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April 1, 2020 Vol. 16 No. 25
Social Distancing Extended Trump says peak in Covid-19 deaths in the US to ‘hit in 2 weeks,’ extends social distancing guidelines till April 30 By Desert Star Staff US President Donald Trump has said that nationwide coronavirus guidelines would be extended for another month, citing model data suggesting that the US
should brace for the peak in death rates in two weeks. “The peak - the highest point of death rates...is likely to hit in two weeks,” Trump said as he was delivering an update on the coronavirus
situation in the US on Sunday. Citing estimates suggesting that if social distancing guidelines had not been introduced, 2.2 million people could have died as a result of the pandemic in the
US, Trump said that it was essential to prolong the existing measures until the end of April. “Now we’re looking at numbers that are much, much lower than that,” he said. Speaking on CNN’s ‘State
of the Union’ earlier on Sunday, Trump’s Covid-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci claimed that “between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths” may be Continues on Page 4
Locals Produce Homemade Medical Masks; Experts Advise Caution
By Desert Star Staff PALM DESERT, Calif. -Local groups are springing up across the state to produce homemade face masks for medical providers if they run out of the real thing. But some experts say the masks may do more harm than good. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on its website that health care providers might use homemade masks as a last resort. But Ken Zinn, political director with National Nurses United, said the N95 respirator is the minimum protection necessary for all health care workers. “They downgraded the
guidance to allow hospitals to say to nurses and other frontline workers, ‘Well, just wear a scarf or a bandanna,’” Zinn said. “This is absurd. Scarves, bandannas, surgical masks, none of them keep front-line health care workers safe.” A 2015 study published in the British Journal of Medicine cautioned against cloth face masks, saying they may increase infections because they retain too much moisture and don’t filter out enough particles. Some doctors have warned they may give a false sense of security. On Monday, North
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Mask-maker groups are spreading on Facebook as people stuck at home search for ways to help in the COVID-19 crisis. (Shelley Blume/Coachella Valley Mask Makers)
Create a Sweet Easter Treat
By Desert Star Staff This Easter, satisfy guests of all ages with festive cupcakes modeled after the Easter bunny. For more Easter recipes, visit Culinary.net. Directions: Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding 1 tablespoon lemon extract and vanilla. Spoon 3 tablespoons batter
into 24 paper-lined muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack. To make bunny feet: In medium, microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips on high 30 seconds. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Spoon into pastry bag or re-sealable plastic bag. Snip small corner from bag. Pipe 24 pairs of bunny
BUNNY BUTT CUPCAKES Ingredients: Recipe courtesy of Amanda Rettke of “I am baker” Prep time: 45 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24 1 2-layer size white cake mix 1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, McCormick Pure Lemon Extract, divided 1 tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract 3/4 cup white chocolate chips 2 sticks butter, softened 16 ounces confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons milk 10 drops McCormick Green Food Color 1-2 drops McCormick Red Food Color 12 large marshmallows, halved crosswise 3 tablespoons white nonpareil sprinkles
well after each addition and scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Remove half the frosting and place in medium bowl. Add green food color; mix until evenly blended. Spoon into pastry bag fitted with grass decorating tip. Set aside. Remove half the remaining frosting into small bowl. Add red food color; mix until light pink. Spoon into another pastry bag. Using pink frosting, pipe three toes and padding on each bunny foot. Once frosting has set (about 1 hour) gently press down on pink frosting to create smoother look. To assemble cupcakes:
feet onto parchment or wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Use toothpick to smooth out bumps or rough edges, and gently tap cookie sheet on counter to help settle. Allow to harden 2 minutes in freezer or 15 minutes in refrigerator. To make frosting: In large bowl, beat butter and remaining lemon extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating
Pipe green frosting onto each cupcake in series of short motions to create individual grass spots. Cover top of each cupcake completely. To make bunny butts: Place cut sides of marshmallow halves onto each frosted cupcake, leaving room for bunny feet. Shape remaining white frosting into dimesized balls then roll with white sprinkles to cover. Pipe small drop of remaining pink or white frosting onto top of each marshmallow. Press bunny tail on top. Place both bunny feet against base of marshmallow with toes facing down Family Features
Pandemic Prep Critical for Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s
By Desert Star Staff People with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers face a unique set of challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. In Tennessee, more than 120,000 people age 65 or older are affected by Alzheimer’s. While dementia itself doesn’t increase risk for COVID-19 illness, experts say associated behaviors and health conditions that accompany memory loss might. Kelsey Williams, program manager at the Alzheimer’s Association in Tennessee, said increased confusion is often a key indicator that a person living with Alzheimer’s isn’t feeling well. “People with dementia are often under-diagnosed and under-treated for viruses like influenza and other conditions because they can’t communicate verbally that something might be wrong,” Williams said. She added caregivers can place signs in bathrooms and kitchens as extra reminders to wash hands with soap for 20 seconds, and even demonstrate proper handwashing. And families who need guidance can call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 COVID-19 helpline
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at 800-272-3900. Williams pointed out that as the coronavirus outbreak unfolds, families should expect less help from community resources, and should work now to come up with an emergency plan. “Make alternative care management plans if that primary caregiver should become sick,” she said. She noted it’s also important for home caregivers to maintain a routine and stock up on groceries and medications to reduce outside trips. “People with dementia oftentimes look to others for cues as to how to respond to their environment,” Williams said. “But for caregivers, it’s particularly important to try to remain as calm as possible when interacting with their loved ones with dementia.” In response to the pandemic, Medicare has temporarily expanded its coverage of telehealth services. Williams said for Alzheimer’s patients with mild symptoms, or to maintain routine checkups, communicating with healthcare providers via phone or teleconference is a safer bet than in-person doctor visits.
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How the Stimulus Package Delays RMDs & Helps with Student Loans
By Janice Gough Almost no one is untouched by this national nightmare. While the coronavirus affects the entire population virtually, the stimulus provision is similar to the ones in previous disaster relief bills other than it affects all citizens. The relief in the new laws was directed only to those affected by the particular hurricane, wildfire, or other related disasters in a specific area. 401(k) plans are preparing for the onslaught of hardship distribution requests. Part of the stimulus package includes a temporary waiver of required minimum
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & MANAGING EDITOR Max Liebermann __________________________ OFFICE MANAGER Mindy Salas ART DIRECTOR Dina Rivera CONTRIBUTORS Beverly Cohn, Janice Gough, Jack Lyons, Kelly G. Richardson, Pamela Price, Pat Krause, Risa D’Angeles, Robert Kinsler, Theda Kleinhans Reichman PHOTOGRAPHERS Pat Krause
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distribution (RMDs). These rules apply to individual defined contribution plans and IRAs for the calendar year 2020. You would usually be required to withdraw funds from your IRA or Roth accounts during the economic slowdown, waiving 2020 RMDs will help lots of us avoid a tax bill. Due to the market correction, the value of your IRA that has diminished. If not for this relief, 2020 RMDs would be based on the account value on December 31, 2019, when the Dow was around 28,000. If your money was invested in the market, It would mean that you would be withdrawing a higher amount of money. However, it would require taking funds at a much lower value. (Reverse Dollar Cost Averaging). If the RMDs were based on 4% of the base amount, with a 50% fall in the market, you may be taking 8% from your account value. Do not take an RMD unless you have to do so. When you sell out on a loss, you lock in the loss, Whereas, if you ride it out to the market value returns, you have no loss. The RMD waiver also applies to IRA and Roth IRA beneficiaries who have 2020 RMDs. RMDs are also waived for IRA owners who turned 70 1/2 in 2019 and have to take their 2019 RMD by April 1. Traditionally we have suggested that our clients spread their first two RMDs over two years, but you can now have your first two RMDs waived (2019 & 2020). If you had already taken any part
of their first RMD in 2019, that could not be undone or waived. As to special rules for the use of retirement funds, consistent with previous disaster-related relief, the legislation waives the 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions up to $100,000 from qualified retirement accounts for coronavirusrelated purposes made on or after January 1, 2020. The bill states that income attributable to such distributions would be subject to tax over three years, and the taxpayer may recontribute the funds to an eligible retirement plan within three years without regard to that year’s cap on contributions. Further, the provision provides flexibility for loans from individual retirement plans for coronavirus-related relief. The distribution will still
be taxable, but the tax impact can be softened because it can be spread over three years. The funds can also be repaid within three years. Student Loan Payments The bill also allows for an exclusion for certain employer payments of student loans. This provision enables employers to provide a student loan repayment benefit to employees on a tax-free basis. Under the provision, an employer may contribute up to $5,250 annually toward an employee’s student loans, and such payment would be excluded from the employee’s income. The $5,250 cap applies to both the new student loan repayment benefit as well as other educational assistance (e.g., tuition, fees, books) provided by the employer under current law. The provision applies to
any student loan payments made by an employer on behalf of an employee, after the date of enactment and before January 1, 2021. Janice Gough is a Financial Advisor, located at 125 E. Tahquitz Cyn. Way, #203, Palm Springs. WE are safe money advisors and specialize in Annuities. I hope you call us for a more comprehensive review. Sadly, many investors are in fear and selling out at a loss. A good advisor will save you from making huge mistakes. We can be reached at (760) 251-7724 or (650) 200-8291 or email: Janice@GoughFinancialSvcs. com Sign up for our weekly newsletter at www. GoughFinancialSvcs.com PS: We are offering Zoom meeting conferencing, electronic enrollment at this time.
Can HOAs Exercise Leniency During Hard Times?
By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL Amidst a state-wide shutdown of all non-essential businesses, many homeowners are already feeling the pinch of reduced employment or business income, and calls are already arising in many HOAs for the association to be lenient regarding delinquencies. While emotionally the immediate response is to not push assessment collection, the matter is not so simple for the association board of directors. Associations of course depend upon assessments from each member to pay the community’s common expenses. Those expenses benefit each homeowner and generally must be paid in bad times as well as in good times. If, for example, 10% of the members fail to pay their fair share of the expenses, the other 90% may wind up paying that extra shortfall – an 11% increase for them. The management fees, landscaping
expense, utilities and insurance are examples of expenses which are relatively constant. The HOA cannot stop paying its utilities or insurance, just as the individual non-HOA homeowners still must pay their bills. Many other association obligations arise from binding contracts, so the board cannot just decide to stop paying. So, association boards are obligated to insist that all members pay their fair share of the HOA expenses and to diligently pursue such delinquencies. Should members who are having financial difficulties stop paying and request leniency? That may be a very bad idea, because it essentially asks the board to give some homeowners extra consideration and thereby violate its duty of acting in the best interests of the HOA as a whole. Furthermore, the HOA is duty bound to pursue the delinquency, which could add collection costs, late charges and interest to the assessment (making the owner’s problem even worse). Keeping the HOA assessments current April 1, 2020
should be a high priority for each HOA homeowner. What can the HOA do? If the board cannot simply ease up on paying assessments, does it have any other options? Deferring maintenance or terminating binding contracts could prove to be a shortsighted approach. However, can the board identify services which can be temporarily cut back without breaching a contract or jeopardizing safety? Perhaps some temporary reductions or deferrals of expense-causing activities might help the HOA prepare for cashflow problems. The Governor has ordered a moratorium on evictions, and financial institutions have agreed to a 60-day moratorium on foreclosures. Lenders have agreed to defer up to 90 days of mortgage payments, per the Governor’s March 25 press release. This does not appear to include HOAs, so HOAs can still pursue delinquencies. This is a difficult time for everyone. Boards should exercise compassion, but not in a way which violates their duties
to the association. Homeowners should be cautious to keep their assessments current, to avoid further negative consequences and costs. If an owner begins to fall behind, it is a good idea to come up with a plan and seek a meeting with the board as soon as possible. If homeowners become delinquent and ask to meet with the board to discuss a payment plan, that discussion is required to occur within 45 days of the owner’s written request under Civil Code 5665(b). Such a meeting must be in closed session, per the same statute. Neighbors should help each other and communicate before small problems becomes big ones. Kelly G. Richardson Esq., CCAL, is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and a Partner of Richardson | Ober | DeNichilo LLP, a California law firm known for community association advice. Submit questions to Kelly@rodllp.com. Past columns at www.HOAHomefront. com. All rights reserved®.
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Ali vs. Tyson? All this and more as virtual gaming takes over
By Desert Star Staff With the majority of the world deprived of live sport for the foreseeable future, fans are increasingly turning their attention to the world of eSports and virtual reality to fill the void and get their next competitive fix. Esports, for the unaware, takes the world of sport from the physical world and transplants it to the virtual domain, and can provide fans with answers to a menagerie of age-old sporting questions. Would Mike Tyson beat Muhammad Ali? Or how would ‘Iron Mike’ fare against the devastating power of a prime George Foreman? These questions are being addressed currently in the virtual eWorld Boxing Super Series, where Tyson has advanced to the finals against Ali following a fourthround demolition of former world champion Foreman. The matches, which are streamed online, factor in ratings awarded to fighters as to their specific strengths and weaknesses and pits the two virtual fighters against each other in a realistic simulation of their skills. Ali, meanwhile, has advanced
to the final after defeating old rival Sonny Liston in the last four, where he will meet Tyson in a literal battle of the ages to crown a champion. While computer simulations are a distant second to the real thing, the global coronavirus pandemic has led to a worldwide cessation of most sports and an upsurge in eSports’ popularity. A recent official La Liga eSports tournament was won recently by Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio in an online tournament for players officially sanctioned by the Spanish league authorities. Reports online suggest that several hundred thousand football fans tuned in to a live feed to see him beat Aitor Ruibal of Leganés 4-1 in the final. Virtual horse racing has also seen a significant upturn in momentum among bookmakers in the UK and Ireland, with punters forking over their hard-earned cash to bet on pixels on their computer screens after race meets were called off following governmental policies designed to limit people gathering in large groups.
Date in the Diary Saturday, 4 April will be broadcasting the Virtual Grand National, featuring 40 runners most likely to have made this year’s lineup! Hands up if you’ll be tuning in — Great British Racing Some eSports leagues have already noted a massive increase in Chinese viewership - up to around 19 percent - since the various lockdown measures were introduced in the country. However, and perhaps contrary to what one might
think, eSports hasn’t been immune to the swathe of cancellations that have come in the wake of the pandemic. ESPN notes several dozen virtual tournaments have been called off due to the pandemic - with many of the online matches initially scheduled to take place in arenas in front of a live audience. “I believe you’ll run out of things to watch on Netflix … so people will surf the Web trying to find stuff to entertain themselves,” Michael Pachter, a video game
analyst, told the Washington Post of eSports’ popularity in the current climate. Sponsors, too, are flocking into the developing market in a bid to get eyes on their products, which have otherwise been absent during the sport shutdown. In the age of social distancing, is there a better way to compete against ‘athletes’ from across the world than from the comfort of your own home. For now, at least, it’s all we can hope for.
Drum roll please! And the Biggest winner of the deadly global virus is… By Desert Star Staff As the US surpasses China in the highest number of coronavirus infections worldwide, economists are raising concerns of massive bankruptcies, as well as supply shock and demand problems for the world’s largest consumer market. However, not everyone is losing money, analysts say, pointing to large e-commerce firms that are making money out of the crisis as people are confined to their homes. According to Morgan Stanley analysts, American
retailers are experiencing a real boom. In the first weeks of March, retail sales of food products increased sharply by eight percent, which is an unprecedented growth for such business. Moreover, it is possible that growth will continue at double digits, the bank predicts. Rating agency Moody’s said that “retailers such as supermarkets, pharmacies, shops and grocery stores are going to benefit, as consumers will stock up on food and other necessities.” It added that retailers who had
Social Distancing Extended
Continued from Page 1
coming, according to the latest predictions. Fauchi, however, noted that trying to forecast how rapidly the virus would spread in the US was like “chasing a moving target.” In contrast with his previous rhetoric, the US President appeared to call for patience, warning against celebrating victory over the deadly disease that has claimed over 2,430 lives in the US before the outbreak is stopped. “Nothing would be worse than declaring victory before the victory is won. That would be the greatest loss of all.”
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Asked whether it was possible that the guidelines would be extended even beyond April 30, Trump said that he hopes it would not be necessary. Trump, who previously said that he would like to “reopen” the US economy, plagued by lockdowns, by Easter, clarified that although he believed it “would be a great thing if we could do it by Easter,” that does not seem to be a viable scenario any longer. “Easter should be the peak number,” he added. Instead, he predicted that the economy would start rebounding off the current slump that saw the
developed an online sales platform before the crisis have benefited greatly. Thanks to this, operating income at food stores such as Whole Foods (owned by Amazon), Walmart, and Kroger has grown significantly as consumers try to avoid shopping. Of all these retailers, “Amazon, I would say, is the strongest,” Gary Korolev, sovereign US private equity manager, told RIA Novosti. He noted that Amazon offers a range of basic-needs’ products and services for customers locked at home,
such as entertainment (movies, books), food delivery and essential goods. At the same time, it is Amazon that has the most developed network of delivery centers throughout America, Korolev said. The company, which is currently experiencing rapid growth, plans to hire 100,000 new workers to collect, pack and deliver orders. In a memo to Amazon employees last week, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said that “my own time and thinking is now wholly focused on Covid-19 and on how Amazon
can best play its role.” On Wednesday, attorneys of 32 US states asked Bezos to tighten control over price inflation for essentials on his platform. According to the research group US PIRG, prices for one out of six products sold directly through Amazon rose 50 percent during the epidemic. In some cases, the price has grown tenfold. Thus, the price for a bottle of sanitizer, has skyrocketed from $25 to $250. Bezos gave his assurance that he was taking all the necessary measures to prevent price inflation.
US stock market cratering and unemployment claims soaring, by summer. “We can expect that by June 1, we will be well on our way to recovery... A lot of great things will be happening.” Nearly 140,000 people have tested positive for the Covid-19 across the US, which now leads the world in a number of the infected by a large margin. Trump,
however, attributed the surge to the US government doing “far more testing than anybody in the world,” noting that in comparison to the other hardest-hit countries, the US has a much lower mortality rate. Earlier this week, Trump toyed with the idea of imposing a quarantine on New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, which he described as
emerging “hotspots” of the disease as the number of combined cases in the area crossed the 65,000 milestones. After the proposal drew fierce pushback from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, however, Trump decided against the idea, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday issuing a 14-day travel advisory to the tri-state area instead.
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Aid Groups for MN Homeless Brace for More Challenges
A study by the Wilder Foundation says roughly 20,000 people experience homelessness on a given night in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock) By Desert Star Staff DULUTH, Minn. - State
government agencies have taken steps to protect
Minnesotans who are homeless during the pandemic - but aid groups say they’re seeing growing challenges by the day, and more help is needed. Nonprofits that help people living on the streets say many shelters were already at or near peak levels before the COVID-19 threat. Lee Stuart, executive director of the CHUM shelter in Duluth, describes the added danger when keeping people at safe distance as a struggle. She says many are dealing with chronic health issues that make them more susceptible to the virus. “If there’s an infection in shelter, it’s gonna go like wildfire,” says Stuart. “We’ll have a lot of people, who have contacted a lot people
very vulnerable for contracting the infection, and probably having a worse outcome. “ Stuart says her group is working with St. Louis County officials on a pathway toward isolation and quarantine for clients, but she says it will be very expensive and state assistance is necessary. The latest package approved by the Legislature does include emergency funding for shelters. And counties such as Hennepin and Ramsey recently approved funding to identify quarantine centers for use. In Olmsted County, part of the Mayo Civic Center is being used to house people and keep them separated. Rhonda Otteson, executive director of the Minnesota
Coalition for the Homeless, says they would also like to see more rental assistance funding, to prevent more people from needing shelter. “This funding is critically important, as thousands of Minnesotans have lost their jobs,” says Otteson. “By increasing funding for programs that assist with past-due rent and mortgage payments, we can stabilize individuals and families and prevent homelessness from occurring.” Gov. Tim Walz recently signed an order barring evictions during the pandemic, but advocates say funding rental and mortgage assistance programs would be even more effective
GigaGen Initiates Development of Recombinant Polyclonal Antibody Therapy
By Desert Star Staff SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., - GigaGen Inc., a biotechnology company advancing transformative antibody drugs for infectious diseases, transplant rejection, and checkpoint resistant cancers, announced today it has been developing a recombinant polyclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of COVID-19. The therapy in development, rCIG (recombinant anticoronavirus 19 hyperimmune gammaglobulin), reproduces whole antibody repertoires of recovered COVID-19 patients, including high concentrations of those antibodies that target and prevent further replication of the COVID-19 virus. rCIG will be administered to the patients intravenously to provide passive immunity to help them fight infection and facilitate recovery. GigaGen’s unique approach for the treatment of infectious diseases in high-risk and immunocompromised patients is centered around a unique method for producing recombinant polyclonal antibodies. Unlike plasmabased polyclonal antibodies, such as convalescent serum therapies in development for COVID-19, rCIG does not rely on the constant supply of plasma from recovered COVID-19 donors to provide a regular source of the therapy to patients in need. They
use its leading single-cell technology to capture and recreate complete libraries of antibodies from COVID-19 convalescent patients that can directly translate into antibody therapies. This method is much more scalable than plasma-based methods since one person’s B cell repertoire can be used to generate a drug that treats millions of patients. Additionally, due to their recombinant nature, recombinant polyclonal therapies have a decreased risk of contamination and are consistent from batch to batch, enabling a controlled dosing protocol. The company has also shown that recombinant polyclonals have a hundreds-fold higher potency than plasma-derived equivalents, which may result in better clinical outcomes. GigaGen is currently recruiting patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate blood for the development of rCIG. The company has signed a collaboration agreement with Access Biologicals, an industry leader in the collection and manufacturing of plasma products, to expedite patient identification and assist with sample collection. The company has already discussed the manufacturing method with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will be having further discussions to find ways to
expedite development. “At GigaGen, we are leveraging our expertise in recombinant immunoglobulin development to create rCIG, which has the potential to provide a cure for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and may also be used prophylactically to prevent disease development in high-risk individuals, such as health care workers, elderly or immunocompromised populations,” said David Johnson, Ph.D., co-founder, and chief executive officer. “We are working expeditiously to recruit COVID-19 recovered blood donors in the New Orleans and San Diego areas, which will help us further develop this drug. In parallel, we are expanding our manufacturing process to enable GMP production and scalability to expedite time to IND filing. Our goal is to reach the clinic in early 2021.” The company has taken a unique and powerful approach for the development of polyclonal antibody therapies,” commented Everett Meyer, M.D., Ph.D., a physicianscientist at Stanford University and GigaGen co-founder and medical advisor. “The ability of their platform to capture and replicate complete antibody libraries from recovered patients not only has the potential to provide a highly efficacious therapy but overcomes challenges related to supply shortages,
which are an ongoing problem for plasma-based therapies in regular conditions and which are exacerbated in high-demand scenarios, such as in a global pandemic.” There purified recombinant polyclonal antibodies have already been validated in mouse models, and its platform has successfully created recombinant polyclonal antibodies against several pathogens, including the Zika virus, Haemophilus influenza b,
Influenza A virus and Hepatitis B virus. In addition to rCIG, GigaGen is currently advancing a pipeline of recombinant polyclonal antibody therapies, including a recombinant IVIG therapy for primary immune deficiency and a recombinant immunoglobulin against an undisclosed infectious pathogen in partnership with Grifols, a global leader in the production of plasma-based immunoglobulin products.
Locals Produce Homemade Medical Masks; Experts Advise Caution Continued from Page 1
America’s Building Trades Unions announced its member groups will be donating N95 respirator masks to local hospitals around the nation. Shelley Blume is a www.desertstarweekly.com
volunteer with Coachella Valley Mask Makers, which is handing out kits that enable people to make paper-cloth masks with a glue gun. She said the group hopes to make 1,000 masks a day, then sanitize them and make them
available to local hospitals. “So these masks are not meant to replace the personal-protection equipment mask,” Blume said. “They are to supplement medical staff who otherwise would not have a mask.” April 1, 2020
Hospitals are scrambling to see if they can accept the masks and figure out under what circumstances they night be used. Tenet Healthcare, which runs 13 hospitals in the state, said it will accept hand-made items once the
CDC issues guidelines. The California Department of Public Health on Monday declined to give guidance on homemade masks, directing people to call their local hospital to inquire.
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Better Business Bureau Warns of Coronavirus Stimulus Check Scams
By Desert Star Staff The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are already trying to take advantage of out-of-work Americans, desperate for the federal stimulus checks that are reportedly coming in the next few weeks as part of COVID-19 relief. Authorities are seeing an uptick in reports of fraudsters calling, sending emails or texts, and even putting up fake Facebook ads -- all offering to get people’s money faster if they verify personal information, give out banking information or pay a processing fee. Luke Frey, associate director of communications for the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut, says no one should fall for the lies. “So right now, we don’t know of any reason why any
consumers would have to either verify their eligibility, or even apply to get these funds,” he stresses. Frey says sometimes, the scammer will ask people to pay taxes in advance on the amount of the check, or ask for a fee to set up direct deposit. Find out about scams in your area or make a report about your experience on the Better Business Bureau’s website, http:// bbb.org/scamtracker. Frey says the checks from the federal government will automatically start arriving in early to mid-April, and the method of delivery depends on how you elected to receive your income-tax COVID-19 response stimulus checks will come automatically, either by mail or direct-deposit to a refund last year -- either by bank account. No one will need to apply for them. (Noderog/iStockphoto) mail or direct deposit. “So, any person who’s most likely a scam,” he states. seniors about a special grant to be a phony government telling you that they can help Another variation of the to help pay medical bills. The agency called the U.S. you get this money quicker is scam is a Facebook post telling link leads to a website claiming Emergency Grants Federation.
FDA takes action to help increase U.S. supply of ventilators and respirators
By Desert Star Staff The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action to help increase the supply of ventilators, ventilator tubing connectors, and ventilator accessories, as well as filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) due to shortages during COVID-19, as part of our commitment to ease burdens on the health care system during this pandemic. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for the emergency use in health care settings of certain ventilators, anesthesia gas machines modified for use as ventilators.
Positive pressure breathing devices modified for use as ventilators (collectively referred to as “ventilators”), ventilator tubing connectors, and ventilator accessories that the FDA determines to meet specified criteria for safety, performance, and labeling. Ventilator tubing connectors are used for multiplexing specific continuous ventilators intended for use in a health care facility, which means one ventilator may be used for multiple patients simultaneously. The devices that are eligible for inclusion under this EUA are those that are not currently marketed in
the U.S., or that are now sold in the U.S. Still; a modification is made to the device that would trigger the requirement that a manufacturer submit a new premarket notification (510(k)) to the FDA, as discussed in the agency’s Ventilator Enforcement Policy. This EUA demonstrates our ability to react and adapt quickly during this pandemic by providing maximum regulatory flexibility and helping to increase the U.S. ventilator inventory, so that very ill patients have access to lifesaving devices they need, while still providing appropriate FDA oversight.
The FDA also issued a EUA for certain imported nonNIOSH-approved respirators that have been designed, evaluated, and validated to meet a performance standard specified in the EUA and that have a marketing authorization in certain specified jurisdictions, subject to the conditions of approval. Respirators that are authorized under the EUA are authorized for use in health care settings by health care personnel in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent exposure to airborne particulates.
This new EUA covering certain respirators does not affect the previous March 2, 2020, EUA, which authorizes, in part, the emergency use of certain respirators approved by NIOSH for use in health care settings by health care providers. For the most current CDC recommendations on optimizing respirator use, please visit CDC’s webpage: Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators. This EUA does not permit the use of authorized respirators by the general public. SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Mental-Health Services Available as Isolation Grows
An Oregon clinicians stresses that people should practice physical distancing but stay in contact with people in their social circles. (macondos/Adobe Stock) By Desert Star Staff With Oregonians ordered to stay at home during the new coronavirus pandemic,
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isolation could be creeping into people’s lives, and that’s increasing the risk of suicide. Greg Borders is chief
clinical officer of Lines for Life, a nonprofit based in Portland that works to prevent suicide and substance April 1, 2020
abuse. He says Lines for Life has received an increase in calls from people anxious about COVID-19, and also folks feeling lonely from the state’s stay-home order. Borders believes it’s important to emphasize that people should increase their physical distance from others rather than their social distance. “Because we really believe that now is not the time to be socially pulling back,” says Borders. “I think it could be hugely beneficial to reach out and be as social as you can.” Borders encourages folks to reach out to loved ones and friends on platforms such as social media or over the phone. He says Lines for Life also has seen an increase in calls from people concerned about their financial future. The Portland police reported this week that 911 calls for suicide attempts
or threats are up 41% from this time last year and 23% from last week. Borders says Lines for Life is trying to get as many clinicians as they can to pick up shifts, and since the majority are working from home, more health experts are available. “We would encourage anybody that’s feeling anxiety and stress around this, and feeling like they don’t have a loved one to talk to, feeling isolated - we’d encourage them to give us a call,” says Borders. Folks can reach Lines for Life at 1-800-273-TALK. Lines for Life also has a program called Youthline, which provides teen-to-teen services daily from 4 to 10 p.m. Youths can text “TEEN2TEEN” to 839863 for help.
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US coronavirus cases near 150,000, with over 2,500 dead
By Desert Star Staff The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US is approaching the 150,000 mark, according to the latest figures by Johns Hopkins University. At least 2,513 people have already died from the disease across the country. As of Monday morning, some 143 055 Covid-19 cases have been registered across the US. New York remains the worst-affected state, with about 60,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. Confirmed cases of the virus in the country have increased by nearly 100,000 over the past week, and now the US has the largest number of coronavirusinfected in the world. Italy, the worst-affected European country, holds the second place with almost 100,000 cases. The US coronavirus situation is expected to get worse, as Dr. Anthony Fauci — US President Donald Trump’s Covid-19 adviser — warned that the country might face “millions of cases” and a staggering toll of up to “200,000 deaths.” Earlier on Monday, global coronavirus tally smashed past the 700,000 mark, currently
standing at around 735,000 cases. Nearly 35,000 people died from the virus worldwide. First responders in coronavirus-stricken New York have to deal with recordbreaking numbers of calls, a shortage of equipment and a constant fear of getting the virus and bringing it home to their loved ones. The Covid-19 epidemic in America’s largest city has stretched the resources of its ambulances service worse than on the day of the country’s worst terrorist attack in 2001, Anthony Almojera, a Fire Department lieutenant and supervisor, told the press. “In the last few days we’ve done over 44,000 calls. Just to give you some perspective, we normally do only about 4,000 calls a day,” he explained. “9/11, which was the busiest day for the EMS, we’ve done 6,300 calls roughly. For the last couple of days we’ve done over 7,000.” The members are doing their best to provide emergency service needed to the city of New York. We’re doing it. We need some help, but we’re doing it. Almojera goes on calls with paramedics, who work under NYC’s Fire Department,
and also serves as vice president in the FDNY EMS officers’ union. He looked tired during the interview but said working double shifts and risking catching the virus themselves, which emergency workers do amid the crisis, comes with the job. We signed up for a job that is dangerous. We know we can be killed in the line of duty. We know we can get sick while caring for others. The biggest concern his people report is that they may bring the disease into their own homes. “The city has not
provided dedicated testing for first responders,” he said. “I don’t want to bring [the virus] home, if I have a wife or a husband and children. “We’ve asked for extra dedicated testing for first responders. We’ve also asked for dedicated housing for first responders. For the people in the EMS, I should be in a dorm room or a hotel room instead of going home during this time,” he added, saying that so far, the city has not provided any of the requests. The paramedics and other staff are dealing with a
serious shortage of protective equipment like the N95 masks, Almojera said. So, often they have to improvise and wear what he described as “substandard gear,” instead of proper equipment. In this day and age in what is supposed to be the richest country on the planet it’s unacceptable that nurses should be in trash bags. However, he hopes that “going forward we will be getting what we need to help us staying safe and help save the lives of people.”
New COVID-19 HOPE Clinical Trial Recommendations Introduced Today
cost in the developing world, when used to prevent blood clots, is between Division of Microbiology and that both drugs separately can $10 and $40 per month. Infectious Diseases, National interfere with infection in vitro. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) Institute of Allergy and Twelve clinical trials is a medication that is used Infectious Diseases, and the in over 780 patients have to treat acetaminophen National Institutes of Health, been conducted with either overdose, and to loosen the protocol has been provided nebulized heparin alone or thick mucus in individuals to the Infectious Disease in combination with NAC for with cystic fibrosis or chronic Clinical Research Consortium the treatment of pulmonary obstructive pulmonary disease. in the United States. damage in burn patients and in It can be taken intravenously, The basis for Dr. Quay’s patients with Adult Respiratory by mouth, or nebulized, recommendation for this new Distress Syndrome. These i.e., inhaled as a mist. potential treatment is four-fold: trials showed efficacy, as The COVID-19 HOPE The SARS-CoV-2 virus has measured by improved lung Clinical Trial protocol can a Spike Protein on its surface function and reduced need be quickly adapted for that potentially interacts with for mechanical ventilation, clinical trials by institutions three molecules on the surface and demonstrated safety, worldwide and contains most of lung cells: heparin sulfate, with only clinically minor information that would be furin, an enzyme for protein adverse events seen. necessary to secure both processing, and angiotensinBoth drugs are currently Institutional Review Board converting enzyme 2 (ACE), FDA-approved for use by (Institutional Ethics Committee) a cell surface receptor. These injection, are widely available, and governmental agency interactions are needed for and are reasonably priced. approvals to quickly begin the virus to infect cells. NAC is also FDA-approved in conducting clinical studies. Like a vaccine which an inhalation formulation for The COVID-19 HOPE teaches the immune system to a wide range of pulmonary Clinical Trial protocol is make antibodies to block these conditions, although not available to physicians at same interactions and prevent for COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 HOPE Trial infection, Dr. Quay expects H-NAC to also interfere with About the COVID-19 About Steven Quay, these interactions, based HOPE Study M.D., Ph.D. on an understanding of the Heparin was discovered in Steven Quay is the genetics of the virus and the 1918 and is an FDA-approved founder, Chairman, and biophysics and biochemistry injectable product and used CEO of Seattle-based of the Spike Protein, and the as an anticoagulant (blood Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. surface of cells in the lungs, thinner). Side effects at high (Nasdaq: ATOS), a clinicalheart, and other organs which doses include bleeding. stage biopharmaceutical are attacked by this virus. It is on the World Health company developing novel Laboratory experiments Organization’s List of Essential therapeutics and delivery with the current coronavirus, Medicines, the safest and most methods for breast cancer SARS-CoV-2, and previous effective medicines needed in and other breast conditions. human coronaviruses show a health system. The wholesale
May Reduce or Eliminate Mechanical Ventilation for Coronavirus Patients By Desert Star Staff The crucial life-saving initiative led by Dr. Steven Quay for clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of a combination of FDA-approved drugs (nebulized Heparin-Nacetylcysteine in COVID-19 Patients by Evaluation of pulmonary function (HOPE)) Physician-scientist and inventor Dr. Steven Quay, MD, Ph.D., is announcing a new combination treatment with the potential to improve pulmonary function and reduce or eliminate mechanical ventilation in patients with the coronavirus infection. The treatment uses two drugs previously approved by the FDA for other conditions: nebulized (inhaled as a fine mist) heparin combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), termed “H-NAC.” Dr. Quay is making this new clinical trial protocol (called the COVID-19 HOPE Trial) available for use by the worldwide medical community. Starting today, doctors around the world are invited to directly download the protocol free of charge at www.DrQuay.com. “Given the rapid growth in the number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide, and especially in the U.S., I made the decision to make the HOPE Trial documents www.desertstarweekly.com
immediately available,” said Steven Quay, M.D., Ph.D. “From my experience having invented seven FDA-approved pharmaceuticals over my career, it is my reasoned opinion that this has a high likelihood of success and should be quick to test given that these drugs are widely available. Nebulized H-NAC could become a valuable new tool for frontline COVID-19 treatment, as it should reduce or eliminate the need for a mechanical ventilator.” “I have known Steve for over a decade as a creative, diligent, and talented scientist and the COVID-19 HOPE Trial protocol he has developed and recommended is a truly creative approach to the treatment of patients in this pandemic,” said Dr. James Woolliscroft, M.D., Lyle C. Roll Professor of Medicine, Professor of Internal Medicine and Professor of Learning Health Sciences, and Former Dean, The University of Michigan Medical School. “As we search for therapies to meet this unprecedented clinical challenge, the importance of testing potential interventions is great as hundreds of thousands of people around the world are infected.” At the request of the
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HOROSCOPES ARIES
It’s most important to think about Goodwill and Right Relations to replace competitiveness, lack of tact, frustrations, headstrongness and brusque aggressiveness. Have the intentions to bring forth diplomacy. Allow your endeavors and physical activities to create resources that help, assist and serve others. As you make all things new, make them beautiful and harmonious, too. Helping others to the “New Frontier”.
TAURUS Your subconscious comes to life and all your assertive abilities go into hiding. In the deepest parts of yourself you become courageous and brave. You may remember things from the past that create worry or anxiety. Tend to your body and nervous system with care, choosing foods that calm and lessen inflammation. A spiritual presence enters your life. You may attend or join a church. Or begin a serious garden, knowing nature’s body is the body of God.
GEMINI You need friends to chat and discuss new ideas with. You need new ones or old revolutionary ones that attract the radical informative sociable part of yourself. Many old ways of thinking need to fall away, to understand the present critical times. “Black face singer, white face clown”. Whatever your goals, it will be new thinking and awakened
APRIL 1 – 7, 2020 ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST BY RISA D’ANGELES
friends who help you move from here to there. Friends that help you value your special Mercurial Venusian self.
CANCER You wonder about worldly attainment, how to understand your role during these times. You want to be remembered as a server. The protective shell of Cancer is good for these times. You don’t have to make excuses as to why you’re home so much. Home is your stage, your solace, your place of protection. It’s the place where you are the best you can be. Where you’re impulsive, trusting yourself, and shedding your shell for a moment or two.
LEO You find yourself setting goals, planning and considering far distant travels. “Wake up, little Suzy, let’s go for a drive.” Perhaps not now, but when the world rights itself again. Your interest in philosophy, culture, religion and education can only be done in dreams at this time. This is a good time for personal study, for tending to daily life. When tending to your environment, bringing forth order and organization you feel more in control, optimistic and vitalized. Serve yourself now, Leo.
VIRGO It would be good to read Joseph Campbell’s “Hero with a Thousand Faces” during these quiet silent days. Unmasking the “invisible man.”
And good to look at, study and draw symbols to anchor the new archetypes of the new age. These will energize your life, release the most positive dimensions of your personality and Soul. There will be a seeking for redemption and the way toward this will be revealed in dreams.
LIBRA Although not quite aware of this, you’re quite brave. Others see this and want to be like you. You recognize others’ bravery because bravery and courage also rest within you like two bright shadows. You have a great sense of justice and seek to help those in need. In serving others in this crisis time, be sure to rest more so you don’t lose your way. Home is your safeguard, your sangha, your refuge. Crying is good.
SCORPIO Here are questions you might ask yourself these days. Where is my service, what is my service and whom can I serve? How is my health, am I tending to my duties with responsibility and care? Do I practice Right Relations with all my relationships, with all kingdoms? Am I determined and do I hold myself in high regard? Do my words create goodwill and peace in others? “Where is the truth and where is it found?”
SAGITTARIUS Most important at this time is your value system, your
creativity in helping others, the supreme effort you make to see who is in need. You can do all these things in between pursuing entertainment, fun, pleasure, well-being and happiness. You can bring fun, playfulness, music and spirituality to others as long as you don’t get impatient. Wear colors that soothe, calm and nurture. Like green. The color of magic.
CAPRICORN There is a shift or perhaps an acceleration of your foundation and base of operation. Psychological roots, your childhood, how you were nurtured, how you learned to nurture come into focus. You are fiercely protective of your family while actively pursuing creative arts. Great demands are made on families & loved ones these days. Always bring a sense of humor and play to all that you do. It nurtures people. Hold their hands.
PISCES Like all of humanity now, you will be wondering what is of value to you while simultaneously wondering what to dispose of, give away and generally release much of what was previously considered materially valuable. Many will find ourselves with only a suitcase or two, passport, laptop, phone, nothing else. This is a significant time for humanity seeking to be saved. It’s Pisces who has the key. Go where you are needed. Fear nothing. You know “help’s on the way.” Risa D’Angeles is the founder and director of the Esoteric & Astrological Studies Research Institute: Risa’s Esoteric Astrology. She can be reached at risagoodwill@gmail.com.
AQUARIUS Aquarius is the server of the zodiac. They step forward when humanity is in need. I heard you are working overtime. Serving others even when tired and exhausted. Aquarius is the sign of humanity and Aquarians love humanity. They have an independence of thought and a need for freedom. You are the light that shines on Earth for others. A light in the darkness until the dark is gone. You aid in the unfolding of the new era of freedom. It’s here now.
Ontario International Airport outlook for April
our passenger terminals clean and reducing the potential for germs to spread. The changes included: Incorporating new passenger screening trays treated with powerful Chief Executive Officer Mark antimicrobial technology to Both passenger terminals will given declining demand for Thorpe. “And In light of the inhibit the growth of bacteria remain open during all hours of commercial air travel. As a reduced flight schedules, we on the surface of the bins flight activity, and Transportation result, passenger volumes will are making adjustments to used by travelers at the Security Officers will continue be reduced significantly while airport operations and services TSA checkpoints in ONT’s to provide security screening. safe-at-home orders remain to reduce operating expenses.” terminals. (ONT was the first “We continue to collaborate in place in states, counties, Airport food, beverage, and U.S. airport to receive the with our airport partners and cities across the U.S. new trays from SecurityPoint and stakeholders to plan retail concessionaires will adjust While airlines operating operating hours appropriate Media in partnership with for significantly reduced at ONT intend to reduce to the scheduled flights. Microban International.) flight operations and expect the number of flights to and Lot 5 and valet parking will Increasing the frequency demand to remain suppressed from the airport, they plan to be suspended until vehicular and intensity of efforts to through the summer and maintain service to all nonstop volumes return to normal disinfect washrooms and other destinations except for Houston possibly through the end levels. Parking lots 2, 3, and 4 public areas with cleaning Intercontinental (United Airlines) of the year,” said Ontario agents intended to kill germs. will remain open. Customers and Taiwan (China Airlines). International Airport Authority They are adding stations can pre-book discounted parking at flyontario.com. where passengers and employees can access Likewise, Escape free hand sanitizer. Lounges located in each “We take matters related terminal will be closed to the safety and well-being temporarily until near-normal of air passengers and airport passenger volumes return. employees seriously, and Thorpe noted that we will remain vigilant in enhancements made in our efforts to minimize the February continue to benefit spread of germs that might ONT travelers and employees be harmful,” Thorpe said. by keeping airport restrooms and other public areas of
Officials adjust operations and services as flight schedules are reduced By Desert Star Staff Ontario International Airport (ONT) officials are adjusting airport operations and services to reflect reduced passenger flight schedules in April as the aviation industry continues to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. According to airline schedules published for April, passenger flights at ONT will be reduced by one-third, from 66 daily departures to 46, compared to March
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E N T E RTA I N M E N T
BY THEDA KLEINHANS REICHMAN
‘Inside the Rain’ Deals with Bipolar Issues Zellweger’s Oscar-winning portrayal as Judy Garland. Also on DVD is Louisa Mae Alcott’s “Little Women” and the gripping WWI war film “1917.” So while you are cooped up under quarantine rent or buy a DVD and get caught up on all of this past year’s Oscar picks.
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Hello, dear readers. I hope this finds you all doing well during these difficult times. Stay well, and try to remain healthy and as happy as possible. Most of you, like me, are stuck at home. So it’s time to catch up on house cleaning, reading, binge TV watching, and screening current movies now on DVD. Fortunately, most of
the Oscar nominees are available to rent or buy, from the Oscar winner “Parasite” to the offbeat comedy “Jojo Rabbit” about a young boy who is befriended by Hitler in his vivid imagination. Scarlett Johanssen plays his mother in “Jojo Rabbit.” She also stars in “Marriage Story” opposite Adam Driver. For an entertaining creep out, check out Joachim
This week I didn’t venture out to rent or buy a DVD, but I did check out a small independent film “Inside the Rain” available on VOD. The film was written, directed, and co-edited by Aaron Fisher, who also stars as Ben, a young college student with a Phoenix’s Oscar-winning bipolar disorder. According performance in “Joker” or to Fisher, the main character revisit Hollywood during the is loosely based on himself. Manson era in “Once Upon Ben is about to be a Time in Hollywood.” Brad Pitt took home Oscar gold for expelled from college. It is mistakenly believed that his portrayal as a charming he tried to commit suicide stuntman. Mob film fans (again). He is determined to will enjoy Al Pacino and Joe Pecci’s performances in Martin clear his name. To do so, Scorses’s film “The Irishman,” he decides to make a movie and Judy Garland aficionados that will clear his name so he can remain in school. will appreciate Renee
However, he will need the money, and his parents refuse to fund the film. Now what? He is seeing a therapist (Rosie Perez) who agrees with his parents. She also tries to dissuade him for his movie-making mission. However, he is determined to finance his film, whether he has to beg, borrow, or steal the money. At one point, he actually tries to run off with his parent’s gigantic jar filled with change. That plan fails. When he meets Emma, an attractive sex worker at a club, he talks her into starring in his upcoming film. But will he be able to get the money in time to make his movie and clear his name at college? “Inside the Rain” is not rated and has a running time of 1 hour, 30 minutes. Available on VOD. Here’s another viewing option. “Frozen 2” from Disney is available on DVD and should keep the kids happy. It is light and playful and should make adult viewers happy as well.
Irish Inspirations: A Great Hotel by Dublin Airport
By Anthony Grant Confession: I have a thing for airport hotels -- cool ones, that is. And based on my brief experience in Ireland recently I can say that the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport is one of the best. The Carlton is located on the Old Airport Road in Cloghran, right along the perimeter, with the airport proper. My stay at the Carlton would be sweet but short. That’s because I arrived around 7:30 a.m. but had a connecting flight on Ryanair to Athens at 5:25 p.m., so the room would only be for daily use. At 8:00 a.m., the room wasn’t quite ready, so I repaired to Mayfly, one of the hotel’s two restaurants (the other is called Kitty Hawks) for a quick breakfast. The atmosphere was airy and bright. By 9:00 a.m., the room was www.desertstarweekly.com
ready, and the check-in process could not have been more straightforward. There was a steady stream of checkouts, so I figured there must be a lot of morning departures out of Dublin (also airport hotels tend to have higher occupancy rates than “normal” hotels). A day-use reservation was probably a little against the grain here, but then so was the choice of connecting to Athens from Newark via Dublin instead of London. Unlike many other kinds of hotels, an airport hotel can make or break a trip -- on the most basic level, that’s because of logistics. If you ask for a wake-up call at an airport hotel but don’t actually receive it and then oversleep, well you’ve just missed your flight and your holidays are now toast. The staff has to be on their toes,
and stuff has to work. Here I felt the staff were on the mark -- while I wasn’t thrilled with the initial delay in the room, they explained that my signature double bedroom on the first floor was one which had been recently renovated; hence it was probably worth the wait. They were right. Once I opened the door, I felt that I was in quality surroundings. There was a large window with a view of the car park, but I didn’t mind because it reminded me that I had only a few short hours to go before catching the shuttle back to the airport. On a countertop in my room, I noticed a box of Lily O’Brien’s chocolates. To me, Lily O’Brien says, “you’re in Ireland now,” even more than a pint of Guinness. The mattress was the most comfortable of April 1, 2020
any airport hotel bed I can remember -- and I’ve stayed in some of the best. The linens were crisp and fresh with a clean white fluffy duvet. Heck, I was so knocked out I didn’t even crawl underneath it. After four hours, I emerged from my speed-hibernation to quickly check out the room attributes, shower, and go. There was a nice TV full of channels with people speaking those lovely Irish accents that no American can resist. Plenty of desk space, with a desk chair as well as an armchair near the window. The bathroom was sparkling, the water pressure was excellent, and the bath amenities were fragrant and local. Thusly refreshed from all of this, I was ready to take on the nofrills experience of Ryanair. The shuttle was waiting.
The Irish capital’s airport can make for an excellent hub airport when, for whatever reason, Heathrow or Gatwick won’t do. The Carlton Dublin Airport Hotel is p the best airport hotel in Ireland because it’s an upbeat, modern hotel adjacent to Dublin Airport and with a reliable, complimentary 24-hour shuttle -- so getting to and from the airport is never care. Because it’s Irish-owned, there is also some sense of connection to Ireland, and with that comes a particular pride of place, which is something any tired traveler will appreciate. While Dublin will never have as big a range of airport hotel options as London, in truth, once you find the best, who needs the rest? Visit carltondublinairport.com.
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Mama’s House Hosts Sold-Out 7Th Annual HEARTbeat of Love Luncheon With 1,200 Guests in Attendance Phase I of Mama’s House Expansion Project Announced By Madeline Zuckerman Mama’s House, the only residential home within the Coachella Valley providing shelter for women in crisis pregnancies, hosted their 7th Annual HEARTbeat of Love Luncheon to a sold-out crowd of 1,200 guests at the Indian Wells Renaissance Resort & Spa. This muchanticipated luncheon featured Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House Press Secretary. A VIP Reception was held the night before at Toscana Country Club for major sponsors, who were photographed with Sanders and who also got to enjoy a lively and entertaining Q & A. “My Co-chair Patricia McDonnell and I were overwhelmed with the tremendous outpouring of support from the community for this event, for Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and for the mission and programs at Mama’s House,” stated Jan Lupia, Founder and Executive Director of Mama’s House. “The response to Sarah coming to the Valley was extraordinary, with tickets selling out within a matter of weeks! We shattered all records with the largest attendance and double the number of sponsors
with 50,” Lupia continued. Guests participated in the Silent Auction before entering the ballroom for the plated luncheon. The program included a special tribute to the late Ronald M. Auen, an inspirational story from Autumn, a young woman who went through the Mama’s House program, a musical performance by Dr. Lisa Lindley, a Live Auction featuring such exclusive items as a Pelican Hill Resort package, tickets to see Lady Gaga Live in Las Vegas, a Nashville Country Music Awards Package, a Thermal Speedway Package, Dinner in Toscana’s Wine Cellar, and a Los Cabos Trip. New Board Director Floyd Rhoades unveiled the Mama’s House Expansion Project; he is spearheading. He emphasized Phase I, which involves the acquisition of property with a move-in ready home for 8 residents, laying the infrastructure for up to 7 casitas. The casitas, each for 6 residents, will be added during Phases II and III over 2 to 3 years, which will serve more than 50 mothers and children between the current and new location upon completion. “Funds raised at the luncheons help offset
(left to right) Jack McDonnell, Patricia McDonnell, Event Co-chair.. Photo by Marc Glassman.
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(left to right) Jan Lupia, Founder & Executive Director of Mama’s House, Anne Silverstein, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Former White House Press Secretary and Featured Speaker at the Luncheon, and Marshall Silverstein. Photo by Marc Glassman operating expenses,” stated Jan Lupia. “This year, we received overwhelming support for the expansion, and are on our way to gathering the $1.5 million needed for Phase I of the Capital Campaign,” she continued. Guests, as well as Sarah Huckabee Sanders, were taken by total surprise when former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee appeared on the video screens to personally introduce his daughter! All 1200 guests were on their feet applauding as Sarah Huckabee Sanders stepped to the podium. Sarah Huckabee Sanders served as White House Press Secretary for President Donald J. Trump from 20172019. She is only the third woman and very first Mom to hold the job of White House Press Secretary. President Trump described Sarah as “irreplaceable, a warrior, and an extraordinary person with extraordinary talents, who has done an incredible job.” Sanders has been named one of TIME Magazine’s “40 Under 40” and has been recognized as one of the best political operatives of her generation. “I have been enjoying a little more time at home these days with my kids,” Sanders commented. “I think being a Mom definitely prepared me for the job in The White House because you learn to say NO, and you tend to say things over and over again to your kids! Working with the President gave me a front-row seat in history. I traveled with him to
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over 30 countries and had an unbelievable experience when Trump took me to meet Kim Jung-un. I have been to many places all over this country, and I can tell you that you have something very special at Mama’s House. I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet some of the Moms at Mama’s House, and I even got to hold a one-week-old baby boy. What an incredible story Autumn, one of the Moms who went through the program at Mama’s House, spoke about today. If Autumn can overcome the obstacles in her life, imagine what she can be and accomplish in her life. I am incredibly proud of President Trump and all he has accomplished. He is the first President in the history of this country to participate in the “MARCH FOR LIFE.” Today, I am reminded of what happens when people stand up for something right. Everyone has a part to play. Let’s go out and fight for life. Let all of us be the somebody who do the right thing!” she continued.
Mama’s House Mission On July 27, 2013, Mama’s House opened its doors to receive mothers in crisis and their babies. Since that time with unwavering compassion, Mama’s House has been offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for these mothers to conquer fears, face challenges, and get back on track for success. These pregnant mothers who come to Mama’s House with no means of support and no place to go, are realizing they have more options to consider. Since its inception, Mama’s House has served more than 230 women and babies! Save The Date of February 6, 2021, for the 8th Annual Mama’s House HEARTbeat of Love Luncheon. For more information on Mama’s House and its Expansion Program, please call Jan Lupia at 760-4063413 or email her at janlupia@ themamashouse.org or visit www.themamashouse.org.
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Now’s the Time to Teach At-Home Nutrition
“KIDS” WITH ALMOND TOAST
Total time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 4 slices whole-grain bread 6 tablespoons unsalted almond butter 2 teaspoons honey (optional) 1 DOLE® Banana, peeled 2 Dole Strawberries, trimmed and halved 4 chunks (1 1/2 inches) fresh Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple 2 Dole Blackberries 2 teaspoons toasted flaxseed (optional) Toast bread slices. Spread with almond butter and drizzle with honey, if desired.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images By Desert Star Staff With a lot of parents facing the challenge of keeping housebound kids happy and healthy, this is the perfect time to teach kids the basics of nutrition and eating right. Consider these simple suggestions from Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, health and nutrition communications manager for Dole Food Company. • Healthy Snack Time Taste Tests – Sometimes it feels like kids can snack all day long on easy-to-grab crackers, chips or cookies. Next time they reach into the snack pantry, try incorporating a taste test or food critic activity to encourage something different and more nutritious. • Purposeful Playtime – Many households have a play kitchen or some kind of play food. Use this as an opportunity to act out how to create a healthy kitchen with activities like making salad, setting the table, peeling bananas and washing dishes. This can help young children become more independent, learn what to
expect and grow into little helpers at family mealtime. • Sensory Activity – One idea that can work for school and at home is making a sensory box. Simply place a fruit or two inside a tissue box and have children put their hands inside then try to guess which fruit it is by feeling it. • Recipes for Fun – If you’re preparing a meal, it could be a good time to teach children of reading age how to review a recipe. Evaluating ingredients to learn how food transforms from raw to cooked or how a dish is created can help kids learn kitchen skills. For example, try this fun, fruity recipe for Kids with Almond Toast. • Food Groups Focus – Get kids involved in making dinner by setting a rule that each food group must be represented. Give them a warmup activity by asking which food groups are found in family favorites like chicken soup, lasagna or meatloaf. Asking kids to guess which ingredients are used in these dishes and identifying which
food group each ingredient belongs to can help them understand dietary balance. Find more at-home tips in the free, downloadable Healthy Eating Toolkit from the nonprofit organization Action for Healthy Kids. • Reading Time – From food labels to children’s books to cookbooks, there are plenty of reading materials to choose from that reinforce healthy eating habits. Exposing children
To make “kids”: Cut eight slices and 32 matchsticks from banana. Arrange one strawberry half and one pineapple chunk on two slices toast; arrange remaining strawberry halves and blackberries on remaining slices. Place one banana slice “head” at top of each piece of fruit and arrange four banana matchsticks around each “kid” for arms and legs. Sprinkle flaxseed along bottom edges of toast under kids’ feet, if desired.
to fruits and vegetables outside the kitchen is a subtle way to show that nutritious ingredients are part of everyday life. • Explain the Bathroom Routine – Make sure to wash hands and explain that this is a way of washing away germs to stay healthy. Also explain why brushing teeth is
important by reminding children that food can get stuck in teeth and cause cavities. Find more kid-friendly recipe ideas at dole.com plus nutritional tips, free printables and other healthy fun on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. Family Features
Utah’s Rural Hospitals Brace for Influx of Coronavirus Cases
Almost one third of Utah’s population lives in rural parts of the state, and will depend on a network of rural hospitals in case they are affected by the coronavirus pandemic. (SQuintans/AdobeStock) By Desert Star Staff SALT LAKE CITY - In the COVID-19 pandemic, where you live in Utah could be a major factor in your chances of surviving a bout of new coronavirus. www.desertstarweekly.com
Almost one-third of Utah’s 3.2 million residents live outside of the Salt Lake City metro area and are served by a network of 21 rural hospitals and 14 rural clinics. While the majority of Utah cases
have so far occurred in urban areas, public health officials are concerned that a surge in the number of serious cases could overwhelm rural facilities. Greg Rosenvall is the rural hospital development April 1, 2020
director for the Utah Hospital Association. He says they are limited in their ability to treat patients in serious condition. “The rural hospitals in Utah are planning to try to take care of some inpatients,” says Rosenvall. “But if those patients go into more of an acuity status where ventilators are needed, they’re not going to be able to handle many of them.” He says while some of Utah’s rural hospitals have been ranked among the best in the country, there is only so much critical care they can provide. Rosenvall says that with more serious cases, rural hospitals will send patients to larger hospitals if they have the capacity. “We’re relying heavily on the ability of the urban hospitals to take transports” says Rosenvall, “and if they lose the ability to do that, then that could be a serious concern.”
Rosenvall adds that small hospitals often operate on a slim margin, and now that state health officials have banned elective surgeries and other non-essential treatments, not providing those services could cut into their bottom line. “The Utah rural hospitals, relatively, have done very well” says Rosenvall. “We haven’t had any closures in the state, but I think that in everybody’s mind, if this prolongs for an extended period, it could start impacting cash reserves and cash flow.” Of Utah’s 400-plus coronavirus cases to date, about 300 have been in Salt Lake and Summit counties, with the rest spread across the rural parts of the state. As of yesterday, state officials had not issued a stay-at-home order for Utah citizens similar to nearby states such as Idaho, Colorado and California.
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‘Up to 200,000 Deaths’: Trump virus chief Fauci By Desert Star Staff President Trump’s Covid-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci has issued a dire prediction: “Millions of cases,” and “100,000 to 200,000” deaths in the US. More than 2,200 people have already died of the deadly disease in the US. Speaking on CNN’s ‘State of the Union’ on Sunday, Fauci said that trying to predict the spread of the virus is akin to chasing a “moving target.” However, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director claimed that “between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths” may be coming. Dr. Anthony Fauci says there could potentially be between 100,000 to 200,000 deaths related to the coronavirus and millions of cases. “I just don’t
think that we really need to make a projection when it’s such a moving target that you could so easily be wrong,” he adds. — State of the Union “We have a serious problem in New York, we have a serious problem in New Orleans, and we’re going to be developing serious problems in other areas,” Fauci said. Fauci cautioned that the true toll of the Covid-19 outbreak in the US will sit somewhere between the “best case” and “worst-case” predictions currently doing the rounds. However, he did not say what scenario his own prediction fell under. Fauci has publicly disagreed with President Donald Trump on how best to respond to the coronavirus crisis. As
Trump mulled imposing a strict quarantine on “hot spots” like New York and New Jersey, Fauci warned that doing
so would create “a bigger difficulty” in enforcement. He told CNN on Sunday that Trump decided not to issue
the quarantine order after “intensive discussions” in the White House on Saturday night.
One Must Pay: Trump promises Harry & Meghan no free ride in US
By Desert Star Staff President Donald Trump has assured Britain’s Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle
that the US taxpayer won’t “I am a great friend and be footing their security bill, admirer of the Queen & the after the absconding royals left United Kingdom,” Trump Canada to settle in Los Angeles. tweeted on Sunday. “It was
reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the US however, the US will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!” I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay! — Donald J. Trump The couple stepped back from royal life and left the UK earlier this year, settling first in Vancouver, Canada. However, the pair departed for Los Angeles this week, with British tabloids speculating
that Markle’s tax situation – being forced to pay US income tax on top of Canadian tax – prompted the move. The US Secret Service usually provides security for British royals. However, Harry’s withdrawal from royal duties could mean he’s not automatically entitled to that same protection. And, judging from the president’s Sunday tweet, Trump won’t be making an exception. Harry and Meghan have both criticized Trump. The pair skipped a Buckingham Palace reception for the US leader last December, and Harry told a pair of Russian pranksters posing as climate activist Greta Thunberg that Trump had “blood on his hands” due to his climate policies.
Minister of one of Germany’s wealthiest states commits suicide
By Desert Star Staff The finance minister in the German state of Hesse, Thomas Schaefer, has taken his own life. His colleagues said he was pushed over the edge by the inability to cope with the harsh economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. Schaefer’s body was discovered near the speed railway track line in the town of Hochheim am Main on Saturday. The prosecutors said that the cause of his death was most likely suicide. “We are in shock; we are in disbelief, and above all, we are immensely sad,” Volker Bouffier, the head of the Hesse regional government, said of the passing of his close associate and fellow member of Angela Merkel’s CDU party. Hesse is one of the wealthiest states in Germany, and home to Frankfurt am Main, which is regarded
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as the financial capital of Europe’s largest economy. The city hosts the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the European Central Bank (ECB) as well as the HQs of Deutsche Bank and other major German companies. Schaefer was credited for having contributed to the region’s well-being while serving as its finance minister for the last decade. The 54-year-old’s professional qualities were praised by many, with the man expected to replace Bouffier as the state’s PM eventually. The coronavirus, however, dealt a massive blow to the system. He was so thoroughly tending all those years, sending stocks into a freefall and locking the workforce at home with quarantine. Bouffier recalled that Schaefer, who leaves behind a wife and two
children, was working “day and night” to minimize the impact of the pandemic on businesses and employees. Still, the task turned out to April 1, 2020
be unsurmountable. “We have to assume that he was anxious,” the PM said. Germany has so far registered 62,095 coronavirus
cases, with 541 patients succumbing to the disease. More than 721,000 people have been infected worldwide, with over 33,900 fatalities. www.desertstarweekly.com
MUSIC
BY ROBERT KINSLER
Comforting Sounds Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak
excellent sophomore album “Reckless & Me” in 2019 I somehow missed that it was available via a two-disc special edition. The second disc features live versions of many of the finest originals from his 2016 debut “Down in a Hole” and last year’s “Reckless & Me” that were recorded at a concert in Berlin, Germany. Sutherland has quickly established him as one of the strongest talents The coronavirus pandemic showcased via 43 essential Kelly’s considerable talents, in country music, primarily has had an impact around the selections. From the tuneful this two-disc collection is because he has found a way to globe, and that includes on acoustic introduction “From a wonderful place to start. popular 2019 film “A Beautiful tap into the rich vein of outlaw the arts where theaters have St. Kilda to Kings Cross” and Information: cookingvinyl.com. Day in the Neighborhood” music and make it his own. closed and concert events tuneful power pop-minded (starring Tom Hanks as Rogers) Whether singing intimate ballads – including the Joshua Tree “Before Too Long” and “Leaps Artist: Mister Rogers rekindled widespread interest such as “Saskatchewan,” Music Festival, Coachella and and Bounds” to the indie Titles: You’re Growing; in the legacy of “Mister Rogers’ probing confessionals like Stagecoach – have either been rockers “Look So Fine Feel So Coming and Going; You Neighborhood.” The four “Down In A Hole” or kicking cancelled or delayed. During Low” and “Sweet Guy,” Kelly Are Special; Bedtime new reissues include 1992’s things up with “Rebel Wind,” this period of uncertainty is expert as pulling in the best (Omnivore Recordings) “Bedtime,” “You’re Growing,” the tracks on the expanded and “social distancing,” it’s a sensibilities of any number of You might like if and “You Are Special,” as well set capture the excitement good time to rediscover the genres to craft his finely-crafted you enjoy: Johnny as 1997’s “Coming and Going.” of Sutherland’s recent comforting sounds of reassuring songs. Indeed spoken word Costa, Mister Rogers, The four audio CDs provide concert tours. Information: voices to help get us through (“Bradman”), folk (“Everything’s children’s music, jazz a comprehensive overview of KieferSutherland.net. these tough times courtesy Turning to White,” “When I First Tell me more: Generations the magic created by Rogers of some special greatest Met Your Ma”), and melodic have grown up watching (who is backed by long-time Artist: Ten Years After hits, reissues and special rock (“Deeper Water”) are also episodes of “Mister Rogers’ collaborator and pianist Johnny DVD Title: Live from the editions titles available now. showcased on the first disc Neighborhood” since it Costa, bassist Carl McViker Marquee Club, London covering his work from 1985 to premiered on television in the and percussionist Bobby (Store For Music) Artist: Paul Kelly 1999. Bluegrass (the affecting late 1960s. A large part of the Rawsthorne). The 60 songs You might like if you Title: Songs From the South “Our Sunshine”), baroque folk magic of the beloved PBS-TV work on several levels with lyrics enjoy: Ten Years After, 1985-2019: Paul Kelly’s (“If I Could Start Today Again,” series were the songs that were focused on teaching about a Alvin Lee, Humble Pie Greatest Hits (Cooking Vinyl) “I’m On Your Side”), countrywritten and sung by show host wide variety of topics while also Tell me more: Released You might like if you enjoy: western (“Your Lovin’ Is On My Fred Rogers. Between 1968 offering up inviting jazz stylings back in 2012, Ten Years After’s Paul Kelly, Neil Finn, Tim Mind,” “They Thought I Was and 2001, Rogers created to help young audiences “Live from the Marquee Club, Finn, Kasey Chambers Asleep”) and potent rockers more than 200 original songs; develop an appreciation of London” is definitely worth Tell me more: It’s all about (“God Told Me To,” “With the casual fans might be surprised jazz-flavored song craft. There watching if you love classic the song. Australian hero One I Love”) are on display to learn he wrote all the lyrics is a uniform sense of fun and British blues rock. Ten Years Paul Kelly is one of the most on the equally strong second and melodies heard on the intelligence on this welcome frontman Alvin Lee was a celebrated artists to ever disc. The title closes out with children’s show. Now on the series of releases. Information: gifted singer and one of the emerge from Down Under a previously-unreleased cut, heels of 2019’s “It’s Such a omnivorerecordings.com. world’s first guitar heroes. On and it’s no wonder. His songs “When We’re Both Old & Good Feeling: The Best of this performance captured in exude an authenticity, warmth Mad,” an Americana duet Mister Rogers” Omnivore Artist: Kiefer Sutherland 1983, Lee and company tear and sonic grace; they are also featuring Kelly and Aussie Recordings compilation comes Title: Reckless & Me: through a fiery set including the sumptuous listens that typically songstress Kasey Chambers. four new full-length audio Special Edition (BMG) masterful blues cut “Help Me,” connect with a single listen. On The ambition and wide reissues featuring delightful You might like if you enjoy: jazz jam “Woodchoppers Ball,” the recent compilation “Songs range of material on “Songs music from “Mister Rogers’ Merle Haggard, Johnny and a marathon tear through From the South 1985-2019: from the South” astounds Neighborhood.” The release of Cash, Waylon Jennings “I’m Going Home.” Information: Paul Kelly’s Greatest Hits,” the across the outstanding set. the 2018 documentary “Won’t Tell me more: When I first thestoreformusic.com. musician’s stellar talents are If you haven’t yet discovered You Be My Neighbor?” and the reviewed Kiefer Sutherland’s
Country music star Joe Diffie dies after testing positive for Covid-19 By Desert Star Staff Country music legend Joe Diffie has died of the Covid-19 coronavirus, aged 61. The ‘Pickup Man’ singer was diagnosed with the deadly illness only two days before his death. Diffie’s PR team broke the news of his passing on Sunday afternoon. The Nashville star went public with his diagnosis on Friday, telling fans that he was “under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment.” BREAKING: Country music legend Joe Diffie, 61, passes away from complications of coronavirus. My heart breaks for his family & so many others facing the same news. — Elizabeth Lane WKRN He reminded his followers www.desertstarweekly.com
to “be vigilant, cautious, and careful during this pandemic.” Man RIP Joe Diffie. A staple for so much about what I love in country music. This shit is real y’all. Please stay home and stay safe. — Travis Denning So sad to read the news of the passing of Joe Diffie to coronavirus. A ‘90’s country hitmaker:https://t. co/hSu1iRbPBb — Jake Reuse Diffie rose to fame in the 1990s, dominating the country scene during the decade. His debut single, ‘Home,’ was his first No. 1 hit, and a string of chart-topping releases followed, including ‘If the Devil Danced,’ ‘Third Rock From the Sun,’ and ‘Pickup Man.’ The singer earned a
Grammy award for collaborating including Ricky Skaggs on the 1998 song ‘Same and Merle Haggard. old Train,’ alongside a lineup Diffie had been married of country music royalty, four times and has five April 1, 2020
children. Outside the studio, he has been praised for raising money for mentally and physically impaired children.
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Spain’s grim Covid-19 tally continues with 812 new deaths By Desert Star Staff Spain has surpassed China in the total number of confirmed coronavirus infections, as the number of cases rose from 78,797 on Sunday to 85,195 on Monday. The death toll rose by 812 to 7,340. Officials announced on Monday that the country’s emergency health chief Fernando Simon tested positive for coronavirus infection on Sunday night. This left the deputy health emergency chief, Maria Jose Sierra, to break the news that some 12,298 health workers in the country have tested positive for the disease. This amounts to roughly 14 percent of the country’s confirmed cases. According to the latest data China, the original source
of the coronavirus pandemic, has 81,470 confirmed cases. Spain remains behind Italy, the hardest hit country in Europe, with 97,689 confirmed cases resulting in 10,779 deaths. Spain has surpassed China in the total number of confirmed coronavirus infections, as the number of cases rose from 78,797 on Sunday to 85,195 on Monday. The death toll rose by 812 to 7,340. Officials announced on Monday that the country’s emergency health chief Fernando Simon tested positive for coronavirus infection on Sunday night. This left the deputy health emergency chief, Maria Jose Sierra, to for the disease. This amounts break the news that some to roughly 14 percent of the 12,298 health workers in the country’s confirmed cases. country have tested positive According to the latest
data China, the original source hardest hit country in Europe, of the coronavirus pandemic, with 97,689 confirmed cases has 81,470 confirmed cases. resulting in 10,779 deaths. Spain remains behind Italy, the
Will CA Consider Prison Releases to Lessen COVID-19 Risk?
States and counties across the U.S. are considering whether to release some people convicted of nonviolent offenses to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in overcrowded jails and prisons. (Chatiyanon/Adobe Stock) By Desert Star Staff LOS ANGELES -- Civil rights advocates are praising Los Angeles County’s release of 1,700 people in jail for nonviolent
offenses in an effort to fight COVID-19 infections, but they also say more needs to be done. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department released 10% of
the jail population. So far, no one behind bars in L.A. has tested positive for the virus, but Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel for the
American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, says it is only a matter of time. “And the minute that starts happening, the more people who are there, the more people are going to get it in the jails,” he states. “And then those people are going to come out into the community, and they’re going to be flashpoints for further transmission.” The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has asked the county health officer to issue a public health order that would empower the sheriff to release more people, particularly those with fewer than 30 days remaining on their sentences. Opponents of the move say releasing people early could lead to more crime. The Drug Policy Alliance is calling for jails and prisons across the country to release most people who are over age 60, and those who have underlying medical conditions
that make them more vulnerable to a viral infection. Eliasberg says the authorities won’t release people convicted of violent offenses. “We’re facing the greatest public health threat in 100 years,” he stresses. “So, that has to the number one thing we focus on. “The threat that probably millions of people will be exposed to it, I think that’s the greatest public safety risk we’ve got to worry about -not an increase in crime.” Civil rights groups also are calling on judges to allow more people to await trial at home, especially those picked up on immigration offenses. On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California cosponsored a bill to open community release programs to people in federal prisons who are pregnant, over age 50 or who have underlying health issues.
Protections for MD Domestic-Abuse Victims in COVID-19 Crisis
By Desert Star Staff ANNAPOLIS, Md. -Although Maryland courts are closed to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, domestic-abuse victims can still seek protective orders during the pandemic. Sheltering in place can be dangerous for people trapped in close quarters with abusive partners, says Dorothy Lennig, legal clinic director with the House of Ruth, a domestic-violence shelter in Baltimore. She said anyone in Maryland who fears for their life can still go to their local court commissioner’s office, or the one in Baltimore City, and ask to remove the abuser from their home.
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“Because the word is that the courts are closed, we’re afraid that some victims of domestic violence, victims of intimate partner violence, don’t realize they can still get a protective order - and that other services are still available to them,” Lennig said. Lennig said the House of Ruth and shelters around the state are still open and offering resources to help victims and their families. Call 410-889RUTH for assistance, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Lennig said Maryland shelters are practicing social distancing, advising residents to remain six feet apart to prevent the spread of COVID-19. She
said House of Ruth offers 84 beds in rooms for two, and is getting assistance from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing representatives. “When there’s no pandemic, we would put two single women together in a room,” she said. “But during the pandemic, we’re only putting people who are in the same family together in a room.” More than 10 million Americans encounter domestic violence every year, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Experts fear those numbers will rise as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the forced isolation needed to combat it. April 1, 2020
Self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic can put domestic abuse victims at risk, and with less access to vital services. (Adobe Stock) www.desertstarweekly.com
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Investors/Builders. 53 Gated View Lot Development. All Infrastructure In. Ready To Build Homes. Scenic Columbia River Gorge. Washington State. $3,500,000.00. Owner. 509767-1539. RETIRED COUPLE $1 Mil for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan.com Call 1-818-248-0000. Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal-SCAN)
REAL ESTATE WANTED
RETIRED COUPLE $1 Mil for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan.com Call 1-818-248-0000. Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal-SCAN) 36 ACRE SELF SUFFICIENCY HOMESTEAD - $162 MONTH - Outstanding buy on quiet - secluded off grid northern Arizona homestead at cool clear 6,000’ elev. Entirely useable grassy meadowland with sweeping views of surrounding red rock ridges. Situated within a secluded valley location surrounded by thousands of acres of uninhabited wilderness. Bordered by 1,280 acres of uninhabited State Trust land. Free well water access, rich loam garden soil, and ideal year round climate. No urban noise and dark sky nights. Zoned for livestock. Camping and RV use ok. Maintained road access. On special at $17,900, $1,790 dn. with no qualifying seller financing. Free brochure with similar property descriptions, photos/terrain maps/ weather data/ nearby pioneer town info. 1st United Realty 1-800-9666690. (Cal-SCAN) Ocean-view - Brookings, OR – Custom home with beach access across the street! 4bd/2.5ba, 2,306 sf contemporary, detached garage, large lot with plenty of parking. Main level master suite, walk in closet, double sinks, jetted tub and tiled shower. Formal dining, gas fireplace, high ceilings, crown moldings. Upscale oceanfront gated community. Low HOA fees $100/mo. $535,000 MLS#19360357 (541) 659-1930 (Cal-SCAN) Cozy and Affordable - Merlin, OR – Short ride to Grants Pass - 3bd/2ba, 1,344 sf double wide manufactured home on almost 3 flat acres. Newer carpet and flooring, new hot water heater, 3 decks, one w/ built in hot tub. Carport, storage shed, detached 2 car garage. Beautiful property on a quiet dead end street. $219,000 (541) 659-1930 (Cal-SCAN) Opportunity – All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at 1-800-424-8590.RTC
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Desert Star Weekly Legals
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PUBLIC NOTICE
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PUBLIC NOTICE
33089 SKY BLUE WATER TRAIL, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: HIGINIO MORALES PARRA, 33089 SKY BLUE WATER TRAIL, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not begun to transact under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed HIGINIO MORALES PARRA. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/12/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003857. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Publish March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020 DSW20-2085 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to section 21700-21716 of the Business & Professions Code, section 2328 of the UCC Section 535 of the Penal Code and provisions of the civil code. The undersigned will sell through www.storagetreasures.com by competitive bidding on April 13th, 2020 ending after 11:30 am online April 20th, 2020. Property has been stored and is located at Banning Stagecoach RV Storage 1455 S. San Gorgonio Ave. Banning Ca. 92220 Riverside County State of California. The following item: Robert Sandoval SP#111 - 2003 Towlite , CA Lic# 1KJ6480, Vin# 1H0T2TK273A055177. Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase in Money order only. All purchased items sold as is and must be removed within 48 hours after 10 day hold. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner & obligated party. Publish April 1, 2020. DSW20-2095 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: PUEBLO SERENO MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY, 25521 LINCOLN AVENUE, HEMET, CA 92544, HEMET. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: BKKS PUBELO SERENO LLC, 80 SOUTH LAKE AVENUE, STE 719, PASADENA, CA 91101/CA. Business is conducted by: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 08/13/19. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: LOGAN ALEXANDER, BOGGS, JR., BKKS JACKSON LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITIED COMPANY Y: BKKS HOLDINGS LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ITS: SOLE MEMBER BY: LAB MANAGEMENT, LP, A CALIFORNIA LIMITD PARTNERSHIP ITS: MEMBER BY: LOGAN A. GOGGS, TRUSTEE OF THE LOGAN A. BOGGS 1998 PRIMARY TRUST FBO LOGAN A. BOGGS, JR. ITS: MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/23/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202004126. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 DSW20-2094 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: JACKSON MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY, 225 S. ELK STREET, HEMET, CA 92543. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: BKKS JACKSON LLC, 80 SOUTH LAKE AVENUE, STE 719, PASADENA, CA 91101/CA. Business is conducted by: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 08/13/19. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: LOGAN ALEXANDER, BOGGS, JR., BKKS JACKSON LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITIED COMPANY Y: BKKS HOLDINGS LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ITS: SOLE MEMBER BY: LAB MANAGEMENT, LP, A CALIFORNIA LIMITD PARTNERSHIP ITS: MEMBER BY: LOGAN A. GOGGS, TRUSTEE OF THE LOGAN A. BOGGS 1998 PRIMARY TRUST FBO LOGAN A. BOGGS, JR. ITS: MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/23/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202004127. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 DSW20-2093 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: PRINTGEM, 9980 INDIANA AVE STE 3, RIVERSIDE, CA 92503. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: KAREN MAY POWELL, 15341 WASHINGTON STREET, RIVERSIDE, CA 92506; GERI MAY LOENDORF, 1837 BARKER WAY, PLACENTIA, CA 92870. Business is conducted by: GENERAL PATNERSHIP. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 3/31/2015. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: KAREN MAY POWELL. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/06/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003597. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020 DSW20-2088 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: The following fictitious business name(s) MON AMIE BRIARDS, 29255 DESERT MOON DR, THOUSAND PALMS, CA 92276. RIVERSIDE COUNTY. Riverside County has been abandoned by the following person(s): D & G @ DESERT MOON INC., P.O. BOX 695, THOUSAND PALMS, CA 92276/CA. This business is conducted by CORPORATION. The fictitious business name(s) referred to above was filed in Riverside County on: 03/06/2020 I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime. Signed: GINA MARIE KLANG, SECRETARY This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County, signed by, Peter Aldana AssessorCounty Clerk-Recorder on 01/05/2017File No. R-201700187. Publish March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020. DSW20-2087
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: R T K REFRIGERATION, 64170 OLYMPIC MOUNTIAN AVE, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: RALPH THOMAS KETTERING III, 64170 OLYMPIC MOUNTIAN AVE, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 2/03/2020. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: RALPH THOMAS KETTERING III. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/05/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003494. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020 DSW20-2084 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: A&Z HAULING, 27655 AVENIDA MARAVILLA, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: ADRIAN-LIERA. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 03/04/2020. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: ADRIAN- -LIERA. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/04/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003388. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020 DSW20-2083 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: The following fictitious business name(s) ADEEZ DEMOLITION, 27655 AVENIDA MARAVILLA, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. RIVERSIDE COUNTY. Riverside County has been abandoned by the following person(s): ADRIAN- -LIERA, 27655 AVENIDA MARAVILLA, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. This business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. The fictitious business name(s) referred to above was filed in Riverside County on: 07/01/2019 I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime. Signed: ADRIAN- -LIERA This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County, signed by, Peter Aldana Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder on January 02/2020 File No. R-201601188. Publish March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020. DSW20-2082 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: SEW PLUSH FABRICS, 38129 TURNING LEAF CT, MURRIETA, CA 92563. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: MARGARITA PADILLA, 38129 TURNING LEAF CT, MURRIETA, CA 92563. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not begun to transact under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed MARGARITA PADILLA. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/06/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003611. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Publish March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020 DSW20-2081 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: ART SOTO MEDIA, 50620 EISENHOWER DR, G201, LA QUINTA, CA 92253. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: RICARDO ARTURO SOTO CALVILLO, 50620 EISENHOWER DR APT G201, LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA 92253. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not begun to transact under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed RICARDO ARTURO SOTO CALVILLO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 03/06/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003608. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Publish March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020 DSW20-2080
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: FOX CINEPLEX IS DPLACE; DPLACE ENTERTAINMENT; FOX CINEPLEX, 60 W RAMSEY ST, BANNING CALIFORNIA (CA) 92220. Riverside County. 354 RIMHURST CT, OCEANSIDE, CA 92058/CA. Full name of registrant: BANNING CINEMA GROUP LLC., 354 RIMHURST CT, OCEANSIDE, CA 92058/CA. Business is conducted by: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 02/01/2020. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). Signed: DAMON GEOFFREY FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE RUBIO/ MANAGING MEMBER. This statement FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County NESS AS: HIGINIO MORALES POOL SERVICE, on March 5, 2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003532. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2020 DSW20-2079 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: SAUL DE LA TORRE POOL SERVICE, 31591 SKY BLUE WATER TRAIL, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: SAUL- -DE LA TORRE HERMOSILLO, 31591 SKY BLUE WATER TRAIL, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not begun to transact under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed SAUL- -DE LA TORRE HERMOSILLO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 02/18/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202002482. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS
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April 1, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE
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AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Publish March 11, I declare that all the information in this statement 18, 25, April 1, 2020 DSW20-2076 is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE is guilty of a crime) Signed CHELSEA SUZANNE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- LAYTON. This statement was filed with the County NESS AS: MELLY’ LASH HOUSE, 72650 FRED Clerk of Riverside County on 02/25/2020. Peter WARING DR. STE 105, PALM DESERT, CA 92260. Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: MELISSA R-202002928. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSICAROLINA PERUCCA, 13355 VERBENA DRIVE NESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS APT# 248, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. Registrant OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS has not begun to transact under the fictitious busi- BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED ness name(s) listed above. I declare that all the infor- BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEmation in this statement is true and correct. (A reg- MENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN istrant, who declares as true, information which he THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER MELISSA CAROLINA PERUCCA. This statement UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND on 03/02/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County PROFESSIONAL CODE). Publish March 11, 18, Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202003238. NOTICE — 25, April 1, 2020 DSW20-2074 THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSIA NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NESS AS: DESERT METRO FIT: DESERT MECCA MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING FIT, 46415 ROUDEL LANE, LA QUINTA, CA 92253. OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHO- Riverside County. Full name of registrant: DESERT RIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS METRO FIT LLC, 46415 ROUDEL LANE, LA BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS QUINTA, CA 92253/CA. Business is conducted OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COM- by: LIMITED LIABILTY COMPANY. Registrant has MON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSI- not begun to transact under the fictitious busiNESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Publish March ness name(s) listed above. I declare that all the 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2020 DSW20-2075 information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- Signed THOMAS EDWIN NOWLAN JR/ MANAGNESS AS: CHELSEA LAYTON HAIR ARTISTRY, ING MEMBER This statement was filed with the 45405 SHAUGNESSY DRIVE, INDIO, CA 92201. County Clerk of Riverside County on 02/20/2020. Riverside County. Full name of registrant: CHELSEA Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File SUZANNE LAYTON, 45405 SHAUGNESSY DRIVE, No. R-202002630. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS INDIO, CA 92201. Business is conducted by: BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not begun to transact YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTI-
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Desert Star Weekly Legals PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
TIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL CODE). Publish March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2020 DSW20-2073
TIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESSAND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish March 11,18, 25, April 1, 2020 DSW20-2070
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS KAREN AND KAREN TRAVEL PLANNING, 85 SAN SIMEON DRIVE, PALM SPRINGS, CA. Riverside County; Full name of registrant: KAREN LOUISE TARASCIO, 85 SAN SIMEON DRIVE, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264/92264; KAREN GAIL SCHAFFER, 69530 DILLON ROAD #18A, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92241. Business is conducted by GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed KAREN TARASCIO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 2/20/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202002658. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESSAND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish March 11,18, 25, April 1, 2020 DSW20-2072
T.S. No. 19-01976-AB-CA Title No. 1200550 A.P.N. 642-161-026 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE. YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 06/17/2016. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, (cashier’s check(s) must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation), drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state; will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made in an “as is” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: Merrill Jay Coffin, an unmarried man Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corporation Recorded 06/23/2016 as Instrument No. 2016-0257029 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Riverside County, CA. Date of Sale: 06/03/2020 at 9:00 AM Place of Sale: 2410 Wardlow Road #104, Corona, CA 92880 in the Auction. com Room Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $147,502.65 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 13161 La Salle Road, Unit 22 Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 A.P.N.: 642-161-026 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS VENEDULCES EXPRESS, 66948 JOSHUA CT, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Riverside County: 66948 JOSHUA CT, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Full name of registrant: YEYMYS PAOLA RODRIGUEZ PEREZ, 66948 JOSHUA CT, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Business is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 2/1/2020. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed YEYMYS PAOLA RODRIGUEZ PEREZ. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 2/13/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202002329. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTI-
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April 1, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE
shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The requirements of California Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call or visit this Internet Web site www.ndscorp.com/sales, using the file number assigned to this case 19-01976-AB-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Date: 03/20/2020 National Default Servicing Corporation c/o Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., its agent, 1455 Frazee Road, Suite 820 San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free Phone: 888-264-4010 Sales Line 855-219-8501; Sales Website: www.ndscorp. com By: Rachael Hamilton, Trustee Sales Representative 04/01/2020, 04/08/2020, 04/15/2020. DSW20-2092 APN: 612-521-010-2 TS No: CA07000312-14-5 TO No: 191113410-CA-VOI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE (The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d) (2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED January 4, 2012. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE
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PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On May 20, 2020 at 09:00 AM, Auction.com Room, 2410 Wardlow Road #104, Corona, CA 92880, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on January 12, 2012 as Instrument No. 2012-0013926, and that said Deed of Trust was modified by Modification Agreement and recorded June 11, 2015 as Instrument Number 2015-0247217, and that said Deed of Trust was modified by Modification Agreement and recorded July 11, 2017 as Instrument Number 2017-0280499, and that said Deed of Trust was modified by Modification Agreement and recorded October 22, 2018 as Instrument Number 2018-0415172, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Riverside County, California, executed by VIRIDIANA LUCERO, A SINGLE WOMAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as Beneficiary, as nominee for WHOLESALE CAPITAL CORPORATION, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 83442 PUERTO ESCONDIDO AVENUE, COACHELLA, CA 92236 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $157,900.74 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s
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Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call Auction.com at 800.280.2832 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Web site address www.Auction.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA0700031214-5. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Date: _03/11/2020 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA07000312-14-5 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone:949-252-8300 TDD: 866-660-4288 Frances DePalma, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.Auction.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Auction.com at 800.280.2832 Trustee Corps may be acting as a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained may be used for that purpose. Order Number 71043, Pub Dates: 03/18/2020, 03/25/2020, 04/01/2020, DESERT STAR WEEKLY. DSW20-2086
7 Steps to Prepare for a Home Remodel
the Plan: Keep the lines of communication open between you, the remodeling contractor provide unbiased information and the work crew. Don’t that can help you find be afraid to ask questions. qualified, certified remodelers in your area. With more than Let them know your family’s schedule and circumstances 5,000 member companies, that may affect their work, the organization represents such as pets. Make sure professional remodelers who adhere to a strict code of ethics. to specify the best way to reach you and how often Many hold certifications in you wish to communicate remodeling, kitchen and bath about your project. design and lead carpentry.
By Desert Star Staff A homeowner’s motivation for taking on a remodeling project can vary greatly, but there’s one universal rule of thumb: home upgrades should add value, function or both. This step-by-step guide can help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment and make the most of your remodel. Step 1: Identify Reasons for Remodeling: Deciding whether to undertake simple aesthetic changes or a full remodel can be difficult. One of the best ways to decide is to figure out why you are remodeling in the first place, whether it’s to make your new house feel more like home or to update an outdated kitchen.
the ground is cold during winter. Spring tends to be busy for the construction industry, so you might pay premium rates for labor and materials, but it’s also the perfect time to get a project done that you can enjoy throughout the summer. Summer months are ideal for indoor projects out of the heat. Also consider factors such as personal or professional obligations, or even an event for which you need the project completed.
Step 3: Set Your Budget: Every home is unique in structure, age, quality and craftsmanship, which all impact the price of a remodel. Since no one can see through walls before demolition, the quote you receive may not be 100% Step 2: Consider Timing: accurate. However, a qualified Many variables can impact remodeling company will be the timing of your project, forthcoming about potential including the climate and exact challenges. Account for these nature of the job. For example, adjustments by planning for a foundation work is easier when 10% cushion, just in case.
Step 5: Establish a Written Agreement: Most companies insist on a contract to protect their own interests, but if they don’t, you should. In addition to defining the scope of work and budget, a contract ensures all parties are on the same page with expectations about factors like timing, liability in the event of an accident and other practical matters. Step 4: Hire the Right Team: To help ensure you find Contractors also often provide guarantees of workmanship, so the right company for the job, do your research. Referrals from find out what they cover for how friends and family are one way long and include this information to find a remodeler. Resources in your work agreement. like the National Association Step 6: Understand of the Remodeling Industry
Step 7: Complete the Project: When the remodel is almost finished, walk through the area and note any adjustments that need made while the contractor is still on site. You should also take another look at the contract and confirm you have signed permits, receipts, change orders, lien waivers, warranties and manufacturers’ guides at your disposal. Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your area at remodelingdoneright. com. Family Features
Oyster Point Pharma Completes Enrollment in ONSET-2 Pivotal Phase ONSET-2 Phase 3 Top-Line Data Expected by the end of Q2 2020 -NDA Submission Expected During 2H 2020
By Desert Star Staff PRINCETON, N.J., -Oyster Point Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: OYST), a clinicalstage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of first-inclass pharmaceutical therapies to treat ocular surface diseases, announced the completion of enrollment in its pivotal Phase 3 ONSET-2 clinical trial of OC-01 nasal spray for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease on March 14, 2020. Also, Oyster Point Pharma provides a business update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The ONSET-2 trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebocontrolled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OC-01 nasal spray for treating the signs and
symptoms of dry eye disease. Total enrollment in the study was 758 subjects, slightly more than the original target of 750 items at 22 U.S. centers. The study is designed to investigate two doses of OC-01 nasal spray, 0.6mg/ml and 1.2 mg/ml, as compared to placebo (vehicle) nasal spray. The pre-specified primary endpoint of the trial is the assessment of tear production as measured by the percentage of subjects with a 10 mm or more significant change from baseline Schirmer’s Score at Week 4. Secondary symptom endpoints are the assessment of patient-reported symptoms of dry eye disease as measured by the Eye Dryness Scale (EDS) at Week 4. Oyster Point Pharma is currently on track to deliver top-line data from ONSET-2 by the end of Q2 2020. “At Oyster Point Pharma, we take the health and safety of
our team, clinical trial subjects, healthcare colleagues, and our local communities very seriously. We recognize that the ongoing pandemic is challenging healthcare delivery and the medical infrastructure worldwide”, said Jeffrey Nau, Ph.D., M.M.S., President and CEO of Oyster Point Pharma. “We remain in close connection with clinical trial centers to ensure the safety of our trial subjects as well as business continuity with our manufacturers and suppliers. I am very proud of what our team has accomplished during the current climate with the completion of enrollment in our second registrational trial, ONSET-2. Also, we feel incredibly fortunate to have completed enrollment with a limited impact on our study operations and data collection.” Due to the COVID-19
pandemic, Oyster Pharma Point has experienced an impact to select clinical trial sites during March, where ophthalmology practices were closed, or subjects were unable to attend protocol specified visits. This impact was limited primarily to Day 28 study visits, with minimal impact on earlier time points and data collection. In close cooperation with the excellent staff at the study’s clinical centers, Oyster Point Pharma has instituted additional safety measures for ongoing clinic visits and implemented a remote collection of data where applicable. Based on the data collected to date for the primary endpoint, and assuming consistency with the effect size seen in the ONSET-1 clinical trial, the study is expected to have approximately 99% power to detect a difference for each dose tested. Similarly, for the
secondary endpoints assessing symptoms using the EDS scale, and assuming the effect size seen in the ONSET-1 clinical trial, the study is expected to have approximately 98% power to detect a difference. “OC-01 nasal spray represents a novel approach to treating patients with a dry eye disease via a unique mechanism of action to increase natural tear film production,” said Dr. Nau. “We believe that, if approved, OC-01 nasal spray will be able to improve both signs and symptoms of dry eye disease with a favorable tolerability profile. The novel delivery of OC-01 as a nasal spray spares the ocular surface. It enables our innovative mechanism of action, which would provide eye care practitioners and patients unique benefits relative to the existing standards of care.”
Removal of Notes from the Western Wall and Sanitization of the Holy Stones
By Desert Star Staff Tuesday, 31 March 2020, the Western Wall stones, visited and touched by thousands of people from Israel and around the world all year round, were sanitized and cleaned to protect those who come to the Western Wall even now. With Passover approaching, the custom continues, and this morning, the prayer notes tucked in between the stones in the past six months were removed using gloves and disposable wooden tools. The notes were collected in individual bags and will be buried along with other sacred papers (in a genizah) on the Mount of Olives. Only since this past Rosh
Hashana, over 18,000 prayer notes from around the world have been sent to the Western Wall through the Western Wall internet site. https://english. thekotel.org/kotel/send_note/ Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites accompanied the note removal personally and prayed for the recovery of all those who have fallen ill – from among the Jewish nation and nations of the entire world. “During these difficult days in which the plague is spreading around the world and threatening our lives, we collect prayers from around the world at the remnant of our destroyed Temple, prayers to the Creator of the Universe that healing and good health and He should send us a complete redeem us from this difficult
virus that has attacked the world.” Source: Pam Price/
Communicated by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation
2020 Census participation keeps rising during pandemic
By Desert Star Staff Ahead of National Census Day, nearly a third of Riverside County has already been counted Coachella, CA – Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, tens of thousands of Coachella Valley households have already taken a moment to complete their 2020 Census questionnaire, a simple action that helps secure valuable government resources people rely on every day and in emergency situations. As of today, less than three weeks since people could start responding, many Coachella Valley cities were seeing response rates of nearly 30 percent, with the vast majority of respondents completing the census online. Across Riverside County, the response rate stood at 31.2
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percent. (More information about current self-response rates is available from the U.S. Census Bureau at this website: https://2020census. gov/en/response-rates.html.) Rural communities, communities of color and communities of non-English speakers have historically been undercounted in the census. Fears about the security of personal information and a proposed but ultimately dropped question about citizenship have raised the possibility that these communities will again be undercounted and lose out on their share of more than $800 billion in federal government resources. In fact, answers provided on the census are protected by federal law and cannot be
shared with other agencies or governments. The 2020 Census does not ask anyone about their citizenship status. “Completing the census poses no risks for families and leads to huge benefits for communities,” Coachella City Councilmember Megan Beaman-Jacinto said. “When people get counted, they help governments better plan for the future. The census is how we determine how many elected representatives each region will have, as well as where schools, roads, hospitals and many other services will be built in the decade to come.” All households in the U.S. have until the middle of August to self-respond to the Census, an extension the U.S. Census Bureau announced earlier April 1, 2020
this month in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Orders around staying at home and physical distancing aimed at reducing infection rates have meant that the Census Bureau and local organizations working to ensure the Coachella Valley sees a complete census count have had to scale back public awareness efforts just as the 2020 Census was getting underway. This has included dropping plans for public events to mark National Census Day on Wednesday, April 1. “Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic are exactly why governments need accurate Census data,” said Silvia Paz, Executive Director of Alianza Coachella Valley, a regional coordinator for the Coachella Valley’s 2020
Census awareness effort. “While we are all staying safe at home with our families, it is the perfect opportunity to take time to complete the Census online or by phone. A complete count will help ensure future funding for this community.” Most homes will not receive a paper census questionnaire in the mail right away but will instead be sent invitations to complete the census online. The Census ID number provided in these mailings is not required to participate, meaning people can go to www.2020census. gov at any time to respond for their household. In addition to going online, residents can self-respond over the phone in English by dialing 844-330-2020 or in Spanish at 844-468-2020.
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Visually Stunning Musical of J. M. Barrie’s Children’s Fable “Peter & Wendy”
Photo by Kevin Berne By Jack Lyons Theatre and Film Critic Member American Theatre Critics Association The La Jolla Playhouse (LJP) has a terrific track record when it comes to producing plays that have binary production values. By that I mean their first priority is always to the loyal subscription-based audiences. However, the by-product or bonus in their play season’s selections and productions under the aegis of savvy artistic director Christopher Ashley, always provides a road map toward New York and Broadway when warranted. Their trophy case attests to their many awards for excellence. Many of Mr. Ashley’s directing productions include: “Memphis”, a red hot musical that successfully made the leap from La Jolla to Broadway running for three years nabbing two Tony wins for Best Musical, and for Outstanding Director of a Musical, in the process. In 2017, the heartwarming, inspirational “ 9/11” infused musical “Come From Away”, transferred its smash-hit La Jolla Playhouse production to Broadway; once again winning Tony Awards for Best Musical, with Mr. Ashley winning another Tony as Best Director. There’s no doubt about it. Tony Awards are no strangers to the 73 year-old acclaimed La Jolla, California-based theatrical company founded in 1947 by Hollywood actor/ stars Mel Ferrer, Dorothy McGuire, and Gregory Peck. Which brings us to the latest La Jolla Playhouse production “Fly”, a new, visually stunning musical reimagining of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter and Wendy”, the popular and enduring children’s fantasy story about adventures in a dream filled place called ‘Neverland’ where children never grow up into adulthood www.desertstarweekly.com
where each has the ability to fly (with caveats, however, that must be observed). All children have a secret desire to be able to fly, as do some adults (at least in our dreams). In “Fly” it’s strictly a kid’s world forever… well, maybe not forever. Remember, as Dorothy says in the Wizard of Oz “there’s no place like home Toto.” I’ve seen at least four or so previous iterations of the “Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook” story over the years; beginning with the 1954 Mary Martin version through to this 2020 La Jolla Playhouse winning interpretation. Comparisons are odious at best, however, every revival or reimagining brings a unique vision of the story to its audience. Director Jeffrey Seller of “Fly”, stages his production as one that appeals to both children and adults by infusing his tale with a twist and an underlying celebration of the global feminist-movement. Wendy becomes the protagonist while Peter is downgraded to a coprotagonist status with Hook remaining the antagonist. Hook now sports ‘mummy’s boy’ vs. complex societal issues. Whether these changes alters the dramatic intention of Barries’ original story version remains to be seen. But hope springs eternal for the purists. Although it’s a 21st century produced production, there’s nary a line of “questionable dialogue” to be heard. Rare these days from the pens of some playwrights and directors who are determined to break theatre decorum barriers in the name of ‘honesty and the reality in life’. That being said, I don’t need to experience the reality of a ‘character’ suffering from diarrhea to actually display that action on stage or any other similar character traits in the name of ‘reality’ or ‘truth’; thank you very much. When inevitable societal changes come, as they must,
to audiences of all of the art forms, resistance on the part of the “purists” can be fierce. I’m sure there are some today who would prefer to see Shakespeare performed in an Arden-like forest setting as it was 500 hundred years ago. They forget, however, that all of the roles then were performed by men. It was English law in the era of the Divine Right of Kings. Thankfully those laws are no longer practiced or viable. But we live in uncertain and perilous times. So stay tuned. Today our diversity and gender-bending productions are still not fully embraced. But they’re catching on especially, with much younger audiences. Diversity and gender-bending casting blessed us with Diane Venora performing as ‘Hamlet’ and most recently, the great English actor Dame Glenda Jackson at the tender age of 82, tackling ‘King Lear’. Lear is arguably the most physically demanding of all of Shakespeare’s plays. After all, the character of Lear is ‘crazy’ for most of the play. Today’s medical analysis would probably say he is suffering from some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It takes incredible stamina to perform the role over two and a half hours on stage night after night. When “King Kong, the musical” debuted on Broadway in November 2018, I made a pact to review it with my Massachusetts-based theatre critic colleague Charles Giuliano, founder and editor of Berkshire Fine Arts website of which I am a contributing critic. I was intrigued about how the producers of ‘King Kong’ were going to stage this legendary behemoth of the jungle. The on-stage ‘Kong’ was a 2000 pound, 20 foot tall character/puppet that required a crew of seven to bring him to life every night. The technical obstacles of the production were staggering, nonetheless, ‘Kong’ ran for April 1, 2020
nine months and it was jaw dropping in its execution. My thought was to review the production from a ‘technical’ point of view on how the technical aspects enhanced the overall theatrical experience. Charles Giuliano’s thrust would cover the production from the performance assessment of the story adapationt, singers, dancers and actors. We wrote two separate reviews that appeared in our separate publications. Mine being the Desert Star Weekly in Palm Spring California as well as on desertlocalnews.com website. Mr. Giuliano’s appeared on Berkshire Fine Arts website, in Massachusetts. Our collaborative efforts 3000 miles apart worked beautifully. The La Jolla Playhouse “Fly” production is also a marvel of how creative, skilled technicians can enhance the overall quality and enjoyment of a production by gifted artists. Theatre is a collaborative art form as we all know. A successful endeavor be it a movie, TV series, a ballet, musicians in the symphony orchestra, or an opera, in any of the accepted performing arts disciplines knows it “takes a village” to successfully pull it off. The painter and/or novelist and other solitary art form practitioners know they will need the services of that ‘village’ to pull it off later on. “Fly” is a sensationally performed musical that encompasses all of the components necessary to transfer the show to Broadway; probably they were looking at an October 2020 or February 2021 opening. The creative team boasts enough Tony-winning and Tony nominated artists with the energy and horsepower to field a Major League Baseball team. So another La Jolla Playhouse production had its creators packing their bags for Broadway following the LHP run and, then the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the entire globe. As traditions and Budget considerations drive decisions when it comes to Broadway, there will always be creative changes to the incoming Broadway production. Frankly, as colorful and satisfying as this production is, it’s somewhat over produced. There are a lot of visual pyrotechnics taking place that compete with the lyrics and the propulsive musical numbers and forward movement of the basic story; which can lead to disengagement on the part of an audience. It’s also a tad too long. Typical running time for Broadway musicals is about two hours; fifteen minutes. These are fixable issues that director Seller and his creative team of: Librettist Rajiv Joseph, Composer Bill Sherman and Lyrists Kristen
Childs and Rajiv Joseph will, no doubt, judiciously solve before opening night; whenever that takes place. Right now all theatre productions have been cancelled in California and New York, with more cities and states following suit weekly. The Peter Pan-WendyTinker Bell-Captain Hook story has been a children’s favorite since its debut more 115 years ago. Multiple Tonywinning Director Jeffrey Seller is blessed with a cast of some twenty-five plus artists who dance, sing, and perform Andy Blankenbuehler and Stephanie Klemons’ flat-out sensational choreography to the hilt. Principle performers like fetching Storm Lever as Wendy; an assured Lincoln Clauss as Peter Pan, have wonderful on-stage chemistry in their always in-the-moment performances whether ‘flying’ some twenty-five feet above the stage along with Isabelle McCalla as Tinker Bell, or fleeing from Eric Anderson as Captain Hook, and Nehal Joshi as his somewhat bumbling second-in-command Smee, plus a very boastful, but inept gang of pirates, make for many laughs and insights. Director Seller also has his principles performing light-comedy turns instead of the nuanced darker sides of playwright Barries’ story that previous productions have mounted. Liisi La Fontaine, in a strong performance as Crocodile, sports a creative, shimmering dress designed by Tony Award winning designer Paul Tazewell, who does the same costume magic for the ensemble dancers and the pirates. Tony Award winner Howell Binkley’s lighting design allows to us appreciate the amazing aerial designs and choreography of Pichon Baldini, whose balletic-like moves for Wendy, Peter, Tinker Bell, seem natural in their execution of “flying”. The Music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations are by Will Van Dyke. The Scenic design is by Anna Louizos, with Sound Designs by Nevin Steinberg. It’s a pity that all of this wonderful work and performances won’t be seen as scheduled. However, the health and safety of everyone, both audience and company of performers trumps any entertainment event until this COVID-19 pandemic nightmare memory for some, is declared over. If and when this impressive musical feast for the eyes and ears returns once again to perform at the La Jolla Playhouse, I urge you to attend. For me this production is one of the most entertaining Wendy/Peter Pan/ Captain Hook productions I’ve seen in a long, long, time. Remember… a great nation deserves great art. Support the Arts.
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