Coachella Valley Weekly - August 9 to August 15, 2018 Vol. 7 No. 21

coachellavalleyweekly.com • August 9 to August 15, 2018 Vol. 7 No. 21

93.7 KCLB Birthday Bash

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Dozzi Doz

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Bhakti Fest

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Lori McKenna

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Acqua CA Bistro

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Avery Wood, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Olga Rodriguez Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Laura Hunt Little, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Flint Wheeler, Denise Ortuno Neil, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Angela Romeo,Aaron Ramson, Lynne Tucker, Elizabeth Scarcella Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS Splash House 2018................................. 3 Breaking The 4th Wall - Desert Theatre League and the Desert Stars Awards... 4 93.7 KCLB Birthday Bash with TK.......... 5 Dozzi Doz ............................................5-6 Bhakti Fest 2018..................................... 6 Brewtality............................................... 7

SPLASH INTO THE WEEKEND: DJ CURT REYNOLDS READY TO TURN UP THE HEAT AT SPLASH HOUSE

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plash House is back this weekend and ready to cap off your summer with an absolute dream lineup. The sold out two-day music festival will once again take over the resort venues of The Riviera, The Saguaro, and The Renaissance, where party goers can splash around with their favorite tropical house DJs and shuttle from pool to pool.

LA-based DJ Curt Reynolds will be making big waves as he takes the stage at the festival for the first time. In an interview with CV Weekly, Reynolds revealed his excitement for his upcoming Splash House debut. “It’s a true honor and I couldn’t be more stoked,” he stated. “This August is a dream lineup and I’m a fan of every artist billed – I can’t wait to make some magic happen.” Reynolds describes how Splash House’s unique, multi-venue approach makes it feel like “three different festivals in one” and the open-air after party at the Palm Springs Air Museum is “just legendary.”

For a young DJ in a competitive music scene, Reynolds has experienced noteworthy success in the music mecca of Los Angeles and beyond. The 26-yearold protégé has an impressive musical

Sports Scene........................................... 7 Consider This - Lori McKenna................. 8 Art Scene - Fever Dream........................ 9 Pet Place............................................... 10 The Vino Voice ...................................... 11 Club Crawler Nightlife ................... 12-13

Photo By Miranda McDonald

resume, with performances at international festivals and clubs including Lollapalooza, SnowGlobe, Bestival Bali, ME Cabo, Sound Nightclub, Guam with Steve Aoki, and more.

He attributes his inspiration to “friends and those close to [him].”

The San Diego native shares how he was introduced into music at a young age: “I had a very musical upbringing and always had a passion for playing and discovering new material.” Ironically, his passion and talent for DJing was actually discovered through a stroke of luck. He recalls, “I had a short stint as a bar-back right out of college and I had the opportunity to take over as the resident DJ where I was working.” He continued, “It’s been nothing but a positive climb ever since!” Reynolds says his motto has always been: “You don’t ask, you don’t get.”

As a past Splash House patron, Reynolds vividly remembers receiving the invitation from Goldenvoice to return to the festival as an artist. “I was ecstatic and got even more excited when I saw how hard they crushed with the lineup,” he smiled. Reynolds will share the Splash House spotlight with big EDM names including Gorgon City, Gryffin, and Louis The Child. This year, the promising young DJ is looking forward to seeing several of his music icons: The Black Madonna, Latmun b2b Detlef, MK, and Kyle Watson, to name a few. As for his set behind the stage, Reynolds says he has some “special surprises in store” and hopes to give festivalgoers “the happiest and best experience of the whole weekend while having a ton of fun in the heat.”

August 9 to August 15, 2018

BY KATE RADVANSKY His advice to fans? “Stay hydrated!”

Gear up for Reynolds’ poolside set this weekend by listening to his mixes on his website: www.curtreynolds.com. For complete line-up information and set times, visit the official Splash House website: www.splashhouse.com. If you missed your chance for tickets to the sold-out festival, don’t worry – After Hours tickets are still available!

AUGUST LINEUP (alphabetical): Black Caviar // Camelphat // Curt Reynolds // Cut Snake // Dateless // Droeloe // Eli Brown // Fakear // FISHER** // Goddollars // Paradise** // Gorgon City // Griffin Stoller // Gryffin (DJ Set) // Hannah Wants // Worra // Kyle Watson // Latmun b2b Detlef // Louis The Child // Max Chapman // Melvv // Mija** // MK // Noizu** // Pham // Rambo // The Black Madonna // Walker & Royce // Will Clarke // Yahtzel (**After Hours at the Air Museum) Photo By Julian Basjel

Good Grub - SD Gaslamp Quarter...... 14 Screeners ............................................. 16 Book Review......................................... 17 Safety Tips ............................................ 17 Real Estate............................................ 18 Haddon Libby...................................... 19 Dale Gribow......................................... 19 Free Will Astrology.............................. 20 Life & Career Coach............................. 20 Awaken with Lizzy & Aimee................ 22

Photo Courtesy Of Curt Reynolds

Photo By Gina Joy

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DESERT THEATRE LEAGUE AND THE DESERT STARS AWARDS

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he name Antoinette Perry, may not be a common household name, but few have not heard of the Antoinette Perry Award, otherwise known as the ‘Tony,’ the ultimate award for excellence in New York Theatre. These awards began in 1946 and have continued for over 70 years to honor actors, directors and playwrights who excel in the theatrical world.

Giving accolades for outstanding work in the theatre is not limited to the city limits of New York. Most cities have their own version of acknowledgment for their theatrical artists and in the Coachella Valley, the ‘Desert Stars Awards,’ are given

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by the Desert Theatre League, as symbols of success by desert theatre artists.

In 1987 Desert Sun columnist Bruce Fessier, had been covering the Coachella Valley theatre scene since 1979 when it was comprised solely of the Valley Players Guild and a theatre course being offered at College of the Desert. Live theatre was not a booming industry in the desert at that time, but by ’87 there were a dozen theatre groups in the Coachella Valley and Fessier wanted to find a way to unite them.

He wrote a column suggesting that the theatres form a league. Within a short time he had come up with the idea of an awards show that would bring everyone together,

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

and the ‘Desert Stars Awards,’ was born.

The Desert Theatre League, (DTL) formed a 501c3 nonprofit with the mission of supporting and cultivating theatre in the Coachella Valley and has since its founding, has produced the annual awards dinner.

In addition to their awards ceremony, the DTL also awards scholarships for advanced study in the arts and an emergency financial aide fund for members in serious need.

Recognizing talent and honoring the creative work of theatre artists is a critically important service. The Coachella Valley is fortunate to be the home for many talented performers and exceptionally hard wording theatrical organizations. The Desert Theatre

BY DEE JAE COX

League includes all levels of artists in their annual recognitions. From Professional theatres to High School productions, staged readings to fully staged productions are all acknowledged and awarded for their work, in addition to recognizing those who have made continuous contributions to the Desert’s theatre community.

The list too extensive to include, but please take a look at DTL’s site for the award categories and nominees. deserttheatreleague.org/2018-nominees.

This year’s awards dinner and ceremony will be held in Sun City, Palm Desert on Sunday October 14. Reception and check-in begins at 4:00pm. The event is sold out, but if interested please get on the waiting list.

For more information on The Desert Theatre League, check out their website at: deserttheatreleague.org.

Actress and legendary acting coach, Stella Adler said, “Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.” There’s nothing like theatre and the artists who bring magic to the stage.

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

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

93.7 KCLB CELEBRATES 27TH ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY BASH AT THE HOOD BAR & PIZZA THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 AT 8PM

BY TRACY DIETLIN

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y now, most everyone in the local music scene should know who Program Director for 93.7 KCLB radio station, Todd “TK” Killiam is. He is the man who has worked tirelessly to bring local musicians on the radio for interviews as well as actually playing their tracks on his station. This is no small feat and we applaud and appreciate all he has done for the local music scene. So, let’s all show up this Saturday at The Hood and help him and the station celebrate. TK took some time to answer a few questions for us.

CVW: How long have you been at KCLB? TK: “I’ve been at KCLB almost 4 years.”

CVW: I know you came from San Diego.

Do you feel like Coachella Valley is home now?

TK: “I feel very at home in the Coachella Valley. It’s very laid back, the people are nice, there’s a lot to do. I love it here.”

CVW: How long have you been in radio?

TK: “My entire working life, since I was 18.”

CVW: Tell us a little about your position at 93.7 and how you came to have the freedom you now have to have so much local content?

TK: “I was originally hired to do the afternoon show. At the time there was a lot to do behind the scenes. I was eager to help and the job list grew into Program/Content Director, Music Director, Afternoon Show Knucklehead, and a million other things.

Supporting local music was something I was used to working in the San Diego and Los Angeles radio markets. The local music scene here is amazing. It happened for KCLB organically and grew quickly. Alpha Media is very supportive, they totally get it.”

CVW: What’s your favorite part of supporting the local bands?

TK: “Having them on the air. That’s probably my favorite thing about being on the air right now; the interaction with the local bands and listeners. It’s hard to explain how great it feels. So, I won’t.”

CVW: “You do so many great events partnering with different venues. Tell us about some of your recent shows that are standouts for you?

TK: “The one that stands out is the Billy Madison Show ‘Billy and Nard Kickback’ at Dringk Eatery + Bar. Billy and Nard had so much fun with the KCLB listeners! I have never seen a radio show connect so deeply with their audience like that, an amazing night. I’ve been honored to host the CV Music Awards twice. Acoustic Palooza at Big Rock Pub was a huge stand out this year. The grand prize-winning bands/artists were Giselle Woo and Mega Sun. And of course, where it all started with our journey supporting local artists, The Hood Palm Desert. This year our 27th Birthday Bash goes down at The Hood Bar and Pizza on

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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t’s a well known fact that Rap and HipHop in the Coachella Valley is not the constant it should be. Artists like AL RO$$I, THR3 STRYKES, TIPTOE STALLONE, WILLDABEAST, PROVOKED and J. PATRON are some of the native anchors of the genre.

DOZZI DOZ has also secured his place among the Desert Rap & Hip-Hop elite. He has shown to have the capabilities, he’s seized the opportunities and he’s provided his fans with accessibility to his music. But there’s one thing missing for all Rap/Hip-Hop artists in the desert, according to DOZZI…advocacy.

“There’s a lot of great music out here. We rock with all this and the streets will let you know. DJs need to get behind the music. Our valley will start picking up on it. Some of these cats have all this great music but can’t pack out a hometown show without the proper support. Shout-out to THR3 STRYKES and JACK PATRON for consistently doing it.” There’s an

August 11th, with local bands, The After Lashes, 5th Town, and Joe’s Boyz performing and Comedy from Cricket and Kevin Davis ‘The Marine of Comedy.’ 93.7 KCLB will be Live on-air from 8pm to 10pm giving out KCLB prizes every 10 to 15 minutes during the broadcast. It’s all ages until 10pm and it’s a FREE show.”

CVW: What has been the most important moment of your career so far?

TK: “This is tough one. I have had a very lucky radio run. Highlights are working at Indie 103/1 Los Angeles and 93.7 KCLB.” CVW: What major music/bands are you listening to right now?

TK: “I have been listening to KCLB nonstop lately. So... Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden, Breaking Benjamin, The Smiths, Oasis, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, Deftones, AC/DC, Killers, Radiohead, Skid Row, Disturbed, I will stop here, it may go for the rest of your CV Weekly issue.”

CVW: Local bands?

DOZZI DOZ

understood expectation and need to focus on popular music for radio and venues but a small window could do wonders for our

EVENTS

TK: “Literally just listened to Joe’s Boyz getting ready for The Hood KCLB Birthday Bash. I am a fan every local band here, except for one... my band Scrotum Pole. I say it like a broken record, there’s SO MUCH talent in the desert, I’m proud to be part of this music scene.”

CVW: Who would you most like to work with that you have not?

TK: “That’s a good question with a twist.

I’ve bumped into a show that truly inspires my inner radio nerd. It’s The Billy Madison Show mornings on KCLB. It’s a truly unique show on and off the air. Billy, Derek, Nard, Felix, and Chris are super solid guys and crazy talented. It’s so fun working with them daily.”

CVW: Who do you most respect in the music business?

TK: “Smokey Robinson.”

CVW: How do you feel the CV Music scene in the CV differs from San Diego or other towns you’ve lived/worked in?

TK: “I like this scene most, it’s the people.

Bands support each other and help each other here. I haven’t seen anything quite like it on my radio travels.”

CVW: Who would you pick for your 3 headliners for next year’s Coachella?

TK: “I can tell you who it wouldn’t be...

Beyoncé, Eminem, and The Weeknd. Let’s take it back to the days, Radiohead, Chili Peppers, AC/DC, Muse, Jack White, Killers, NIN, there’s a ton more, I’ll stop.”

CVW: Stagecoach?

TK: “No idea.”

CVW: Who would you pick if they did another Desert Trip?

TK: “Stones, Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Queen (I know), and The Sex Pistols or Iggy Pop or both.”

CVW: What would people be the most surprised to know about TK? TK: “I used to drive a Prius!”

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

artists. “The clubs and radio have to play certain music, slide my shit in there, it’s not just going to help the artist it’s gonna help you too!”

Considering other categories of music that have more local support like rock and reggae, DOZZI has a point. “What’s missing is people in certain positions are not stepping out. If somebody is doing something and you are feeling it, then you should get behind it. In big cities the DJ wants to break the new artist.

That’s not happening here. If you like an artist, play ‘em!” DOZZI is looking to help change that culture.

DOZZI was born in Los Angeles, California and relocated to the city of Indio and the Nairobi neighborhood in the early 80’s after a close family friend was murdered. DOZZI shared about his musical beginnings, “I started rapping in 8th grade. I also played drums. My uncle had a studio next door and they would

record me on drums and use those for drum tracks.” DOZZI also openly shared about the turning point in his life after being released from jail in 2003. “I opened up for KURUPT the next day. After that I realized I want to do this shit forever, that’s when I got serious.” DOZZI became deliberate in his dealings and started his career in music.

DOZZI is a former member of the popular group, MOST HATED. They released two albums independently, receiving widespread attention and regional acclaim while performing with artists such as ICE CUBE, D.P.G., PROBLEM and E-40. The group eventually parted ways, and DOZZI continued to pursue his solo career. continue to page 6

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

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DOZZI DOZ continued from page 5 supports a party atmosphere and has

For his debut, Tha Cure, DOZZI partnered with West Coast producer TARIQ BEATS (CHRIS BROWN, NIPSEY HUSSLE) to create an incredibly cohesive and contrasting solo album. DOZZI has also released three mixtapes, Tha Dolla Show Vol. 1, Tha Dolla Show Vol. 2, and My Stomach Hurts. These projects are packed with anthemic West Coast Rap with compelling storylines and beats. The narrative he shares is real and unapologetic.

DOZZI considers himself a product of his environment and represents his community proudly. He uses gritty realism and poetic lyrics to paint a picture in every song. He concedes, “DOZZI DOZ is all real. Everything I talk about is from my heart; true events with real-life scenarios and stories in my community; it’s honest and reflects the time; it’s raw and uncut; it’s for everybody, brown, black, white and every other color. Music brings people together. I’m trying to keep neutral ground.”

In addition to his truth, DOZZI’s music

meaning behind it. “The way music is now, I believe my music is that good-feeling music.

My music is chill music, like 2PAC. You get the chills on your arms with the straight-to-theshit kind of Rap. I want everyone to feel what I feel. It will give you chills up your spine too and I’ve got a message.”

DOZZI is currently working on a new EP/album that is scheduled for release in September 2018. He admits to having a library of music to choose from. “I record so many records I could put out a mixtape tomorrow!”

After listening to his music, it’s obvious that DOZZI is on the delegated and chosen path to share his gift of lyricism and Rap with the world.

DOZZI highlights are the tracks “Do Sumthin” and “Lord Knows”. Shout-out to Keisha for her input.

DozziDoz.com. You can also find DOZZI DOZ music on SoundCloud, Pandora, YouTube and all other outlets.

EVENTS BHAKTI FEST ANNOUNCES AN UNPRECEDENTED DEBUTS BY DEEPAK CHOPRA, AND RADNOR & LEE; NEW FEATURES INCLUDE MANTRA DOME AND KIRTAN CAMP 10TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL LINEUP FESTIVAL

BY SUSAN VON SEGGERN

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pon exiting the stage at 1969’s Woodstock Festival where Sri Swami Satchidananda gave the event’s invocation to over 400,000 attendees, the renowned spiritual leader gave Sridhar Silberfein his mission to create a festival where the focus was chanting the names of the divine and bringing higher consciousness to the masses. Forty years later in 2009 Sridhar actualized his mission, and in 2018 we are thrilled to celebrate 10 years of Bhakti Fest, September 12 – 17.

Pulling out all the stops for their 10th Annual Bhakti Fest event, attendees will be treated to a keynote speech from the worldrenowned mindfulness leader, Dr. Deepak Chopra M.D., co-founder JIYO.com, in his yoga festival debut. Dr. Chopra will also lead a workshop on The Radiance Sutras, in conjunction with Dr. Lorin Roche; take part in the Spiritual Superstar panel featuring Jai Uttal, Shiva Rea and Prem Baba; and lead a Global Meditation with Grammy nominated artist Krishna Das. While long known as a Kirtan (chanting) music festival, Bhakti Fest has branched out into Sacred Music in recent years, and for the 10th edition, are pleased to host the festival debut of Radnor & Lee. This new duo features television superstar Josh Radnor, the titular “I” in the Emmy winning nine season hit show “How I Met Your Mother,” along with noted Australian singer/songwriter Ben Lee. Friends for over a decade with a shared interest in philosophy and spirituality, they always said they should write a song together. One song turned into ten and Radnor & Lee was born.

Their debut album “Radnor & Lee” came out

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in November, 2017, and they have amassed a growing and passionate fanbase globally, particularly in Brazil where they completed a sold-out tour in January. They are currently at work on their second album due out later this year. Alternately witty, hopeful, yearning, joyful, searching, meditative, and celebratory, Radnor & Lee make music for human beings who are ready to fall in love with being human again.

Other new artists on the various Bhakti Fest stages will include Sri Kala’s sacred hip hop; Andre Thierry’s big band creole of folk, blues, jazz, zydeco, and soul; and global folkie Mikey Pauker leading a Shabad performance Friday at Sunset.

Unique to Bhakti Fest, in addition to the music stages, the event’s 10th Anniversary will add a Mantra Dome, a dedicated 360° dome space where attendees can join their favorite artists in for an intimate gathering to chant sacred mantras; a visionary art exhibition; and a Kirtan Camp offering a unique and blessed learning journey of two-hour classes to expand singers’ and musicians’ knowledge of how to utilize instruments and chanting for a deeper Bhav experience.

“While we always bring in the world’s best yoga teachers, including Sri Dharma Mittra, Shiva Rae, Janet Stone, Kia Miller, Mark Whitwell, Sianna Sherman, Govind Das & Radha, Saul David Raye, Johanna Beekman, Sean Johnson, and Jaya Lakshmi & Ananda to name a few, we also are very much into curating up and coming talent.” explains Sridhar. “Yoga classes for all levels are offered at three different yoga halls, including kids’ yoga.” The complete listing of yoga instructors

can be viewed here.

Bhakti Fest’s sacred music, runs from morning until well after midnight. This year’s special anniversary event brings together many acclaimed artists including Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, MC YOGI, Donna DeLory and many more. “Everyone knows that our line-up of sacred music is one of a kind!” explains Sridhar.

“Unlike other festivals which book pop bands, we have immersive music in multiple genres which everyone can sing to. The audience is as much a part of the show as the bands on stage.” The list of artists can be viewed here.

Bhakti Fest also offers wellness and wisdom classes. “We have had over 100 submissions from all over the world for our workshops and have picked the most interesting and current lecturers anywhere including Deepak Chopra, Jeffrey Armstrong, Michael Brian Baker, Prem Baba teaching all 4 days, Krishna Das, Paul Mitchell, Parvathy Baul and more.” says Sridhar. As always, the annual festival will deliver an exclusive taped interview with Bhakti Fest elder, and spiritual icon, Ram Dass, whose book “Be Here Now” helped bring Eastern philosophy to the West in the ‘60s.

More information on speakers and workshops is here.

In recent years the festival has added sacred spaces for gender specific workshops.

Bhakti Kid’s Land, sponsored by Sun Warrior, will feature the Peace Guardians who are taking the children’s program to a whole new level with a packed line up of classes and performances every day from 10am-6pm.

The festival also features a Healing Sanctuary offering a multitude of bodywork options, and the best raw, vegetarian and vegan food options. The Artisan Marketplace offers a treasure trove of jewelry, clothing, art, yoga gear, crystals, incense, furnishings and books from all over the world. Bhakti Fest’s own Bhakti Shoppe will feature highly soughtafter items from the bazaars of India.

The Sound Temple has become a new

favorite at Bhakti Fest, with a variety of sound baths and sound healing experiences taking place in the evening in the center’s unique, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Sanctuary. The Joshua Tree Retreat Center plays its own role in the fest, with a sublime high desert setting on 420 acres of sacred ground which includes a pool for aqua-yoga, a walking labyrinth, and traditional medicine wheel.

Bhakti Fest offers a family friendly, drug and alcohol-free environment. These elements combine to create an unprecedented high vibration heart opening experience for all who attend. Bhakti Fest is a non-profit that donates to a variety of charities in India and the US. The international yoga community is coming together for this anniversary celebration of this truly devotional gathering which welcomes all. Sridhar says, “In reflecting on ten years, we wanted to build spiritual community where every family and attendee can feel safe and be honored on their path.”

Passes and intensive tickets are now available for Bhakti Fest 2018, with discounts offered to local residents, veterans, military, seniors and students, at bhaktifest.com/buytickets.

For more details on the Bhakti Fest 2018 lineup and general festival information, please visit bhaktifest.com.

Bhakti Fest Events would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors.

Bhakti Fest sponsors are curated to enhance the Festival experience and be fully aligned with the energy of the event. This year’s sponsors include: Proud Source Water, Anu Alchemy, Banyan Botanicals, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Buddha Teas, Desert Essence, Elephant Journal, Jaipar Avenue Chai, Lesser Evil, La Croix, Namaste Light, Sun Warrior, White Swan, and Yoga Alliance.

For more info please see bhaktifest. com. For press info please contact Susan von Seggern at susan@susanvonseggern.com or 213-840-0077.

BREWTALITY

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few miles apart from each other just east of San Bernardino are a trio of breweries; Hangar 24, Escape, and Brewcaipa, where I’m the head brewer. Prior to becoming Brewcaipa’s head brewer, I was the assistant brewer at Babe’s Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage. Prior to that, I was a home brewer who’d racked up seven medals with my original recipes over three years in various amateur homebrewing competitions. And prior to THAT, I had a girlfriend who’d bought a last-minute Christmas gift that she’d hoped might be a fun project for me.

Most people working in a trade got their start by apprenticing or going to trade school.

Me? I got mine through Target’s clearance section.

It’s janky as hell to me now, but back in 2005, my first Mr. Beer kit seemed like the best Christmas present ever (SECOND best Christmas present ever actually, after the “Dissect an Alien” toy I got when I was eight years old. You’d open its stomach up with a toy scalpel and pull out all these little organs that were covered in slime; I was obsessed with that toy line. You were supposed to figure out how to put all the organs back in, puzzle fashion, but my little brain wasn’t interested in that, and promptly lost all the little organ pieces. I’m still scouting eBay to own that piece of childhood nostalgia once again). Packaged in a tall cardboard box was a brown plastic replica of a beer barrel, a bunch of plastic soda bottles with screw on caps, a can of hopped wort, packets of sanitizing powder, and dried yeast. The instructions were to boil the syrupy contents of the can with a couple gallons of water, pour into the (sanitized) plastic barrel and mix the

SPORTS SCENE

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t’s the last chance to grab some major silverware in 2018, so it’s little surprise that some 110 of the world’s top 112 players will tee up at Bellerive – Europeans Joost Luiten and Bernd Wiesberger the only absentees with respective wrist injuries.

There are concerns about the back spasms which kept Justin Rose out of the WGC-Bridgestone, but he is expected to take his place in the field on Thursday.

This Week’s Course Preview If you think you’ve heard the name ‘Bellerive Country Club’ before then maybe you have: it has hosted prior editions of the standard and senior US Open and PGA Championship before, as well as the BMW Championship in 2008.

Based in a suburb of St Louis, Missouri, Bellerive was first designed by Robert Trent-Jones in 1960, with a large overhaul coming in 2006 from his son, Rees Jones, an architect known as the ‘Open doctor’ for his work on Winged Foot and Torrey Pines.

Built around a creek which creates a hazard on nine holes, Bellerive will play as a Par 70 this week with just two Par 5s and at a lengthy yardage of roughly 7,300 yards, depending on tee placement.

The Bentgrass greens are large, as per

MR. BEER

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resulting concoction with yeast. You’d sit and watch it ferment in your closet for a couple of weeks, dreaming of the day you could proudly pop a bottle of your own brew whilst gazing proudly off into the sunset; wondering what to name the brewery you should be opening with the amazing new skill set you’d acquired.

So, after two long weeks of watching your beer ferment in the little barrel, you’d have to add sugar to the mix to get the yeast working again, then immediately bottle it, and wait another long, agonizing two weeks for it to carbonate and condition in the bottle. And finally, after 28 seemingly endless days, you’d finally get to crack open a bottle and take your

BY AARON RAMSON

first sip. And invariably, it would always taste like getting socks for Christmas.

Not a complete letdown, but joyless and unexciting (unless you love getting socks for Christmas, in which case you’d have been happy watching paint dry instead of trying to make your own beer). You’d have waited a whole month just to taste beer that reminded you of Miller Genuine Draft’s blander cousin.

My only saving grace was that Miller Lite was my beer of choice when I made that first batch of Mr. Beer, so I didn’t find my results to be all that awful. About a year later I bought myself another kit and proceeded to make my second batch of mediocre beer, and the whole

THE 2018 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Trent-Jones’ original design, but have been complicated since with the introduction of ‘greens within a green’: layers and ‘transitions’ with the green complexes themselves. You can expect little tiers and

August 9 to August 15, 2018

shelves to complicate matters and place an emphasis on accurate approach.

The fairways are Zoysia, the strain of grass typically native to parts of Africa. Both Gary Player and Nick Price have won here, so perhaps that is an angle that the South African players will enjoy this week.

Those who have walked the course have commented on the back nine in particular which appears to feature some outstanding holes. The eleventh will be a drivable Par 4, a move which was dictated when a pot bunker was removed by Rees Jones, although the players are well served to watch out for the pond that protects the right-hand side of the green.

Holes 13-16 are on the ridgeline, which means some dramatic elevation changes and elegant visuals for players off the tee.

And the 17th is a 597-yard behemoth of a Par 5, which is lined by the creek down the right-hand side. Will the field lay-up or attack the green?

2018 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP RANKINGSMY TOP 5 PICKS: 1. Dustin Johnson -- Feels like DJ can do the opposite of his Carnoustie strategy and crush it at Bellerive. Less driver, more birdies.

experience was so underwhelming that I never bothered to make a third batch of beer for nearly four years.

A quick internet search shows that Mr. Beer is still around, rebranded as a “Craft Beer System” instead of calling itself “a home microbrewing kit” like it did in the mid-2000’s, and they’ve made some necessary adjustments to keep it contemporary (the newest IPA kits even come with hops. What a novel concept when making a beer, smh), but there’s no way in hell that I can recommend Mr. Beer to anyone curious about brewing for the first time. While easy enough for anyone to tackle, it skips many fundamental steps that gives the user a better tasting finished product. At no point do you ever know what the ABV of your Mr. Beer made suds are going to be, and aside from the newest and most premium kits, you get a single can of hopped wort, generic yeast designed for shelf stability and not flavor, no hops, and no real understanding of how the brewing process is supposed to work. What you’re left with is a low alcohol and thin bodied beer, and the understanding that beer is made by “magic”. It’s fine for 21-year-old college kids who don’t have the space or money to make a real beer, but for everyone else, stay away.

I’ll give you advice on the best kits for brand new brewers in an upcoming column. I just returned from Ace Hotel’s Craft Beer Weekend and cannot wait to share all the good stuff that went on this year.

BY FLINT WHEELER 2. Justin Thomas -- JT would’ve been around 11th or 12th on my list last week, and he won. No reason to believe his high ball isn’t a big asset on another RTJ Sr. jam, but do have to look out for his driving.

3. Rory McIlroy -- McIlroy should’ve done better for himself on Sunday at Firestone, but maybe he makes up for it this week.

This should suit his eye.

4. Tommy Fleetwood -- Tommy Fleetwood can play well anywhere, and he gains a lot of strokes off the tee. His approach play is sublime. What’s not to like?

5. Brooks Koepka -- Brooks gathered himself after a dud Canadian Open to play really well -- by his account, some of his best-ever golf -- at Firestone. That could be scary for Bellerive. He likes PGA setups.

I’ll take DJ and his buddy Koepka to both finish top 5. DJ played great Sunday of last week and should take that good vibe into this week. He’s due to win at least one this year, isn’t he? G’Luck!

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

TREE” (CN RECORDS/THIRTY TIGERS) LORI MCKENNA “THE

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here are very few sure things in the record business, but one thing you can always count on is great music from Lori McKenna. The Massachusetts native is less known as a performer, and more recognizable to Country fans as the songwriter behind huge hits from Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Allison Krauss, Reba, Little Big Town and Keith Urban. She has just released her 11th album, The Tree.

Born in 1968, and raised in Stoughton, Massachusetts, she is the youngest of six kids.

Her mom, Lorraine, (for whom she was named), passed away when Lori was just seven. A year later she met her future husband, Gene, while they both attended third grade. They married after graduating high school in the mid ‘80s.

She had always nurtured musical ambitions, quietly singing, playing guitar and writing her own songs, from age 13. But it wasn’t until her late ‘20s, after receiving encouragement from Gene and the kids that she began to actively pursue a career in music. By day, she took care of her family. Once everyone was asleep, and the house was quiet, she would write her songs at the kitchen table. Finally, she screwed up her courage and began performing.

She found a home in Boston’s thriving coffee house scene. She paid her dues at Open Mic nights, and pretty soon, her talent was recognized. Following the same road paved by antecedents like Aimee Mann, Tracy Chapman, Jonatha Brooke and Patty Griffin, she cultivated a local, rather loyal fan base.

By 1998 she had recorded her debut, Paper Wings And Halo, it was released two years later through the small Signature Label. A year later, Pieces Of Me arrived and 2004 saw the release of the intimate Kitchen Tapes album as well as her breakthrough, Bittertown. Even though her music was closer to Folk and Rock, trace elements of Country were sprinkled in to the mix. Wisely, Lori’s publisher sent her music out to several Nashville stars and the gambit paid off. Country superstar, Faith Hill recorded three of her songs (including the title track) for her 2005 album, Fireflies. It shot to #1 on the Country charts and eventually went multiplatinum.

Faith and her husband, Tim McGraw, took

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Lori under their collective wing and she was rapidly becoming a household name. She signed a deal with their behemoth record label, Warner Brothers, began opening for them on tour and even appeared on “Oprah” with the couple.

Her major label debut, Unglamorous, was produced by Tim McGraw and released in 2007. Sleek and more polished than earlier efforts, it reached #19 on the Country charts, and #119 on the Billboard Top 200. Strangely, Warner Brothers expected even bigger things, so she and the label parted company.

In the ensuing years she has returned to smaller labels, honing the warm and deeply personal style that has become her signature. Between 2011 and 2014 she released four records, Lorraine, Heart-Shaped Bullet, Massachusetts and Numbered Doors.

Balancing marriage and (five) kids, Lori Has also carved out time to pursue her musical dreams. Every month she spends two days working in Nashville. There, she concentrates on songwriting and collaborates with other writers.

In 2016, she enlisted in-demand producer Dave Cobb and created another winner, The Bird & The Rifle. A Georgia native, Dave is a musician first and made his bones in L.A. before setting up his own studio in Nashville.

He is practically a fifth member of Rival Sons, the thrilling Rock N’ Roll Band from Long Beach, California who are leading the charge to resurrect the nearly moribund corpse of Rock N’ Roll. He has handled production chores on all of their records, (including their highly anticipated sixth release, due in September).

Currently the most in-demand producer in the business, the Grammy winner has also been behind the boards to guide seminal albums from Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, Ashley Monroe, Zac Brown and John Prine. The Bird & The Rifle featured Lori’s take on her “Humble And Kind” song (which Tim McGraw took to the top of the charts in 2015). It garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. Now she and Dave have partnered up again for her newest effort, The Tree.

The record opens tentatively with “A Mother Never Rests.” Strummy acoustic guitar and lithe percussion intersect over a tumbling beat. A sturdy evocation to motherhood, it begins with this simple observation; “Here’s what I know, even when she’s sleeping, she’s still dreaming of you.” She quietly makes the case that no one ever knows you as completely, or loves you as thoroughly as your mother. (Sadly, sometimes that never really resonates until your mother is gone).

Collaborating with other writers is a relatively new method for Lori, so it’s no surprise that the most intimate songs on The Tree are solo compositions. “People Get Old” blends sun-dappled acoustic arpeggios with rugged electric riffs. Poignant lyrics chart the painful role reversals that inevitably occur between a parent and a child; “Daddy keeps

busy in the afternoons playing cards by himself, and he shouldn’t be shoveling that first snow but you know he won’t take the help, full of pride and love he don’t say too much, but hell, he never did/You still think he’s 45 and he still thinks you’re a kid, one day you find yourself saying the things they did.”

Pensive acoustic chords share some musical DNA with Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” on “You Won’t Even Know I’m Gone.” The lyrics offer a snapshot of Lori’s mundane, albeit meticulous preparations for her monthly Nashville sojourns; “I will wash and fold your clothes, sort them carefully into rows, spray soap from the bathroom tiles, cut the threads from the kitchen towels/Wash the dishes in the sink, I could do it all in my sleep.” As domestic duties and artistic ambitions collide, she briefly equivocates; “And may God forgive the things I do that puts one mile between me and you...” before realizing that she must follow her path, with a nod toward Shakespeare; “…To Thine own self be true.”

Meanwhile, “The Fixer” offers a devastating portrait of a husband and wife, the Fixer and the Fighter. He’s a Handyman who can repair anything, but he’s helpless when it comes to his wife’s terminal illness. Stinging electric riffs buttress soothing acoustic notes, mirroring the way he busies his hands, unable to sooth her pain. She Remains pragmatic; “The fighter says somethings just can’t be fixed, touching her cross on her necklace, reminding the fixer she still believes, he whispers ‘then ask for a miracle please’/The fighter is fighting so damn hard, she’ll sit on the chair in the backyard, and the kids will come later on, pretending nothing is wrong.”

On the tracks that are collaborations, music and lyrics run the gamut of genre and emotions. The rollicking “Happy People,” cowritten with Haley Whitters, matches muscular guitars to rumbling bass lines and propulsive rhythms. The lyrics cleave a little too closely toward the Golden Rule, but offer this gentle observation; “Life is short and love is rare, and we all deserve to be happy while we’re here.”

“You Can’t Break A Woman,” splits the difference between Torch and Twang. A joint effort from Lori, Hilary Lindsey and Liz Rose, the opening phrase, “Whiskey breath don’t phase her anymore...” sets the scene.

An emotionally bruised and battered wife confides that she stays in a loveless marriage, disinterest numbing her pain.

Co-written with Luke Laird, “The Way Back Home” offers life lessons to a child who has come of age. The bare-bones instrumentation includes honeyed acoustic riffs, wily bass runs and kick drum beat put the focus on the lyrics’ maternal homilies; “Keep a $20 in your pocket and a book for reading, if the truth hurts your throat keep mercy on your tongue/Remember forgiveness is a choice, The bitterless all reap it, that way you always know your way back home.”

Finally, the title track, written with Natalie Hemby and Aaron Raitiere, is a wry meditation on nature and nurture. Plangent acoustic notes intertwine with rippling electric riffs as lush mellotron sounds wrap around a brisk melody. A sideways homage to the old adage “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” it becomes a metaphor for Lori’s circuitous path to stardom; “I’ve tried leaving and being something I was never meant to be/And I’ve tried staying, ever changing and standing in one place just like that tree.”

In a record packed with sparking songcraft, two tracks stand out, “Young and Angry Again” and “The Lot Behind St. Mary’s.” The former is anchored by Byrdsy electric guitar percolating bass and a buoyant back-beat. Lori revisits her rebellious teen years, hoping some of that spark remains; “Lighting cigarettes just to hold ‘em, up in the air, singing never got old/ Throwing bottles at a high school chain link fence, telling yourself all you’ll ever need is a heart full of fire and gasoline/I could use a little of who I was in that way back then, to be young and angry again.”

The latter is also something of a trip down memory lane. More contemplative, it’s powered by finger-picked acoustic filigrees, thrumming bass lines, keening electric riffs, thumping drums and mellotron colors. Unlike, say, Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days,” Lori isn’t looking to relive past triumphs. Her lyrics evoke a yearning for her younger years while maintaining a healthy appreciation for her life in the present tense; “Cigarettes in the August sky, Drinking the beers you convinced your older brother to buy….and I know we can’t go back in time, but every now and then you look at me and I know you wonder why we can’t/ Get back to When September was our only adversary, in the lot behind St. Mary’s.”

The album closes with “Like Patsy Would.”

A Bluesy meditation on the creative process, it includes this succinct wish; “I wanna pray it like Jesus is listening, I wanna play it like I’m made of strings on wood/I wanna write it down like Hemmingway, like it’s the last damn thing I’ll ever say, and try to sing it like Patsy Would, I’m gonna sing it like Patsy would.”

Eleven records in and Lori McKenna’s music is reliable, but never predictable. The Tree envelopes the listener like a frayed denim jacket; the record offers rich melodies paired with vivid stories that feel familiar and true.

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FEVER DREAM O

pening September 1 at Joshua Tree’s Art Queen East Gallery will be Fever Dream. Running through October 28 the exhibition will feature the work of three avant-garde artists, Christiane Cegavske, Zara Kand and Carol Cameron; three artists who are more than willing to challenge ones’ senses.

Multidiscipline Artist Christiane Cegavske takes one through a journey of the fairy tale from the other side of the looking glass. She describes her work as lying “between fable and fever dream where anthropomorphic creatures follow their own illogically logical pursuits and mysterious actions have dire consequences.” She is at her best when free from constraints.

Fever Dream will present a teaser of her upcoming film Seed in the Sand. It follows in the footsteps of her award-winning Blood Tea and Red String, a film 13 years in the making.

That film was described by Dennis Harvey of Variety as “a David Lynchean fever dream on Beatrix Potter terrain…as lovingly crafted as it is unsettlingly sour-sweet.” It is difficult to find a more apt description of her work.

“When I was invited to participate I was in the midst of creating life-sized versions of the rag dolls for the live-action opening sequence.

It seemed natural to use them as life models for these paintings,” said Christiane. “Women are often told to smile, no matter what we are really feeling; expected to have our makeup/ mask in place, to listen quietly, to accept.

Often there is no room in our daily lives to express negative or uncomfortable emotions.

We are expected to make those around us comfortable with a friendly smile. Smile like your life depends on it. Maybe it does. It becomes an unconscious reflex. Smile! Here I have taken it further. Not only is there a smile, there is a mask. Not only is there a manufactured smile, there is a manufactured self.”

How does Christiane see the continuity of Fever Dream? “Our works all draw dreamlike content into the edges of the realm of the real.

The inexplicable and unnatural, the familiar and strange, the ethereal and substantial, all blended into a symbolism both illuminating and obscuring personal meanings, leaving the work open to be interpreted by the viewer, yet rich with autobiographical trails.”

High Desert resident Zara Kand is co- owner of the eclectic Space Cowboy Books. An artist

Zara Kand

ART SCENE

August 9 to August 15, 2018

BY ANGELA ROMEO

in paint, literary works, sculpture, illustrations for various publications and music, Zara’s work is a blend of the Goth femme fatale. Dark, mysterious and seductive the work charms the viewer into a comfortably numb sensation.

But comfort is short lived as the work begins to consume the viewer.

What does Fever Dream mean for Zara?

“This new body of work has come sincerely from a place deep inside; subliminal messages distilling over time that finally made it to the surface in the form of symbolic and emotional imagery. I had a long time to let it stew, it’s been about a year since my last cohesive series, and I’m very happy with the results. This series has a theme running through it- water. You see water in various forms in all of the pieces, yet mainly serving as a reflective base from which some interesting revelations are being born. I hope this work inspires others to ponder the sea of their own emotions.”

“I feel all of the works in this show belong together because it seems they are all coming from a place from within; the female experience of pain and melancholy, as well as hope and beauty.”

Carol Cameron, artist, teacher, healer, brings another dimension to this exhibition.

Using found objects, fiber and other material Carol’s work is the bridge between the other artists’ work. “Most of my ideas come from a strong desire for wholeness and an exploration of the relationship between the material and non-physical world,” noted Carol.

Like Zara and Christiane, Carol’s work bridges the area of fuzzy logic. But her work seems to tie the three together. The creatures depicted in her work, especially when swathed in yarns, become the middle ground, the yardstick to gauge the creatures of the other artists’ work.

“I am excited to see all of our work together in the same room. I think one unifying factor is the interest in the unconscious and dream world that all of our work exhibits. There are light and dark elements woven throughout our imagery and a connection to the natural world,” noted Carol.

For more information on Christiane Cegavske visit christianecegavske.com; Zara Kand visit zarakand.com; and Carol Cameron visit woodbison.net.

Art Queen (www.sharielf.com) is located at 61855 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA.

Carol Cameron

Christiane Cegavske

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JANET McAFEE

LOVING LANDRY SEES WITH HIS HEART

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he small black terrier ran through the house, going up and down the stairs, playing joyfully with the household cats, taking turns chasing each other. When Landry meets another pup, his tail wags and soon the play begins.

Watching this happy animal interaction, one would never suspect that Landry has a vision impairment.

Loving All Animals rescued 10-monthold Landry from the San Bernardino County Shelter at Devore. He was brought to the shelter by someone claiming he found the dog as a stray in a rural unincorporated area of the county. No one came looking to claim the stray dog. While we will never know the details of his past, he is a happy dog exhibiting no obvious signs of abuse.

During a veterinary exam at Desert Dunes Animal Hospital, Landry was given a diagnosis of microphthalmia, a genetic condition where the eyes are smaller than normal. However, eye problems can be complex and a referral was made to an animal ophthalmologist in Upland, the nearest specialist in the field, for a more complete diagnosis and prognosis.

Loving All Animals arranged an upcoming

MEET PEACHES Precious Peaches is a 4-yr-old cancer survivor.

She wins the gold medal for being the most loving lap cat, and loves to hang out with you! Rescued by www.ForeverMeow.org, call (760) 335-6767.

MEET ASHLEY This lovely white Shepherd waits for a home with you at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. Ashley is just 8 months old and full of puppy fun. (760) 343-3644 & refer to dog ID# A1463605.

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appointment for Landry at Eye Care for Animals. We believe he has some sight based on his observed behavior. He chases butterflies, and one day he spotted a bird at some distance and chased it through the yard.

Safe and sound in a foster home with Debbie Karp, Landry’s happy personality has blossomed. His ability to navigate astounds everyone. Debbie taught him where all the stairs are located. She describes her foster pup who steals everyone’s heart, “He’s such a lover boy. Landry wants to be with people all the time, and enjoys sitting on laps. He is very smart. Once he gets his bearings and knows the home layout, you would not notice he has any limitations. Landry deserves someone who is compassionate, and wants to give him the best life possible…..just like any other rescue dog seeking a second chance.”

Dogs are much more adaptable than people, they tend to live in the moment and take things in stride. Dogs have an incredible capacity to smell, and their sense of hearing seems to heighten to make up for lost vision.

If you have a blind dog, you must safe

proof your home. This includes removing any sharp protruding objects at the dog’s level. When you go out, your pup will enjoy the soft sound of radio music or television.

Keep your furniture in the same location.

While all dogs enjoy having their own bed, a blind dog especially needs a cozy place of his own with special toys. Blind dogs can enjoy playing fetch, and there are special balls that make a constant sound to help

him track their location. Visually impaired dogs (or any dog) should never be left unsupervised near a swimming pool.

There is a wealth of information online about having a visually impaired or blind dog. The website blinddogs.net has many valuable ideas and resources. For information about adopting Landry, contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000. To make a donation toward our rescue dogs’ veterinary care, go to lovingallanimals.org and designate the reason for your donation.

It is so rewarding to be around Landry.

His cheerful optimism is contagious. There is something special about a “special needs” dog that gives you something no other dog does. Landry sees with his heart, and his heart is full of love.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

ACQUA’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!

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cqua California Bistro seems to be enjoying the limelight this summer season. Not only did this column recently write on the fun and delight of Acqua’s Happy Hour wine bar, pretty much every publication in town—including our own CV Weekly, The Desert Sun, and Palm Springs Life has voted or named this popular Rancho Mirage restaurant as having the “Best”... Happy Hour, American & California Cuisine, Martini & Craft Cocktails, Burger, Pizza, Breakfast, Brunch & Romantic Dining, or Vegan/Vegetarian menu—in other words, pick a category; Acqua made the list!

(And by the way—the great art for sale on many of the walls is by Marvin Cohn— Barbara Keller’s father, proceeds of which go to charity.)

Enter now—the wine lovers and enthusiasts in this valley who are hearing the good news: Acqua is now focusing on particular wine and dish pairings. As mentioned in my previous article, most foodies in town already know the restaurateur family, Jerry and Barbara Keller are the owners of LULU California Bistro as well as Acqua. LULU is as popular as it comes in Palm Springs where we’ve enjoyed some excellent meals at great prices there and have absolutely enjoyed their stellar winemaker dinners.

When we heard that Acqua’s Executive Chef, Arturo Casillas, and Wine & Beverage Director, Chris Blumh had put their heads together to fashion some of their popular dishes to match and pair along with particular popular wines on their list—well, that pricked our interest!

Chef Arturo has had a wonderful run of experience these past couple of decades, working at Cuistot and at St. Germain; Executive Chef at La Quinta Grill and for the last ten years at LULU and Acqua. It was great to meet wine director Chris for the first time; a gracious young man who’s accumulated a lot of wine knowledge; his vino pairings, as you’ll see below, were both impressive and inventive.

So, come along with us as we describe for you our recent dining experience—an

excellent cuisine and vino adventure enjoyed on a hot August night: All of the dishes, platters, and plates along with the wines mentioned below are on the varied menu. Further, there are three and fourcourse prix fix menus available at astonishing low pricing. I recommend going online at: www.acquaranchomirage.com.

Once inside the cool and inviting dining room, we began with a refreshing quaff carrying a most welcoming name: Lulu. That’s right—no association to the restaurant with its coincidental name, but Chris was having fun with us as he poured the delicious 2016 Hewitson Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills in Australia’s premier Sauv blanc region. I was impressed to see this bottle on their wine list; nothing like alerting us wine fans to new stuff.

The beautifully bright green with pale straw nuanced Australian wine has crisp aromatic herbaceous and citrus notes that round out on the palate; a down-under Sauv blanc in a California style: The perfect appetizer wine, with or without food.

When our waiter, Jacob, presented our table with the Petite Lobster Salad, I assumed it was to pair with the already served Lulu; which is a perfect pairing for fresh lobster and shrimp atop mixed field greens with tropical and passion fruit vinaigrette. But the paring continued to improve with Chris’ next selection: 2016 Kim Crawford, Unoaked, New Zealand Chardonnay.

Chris has the pulse of our wine community and is not shy to showcase the most popular wines in our valley. Kim Crawford is famous for its Sauv blanc; its Chardonnay, not so much.

But this is bright and crisp wine with light tropical, pineapple, and pear notes with no oak at all, which challenges those who complain about too much wood in their wine. Both the Lulu and the Kim Crawford Unoaked were perfect foil for the shellfish salad.

With impressive style, we enjoyed a “sorbet-like” palate-cleanser in a glass of 2016 Bee’s Box California Pinot Noir. Aside from the fact that 10% of the profits go to bee protecting organizations, this wine was the

August 9 to August 15, 2018

perfect intermediary with its vibrant fragrance of cranberries and black cherries, and, a palate of red raspberries and plums; a very tasty pinot from the Coppola Family wine stable.

Our next course paired the Petite Filet Mignon dish, served with a light roasted garlic topping, red wine reduction sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and mashed red skin potatoes, with a Cab that I hadn’t tasted before. Now I’m a New York Steak fan; I hadn’t had a filet mignon in over 30 years! But it was classically tender, juicy & steakalicious! —there you go, quote me. I would look forward to this steak again on my next visit.

And the vino I’d yet to try was the 2016 Imagery Cabernet Sauvignon. By this time at the meal, I was happily convinced that Chris was one of the new Wine Wise Guys in the

valley. I write often of the “synergy” between the meal and the wine served. Here was a great example where the wine’s ripe red berries and blackberries flavors—mixed along with a touch of spice, brought the quality and appreciation of the filet mignon to new heights!

The New Zealand Rack of Lamb was next served with a Zinfandel. I know—generally we serve that up with the classic Bordeaux. Chris knew that but wished to think outside the rack! The cherry and plum notes along with the cinnamon spice and firm tannins of the 2016 Federalist Lodi Zinfandel matched wonderfully with the most delicious rack of lamb I’ve ever had! And here’s to you Chef Arturo!

If you can believe it, a bread & herb crusted Chilean Sea Bass, with sun-dried tomato beurre blanc on a bed of sautéed spinach was served along everyone’s favorite FerrariCarano, Sonoma Chardonnay. Voluptuously lush with moderate acidity, it’s always the bomb sea bass combo!

And for dessert, the fancy Triple Chocolate Cake wrapped with Cotton Candy in a Martini glass, shimmered about with Candy California Rosé. By the winemakers of Butter Chardonnay, this dry but fruity Rosé provided a festive finale for sweet dreams—Bon Appétit & Cheers!

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

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THUR AUGUST 9

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Bill and Doug Duo 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ Jakkz Bday Party w/ DJs Cyborg, Cazzuto, Dxsko, Mick Mac and Addemup 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield and Brian Dennigan 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Open Mic hosted by Lance Riebsomer 7-10pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Kristy King 7-10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 8-10pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-8201213 Karaoke 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-7pm

HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 TBA 9pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 Reggae Night 9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Roxx 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Country Night w/ JB & the Big Circle Riders 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Rick the Piano Man 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shooter Jennings and Hellbound Glory 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Intimate Acoustics w/ Morgan Alise James 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Mike Cosley 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Black Market Jazz 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-2300188 Yve Evans 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI AUGUST 10

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Micha Schellhaas 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Full House Band w/ Nena Anderson 8pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Rich Bono 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Frequencies EDM Night w/ DHs Femme A, Twelfth Moon, Sethis and Gary Stewart 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield, Brian Dennigan and Leon Bisquera 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Crimson Crow 8:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ Double A 8pm

BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm DESERT FOX; PD; Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ Journee 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760228-1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-8201213 Bellstarr and Dana Larson 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Beatlemania 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Karaoke 7:30pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 Tributo A Selena and La Cachimba 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Roxx 7:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Vice Versa 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Eevaan Tre 6:30pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Dude Jones 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shooter Jemmings and Hellbound Glory 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6:30pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777- Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm 9985 TBA 8:30pm 1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ Guy THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK Worden 9pm 1773 Reggie “Vision” Alexander 6:30pm CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760- TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; Bobby Furgo 9pm 228-1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3426-10pm Michael Madden 6-9pm 2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 6-9pm 755-5391 DJ 10pm Latin Rock 10pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-820-1213 WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music Hammer of the Ozz w/ Hanz Krypt 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 7605pm 341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-32829; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3475955 Michael Keeth 6pm 9985 TBA 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 93.7 WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 KCLB Bday Bash w/ 5th Town, After THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327Joanie and the Boomers 8pm Lashes, Joe’s Boyz and Comedians Kris 1773 Dennis Michaels 6:30pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; Bossi and Kevin Davis 8pm 5512 Johnny Meza and Co. 7pm 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm 6-10pm 7pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth Johnny Meza 6pm 4-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 DJ Galaxy HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ and the House Whores 5pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328- 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 5955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm 3505 Bob Garcia 6pm 760-345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Mind 5512 Rob Martinez, Todd Ashley and Lisa KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 Waves w/ C. Love DJ Set 11am poolside, Banda La Proyectiva 9pm LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm Zouyina 9pm continue to page 18 WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230- KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm 0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm 325-2794 PS Sound Company 1pm, Hot Roxx 8pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Vice Versa 9pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bev & Bill 6:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ Victor Rodriguez 11am, MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Derek Jordan poolside, and 10pm Gregg 6pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax Karaoke 8pm 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm 1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 7:30pm 760-327-4080 Ozzmania Tribute Band BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 9pm Dirty Perreo Tropical Bass Dance Party PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365w/ J Patron, Ocho Ojos, Vida Loca and 5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Sonstormer 7pm Swearin’ and Mike Kros 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Minniefield, Brian Dennigan and Leon Karaoke 7:30pm Bisquera 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Red’s Radio 80’s 8:30pm Rockstar Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm 775-5566 DJ 9pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Crimson Crow and Motley Inc. (Motley Gennine Francis 6-10pm Crue Tribute) 7:30pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Brothers 8pm Wright 9-1am SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322Christian 6-9pm 9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7777-10pm 1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm

August 9 to August 15, 2018

SUN AUGUST 12

SAT AUGUST 11

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

GOOD GRUB

I

SAN DIEGO ESCAPE: A FOOD EXCURSION

f you can’t take the heat, get out of the desert. And when the summer temps start creeping up to 120 degrees, well, it’s only natural to want flee. For our desert heat escape, we chose San Diego, for cooler weather and some great eats.

It happens every summer in the Coachella Valley. The heat rises up to grueling temperatures that can reach past 120 degrees.

Many locals exclaim that they don’t remember the extreme heat from the year before, but I attribute that to straight out denial, or summer amnesia. For this year’s toasty roasty heat wave, my boyfriend and I decided to pack up for a few days and head down to San Diego.

San Diegans were experiencing high heat as well, which for them was about 85 degrees, almost laughable to us desert folks. But I guess it truly is all relative.

As a lover of food, I mapped out some places to check out that had some great food reviews, and that I had seen previously on food travel shows. I enjoy watching a variety of shows that focus on noteworthy restaurants, and make a point to write down the name of

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the ones that I’d like to visit. So far, this sort of passive research has paid off in a tasty way.

We settled in the historic Gaslamp Quarter area of the city, taking up temporary residence at the Ramada off of 6th street. The Gaslamp Quarter is steeped in history, has a plenty of character, and a plethora of restaurants and bars. History, great food and drinks….all of my faves.

After checking in to the hotel, we scuttled on over to our first foodie destination, Hodad’s.

The famous family owned burger joint has been in business since the late 60’s and has 3 locations. One in Ocean Beach (original), downtown San Diego, and a seasonal venue at Petco Park. We went to their downtown spot on Broadway, which is in walking distance from the Gaslamp Quarter. I had first become aware of Hodad’s while watching an episode of Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dive’s. There was host Guy Fieri chatting it up with owner Mike Hardin and “hunch” munching on one incredible looking burger named after him, the Guido (pastrami, burger, ketchup, pickles, Swiss cheese, grilled onions and spicy brown mustard).

Hodad’s has a definite casual surfer vibe, friendly no frills service and seriously fabulous burgers. On our visit and after being seated, we honed in on the burger that we would be trying, the Blue Jay Burger (bacon cheeseburger with blue cheese, grilled onions, mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickles, lettuce and tomato). Not wanting to slip into a food nap, we decided to split a burger, and after it arrived, we were glad that we did. The burger was huge, and our server was kind enough to have it cut in half

and separated into our own individual baskets with thick cut seasoned fries cuddling up to it.

Every component of the burger was well proportioned and delicious. The meat was juicy, and most of it dripped everywhere, like a phenomenal burger should. The fries that accompanied the burger were a meal by themselves, with a good fried outer layer and a soft potato interior all sprinkled with savory seasoning. It was a perfect burger experience, and everything that Guy Fieri made it out to be.

Hodad’s menu has many other burger offerings, from mini’s, to singles, doubles, bacon, cheese and even a couple of non-burger options. But the burgers are the main event. Sadley, owner Mike “Bossman” Hardin passed away in 2015, leaving his restaurant legacy to his children Shane and Lexi Hardin, who continue to bring the best in burgers to the Sand Diego area. www.hodadies.com From our burger encounter, we went on a

BY DENISE ORTUNO quest to find a certain bar that we had both been to long ago, before we had met. We literally walked around the Gaslamp Quarter in what seemed to be an endless circle. Finally, my boyfriend recognized the building, but the name was different as was the color and I was uncertain of his find. We walked in parched from our marathon, and I instantly noticed the large staircase, and realized we had found the place. “What was this bar before,” we asked the bartender, “The Bitter End,” she replied.

We yelped with joy, mostly because are hard investigative work had paid off and we weren’t hallucinating. The bar was now The Tipsy Crow (The Bitter End had closed around 2010).

We decided to quench our thirst with a couple of The Tipsy Crows famous Salty Dogs.

I’m not a big vodka and grapefruit drinker, but these drinks quickly changed my mind.

Their Salty Dogs are made with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, (juiced to order), Smirnoff Vodka, and a salted rim. The grapefruit was so fresh, I forgot that I was drinking a cocktail.

It was a perfect afternoon pick-up! The Tipsy Crow has three levels of tipsy fun to be had, and actually resides in the historic Spencer-Ogden building built in 1874. We are pretty confident we won’t lose this bars location again. www. thetipsycrow.com Later in the evening, and after a much needed nap, we got ready for our next foodie

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com stop. I had jotted down this gem while watching the show, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, a food centered show where well known chefs share dishes from their favorite restaurants. This episode was a repeat, originally airing in 2011, but I’m so glad I caught the replay. Dobson’s Restaurant & Bar is located off Broadway, tucked into a side crevice and oh so adorable. It looks as if it was picked up from an old part of San Francisco, and set down in San Diego. Come to find out, Dobson’s is loaded with history, as the bar part of the restaurant was a former bar built in early 1900’s. The rich wooded bar with stained glass accents, muted amber lighting and loft style second story seating provides a romantic ambience. I fell in love with the place immediately, and hadn’t even eaten anything yet. The draw of Dobson’s and what was featured on the show was their ultra-popular Mussel Bisque en Croute. They proudly boast that they have served over a million orders of the bisque, and after indulging in it, there’s no doubt why.

We took a couple of cozy seats at the bar, and absorbed our surroundings. A glass of wine for me, and Manhattan for my boyfriend, and we were ready to order the dish that had lured us there. “Two Mussel Bisques please…and yes, we would love to try some warm sourdough bread with butter,” I said as my mouth was turning to liquid. The bread came out as promised, warm, crusty and sourdoughy. I am a bread butter girl through and through, and could have just made a meal that alone, but there was something special on its way to me. The Mussel Bisques arrived and looked similar to a chicken pot pie with its puffy pastry hat. The bartender than took a spoon and punctured the puff, drizzling a good pour of sherry into the bisque, it was gorgeous. We were now ready to enter the bisque.

One spoon full followed another, followed by silence, we had yet to come up for air. The velvety texture of the bisque was addictive, as the rich shellfish flavors of lobster and shrimp with the light sweetness of the sherry brought a palatable luxury to the dish. We couldn’t get enough. It was open season on the puff pastry, as there are no rules on how to eat it. I enjoyed tearing little pieces off and dunking it in the bisque, none of it could be wasted. The mussels were like little prizes at the bottom of the bowl, and had an infinite supply…they just kept on showing up on the spoon. This dish went beyond my expectations, I mean it was crazy delicious!

Besides the Mussel Bisque en Croute, Dobson’s has other selections that I look forward to trying on my next visit such as fresh Oysters on a Half Shell, Duck Rillete (French Duck spread), 3 Roasted Texas Quail (grilled and served with blackberry sauce), plus many more selections. It is clear that owner Paul Dobson

has created a very special restaurant that has been enriching the dining scene in San Diego for over 30 years. I can’t wait explore more of this little treasure. www.dobsonsrestaurant. com Our final evening brought us to a place that we had found free style, by just walking around the area near our hotel. It was there that we found Ramen Yamadaya. As we walked by, it appealed to our love of Asian cuisine, plus it was super cozy, resembling a place we might find in a little village in Japan. The thing was, was that it had strange hours. It was only opened until 4pm on the weekdays, so it looked like we would be having an early dinner, around 3pm.

However, the positives reviews that I looked up, insured that we would not regret it.

Ramen Yamadaya opened in 2010 in Torrance, California. They now have 7 locations, with 2 in the San Diego area. They are noted to have authentic Ramen, with off the chart broth. It was a must try. We walked in the restaurant a little after 3pm, and took a seat at little table in the step down dining room. The room had a sort of back room feel, something out of a James Bond film, complete with piped in Asian 60’s inspired music. Realizing that they would be closing in a about an hour, we quickly scanned the menu, and ordered an $8 pitcher of Kirin and a large $8 cold sake, which was served in the coolest glass bottle and itty bitty cups ever.

The time came to order the Ramen, and with the assistance of our knowledgeable server, we ordered the Tonkotsu Kotteri ( rich pork broth with salt base sauce and black garlic oil, bamboo shoots, green scallions, marinated egg, braised pork and kikurage mushrooms) and the handmade Gyoza ( pan-fried pork and vegi Japanese dumplings).

I have to stress how AMAZING the broth was, I mean insanely good! It was dense, complex, smokey, thick and evolved. We continually needed to take a spoon full to make sure we weren’t dreaming. It almost made us sad, because we knew the liquid would come to an end, and we lived so far away from it. It pissed us off. The Gyoza were probably the best I’ve ever had. The dough for the dumplings were soft, and perfectly cooked.

I was impressed.

All of the Ramen dishes at Yamadaya have the amazing broth, just the additions to the soup change, and you can even create your own. Our experience was there is one that I so look forward to repeating. My taste buds will be in Ramen wait, until I return to Yamadaya once again. www.ramen-yamadaya.com Escaping the Coachella Valley heat during the summer is only natural. With such close proximity, San Diego is the perfect get-away for cooler temps, a fun atmosphere, and is a fantastic food and drinks excursion.

August 9 to August 15, 2018

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

SCREENERS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

No. 328

CRUISE’N FOR A BRUSIN’

NOW SHOWING: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT

Even with an impossibly convoluted plot, the fabulous stunts, pacing and choreography make this summer movie a dream come true for action junkies.

Coming out of a preview screening, I asked a millennial couple what they thought of the movie. One of them said, “I always like to see what crazy life-threatening stunt Scientology

16

has enabled Cruise to perform and survive this time!”

That is a not an uncommon thought, even if the franchise is not really an advertisement for the controversial religion, it’s a matter of public record that Cruise sends scripts he’s considering to his pal and Scientology’s head honcho David Miscavige for approval.

At 56, and not looking it, Cruise’s undercover agent Ethan Hunt runs, jumps, climbs, dives, flips and fights for his life mostly in an effort to save the world.

Clearly the visceral thrills and adrenalin rush are the main attraction of the series.

The hype is that the action is practical, or real, and not computer generated. Most movie

fans have seen the widely publicized ankle break Cruise suffered while shooting a rooftop leap. One can’t help but wonder how long the aging Cruise will risk his life for his “craft”? But it sure helps suspending disbelief when watching the insane, death-defying set pieces.

This time, Ethan Hunt and the IMF team (Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames) join forces with CIA assassin August Walker in a race against time after a mission gone wrong.

Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, and Vanessa Kirby also join the dynamic cast to prevent a disaster of epic proportions. Here’s the problem. Arms dealer John Lark and a group of terrorists known as the Apostles plan to use three plutonium cores for a simultaneous nuclear attack on the Vatican, Jerusalem and Mecca. When the weapons go missing, Ethan and his crew find themselves in a desperate race to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Returning filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie helms the eyepopping action (he wrote the screenplay).

This longish and mostly meaningless film is a fun ride that’s worth taking if big screen action is what you seek. Find the biggest screen you can.

ALSO SHOWING: CHRISTOPHER ROBIN If you’re looking for a perfect family film, this beguiling, heartfelt and beautifully rendered take on A.A. Milne’s stories will entertain and satisfy.

Now a family man living in London, Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor), receives a surprise visit from Winnie-the-Pooh, his childhood pal! With Christopher’s help, Pooh goes on a quest to find his friends -- Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga and Roo. Once reunited, the lovable bear and the gang travel to the big city to help Christopher rediscover the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

Kids will love it, but maybe it’s even better for adults who need a little childhood magic.

On a side note, China will not be releasing Disney’s new live-action Pooh film. The Hollywood Reporter said the movie was blocked due to a crackdown on images of the beloved Pooh last summer. Chinese authorities began censoring photos of Winnie on social media after people said Chinese

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

leader Xi Jinping resembled the fictional character. Authorities believe the character has become a symbol of resistance in China.

But I wonder if the decision is based on China’s “foreign film quota.”

NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: LIFE OF THE PARTY

When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) turns regret into reset by going back to college – landing in the same class and school as her daughter -- who’s not exactly sold on the idea.

Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna – now Dee Rock – embraces the freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected. Fun extras include: 80s Party, Mom Sandwich, Lino-O-Rama, Bill Hate-ORama, Gag Reel and Deleted Scenes.

McCarthy and husband/director Ben Falcone co-wrote the screenplay (and produced the movie). Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

-----------------------------------------------------

"WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING"

BY DELIA OWENS FICTION -----------------------------------------------------

O

ur species is a social creature.

Human beings need human beings.

In Delia Owens Where the Crawdads Sing (Putnam, 370 pages) a child learns about people from the wildlife that surrounds her.

The story takes place in the marshland on the North Carolina coast. Kya is six-years-old when her mother abandons the family. Within weeks, her older siblings leave and she is left living in a shack with her abusive, alcoholic father, who soon also disappears for good.

With no food in the house, no one to buy it and or cook it, Kya goes into town for some grits. Barefoot, wearing rags, and her hair a mess she is teased and shamed by local kids and adults. They call her “Marsh Girl.”

Kya doesn’t know how to read, write, or count and she must figure out how to survive alone. But, she finds comfort in the incredible wilderness and the creatures that inhabit the marsh. Her friends are seagulls. She collects shells and feathers.

Kya figures out how to use her father’s old boat and motors around the marsh where she gets lost and fortunately runs into Tate, who was once a friend of her bother. Tate guides her back to her shack. They share a love for the natural world and Tate eventually teaches

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SOUL SURVIVOR

Kya to read, providing her with science books.

Kya befriends Jumpin’, a black store keeper who sells fuel, fishing tackle and dry goods.

She digs up muscles to trade for gasoline and food items. Jumpin’s wife Mable finds Kya clothing.

When Kya comes of age in the marsh, the local boys come out to her shack to harass, and catch her, but she’s never around to be caught.

Eventually, Kya becomes a published expert on the marsh, having learned all the scientific names. She paints and labels her incredible collection of shells, feathers, and plants.

When the community’s favorite son turns up dead in the marsh, Kya is arrested for his murder and a local jury, once again, judges the “Marsh Girl.”

Kya is a fascinating character. She’s an innocent child living on her own in the wild who learns that human beings are the one creature she can neither understand nor trust. It creates conflict in her as she desires to connect with people, but doesn’t know how. So she keeps her distance, hiding, and observing them the same way she does nature.

I enjoyed the relationship Kya had with Jumpin’ and Mable, the black couple who kindly gave her space, but guided and protected her from a distance. When she goes to visit them, keeping to the side of the road out of view as usual, she sees them being

August 9 to August 15, 2018

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

mistreated. She is angered, and then confused that Jumpin’ does not fight back.

There are many moments in the book that the reader observes without the author providing further narrative. This is often engaging while at other times I needed more.

I wanted Kya to talk with Jumpin’ about the incident so she could gain more insight into the ugliness of human beings. A side she had not known or witnessed even in her abandonment. This conversation would have added a meaningful and more powerful theme.

As a young woman, Kya is starved for love and companionship. So she hooks up with the despicable townie who ends up dead. During the trial, some of the people on the jury are those who knew Kya as a girl and the reader discovers that several had compassion for the child giving her extra change, adding more food to her grocery bag or letting her move about unseen.

Author Owens does a beautiful job describing the marsh’s ecosystem, the native plants and creatures. Although, I wanted to see Kya cope with other dangers than humans such as bug stings or an occasional deadly snake. No snakes in this story other than the human kind.

I was never positive if Kya was a black or white girl until page 222, where I was finally certain she was a white girl. I liked the ambiguity while it lasted.

At the trial, Kya finally gets to see the people who care about her. There is a happy ending as Kya is free to live her life as a bestselling author and naturalist on her own land, where she and Tate finally become a couple.

But, there is a twist that came as a surprise. Thematically, the twist [no spoiler here] was lost, and I felt it was unlikely considering Kya’s character. The motivation is not clear, satisfying or believable. In fact, I was disappointed when I finally learned what actually happened to the dead guy.

Yet, people are weird and no matter how much we think we may know someone, we don’t. For Kya, growing up alone surrounded by the beauty and grace of nature didn’t make her any different than any other broken human being trying to survive this unpredictable world.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

HEAT + POOLS = DANGER! “

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

760-404-6325

W

ith this long heat wave we are experiencing drowning incidents are dramatically on the rise. Parents whose children have drowned say the day of the tragedy started out just like any other day. No matter how the drowning happened or where it happened -- pool, spa, or any other body of water -- one thing was the same, the seconds that claimed their child’s life slid by silently, without warning, it happens just like that and can never be brought back.

Drowning is Preventable,” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Children drown without a sound.

Drowning is a quiet event. There is no splashing, no screaming, and no noise at all. What can you do to prevent drowning incidents?

Follow the ABC’s of water safety: A = Adult Supervision. Assign an adult Water Watcher to keep their eyes on the water at ALL times.

B = Barriers such as fences, self-closing and self-latching gates, pool motion sensors, window and door alarms.

C = Classes. Parents and Caregivers should take CPR and First Aid, and swimming courses that are available for both children

and adults.

Something I need to say to parents or anyone supervising pool activities: Put that phone down and pay attention!

Take the water safety quiz at: redcross. org/prepare/disaster/water-safety/quiz and visit: poolsafely.gov for more drowning prevention and safety tips.

The same goes for adults. Learn how to swim, no alcohol and NEVER swim alone whether at the Pool, Beach or Lake!

Keep Cool! Keep Safe!

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 13

ACQUA; RM; 760-862-9800 Michael Keeth 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Fusion Sundays Hip Hop and Latin Night w/ DJ LF and Friends Hosted by Ron T 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Patrice Morris 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Big Rockin Country Sundays 5pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Lori Yeary 6-9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 PS Sound Company noon, Hot Roxx 6:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:307:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Open Mic

w/ Rockin’ Ray 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 5pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760230-0188 John Carey and Friends 6:30pm

MON AUGUST 13

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Meh! Mondays 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 PS Sound Company 6:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Open Mic 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760230-0188 Motown Mondays 6:30pm

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TUE AUGUST 14

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Michael Lowe 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Tequila Tuesday w/ Sounds Driven by Touch Tunes 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 7-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Rock N Roll Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 PS Sound Company 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Brad’s Pad 7pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm

REASONS TO CELEBRATE 120 DEGREE DAYS HERE IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

A

s we begin the “Dog Days of August” many Coachella Valley residents are still reeling from the 120+ degree days that we have already experienced in both June and July of this year. This is my 38th summer here in the Coachella Valley as a full time resident having moved here in late June of 1981 where my new bride and I were greeted with 120 degree temps the day we arrived at our condo in Indio.

Our outdoor cats quickly became indoor cats and I immediately had a better understanding of the phrase “gone to hell!” To this day my family, friends, heck even complete strangers ask me how we survive in 120 degree temperatures here in the desert. Depending upon my mood that answer ranges from, “I stay inside the air conditioned house sitting naked in front of a fan and find interesting ways to amuse myself with ice cubes” to “It’s just like a snow day… only in reverse!” The truth is that a positive attitude is all it takes to not only survive but thrive on those 120+ degree days here in our Coachella Valley. At this point you might be asking yourself “What does all this have to do with Real Estate?”

Not a darn thing. But if you follow my articles each month you know that I always sandwich the real hard data about the Coachella Valley Real Estate market between helpful tips, tactics and education about all things real estate. This month it is just too hot for that. Which brings me to the first reason to celebrate 120 degree days here in the Coachella Valley… it is the PERFECT EXCUSE to NOT do anything! (You see what I did there?) Your spouse not so gently reminds you for the 10th time that the lawns need mowing…

“Aw honey I would, but it’s just too hot today!”

This works for anything and everything because

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when it 120 degrees outside it’s just too hot to argue!

Before I get into some more reasons to celebrate 120 degree days let’s take a look at the data for the month of July and see how the Coachella Valley real estate sales market is doing. Just recently there have been several articles in the main stream media talking about the impending crash of the Southern California real estate market and as they say, as the So. Cal market goes, so goes the nation. The gist is that the total number of sales are down (by over 10% year over year), prices are up and inventory is down. While these are the “facts” in several So Cal markets I don’t think that they lead to the automatic conclusion that the market is crashing… but let’s see if we are one of those markets before leaping to any conclusions.

According to the Desert Area MLS as of 8/1/18 there were 846 pending transactions of residential properties here in the Coachella Valley in the month of July. That follows our seasonal pattern being down from the 933 pendings in the previous month (June) but that is roughly the same when compared to the same time last year when we had 860 pending sales. In June there were 913 solds and again, following our seasonal sales pattern, we were down (only slightly) in July with 878 solds. That is actually UP when compared to home sales in July (2017) when we sold only 809 homes. July’s sales figures were good enough that our year to date solds for 2018 still lead last year’s year to date sales at 6,582 compared to last year’s total of 6,417. These statistics show that the Coachella Valley real estate market is NOT going the same way that most Southern California real

TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke 8-12 WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm

WED AUGUST 15

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Big Horn w/ Soul Jams 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Touchtunes and Dancing 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Johnny Meza 7-10pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 Live and Local w/ TBA 5:30-8pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 S.I.N. w/ DJ Mirage 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 Karaoke 7:30pm

BY BRUCE CATHCART estate markets are trending. But does that mean we are doing the opposite of “crashing”? One thing we can say for the short term is that we are definitely doing better than last year and last year was the best year in terms of total sales and dollar volume since 2005! It was a GREAT year for the Coachella Valley Real Estate market. So once again we have reversed the trend of fewer sales with fewer homes for sale… but I am not sure how long we can this up. Eventually if our inventory of homes for sale here in the Valley continues to shrink this will catch up with us and despite a good demand from buyers we may not be able to sustain the lead over last year’s sales figures for very much longer.

Case in point, our inventory of homes for sale went down again this month with only 2,676 homes available on August 1, 2018 compared to 3,100 homes available on July 1, 2018. Last year at this time we had 3,292 homes available for sale. Inventory this year has been off by over 20% and so far it has only affected our June sales.

The drop is seasonal, but with only 2,676 homes for sale we’ll have to keep a close watch on both sales numbers and the inventory of homes this coming month.

Did you know that fleas and ticks cannot survive in a dry heat that exceeds a mere 95 degrees? And that Cockroaches die off between 115 and 120 degrees and bed bugs are goners at 120 degrees? We are talking FREE pest control here when the temperature exceeds 120 degrees! And speaking of goners, even the heartiest of SNOWBIRDS are long gone by the time the temperature gets to 120 degrees. That means no need to make reservations at the best restaurants in town… and the restaurant staff actually look happy to see you when you show up without making them. And driving without having to dodge the snowbirds on the road…

THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Karaoke 7:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Roxx 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Latin Night 7pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Roger & Friends 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Katheryn White 6:30pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Wine Down Wednesdays w/ Joe Baldino 4-6pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Jeff Bonds 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760230-0188 Joel Fleisher 6:30pm

REAL ESTATE

YES! 45 MPH speed limits actually mean 50 MPH and not 25 MPH! 120 degrees also means no visits from out of towners like mother-in-laws or unwanted family and friends. They always think that they are smarter than us anyway and so to prove it they refuse to come for a visit when it’s 120 degrees here (well, maybe they have a point there). But we do get BRAGGING RIGHTS! You know when the rest of the nation is like, “Oh, it’s so hot here; it was almost 90 degrees in Montana today!” And we’re like, “Pffft, 90? Are you kidding me? You know it was 122 degrees here yesterday (Snowbirds!)”

If you stop and think about there are lots of other reasons to celebrate 120 degree days here in the Coachella Valley but it’s just too hot for me to come up with any more today (see there, I did it again!). I’ll just leave you with one more thought. The best reason to celebrate 120 degrees is that it makes the average 108 degree August day seem “cool”!

Join me each month this year as we keep a close eye on our Coachella Valley real estate market. If you have a real estate question or concerns please email me at the address below.

Bruce Cathcart is the Broker/Co-Owner of La Quinta Palms Realty, “Your Friendly Professionals” and can be reached by email at or visit his website at www.laquintapalmsrealty.com.

HADDON LIBBY

M

ost investment statements are as easy to read as a phone bill.

As such, most people have no idea how their investments are doing.

Find out. What may seem like an inconvenience now may be the difference between a comfortable or a challenged existence in retirement.

Next question - do you know how much of your money is invested in stocks aka equities and how much is invested in bonds aka fixed income? If not, find out.

Armed with your return and the amount invested in stocks or bonds, let’s take a look at a few key benchmarks that you can compare your results against.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (typically referred to as ‘the Dow’) consists of thirty companies deemed by whoever deems such things to represent the fabric of American business. There is a caveat to inclusion in this hallowed index - your stock price per share cannot be too high as that screws up how the average calculates. As such, rather than fixing a mathematically challenged model, neither Amazon nor Google are considered one of the ‘Dow 30’. Apple and Microsoft are as are those Post-It Notes people at 3M but Google and Amazon, two of the most valuable and fastest growing companies in the world, as well as the United States, are not. The Dow

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INVESTMENT CHECK-UP TIME

is up 3.4% through July 25th.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index consists of the 500 largest companies listed in the United States and is up 6.6%.

The Russell 2000 Index serves as a gauge as to the health of small, domestically focused companies here in the United States. Where the Russell 3000 Index measures the 3,000 largest public companies in the United States, the Russell 2000 measures the smallest 2,000 of those 3,000 companies. Despite representing twice as many companies, the Russell 2000 represents only 8% of their collective value.

The Russell 2000 is up 10.1%, beating its 500 stock rival by 3.5% and the snooty 30 by 7.7%.

So far, we have only looked at the United States which represents 70% of the value of all publicly traded stocks around the world.

It’s time to travel abroad.

The MSCI World ex USA Index isn’t just

August 9 to August 15, 2018

a catchy name but represents the top 85% publicly traded companies in the developed world excluding the United States. This antiAmerican index is down 0.7% so far this year. Makes me feel good to be American!

Only about 22 countries out of the 195 countries of the world are considered to be developed. The rest are split into two groups: Emerging and Frontier. Emerging market countries exhibit many of the characteristics of Developed Markets but are not yet to those standards of lifestyle which include developed capital markets.

Some Emerging market countries include Russia, China, India, Mexico and Brazil.

Frontier markets are typically too small and too far from developed market behaviors to be considered Emerging. Some frontier countries include Argentina, Croatia, Oman and Vietnam.

Many use the MSCI Emerging Market

Index to gauge the health of these markets.

This year, the index is down 6.7%.

Another way to look at your investments is by the sector that your holdings do business in. For example, Technology is up 17% this year followed by Consumer Cyclical stocks (like Amazon and McDonalds) up 14% and Energy up 7%. Laggards are Communications companies like AT&T (down 6.9%) and Consumer Staples, like Proctor & Gamble, which is off 5.5%.

For those holding fixed income or bond funds, there is not much to say…you lost money so far this year.

With these benchmarks, you should be able to get a basic idea as to whether your investments are performing up to your expectations or not. If they are not or you are not sure, call or email me and I’ll take a second look at things for you. Seriously!

That is what I do for a living!

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at hlibby@winslowdrake.com or 760.449.6349. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

regular treating doctor. This is because we all have skeletons in our personal med records.

This could be abortions, alcohol/drug usage, sexually transmitted diseases and prior injuries which can be very damaging.

Lawyers are reluctant to accept a case where the victim did not get immediate med treatment and some lawyers demand treatment that day. In addition if you do not see the lawyer for several days they are also reluctant to accept the case because they worry you will have had a conversation with the adjuster and your lawyer will never know what you said or “what the insurance adjuster thought he heard you say.” That could be used to impeach you at trial.

Your attorney should focus on auto accident

cases. Once you have retained a local lawyer, the defendant’s insurance company can no longer legally contact you.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact attorney Dale Gribow: 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW - “Representing the Injured and Criminally Accused” “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life(Accidents) 2011-19 “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

SUMMER 2018 ACCIDENT? DO NOT HIRE AN ACCIDENT LAWYER UNTIL YOU READ THIS

C

hances are that you or a loved one will be in an auto accident....sometime.

Now what do you do and what does the insurance company do when that happens?

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT is the first suggestion. Understand that the other driver’s insurance company initially assigns a nice sweet adjuster to contact you and pump you for information. The adjuster will try to get pictures of the vehicle and statements from you as to how the accident happened (and whether you were injured and seen a doctor yet.). Then they will switch adjusters and assign one that is not so nice.

Understand that adjusters have their own bag of tricks. When they take a picture of the car they will ask you to get in the picture, and right before clicking the pix they ask you to bend and point to the spot of the Property Damage on your vehicle. At the last minute they yell SMILE! Now they have you bending and smiling.

Later when they get the doctors report that says the patient could not bend and that you were in great pain. Now they can argue with your attorney and Judge “look at this picture!”

They will claim the plaintiff does not appear to have any problem bending and is even smiling.

When juries see this kind of evidence they

question whether you were really injured or making this up... thinking you hit the lottery.

Insurance companies check social media, so IMMEDIATLEY TAKE DOWN YOUR FACEBOOK ETC. The last thing you want is for the insurance company to see pictures of you playing a sport and or doing something physical that you should not be able to do if your injuries are consistent with the medical report.

After the accident, use your cell phone and take pictures of the scene, damage to both cars, the other person’s driver’s license, plate and insurance. Record a statement from the other party and any witnesses. Get the defendant’s name, address, phone and share your info.

Always call the police. You want as much documentation as possible about the accident for your lawyer. Remain at the scene until the police arrive. Remember you do not have to give your opinion as to liability even when you look to be partly at fault.

Get checked out at the ER. Have someone drive you if you cannot get an ambulance.

Many injuries do not surface right away and soft tissue injuries may take days to come out.

Insurance companies punish you when you do not seek medical treatment right away. As a rule you should see any doctor other than your

19

August 9 to August 15, 2018

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of August 9

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Palestinian American writer Susan Abulhawa writes that in the Arab world, to say a mere “thank you” is regarded as spiritless and ungenerous. The point of communicating gratitude is to light up with lively and expressive emotions that respond in kind to the kindness bestowed. For instance, a recipient may exclaim, “May Allah bless the hands that give me this blessing,” or “Beauty is in the eyes that find me beautiful.” In accordance with current astrological omens, I propose that you experiment with this approach. Be specific in your praise. Be exact in your appreciation. Acknowledge the unique mood and meaning of each rich exchange.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you need this advice from mythologist Joseph Campbell: “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.” He says it’s “a rescue land . . . some field of action where there is a spring of ambrosia -- a joy that comes from inside, not something external that puts joy into you -- a place that lets you experience your own will and your own intention and your own wish.” Do you have such a place, Taurus? If not, now is a great time to find one. If you do, now is a great time to go there for a spell and renew the hell out of yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When he was 20 years old, future U.S. President Thomas Jefferson had an awkward encounter with a young woman who piqued his interest. He was embarrassed by the gracelessness he displayed. For two days afterward, he endured a terrible headache. We might speculate that it was a psychosomatic reaction. I bring this up because I’m wondering if your emotions are also trying to send coded messages to you via your body.

Are you aware of unusual symptoms or mysterious sensations? See if you can trace them back to their source in your soul.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): There’s a zone in your psyche where selfishness overlaps generosity, where the line between being emotionally manipulative and gracefully magnanimous almost disappears.

With both hope and trepidation for the people in your life, I advise you to hang out in that grey area for now. Yes, it’s a risk. You could end up finessing people mostly for your own good and making them think it’s mostly for their own good. But the more likely outcome is that you will employ ethical abracadabra to bring out the best in others, even as you get what you want, too.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You probably gaze at the sky enough to realize when there’s a full moon. But you may not monitor the heavenly cycles closely enough to tune in to the new moon, that phase each month when the lunar orb is invisible. We astrologers regard it as a ripe time to formulate fresh intentions.

We understand it to be a propitious moment to plant metaphorical seeds for the desires you want to fulfill in the coming four weeks. When this phenomenon happens during the astrological month of Leo, the potency is intensified for you. Your next appointment with this holiday is August 10th and 11th.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In her poem “Dogfish,” Virgo poet Mary Oliver writes, “I wanted the past to go away, I wanted to leave it.” Why? Because she wanted her life “to open like a hinge, like a wing.”

I’m happy to tell you, Virgo, that you now have more power than usual to make your past go away. I’m also pleased to speculate that as you perform this service for yourself, you’ll be skillful enough to preserve the parts of your past that inspire you, even as you shrink and neutralize memories that drain you. In response to this good work, I bet your life will open like a hinge, like a wing -- no later than your birthday, and most likely before that.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran fashion writer Diana Vreeland (1903-1989) championed the beauty of the strong nose. She didn’t approve of women wanting to look like “piglets and kittens.” If she were alive today, she’d be pleased that nose jobs in the U.S. have declined 43 percent since 2000. According to journalist Madeleine Schwartz writing in Garage magazine, historians of rhinoplasty say there has

20

© Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny

been a revival of appreciation for the distinctive character revealed in an unaltered nose. I propose, Libra, that in accordance with current astrological omens, we extrapolate some even bigger inspiration from that marvelous fact. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to celebrate and honor and express pride in your idiosyncratic natural magnificence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Maybe happiness is this: not feeling like you should be elsewhere, doing something else, being someone else.” This definition, articulated by author Isaac Asimov, will be an excellent fit for you between now and September 20. I suspect you’ll be unusually likely to feel at peace with yourself and at home in the world. I don’t mean to imply that every event will make you cheerful and calm. What I’m saying is that you will have an extraordinary capacity to make clear decisions based on accurate appraisals of what’s best for you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I’ve compiled a list of new blessings you need and deserve during the next 14 months. To the best of my ability, I will assist you to procure them. Here they are: a practical freedom song and a mature love song; an exciting plaything and a renaissance of innocence; an evocative new symbol that helps mobilize your evolving desires; escape from the influence of a pest you no longer want to answer to; insights about how to close the gap between the richest and poorest parts of yourself; and the cutting of a knot that has hindered you for years.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “It has become clear to me that I must either find a willing nurturer to cuddle and nuzzle and whisper sweet truths with me for six hours or else seek sumptuous solace through the aid of eight shots of whiskey.” My Capricorn friend Tammuz confided that message to me. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were feeling a comparable tug. According to my assessment of the Capricorn zeitgeist, you acutely need the revelations that would become available to you through altered states of emotional intelligence. A lavish whoosh of alcohol might do the trick, but a more reliable and effective method would be through immersions in intricate, affectionate intimacy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Not even five percent of the world’s population lives in a complete democracy. Congratulations to Norway, Canada, Australia, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Sweden. Sadly, three countries where my column is published -- the U.S., Italy, and France -- are categorized as “flawed democracies.” Yet they’re far better than the authoritarian regimes in China and Russia.

(Source: The Economist.) I offer this public service announcement as a prelude to your homework assignment. According to my astrological analysis, you will personally benefit from working to bring more democracy into your personal sphere. How can you ensure that people you care about feel equal to you, and have confidence that you will listen to and consider their needs, and believe they have a strong say in shaping your shared experiences?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Mystic poet Kabir wrote, “The flower blooms for the fruit: when the fruit comes, the flower withers.” He was invoking a metaphor to describe his spiritual practice and reward. The hard inner work he did to identify himself with God was the blooming flower that eventually made way for the fruit. The fruit was his conscious, deeply felt union with God. I see this scenario as applicable to your life, Pisces. Should you feel sadness about the flower’s withering? It’s fine to do so. But the important thing is that you now have the fruit. Celebrate it! Enjoy it!

Homework: If you could make money from doing exactly what you love to do, what would it be? Testify at Freewillastrology.com.

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

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

PERMISSION TO LOWER THE BAR

A friend of mine sent me a self-help book she claimed spoke to her on multiple levels.

I read chapter after chapter in which the author, writer, speaker, wife and mother of two worked on remaking her overly hectic life after experiencing mega burn-out. Although I had empathy for the author, as I took in her story I could not relate to her situation. You see I am hawk-like about guarding my calendar from over-scheduling. I pride myself on this because it’s one of the few things I did not have to learn the hard way.

About three-quarters of the way through the book, I found a chapter aimed directly at me. Yes, this one had my name on it. My author-guide talked about her incessant desire for perfection as she planned for a holiday that she knew looked so much better in her mind’s eye than how the whole even would actually shake down. After much soul searching, the writer came to the conclusion she must choose, “present over perfect.”

Sentences like, “perfect has become as near a dirty word to me as hustle, prove, earn, complete and push,” made sense. It all came to a crashing crescendo when she wrote, “Perfect and the hunt for it will ruin our lives.” Okay, I give up. I’m guilty of trying to create the perfect this, or the perfect that, and continually disappointing

myself. Reading on I got some advice on how to turn my quest for perfection on it’s ear.

When the author professed, “It’s all about learning to show up and let ourselves be seen as we really are,” I thought wait a minute. If that means leaving the house without make-up, forget it. Not going to happen, at least not yet anyway.

Knowing I had to start somewhere, I chose entertaining. We invited another couple over for Saturday night dinner and drinks. Aha! Instead of scouring recipe books to design the perfect menu, I opted for a rustic Italian dish created in the slow cooker. I really blew the lights out on dessert. Finding a cool creation on Pinterest involving store bought ice cream sandwiches and whipped cream, I put it together in under seven minutes.

When dessert was served I must admit, it looked like something a 3rd grader cooked up.

But guess what? I didn’t care. It provided my guests with fits of laughter and some really good bites.

So cheers to “present over perfect.” I’m getting there. If you can relate to any of this, let me know and I’ll send you the recipe.

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

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

AWAKEN W/LIZZY&AIMEE

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BY ELIZABETH SCARCELLA

“LET THE GAMES BEGIN…”

I

n our last video article, (you can find it right here… youtu.be/Z_iqyL-6TWY), Aimee illustrates a story about her long term undiagnosed illness…and how this was a wakeup call, beckoning her, to step into what would be discovered as extraordinary healing abilities.

She finally began to listen to the inner calling to dig deeper into self-discovery as a means to feel better, more whole and personally fulfilled. For most, including Aimee and me, this prompt often comes as a result of discomfort, tragedy, illness or some other unforeseen calamity that ushers us in the direction of Awakening and honoring what is most important to us. When we experience this discomfort, whether it be physical or emotional pain, we begin to open to the urgings of our inner voice and seek guidance.

We naturally search for our “teachers” and feel drawn to those who have already created what we are looking to heal.

Aimee shared about the mentoring she received from a naturopath doctor who guided her in exploring her new abilities. In these interactions, Aimee realized something VERY unique and different from what most of us believe about adversity. While identifying upcoming, however, not yet materialized misfortune, Aimee believes that we have the power to change our circumstances before they even occur. This may seem far-fetched… yet, aren’t we taught to think positive and pray for a good outcome, when we are concerned about something in our life going awry? Aimee shows us that we have much more ability than we think we do to alter our outcomes all by the power of our mind and connection to our Higher Self. To get a deeper understanding of this concept, please watch our latest video…. youtu.be/3JUf-rvoAE0.

As we continue to explore in future articles and videos, you will come to learn, a secondary benefit of Awakening is the opportunity to connect with and become part of a supportive community, something bigger than ourselves.

To that end…

Our hope is that these stories continue to

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inspire you to connect more deeply with your own inner voice, whether or not you have experienced discomfort, tragedy or illness, in the ways that we have. What matters is that we create an experience of belonging for you, connection with those that can relate, and who are also committed to Evolving and Awakening.

Our intent is to demonstrate HOW to create an Awakened, Happy, Purpose-Driven life, like we have created for ourselves. We will share a philosophy that supports happiness through the authentic application of gratitude, forgiveness and love by reading excerpts from Aimee’s books… beginning with book #1 in the multi-part series. We will be discussing the concepts of the book and guide you with exercises designed to assist you in creating a life of your dreams. To achieve a richer experience, you can purchase Aimee’s book by visiting… ihsunity.com/our-offerings.

We very much look forward to serving our commUNITY as you chose to awaken and Evolve through Love.

Elizabeth Scarcella, Brand + Good Will Ambassador, Therapist, Wellness & Beauty Aficionado, is dedicated to helping others discover Wellness in all aspects of life.

Elizabeth can help you awaken to your best self yet. For more information, find her at info@ gogetyoung.tv.

Aimee Mosco is an author, Certified Reiki Master, and Co-founder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s passion for helping others, inspired the collaborative project and global healing movement, IHS Unity. For more info, find Aimee at aimee@ihsunity.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

August 9 to August 15, 2018

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August 9 to August 15, 2018

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com