June 27 to July 3, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 14

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • June 27 to July 3, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 14

saturday june 29th @ the Hood Nicky Vallee

pg 6

Richard Weiss

pg 8

Casey Dolan

pg 9

Piero’s Pizza Vino

pg 18

June 27 to July 3, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by lisa morgan Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Manager: Chuck Courtney Sales Team Jenna Demarco, Jennifer Tan Public Relations and Promotions Manager Lisa Morgan Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Philip Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Marissa Willman, Judith Sulkin Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Lola Rossi-Meza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Mike Livingston, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Heidi Simmons, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Amanda Dorta, Eleni P. Austin, Curtis Hendricks, Noe Gutierrez, Jill Coleman, Jennifer Tan, Sunny Simon, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Patte Purcell Distribution Jim Fox Distribution/ William Westley, Rudy Mendez

50949 Washington St., La Quinta, CA 760.564.9835 chapellisrestaurant.com

Chapelli’s

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Three course dinners include soup or salad and dessert, plus any non-alcoholic beverage of your choice.

Veal Picatta Sauteed Sand Dabs Chicken Parmigiana Fettucine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken Tuscany Shrimp House Wines by Sycamore Lane $4.00 per glass and $18.00 per bottle.

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Contents

WiseMan Reunion..........................3 Travel - Temecula Wine Country...4 LMS - Nicky Vallee..........................6 Comedy - Richard Weiss................8 Public Pers. - Casey Dolan.............9 Desert DJs - DJ Smerk....................9 Spotlight 29 Lineups...................10 Riverside Food Trucks.................11 Consider This................................12 Valley Rhythms............................13 Pet Place.......................................14 The Vino Voice..............................15 Club Crawler Nightlife.................16 The Pampered Palate..................18 Screeners......................................20 Book Review.................................21 Haddon Libby..............................23 Gamer Girl....................................23 Dale Gribow.................................24 Real Estate....................................24 Safety Tips....................................25 ShareKitchen................................25 Road Trippin’................................26 Sports Scene................................26 Life & Career Coach......................27 Free Will Astrology......................27 Beauty w/ Dr Maria Lombardo...28 Health w/ Jill Coleman RN...........28 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................30

June 27 to July 3, 2013

Cover Photo on right by Blackjack

Wiseman Reunited

@ the Hood Bar & Pizza, Saturday, June 29th, 9 pm Special Performances by The Secret Post and Mighty Jack

W

e didn’t know what we had.”

This is the reflection of every single member of the band Wiseman who stole center stage in the local desert music scene from 1999 to 2005 with their post-punk rock creations. Listening to their music today for the first time, I have to agree. In my humble opinion, with the right exposure, this band should have become a household name in venues far outreaching the Coachella Valley. One can only imagine (that is, if like me, they weren’t there) the mind blowing, experience this band was live. Tracy Dietlin, this paper’s owner and publisher WAS there. “I am so excited about the Wiseman reunion and that Zach Wiser, the original front man, will be traveling all the way from Oklahoma to perform with his old band mates. Back in the early 2000’s Wiseman was one of the most popular local bands here, with a devoted legion of fans.

Their music was very unique compared to some of the other desert rock bands.”

I on the other hand, had to find out for myself what the hell had my publisher so ready to throw her panties on stage.

Guitarist, Robert Bowman invited me into their secret lair (aka rehearsal studio) to witness first hand, the power of Wiseman.

I have to say, the respect was immediate. I instantly began to understand what made this band and their music so influential.

I FELT the music as much as I heard it. In a small studio, mistakes are highlighted, weaknesses are spotlighted and any lack of “

finesse becomes a blaring ear-sore. What I heard, was seasoned perfection. It’s the kind of magic that doesn’t happen often. It only happens when great music and great musicians join creative forces and make music that imprints itself on your internal hard drive. They manage to do this as much through the music’s tight and tasty, pulse altering rhythms as the soulful guitar lines dancing around straight forward, hauntingly honest, vocals and lyrics. The music is just as relevant today as it ever could have been a decade ago.

It all started at the Red Barn, growing from an acoustic format into a full rock ensemble, playing clubs like the Village Pub, the Village Lounge and others, among bands like the Hellions, Mighty Jack, Vega and Se7en4.

The band grew so much in popularity; they played almost 300 shows in one year.

Wiseman could bring out the rocker in even the most pristinely dressed, after hour, office secretary. But in 2005, after a long day of setting up and tearing down for two shows, the tensions and well... “life” brought the band to an end. “We’d played two shows that day ...we were still young and trying to figure out what to do; some of us were trying to focus on other careers at the time.

We called it quits in 2005, in the parking lot after a grand opening gig. We didn’t really talk much for a few years,” says, Wiseman’s original guitarist, Robert Bowman. The reunion began to take root when drummer, Mike Webb’s girlfriend, requested that the

photo by Blackjack

guys play Wiseman songs. “With only 50% of us here, we recruited Jeff Bowman on vocals and bass (currently drummer and founding member of Mighty Jack) and, Jamie Hargate (the band Hellion’s own guitar monster).

They do QUITE well,” Robert said with a gleam in his eye, smirking at the blaring understatement. Wiseman performed without front man Zach in 2012.

“My point of view,” interjected Jamie, “I’ve been a super fan from day one. I was in a band called Vega at the time. If I wasn’t there sharing the stage with them in Vega, I was there in the audience. I was at every show, and I appreciated every show. These guys were a huge deal in early 2000. They worked their asses off. When this all came about (the reunion), I gave it two thumbs up and a thank you, especially since I’d be playing with super musician, Jeff Bowman.”

(Side bar: Jeff Bowman is an extremely understated talent, well known and respected among musicians, having played for the band Unsound and producing some of Wiseman’s favorite recordings) According to the super-musician himself, Jeff Bowman, “The music actually got itself.

They created a whole new ‘thing’. Mikes drumming fit perfectly. The way Robert’s guitar danced around the simplicity of what Zach was doing was amazing. And the more they wrote the more of a ‘thing’ it became.” From somewhere among this group of musicians came the statement, “Chicks loved it!” Apparently, it wasn’t a joke because there were only sober nods in acknowledgement to the fact. Jeff concurred by adding, “That’s why I’d get up there whenever I could and sang back ground vocals.” The statement was followed by another round of silent reflection, grins and nods of affirmation.

If they didn’t know what they had then, this group of prodigious musicians continue to page 7

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

Travel

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

June 27 to July 3, 2013

by Marissa Willman

Summer Getaways: Escape to Temecula’s Wine Country

T

ucked away in our backyard is a town “where the sun comes through the mist.” We know it better as Temecula, and the vino savvy know it best as Southern California’s premier wine country. With summer temperatures in the triple digits and cool vineyards less than a two-hour drive away, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags – and your favorite wine glass – for a summer getaway to Temecula.

The Stay When you’re coming to visit the wineries, you may just want to sleep among the vineyards at one of the wineries with an onsite hotel. But don’t dismiss the limitedservice hotels lining Jefferson Avenue: these aren’t the no-frills hotels you thought they were.

Case in point: The Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula (951-506-2331, rates from $109/ night), where stonework accents greet you from the moment you arrive. Comfort is king throughout, whether you’re kicking back in your oversized room or reading the day’s paper in the grandiose lobby.

Attention to detail can make or break a hotel stay, but with touches like disposable earphones in the gym (in case you forgot to pack a pair) to microwavable popcorn in your room (and not a minibar charge to be found), you won’t be left wanting for much.

A hefty continental breakfast, in-room

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microwave and fridge, pool and business center round out the amenities here, and with a location just minutes from Old Town and a 10-minute drive to the wineries, the Hampton Inn sets the bar for value.

Wandering through the Wineries There’s a secret to why Temecula makes for prime wine-growing country, and it’s called the Rainbow Gap. This W-shaped dip in the Coastal Mountain Range allows the sunny days to cool off substantially at night, making both wine grapes and desert rats happy come summer.

Dozens of wineries call Temecula Valley home, and you’ll find most along the vineyard-lined Rancho California Road.

First-time wine tasters and those looking to sip without pretention will appreciate Callaway Vineyard and Winery (951-6764001, callawaywinery.com). Before you get to the tasting, though, stop by the onsite Meritage Restaurant, headed by Chef Mike Henry. The intimate, glass-enclosed patio overlooking Callaway’s vineyards sets the scene for lunch with the girls or a romantic date night.

The Meritage menu is greatly influenced by his travels to Europe, Central and South America, and you’ll find tapas, salads, seafood and steak with farm-to-table roots that are only fitting. Start with the ceviche mixto (citrus-marinated tuna, octopus, clams, wild shrimp and blue crab) with a glass of 2010 Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc before digging into a half chicken roasted with herbs or the daily special, which you’ll find on the blackboard against the wall.

Sangria Sundays bring music and wine to the lounge, while Women & Wine Wednesdays bring a lighthearted craft hour (with small plates by Chef Mike Henry) to the Reserve Room.

In the tasting room, you can opt for a selfserve or guided experience. The self-serve

pourers help move the tasting experience along on a busy afternoon, but chatting with the living, breathing wine pourers behind the bar can help you unearth your next treasured wine, such as the sweet Gewurztraminer (lychee, rose petal, apple, candied orange peel and nectarine) or the heavy-hitting Mourvedre (blackcurrant, dried cranberry and licorice).

Two miles up the road, enthusiastic winos looking for an energetic vibe will enjoy an afternoon at Ponte Winery (951694-8855, pontewinery.com).

Before your tastings, it’s worth touring the lush grounds of this 10-year-old winery to see Temecula’s largest vineyard up close. The tour also includes a stop at the barrel room, where you can pour a sip of wine from the oversized oak barrels.

The tasting room at Ponte offers no shortage of custom blended reds and whites to choose from. The hands-down standouts here, though, are the Beverino (a sweet red that means “easy to drink” in Italian) and the Zinfandel Port, with notes of dark chocolate, blueberries and black currant that don’t mess around.

Two restaurants vie for your attention at Ponte: The Restaurant at Ponte, a popular outdoor dining spot where lunch reservations are strongly recommended, and Bouquet at Ponte Vineyard Inn, where you can enjoy romantic vineyard views in a more subdued setting. The Restaurant at Ponte shines with farm-fresh salads, pastas and wood-fired pizzas, while Bouquet’s fine dining experience offers Mediterranean and Californian influences.

Wine tastings end at 5 p.m., but the fun certainly doesn’t. One of the highlights

of Ponte is The Cellar Lounge, where wine enthusiasts mix and mingle in the dimly lit and elegantly decorated basement cellar.

Here, you can lose yourself in the evenings with a few pours of your new favorite wine over small plates with new friends.

A Stroll Through Old Town Temecula On any given weekday, you can head to the one-mile stretch of Old Town Front Street and find yourself passing by a class of 3rd graders as a volunteer teaches them about Temecula’s history. On Saturday mornings, you’ll find the street teeming with produce, flowers and handmade crafts from local farmers and artists during the weekly farmers’ market.

No matter what day of the week you visit, you won’t find chain stores or big retailers here – instead, you’ll discover local treasures like Temecula Olive Oil (951-6930607, temeculaoliveoil.com), where you can taste more variations of olive oil and vinegar than you ever dreamed were possible, all

for free. The tasting guides seem to have their favorite EVOO and vinegar blends, such as the blood orange olive oil (pressed with crushed blood oranges) mixed with a vanilla bean and fresh fig balsamic vinegar.

Another favorite? The fresh basil olive oil mixed with pomegranate white vinegar. Yes, you could spend hours in the bottle-lined tasting room, mixing and matching until you find the perfect – if not unexpected – match.

Venture further down Old Town Front Street, following the wafts of lavender until you find Jan Schneider at Temecula Lavender Co. (951-676-1931, temeculalavenderco. com), where what started with just a few plants bloomed into a full-time business.

Lotions, soaps, bubble baths, oils, candles, scrubs and even jellies are made with the fragrant plant, of which Schneider grows 17 different varieties. This summer, you can even tour the 6,000-plant farm in wine country by appointment.

Back on Old Town Front Street, you’ll find all sorts of shops beckoning you to stop in for a visit. And in true Old Town fashion, you’ll find the actual owners behind the counters, ready to chat about their wares, Temecula or even the weather. Be sure to stop by Old Town Sweet Shop (951-6931919, oldtownsweetshop.com), a retro candy store selling old-time favorites like candy cigarettes and candy buttons. Aside from the impressive selection of yesterday’s favorite candies, you can feast on freshly crafted sweets ranging from fudge to chocolate-covered potato chips. Down the street a bit further, you can wash down a couple slices of chocolate bacon with your

choice of more than 500 soda varieties at Old Town Root Beer Company (951-676- 5088).

Consider this a challenge to try to think of a soda that owner Cory Montgomery doesn’t stock. Good luck.

When it’s time for a heartier meal, you’ll find all sorts of Old Town novelties to please the palette – but don’t judge on appearance alone. The Gambling Cowboy (951-6992895, gamblingcowboy.com), for example, looks like a Wild West saloon from the outside but once you enter, you realize it’s actually a rather upscale steakhouse with an impressive menu. And while Texas Lil’s Mesquite Grill (texaslilsmesquitegrill.com) looks like little more than a red barbecue shack on a corner in Old Town, don’t turn your nose up: any local will tell you Texas Lil serves up the very best tri-tip and baby back ribs in the city. From the upstairs patio at the Gambling Cowboy or a stool facing the heart of Old Town at Texas Lil’s, sit back and enjoy where the sun comes through the mist.

Jolene, Gorgeous Chi

Aye Chihuahua! Hurry over to adopt me. I’m a mellow, loving, 5-year-old girl with a gorgeous foxlike “Beverly Hills” face.

Dog #A002179, Animal Care Center of Indio, 45-355 Van Buren, Indio (760) 391-4135

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

by Lisa Morgan

Nicky Vallee, Jersey Born Song Bird, Makes Her Home, Wine and Music Here in the Coachella Valley

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ecently voted Coachella Valley Weekly’s Female Vocalist of the Year for 2013, Nicky Vallee has come a long way since moving to the desert and news casting for one of the deserts local news stations. Even though Nicky and her brother grew up in a music loving family, playing air guitar with their whole hearts until they finally got their hands on the real deal, music was not a career choice until later in life. “I was a newscaster for 10 years, most recently on CBS, channel 2 from 2005-2007. Being in front of people was something I was actually good at, but had never thought of music as a career until after I left the news business.”

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“I had always played guitar in college and special events for friends. Two years after I left TV, I had seen an ad on MySpace for a singer who could perform classic rock and Stevie Nicks songs for a band in Idyllwild.

I thought, ‘What the heck! I’ll see what happens.’ I actually got a reply from Alex Watson, a musician who also builds his own basses and guitars. I went up and sat in on a couple songs with them and it went well. He and I became a duo, Chica and the Man playing mostly in Idyllwild and then The Grill on Main in La Quinta. A couple of years later, Willy Boner and I met, and gelled immediately. We formed Dreams, and have been together for several years.

Most recently, we’ve been performing at Rancho Las Palmas every Wednesday night during season. I also perform now as a solo performer.”

Nicky shared that she really enjoys the work she does as a solo performer in spite of the fact that there is a bit more stress involved. “I really enjoy the fact that I can play what I want to, and have a little more creative license.” Still, there are times when she feels playing with someone else is a little easier emotionally. “You can feed off that other person’s energy. When you‘re alone, you are the sole source of that energy.

You almost always, if not always, have to be on your game and focused on what you’re doing. Sometimes that’s difficult to do if there’s something going on, you’re distracted or for whatever reason you re not into it that day. Anybody that performs would admit to that, if they’re being honest.

But once you get out there on your own, it’s time for you to shine and do your thing and put everything else a side. In some ways it’s a form of therapy. No matter what’s going on in my life, there’s an adrenaline that you get immediately that helps you put everything else aside. That’s the magic of music.”

“There’s a really nice reward that comes with making other people happy, and helping them get away from whatever they’re dealing with.”

I somewhat facetiously asked Nicky if she was making loads of money at this, already knowing the answer. She continued in her positive, genuinely gracious tone, “The money is hit or miss. Sometimes you have a plethora of gigs, and other times, it’s quiet. You have to be patient and trust that things will come around. You have to stay committed to what you’re doing and make good connections with your audience. I hope one day to make it profitable in the future.”

I asked Nicky to share a little about the

value of the tip jar: “We’ve had people come up to us and hand us a $50 bill, saying, ‘You made it a very special night’.” As impressive as that kind of tip would be to any artist, it was interesting to note that the value for Nicky was not weighed based on the monetary value as much as the amount of appreciation that the gesture reflected. “It’s obvious that you touched them in a genuine way that had some real value to them,” she shared. “I had someone come up to me - an older gentleman, and he said to me, ‘I don’t know you, I’ve never met you, but I want you to make me a promise.’ I thought to myself, ‘that’s interesting, I wonder where this is going’,” she chuckled. “As he pressed a folded up bill in my hand, he said, ‘I can tell that you make people happy with your voice. You have a gift to give to the world, and I want you to promise me that you’ll never stop giving that gift.’ I was struck emotionally. I made that promise. I looked down after he left, and there was a $100 bill in my hand. That’s the sort of thing that lets you know that you’re on a good path and that you’re making people happy with what you do. It is really rewarding.” Pressing her a bit, I mentioning how rare a thing that is on this end of the music industry.

She agreed wholeheartedly saying, “More time than you even want to think about, it doesn’t happen at all. You almost have to block that part out because if you don’t, you’ll get frustrated and never keep going.

There are those nights that you’re outside in 110 degrees, you’re just dying, it’s just the

start of the night, and you’re thinking, ‘How am I going to get through this?’ But then there’s other times when it’s great! You make record tip money, you’re having fun because people are hooting and hollering and really into it, loving the music. It’s those few moments that supplant all the negatives. That’s what you have to choose to focus on.”

Not only is Nicky one of the Coachella Valley’s favorite performers, she is also a wine diva. “I was approached by Paul Cullen (the bass player in the band, Bad Company in the early 90s). He has his own series of private label wines. We found a lot in common in terms of our love of music, wine, entertaining and food. He asked me if I would be interested in doing a wine under his portfolio. I said, ‘Absolutely!’

It’s called Gypsy Red. The second I tasted it, I knew that it was the wine I wanted to market, and that I wanted people to enjoy.

I had a feeling that it would be appealing to a cross section of pallets, and I was right. I’m amazed how well it has been received throughout the desert. It’s on a lot of different wine lists. People have been enjoying it since its launch in January, and it’s been doing really well. I’m crossing my fingers!” Dish Creative in Cathedral City, Flemming’s and Babe’s Barbeque at the River in Palm Desert, Piero’s Pizza Vino on El Paseo, The Cork and Fork and LQ Wine in La Quinta all offer Nicky’s Gypsy Red Wine.

Nicky will be enjoying the summer with her brother in New Jersey, performing at various clubs with him until her return in the fall. Follow her adventures on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/pages/Nicky-Vallee.

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absolutely knows what they have now. “We played last night - our first rehearsal since our last show together in March,” shared Robert. “Last night after rehearsal, we were talking about how well it sounded.

Everybody was on point. Jeff said, ‘You know if you guys want to do this...’ I was like on cloud nine. My wife asked me, ‘What is wrong with you! You’re acting like a frickin school girl!’” Robert just smiled. There will be no booking in the near future. They’re going to sit down and write and get a set together. (The Bro-mance was getting a bit thick between these guys as they considered their future together. I watched and listened as they each murmured something about getting chills and hard nipples at the thought of it. Someone said, ‘don’t print that!’

Someone else shouted, ‘Fucking print that!’)

Finally, snapping out of their musings of the not so distant future, and getting back to the immediate future, Robert stated excitedly, “Right now, it’s all about Wiseman. This is for Zach and the Wiseman fans. Zach is coming all this way with his new band The Secret Post. Mighty Jack is playing too and the whole thing is going to be bad ass.

We’ve got a few surprises and tricks up our sleeve, so you really don’t want to be the one to miss this show.” (Try as I may, I could not pry any information regarding the “tricks and surprises” from these guys...guess we’ll all just have to be there to find out) “We’ve all grown up and we can look back and be glad that our relationships weren’t so damaged that we couldn’t rekindle it.

That’s what it’s all about. I’m so excited to share the stage with my best friends, and with a new band too- The Secret Post. I’m freaking thrilled,” said Robert. Watching his excitement, I began to understand the “school girl” reference made by his wife.

Zach’s arrival almost, but not quite, completes this potentially epic reunion. One

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com member is missing. Original bass player, Tap Howard, whose love for making music with Wiseman inspired him to follow Zach to Oklahoma. Tap played with Zach up until 2011 when he joined the military. Howard is no scrub; he is part of the United States Army Honor Guard, a position awarded to the best of the best by military standards.

And it is ONLY his honor to our country that keeps him away from this event. Let this be a reminder to us all ~ underneath some of those camouflage uniforms and those dress greens and blues, beats the heart of a bad ass rocker like Tap. Zach Wiser: Robert, Jeff, Jamie and Mike, some of whom have not seen front man, Zach, in 7 years, are not the only ones excited about Saturday’s show. Flying out from Tulsa, Oklahoma on Thursday night, Zach too is anxious to rejoin his friends for whom he still holds in the highest regard. They’ll rehearse, and then enjoy the obligatory party of rock stars before regrouping on stage with their various brands of awesomeness.

Looking back, Zach says, “We were going in different directions before I moved to Oklahoma. But we truthfully just didn’t realize what we had at the time, and took it for granted. Then, I went through a divorce, and my son’s mom wanted to move back to Oklahoma to be near family. Of course I moved back to my home state. I wasn’t going to be away from my son. Our bass player, Tap Howard, moved back here with me.”

I asked Zach how his new project, The Secret Post got started. “It actually started in California. Wiseman was moving in a post punk direction. But I’m heavily influenced by post punk and new wave – bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and things like that. I started working it out as a solo thing on a little four track recorder. It’s more along the post punk genre, but softer. The guitar is still present, but not quite so heavy. There’s a lot of keyboard in the music, and the bass is more along the line of The Cure or Joy Division... they are more the meat instrument, not just in the background. They’re softer songs so I don’t have to scream it out. I can just take my time and sing.” The music has struck a golden nerve among post punk and indie web-radio stations, as it has cultivated a huge international response and following over the last year.

I asked if there were any similarities in the production process to the work done on

Wiseman EPs. “Yeah. Most of the stuff we (Wiseman) did would be self-produced in a studio. I kind of have a vision and a feel when I write a song. Bowman (Robert) is one I’ve always referred to as ‘my musical soul mate’.

I could bring a melody and lyrics to him, and in one listen, he’ll add something to it that worked. We worked together very well. I also self-produce with The Secret Post.

I’ve been called a little picky, or a little diva sometimes, but that’s the sound I want... it’s my song and it’s coming out of my soul. I want to hear the song like I hear it my head, or as close as you can get it. Bowman was always the same way. He had no problem with me being like that, and I had no problem with him being picky with his guitar. Secret Post is the same way. They are all very trusting of my judgment. But Bowman will always be ‘my’ lead guitar player, whether we’re playing together or not. The Secret Post is getting very popular overseas. If we ever went anywhere, I always knew I was going to have to pay him to be in my band.”

June 27 to July 3, 2013 “I’m very excited to show my old band to my new band, and my new band to my old band. We’ve got some tricks and surprises up our sleeve and it’s going to be a great show.” (Again with the surprises, tricks and secrets tease!)

Do NOT miss this show, Saturday, June 29th at The Hood Bar in Palm Desert. The show starts at 9 pm. The world will be watching for video shot by our desert’s own Robert Wolfgang Laster, (RobertWolfgang. com) but YOU get the chance to be there in person.

Follow Wiseman @ www.facebook. com/pages/WiseMan/114690801914270 or myspace.com/wiseman#!

Follow Zach Wiseman and The Secret Post at the following links: www.etsy.com/shop/TheSecretPostShop www.myspace.com/thesecretpost garageband.com allsynthpop.com ilike.com http://lastfm.com

photo by Blackjack

photo by Blackjack

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

comedy

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

By Lisa Morgan

Richard Weiss

By judith salkin

A good case to wake up to in the morning: “Casey Dolan”

Living Proof That What Doesn’t Kill You, Can Eventually Make You Laugh rinking led to blackouts for me just that - a dream. My passion to perform

D

“

which I call ‘The 90s’,” he shares to a room full of laughter. “My family got together and gave me a little present... they got me tickets, luggage, and a going away party called an ‘intervention’.”

Richard Weiss, popular comedian, author, comic strip publisher and Coachella Valley resident, shares openly in person, in his comedic performances and on his website about his pilgrimage from shame and pain, to joy, love and laughter.

Born and raised in New York, the child of alcoholic parents, Richard had learned to isolate himself from chaos in his room, where his active imagination kept him company. But once integrated with other kids his age on a baseball team, he quickly discovered his ability to cut up and make his peers laugh. This continued on through his career in construction with the larger variety of peer. All his life, it seemed, he had aspired to perform on stage as a comedian. “It was a dream I had for many years, but could not seem to find the right path, as I couldn’t stay clean and sober long enough to work it out. I knew I could tell jokes where people laughed to the point I felt I succeed.” He recalls with some clarity, his days prior to recovery. “My druggie friend and I were huge Richard Pryor fans. We identified with his cocaine bits, so much so that when I went to Radio City Music Hall to see him in concert, my friend Gus and I shared an 8-ball in a weird attempt to honor him. Sharing a large bottle of vodka before we went in, I didn’t remember much of the show - only that standing next to me was a young Eddie Murphy wearing sun glasses. Time passed and it became clearer that my dream of getting up on stage and making people laugh was

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standup had died, like every other dream I had. Drugs and alcohol have a way of taking it all away in a matter that would make the IRS jealous.”

“I prayed often for a solution,” he shares. “I somewhere accepted that I’d die an addict. I wrote suicide notes to my son in case I ever overdosed, telling him I loved him, but couldn’t stop using.

To avoid the gut wrenching pain of a comedown, I once drank rubbing alcohol.

All I can say, is I’m lucky I didn’t do serious damage. One morning, I even tried a TV faith healer in an effort for him to magically give me sobriety. As I put my hand to his on the screen and repeated what he beckoned me to say, it was obvious I was desperate to be free from my addictions. The TV faith healer had worked so well at curing me, that I picked up 2 grams of cocaine an hour later... just saying ‘no to drugs’ didn’t come easy for me, it took me 25 years of using to get 1 year clean and sober.”

With some sobriety under his belt, Richard took the advice of others and lived in a sober living home for a few years. “It was no longer ‘Rich’s way’; I had to surrender and be willing. As many around me relapsed, I had gratitude, prayed each morning, got a sponsor and went to meetings daily. One day at a time, I did not drink or drug, as God did for me what I could not do for myself.”

As a result, Richard Weiss’ dream was reborn. He took his comedy writing to the stage in 2006 making his debut at the Hollywood Improv. He has since gone on to perform standup in just about every major club in and around Los Angeles, has written for many comedians (some of whom have gone on to appear on national television), published a book and has a comic strip seen in many publications including this one.

When Richard’s not in Southern California, he’s traveling across the states performing at sold out shows as part of the Stand Up To Addiction Tour. Truly a “Standup Guy”, as he’s been called, Richard has also produced shows for many charitable organizations, treatment centers, rehabs, hospitals, homeless shelters and for CASA (An organization helping Foster Children).

“The divine irony of it all,” he shares, “is that my comedy act is based on my life in recovery and 12 step programs.”

Not only has his dream of performing come to fruition, but so has his love life.

He met the love of his life and his wife performing at a corporate event. Upon moving to Palm Springs in the summer of

public personalities

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2012, in support of his wife’s career, Richard hooked up with the talents of wacky artist Bart E Slyp. The two immediately hit it off, and soon after, launched their hilarious comic strip, “Weiss Cracks” as seen here in CV Weekly (page 30) and many other publications. “It was Bart’s idea to include me in many of the strips,” said Richard. “It was something I had not initially thought of, but it turned out to be brilliant. I can now take my stage act, incorporated with real life situations, and depict them to the masses without even getting out of bed!

‘Bartabulous’ and I are like Elton John and Bernie Taupin; the sum is greater than its parts.” Weiss and Slyp now have a book published and printed and ready for sale called “Weiss Cracks”. As you gaze through the pages of their first comic release, you’ll enter a world where anything and everything goes.

“I regularly go back to the rehab I was sent to by my intervention: an intervention I ran from until I had nowhere else to run or call home. On

June 6th, 2013, I gratefully celebrated 8 years clean and sober.” In the throes of his addiction, Richard had lost his mother to a painful and devastating illness. But gratefully, he has had the opportunity to rebuild his relationship with his father.

“While on the ‘Stand Up To Addiction Tour’, I performed at the Helium Club in Philly with my father in the front row.

Over the years I had put him through hell; still he stood by me through it all.

So it was heartwarming to see my Dad laughing at my jokes. I introduced him to the crowd at the end of my set, and they gave him a great round of applause.

Another example of the gifts that the people of AA promised me 8 years ago; gifts that now are coming true...beyond my wildest dreams.”

Follow Richard Weiss on his website standupguycomedy.com or on Twitter at RichardWeissGuy. Make sure to get on his email mailing list at StandUpGuyComedy@gmail.com to be notified of his performances.

hen it comes to A.M. drive time jocks, you generally gravitate to the ones that gently wake you up or make you laugh so hard that you’re ready for the office when you get there.

When it comes to 93.7 FM KCLB’s Casey Dolan, along with his co-host Kristen Kelly, for the past 15 years he’s used humor and all the knowledge he picked up on his long trek to a college degree.

And he says he loves getting up at the crack of dawn for his 6 to 10 a.m. drive time slot to wake his listeners up.

We caught up with Dolan, 36, after he’d returned home from a doctor’s appointment for a knee injury he incurred some months ago. “It’s a little strange when you’re in a waiting room filled with people who you know are all on Medicare, and you’re the only one who’s not old enough for it.”

Dolan, who is known for his insightful commentary on what’s going on in the valley and the country, claims he doesn’t talk a lot outside of his job.

“I spend most of my time off-air reading,” he says. “People would probably want to hit me if I always talked the way I do on the show.”

Like a number of the radio and television personalities here in the valley, he got into radio almost by accident. Or at least via construction.

Growing up near Big Bear Lake in the mountain community of Moonridge, Dolan says he didn’t appreciate at the time the life most kids would have loved; snow and water skiing, hiking, all in his backyard. “But growing up I thought where I lived was too isolated and awful,” he says.

He spent his summers working as a construction laborer as a teen. “One day it was 98, and of course now I know 98 is not that hot, but at the time I thought, ‘Why am out I here?’,” he recalled.

He went to the radio station across the street from the job site, “And I begged them for a job; I told them I’d mop the floors, anything to get out of the heat,” he said.

So he was hired to mop the floors, but when the station was sold a couple of

desert dj’s

June 27 to July 3, 2013

By Craig Michaels

DJ Smerk

Mixing His Own Sound A

months later and most of the air staff quit, “They offered me an afternoon spot until they shut it down,” he said.

After high school Dolan “went to about nine different junior colleges around Southern California,” he says, moving to different communities as he changed jobs or apartments. “At 18 you don’t have the luxury of going where you want to,” he says.

“You go where you have a job or cheap rent.”

He finally ended up in San Diego, doing a semester at San Diego State, but the cost of living there was too rich for Dolan.

At the time he had some friends in the Coachella Valley, “I knew I didn’t want to live where it snowed and in the desert you don’t have to shovel heat,” he said.

For his first few years here in the desert he sold time shares and radio advertising until he finally got an on-air spot on KMRJ and then KKUU. These days he shares his KCLB mornings with Kelly, and the rest of his days, too, as the hosts are an off-air couple.

“There are a lot of couples who are on radio and TV,” Dolan says. “I think it’s because you share a similar sense of humor and you both love the hours.”

Told that KMIR news anchor Gino LaMont had nice words for the morning host from his time working with him from 2003 to 2006, Dolan was appropriately touched by the tribute. “But you know, he NEVER says that to ME!” he said with a tear in his voice, “But he was in a tough place; I’m glad he learned something from his experience.”

LaMont learned where to find good child care for his son since Kelly is the boy’s afternoon nanny. “I got him a job and he’s responded by giving one to Kristen,” he says jokingly.

Outside of the radio gig Dolan often fills in as the moderator for Q/A sessions at the Cinemas Palme d’Or in Palm Desert. “I took a semester of film school and I love movies,” he says of the work.

s a young kid growing up in the San Fernando Valley, DJ Smerk (Christian Oropeza) would tune into popular radio stations like KIIS FM and Power 106 where he would hear mash ups and remixes during the rush hour traffic jams. Smerk became fascinated by the seamless blending of the different songs; “I always wondered how they did that, how did they get two different vocals on one beat and how did they change up that beat?” When he realized there were DJs who would create these sounds, Smerk knew that’s what he wanted to do for a living.

At age 11, Smerk moved to Lancaster where six years later he would begin his DJ career. Starting out playing at house parties for friends and neighbors, Smerk realized that working as a mobile DJ performing at weddings and private parties was not for him. He quickly began performing at clubs and shows while executing his remixing skills. Since he always had a smile (or a smerk) on his face, his friends would eventually pin the name DJ Smerk on him.

Playing many of his own remixes and edits at clubs and shows, Smerk began to attract some attention; “ I would constantly have DJ’s come up to me after my sets and ask me, hey what remix of that song did you just play? So when I tell them, oh that’s my remix! They’re shocked at the fact it was mine and want to know where they can get it as soon as they get home.” Smerk’s sets run the gambit depending on the crowds in front of him; “I don’t like to focus on only one genre of music. I’m open format which is great because you never know what type of crowd you’re going to get. In one night I can start off with some Hip-Hop, then

move up to some Pop, make my way to some House and maybe some Rock here or there.”

Balancing out family time and DJing has become a challenge since Smerk has begun traveling around to other states like Texas and Arizona to perform his shows with fans showing up just to see him spin.

He was recently honored to be featured at 2013 SXSW (South by Southwest festival highlighting music and film.) His Mash ups and remixes have become sought after by multiple DJ record pools like DJCity.com, DirectMusicService.com, & Clubkillers.com.

Like many DJs before him Smerk has gone from playing other peoples music to making his own; “I’ve started working on original productions now. I’ve also been lucky to collaborate with some really great producers and DJ’s this year and their talent only reminds me that I always need to be working harder.” As Smerk continues to soak up as much knowledge as he can from others he hopes to put out an EP soon.

Smerk has accomplished a lot in is short DJ career and at the age of 22 he realizes how lucky he is; “Every day that I get to do this is like a gift to me.”

If you would like to contact DJ Smerk you can email him at: deejay_smerk@yahoo.com.

Written by: Craig Michaels Musical Affair Entertainment (760) 880-3848

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

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SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO PROMISES A SIZZLING LINEUP FOR THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND F

ree Concerts, an All-American Buffet & More Thursday, July 4 – Sunday, July 7th Spotlight 29 Casino promises a sizzling lineup of free concerts, great dining and fun for the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend!

Don’t miss this four-day celebration of all things American!

Thursday, July 4 The extended weekend begins July 4th with an All-American buffet at Café Capitata. In true red, white and blue style, homespun favorites like barbecued chicken, ribs, hamburgers and hot dogs will be served up with pride all day long. Café Capitata will also feature a rich variety of international delights, including Asian, Italian and Mexican fare. For those looking to eat light, a fresh salad bar offers a crisp selection of greens and delicious soups.

Just don’t forget to leave room for dessert!

Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for $10.95. Dinner is served 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for $14.94.

Friday & Saturday July 5 & 6 Tribute Acts in the Showroom Country music and Motown. Two distinctly American genres will be featured in the spacious, air-conditioned Spotlight Showroom over the holiday weekend! On Friday, July 5th at 8:00 p.m., Garth Brooks

popular Greg Jones Band on Saturday night.

Live music starts at 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 7 Spotlight 29 Casino will cap the holiday festivities with the opening weekend of the $10,000 Summer Sunday giveaway! The fun starts Sunday afternoon with hourly drawings for $1,000 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a $5,000 Grand Prize drawing at 7:00 p.m.! The giveaway lasts all month, with cash drawings every Sunday afternoon.

and Faith Hill Tribute performers will take the stage for a boot-stomping night of country hits like Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and Hill’s “Just Breathe”. Then, Saturday, July 6th at 8:00 p.m., it’s music imported from Detroit-- a Motown Revue Tribute to Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, who created some of the most memorable songs of all time, including “You Are the

Sunshine of My Life”, and “Let’s Get it On”. There’s room for more than 1,500 people to move and groove in the Spotlight Showroom, so be sure to bring your friends!

Live Entertainment at Hot Spot The fun doesn’t stop there! Friday night Spotlight 29 Casino’s Hot Spot Lounge lights up with Sol y Sombra, one of the hottest Mariachi bands around. And the ever-

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

June 27 to July 3, 2013

By Haddon libby

Food Trucks in Riverside County O

n June 25th, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors initiated the revision of Ordinance No. 580 which restricts the usage of mobile food trucks in Riverside County.

Riverside County is the only county in the State of California that does not allow for the daily operation of food trucks. What the ‘initiation of revision’ means is that staff to the Board of Supervisors will begin working with all constituent groups and regulatory bodies to formulate a workable plan that lifts many of the restrictions limiting food truck activity in the county.

At present, the ordinance limits the operation of most mobile trucks to prepackaged foods only. Once passed, the amendment is expected to allow each city in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Health to regulate how food trucks will operate in their cities.

In recognition of the vote initiating the revision, a free Food Truck Festival operated outside of the Supervisors’ Chambers in Riverside as the vote was taken. Well over 1,000 attendees came out in support of the ordinance and these mobile eateries.

Actively supported by Supervisor Jeffries, our local Supervisor John Benoit

has expressed skepticism toward the lifting of restrictions on food trucks.

Among food trucks at the rally were The Grilled Cheese Truck. Its operator, Michele Grant, has grown her company to three trucks since starting four years ago.

Initially operating out of a shared kitchen commissary in Los Angeles, Grant now operates from her own brick and mortar facility in Pasadena. Each truck that she operates has resulted in nine new jobs.

Also at the event was Suite 106 Cupcakery which recently acquired a brick and mortar location in Rancho Cucamonga due to the success of their mobile operations. They have also been featured on “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Channel.

Cousins Maine Lobster also started as a food truck only and now has a brick and mortar location in Pasadena. At the Festival, they expressed an interest in launching a truck in Riverside County as soon as the ban is lifted.

Many restaurants operate food trucks for mobile marketing as well as another way to create revenues and expose people in different geographic areas to their culinary creations.

People often start with food trucks as

the cost of entry is lower. Myra Munoz of food truck builder, California Cart Builder, stated that prices on custom food trucks start in the $65,000 to $85,000 range for a 15’ foot food truck. She was certain that the lifting of the ban would result in more jobs in Riverside County as well as at her facility in Lake Elsinore. California Cart Builder is one of four approved food truck builders in the state that can build trucks for Riverside County.

Long gone are the days of the roach coaches as these mobile state-of-theart commercial kitchens take the center stage. Tuesday’s vote gives great hope to aspiring culinary entrepreneurs in Riverside County. Thank you to the Riverside Board of Supervisors for showing their support.

CaliforniaCartBuilder.com

FREE FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS MAKE SUMMER SIZZLE AT SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO! Top Tribute Bands Perform Fridays at 8:00 p.m.

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potlight 29 Casino will be the top spot for entertainment this summer with a sizzling set of tribute acts performing Friday nights, free of charge in the Spotlight Showroom! Guests can dance the night away or just relax and enjoy chart-topping hits from The Beatles, Bon Jovi, The Police, Heart, The Doors, Journey, and more, performed by tribute artists in the air-conditioned comfort of the casino’s 2,200-seat theatre. The concerts start at 8pm on Fridays and are open to guests 21 and over.

“We love our locals, and we’ve enjoyed being able to offer these fun, free concerts since 2011,” says Adam Sak, Director of Marketing for Spotlight 29 Casino. “Offering great music and a good time without a price tag is one small way we can give back to our community.”

Spotlight 29 Casino’s Free Friday Concert Series has become one of the Coachella Valley’s favorite live music events. This year, the series will also extend to additional nights during the Independence and Labor Day Holidays. The Independence Day holiday includes a tribute to Garth Brooks and Faith Hill on July 5th, and A Motown Revue Tribute to Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye on July 6th. Over the Labor

Day Holiday, the series features Journey Unauthorized on August 30th, the Stevie Nicks Tribute Band, “Bella Donna” on August 31st, and a stunning tribute to David Bowie on September 1st—it’s a triple play of great entertainment!

The full concert schedule is listed below.

Free Friday Concert Series Summer Schedule: June 28 – The Police Tribute – The Police Experience July 5 – Garth Brooks and Faith Hill Tributes July 6 – Motown Revue – Tribute to Stevie Wonder & Marvin Gaye July 12 – Heart Tribute Band – Dog and Butterfly July 26 – Bon Jovi Tribute – Blaze of Glory August 2 – Beatles Tribute Band – Revolver August 16 – The Doors Tribute Band – Strange Days August 30 – Journey Tribute Band – Journey Unauthorized August 31 – Stevie Nicks Tribute Band – Bella Donna September 1 – David Bowie tribute

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

LAURA MARLING

“Once I Was An Eagle” (Ribbon Music)

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Consider This

by Lola Rossi-Meza

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

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the end of a relationship.

“Take The Night Off” sets the stage, opening with lone vocals and guitar.

The melody pivots from contemplative to insistent, aided by furious acoustic strumming and an increasing tabla beat.

Marling’s tone is low and intimate, (we aren’t so much listening as eavesdropping).

“You should be gone beast,” she coldly asserts, urging her lover out the door.

Marling’s resolve hardens on “I Was An Eagle.” Her conversational vocals shift to rapid trilling. A fluttery cello underscores her regret and resolve to be less naïve. “I will not be a victim of romance, chance or circumstance or romance/ Or any man who would get his hands on me.”

The proceedings slow on “You Know.”

Cascading acoustic arpeggios ripple under the weight of accusation and disillusionment. “We were a pair once, oh of such despair once/ We were a child then I’m sure, but if we were a child then we are children no more.”

Spiky guitar riffs and a sawing cello propel “Breathe.” The arrangement resides comfortably between a galloping “Gallows Pole” Celtic mysticism and transcendent Sufi spirituality. It’s a sober post-mortem…

“How cruel I am to you, cruel things I do/ How cruel you were to me, how cruel time

can be.”

The suite concludes with the exhilarating “Master Hunter.” A declaration of sexual independence matched with fleet and furious acoustic notes and tribal percussion.

Marling is in command as she dismisses her man once and for all… “You wanna a woman who will call your name, it ain’t me babe/ No, no it ain’t me babe.”

With that final refrain, Marling manages to echo Bob Dylan’s old dismissive kiss-off, flipping the script on his flippant misogyny.

Those five songs serve as act one in this tale of romantic disenchantment. On the remainder of the album, Marling sets about re-calibrating her life.

On both “Little Love Crusher” and “Once” Marling is full of self-reproach. The lonesome melody is piloted by filigreed Spanish guitar. Still smarting from the break up, Marling asserts, “I will not be your Tiny Dancer.”

The latter is contemplative, as though Marling is taking emotional inventory…

“Once is enough to break you/ Once is enough to make you think twice about laying love on the line.”

Although only three musicians play on this album, several tracks replicate the sound of a full band. The majestic “Undine” feels like “Stairway To Heaven” meets

Appalachian mountain music. Marling ties her heartbreak to the fairy tale myth of Undine, a water spirit who marries a knight to gain a soul.

The instrumentation that colors “Where Can I Go,” recalls the rustic charm of the Band and Ryan Adams. The lyrics are a lonely discourse on the solitude of night.

“Pray For Me” is anchored by propulsive guitar licks, nimble cello runs and a martial cadence. The melody exudes a grandiosity of a Jeff Buckley song.

Happily, the final tracks on the album feel like the light at the end of the tunnel.

“When Were You Happy? (And How Long Has That Been) takes tentative steps toward a new romance… “Hey new friend across the sea, if you figure out things would you figure in me?”

“Love Be Brave” is spare and angular, blending sun-dappled acoustic guitar and diffident percussion. Marling is appealingly ardent…”How does he make love so sweet, isn’t that some heavy feat?” The melody of “Little Bird” manages to evoke comparisons to the ethereal Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell’s “Hejira” era.

The album closes with “Saved These Words.” Plangent and percolating, Marling let’s go of the past and just indulges in the happiness of the moment… “Should you choose, should you choose to love anyone anytime soon/Then I save these words for you. ”Sweet words at the end of an emotional journey.

Once I Was An Eagle is a trenchant song cycle that is at once intimate and expansive.

Clearly, Marling has distilled Joni Mitchell’s landmark albums, “Blue,” “Court & Spark” and “Hejira” but she has also expanded her sonic palette. A savvy listener will detect the influence of British touchstones like Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, Bert Jansch, Richard & Linda Thompson and Kate Bush. More contemporary muses include the late Jeff Buckley and Ani DiFranco.

Much like Bob Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks, k.d. lang’s Ingenue and Ani DiFranco’s Dilate, Once I Was An Eagle is loosely conceptual. The songs parse the agony of heartbreak, the regenerative power of solitude and the frisson of new romance. It’s a cathartic pilgrimage, and we are along for the ride.

Valley Rhythms

Elvis Will Never Leave The Building!

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or her 13th birthday, Laura Marling’s parents gave her two albums, Blue

by Joni Mitchell and Horses by Patti Smith. Those two recordings changed her life.

The youngest of three daughters, Marling was born in rural Hampshire, England. Her father ran a small recording studio on their property. (The La’s recorded their epochal Brit-Pop masterpiece, There She Goes there). Charlie Marling encouraged his daughter’s musical aspirations by teaching her guitar. By age six she tackled Neil Young’s harrowing indictment of heroin addiction, “The Needle And The Damage Done.”

At 16, Marling moved to London to begin a career in music. She immediately fell in with like-minded Folkies. By 18, she had released her debut, Alas I Cannot Swim. Produced by Noah & The Whale front man, (and ex-beau), Charlie Fink. The album was hailed a masterpiece. The music cognoscenti anointed her the new Joni Mitchell.

Rather than rest on her laurels, Marling quickly released two more albums, I Speak Because I Can in 2009, and Creature I Don’t Know in 2011. The music press was equally effusive.

Now Marling has returned with her ambitious fourth effort, Once I Was An Eagle. Produced by multi-instrumentalist, Ethan Johns (who produced Marling’s second and third albums as well as Tom Jones triumphant new album). The album features minimal instrumentation provided

by Marling, Johns and cellist Ruth de Turberville.

Once… opens with an astonishing five song suite that plunges the listener down a rabbit hole of romantic regret. On “Take The Night Off,” “You Know,” “Breathe” and “Master Hunter,” Marling employs the same melody, with slight variations, to diagram

June 27 to July 3, 2013

A

s anticipated, the season finale of “Spirit of the King” featuring Performance Artist Steve Connolly, certainly captured the Spirit of Palm Springs with a packed house in the Cascade Lounge at the Spa Resort Casino last Saturday night.

Attendees were taken back to the “1960 Glory Days” of Palm Springs, the playground of the stars.

This amazing showcase opened with vocalist Fleet Easton and his tribute to Bobby Darin. I have seen, read and heard about Easton over the years, however, this was the first time I caught a glimpse of his act. What an entertainer! He had the audience in the palm of his hand that night and gave his “all” as he prepared them for Steve Connolly to take the stage.

“Elvis” was in the building from the moment Connolly walked out and sang his first song. He sings like Elvis, he talks like Elvis, he looks like Elvis, he moves like Elvis and captured the undivided attention of everyone. If you have a moment, please go to the CV Weekly web-site and read my

column from last week, “Spirit of the King is the Spirit of Palm Springs”, you will learn more about the show and this dynamic entertainer.

After watching a video that shows Connolly painting the portrait of Elvis he creates nightly, Marilyn Monroe impersonator Cat Lyn Day performed “Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend” to the delight of the audience. Connolly joined her on stage and sang “Are You Lonesome Tonight”, a part of the show that makes people wonder, “What if...”

The show ended with “Suspicious Minds” followed by a standing ovation for Connolly, Day, Easton and the crew.

Executive Producer Michael T. Murphy joined them on stage and announced the First Annual Red Scarves Awards given to honor special friends of the production. He began with the first award given to Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet. The other recipients included Michael Lord, Phyllis Silver, Janie Hughes, Vince Guccione, Rich Pacheco, Josh Chandler and me, Lola Rossi,

Photo by Greg Peterson

I was very surprised, and very appreciative.

Photographer Gregg Felsen captured the group perfectly.

The next announcement was made

by Mayor Steve Pougnet, who presented Loving All Animals with the painting of Elvis created by Connolly that evening. They were one of the many charities participating in the fund-raising effort through ticket sales and will use the painting to raise more funds for their organization. I accepted the award on their behalf as the Entertainment Coordinator for their Super Pet Adoption Fair being held at the White Water Park in Rancho Mirage on Saturday, November 23, and Sunday, November 24, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. (760) 776-9397.

On Sunday, a Rock and Roll Party to celebrate a successful season, was graciously held at the beautiful home of sculptor Mario Pikus and his wife, Rebecca.

In attendance were Don and Joanne Kaplan.

They won the painting of Elvis during the live auction held after Loving All Animals brought a group of their supporters to see the show on Thursday, June 20. Michael Lord and Connolly presented them with

Photo by Greg Peterson the portrait at the party. Connolly also presented two special Red Scarves Awards to Easton and Day for their outstanding participation in “Spirit of the King”.

Pictured with Executive Producers Patricia Reider and Murphy is Judy Deertrack, board member of Well in the Desert, a guest at the party. Greg Peterson was the photographer that evening. To see video clips and photos visit SpiritOfTheKing. com or SpiritOfTheKingPalmSprings.com.

Photo by Greg Peterson

Photo by Greg Peterson

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

Carol, Ted & Teca T

ake a look at this fabulous little dog and her proud “parents”. Teca’s name was created by combining the names of Ted and Carol Rosen, a Coachella Valley couple who adopted this rescue dog last year. A treasured member of their family, Teca changed their lives in ways they never expected.

Last year the couple’s 14-year-old Shih Tzu, Mitzi, who accompanied them on a trip in their second home state of Oregon, died suddenly. They had just loaded up their van and were heading home. Five minutes later Mitzi took a deep breath and died on Carol’s lap, and she held her precious pet for the remaining six hour drive home. Heartbroken and missing canine companionship, the Rosen’s contacted Loving All Animals and asked them to look for a dog similar to Mitzi.

When the Rosen’s arrived back home in the desert, Loving All Animals’ Mobile Mutts program brought 2 dogs rescued from the San Bernardino City Shelter to their home.

Busy Bee

Keep in shape this summer with this active little dog named Bee, a 1-year-old German Pinscher/Chihuahua mix, dog #000839. She is an absolute love bug!

At the Indio shelter, 45-355 Van Buren, Indio, (760) 391-4135

Fabulous Fuzzy

This adorable kitten looks like his name, Fuzzy! Be entertained this summer with his playful antics.

Animal ID#002046.

Waiting for you at the Indio shelter, 45-355 Van Buren, Indio, (760) 391-4135.

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They thought about it overnight, but could not get the little gray dog out of their minds.

Carol recalls, “When Teca came in, she just looked up at me and we had a connection”.

Teca magically connects with her expressive eyes. Several people told them Teca looks like a Havanese. Now beautifully groomed, Teca is a stunning and engaging animal.

Ted and Carol could not be happier with this little dog, “She’s so well adjusted. I don’t know how many times a day we look at her, and are thankful we have her”. Teca

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by Janet McAfee is very affectionate, and Ted reports, “She loves to lay against my chest and just fall asleep”. When company comes, Teca sits on the back of the couch guarding her “pack” of humans. Like many owners, the Rosen’s think their dog is the best pet in the world.

Ted reports Teca lowered his blood pressure and his stress level. Ted used to take sleeping pills every night before Teca entered his life, but no longer needs them since Teca lovingly lays her head against his every evening. Teca clearly loves both Rosen’s, but is definitely “daddy’s girl”.

Carol adds, “She makes us laugh. She brought greater communication between the two of us. She takes our mind off any problems we may have.” Teca is a part of their daily routine, including trips to the dog park, driving in the golf cart, and watching television.

Scientific studies confirm the Rosen’s experience that dogs improve one’s health.

Their presence lowers cortisal, a hormone associated with stress. Dogs lower the risk of cardiovascular problems including strokes and heart disease. Exposure to animals early in life improves your immune system.

A University of California study shows that a dog in the house protects your children from a virus that causes the common cold.

Dogs bring us health and happiness!

Carol advises more people to consider adopting a pet. “Older people should not think getting a dog is a burden. Having a wonderful pet like Teca adds years to your life!”

Ted has advice for anyone thinking about getting a rescue dog. “The animal doesn’t have the problem, it’s usually the people who owned it. When you go to a breeder they have a profit motive, they want to sell you something, and you have a choice of one or two. I wanted to make sure the match is right, and Loving All Animals’ Mobile Mutts program gave us lots of options”. Those options include going to the shelters in a doggie decorated limousine and receiving

Your Pet’s ONLY Nutrition Center

by Rick Riozza

THE VINO VOICE

Total Wines & More!!!

W OW! would be one of the most heard exclamations when first visiting this mega-store of

emails of many available pets.

Teca inspired Ted to get involved in getting homes for more shelter dogs. One of his goals is to increase adoptions by helping folks with less income to adopt a pet. Ted was recruited to be on the Board of Directors for Loving All Animals, and is now passionately committed to ensure that wonderful animals like Teca get into loving homes.

A rescue dog is much more than a companion. They bring joy into your life.

They improve your physical health and psychological well being. Rescue dogs have the wisdom from once being homeless, yet joyfully carry on in the present with love and gratitude.

Visit your local shelter to meet your new best friend. Our Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms has a large number of adoptable animals. The San Bernardino City shelter (where Teca came from) has a steady stream of Havanese and Havanese mixes, and is less than an hour from Palm Springs. You can reach Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000 or www. lovingallanimals.org for assistance adopting a rescue dog or cat.

beverages.

I mean—sure the building is large from the outside, but when you walk in and look all around, it’s like one of those sci-fi movies where one enters a large spaceship and inside you find a complete town with streets and stores and airplanes flying.

Total Wine & More is just like that. It’s the biggest wine store I’ve ever been in!

I’ve always considered San Francisco, Paris, London, Chicago and New York as the wine capitals of the world, but who would have thunk that here in Palm Desert, the largest wine, beer, and spirits depot in the solar system would be sitting.

I can foresee new wine pilgrimages from all over weathering through California’s higher and lower deserts just to come and see—and taste—and buy, and buy. Hey!— this store has to be good for the entire business community, selling out hotel rooms, filling our restaurants, crowding our watering holes, and, affecting our soft summer traffic on Hwy 111.

We media got the first personal threeday tour of the place. I met with all the affable staff who have master degrees and doctorates in oenology, mixology, hopology and general mega-store mechanics. They literally “cover the waterfront”—I say that because, although I missed it, I’m sure there is a waterfront (like a portal to some Bordeaux dock) located somewhere in that store. I should have brought my binoculars.

But before they let me view the landscape and hillsides of wine awaiting me, I walked through a Disneylandia of quaint and darling little bottles of booze. It was like I was at a secret hanger at the airport— where every tiny liquor glass container in the world stands upright ready to board the airplanes of the world. Great for a shot of what’s good for ya—and what a stockingstuffer come Christmastime.

June 27 to July 3, 2013

Oh—and then we hit the walk-in humidor, harkening back to those times when everyone loved the smell of a good cigar. Great selection of over 300 cigars to choose from.

Continuing our journey to wine heaven, we next came upon The Brewery District. A large and superbly designed beer tasting bar that is surrounded with racks and racks of beers & ales, from micro-brews to imports, from refrigerated kegs (in the back with the chilled IPAs) to beer singles where you can create your own six-pack.

And did I mention that this superstore is the largest beer destination in the Venus/ Earth/Mars triangulation.

Their tasting schedule appears like a shoving match of so many craft beer breweries wanting to get in on the scene. I see Stone Brewery, Hanger 24, and Firestone already on the chalkboard menu of upcoming beer tastings.

By this time I realize I should have taken a shuttle to all of these aisles as I came upon rows and rows of spirits from around the world—which, I’m told, will be selling at rock bottom prices. Stay tuned for their captivating “Spirit Tastings” booth where all the vodkas, whiskeys, gins, rum, and tequila meet and greet your senses!

Alright—we’ve heard there was a mountain of wine waiting for us to scale and we were not disappointed—a little disappointed though, when realizing I’d be aging a bit while scoping out all of the wine bottles lying in the bins. Numbers of over 8,000 different types of wine available are staggering. One can find vino from every state and country in the universe. But watch your step: fall into a black hole of wine and you’ll get to taste every great wine in history—the bad news is that you’ll return yesterday—it does get messy, but you will come out of it with a Total Wines T-shirt!

Thank God the local security is fairly cool. I can see myself picking up a couple of loitering citations simply hanging out reading all of the wine labels for my upcoming columns. Even the wine section has sections such as the temperature controlled vintage & fine wine cellar housing all those great Bordeaux & Champagne.

There’s a wonderful circular temple of wine tasting right in the center of things, where on the weekends you can sample the new wines in town. And then!—no surprise here, there’s a technologically advanced Education Center at the back of the store

where all types of beverage classes, virtualreality winery tours, tastings and community events—public or private—are to be held.

Already there’s a fun wine class schedule posted that include titles such as Wine 101: You be the Judge!, California Wines… they’re Undeniable!, Napa Valley Rocks!, and Sparkling and Champagne…because Every Day is a Celebration. And upcoming this Saturday, June 29th, come and enjoy a live Webcast tasting featuring winemaker Chuck Wagner of Wagner Family Wines.

Call 760.346.2029 for time & details. Total Wine & More, 72339 Hwy 111 Palm Desert.

No hyperbole here and on a personal note: I’ve met with store manager Scott Perry and he really looks forward to providing CV Weekly readers and our community the best service possible. And he has been gracious to invite me over to the upcoming weekend wine classes featuring vintners and winemakers. Look forward to seeing you all.

TOTAL CHEERS! Rick is the desert’s sommelier-abouttown entertaining at wine events & tastings.

Contact winespectrum@aol.com

The Only

Winery Tasting Room

...in The Desert!

READY OR NOT

SUMMER IS COMING SPECIAL! STOCK UP the cellar with the crisp, slightly sweet, bright finish, perfect on a warm day...

2010 Trace Sauvignon Blanc ONLY $6.99/bottle $59.95/case

10% off your purchase

of $25 or more with this ad. Expires 8/31/2013. No Cash Value.

760.864.1133 577 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92263

760.340.2663 73-910 Hwy 111, Ste. C Palm Desert, CA 92260

www.bonesnscones.com

At The River in Rancho Mirage!

2FOR1

WINE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK WINE TASTING DAILY! Find us at The River in Rancho Mirage at the Corner of Bob Hope & Hwy 111 (760) 568-5678 | TULIPHILLWINERY.COM

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Please present 2 FOR 1 Wine Tasting Coupon on smart phone or device at the time of purchase or bring this ad. Cheers! Expires 6/30/13.

15

June 27 to July 3, 2013

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COME JOIN US FOR THE FUN!!

THUR JUNE 27

While you are here you can try one of our ten tap beer selections from a frosty cold glass or choose one of our 30 tequilas or vodkas to make your favorite cocktail.

29 PALMS INN; 29 PALMS ; 760367-3505 Bev and Bill 6pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day in the Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760202-1111 Lilli Rose AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm (PB) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King Band 6pm CAFÉ PALETTE; PS; 760-322-9264 Jersey Shore & Friends 7pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; Open Mic 8pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-3296787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 Karaoke ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 Lola Rossi, Rob Carter and Denise Motto 5-9pm (JZ) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The A-List/ Lung 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-5645353 Johnny Meza 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Country Night w/ Gold Rush Country 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 8-1am (LR) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 T.B.A. 6-10pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) MIRAMONTE RESORT; IW; 760341-7200 “Sassy & Sultry” featuring Gina Carey 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 Karaoke 9pm

POOL TABLE • JUKEBOX SHUFFLEBOARD

73290 HWY 111 Palm Desert

(760) 346-0191

12105 PALM DRIVE DESERT HOT SPRINGS

(760) 251-2644

Open to Public

ENTERTAINMENT TUES JAZZ UNDER THE STARS with Mikole Kaar-Sax Dave Ring- Keys Jay Lewis- Drums Gilbert Hansen-

WED

THUR

SAX ON THE VOCAL DIVA PATIO Lilli Rose with 7pm - 10pm Mikole Kaar 7pm - 10pm

FRI KAROAKE with AJ the KJ Bigmouth 8pm - 12pm

SAT CABARET ON THE GREEN with Joel Baker and Les Michaels 7:30pm - 10pm

Bass

SUMMER HOURS

NEW SUMMER BAR MENU!

Tuesday - Saturday 9:30AM - 9:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 1:30PM (Closed Monday).

Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday, 4PM - Close.

The Valleys Best Eggs Benedict Saturday and Sunday.

Date Palm Country Club ajsonthegreen@gmail.com 36-200 Date Palm Drive Cathedral City, 92234 on the boarder of Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City

760-202-1111

16

COUNTRY WESTERN(CW) VARIETY / DANCE(VD) ROCK N ROLL(RR) PIANO BAR(PB) JAZZ(JZ) POP ROCK(PR) BLUES(BL) CLASSIC ROCK(CR) CABARET(CB) LATIN ROCK(LR) REGGAE(RG) ACOUSTIC (AC) METAL(M)

• 14 flat screen televisions • NTN Trivia and poker with QB1

PLAYOFFS I THE PLAC S E TO BE

June 27 to July 3, 2013

Club Clu luubb Crawler CCr Craw raaw wle wl w ler Nightlife Nig NNi iigggh ght httltlilliiifffee ht

Come Experience Dive Bar History Serving the Desert Since 1968 Entertainment Nightly

WED. NIGHT BIKE NIGHT EVERY OTHER WEEK 5-10 VENDORS, BBQ, LIVE MUSIC

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE OUTPOST TAVERN; C.C.; 760-328-9004 Karaoke w/ DJ Stuart 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Lia Rose 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-8311 Hot as Hell Pool Party w/ Gino Matteo 6pm ROCK GARDEN CAFE; PS; 760327-8840 T.B.A. 6 SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760329-7929 Spaghetti Western Night 5pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760-568-9321 Bob Yetter 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-2300188 Bill Saitta Jazz 7-11pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

FRI JUNE 28 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Friends of Friends 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am ARNOLD PALMER’S; LQ; 760-7714653 Mark Gregg 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Mona Caywood 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Good Friday w/ DJ Journee & Dash Eye 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 T.B.A. 6:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6pm CAFÉ PALETTE; PS; 760-322-9264 John Gallagher 7pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Dynamic Daze 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn

Karaoke 7pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 Dude Jones 9pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 Open Mic w/ Mikey Reyes 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Hard Fall Hearts, & Miles To Nowhere 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Bobby Nichols 6pm, Wicked Jed 8:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-5645353 Johnny Meza 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Common Ground 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Shaken Not Stirred 9pm (VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Mark Guerrero & Dennis Alvarez 6:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 T.B.A. 9pm THE OUTPOST TAVERN; C.C.; 760328-9004 Karaoke w/ DJ Stuart 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Radio 60 6-10pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 The Donkeys 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Karaoke w/ DJ Dynamic Dave 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-8311 J Dean, Starlite Lounge 5-7pm, Regina Leonard, Side Patio 7pm, Stoney “B” Blues Band, Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ J Dean, Starlite Lounge 10pm

ROCK GARDEN CAFE; PS; 760327-8840 T.B.A. 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Burning Bettie w/ Giselle Woo & The Night Owls 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760329-7929 Country Night 5:30pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-2008787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (JZ)(RR) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760347-9985 The Arrangements 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 Danni Rosner 10pm (VD) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760-568-9321 Bob Yetter 6-10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Michael Keeth 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Club Speak EZ 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-564-2201 David & Olivia: An American Duo 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-2300188 T.B.A. 7-11pm (CR) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Sweet Louie & The Men of the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT JUNE 29 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 The Caddies 10pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Beverly & Bill 6-9pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reggae Sol w/ DJ Journee & Dash Eye, poolside, noon AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760202-1111 Cabaret on the Green w/ Les Michaels & Joel Baker 7pm ARNOLD PALMER’S; LQ; 760-7714653 Mark Gregg 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Larry Atello 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJ Aaron C 10pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 DJ PWee (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madeo 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ

Dynamic Daze 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-3296787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 T.B.A. 8pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 Rob Martinez and JB 8-11pm (LR) THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ 7pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 O.G.R. 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Wiseman Reunion Show w/ The Secret Post and Mighty Jack 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Bobby Nichols 6pm, Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-5645353 Johnny Meza 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Common Ground 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Shaken Not Stirred 9pm (VD) MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Mark Guerrero & Dennis Alvarez 6:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ 9pm O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 T.B.A. 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 T.B.A. 9pm (RR) PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 T.B.A. 6-10pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Wanda Jackson and Sara

Petite 7pm PEABODY’S; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 “They Don’t Give a F—K About Us” w/ The Hooligans, Sleepy Locs, and more.. 9pm REILLY’S IRISH PUB; CC; 760-3249600 George Momb 1pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-3226100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm (JZ) RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 212 Band 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-8311 DJ Shasta, poolside noon, Stoney”B” Blues Band, Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Shasta, Starlite Lounge 10pm ROCK GARDEN CAFE; PS; 760-3278840 T.B.A. 8pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 800-827-2946 Steel Rod and Damage Inc. a Tribute to Metallica 7:30pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-3403222 Long Duk Dong 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Alyce Bowie 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-2008787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760347-9985 The Mighty Delta-Tones 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm (VD) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760-568-9321 Bob Yetter 6-10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Michael Keeth 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-564-2201 Sergio Villegas 7-10pm (AC) WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-2300188 Stanley Butler 7-11pm (JZ) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Dance Party !!! 9pm (VD) continue to page 22

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Fri Good Friday w/ DJ Journee & Dash Eye .... 10pm Sat DJ Aaron C ............................................................... 10pm Tue The Ghost Channel Presents: Opportunist & Bat Wings ................................. 9pm Wed Red’s Rockstar Karaoke .................................... 9pm

SUMMER HOURS Mon - Sun 4pm - 2am Dinner Served Late

CRAFT COCKTAILS AND SPIRITS 760-537-7337

340 N Palm Canyon, Palm Springs

Food & Drinks Specials bar wastaken.com

K AR A O 8 PM K E E V E RY NIGH T

DESERT’S LONGEST HAPPY HOUR 10AM - 8PM EVERYDAY

Western Grill

Food Happy Hour 2PM - 6PM $3.00

• Tri-Tip Sliders • Mini Sampler • Burgers • Pulled-Pork Sliders • Chili Dogs • Add French Fries • Hotwings for $2.00 Breakfast Served Every Day from 10AM to Noon Wednesday Steak Night $18.50 Porterhouse $17.50 Ribeye & New York $13.75 Ribeye w/ Trimmings

$5 menu open to close (all day) Hours 10 - 2 am Everyday

80956 Hwy 111, Indio

(760) 347-1522 17

June 27 to July 3, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

The Pampered Palate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

A

re you looking for something different in the desert this summer? I’m happy to report that a new Happy Hour has gotten into full swing at Piero’s Pizza Vino with ½ price food in the lounge all the time and some terrific drink specials.

If you are a fan of Mama Ginas Happy Hour food and drink specials you’ll love Pizza Vino. My favorite adorable bartender Juan Carlos aka “Crispy” from Mama Ginas brings his charming ways to Pizza Vino. “He makes the best margaritas in town,” says Melissa Zielinski their fireball manager.

Mondays you can get that margarita on special for only $3.00. How’s that for a deal?

Wednesday’s special is 50% off on bottles on their extensive wine list. House wines are $5.00, well cocktails $5.50 and well martinis are $6.50.

I had the pleasure of meeting owner Piero last week when I stopped in for lunch (I’m a regular).

He filled me in on their plans including an expansion of the bar area and extension out the back by fall.

I was delighted to see the ½ priced

food specials on the bar menu. I can now get my favorite Caesar Salad for only $5.90 accompanied by a warm paper wrapped crusty Italian bread tied with a string. The dipping sauces are to die for. The first (my favorite) is a delightfully light olive oil with

fresh chopped garlic. The second olive oil sports a hot red pepper giving it a tantalizing bite.

Today I tried the Tuscan Kale salad.

This leafy baby kale and roasted garlic masterpiece is topped with grated Pecorino Toscano, pine nuts and roasted bread crumbs and served with their lemon vinaigrette. Talk about flavorful, the softness of the cheese curls cover the top while as you go down a layer there are some fine bread crumbs, yumm! I haven’t tried their other salad the Tuscan wedge but it’s on my list. Here’s the best part, it’s $5.90, I love that price!

There is a dazzling array of antipasti and soup including an Italian Wedding Egg Zuppe with meatballs and greens and it’s only $4.90. You’ll have to try the fried baby artichokes and goat cheese or asparagus wrapped in Italian Pancetta or black mussels in marinara. There are 12 choices that range from $4 (minestrone soup) to an artisan salami board, with Italian cheese and caponata at $7.90.

It’s called “Pizza Vino” for a reason they have a delicious selection of wood

Experience It, Taste It, Live It!

Restaurant & Lounge Presents

Michael D’ Angelo SONGS OF AN ERA Thu. - Sat. 7-10pm

Come for the Food...

Stay for the Vibe!

760.862.1987 73675 Hwy 111 Palm Desert, CA

www.Sasspers.com

www.facebook.com/SasspersTapasBistro

18

the Pampered palate

by Patte Purcell

Happy Hour Hotspot: Piero’s Pizza Vino

Celebrity Chef, Slim Man Cooks Seared Scallops a la Slim Man

READY, SET, SUNSET! ENJOY LONG DAYS, BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS AND THE BEST VIEWS IN PALM SPRINGS

LIVE MUSIC - NIGHTS ADDED!

TUESDAY - SATURDAY 5:00PM - 9:00PM John Stanley King, Rose Mallet, Lola Rossi, Jesse Sweitzer (acts are subject to change)

PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK fired pizzas at happy hour with pricing from $7.00 to $7.50. Choose from a selection of white sauces including “Pollo”, braised chicken, spinach, artichoke hearts, caramelized onions, garlic and Romano cheese. 7 different “Rosse” red sauce pizzas include everything from “Popette” (meat balls, bell peppers, mushroom, tomatoes and mozzarella) to Prosciutto e Arugula and beyond. The crust is crackly Italian to bring the pizza lover out in anyone.

The bar pasta menu offers 3 tantalizing selections. I tried the Linguine with meat balls in marinara sauce at Juan’s suggestion.

It was served in an elegant dish garnished with herbs. The meatballs were perfectly spiced and the marinara sauce rich and zesty at $6.50. I’m looking forward to trying the Rigatoni with fresh clams and mussels in a light marinara sauce and the baked Ziti ‘Pizzaiola” with tomato, garlic, capers and mozzarella cheese too.

Skewers of shrimp on a bed of spinach, Beef tenderloin on mashed potatoes or salmon skewers on spinach round out the menu at a deliciously priced $7.50 to $8.50.

$38 PRIX FIXE MENU, MAY 31ST – JUNE 16TH

Sun-Mon 6:30am - 6:00pm | Tues-Sat 6:30am - 9:00pm | Reserve by web or phone ESCENAGRILL.COM | 760.992.0002 | 1100 CLUBHOUSE VIEW DRIVE | PALM SPRINGS

Award Winning Pizza Voted “Best of the Valley” Two Years Straight Over 100 Menus Items Ranging From Prime Steak to Fresh Seafood

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When I want to cook something quick and delicious and healthy and impressive, this is what I cook. Scallops are one of my favorite things. Too bad they cost so much!

Ingredients: 1 Pound dry sea scallops (Ask your fish dude if the scallops are dry or wet. Wet scallops are injected with a solution that makes them impossible to sear).

1 Tablespoon butter.

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.

A little brown sugar or turbinado sugar.

Salt (I use Kosher salt).

Fresh cracked black pepper.

6 Slices of prosciutto, sliced thin!

6 Rosemary sprigs. for the salad…

1 Box of organic mixed greens.

Some grape tomatoes, different colors if you can find them (red, yellow).

A few baby carrots. for the salad dressing…

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.

1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar.

1 Teaspoon stone ground mustard.

1 Teaspoon mayonnaise.

Here goes! In real time…

Rinse off the scallops and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the small side muscle from each scallop, and discard—the muscle, not the scallop! Place the scallops on a plate.

For the scallops you want to wrap in prosciutto, take a slice of prosciutto, remove some of the fat if you like, and wrap it around the sides of the scallop. I usually wrap the prosciutto around once, and slice off the rest.

Then, take a sprig of rosemary, about 3 or 4 inches long—enough to pierce through the scallop with a little hanging out of each side—and strip of about an inch of the leaves from the bottom of the sprig. Take the bottom end of the rosemary sprig, and pierce it through the scallop, to hold the

prosciutto in place.

The end without the leaves should be poking out of one end of the scallop, and the other end--the top of the sprig--should be poking out of the other end of the scallop.

Add a sprinkle of brown sugar, salt and pepper on top of each scallop.

Put a large fry pan--large enough to hold all the scallops--over high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. When it starts to smoke, place the scallops in the pan, salted/peppered/sugared side down. Add salt, sugar and pepper to the tops of each scallop.

Cook for 90 seconds. As they cook…

Put all the salad dressing ingredients in a small cup and whisk until smooth.

After 90 seconds, use some tongs to turn each scallop over. Cook for 90 seconds.

As the scallops cook on the other side, place some greens on each plate. Garnish the sides with some grape tomatoes and baby carrots. Drizzle some dressing over the greens on each plate.

After 90 seconds, remove the scallops with some tongs. Make sure the scallops are done. Cooking times can vary according to the heat of your stove and the thickness of the scallops.

Place 4 scallops on top of the greens on each plate. And serve it up.

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

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19

June 27 to July 3, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

6 ECLECTIC DISC PICKS NEW TILES NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER UPSIDE DOWN

n

r t a in me n te t

E

Writer-director Juan Solanas woke up with a weird lingering dream about two worlds with their own gravity almost brushing against each other. He had made a weird short film (THE MAN WITHOUT A HEAD) that got a lot of attention. It’s about a man shopping for a new head.

Solanas was able to maneuver the solid reputation of his short film for the full funding on his quirky feature. Although UPSIDE DOWN didn’t make much of a dent when it was in theaters (I never even heard of it), but has found a home theater audience in its Bluray, 3-D and DVD incarnation. I have never seen anything like it and was mesmerized.

Solidly placed in the realm of magical realism, the story is about Adam (Jim Sturgess) and Eden (Kirsten Dunst) who fall in love as young teens. Only problem is they live on different worlds that are linked but their personal gravity remains bound to their world of origin. Even worse, the pair is separated not only by their differing worlds but also by extreme social conditions and, when it matters most, an unexpected case of amnesia. That’s a lot of hurdles to jump for love.

In the event you have a desire to see this offbeat but recommended title, I can’t think of a way to talk about the visually stunning,

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20

father, his arrival does nothing to stabilize India’s emotionally fragile mom (Nicole Kidman). Even though Uncle Charlie was previously unknown to India and seems to have a hidden agenda, the lonely, friendless young woman is not horrified but instead drawn to him. The cast is great. Finally, this superb-looking but minor film kept reminding me of Hitchcock’s superior SHADOW OF A DOUBT. 20th Century Fox. Blu-ray.

NORTHFACE

the inhabitation of entities that may not be fully human. You can argue with me that my description is not totally accurate but my guess is that everyone who sees this crazy flick has a different interpretation when slacker, college dropouts John and David apparently are roped into a reluctant mission to save mankind. The odds are not on their side, but I was weirdly satisfied with their adventure. Chase Williams, Rob Mayes, Clancy Brown and Paul Giamatti share the screen. Don Coscarelli directs from he a screenplay he wrote with David Wong, the titular book’s author. Magnolia. Blu-ray.

QUARTET I’m not sure what the genre is, but for more than two decades there’s been what I call the “Mature Brits in a Cluster” genre.

They could be in a village or in a hotel somewhere or in a bus. Here, they’re in Beecham House, an assisted living residence for retired musicians. When a new resident arrives, it turns out he has relationships with those already in the home. Complications ensue, as does a musical performance. Dustin Hoffman directs with an invisible touch and it all looks nicely sun drenched considering the English weather. The seasoned cast is marvelous but frankly, the material is awfully slight. The screenplay by Ronald Harwood based on his play. The terrific cast includes: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins and Michael Gambon. No big surprises here, and I am pretty sure I was awake for much of it. Anchor Bay. Blu-ray.

STOKER

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Screeners No. 66

playfully romantic adventure without spoiling the experience of the film. We live in a cynical, post ironic age, so this is not for those who can’t surrender their gravity for a little love. Millennium. Blu-ray.

THE GATEKEEPERS

This riveting, raw, honest, disturbing and encouraging documentary gives offers insight into what seems like an impossible conflict: the Israeli-Palestinian statehood issue. Never before have former heads of the Shin Bet, Israel’s secret Service, agreed to speak on the record and share their insights about their decisions. To my surprise, the six men individually and as a group reconsidered their former hard-liner positions and failures and now advocate a “conciliatory approach toward their enemies based on a two-sate solution.” This is a rare film that has enormous impact if you have a vested interest in the ethnicity, religion, suffering or land of the disputed region. Excellent special features include commentary and Q&A with director Dror Moreh. Sony. Blu-ray.

JOHN DIES IN THE END If you liked BUBBA HO-TEP, THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BONZAI ACROSS THE 8th DIMENSION, DONNIE DARKO and REPO MAN, well, you’re gonna love JOHN DIES IN THE END. Incoherent and sometimes gory, the story meanders through mind and matter and dimensions not yet confirmed. An instant cult film that already has a following is about a street drug called Soy Sauce that delivers an outof-body experience that unhinges doorways in time and space that as a bonus includes

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Park Chan-wook (OLDBOY) loaded STOKER with extravagant visuals. In fact, this dark tale is top-heavy with atmosphere and mystery. In some ways, that’s what this movie is really about: mood and tone. When mysterious Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) replaces India’s (Mia Wasikowska) dead

I was gripped by this intense and spectacular true, period film about a Nazi propaganda effort to gain status in the world with the conquering of the dangerous, unconquered, man-killing, Eiger, one of Europe tallest mountains, in 1936.

I have a fear of heights. I also have a fear of being stranded on the side of a sheer cliff called “The Murder Wall” during a blizzard.

This unexpected thriller, based on a true story, held me spellbound for it’s two hour running time. I can’t recall a more harrowing mountain adventure.

It’s a short time before the famed (and notorious) Berlin Olympics -- which Hitler hoped to use as propaganda to tout the superiority of all things Nazi and Aryan.

The worldwide news of Germans conquering this impossible peak was a hoped-for event before the Olympics and something encouraged by the German press.

Two Germans — Toni Kurz and Andreas Hinterstoisser — confront “the last problem of the Alps”: the Eiger’s unclimbed North Face. They are closely followed up the accurately nicknamed “Murder Wall” by a competing Austrian team. But things go terribly wrong. The crowds and the press watch the ensuing, heart-stopping drama through telescopes from the inn and chalets below.

A terrible point of no return is reached.

Under unimaginable conditions, the competitors must cooperate in a fight for survival, trying to do what’s right when everything has gone wrong. This extraordinary drama does not relent. It held me in a freezing, visceral grip. I was on the mountain with these men and never once felt that it was anything less than real. If you have a need to climb the Eiger, please make note of the “Hinterstoisser Traverse.”

Director Philipp Stoelzl superbly captures the dangers, the daring and the tragedy. Music Box. Blu-ray.

Comments? RobinESimmons@aol.com (Yes, AOL. Get over it.)

by Heidi Simmons

Hollywood Dreams H

ollywood has been known to make dreams come true, whether it is in real life or on the big screen. It’s not only a place; it’s an idea, and a business.

It is a major industry that makes Los Angeles stronger and edgier, maybe meaner. In Matthew Specktor’s American Dream Machine (Tin House Books, 464 pages), the business that is “Hollywood” not only brings about dreams but also nightmares.

In 1962, with a recommendation from a New York, vaudeville era agency, Beau Rosenwald goes to Hollywood to become a talent agent. He is fat, loud and profane.

His personal motto is simple: A man is judged by his persistence, his substance and his shoes.

With sheer tenacity, Beau somehow charms his way into a career as an effective agent, and eventually, with a partner, builds a successful and innovative Hollywood agency called American Dream Machine (Think Creative Artists Agency). A self-made man, he is often out-of-control and his own worst enemy. In typical Hollywood fashion, he finds himself on top one day and on the bottom the next. Not only is his job a

June 27 to July 3, 2013

Book Review

American dream machine

By matthew specktor fiction

challenge, but so is his personal life.

The story is narrated by Beau’s illegitimate son, Nate Myer. A few months younger and best friends with Beau’s “real” boy Severin, Nate observes and reflects on the changing Hollywood culture and business over four decades.

A work of fiction, American Dream Machine is an intimate inside look at the lives of those who work hard at a business that is often the antithesis of glamorous.

It is equally about the children raised in an environment that is often selfish, exploitive and indulgent. Specktor shows the reader what happens to the kids of the powerbrokers who grow up in the shadow of their parent’s successes and failures as they themselves struggle to create their own identity.

The author, Matthew Specktor, is himself the son of a well-known and well-respected Hollywood agent. Besides being a novelist, he is a screenwriter and has worked in the film industry. Raised in Los Angeles, he knows the “Hollywood” community well.

Specktor writes with a fondness, humor and irony about his home and “the business.”

This is a Los Angeles story and setting: Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica, Malibu, Beverly Hills, downtown LA, Hamburger Hamlet, Tower Records, The Beverly Center, Cedar Sinai and so on. Just like he uses real places, Specktor uses real names: George Clooney, Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Sandra Bullock and Barbara Streisand to name only a few. Along with real studios and agencies, he uses fictional names. Over the decades in the story, Specktor carefully weaves in the real names of people and places as they ebb and wane in popularity or finally go out of style or business.

He reflects on the movies of the 70s and 80s, which were Beau’s most productive years in the film industry. He mixes real film titles and filmmakers of the time, with fictional ones. If you are a movie buff, this is fun and a little bit frustrating.

And if you spent time in LA during these decades (like I did), and were in the entertainment business (like I was), these nonfiction elements mixed in with the fictional can be somewhat distracting.

Although Specktor does a good job describing southern California streets, lifestyle and attitude of the era, I kept thinking back when I drove those side

streets, went to those place and sat in those booths. I also found myself trying to figure out if some of the fictional characters were in fact caricatures of real people in the biz. Rather than suspend disbelief, I kept questioning it and suspecting who that might actually be in real life. Is this in fact a roman à clef?

During a recent visit to the CV, I spoke with Matthew Specktor. Tall, gentle, modest and a little awkward, he has always been a reader and is enthusiastic about the craft of writing. He insists the only thing he has in common with his novel, is that indeed his father is a talent agent.

Specktor is a sophisticated and intelligent writer. He has combined his personal experience and intimate knowledge of Hollywood into an American portrait of a self-made man oblivious to his own selfdestruction. Beau Rosenwald is a classic tragic figure. Being rich and powerful does not make someone immune to sorrow, loss and self-loathing.

For his boys, Nate and Severin, the first generation of new Hollywood sons, they eventually find their place in the “American dream machine.” Specktor’s novel, just as in real life, shows us that “Hollywood” is an illusion. It can manufacture the beautiful with the ugly, and turn a dream into a nightmare.

21

June 27 to July 3, 2013 continued from page 17

SUN JUNE 30

29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 T.B.A. 6:30pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm (LR) CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-3296787 Karaoke 9pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-3271700 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8-1am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm (PB) PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm

Farmer Boys 81951 California 111 Indio, CA 92201

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 The Sunday Band 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-4080 Art of Sax Trio 5-9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Smooth Brothers (RR) (LR) TWIN PALMS BISTRO; PS; 760322-0700 Jazz Sundays w/ Tibor Lesko & Friends 11-2pm and 5-7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Sunday Skool 9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-564-2201 Michael Keeth 6-9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-2300188 Barry Baughn Blues Band 7-11pm

MON JULY 1 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bonnie Scott 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sissy Bingo w/ Linda Gerard 7-9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6-10pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm (PB) SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Mark Gregg 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265

American

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Wine Bar

78015 Main Street #109 La Quinta, CA

Roc’s Firehouse 36891 Cook St # 10 Palm Desert, CA 92211

American

American

(760) 340-3222 www.rocsfirehouse.com

Tack Room 81800 Avenue 51 Indio, CA 92201

American

(760) 347-9985

www.tackroomtavern.com

Casey’s

42455 Washington Street Palm Desert, CA 92211

(760) 345-6503

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22

73505 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA

TUE JULY 2 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 The Wonder People 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm (CB) BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 The Ghost Channel presents: Opportunist & Batwings 9pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 John Stanley King 5-9pm (JZ)(BL) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-3271700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Bobby Nichols 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-5645353 Mark Gregg 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45 (PB) PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS;

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American

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

760-327-4080 Eclectic Tuesdays.

Singer/songwriter night. All acts welcome. Hosted by JB, Sign up 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-8311 Will Champlin 5-9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Dr. Paul 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (RR)(JZ) TAQUERIA GUERRERO’S; TP; 760343-5971 DJ Keith 9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 The King’s Town Trio 9pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760-568-9321 Bob Yetter 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-2300188 Michael Boliver 6:30-9pm

WED JULY 3 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bobby And Randy (BL) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 JP Houston’s American Parlor Songbook 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760202-1111 Mikole Carr AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm (PB) BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Dreams 7pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 Rose Mallet 5-9pm (JZ)(BL) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565

Restaurant guide

sullivanssteakhouse.com

Babes Bar-B-Que American & Brewhouse

Charli Marrones

(760) 346-8738

(760) 625-1500

AJ’s on the Green American

Dickie O’Neals

(760) 202-1111

(760) 325-2600

71800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage

42250 Jackson Street #101 Indio, CA

www.babesbbque.com

www.charlimarrones.com

36-200 Date Palm Dr Cathedral City

ajsonthegreen@gmail.com

Western Grill

Western (760) 347-1522 Grill Restaurant & Lounge 80956 Hwy 111 Indio, CA 92201

Lavender Bistro Continental 78073 Calle Barcelona La Quinta, CA 92253

(760) 564-5353 www.lavenderbistro.com

2155 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

Italian

El Mexicali II 43-430 Monroe St. Indio, CA

Irish

YOU ARE A POTENTIAL TERRORIST

Y

ou are a potential future terrorist.

While you may scoff at this allegation, that is the opinion of the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. Government for both the Obama and Bush Administrations.

As such, they can spy on you.

To understand the claim, you first have to recognize that the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and our Bill of Rights prevents unreasonable searches and seizures of all Americans. It requires that law enforcement have probable cause before engaging in a personal or property search.

With that as the backdrop, how does the Government justify storing all of YOUR phone call records and electronic communications?

It is based on a 1979 ruling where the

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concerns internally. No actions were taken to correct the alleged felony espionage. As such, Drake leaked his concerns to the press and came forward personally. Drake said of this to all future whistleblowers, “You need to be prepared for a life of loneliness.” Being a whistleblower destabilized his finances and caused him to lose many friends as the Government made his life “a nightmare.”

Another NSA employee, Russell Tice, leaked that the Government was actively engaged in illegal wiretaps against the likes of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and many others in 2004. Were they presumed terrorists or political rivals?

Tice who was never charged with any crimes, now works at an Apple store while getting his doctorate at John Hopkins University. Tice believes that Snowden fled the country having noticed how the Government ruined his life as well as Drake.

If you think that this type of excess is limited to Washington DC, think again.

One need look no further than this columnist and his questioning of the City of Indian Wells in 2011. For simply asking questions of the City Council that appeared to point out inappropriate and potentially illegal activities, the city interfered with my

job which resulted in my firing. Subsequently, people took actions to keep my story out of the news, tarnish my good name and keep me out of jobs locally.

I bring all of this up as it is the general malaise by most Americans that allow those in power to behave badly and have the confidence that they can get away with it. By sitting silent, you are allowing your Constitutional Rights to be taken away and for the Government to classify you as a potential future terrorist - which sounds more like China or Russia and not the USA.

by Jennifer Tan aka mrs. fett

Last Of Us: Review & Spoilers

www.lamppostpizza.com

Crab Pot

Supreme Court argued that the government could compile the phone numbers that you dial but not the content. All the Government needed was a subpoena to get this information - in this case from the phone company - as that information was in the hands of a third party. This same thought process is used as it relates to your emails. The Patriot Act in 2001 widened this to include virtually all phone, email and internet records.

Democratic senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Mark Udall of Colorado have questioned misleading statements made by the Justice Department and Attorney General Eric Holder. Specifically, they are concerned by statements where the Justice Department says it is complying with the Patriot Act yet will not disclose secret legal opinions that allow for domestic espionage against all Americans for potential future use.

Whether you believe whistleblower Eric Snowden is a hero or a traitor, one should be concerned about our Government’s espionage on all of us.

Looking back eight years to 2005, NSA senior executive Thomas Drake recognized that his agency was violating the Fourth Amendment by engaging in felony espionage against Americans and brought up his

Gamer Girl

Pizza

Lamppost

(760) 321-7635

(760) 342-2333 San Miguel

Haddon Libby: It’s all local

(760) 564-4568

www.dickieoneal.com

American

Sonny Evaro 6-10pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 Demetrius Houser 7-10pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:30-12:30am THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Night 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 Live Music (RR) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-5645353 Mark Gregg 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 REILLY’S IRISH PUB; CC; 760-3249600 George Momb 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Dr. Paul 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz (JZ) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Sixx 9pm WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE; RM; 760-568-9321 Johnny Meza & Company 6-10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-2300188 Brian Nova Trio 6-10pm

June 27 to July 3, 2013

N

aughty Dog, the company that started in a garage back in 1984, and brought us titles like Crash Bandicoot, Jak & Daxter, and the amazing Uncharted Series, has done it again! The highly anticipated game Last Of Us was released, and I played through every emotional moment of it! Warning: This review contains spoilers!

Twenty years after a pandemic radically transformed known civilization, infected humans run amuck and survivors kill one another for sustenance and weapons literally whatever they can get their hands on.

Joel, a salty survivor, is hired to smuggle a fourteen-year-old girl, Ellie, out of a rough military quarantine, but what begins as a simple job quickly turns into a brutal journey across the country.

The game’s introduction brings the tension of the beginning stages of a zombie pandemic, as you, a teenage girl, run for your life with your father and uncle. Now, that alone as an intro would have been enough to set the mood for this survival game, but no… it gets worse. After car crashes, mobs running for their lives, and the sacrifice of your uncle, you are shot, and killed by a soldier you ran to for safety.

That moment, will change the way look

at the game and your role in it from then on. Every decision you make is life or death, and ultimately controls the story you are in.

What pills you take to “upgrade” Joel, what weapons you choose, and make, and even more important, how you use them, are all factors. Each plan of attack comes with its own consequences, and rewards.

The Last Of Us’ multiplayer called Factions, offers two sub-modes: Supply Raid and Survivors. In Survivors, players combat in a best-of-seven series in a fouron-four match where death is brutally permanent. Survivors forces a campaign style fight, except instead of fighting AIcontrolled partners, you’ll be dealing with real humans.

All in all, I give this game a 9/10. An emotional rollercoaster, addictive gameplay, grueling decisions around every corner, and an addictive online multiplayer mode are just a few reasons why you will fall in love with the game. The endless combinations of action and reaction type story make Last Of Us a game you can replay, and re-live. All while falling in love with Ellie’s character all over again!

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

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Dale Gribow On The Law

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by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

by Dale Gribow Attorney at Law

Just How Cool Are You?

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of a Jury Trial I

have always instructed the lawyers in my office that when they get within 5 miles of the courthouse to be the most courteous driver out there. You never know if the person you just cut off or flipped off is going to be on your jury... or if he or she is the judge or part of the court staff.

After a jury trial many good trial lawyers will offer to take the jurors to dinner after first explaining to them that the attorney does not want to talk to them about the case but rather to THANK THEM for their service. After the second drink the jurors usually will ask questions and by doing so the attorney learns for the next trial what was good or bad The first Impression of an attorney is key as is the posture of the lawyer. As a young trial lawyer I was defending someone who was on parole and was charged with five felony counts so I could not plead my client to anything. Today I would not take a case like this but it was a challenge.

After the trial I asked if any jurors would be willing to speak to me since they had all voted Not Guilty and I had no idea how they came up with a NOT GUILTY. Jurors commented to me that the DA’s shoes were scuffed and his belt was old and worn whereas my shoes were shiny and I looked “together”. They also commented on the DA having dirty finger nails and that

mine were clean. In other words appearance counts. Without having talked to the jury I would never have considered these issues.

Jurors also look at how the attorney’s materials are arranged on counsel table; are they messy and disorganized. Can the attorney easily retrieve documents on the counsel table?

Client sensitivity is also important to the jury. They look at whether the attorney hugs his/her client and does the lawyer stay with the client during recess or lunch and walk the client back to his car? In other words why would an attorney disregard his/her client at lunch? When I try a case I always sit outside the courtroom with my client and have the husband and wife hold hands as the jury walks back from lunch or into court in the AM. It makes more sense to talk to your client at lunch and read your notes while they are there and can answer your questions. You never know when jurors are around and observing how you interact with your client.

They look to see if you like or dislike your client.

Jurors also look at how an attorney shows respect for the judge, the clerk and the bailiff?

Does the attorney stand up to show respect for the judge?

The court staff should be treated as professionals if you want to score points with

By Bruce cathcart

the jury. These jurors expect the attorney to treat the witnesses on both sides as well as opposing counsel with respect.

Believe it or not the jurors are concerned about their space and an attorney getting to close to the jury box. They question why the attorney is looking at them?

When the attorney walks into the courtroom, the jurors do NOT like eye contact from the lawyer….at least in the beginning of the trial. Some experts think it appears phony as does the lawyers smile?

Jurors do not like to hear the argument “after hearing the evidence you will return a verdict...” But rather the attorney should say “you will be instructed by the judge.” In addition “The Judge has instructed you so let us now examine the evidence and see where it leads us” FAILED technical presentations are a waste of the juror’s time. The jurors also ask why is the attorney spending so much time on that issue and why is the lawyer wasting our time? Why wonder why lawyers can’t just stipulate to things. And lawyers should always remember to thank the jury and after the trial and thank you note to the witnesses goes a long way.

Though a lawyer can be friendly with court personnel, the jurors do not like the parties

Finding a Great Agent Step 3 -cont.

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tep 1 to finding a great agent involved getting a recommendation from someone whose opinion you trust and then asking them the right questions to see if their recommendation would be a good match for you and your type of real estate transaction. Step 2 involved researching that prospective agent on the Internet to make sure they are properly licensed and in good standing with the Department of Real Estate and to get some background information and a good feeling about that agent in preparation for Step 3, the face to face interview.

Last week we learned about the face to face interview with a “buyer’s” agent.

This week we will focus on the “seller’s” or “listing” agent. In this case you have a home that you wish to sell and you need to find a great agent to list your home on the market and sell it. Before I go any farther, you need to know that in the current market it will not take a great agent to list and sell your home! Everything for sale on today’s market, if properly priced, is sold within a week and usually with multiple offers for the seller to consider. A great listing agent today is one that will properly advise, educate,

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and communicate with you every step of the way throughout the transaction as well as protect you and your liability by making sure that all of the required documents are properly completed and executed in a timely manner. Knowing this will allow you to focus on these important factors in your face to face interview.

To set up your appointment with your potential listing agent you will have almost the same phone conversation as recommended last week for a buyer’s agent.

The conversation is simple and it goes like this, “Hi, I’m Bruce and I am looking to sell my house in the La Quinta area. You were highly recommended to me by Mr. Smith and I would like to schedule an appointment to meet you and for you to see my home”. The main difference here is that your interview will take place at your home rather than the agent’s office. Just as with the prospective buyer’s agent, your prospective listing agent will take over from there and will want to talk a little about Mr. Smith and learn a little bit about you and your motivation for selling.

Equally important to your agent will to be some basic information from you about your house. Usually the address, any upgrades, and the current condition are all the agent needs to know from you about your house at

schmoozing with the court personnel. The court personnel also “ Do not like an attorney to bang on the courtroom door. They assume you should know it is closed for a reason.

Common sense is also important for a lawyer. The lawyer should be sure their cell phone is off and they should never text or surf the net inside the courtroom.

It is common courtesy, with the courts approval, to give copies of your witness list and trial briefs to every court staff member as well as opposing counsel.

In addition the attorney should thank the court personnel after the trial for helping them during this trial. The attorney can do this by taking the court personnel to lunch after the trial along with the key witnesses... whether they win or lose.

During the trial the attorney should always refer to the judge as “your honor” and when the attorney says “with all due respect” the jury things the lawyer is saying the judge is wrong.

Jurors know who is taking the high road so do so.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at our NEW number 760 837 7500 and or our new email of dale@dalegribowlaw.com

Real estate

this time as they can access everything else that they need on the internet.

A great agent will show up on time (or call if there is a delay), introduce themselves and present their card properly identifying themselves before entering your home. A great agent will make you feel comfortable right away! At this time they will want to learn everything they can about your home so be thorough in your tour and with your answers to their questions. You will likely end up at the dining room table where the prospective agent will make a listing presentation to you.

Some agents today use a laptop or tablet and a pre-programed presentation while others are more “folksy”. Both styles are only as good as the Agent making the presentation. You will not be fooled by a slick presentation about what a great job of marketing they do… as I stated, it does not matter today, everything sells! Instead, look closely at the data that the agent presents about the current market listings and sales. More importantly how well does your agent present and explain the data to you? Your agent’s goal here is to establish a good list price and discuss a general marketing plan for the home. Your goal here is to see how well this agent understands the current market for your home and how well they advise, communicate, and educate you. Through

this process a great agent’s experience, style, and personality will become evident and by the end of the listing presentation you should have that good feeling and confidence that this is the right listing agent for you!

Remember this is the last step in a process that began with a recommendation and is really about “confirming” that this is the right agent for you! If satisfied, then you will be ready to move forward with your listing agreement… if not, it is back to Steps 1 & 2!

The space here does not allow me to cover everything involved in this process so I invite you to contact me directly with any additional questions or concerns on this subject.

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

Keep these suggestions in mind: · Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors. · Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. · Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limit caffeinated beverages. · During excessive heat periods, spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air

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o you think you’re pretty cool? Step outside and see how quickly you can lose your cool! “Summer is officially here and so is the heat! No matter where you live or what you do, eventually we all encounter Mother nature’s wrath of the heat” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. You can get cool and beat the heat by practicing a few “Summer Safety Tips!”

June 27 to July 3, 2013

Safety Tips

conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat.

If you cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day. · Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat. · Never Leave infants, children or pets in cars! · Plan for power outages either natural or man-made. · When sleeping, use lightweight, breathable covers. · Keep blinds and curtains closed from morning until the late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight. · Use small appliances like slow cookers

and tabletop grills rather than your traditional oven or stove to keep kitchen heat to a minimum. · Verify that seat belts and car seat restraints are not too hot before buckling yourself or anyone else into a car. · Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.

Let’s face it, we all like to be ‘Cool’ says Chief DiGiovanna. “So stay tuned, I’m sure we’ll see more “Cool” articles coming soon in the future.” Meantime, don’t lose your Cool, the summer has just begun!

For additional Heat Safety go to: safety.lovetoknow.com/Summer_Heat_ Safety_Tips Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

ShareKitchen

Getting Started Is Easy!

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here are countless people in the community who have a unique food offering or are interested in bringing their unique food product to market, but it can be intimidating to take the first step. So where does one start?

ShareKitchen is the answer.

Getting started is easy and the options are plenty. At the most basic level, ShareKitchen provides a fully equipped, commercially licensed shared-use kitchen available for rent by the hour. ShareKitchen understands that many people who are new to the space are also new to running their own business. For those in need of more support and guidance, ShareKitchen offers a comprehensive Culinary Incubator Business Development program which provides assistance to start-up and earlystage entrepreneurs with the goal of improving the chances of growing into a healthy, sustainable food related business.

The first step to getting started is to answer a few simple questions so the clients’ needs and expectations can be

determined. Next, set up an appointment to tour the facility. Getting started packages start as low as $150 and includes a kitchen familiarization orientation, five hours of kitchen time, one month free storage shelf rental, one hour free professional consulting time and a safety and sanitation kit. Kitchen rental rates range from $18 - $22 per hour depending on usage.

ShareKitchen’s affordable kitchen space has also helped established businesses expand, using the kitchen for menu planning, training, taste testing, product development, brainstorming, and of course production. Products made or developed at ShareKitchen can be found in cafes, street fairs, restaurants, markets and grocers throughout the area.

ShareKitchen, located 68805 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, is a non-profit organization built on the simple philosophy of sharing. For a list of requirements, complete outline of getting started packages, and to contact ShareKitchen, visit www.ShareKitchen.org or call 760-459-4259.

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

Road trippin

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Story and photos by Mike Bennett

Mission Creek Preserve

sports scene

Fight Night In the coachella valley Fantasy Springs resort Casino Presents:

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ome of the truly historical places tucked away in this desert really amaze me. I heard there were rock houses right next to a running stream at the top of this dry dusty dirt road off of highway 62. Unless you drive a lowrider you can make it in just about any passenger car.

From the I-10 take 62 for a very few miles, then go left on Mission Creek Road. It’s only 3-4 miles from the hwy.

I was lucky to meet Ranger Lucas from The Wildlands Conservancy at the gate.

I thought they were government run, but I learned that they’re funded entirely by donations.

There’s a lot of history here from the Mission Creek band of Sonoran Indians to when this was the T & K Cross Ranch. Then it was a famous spot for movie stars to come to these little rock cabins where you can now eat a picnic. There is a nice running stream, an old pool and tall rock fireplace.

Further up the dirt road there’s a wetland area that is lush with trees and vines.

Follow the Stonehouse sign up to the campground and beautiful stone house with screens and another picnic table inside by the fireplace. For being in the middle of the desert up a dirt road this place is incredibly clean and well maintained.

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The great news is you can camp here by contacting The Wildlands Conservancy (760) 369-7105 or go to www. wildlandsconservancy.org Make sure to ask for Mission Creek.

There are restrooms and this is a very well maintained campground. There was no one around and it really seemed deserted. This is another impressive and historical spot in our desert.

Drive safe and enjoy the scenery.

WHAT: The 12th Annual Desert Showdown World Amateur Boxing Championships WHEN: July 9th -13th 2013 Weigh-ins 7am -10am daily Boxing 1pm - 8pm daily WHERE: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio TICKETS: $5 for kids under 10 $10 for adults DETAILS: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino will host the second largest amateur boxing tournament in the United States. The

tournament will feature more than 1000 boxers and is open to the public.

Four rings, with 160 fights per day, will showcase the top amateurs not only from the U.S., but from around the world. The single-elimination tournament is open to men, women, boys and girls of all ages, starting at 8-years old, through the Master Division, which is 35 to 65 years old.

CONTACT: For more information contact Ralph Romero at (760) 702-0206 desertshowdown48@yahoo.com Sign up at: http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/ titleboxing/2013-Desert-Showdown.pdf

Life & career Coach

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by Sunny Simon

How to Prevent the Monday Morning Blues T

he Monday morning alarm sounds. You groan wishing you could hit the snooze button a few hundred times, remain safely tucked away in your bedroom and escape the stress of yet another workweek. You really don’t hate your job so why does the thought of reporting to work have you pounding your pillow in frustration? Is it possible your stress level is soaring due to poor time management skills?

We all have one thing in common that levels the playing field. Whether you are the CEO or the front desk receptionist, the number of hours in a day remains constant.

So how do we conquer the clock? Becoming a master at time management takes practice.

Start by utilizing the four P’s. Begin by planning. You will feel more control over your workday if you do some planning the night before. Create your “to do” list using whatever technological tool or master planning device you find user friendly. Pay attention to your body clock as you plan.

When is the best time for you to work on complex projects? Save mindless routine work for your low energy periods.

Next, prioritize. Separate what is urgent from mundane tasks that can wait. Schedule the critical tasks during blocks of time when you can minimize interruptions.

The third “P” is practice the 10-minute rule. Experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest working on the most dreaded task as least 10 minutes each day. The philosophy behind this is once you get started you may decide to forge ahead and complete the task. Remind yourself of the satisfaction of getting the job done.

Prevent unnecessary interruptions.

That’s the forth “P.” It is counterproductive to be a slave to each ring of the phone or beep of incoming mail. Your daily plan should include a time to return phone calls or attend to emails. Block out other distractions such as social media.

One more tip and this may sound counterintuitive, but get in the habit of taking more time-outs. Productivity breaks down after long stretches of concentration.

Stepping away from your work area to grab a cup of coffee, or take a brief walk around the building or a short stroll outdoors has multiple benefits. Obviously, a break relaxes you, but the brain also needs and loves novelty. Do you know that even taking a different route home can light up new brain circuitry? The payoff is upon returning to your work area refreshed, you will have increased energy and focus.

June 27 to July 3, 2013

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of June 27

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “In order to swim one takes off all one’s clothes,” said 19thcentury Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard.

“In order to aspire to the truth one must undress in a far more inward sense, divest oneself of all one’s inward clothes, of thoughts, conceptions, selfishness, etc., before one is sufficiently naked.”

Your assignment in the coming week, Cancerian, is to get au naturel like that. It’s time for you to make yourself available for as much of the raw, pure, wild truth as you can stand.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Gertrude Stein was an innovative writer. Many illustrious artists were her friends. But she had an overly elevated conception of her own worth. “Think of the Bible and Homer,” she said, “think of Shakespeare and think of me.”

On another occasion, she proclaimed, “Einstein was the creative philosophic mind of the century, and I have been the creative literary mind of the century.” Do you know anyone like Stein, Leo? Here’s the truth, in my opinion: To some degree, we are all like Stein. Every one of us has at least one inflated idea about ourselves -- a conceited self-conception that doesn’t match reality. It was my turn to confront my egotistical delusions a few weeks ago. Now would be an excellent time for you to deal with yours. Don’t be too hard on yourself, though. Just recognize the inflation, laugh about it, and move on.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When I close my eyes, I get a psychic vision of you as a kid playing outside on a warm summer day. You’re with friends, immersed in a game that commands your full attention. Suddenly, you hear a jingling tune wafting your way from a distance. It’s the ice cream truck. You stop what you’re doing and run inside your home to beg your mom for some money. A few minutes later, you’re in a state of bliss, communing with your Fudgsicle or ice cream cone or strawberry-lime fruit bar. I have a feeling that you will soon experience an adult version of this scene, Virgo. Metaphorically speaking, either the ice cream man or the ice cream woman will be coming to your neighborhood.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): During the past ten months, you have been unusually adventurous.

The last time you summoned so much courage and expansiveness may have been 2001. I’m impressed! Please accept my respect and appreciation. You’ve had a sixth sense about knowing when it’s wise to push beyond your limitations and boundaries. You have also had a seventh sense about intuiting when to be crafty and cautious as you wander through the frontiers.

Now here’s one of your assignments for the next 12 months: Distill all you’ve learned out there in the borderlands and decide how you will use your wisdom to build an unshakable power spot back here in the heart of the action.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was one of the most influential scientists in history. He produced major breakthroughs in both chemistry and physics. Have you ever used devices that run on electricity? You can thank him for playing a major role in developing that wonderful convenience.

And yet unlike most scientists, he had only the most elementary grasp of mathematics. In fact, his formal education was negligible. I propose that we name him your role model of the week. He’s a striking example of the fact that you can arrive at your chosen goal by many different paths. Keep that in mind if you’re ever tempted to believe that there’s just one right way to fulfill your dreams.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “The only thing that we learn from history,” said the German philosopher Georg Hegel, “is that we never learn anything from history.” I’m urging you to refute that statement in the coming weeks, Sagittarius.

I’m pleading with you to search your memory for every possible clue that might help you be brilliant in dealing with your immediate future. What have you done in the past that you shouldn’t do now?

What haven’t you done in the past that you should do now?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, now would be a pretty good time to talk about things that are hard to talk about. I don’t necessarily mean that you’ll find it easy to do. But I suspect it would be relatively free of pain and karmic repercussions. There may even be a touch of pleasure once the catharsis kicks in. So try it if you dare, Capricorn. Summon

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

the courage to express truths that have previously been hard to pin down. Articulate feelings that have been murky or hidden. For best results, encourage those you trust to do the same.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Are you familiar with Quidditch? It’s a rough sport played by wizards in the fictional world of Harry Potter. All seven books in the series mention it, so it’s an important element. Author J.K. Rowling says she dreamed up the sport after having a quarrel with her boyfriend.

“In my deepest, darkest soul,” she reports, “I would quite like to see him hit by a bludger.” (In Quidditch, a bludger is a big black ball made of iron.) I bring this up, Aquarius, because I suspect that you, too, are in position to use anger in a creative and constructive way. Take advantage of your raw emotion to make a lasting improvement in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In his erotic poem “Your Sex,” Joe Bolton exults: “My heart simplified, I touch the bud of happiness -- it’s in season. And whatever grief I might have felt before simply dies inside me.” You might want to write that down on a slip of paper and carry it around with you this week, Pisces. According to my understanding of the astrological omens, the bud of happiness is now in season for you. You have good reason to shed the undertones of sadness and fear you carry around with you. I’ll tell you the last lines of Bolton’s poem, because they also apply: “Sometimes I think it’s best just to take pleasure wherever we want and can. Look: the twilight is alive with wild honey.”

(The full poem: tinyurl.com/JoeBolton.)

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “To know when to stop is of the same importance as to know when to begin,” said the painter Paul Klee. Take that to heart, Aries! You are pretty adept at getting things launched, but you’ve got more to learn about the art of stopping. Sometimes you finish prematurely.

Other times you sort of disappear without officially bringing things to a close. Now would be an excellent time to refine your skills.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The problem with quotes on the Internet is that it’s hard to determine whether or not they are genuine.” So said Joan of Arc back in 1429, right before she helped lead French troops in the battle of Patay. JUST KIDDING! Joan of Arc never had the pleasure of surfing the Web, of course, since it didn’t exist until long after she died. But I was trying to make a point that will be useful for you to keep in mind, Taurus, which is: Be skeptical of both wild claims and mild claims. Stay alert for seemingly interesting leads that are really time-wasting half-truths. Be wary for unreliable gossip that would cause an unnecessary ruckus.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): French Impressionist painter Claude Monet loved to paint water lilies, and he did so over and over again for many years. Eventually he created about 250 canvases that portrayed these floating flowers. Should we conclude that he repeated himself too much?

Should we declare that he was boringly repetitive?

Or might we wonder if he kept finding new delights in his comfortable subject? Would we have enough patience to notice that each of the 250 paintings shows the water lilies in a different kind of light, depending on the weather and the season and the time of day? I vote for the latter view, and suggest that you adopt a similar approach to the familiar things in your life during the coming weeks.

Homework: Each of us has a secret ignorance.

Can you guess what yours is? What will you do about it? Freewillastrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

beauty

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by dr maria lombardo

Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage. She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program. For a consultation or more information, visit www.lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-6108990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

Breast Reduction Surgery Helps More Than Appearance Women who are suffering from symptoms of large and heavy breasts may be eligible for insurance coverage

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Often women with large breasts are not as physically active as they would like to be because the extra tissue “gets in the way” or makes running and jumping sports impossible because of uncomfortable or painful bouncing.

Breast reduction surgery is a wonderful option to improve back and neck pain, re-establish a more proportionate figure and restore self-confidence. The surgery is a same-day procedure, so the patient goes home after surgery and usually feels less neck and back pain and can stand up straighter almost immediately. Breast reduction patients are very happy with their new shape and often regret not having done the surgery sooner.

Women who are suffering from symptoms of large and heavy breasts may be eligible for insurance coverage for the reduction. A preauthorization process can determine if your individual policy covers the procedure and if you are a candidate for the surgery through your insurance.

Not all plans provide coverage but most do.

For more information and to see before and after pictures, call 760-610-8990 for your complimentary consultation with Dr. Maria Lombardo. Visit the website at www.LombardoCosmeticSurgery.com for more information. Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery Center in Rancho Mirage offers a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures.

Call to see what Dr. Maria Lombardo can do for you.

by Jill Coleman RN

SIMPLE talk on natural health topics H

ello All, Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, I give a 30 minute SIMPLE talk on natural health topics at my office on 74361 Hwy 111, Suite #3, between Deep Canyon Drive and El Paseo, across from ‘The Hood’ bar and grill.

The talk starts at 6:00PM and is usually over at 6:30PM but may be later depending on questions.

I love questions and discussions!

Tuesday, July 9th I am talking about “Cholesterol Friend of Foe”. I will be discussing the other side of cholesterol and saturated fats that we do not usually hear about. The information may surprise you!

The more you learn about how the body works, the more you will understand what is really healthy and what is not. This may not be the same as what we are told by the drug companies and fast food producers!

References will be provided.

I would love to see all of our CV Weekly readers there. www.JillColemanRN.com (blog site) www.HealthRestoration1.com 760 912-3797

June 27 to July 3, 2013

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

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Comics

TODAY I FELT MY CAREER HAD FINALLY TAKEN OFF WHEN A GUY CAME UP AND ASKED FOR MY AUTOGRAPH.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

June 27 to July 3, 2013

DESERT CARE SOLUTIONS Desert Care Solutions, the premiere collective in the desert is now offering $40 top shelf 1/8’s weighed heavy!! 4.0++ Immense selection of edibles, tinctures, bubble hash, and many more great accessories. Also featuring the G-Pen and Dank Chocolate.

THEN HE ASKED FOR MY DATE OF BIRTH, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND MOTHERS MAIDEN NAME!!

77742 Las Montanas Dr, Palm Desert CA 92211

760-200-8885 Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Clinic

MEDICAL MARIJUANA EVALUATIONS * Coachella Valley GREENSIGHT MEDICAL Evaluation Centers *

PALM SPRINGS

THOUSAND PALMS

4693 E. Ramon Road PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264

73-092 Ramon Road, #3 THOUSAND PALMS, CA 92276

M, T, & TH, FR, SAT 12 – 6 pm

Dr. Rebecca Diaz

760-325-3400

Ramon X Williams 1 block West of Gene Autry Trail South of Palm Springs Airport

RANCHO MIRAGE

Ramon X Monterey Half block East of Monterey / North of I-10 fwy

PALM DESERT

WEDS 930 am - 6 pm & SUN 130 – 6 pm

M, T, W, TH, FR

NW Corner of Country Club X Monterey in Rancho Mirage Medical Center

One block West of Washington North of I-10 fwy /near Sun City

72-780 Country Club Dr, #304 RANCHO MIRAGE, 92270

* OPEN DAILY! * Dr. Rebecca Diaz is a cat-loving veterinary professional, dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens happy and healthy with top-quality care in a stress-free environment.

M, T, & TH, FR, SAT 12 – 6 pm

12 – 6 pm

77-810 Las Montanas, #103 PALM DESERT, CA 92211

$60 NEW / $40 RENEW

PHOTO IDs available, Renewals within 30 days expiration from any office

888-744-4861

888–SIGHT–61

SEE MAP ON BACKSIDE. Visit GREENSIGHT MEDICAL for the BEST LOCATIONS, PRICES, STAFF, & HOURS!!

Feline Veterinary Service

Every aspect of our clinic is designed with the special needs of cats in mind.

From the quiet serene waiting room to the relaxing exam rooms and cat-friendly cages for hospitalized patients, our goal is to promote a peaceful, stress-free environment for your cats.

Services include: • Routine Care • Geriatic Care • Spay/Neuter

• Digital Radiology • Laboratory Services • New Kitten Care

• Vaccinations • General Surgery • Dentistry

67870 Vista Chino Cathedral City, CA 92234

www.catcitycat.com

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June 27 to July 3, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

ALL DAY PM MONDAY PM

TUES-FRI 3 - 6 SUN-THUR 9PM - CLOSE

BARTENDER BASH STARTS WED. JULY 3RD

10 WEEK CONTEST

KARAOKE WITH DYNAMIC DAVE EVERY TUESDAY AT 8PM

PRIZES & DRINK SPECIALS TiltedKilt.com Facebook.com/TiltedKiltPalmDesert 760.773.KILT 72-191 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 32