabus Quintet – 7pm Nation – 9pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Country The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Nation – 7pm Oscar’s – Desert Crows – 6pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Plan B Live Entertainment & Pappy and Harriet’s – Mapache Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm – 9pm Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Switcharoo, David Saba Pretty Faces Nightclub – DJs Spinnie Cooper and Julz – 9pm and Kelsey Manning – 9pm Pretty Faces Nightclub – DJs Bad Rockyard @ Fantasy Springs – Matchbox Twenty Too (Matchbox Gali Gal and Alex Alatriste – 9pm Twenty Tribute) and Lifetime The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30pm, Rockers – 7pm Village Idiots – 8:30pm, DJ Gio the The Village – Rob & JB – 5:30pm, Ace – 9pm DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm, Rapmarz – Wildest – Scott Carter – 6pm 9pm, DJ LF – 10pm Friday, July 29 Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – 6pm Ace Hotel – Stronghold Reggae w/ Saturday, July 30 DJ Journee, DJ Tone and DJ Dash Alibi – DJ Spinna and DJ Day – 9pm Eye – 9pm

Thursday, July 28

Rockyard @ Fantasy Springs – The Police Experience (The Police Tribute) and Steel Rod – 7pm The Village – Rob & JB – 1pm, Asia SF – DJ Tyler Caiden – Poolside Rapmarz – 9pm, DJ LF – 10pm - noon Wildest – Derek Jordan Gregg – Babaloo Lounge – Off the Cuff – 6-9pm 6pm Sunday, July 31 Bart Lounge – Luna Negra’s Goth Alibi – Jerry’s Middle Finger – 8pm Night w/ DJ s Danza De Luna, Luna Babaloo Lounge – Tim Burleson Divina, Dead Romeo and Ahsatan – 6pm – 8pm Bart Lounge – Latina Night w/ DJ Casuelas Café – Desert Crows – LF – 8pm 7pm Blu Ember – Gina Sedman – 5pm Chef George’s – Michael D Angelo and Tim Burleson – Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – 6:30pm Acoustic Afternoon w/ Rick Shelley and Matt Davin – 3:30pm Coachella Valley Brewing Co. – Roast Battle – 8pm Fisherman’s Market, PS – Art of Sax – 5pm Four Twenty Bank – Live Music – 6pm Hotel Zoso – DJ Tyler Caiden – poolside - noon Hotel Zoso – DJ Femme A – poolside - noon Kitchen 86 – Jojo Malagar – 7pm Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Marc Melvyn’s – Mikael Healey – 5pm Antonelli – 6pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Lit @ Fantasy Springs – Rhythm The Village – Gio the Ace - 9pm Nation – 9pm Monday, August 1 The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Babaloo Lounge – Tim Burleson Oscar’s – Oscar’s Cabaret – 6pm – 6pm Pappy and Harriet’s – Les Hyatt – Derek Jordan Gregg – Claypool’s Bastard Jazz – 7pm 5-7pm Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Larry Capeloto – 6pm – 9pm Pretty Faces Nightclub – DJs Pico, The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Hymn and Kingsy – 9pm The Village – DJ Gio the Ace – 9pm

July 28 to August 3, 2022

Tuesday, August 2

Babaloo Lounge – The Carmens – 6:30pm Chef George’s – Lizann Warner – 6:30pm Hyatt – Derek Jordan Gregg – 5-7pm Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Christine Love and Johnny Meza – 6pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm The Village – Karaoke – 9pm, Rapmarz – 9pm

Wednesday, August 3

Babaloo Lounge – Maryse Nicole – 7pm Chef George’s – Tim Burleson – 6:30pm Indian Wells Resort Hotel – Rebecca Clark – 6pm The Nest – Live Music – 6:30pm Oscar’s – Marc Antonelli – 6pm Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails – Red’s Rockstar Karaoke – 9pm Tack Room Tavern – T-Bone Karaoke – 7pm The Village – Rapmarz – 9pm, Banda Revolucion – 10pm Wildest – Scott Carter – 6pm

9

July 28 to August 3, 2022

SCREENERS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

No. 537

CLASSIC FRENCH GANGSTER NOIR

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

LE SAMOURAI aka THE GODSON (1967) In co-writer/director Jean-Pierre Melville’s (original name Grumbach) minimalist French crime drama tone and style are everything.

This hugely influential film established Melville’s reputation as a master practitioner of a cool, austere and restrained look that was much copied by so-called new-wave filmmakers of the time.

Ignoring genre conventions, Melville’s movies are hushed (there’s minimal dialogue) somewhat surreal tapestries of space time and gesture. Only the essentials of color,

10

composition and sound are considered in this nearly abstract cinematic tone poem.

The plot has hit man Jef Costello a (perfectly cast Alain Delon) going through an elaborate set of rituals before carrying out a hit on a nightclub owner.

Always meticulous and cool when on the job, Costello is disconcerted when he discovers a witness to the killing: the club’s female piano player. However, before he can act, the police arrest him in a sweep of suspects. But after a line-up, he’s released when the main witness won’t come forward, Costello goes from being the hunter to the hunted, trailed by the determined police as well as his crime bosses.

Melville’s stark and stylish film was a major influence in Hollywood. It combined stylish direction, a smart script, top-notch performances, and an almost palpable atmosphere into a singularly tense and

engaging thriller.

Melville’s style is haunting and elegantly spare – a perfect match for Delon’s, icy and smoldering hit man who lives in near silence, in mostly bare and colorless surroundings that only reinforces the mesmerizing, otherworldly beauty and grace of Delon and

his dangerous world.

Limited but watchable extras include archival interviews with Melville and actors Alain Delon, Francois Perier, Nathalie Delon (Alain’s wife) and Cathy Rosier.

PLUS: A fascinating and informative hard copy essay by noted film scholar David Thomson.

The great looking edition or this muchlauded 1967 French crime classic is one for the home library. Criterion. Blu-ray.

I want to hear from you What are you watching at home or in a theater? Stay safe and masked if you go out. Our area is a hot spot for the Covid variations and the highly contagious Monkeypox. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 28 to August 3, 2022

11

July 28 to August 3, 2022

THE VINO VOICE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY RICK RIOZZA

THE SUMMER OF WANDER+IVY

I

think perhaps we can now call it phenomena.

It seems that every other patio party, brunch or otherwise, has more than a few bottles of Wander+Ivy wine on the table. And the reason is clear: this product is so convenient, classy, and tasty!

The Wander+Ivy website states it concisely: “It’s a great glass of wine—anytime! Made with organic grapes from world-class producers.” For those of you yet unaware, the emphasis of the above quote is on “a great glass”.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you haven’t enjoyed the bottle/glass yet. That’s right! It is a single serve bottle of wine. aka—the perfect 6.3 ounce of wine serving in a glass. It’s perfect because if you’re having just one glass of wine for the occasion, a 6.3 oz pour is what you’re happy with.

But I know you loyal readers are familiar with the Wander+Ivy brand. Our March 23rd column was all over the coverage:“Women in Wine—Wander +Ivy where we introduced the wine brand and its 2017 founder, Ms. Dana Spaulding. If you missed the article, let’s quickly bring you up to date: Dana Spaulding spent the first of her career at JP Morgan Private Bank where she managed wealth for successful entrepreneurs. There she met her husband and they both talked of being entrepreneurs themselves.

One evening her husband asked, “Are you really going to waste another bottle of wine?” Dana was frustrated because, yes, she really wanted to enjoy a nice glass of wine after a long day; but would likely waste the bottle by not finishing it. “That really was the spark for me.”

Here are her comments on that spark! “I searched high and low for single-serve options, but everything I found left much to be desired— like great taste and packaging that mirrored the quality of the experience. When I couldn’t find one, I decided to create one myself.” Dana saw the demand for single serving organic wines & ran with it! “In a very cute + chic way.”

“I started Wander + Ivy because I wanted the freedom to enjoy a great glass of wine without the guilt of bottle waste. Today we are proud to offer an elevated single-serve wine experience that combines the exquisite taste and terroir of organic wines from sustainable producers with convenient premium packaging and a deep-seated commitment to helping charitable organizations feed those in need.”

(By the way—in 2020, Wander + Ivy donated 1-percent of its sales to the nonprofit Colorado Feeding Kids, providing a whopping 15,000 meals to hungry children in Colorado and nationwide.)

Recently, I reached out to Dana with some further inquiries. Here are her responses: How did you come up with the name “Wander & Ivy? “Wander invokes a sense of travel and exploration.

The size, shape and look of W+I differ from what exists in the market and is an exploration of new packaging and a new way to enjoy a glass of wine.

We also ‘wander the world’ to find the best wines!

The wines are global, which is quite different from most other single-serve options on the market

12

today.

“Ivy adds a green and natural element to the name, which highlights our focus on natural and organic ingredients. Together ‘Wander + Ivy’ is a beautiful and memorable name that speaks to our active and adventurous consumer and incorporates a green, natural feel that ties with the organic and sustainable elements of the products.”

Briefly, how are the dynamics in dealing with her international vintners? “We are proudly a licensed importer and work directly with each of our international winery partners, rather than sourcing via a broker. Although this path requires additional work for our team, in the end I believe that working directly with our winery partners allows us to build deep, long-term relationships that are critical as we scale.

“It’s also rewarding to have our partners along for the journey as we grow. One of the most exciting things I heard recently was one of our first winery partners in Spain start a sentence with “I remember when …”

What are the business & practical considerations with the different varietals—is there a need to be flexible with the vintages and regions?

“We specifically seek the top varietals in the most renowned wine regions of the world. For example, Sauv Blanc from NZ, Rosé from France, Chard and Cab from California.”

What advice can you share about women in the wine workplace?

“We are proudly certified women-owned and have leveraged this as something that differentiates us in a male-dominated industry. I recommend seeing your differences as strengths and ways to stand out in a crowded category.”

All that being said, my personal comment is that the glass bottle packaging is absolutely convenient!! Now you can take a nice glass of wine with you to any place at any time. The glass is sturdy but sleek (and off the record, it’s extremely re-usable for all your requirements!).

2020 Limited Edition Chardonnay ($6.99) This bright California Chardonnay unleashes aromas of pear and apricot with hints of nuts and vanilla. The palate is rich, slightly buttery and has the perfect amount of toast.

2020 Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon ($6.99) This California Cabernet shows beautiful aromas of ripe boysenberry, cassis and a touch of mocha and coffee. On the palate, this wine is supple with soft tannins and a velvety texture, with black cherry fruit and a hint of vanilla.

2020 Limited Edition Red Blend ($6.99) Made from organically grown Bobal and Merlot grapes, this Spanish blend has red fruit aromas with subtle toasted notes. It is medium-bodied, fresh and balanced on the palate, with hints of chocolate and spice.

2020 Limited Edition Rosé ($6.99) This is a pleasantly light and crisp dry rosé exhibiting aromas of raspberry and strawberry. On the palate there is fresh apples and rose petals. The grapes were all organically grown in the South of France.

Cheers!

KEG WHISPERER

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 28 to August 3, 2022

FIZZY YELLOW BEER PURCHASES STONE BREWING FOR A SONG

BY BREWMASTER ED HEETHUIS

S

tone Brewing Company is being sold to Sapporo Holdings, the Japanese brewery announced last Wednesday. Sapporo announced that it has entered into a “membership interest purchase agreement” to purchase the San Diego craft brewery, following Stone’s distribution business being “carved out and transferred to the newly established subsidiary of Stone Holdings.”

My personal belief is to avoid speaking in absolutes as much as humanly possible, a motto Stone Brewing co-founder Greg Koch would have been wise to learn while a much younger man. Koch spent his entire career as the loudest critic of craft brewery “sellouts”, which he derided as “cash grabs”.

In his blog post announcing his departure, Koch writes that he will always be “a supporter of independent craft beer,” but

that “I’ve softened my rigidity around this in recent years”.

“This is the right next chapter for Stone Brewing,” said Koch. “For 26 years, our amazing team has worked tirelessly to brew beers that have set trends and redefined expectations. To have the interest of a company like Sapporo in continuing the Stone story is a testament to the great beers we’ve created and will continue to create for our fans across the globe.”

An eloquent statement to be sure, but not exactly true to form for the brash, outspoken pitchman. For years, he had loudly insisted Stone would never sell out to Big Beer — and just as vocally slammed craft breweries that did.

We believed him, trusting that Stone would remain San Diego’s champion of craft beer independence for decades to come, if

not forever. As it turned out, we all duped by his loud and simple marketing scheme.

Stone was all marketing from the release of the very first bombers of Arrogant Bastard in November, 1997. Let’s revisit the label one more time: “This is an aggressive ale. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth.

We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory–maybe something with a multi-million-dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beverage will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multimillion-dollar ad campaigns make things taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.”

On June 24th, following the announcement of the sale, Koch published a length blog / manifesto titled, “It’s Time” in an attempt to justify the sale and state his point of view.

Like much of his past written word, it is a bizarre, stream-of-consciousness rambling where he quotes both Heraclitus and Metallica.

His take on his own hypocrisy? GK: “Sure, I’d said it dozens of times. Quite possibly well over 100. I 1000% meant it every single time. It’s what I truly believed. I said it while pounding my fist both physically and metaphorically on the table. I’d said it over the telephone or on video with the narrative emphasis “…he says while pounding his fist on the table.” The words: I will never sell out.”

GK: “Sure. I have an ego. Egos aren’t bad things. They’re pretty much necessary to get out of bed in the morning. If you don’t have at least a modicum of “I can do this!” running through your veins, it’s possible you may not do much at all. Mine has mostly manifested itself in (one would hope) good ways over the years. My main ego driver has been wanting to do the right thing. I want to share with people visions of better alternatives. Things that were better than the norm. The belief that others might be interested in craft beer too. Sure, I got preachy at times. But I wanted to stand up for craft beer, which was the perennial underdog of the beer industry.”

Perhaps, although it seems he may have forgotten that he orchestrated the dropping of a large stone (boulder) onto a pallet of German beers as his way of introducing the good people of Berlin to Stone Brewing.

Maybe putting the words, “Drink REAL Beer”

behind the bar (in both English and German) in Berlin wasn’t ego-driven…but it’ll take a lot to convince this writer otherwise.

GK: “But back to the gratitude. I thank you all. I thank those of you who supported us, who helped both envision and create a world in which better beer, food, experiences, and environments were made available to more people. It has always, always been a collective effort.”

Hmmm. Maybe. But I do remember Stone Bistro & Gardens opening and declining to carry or serve ketchup because they “knew better than their patrons exactly how their dishes were to be served and enjoyed.

He closes, “I thank the detractors who kept me humble. And I realize that many reading that sentence are chuckling. Greg… humble? Just think how bad it would have been without you. Lolz. Through the years I’ve sometimes been known to be a bit overly passionate, overly serious, and I have even come off like an ass at times. I promise you that under that bombast was always a healthy dose of self-deprecation, selfmockery, and a metric ton of self-doubt.

Any supreme confidence was an alchemy of my own intense need to make this work – to protect the baby we’d built and the industry we all created – and a good dollop of oldfashioned self-doubt that I might not be up to the task. You can see almost all of those emotions present themselves in the I Am A Craft Brewer video I created with my friends at Redtail Media; it featured some of the people I most admired on the planet. I don’t regret the ‘overly passionate’ part. But if I could go back and give younger self some advice, it might be “Lighten up, Francis”.

Even in 2022…hindsight remains 50/50.

When Ed Heethuis isn’t brewing at a local Casino, you will find the Certified Cicerone / Brewmaster out on his road bike trying to rebuild a balky old knee 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.

13

July 28 to August 3, 2022

PET PLACE

P

uppies and young dogs under 2 years old are popular choices. Nothing can be more joyful that a happy bouncing young canine, full of fun and frolic. However, patience and prevention are needed to prevent frustration for you and danger to your new puppy.

Most dogs calm down from high energy puppyhood around 2 years old, depending on the breed. Meanwhile, here are some tips to help with your new canine youngster.

Puppy proof your home and yard before puppy arrives – – A teething puppy may gnaw on anything it can reach. Put your best leather shoes, phone charger, purses, bottles of medication, pens, children’s toys, and poisonous plants (including holiday poinsettias) off floors and coffee tables. These items can cause obstructions, expensive vet bills, and even death. Provide dog-safe toys and dog chews (no rawhide) as an alternative.

Provide plenty of exercise. Puppies are full of energy, and need positive outlets for playtime. Playing fetch in your backyard is a great way to tire them out. If you live in an apartment, the dog park is a great way for a vaccinated puppy to enjoy romping with others. Walks through the neighborhood provide you and your pooch exercise and bonding time.

Provide mental stimulation. Hard rubber toys such as Kongs can be filled with treats such as a dab of peanut butter. Kongs are a

MEET BIG BEN

I’m the sweetest German Shepherd girl you could ever meet! Just 3 years old, I’m 53 lbs of doggie love. I’m dog ID#A1679065. The shelter staff said I’m the sweetest pup in the play yard! Please come meet me at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, between 10am & 4pm Mon through Sat. www.rcdas.org

14

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

TRAINING YOUR NEW PUPPY

great alternative to prevent pups chewing on other objects. Best Buddy puzzle toys (Premier) offer another chance to chase and bite the toy and get a treat reward. Be wary of toys with parts that can be chewed off and eaten, dangerous obstructions may result.

Play with your puppy. Involve everyone in the family. Dogs love attention, and that includes games and belly rubs. Most dogs love to travel, and outings to sites that welcome them are plentiful. Most businesses welcome well-mannered pooches along with your business. Restaurants with outdoor seating usually allow pups, including Boozehounds Restaurant in Palm Springs which was designed with them in mind.

Obedience training. A well trained dog is a happy dog! Start out with simple commands like “Sit!” and reward with a treat. Leash training is important to prevent pulling. Lots of training assistance is available online. If jumping on people becomes an issue, turn your back away from your pup and ignore him until he calms down. Consult a professional dog trainer if needed. Reasonably priced puppy training classes are available at PetSmart and Petco. Private dog trainers can assist House training. Puppies are like babies in that they pee and poop more frequently than older dogs! They require more trips outside, especially after meals, first thing in the morning, and last thing you do at night. At the

beginning, reward with a treat and say “Good potty!”. Puppy pads may solve problems when this is not always possible. You can put a dab of urine on the pad to made the connection. If you must leave for extended periods of time, a baby gate can keep him safely inside a tiled bathroom or kitchen. For tougher cases, reward with a treat and say “Good poop”! Crates large enough for your dog to stand and move around may be used, but for no longer than 3 or 4 hours.

Promote socialization. Young dogs need frequent and positive social experiences with other animals and people during the first three or six months of life. This prevents asocial behaviors, fear, and biting. Make sure they are vaccinated and have rabies shots!

Bite inhibition - This is important to keep everyone safe. Most dogs begin learning bite inhibition from their mother and litter mates.

If a dog nips or bites during playtime, teach him the fun stops quickly. Ignore him, stand up, and “yelp” or yell NO loudly. Eventually, train him to use his mouth safely. Wave a closed fist in front of him, and pull away if he tries to nip. Try again, and when he does not nip, give him a treat from the other hand.

What NOT to do. You should never use physical punishment such as scruff shakes, hitting with hands or objects, or squeezing.

This tends to make a dog fearful of the person. Shaking a tin can with coins or a spray water bottle (NOT directly aimed at the face) is a safer alternative to correct negative behaviors such as excessive barking. Don’t allow young children to play with the puppy unsupervised until the dog is well trained.

TUXEDO KITTEN

I’m one of 50 kittens & cats waiting for homes at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter! Please come meet me and my buddies at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, from 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday. I’m kitten ID#A1676177, a playful little Tabby girl, just 3-month-old. www.rcdas.org.

BY JANET McAFEE Don’t allow your puppy in the back yard unsupervised for many reasons. Dog theft is at an all time, gardeners and other visitors can leave gates open, and coyotes have been spotted inside gated communities and other residential neighborhoods.

CAUTION, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ADOPTING A PUPPY ONLINE. SOME OF THE CUTE PHOTOS YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA MAY BE PART OF A SCAM. UNSCRUPLOUS BREEDERS MAY NOT DO ANY VETERINARY WORK, AND MAY BREED RELATED DOGS WHICH CAUSES MEDICAL PROBLEMS. GOOD LUCK GETTING REIMBURSED IF THERE IS A MEDICAL ISSUE WHEN THE PET ARRIVES. Where do you get a puppy or an adult dog if you want to rescue a homeless shelter dog?

If you seek a specific breed, there are many specific breed rescues groups throughout Southern California. These groups will almost always provide you with a healthy vetted puppy or dog and tell you about its temperament. The shelters and groups on our weekly list can assist you with locating the dog you seek. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, www.psanimalsshelter.org, and the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, www.rcdas.org, are the two of our largest shelters. They are open to the public now, so head over and enjoy summer 2022 with a new best fur-friend!

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

--------------------------------------------------Here are some places where you can adopt a wonderful rescue dog or cat!

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – Open 10:00-4:00 Monday through Saturday.

View animals online at all 4 county shelters www.rcdas.org, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – Open to the public, closed Tuesday. View animals online at www.psanimalsshelter.org and complete application for the one you want to meet, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, Call (760) 416-5718. (Public) DESERT HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL - Open daily 9:30-4:30. www. cityofdhs.org/animal-care-control.com, 65810 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, (760) 3296411 ext. 450.

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – Open to the public.

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 - Call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www.californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 6568833. (Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – Call for an appointment. This shelter has lots of big dogs and some cats, www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203.

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

July 28 to August 3, 2022

PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – Call for appointment to adopt dogs. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals. org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OF CALIFORNIA (ARC), Foster based rescue for dogs and cats in Indio. www.thearc-ca.org, (760) 877-7077 (Private) FLUFFS & SCRUFFS – Foster based rescue for small dogs in Cathedral City.

FLUFFSANDSCRUFFS@AOL.COM, (310) 9803383 (Private) SOCIETY’S OUTKAST ANIMAL RESCUE – Foster based rescue for dogs in Rancho Mirage, www.societysoutkasts.com, (760) 832-0617. (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, Mountain Center, www.living-free.org, (951) 659-4687. (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – Open 12:00 – 3pm Tues through Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Open 7 days a week.

Call (909) 386-9280, www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you are interested in adopting, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

15

July 28 to August 3, 2022

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

15% OFF

Daily From 2pm - 5pm With this CV WEEKLY Coupon

16

EXPIRES AUGUST 30, 2022.

ONE COUPON PER VISIT.

HADDON LIBBY

T

he dog days of August are upon us. Other than the days where monsoonal flows make the Coachella Valley feel like Miami on steroids, we are entering some of the highest average temperatures of the year…which educators seem to think is the perfect time to start a new school year. Given the extreme temperatures that we reach this time of year, wouldn’t it make more sense to start school when temperatures stay below the 110+ degrees?

Given we have no obvious holidays this month, let’s sort through the lesser-known celebrations for something to make these dog days a little more bearable.

August starts on Monday with National Girlfriend Day getting the month started.

Guys, this is a day of celebration that you do not need to lift a finger for. Girlfriend Day is strictly for the ladies. Started by Kathleen Laing and Elizabeth Butterfield to promote their book “Girlfriends Getaway”, August 1st has gained traction as a day when women get together to celebrate friendships. I’m not sure if guys have a specific day like this although the Super Bowl might be close.

Ladies get to celebrate their beaus on National Boyfriend Day is on October 3rd.

Lots of trade groups like to have the products that they sell commemorated with a special day of recognition. August 2nd is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day; the 3rd is Watermelon Day and Friday the 5th is International Beer Day. The second week of August celebrates family relationships. The week starts with Sisters Day on Sunday the 7th with the 11th being Son & Daughter Day and the 12th Middle Child Day. Having a special day

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

GUNCLES, GIRLFRIENDS & BLACK CATS

BY HADDON LIBBY

for the middle children on the heels of a celebration of all your other children seems wrong. If you want to give that middle child more attention, why would you stick it on the day after the other kids? Wouldn’t you put it first?

The second week of the month closes out with Left Handers Day – founded by Dean Campbell of the Lefthanders International in 1976. Did you know that only one in ten people are left-handed? Ambidextrous people are even rarer and make up 1% of the population.

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

F

The third week of August is a bit of a mix.

It gets started on the 14th with Gay Uncles Day aka Guncles Day. On Tuesday the 16th, we get National Backflow Prevention Day. Watts Water Technologies chose the 16th as the United States had one of its biggest backflow accidents on that day. During the 1933 Chicago World Fair, two hotels used a rooftop water source that was cross contaminated with the sewage system and led to 2,000 illnesses and 98 deaths.

If you have a black cat, they get a special day on Wednesday the 17th so that people

can dispel the myth that black cats are bad luck. The U.K. and Japan see black cats as good luck while the Eqyptians thought black cats were the physical form of gods and worshiped these feline deities. We close the week with Radio Day on the 20th. This is the day we stream our favorite radio station through our cell phones and remember when radio didn’t suck.

The last full week of the month starts with Senior Citizens Day, a celebration started by Ronald Reagan in 1988. At the time, Reagan was the oldest President in U.S. History – a distinction now held by President Biden.

Wednesday the 24th is Strange Music Day. Patrick Grant started this day in 1997 as a marketing idea for his record, “Fields Amaze.”

If you have a dog, remember to celebrate Dog Day on the 26th. The 26th is also Tracky Dack Day in Australia and when folks where tracksuits to work.

The fifth stub week starts with Red Wine Day on Sunday the 28th followed by Cabernet Sauvignon Day on the 30th.

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

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

2022 SCAMS IN THE AGE OF COVID?

or a scammer to be successful, s/ he has to first be able to reach “the mark” to scam them. With Covid so prevalent again, many of us are staying home. Thus we are available to pick up the phone, to hear the “pitch?”

Of course, there are neighbors who don’t worry and are now booking vacations for August and September of 2022. However, there are scams for them too. It goes like this…when you can find great travel deals online, some are scammers. Some are exclusive vacation deals, often below market value. You also find a rental car site offering cars below the going rate.

The SCAM is that you are asked to pay upfront, using a means off the platform.

Scammers often create phony travel sites offering below market value deals. The sites are often high up in search rankings. This is because they pay for the ads. The sites usually look like the real things, with logo’s and colors the same as the original. The SCAM seems too often be the way you pay for the item.

Be skeptical of all pitches that are below market value. Google the site and look for reviews saying they are fake etc. Be diligent!

July 28 to August 3, 2022

Of course, before you can go on that vacation to Hawaii, you have to trim down to look good in your bathing suit. Bogus diet products and programs account for 30% of all complaints re health care products.

The phony company often uses celebrity endorsements, or they say such and such celebrity successfully used it. They also pay “influencers” to promote unproven products, such as a slimming tea. Words like “miracle”, “revolutionary” or “scientific breakthrough” should be a warning sign to check it out.

The bottom line is “don’t trust marketing claims regarding health care products or even lawyers”. Do your due diligence. If it turns out to be a scam report it to the Better Business Bureau etc Clearly, not all scams are travel or diet related. Many have to do with your home and a door to door solicitation. Often the encounter follows a rain, that caused damage. The Desert Sun explained this we are in Monsoonal season.

The encounter will go like this: Someone knocks on your front door, explaining they are working in the neighborhood and have “left over materials” they can use if you have any damage. Of course, they have to “close

you” on the spot and explain that the price tomorrow will be a lot more than today.

Again, you should use due diligence and check them out on google reviews. Of course, you should never pay the full amount up front. Unfortunately, even I was taken by a scammer like this. I guess I am part of the gullible public too. If you are too, report the scam.

Report SCAMS, FRAUD and potential ID thefts by contacting: Fraud alert hotline toll free 855 303 9470 or visit website www.aging.senate.gov/ fraud-hotline Adult Protective Services, DPSS: 760-773-6700 SENIOR VET FRAUD HOTLINE: 760-837-7555 Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline: 877-IDTheft / consumer.gov/idtheft Social Security hotline: 800-269-0271/ ssa.gov/oig Equifax: 800-525-6285/ equifax.com Experian: 888-397-3742/ experian.com Transunion: 800-680-7289/ transunion.com DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE ARRESTS AND ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A

DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID A DUI INDUCED ARREST OR ACCIDENT, THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. BEING INTOXICATED, IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS BEING INTEXTICATED. A DRIVER MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. THE BOTTOM LINE: “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT, AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….

THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME” Keep the above numbers and information in a safe place just in case!

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760 837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com DALE GRIBOW - REPRESENTING THE INJURED AND CRIMINALLY ACCUSED “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) every year.

“TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine “PERFECT 10.0”- AVVO Peer Rating “PREEMINENT”- AV Martindale Hubbell

17

July 28 to August 3, 2022

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

CYBER CORNER

SMART THERMOSTATS

HOW TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY THIS SUMMER USING A SMART THERMOSTAT!

S

ummer has arrived, and the heat is on! However, extreme heat is not the only cause of discomfort. Energy bills are increasing, and many consumers are searching for methods to cut down the costs. Electricity prices typically rise in the summer, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). They are expected to grow much more this year because of inflation, high gas prices, and other reasons. However, there are ways to reduce your energy consumption. Turning off lights, switching to LED bulbs, and adjusting your thermostat are all effective ways to cut energy consumption. A smart thermostat allows you to manage the temperature in your home automatically, on a schedule, or via an app if it’s Wi-Fi connected. Because they monitor your home and respond to your daily activities, smart thermostats have

become one of the most popular ways to control energy use.

How Smart Thermostats Work Smart thermostats can track your location using the GPS on your smartphone. Some thermostats allow you to define a perimeter, or geofence, to control when the system turns on and off. Remote access enables you to manually switch your system to occupied or unoccupied mode, as well as modify the temperature, from any location. Many smart thermostats may even link to your home’s smart gadgets, such as Alexa or Siri, and respond to voice instructions. Another option for smart energy use is to use sensors to decide whether your system needs to be turned on. When there hasn’t been any motion for a set amount of time, motion sensors detect it and inform your system to go into unoccupied mode.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

BEAT THE HEAT, CHECK THAT BACKSEAT!

W

ith hot weather comes a special kind of danger. Our cars can turn into death traps, with temperatures rising 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service. And every summer, we read about children dying when they are trapped in hot cars—whether because the driver forgot the child was there or because the child got into an unlocked car without any adult knowing it happened. Within minutes, they can be in danger.

These deaths are tragic and heartbreaking.

They’re also completely preventable.

As we enter the dog days of summer, it’s a good time to revisit some basic tips to avoid the dangers of hot cars. The National Weather Service calls this the “Beat the Heat, Check the Backseat!”

Never leave a child alone in a hot car, even briefly!

If you’re driving with a child in the backseat, use a cue to prevent you from accidentally leaving them behind. Place your purse or wallet by the car seat, or place a stuffed animal or other toy prominently on the front seat so you’ll see it and be reminded that a child is in the car.

Always lock your car when you leave it unattended, so curious children can’t inadvertently become trapped inside.

If your child is missing, check any nearby

18

swimming pools first, then check cars. Look in the backseat and the trunk.

Teach children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.

Remember: “Look before you leave”— always check the back and front seats before exiting the vehicle.

Some car deaths have been the result of distracted parents driving to work and forgetting to drop children off at school or childcare. Ensure your child’s school or childcare provider has a policy in place to contact you if the child is absent.

More information on the dangers of heat can also be found at the National Weather Service Heat Safety webpage.

Tips for Choosing a Smart Thermostat When it comes to smart thermostats, there are dozens of different brands and models to pick from. There are a few factors to consider before purchasing a smart thermostat for your home, the first being compatibility. Because smart thermostats are not universal, they may not operate with your HVAC system. Smart thermostats may also rely on low-voltage electricity supplied by your HVAC system, and most of them require a dedicated common connection (C-wire), which may not be present in older homes. If a C-wire is not present, you will need to have one installed or purchase a power adapter kit. Most smart thermostats are simple to install and do not require professional assistance. However, you need to study reviews on smart thermostats before deciding if it’s a DIY project. We’ve compiled this list of the top smart thermostats available, and we’ll walk you through which one is ideal for your home.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat The third-generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat learns your heating and cooling preferences and then autonomously sets an optimal Schedule to maximize efficiency, eliminating the need for you to program it yourself. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. It’s simple to set up, works with most systems, and works with Nest Temperature Sensors, which you can position in difficult places to keep all of your rooms pleasant. The hardware looks and feels great, with a great tactile control wheel and a lovely screen that doubles as a time or weather clock. It also comes in seven different finishes, so you can match it to your existing decor. Some households may encounter wiring and power challenges when attempting to use the Nest with their HVAC system.

Advantages and disadvantages: It has intuitive controls and learns your schedule automatically. You can use the Nest app or Google Home to control it. But there is no direct voice control on the gadget, and it is expensive to set up upfront.

Ecobee smart thermostat with Voice Control Ecobee’s smart thermostat with Voice Control can control your home’s smart lights as well as change the heat and air conditioning with a simple Alexa voice command. It also works with remote sensors, which you may set in hot or cold rooms. The temperature and occupancy detectors in the sensors allow the Ecobee to fine-tune its settings to ensure that your

BY DENNIS SHELLY home is comfortable in every room, not just the one where the thermostat is placed.

You don’t need a separate Echo speaker to operate it by voice because it has Alexa builtin, and if Alexa isn’t your smart assistant of preference, this model also works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Siri with the use of separate speakers.

Advantages and disadvantages: It has smart scheduling features built with Amazon Alexa. The sensor expansion is possible; however, the thermostat only comes with one sensor. Other voice assistants are only supported via the app.

Honeywell Home T5 Smart Thermostat The Honeywell Home T5 Smart Thermostat is a less expensive smart thermostat that still has the majority of the capabilities found in our other choices.

Although it cannot detect your presence or automatically select a Schedule, its built-in geofencing feature performs admirably and enables useful interactions with other smarthome devices, such as switching lights when you enter or depart. Apple HomeKit and Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa are all supported with the T5.

Advantages and disadvantages: It is compatible with the majority of smart home platforms, its geofencing can tell when you come and go. But it doesn’t understand your schedule.

Mysa Smart Thermostat The Mysa Smart Thermostat will significantly reduce the expense of your “dumb” and inefficient electric baseboard heating. It can be your only choice in an admittedly narrow field—it works with 110-volt electrical heating sources—and has a sleek, modern style, as well as the fact that it doesn’t require a separate hub and is compatible with all major smarthome systems (Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and SmartThings). Mysa combines geolocation and artificial intelligence, as well as scheduling and zoning, to efficiently heat your home and save energy while keeping you comfortable.

The effort you don’t want to think about is done by a smart thermostat. It can adjust temperatures throughout your home to make you more comfortable while using less energy, learn your routine, turn itself down when no one is home, and learn your schedule (talk about win-win). Because it manages your house with the least amount of input, is easy to use, and has the greatest design of all the thermostats we’ve examined, comprehensive testing by experts demonstrates that the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is the best smart thermostat.

Still not sure which smart thermostat is right for you? Or perhaps have some additional questions? Our Eggsperts are standing by to help. Please contact us by visiting our website www.eggheadit.com by calling (760) 205-0105 or by emailing us at tech@eggheadit.com with your questions or suggestions for our next article.

IT | Networks | Phones | Security | Automation

SENDME A TRAINER

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY COACH NADIA POPOVA

I

s it possible to build muscles after 50?

If you are searching for the answer to this question, it means you are taking a positive step towards healthy living.

Physical activity helps you look and feel younger, keeps your body healthier, and reduces the risk of illness. You also get to feel better and have more energy.

Any exercise is good exercise, but when it comes to building and maintaining muscle mass, strength training is the way. Not only does lifting weights help build strong muscles and bones, but it also boosts your metabolism (the rate at which your body burns calories).

Strength training helps you build muscle and bone mass while maintaining a healthy weight.

When you start lifting weights after 50, you are able to win the fight against muscle loss and build muscles while at it.

Muscles help us age well and maintain overall well-being, yet you start losing lean muscles from your 30s onwards.

It is important to build muscles as you age because: • Muscle growth improves your balance, and you are less likely to fall • Muscles reduce arthritis pain • Muscles reduce symptoms associated with aging, like osteoporosis Why You Should Exercise Regularly All forms of exercise, be it endurance, balance training, moderate or vigorous, are good for your health.

When you exercise, you help stop, delay, and sometimes improve serious illnesses like: • Heart disease • High blood pressure • Diabetes • Stroke • Alzheimer’s disease • Arthritis • Osteoporosis • It helps your brain stay sharp Key Takeaway For an active lifestyle, it’s important to maintain strong muscles. This can make the difference between being limber or stiff, agile or slow, and having the energy to play with your kids. Vary your exercises to incorporate resistance bands where necessary to challenge your routines. You can get a personal trainer to help you with different forms of training to build those muscles.

At Send Me a Trainer, getting started is as easy as a phone call and downloading the app.

You’ll let us know what your goals and current workout routine are, and we’ll find you the best match for your needs. You can visit the Send Me a Trainer website sendmeatrainer. com or give us a call at 760-880-9904, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

If you are in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, or Indio, we can bring personal training right to your door!

July 28 to August 3, 2022

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF JULY 28

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Fiction-writer John Banville tells us, “There are moments when the past has a force so strong it seems one might be annihilated by it.” I suspect that’s sometimes true for many of us. But it won’t apply to you Aries anytime soon. In fact, just the opposite situation will be in effect during the coming months: You will have more power to render the past irrelevant than maybe you’ve ever had. You will wield an almost indomitable capacity to launch new trends without having to answer to history. Take full advantage, please!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Researchers have proved that lullabies enhance the health of premature babies being cared for in hospitals.

The soft, emotionally rich songs also promote the well-being of the babies’ families. I bring this to your attention because I believe you should call on lullaby therapy yourself in the coming weeks. Listening to and singing those tunes will soothe and heal your inner child. And that, in my astrological opinion, is one of your top needs right now. For extra boosts, read fairy tales, eat food with your hands, make mud pies, and play on swings, seesaws, and merry-go-rounds.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Dancer and singersongwriter FKA Twigs has taken dance lessons since she was a child. In 2017, she added a new form of physical training, the Chinese martial art of wushu. Doing so made her realize a key truth about herself: She loves to learn and practice new skills. Of all life’s activities, they give her the most pleasure and activate her most vibrant energy.

She feels at home in the world when she does them. I suspect you may have similar inclinations in the coming months. Your appetite for mastering new skills will be at an all-time high. You will find it natural and even exhilarating to undertake disciplined practice. Gathering knowledge will be even more exciting than it usually is.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian author Laurie Sheck writes, “So much of life is invisible, inscrutable: layers of thoughts, feelings, and outward events entwined with secrecies, ambiguities, ambivalences, obscurities, darknesses.” While that’s an experience we all have, especially you Cancerians, it will be far less pressing for you in the coming weeks. I foresee you embarking on a phase when clarity will be the rule, not the exception. Hidden parts of the world will reveal themselves to you. The mood will be brighter and lighter than usual. The chronic fuzziness of life will give way to a delightful acuity.

I suspect you will see things that you have never or rarely seen.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): It’s always advisable for you Leos to carry on a close personal relationship with mirrors. I’m speaking both literally and metaphorically. For the sake of your mental health, you need to be knowledgeable about your image and monitor its ever-shifting nuances. And according to my analysis of the astrological omens, you are now authorized to deepen your intimate connection with mirrors. I believe you will thrive by undertaking an intense phase of introspective explorations and creative self-inquiry. Please keep it all tender and kind, though. You’re not allowed to bad-mouth yourself. Put a special emphasis on identifying aspects of your beauty that have been obscured or neglected. By the way, Leo, I also recommend you seek compassionate feedback from people you trust. Now is an excellent time to get reflections about your quest to become an even more amazing human.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): At your best, you are a flexible purist, an adaptable stickler for detail, and a disciplined yet supple thinker. Maybe more than any other sign of the zodiac, you can be focused and resilient, intense and agile, attentive and graceful. And all of us non-Virgos will greatly appreciate it if you provide these talents in abundance during the coming weeks. We need you to be our humble, understated leader. Please be a role model who demonstrates the finely crafted,

© Copyright 2022 Rob Brezsny

well-balanced approach to being healthy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In my Astrological Book of Life, your life purposes as a Libra may include the following: 1. to be beautiful in the smartest ways you can imagine and smart in the most beautiful ways you can imagine; 2. to always see at least two sides of the story, and preferably more; 3. to serve as an intermediary between disparate elements; 4. to lubricate and facilitate conversations between people who might not otherwise understand each other; 5. to find common ground between apparent contradictions; 6. to weave confusing paradoxes into invigorating amalgamations; 7. to never give up on finding the most elegant way to understand a problem. PS: In the coming weeks, I hope you will make extra efforts to call on the capacities I just named.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author Clive James loved the Latin term gazofilacium, meaning “treasure chamber.” He said that the related Italian word, gazofilacio, referred to the stash of beloved poems that he memorized and kept in a special place in his mind. In accordance with astrological omens, Scorpio, now would be an excellent time to begin creating your own personal gazofilacium: a storehouse of wonderful images and thoughts and memories that will serve as a beacon of joy and vitality for the rest of your long life. Here’s your homework: Identify ten items you will store in your gazofilacium.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Tips to get the most out of the next three weeks: 1. Keep your interesting options open. Let your mediocre options shrivel and expire. 2. Have no regrets and make no apologies about doing what you love.

3. Keep in mind that every action you perform reverberates far beyond your immediate sphere. 4.

Give your fears ridiculous names like “Gaffe” and “Wheezy” and “Lumpy.” 5. Be honest to the point of frankness but not to the point of rudeness. 6.

Don’t just run. Gallop.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn poet Richard Hugo wrote, “It doesn’t bother me that the word ‘stone’ appears more than 30 times in my third book, or that ‘wind’ and ‘gray’ appear over and over in my poems to the disdain of some reviewers.” Hugo celebrated his obsessions.

He treated them as riches because focusing on them enabled him to identify his deepest feelings and discover who he really was. In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend a similar approach to you in the coming weeks. Cultivate and honor and love the specific fascinations at the core of your destiny.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Violet Trefusis (1894–1972) and author Vita SackvilleWest (1892–1962) loved each other. In one letter, Violet told Vita, “I want you hungrily, frenziedly, passionately. I am starving for you. Not only the physical you, but your fellowship, your sympathy, the innumerable points of view we share. I can’t exist without you; you are my affinity.” In the coming weeks, dear Aquarius, I invite you to use florid language like that in addressing your beloved allies. I also invite you to request such messages.

According to my reading of the planetary omens, you are due for eruptions of articulate passion.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I’d like to honor and pay homage to a past disappointment that helped transform you into a beautiful soul. I know it didn’t feel good for you when it happened, but it has generated results that have blessed you and the people whose lives you’ve touched. Would you consider performing a ritual of gratitude for all it taught you? Now is an excellent time to express your appreciation because doing so will lead to even further redemption.

Homework: When it’s impossible to do the totally right thing, you can do the half-right thing.

Example? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

19

July 28 to August 3, 2022

20

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

CANNABIS CORNER

S

ince marijuana has become readily available in local dispensaries across the United States it is a potential treatment for depression. In the past ten years there has been a rise in depression and suicide especially in the United States where pharmaceutical drugs have not been curing people of chronic mental illness and PTSD. Many patients who have depression (an estimated 16 percent) have reported that cannabis treatment helped them manage their mental illness and anxiety without the harsh side effects of benzodiazepines and antidepressants. It is apparent in today’s high stressful lifestyles that the healing power of the Cannabis plant is a warrior medicine for treating anxiety and depression.

Grape Ape – Indica. Grape Ape can provide a health consumer with a soothing

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 28 to August 3, 2022

TREATING DEPRESSION WITH CANNABIS

and calm feeling that treats symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia and pain. Its name hints, fruity taste and smells like grape juice, with a slight damson taste. Its deep purple and green flower ancestors, the strain grows into a deep purple bud and leaves to go with its deep berry and damson attributes.

It helps with chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Northern Lights – Indica. Northern Lights is a sacred and powerful strain that came from crossing Afghani and Thai Landrace strains. Aromatic, spicy, and sweet with hues of a citrus punch. Northern Lights can be effective in treating anxiety, pain, insomnia and loss of appetite.

Granddaddy Purple – Indica. Equals a 100% Indica strain and is memorable for its vibrant purple buds and green frosting.

When this cannabis is grown indoors it can pass 80 centimeters in height. Granddaddy Purple is a compact strain that rarely pushes above the 1-meter mark. Granddaddy Purple is a strain with very low CBD content. A Granddaddy Purple bud is considered the grandfather of all cannabis strains that gives a user a pleasurable euphoric sense of wellbeing that can treat chronic pain, depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Blue Dream – Hybrid. Blue Dream is a mild sativa effective hybrid with a potent 60% sativa and 40% indica. The Blue Dream has a dominant THC level that has about a 24% THC purity for an experienced user with an immediate cerebral high that can motivate a user with focused creativity. The Blue Dream has been reported by patients suffering from ailments such as chronic stress, chronic pain due to injury or illness, depression, and overwhelming insomnia. Blue Dream gives off the taste and aroma of blueberry fruit and remanences stay on your tongue after smoking it.

Girl Scout Cookies – Hybrid. GSC, it is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain created from crossing OG Kush with Durban Poison. This plant bud hybrid is known for its euphoric effects, giving the body a sense of calm and relaxation. A mild hit of the GSC can leave you feeling a sense of joy and contentment treating patients with depression, and anxiety, however it can make you feel hungry. A THC level of 19% that is recommended for an experienced health consumer. This is a medicine that

BY MERITA RA WHEEL-ZOT, M.A.S.

should be taken in very low doses for those new users seeking the healing benefits of cannabis.

Euphoria – Sativa. Euphoria is a sativa cannabis strain created from the Skunk marijuana as one of Amsterdam’s generation Z or the year 2000 by the Dutch Passion seed company. This infamous and popular bud takes about nine weeks to grow which has received the 2000 High Times Cannabis Cup and Best Seeds Highlife Cup in 2002 placing second place among all marijuana buds. The aroma is a more softer and fragrant smelling bud from its parent the Skunk which gives off a more floral smell. The strain is reported by users as a very high energy feel that can help with social anxiety and depression. Overall, this marijuana flower can promote a sense of well-being.

Outer Space – Sativa is a strong marijuana strain that is a hybrid of Island Sweet Skunk and Trinity and has been reported by patients for its cerebral and creative effects. It gives off a citrus scent and taste that can help with mild depression, anxiety, and headaches.

Overall, when trying this medicine plant to treat any illness or disorder such as depression, anxiety or PTSD you must consult with your health care provider, and prevail with the choices you make to heal your body from any challenging condition you face.

21

July 28 to August 3, 2022

22

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 28 to August 3, 2022

23

July 28 to August 3, 2022

24

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com