coachella valley weekly - may 28 to june 3, 2015 vol. 4 no. 10

News Music Movies Dining Community EventsNews Music Movies Dining Community Eventswww.coachellavalleyweekly.com • May 28 to June 3, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 10

Tiptoe Stallone pg 8 CAKES pg 9John Stanley King pg 7ShortFest Online Film Festival pg 5

May 28 to June 3, 2015 www.coachellavalleyweekly.com www.coachellavalleyweekly.com May 28 to June 3, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weeklywww.coachellavalleyweekly.com

[email protected]/cvweekly

760.501.6228Publisher & Editor

Tracy DietlinArt Director

Robert ChanceSales Team

Alaina Majiros, Jorge Gutierrez, Edward L. Prichard III

Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe

Features WriterLisa Morgan, Judith Salkin,

Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Kira Golden, Rich Henrich

Writers/Contributors:Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels,

Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Dale Gribow,

Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon,

Karen Creasy, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart,

Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Monica Morones, Lola Rossi,

Dee Jae Cox, Edward L. Prichard III, Jean Chariton, Patte Purcell, Esther Sanchez

PhotographersLaura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield,Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery, La Maniaca

Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

COnTEnTS2015 Restaurant Week ...........................3

2015 ShortFest Online Film Festival .....5

Don’t Be Clueless In The CV....................6

Desert Ad Fed ..........................................6

Backstage Jazz- John Stanley King ........7

Tilted Kilt Open Mic ................................8

LMS - Tiptoe Stallone ..............................8

LMS - CAKES ............................................9

Consider This - Paul Weller ...................10

Art - JoannesLucas Gallery ..................11

Pet Place ................................................12

The Vino Voice .......................................13

Club Crawler Nightlife ..........................14

Screeners ...............................................18

Book Review ..........................................19

Haddon Libby .......................................21

Dale Gribow ..........................................21

Safety Tips .............................................22

ShareKitchen .........................................22

Sports Scene .........................................22

Free Will Astrology ...............................23

Life & Career Coach ...............................24

Mind, Body & Spirit...............................24

By judith salkin

It’s the week foodies across the Coachella Valley circle three times in red on their calendar!

Palm Springs Restaurant Week 2015 begins tomorrow (May 29) and runs through Sunday, June 7, with more than 70 restaurants from Desert Hot Springs to Indio participating in the promotion that offers three-course prix fixe dinner for $26 or $38.

Now in its eighth year, Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week has become one of the valley’s most popular end-of-season events. It offers locals the opportunity to try one of the fine dining spots that they’ve wanted to try but might be out of their normal price range or a recently opened eatery that looks good but with no established reputation.

“It’s also heavily marketed in L.A., Orange County and San Diego,” said Tony Marchese, President of the Palm Springs Restaurant Association which started the event. Marchese is also co-owner of Trio, which has participated in Restaurant Week since its inception and the two-year-old Purple Room, both in Palm Springs. “And we get a lot of traffic from those markets on the weekends.”

Contributing to the influx of weekend guests that Restaurant Week attracts, Marchese added, are the hotels with special room rates or weekend packages and local attractions such as The Living Desert, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Desert Adventures Jeep Tours, offering discounts on admission or tour prices.

“We know that we’re getting a significant number of people coming in from those markets, but we don’t have a way of

(quantifying) the numbers,” Marchese added.

This year there is a great mix of restaurants, long time favorites such as Wally’s Desert Turtle

Whether it’s locals or visitors, the whole reason for the week is eating – either at favorite restaurants that you shy away from because of dinner crowds during season or trying a new place or 10 (if you hit a different restaurant each night).

This year’s list of participating restaurants offer some interesting new names from the Tap-In at Whole Foods and Clementine in Palm Desert, bb’s at The River in Rancho Mirage and Mr. Lyons in Palm Springs. Long-time restaurants on the list include Copley’s On Palm Canyon, Spencer’s, Rio Azul, La Paon and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

“This is a chance for restaurants to give a great value and for new places to show off what they have to offer,” Marchese said. “Tara (Lazar) of Mr. Lyons knows this is a great way to introduce her new restaurant.”

While the original rules stated the restaurants offer three starters, entrees and desserts, most offer four or more choices for appetizers and entrees.

Mindy Reed, owner of Alicante and Zin American Bistro in Palm Springs, is one of the original 30 restaurants that signed on for the first Restaurant Week in 2007. Both restaurants are offering $26 menus for the week.

“The first year the idea was to offer a way to thank our regular customers and hopefully to bring in people from across the valley,” Reed recalled. “Then we opened it up in the second to restaurants across the

valley and it changed. It took a while but in the last couple of years we’ve seen more people coming out to try the Palm Springs restaurants.”

Reed’s original restaurant, Zin American Bistro, offers up signature cantaloupe gazpacho and Zin Bites mini wellingtons as choices on the starter course, grilled Portobello mushroom, ribeye steak and roasted duck breast for entrees.

At Alicante, she has the popular

IT’S BACK! RESTAuRAnT WEEK RETuRnS TO COAChEllA VAllEy

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10 days of special menus and prices at nearly 100 restaurants across the valley


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continued from page 3 menu is from ‘The Countries of the Sun,’ from Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and other countries along the Mediterranean,” she said. “There are so many amazing flavors from those countries.”

The $26 menu includes a fattoush (a Middle Eastern salad similar to an Italian panzanella) for a starter; Spanish fried chicken, crispy fish and chips or the musabaha Moroccan beef dish with hummus and garbanzo beans.

Like Mr. Lyons, bb’s at The River only opened for business this spring, and for owner Jack Srebnik, “It’s a chance for us to get people in to see what we have to offer.”

Srebnik also owns several other restaurants in the Valley but bb’s is only one participating in Restaurant Week. The $26 menu, taken from the 17 Street Café in Santa Monica that he closed last year, includes the tuna tartar and Korean kalbi ribs for starters; a fork-tender pot roast and balsamic grilled Atlantic salmon on the entrees; and an airy tiramisu on the dessert menu.

“It’s a great way for people to try our food and see the value we offer for their money.”

Elgin Park (USA) – The story of the ban behind Elgin Park, a fictional 50s any town USA created entirely through miniatures and still photography. Director: Danny Yourd. Cast: Michael Paul Smith (as himself).

Evil Mexican Child (Mexico) – The drawings of a seemingly sweet 4 year old Mexican boy wreak havoc on those depicted. When his mother realizes his father has a mistress, she suddenly is more supportive of his burgeoning talent. Director: Michael Noonan. Cast: Xochitl Hernàndez, Nyno Bernal, Anahi Davila and Max De La Rosa.

The Evolution of an Artist // Thom Jones (USA) – Thom Jones doesn’t describe himself as a “designer” (except once in a while when he’s drunk), but he’s most certainly an artist – with spray paint, with wood and with motorcycle parts. Director: Craig Brooks. Cast: Thom Jones.

Milk! (UK) – Two lactose-craving brothers will stop at nothing to get their daily dose of milk… Director: Ben Mallaby. Cast: Toby Williams and Paul F Taylor.

Director: Nate Clark. Cast: Nate Clark, Allen Loeb, Jennie Pierson, Drew Tarver and Jimmy Fowlie.

This Dynamic Opportunity (USA) – A not very good salesman meets an equally odd client from the internet to sell his new toothpaste brand. Director: Matt Mays. Cast: Tony Lewellen and Mike Betette.

We Are Fire (India) – Stunning documentary about a group of women (the ‘Gulabi Gang’) in red saris who join forces to help other women who have been oppressed or suffered wrongdoing in India. Director: Orlando Von Einsiedel. Cast: Champa Pal and Sampat Pal.

The ShortFest Online Film Festival will continue to play online through August 31 after the end of the festival.

Designated by AMPAS, BAFTA and BIFA as an award-qualifying festival, and accredited by the International Short Film Conference, the Palm Springs International ShortFest & Short Film Market, one of the most acclaimed short film showcases in the world, will take place in Palm Springs on June 16-22. Now in its 21st year and recently taking 8th place in the annual USA Today 10Best poll, ShortFest will showcase over 300 short films from more than 50 countries. The concurrent Short Film Market will feature a library of more than 3,000 films available to film buyers, industry and press, the only Short Film Market in North America. The ShortFest Forum programs are a four day schedule of seminars, panel discussions, roundtables and master classes staged free of charge for attending filmmakers.

For more information and tickets, call (760) 778-8979 or (800) 898-7526 or visit the website: www.psfilmfest.org.

Mediterranean chicken soup (“Everyone said I had to,” she said) and roasted beet salad as two of the starters, Basa fish and paella on the entrees and the banana walnut bread pudding as a dessert choice.

“It was easier to hit the $26 value at Alicante because our regular prices at that restaurant,” she said of the menus that were created by her chefs. “It’s a little harder at Zin because it’s a generally higher price point, but I really wanted to give people value for their money.”

The Tap-In at Whole Foods in Palm Desert is truly a different venue for Restaurant Week – it’s the first café in a major grocer to join the event. “For Whole Foods, this is a great way for us to get people in to see what we offer,” said Nalani Hernandez-Melo, assistant manager of the Tap-In.

Since the store opened in September, the café has offered events like beer tastings and taco nights, “but there are still a lot of people who don’t know what we have to offer,” said Tap-In Team Leader, Matt Young.

The menu will introduce some new dishes for the café like the chicken and waffles with maple syrup and corn and arugula salad and the vegan favorite Maui Taro burger. Rather than wine flights some restaurants offer as a pairing for the dinners, try one of the local craft beers on tap at the bar. Or top off dinner with the beer float made with Russian Imperial Stout.

Clementine, owned by Christophe and Jennifer Douheret, celebrates its third anniversary of the café, bar and take-away foods shop. It’s located in a shopping center at the southwest corner of Highway 74 and El Paseo. In addition to the anniversary, “This is the first year we are staying open for summer and thought this would be a wonderful way to let our regular customers know about it,” Jennifer said.

Just because the owner is French, it doesn’t mean the menu is. “We say the

Recently hailed by USA Today as the best U.S. film festival for short films, the 2015 Palm Springs International

ShortFest & Short Film Market announced the first 13 films chosen to represent the ShortFest Online Film Festival. Now in its fifth year, the select films will play on a special section of the festival website (www.psfilmfest.org/onlinefest) starting May 26. Online voting for these films will open on June 9 and run through June 20, with the “ShortFest Online Audience Award” announced at the Festival Award Ceremony on Closing Night.

“The online world has become an increasingly important avenue for short filmmakers in terms of exposing their work to a wider audience. While the best way to appreciate a film – whether short or feature length – remains seeing it on a large screen with a rapt audience, our commitment to providing a launching pad for emerging filmmakers is not limited to theatrical screenings,” said Festival Director Darryl Macdonald. “That’s why we created ShortFest Online five years ago, and the films included in this year’s online edition show the same spirit of inventiveness and unbridled talent exemplified by the 300+ films selected for theatrical screenings at the 2015 Palm Springs International ShortFest.”

The films selected for the ShortFest Online Film Festival include:

Animator vs. Animation IV (USA) – A stick figure goes to war with his maker. Inventive and compulsively watchable, this is the continuation of a series that first went viral on the web in 2006. Director: Alan Becker.

The Deadman (Peru) – A young man who everyone believes is dead returns to his parent’s house after seven years, followed shortly by two “detectives”… Director: Franco Finocchiaro. Cast: Miguel Iza, Hernan Romero, Ana Cecilia Natteri, Nicolas Galindo and Renato Rueda.

NYC Life: Narrated by Dorvid Attenborough (USA) – Special measures are called for when trying to find a mate in NYC… Director: Michael Slavens. Cast: David Friedlander, Marie Smith, Mike Rosengarten, Anna Elizabeth, Geoffrey Countryman, Shaun Ahuja, Tyler Jakes, Tiffany Marie Sparks, Kristen Dausch, Christina Toth, Alexandre F. Charlebois, Bianca Boragi, Timothy Hull and Jack and Milo Uhrmacher.

Russian Roulette (UK) – Lucy, lonely and lovelorn, meets a cosmonaut on Chat Roulette that may be the answer to her dreams… Director: Ben Aston. Cast: Bec Hill and Stewart Lockwood.

SAMUEL-613 (UK) – An angry young Hasidic man forgoes his controlling father in pursuit of a more seductive life in Eastern London. But the grass is not always greener on the other side of the cultural divide… Director: Billy Lumby. Cast: Theo Barklem-Biggs.

solemates (USA) – The story of love and family…as seen from a shoe’s perspective. Director: Bryce Dallas Howard. Cast: Seth Gabel, Theo Howard Gabel, Beatrice Howard, Bryce Dallas Howard, Judy Howard, Rance Howard.

Somewhere in Palm Springs (USA) – Shag-style animated tale about three gay men and their girl friend hanging out at a hotel pool, talking shit in Palm Springs.

FilM2015 ShORTFEST OnlInE FIlm FESTIVAl


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By Michael Felci

By diane Marlin-dirkx

IN THE COACHELLA VALLEYCLUELESSDon’t Be

Now and Saturday, July 18! My How Time Fleas! Oops, “Flies!” Your Pet Can Be a Star! Enter your Cat, Dog, Horse, two or four legged, or even two-winged Beauty, or any animal that you love in the PETS On Parade Photo Journal contest! And even better, your entrée is supporting every animal under the care of Pegasus and Loving All animals. The sum paid is fully tax deductible and enters you in the POP book with us forwarding your pet’s picture to CBS, Desert Sun and Palm Springs Life to also enter their contest. Category winners will also enjoy a full

One, students were required to provide a print advertisement; a billboard, newspaper, magazine or direct mail advertisement. Element Two was electronic; Television, Radio or Web advertisement.

The students were judged on their originality of the pieces, artwork, detail, creative WOW and how both elements worked together as a campaign for the topic. Winners, students and high schools, receive a portion of $10,000: 1st place student will be awarded $2,000 and school will receive $1,200, 2nd place student receives $1,500 and their school receives $1,000, 3rd place student gets $1,250 and school receives $650, 4th place student $1,000 and school $400 and 5th place student receives $750 and their school gets

Family time. Busy views through open windows. Sometimes more heard than seen. Many remembered from

repeated hearings every summer from whenever. The musical clink of spoon on glass as Mom mixes lemonade through the over-the-sink kitchen window. A toddler who just learned to dress himself in swim trunks---inside-out and backwards—squealing and stomping though water from the hydrant. Grandma teaching Sally how to swing on a rope from the old oak tree. Eliot, the nerdy neighborhood kid, practicing piano scales as the family car is filled with the flotsam and jetsam of family entertainment and social media, for a day together at the beach, community park and pool, or the old swimming hole Dad remembers from long ago. And as Mom passes out sandwiches, reading the map, she ignores cries of “No fair “My turn” and “Ouch” that rise from the back seat like a foul odor, Dad is thinking that this is the greatest family on earth and he means it. The family pooch, head hanging out of the window, floppy ears slapping the glass, seems to be smiling in agreement. Don’t tell me that dogs can’t smile. Read on. More travels. More smiling family dogs. More sweet smells of summer. More good food, and family celebration. Enjoy!

Desert Ad Fed, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau and Indio Chamber of Commerce are

pleased to announce the winners of the 2014-2015 WOW Advertising Scholarship at a ‘Joint Mixer and Creative Pop-up’ on Wednesday, June 3 from 5:30-7:30pm at UltraStar Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City.

The $10,000 WOW Advertising Scholarship awarded five students at the Junior and Senior levels within the Public School sector in the Coachella Valley and their respective high schools. The idea behind the scholarship program was for students to provide a Two Element Campaign in marketing and advertising for the concept, “Take a Vacation.” For Element

all amid fields of fragrant lavender and under cool shade trees. Onsite activities, food and beverages are additional cost. Bus departs from Highland Springs Resort at 1:30 p.m. and returns to the Palm Desert Chamber parking lot at approximately 2:15 p.m. Cost for the trip is $55 per person and includes admission to the Lavender Festival and professionally narrated tour from the desert to Highland Springs in Beaumont, covering the fascinating history and geography of the area by longtime desert area tour guide Nancy Cohee. Advance paid reservations are required by calling (760) 219-3000 or (760) 568-4422. Checks or credit cards are accepted. Checks must be made payable to Tallgrass Trading Co., 45300 Portola Ave, Box #1514, Palm Desert, 92261. Please note: All tour bus guests must be able to walk unassisted. Please wear walking attire, bring hats and sunscreen. And think gifting for family, friends, hostesses for the coming Season!

“Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Remember this come September! Thanks! Have a splendiferous summer of joy wherever and however you choose to spend your time, and whomever you choose to spend it with! Life is good!

Jonny WestomGreater Palm Springs Convention and

Visitors BureauKimberly RenstromDesert Sun Media GroupSarah Hahne Palm Springs Bureau of TourismEthan KaminskyKaminsky ProductionsDayna Smith Desert Radio GroupThe ‘Joint Mixer and Creative Pop-up’

is free to attend and hosted at UltraStar Mary Pickford Theatre on Wednesday, June 3rd at 5:30-7:30pm. There will be a cash bar and attendees will receive a voucher for concessions. For more information on Desert Ad Fed, please visit www.DesertAdFed.org.

American Advertising Federation/Palm Springs – Desert Cities (now Desert Ad Fed) is a non-profit organization of professionals dedicated to enhancing the advertising profession through fellowship, education, community service and public awareness. We are the local chapter of The American Advertising Federation, a national organization of industry professionals. Please visit us at DesertAdFed.org.

page spot in the Loving All Animals annual calendar. They will wait for your response as long as possible, but please print the attached form and either scan and return with your picture and or mail as directed ASAP. If you wish to, you can fax your entry and/or sign up www.pegasusridingacademy.org or www.lovingallanimals.org Please do it today! Call for an invitation and join us at the Pets on Parade Luncheon on Saturday, July 18, 2015, 11am-2:30pm, Renaissance Esmeralda, Indian Wells benefitting Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy 760-772-3057, and Loving All Animals 760-776-9397. Remember” Every Pet is a Star!”

Sweet Day! All Aboard! Saturday, June 18. And Saturday, June 20, 9:45am Boarding: Join Tallgrass Trading Company, Hiking, Van and Bus Tours, for one of two luxury bus tours to the 11th annual Lavender Festival at Highland Springs Resort on either Saturday, June 13 or June 20. The round trip narrated tour departs promptly at 10 a.m. from the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce parking lot at 72-559 Highway 111. Enter parking lot from Painter’s Path at El Paseo (west end) and park in the west section by the chamber building. Don’t dilly-dally, the Bus promptly boards at 9:45 a.m. At the Lavender Festival will be live classical music, guided tours of the Highland Springs historic grounds on horse drawn hayrides, an organic marketplace, and lavender-inspired cuisine from lemonade and ice cream to lavender lattes and much more,

$250. An Honorable Mention award of $150 will also be announced for a student who created an Outdoor Campaign Project.

In addition to the recognition of achievement for scholarship winners, Desert Ad Fed will hold their 2015 board installation. Members of the 2015 board include:

Executive BoardPresident, Jeff LevineSales Manager, Lamar Outdoor

AdvertisingVice President, Mandi Witkower Director of Advertising, Fantasy Springs

Resort CasinoTreasurer, Josh Bonner President/CEO, Indio Chamber of

Commerce and Visitors BureauSecretary, Mel AbertPartner, Abert Entity

Board MembersAndrea De Francisco-ShekCord MediaConnie Abert Abert EntityGregg Aratin R&R BroadcastingKyle Radke The Jones Agency

DEEp BREATh. DEEpER ExhAlE. Ahhhhh, SummER.JOhn STAnlEy KIng

professional level of entertainment to the desert that it’s been needing.

Band members include: John Stanley King: Multi-Instrumentalist/

Vocalist. John is a legendary musical headliner known for his unmistakable ability to read and engage any crowd; A True Entertainer and a Master of Ceremonies. His extended talents range in all styles of music from Jazz, Acoustic, R&B and Classic Rock.

His musical family dates back generations to hillbilly music on one side of the family to the depths of jazz on the others. He’s a vocalist with an easy going style that is truly unique. He’s played with some great artists on the national scene as well.

Norman Merten: Guitarist. Musician, Songwriter and Creator of Sonic Landscapes is this LA based guitarist who has performed and recorded with Grammy and Platinum Award Winning Artists.

Derik Organ: Drummer/Percussionist. Derik has performed with such greats as Janet Jackson, The Miracles, Brandy and Mariah Carey.

Malcolm Turner: Bass/Vocals. Malcolm toured with the R&B explosion group RAMA, and has worked with musicians & producers such as Andre Fisher (Rufus & Chaka Khan), Jonathan Moffett (Drummer for Michael Jackson) and Sydney Justin (Shalamar) in his career.

John’s favorite part of playing at Vicky’s is there are no TVs blaring sports and the focus is on the music where it needs to be.

John also plays his 3 piece acoustic shows at Omni’s Rancho Las Palmas every Thursday from 6-10. The beautiful venue is outside (weather permitting) with seats around the fire pits.

He’s got an upcoming concert series in Lake Arrowhead at the Lodge and is looking forward to more travel and will be appearing at the Grand Del Mar on the 4th of July.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to see this CV Music Awards winner you owe it to yourself to take some time from your busy life and feel the music with John Stanley King. For information on his upcoming gigs visit his website www.johnstanleyking.com

[email protected]

One of the desert’s favorite sons won the CV Weekly Music Award for Best Jazz artist, John Stanley

King. John has received 7 CV Music Awards and was also named ‘Best of the Best’ in the Desert Sun. I interviewed John along with his producer Norman Merten who is producing 2 new CDs for John that are to be released sometime this fall. One will be Jazz, the other will be Pop. John claims ‘he can’t get away from his jazz tendencies’.

John has shared the stage with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Alice Cooper, Country’s Vince Gill, Glen Campbell, Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Darius Rucker, and pop’s Don Felder, Michael Bolton, Robbie Krieger, Terry Reid. He opened for the likes of KC and the Sunshine Band, Marshall Tucker, and Foghat.

He toured with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians at 18 years old; played drums and Vocals with Desert Legends, John McCormick, Mike Costley, Jimmy Hopper, CC Grant, and Kevin Henry.

He even owned a couple of night clubs, Moonlight Grill and Kings Social Club.

He recorded “Dem Bullets” (one of his great originals) with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Robbie Krieger in 2011. Last but not least, he wrote Lumpy’s theme song.

This musical headliner has deep roots here in the desert and plays some of the best venues here.

Vicky’s of Sante Fe has stepped up their support of live music and has given John and 4 band members the opportunity to ‘take it to the next level’ with a full band on Friday nights from 8-12. Then on Sunday nights he MCs the Jazz session with the great American song book with Barney Mc Clure on piano, with traditional organic jazz. John’s eclectic mix of everything from standards to reggae, not to mention his unique originals like “Pizza and Salad” (which is still one of my very favorites) have the ability to delight any music lover.

John said the band comes in on Fridays and they all crash at his place afterwards. Many come in from LA. This brings that

Backstage JazzBy patte purcell

WINS CV MuSIC AWARD FOR BEST JAzz ARTIST

eVeNtsDESERT AD FED TO AnnOunCE WOW ADVERTISIng SChOlARShIp WInnERS

http://www.pegasusridingacademy.org

http://www.lovingallanimals.org

http://www.lovingallanimals.org


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article & photo By esther sanchez

Always looking for ways to promote unity, Thomas is a part of “760 CV Movement” which is a loosely affiliated group of artists who aim to provide promotion, mentorship and community for musicians from any genre with the ultimate goal of building support and unity amongst artists.

Thomas: “Whenever a member of ‘760 CV’ has a show or a new video dropping or whatever, we try to embrace everyone’s art and activities with equal support and promotion. As part of the movement I have been hosting hip hop friendly events about once a month. We are preparing for our 3rd DJ and rap battle event on Sunday, May 31st at Buffalo Wild Wings in Palm Desert. The line-up for the rap battle includes local MCs, Ray Ray vs. Nons3ns3 da Menace and Mr. Game 7 vs. Young Juseboxx. The DJs battling this time around are Ax vs. John Paul. This is a free, all-ages event that is open to the community. We welcome everyone to come out and see what is happening with the movement.”

Tiptoe Stallone is dropping a new album, Everyone Hates Chris that is currently in limited release with an official release date and event set for the end of the summer.

Tiptoe Stallone will be performing along with PharmTecs, Chylite, Twin Eagles and others at ‘Mic Anthologies’ this Thursday, May 28th at Plan B in Thousand Palms. You can also catch him on June 5th at The Hood opening for J. Patron.

facebook.com/TiptoeStallone twitter.com/tiptoestallonesoundcloud.com/tiptoestallone reverbnation.com/TiptoeStallonefacebook.com/760CvMovement

Chris Thomas, AKA Tiptoe Stallone is a guy who wears a lot of hats. An Indio native, Thomas is a

hip hop artist, event promoter, father, community leader and youth mentor. His calm demeanor, quiet confidence, inclusive attitude and unifying spirit have earned him respect from not only the children he works with, but from many of his peers in the desert’s music scene.

Rapping since childhood, Tiptoe Stallone has deep roots in the blossoming Coachella Valley hip hop scene. Thomas: “I started writing poetry and rapping when I was about 9 years old. The very first time I ever performed for an audience was a talent show at Jefferson Middle School when I was in 7th grade. This dude named Kevin Carey was playing drums and we really didn’t plan it but I ended up freestyling while he played for about 15 minutes. I started recording music somewhere around 1999 or 2000. There weren’t really any venues out here at the time that were interested in hip hop performers so we would perform at block-parties or wherever we could. Slowly, that has been changing.”

Thomas has been signed to the Rick Ross Music Group. Started in 2014, the indie-label that distributes through Universal is owned by notorious, former drug kingpin turned community organizer and humanitarian, Freeway Rick Ross. Ross originally found infamy in the early 80s through his involvement in distributing massive amounts of Cocaine that was supplied to fund Contra rallies against Sandinista rulers in Nicaragua. Now a sought after lecturer, Ross is using his notoriety to hold events and build programs in at-risk communities. Tiptoe Stallone, whose music is being featured in a new documentary series about Ross, “Freeway: Crack in the System” has had the opportunity to perform out of state at community outreach events with Ross, who Thomas describes as “a very cool and humble dude.” No stranger to working with disadvantaged youth, Stallone is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to serve others combined with the opportunity to perform his music and hopes to be able to continue touring with the music group this summer throughout the Pacific Northwest and possibly Hawaii.

TIpTOE STAllOnEWeek #3 of The Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition Summer edition 2015 brought on 15 musicians and their

supportive fans! The $100 weekly cash prize for 1st place, fantastic prizes for 2nd and 3rd places, plus local celebrity to judges Christina and Brett from Caxton, had the performers giving their all! DJ Alex Updike kept the crowd grooving in between performances. Once everyone performed and the judge vote (50%) was tallied and added to the audience applause score (50%), it was Porsia Camille who won 1st place and the $100 cash. Porsia will now be moving on to one Semi Finals on 7/29 & 8/5. If she wins there, she’ll compete in the finals 8/12 for a shot at a $500 trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Spirits, an Artist Development Workshop from Producer Ronnie King, and 8 hours of studio time plus a mix and master from JEM Productions. 2nd place went to Solus Lupus who took home a Stuft Pizza gift card. 3rd place was a tie between Alyssa Beth who took home a Record Alley gift certificate and Rick Dame who was awarded 2 tickets to the Mary Pickford Theatre.

THANK YOU to ALL of our performers at the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND for being so supportive of the other artists: Cody James, Rakim, Mike Sick-boy, Daniel Scopelitis, Rick Dame, Will Kelly, Gustavo Gonzalez, Bino Sotelo, Marco Thoma, Porsia Camille, Jeremy Goodlander, Alyssa Beth Benedetto, Tanya Nunez, Razor J, and T-Peace. I hope to see you all next week! Look for coverage I think it was around 7 years ago that I

went to an art show in Palm Springs that was featuring works by a half-

dozen or so local artists & among them was a stunningly beautiful brunette whose presence refused to be ignored. With a chic, edgy style, petite stature & bombshell curves, it was impossible not to notice the striking young woman who I now know was just getting her feet wet as an artist. That night she rocked ruby-red lips, a collection of awesome tattoos and an energy that let everyone know without question that she was in charge of the entire event.

Bay Area transplant Monica Morones, AKA La Maniaca, AKA Cakes, is a singer/songwriter who is much more than a pretty face; or even a pretty face with a pretty voice. Over the last decade or so living in &

of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: JEM Productions, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Spirits, KAM Studios, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, DJ Alex Updike, and the Mary Pickford Theatre.

Be sure to “LIKE” Facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition for updates! ALL AGES ALLOWED and YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition usually ends by 10:30pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!! For questions or info about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at [email protected] or (714) 651-1911

out of the Coachella Valley like a gypsy, she has steadily established herself as a talented & respected visual artist & photographer under the moniker La Maniaca (Spanish for female maniac). One visit to her website, maniacartandphotography.com will give you ample insight into her unique vision as an artist/photographer & will dispel any doubts regarding the depth of her talent. If you want to know what it takes to turn a picture of an attractive woman into a killer work of art, La Maniaca’s portfolio is an excellent place to find out. When she isn’t busy creating masterpieces she also happens to be a regular contributor to CV Weekly.

Folks, I could probably fill an entire edition of this publication with my praises of Ms. Morones’ paintings, photography & fashion designs (Oh yeah, she does that too) but, that is not what we are focusing on today. As if she wasn’t hogging up enough talent from the rest of us already, Morones is now ready to unleash her musical persona, Cakes. Inspired by her traffic-stopping, hourglass figure; the name Cakes is a play off of the term, “stacked like pancakes” and anyone who gets a glimpse of her walking by would agree that the name is appropriate in the best ways possible.

As far as being a vocalist is concerned, this is not Morones’ first trip to the rodeo. There is little doubt that, just like everything else she pursues & conquers, when it comes down to this music thing, Cakes knows what she is doing.

Morones: “I realize that my photography and art is what I have become known for in the desert and because of that, a lot of people think that singing & making music is a new thing that I decided to do out of nowhere. I fronted my former band, Trucha, for 7 years. We were a good band with a decent following. We broke up a few years ago and for various reasons, attempts at putting together another band didn’t work out. After a series of events & circumstances I eventually promised myself that I was not going to perform music anymore…….I was

TIlTED KIlT OpEn mIC CAKESlocal Music spotlight local Music spotlightlocal Music spotlight By esther sanchez

done. That was about 3 years ago.” But, like any true musician knows, when you are not feeding the beast inside of you that wants to make music, that beast becomes hungry.

Morones: “When you are part of a band, you are dealing with, among other issues the personalities, tastes, schedules and goals of multiple people which can make things difficult as it is. I am an extremely driven & focused person. When I have a goal I develop a clear and direct vision for how to reach it. You can’t force your vision on to others if they don’t share it & attempting to do so only causes frustration. For a while I felt as though I was wasting my time. Eventually, I came to the realization that, for me, solo was the way to go.”

Last year when I heard Morones was building a solo project I frankly didn’t know what to expect. I was familiar with her former band Trucha and remembered really liking their music, but I didn’t have any idea what direction she was taking with Cakes. Over the past several months as I have watched her vision come to fruition, it has become clear that Cakes has been taking her into an exciting direction. No longer subject to the time-constraints & perpetual need for compromising that comes along with being a member of a band, Cakes has taken full advantage of her ability to call the shots on every level of her artistic & promotional development.

Possibly the best example of her liberated creativity in action would be the video she recently dropped for her single, “Break Down”. First of all, the quality is better than one might expect from a local girl on a budget. That aside, Lord knows you can have access to the most expensive video equipment & production team that money can buy and still end up with a boring, generic video. That being said, the “Breakdown” video is really cool, you guys. From the costumes & accessories, to the setting & the story-line it was beautiful, intriguing and fun to watch. As an established fan of Morones, I was pleased to see how clearly it shows that the video

was a work of art that came from deep inside Morones’ soul. It was almost as though she ripped her beating heart right out of her chest & threw it on a table for us all to behold. And if that isn’t art, I don’t know what is.

Follow Cakes!facebook.com/cakesfordayz to stay up to

date on shows & new music. Check out Cakes’ brand new video,

“Break Down” youtube.com/user/callejeraclothingsFollow La Maniaca!

facebook.com/maniacartandphotographyfor info on upcoming art shows, photography & more.

https://facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition




mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


10 11

By eleni p. austin coNsider this

72840 Hwy 111 #171Palm Desert, CA 92260

760-341-2017www.recordalley.com

WESTFIELD MALL

pAul WEllERJust as Pete Townshend had served as an

artistic beacon for him during the Jam years, suddenly Paul Weller was placed on a musical pedestal. Brit-Pop superstars like Oasis, Blur and Ocean Colour Scene were worshiping at Weller’s alter, earning him the affectionate sobriquet, Modfather.

Weller was on a roll. His next three albums, 1993’s Wildwood, 1995’s Stanley Road, and 1997’s Heavy Soul were concise and economical, even as he incorporated rustic acoustic guitars and hints of Funk and Psychedelia into the mix.

By the early 2000s, Weller had unshackled himself from the giant record conglomerates and signed a deal with the indie label Yep Roc. Based out of North Carolina, the artist-driven label has become home to musical iconoclasts like Dave Alvin, Robyn Hitchcock, Bob Mould, Peter Case and Nick Lowe. Yep Roc allowed Paul Weller the freedom to make uncompromising music.

The last 10 years have been a whirlwind, between writing, recording and touring he has released four wildly ambitious and richly rewarding albums. As Is Now in 2005, 22 Deams in 2008, Wake Up Nation in 2010 and Sonik Kicks in 2012. He also married his second wife, Hannah, and welcomed twin boys, John Paul and Bowie. (All told, he has seven children).

Now Weller is back with Saturns Patterns. It’s his 10th solo studio album, his 27th overall. (Ironically, it’s being released through Warner Brothers Records.) The album kicks into gear with the exigent stomp of “White Sky.” Over a primordial, bludgeoning beat, wah-wah guitars, and a slithery organ, Weller’s vocals are filtered and distorto as he cryptically warns of end-times.

Both “Long Time” and “Pick It Up” pair chaotic arrangements and frenetic instrumentation with introspective lyrics. The former is almost an aural collage. Plinking piano chords, a tick-tock beat and guitar riffs that slash, burn and snarl partner with Weller’s gruff vocals. The mayhem almost camouflages his naked admission of self-doubt. “For such a long time I couldn’t find myself, for such a long time thought I was somebody else/For such a long time I couldn’t find no peace, for such a long time, long time.”

The latter is anchored by a kinetic rhythm that twitches and pulsates. Tensile guitar chords splinter and crackle, as soulful organ fillips and heliocentric synths ebb and flow. Weller’s layered vocals offer the same zen koan, “Pick it up-pick up the pieces before they blow away/Pick it up-pick up the pieces put them together again.” As the momentum slowly builds, sugary Spanish filigrees are added, then pounding piano and shuddery synths. The result is both cyclonic and hypnotic.

The most ambitious tracks on Saturns Pattern are also the most rewarding. “Going My Way” begins as a gorgeous ballad, opening with warm piano notes and Weller’s tender and soulful vocals. It’s an unabashed mash note to Hannah Weller that also acknowledges the pain their coupling has caused…”Many hearts were broke on the way.”

But suddenly the tempo shifts, the buoyant arrangement slightly echoing the Beatles’ jaunty “Martha My Dear.” Just as quickly, it powers down to a pastoral refrain suitable to a “Downton Abbey” drawing room. Hand-claps, finger-snaps, gospel-styled backing vocals, groovy Moog synths and rippling guitar riffs propel the song to an exhilarating conclusion.

times. But Weller’s song craft eschewed the snarly and simplistic primitivism employed by their peers. Instead, his style echoed the taut economy of British Invasion forefathers like Pete Townshend and Ray Davies. Quite by accident, the Jam’s songs became the soundtrack to the Mod Revival of the late ‘70s.

For the next five years, over a total of six studio albums, the Jam ruled the charts in Great Britain. They achieved massive critical and commercial acclaim, a feat they never replicated in the U.S. By 1982, one of their last singles, a working class anthem entitled “Town Called Malice,” finally received airplay on mainstream radio in America. But it was a pyrrhic victory, as Paul Weller was already looking for a new challenge. The Jam broke up by the end of the year.

Weller immediately formed Style Council with keyboard player, Mick Talbot. The sound of his new band reflected his deep affection for ‘60s Soul and a new found interest in Jazz. It also presaged a hybrid style in Great Britain that was hugely successful for artists like Everything But The Girl and Sade.

Lyrically, Weller expounded on his leftist politics and offered withering criticisms aimed at racism, Margaret Thatcher and unemployment. His melodies were equally ambitious, incorporating Soul, Jazz, R&B and Hip Hop.

Their first full-length album, (Café Bleu in Great Britain, re-titled and re-sequenced as My Ever-Changing Moods in America), arrived in 1984. Style Council scored two minor hits in America, the title track and “You’re The Best Thing.”

As with the Jam, Style Council released five more albums, each moving further away from the sophisto-pop style that Weller pioneered and becoming more experimental. By the end of the ‘80s their sound began to incorporate elements of House and Techno. As their commercial prospects diminished they were dropped from their label. Bloody, but unbowed, Weller retreated.

After a couple years enjoying some well-deserved family time, Paul Weller embarked on a solo career. His eponymous debut arrived in late 1992 and it was a revelation. Somehow he had distilled his Punk/Pop leanings and his Soul inspirations into one heady brew.

When Punk Rock exploded in Great Britain back in 1977, few would have predicted its continued resonance

in the 21st century. Most people dismissed the style as brash and unlistenable. Punk Rock was a reaction to rampant unemployment as well as the collective malaise that blanketed the country.

The music was characterized by staccato blasts of guitar, batter-ram drums and atonal, sometimes nasal vocals. Formal melodies were almost non-existent, lyrics railed against conformity, authority and the status quo. Punks spiked their hair, safety-pinned their faces and strategically ripped their clothes.

The Damned released the first, “official” Punk album, while the Sex Pistols delivered calculated anarchy and received the lion’s share of attention. Meanwhile, bands like the Jam and The Clash embodied the Punk ethos, but tempered it with true musicality.

The Jam was the brainchild of guitarist/vocalist/songwriter, Paul Weller. A version of the band began as far back as 1972. Born in 1958, Weller grew up in Woking, the son of John, a taxi driver, and Ann a home-maker.

Weller showed an affinity for music at an early age. His obsessions with the Beatles, the Who and the Small Faces motivated him to seek out those bands’ touchstones. Thus, he became a true aficionado of Motown, Stax-Volt, Curtis Mayfield, Blues and Northern Soul.

Paul Weller was just 14 years old when he formed the earliest incarnation of the Jam with his best friends, Steve Brookes and Dave Waller. Weller tackled bass and vocals, Brookes lead guitar and Waller rhythm guitar. The original line-up was completed with drummer Rick Butler.

With Paul’s dad John acting as de facto manager, the nascent combo was booked into working man clubs. When Brookes and Waller left the band, guitarist Bruce Foxton joined the fold. Once Bruce and Paul switched instruments, and began alternating their Beatles covers with Weller originals, the Jam began to attract a growing fan base.

The Clash was so impressed they offered the Jam an opening slot on their White Riot tour. The trio signed to the Polydor label and released their debut, In The City in May, 1977. The defiant lyrics captured the angst and zeitgeist of the

“Phoenix” begins tentatively. Initially, the arrangement is propelled by plangent piano notes, woo-hoo backing vocals and tumbling percussion. The lyrics offer a surprisingly ardent encomium on the powers of true love.

But it’s the grandiloquent instrumental breaks that take center stage here. Weller takes pages from Curtis Mayfield’s and Pete Townshend’s playbooks. By overlapping stinging guitar, galloping percussion, fender Rhodes and twinkling synths, he invites comparisons to Mayfield’s transcendent “Move On Up,” as well as the Who’s epochal “Quadrophenia” rock opera.

The album’s piece de resistance is “In My Car.” Here he borrows the Beach Boys’ invulnerable isolation of “In My Room,” and defiantly takes it out on the road. Opening with bluesy acoustic 12 bar Blues licks, a kick-drum beat and fluttery piano, it segues into an insistent swampedelic groove.

Prickly piano chords and sun-dappled guitar accent his sense of security. Weller extols the virtues going mobile. “I’m self-contained and the music’s loud/No one can get in and I don’t wanna get out.” In a nice bit of symmetry, the tune winds down with Weller’s oldest mate, Steve Brookes, unspooling a wicked slide guitar solo.

Other interesting songs include the percolating soul of the title track. Meanwhile, on the loping “I’m Where I Should Be,” Weller finally feels free to be himself. “Not trapped by the burden of parody, shooting cold stares that could freeze ice cream/Thieves in the garden have turned to stone, nothing is left for Babylon.”

The album closes with “These City Streets.” Ambient street sounds gives the track a patina of verisimilitude. Over lush guitars, Moog, Mellotron and piquant violin, Weller has never seemed so warm and soulful. “There’s just you and I alone, there’s nobody else at home/And I look into your eyes and I know why, I’m In Love With You.” It’s a vibrant and expansive end to a wonderful record.

As with his last few albums, Saturns Pattern was produced by Jan Stan Kybert. It also features longtime compatriots like Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Craddock, drummer Ben Gordelier and keyboard player Andy Crofts from The Moons, along with members of Syd Arthur and Josh McClorey from the Strypes on slide guitar.

Paul Weller never let the primitive confines of Punk Rock define him. Most of the Class Of ’77 are content to recycle stale sounds and spout agitprop philosophies. By following his muse, Weller explored myriad styles but stayed true to himself. In the process he has created a rich and enduring musical legacy.

“SATuRNS PATTERNS” (WARNER BROTHERS RECORDS)

By reBecca pikus

Our Desert is being enriched more every day with Europeans & European Sensibilities. Such is the

case with an extremely sophisticated, yet eclectic, gallery in Cathedral City’s Artpark. Gallery Owners & Interior Designers Joannes Van Laer & Lucas Schelkens, both from Antwerp, Belgium, have put together an incredibly beautiful Art, Antiques, & Design gallery with provocative & cutting edge collections.

Joannes & Lucas, like many residents here in the Desert, have migrated via Europe (Belgium), Los Angeles and Palm Springs, finally bringing their brilliant artistic influence to their Gallery in Cathedral City. Joannes is a well-known Interior Designer with clients all over the world. In his daily life as well as in his designs, he likes bright colors & vibrant art in combination with evergreens and classic antiques. It all fits stylishly well together in welcoming environments.

Lucas Schelkens, also an Interior Designer, has been featured many times in Angeleno Magazine, L.A. Times, N.Y. Times, & Architectural Digest. Lucas has always been said to follow his own course away from the dull & boring -- hence: Provocative!

A look at their fascinating website: Joanneslucasstudio.com will afford the viewer a cornucopia of Designs & Staging: “Midsummer Staging in Palm Springs”, “Greystone Showcase House of Design

International”, “Desert Glam Staging”, “Art Deco in Antwerp”, “St. Tropez in Hollywood”.

JoannesLucas Gallery68845 Perez Rd, Bldg. H-27/28Cathedral City, Ca 92234Tel: (310) 422-8797Email: [email protected] Websites: Joanneslucas.comJoanneslucasstudio.comSummer Hours:10am-4pm Fri., Sat. & Mon.

All other days By Appointment.

art sceNe

“JOAnnES/luCAS gAllERy - FROm BElgIum WITh lOVE”


12 13

By janet McaFeePET PLACE

in addition to the federal, but without any enforcement mechanism. In 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed AB241 which would have limited commercial breeders to no more than 50 animals.

In backyards across America, secreted away in sheds and kennels, small profiteers breed a nominal number of animals and sell them through newspaper ads, Craig’s list, and word of mouth. Some operate as small family businesses, but the goal of profit dominates the need for medical care and socialization of both the breeding mothers and the pups. Purchasers of these puppies sometimes discover, after the sale, that the pups are sick due to unsanitary living conditions and lack of vet care. These facilities typically have more animals than they can care for, and do not hire adequate staff.

The Humane Society of the United States obtained records from the USDA licensed breeders showing many get away with repeated violations. Fines are rare and suspended licenses are even more unlikely. Horrendous facilities with repeated violations are often allowed to renew their licenses again and again. The Humane Society and other animal welfare groups promote legislation that would tie up loopholes, increase USDA staffing, and expand funding for inspection programs.

The Humane Society of the United States provides the following facts:

1. 99 Percent of the puppies bought online

and in pet stores are from puppy mills.2. A dog used for breeding in a puppy mill

has half the life expectancy of a dog living in a family home.

3. 95 percent of Americans who purchase puppy mill dogs are not aware of the source.

4. Breeding females may lose their teeth as overbreeding depletes their calcium.

5. The minimum legal size kennel allowed is only 6 inches larger than the dog on all sides.

6. A licensed breeder can own a thousand animals or more, keep them in cages their entire lives, and breed them as often as they wish.

The living conditions for animals in these facilities needs to reach a deplorable level in order to breach criminal law standards. The wheels of justice turn slowly, and our 4-legged victims cannot speak. Cases are tough to prosecute, and District Attorneys are reluctant to prosecute when they do not foresee a chance at conviction. When there is a conviction for violating the standards of care, the penalty is usually probation.

Best Friends campaign to combat puppy mills includes attempts to convince pet shop owners to convert to “rescue boutiques”. They urge communities to join with the 84 other cities, including Los Angeles and Long Beach, that have banned the retail sale of dogs and cats. You can sign up to receive legislative updates from Best Friends at yourvoice.bestfriends.org.

What can animal lovers do to help? Write letters to the editor, and elect animal-friendly candidates. Adopt a pet from a shelter or private rescue. Educate your family and friends about puppy mills. Advise them to go to www.petfinder.com where they will find adoptable rescue dogs of every breed. View adoptable dogs and cats at our local county shelter at www.rcdas.org. Be a voice for those who have none, and don’t give up, as the fight against puppy mills and bad breeders has been going on for decades. Educate just one person about the horrors of puppy mills, and you have made a difference.

[email protected]

puppIES ARE nOT pRODuCTS!

By rick riozza

lOVEly lOIRE WInES AT ThE FREnCh OpEnAlors! The 2015 French Open Tennis

Tournament, one of the world’s four Grand Slam tennis championship

events, is now underway at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris. It’s the only Grand Slam event played on a clay surface—which is the slowest tennis surface and thus makes for the most physically demanding matches.

And for the last couple of weeks, we’ve been living the wine tennis dream of getting to France a bit early and enjoying the famed wine country that are only hours outside of Paris before settling in to watch the matches at Roland Garros.

Our last two articles have included toasting at the Champagne region and cheering and grubbing at the ancient and idyllic Chablis vineyards. Now our final jaunt is over to the lovely Loire Valley whose wines, chateaux and castles have captivated us with its beauty and history. Those interested, please go to coachellavalleyweekly.com and click on the vino voice, to catch up.

We’re now venturing west to the Loire River, which is the longest river stretch in France which commences in the country’s mid-section and flows 600 miles out to the north Atlantic.

It could be said that the Loire is “the garden of France”, and the home of some of the most delicious, delectable, enjoyable French wines. The debate will always continue with French wine aficionados as to the world’s favorite. However the Loire wines have lightness, airiness and freshness that put a spring in the taste buds of those who love powerful Rhônes, the contemplative Bordeaux, or the elegant Burgundies.

There is no such thing as a heavy Loire or high-alcohol Loire wine. To those in the know—now you being one them—these wines are always the smart sexy choices for quaffing in the desert.

To a lot of wine lovers, the Loire region can be daunting with all the different regions and wine names. But in terms of grape varieties the Loire is easy, and I’ll discuss three of the four that dominate the area: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.

With prices remaining reasonable for most Loire wines, back in the States, this is a great time to discover crisp, grassy Sauvignon Blanc; versatile Chenin Blanc in all its styles; and the surprising richness and age worthiness of the Loire’s Cabernet Francs.

So we’re heading over to the Loire’s interior Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé region. Two hours from Paris or a three hour’s drive from Chablis. This is the spiritual heartland of Sauvignon Blanc. From here, the grape has spread around the world, bringing its unforgettable grassy and citrus aromas, flavors of grapefruit and gooseberry to millions of wine drinkers. The region produces the finest and most complex Sauv Blanc in the world.

of the most seductive wines on earth. Those with ears and palates, take heart.

A great wine recommendation is the Domaine des Baumard, Coteaux du Layon, owns a very fresh lively style, with zippy acidity enlivening the apricot, white peach, green plum, and quince flavors. The floral-tinged finish plays well and intertwines with the lasting fruit.

The pricey Quarts de Chaume, late harvest Chenin Blanc, is one of the most delectable sweet wines in the world. Those who claim to

Sancerre is bright; Pouilly Fumé is generally richer, more perfumed a product of the greater amount of clay in the soil. It is exuberant, bright, great with food and as an apéritif. You’ll find Sancerre all over the Paris bistros and at Roland Garros.

S›il vous plait—it’s time to learn about Chenin Blanc. It may well be the most delicious wine you’ve never had. Most of the stuff made in California can only hint of what the wine is really about. It’s versatile because it can produce so many styles of wine: sparkling, dry white, medium-dry white, sweet white, late-harvest white. It’s dynamic because what can be produced varies each vintage.

So proceeding west on the Loire River, the next big wine area is Vouvray which probably produces the best Chenin Blanc in the world. Good Vouvray is out-of-the-gate charming, firm, and delicate, exhibiting a nutty, floral, honeyed character whose rich flavor is balanced by palpable acidity and bracing minerality.

And the best cuvées from the best vintages will provide some of the most haunting, complex, long-lived white wines produced anywhere. Chenin Blanc, done well, is one

hate “sweet wine” are incredibly missing out here. I have to perform figurative dentistry to get diehards to even just taste this wine. Once they do—and are amazed—I make them pay up!

A bit further west is the region of Saumur, with two types of wine to try: The one style is white sparkling—fines bullets, as they call them in the Loire. This is Champagne in miniature, but made with Chenin Blanc—the grand houses, the miles of cellars carved out of the tufa and the same méthode traditionelle for making its Saumur and Crémant de Loire.

The other wine is red—from Saumur-Champigny and close-by Chinon. The grape is Cabernet Franc. This is the red wine of the Loire. They are smooth, opulent sometimes, yet always with the acidity and freshness that are the true hallmarks of Loire wines. Aromas of tobacco, spice and violets; delicious raspberry and black currant fruit flavors.

L’Open français est arrivé !! Hey! We’ve got to get back Paris—the French Open is already afoot!! We’ll complete the Loire tasting after the championships. But now we’ll be enjoying “le hamburger” or “le hot-dog” with a nice glass of wine on an acre of clay. Tennis everyone?!

Allez-allez Cheers!

Puppies are Not Products” is the title of a campaign of Best Friends Animal Society to fight the proliferation of

commercial puppy mills. A puppy mill is an inhumane, usually large scale, commercial dog breeding facility where there is no regard for the health and well-being of the animals in order to maintain low overhead and maximize profits. Animals are often kept in small crowded kennels stacked on top of each other with no protection from the scorching sun or bitter winter snow storms. Unfortunately, the laws to protect them are inadequate.

A recent Pet Place article detailed the plight of 190 abandoned dogs on a Lucerne Valley property believed to be a puppy mill. Loving All Animals was one of dozens of rescue organizations that participated in the lottery to obtain some of the dogs when they became available at a county shelter. After an intensive training program to overcome their lack of socialization, the dogs were adopted and are doing relatively well. We trust these beautiful animals will continue to be ambassadors of change.

Sadly, thousands of these commercial

breeding sites operate throughout our country, often in rural areas outside of the public eye. By contrast, those licensed breeders who truly care for their animals would never sell them online or to pet stores, and they welcome you onto their property to meet the parent dogs.

Animal advocates are surprised to learn that these large scale puppy mills may not necessarily be illegal. What are the laws that regulate puppy mills? In 1966, Congress passed the Animal Welfare Act, a complex piece of legislation that outlined minimum standards of care for dogs, cats, and certain other animals bred for commercial sale. The United States Department of Agriculture enforces the AWA. However, many inefficiencies and loopholes and a shortage of investigators allow for substandard care to continue.

Only these large scale wholesale operations that breed or broker animals for resale, i.e. those selling to pet stores or sight unseen via internet, are required to be licensed and inspected by the USDA. Those businesses that sell directly to the public face-to-face are NOT required to adhere to the Animal Welfare Act or any federal standards of humane care. You can check the status of a licensed facility by going to the website aphis.usda.gov.

California provides standards of care

Hazel, hard working office cat, dreams of a home of her own and hopes

beloved co-worker Blondie can come too! This 6-yr-

old beautiful Tortoise Shell Calico is a real cuddle bug. Contact Mary at Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000.

WonderfulHazel


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THUR MAY 2829 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pmACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day 10pmAJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7pmAzuL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pmBAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Eevaan Tre 8pmBART LOuNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Hip Hop 4pm-2am BLuEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pmCASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pmCuNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOuNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pmESCENA LOuNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 Courtney Chambers 5pmEuREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pmTHE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HuNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pmINDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pmJOSHuA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pmLAS CASuELAS TERRAzA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Country Nation 8pmTHE LOuNGE, AGuA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAuRANT & LOuNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOuNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15amTHE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOuSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Blues and Supper Club Night w/ Kal David 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Rachel Dean, Tim Gray and The Delusions 8pmPLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Epoch Momentous Iconic Tribute w/ Drop Mob, PharmTecs, 2 Toxic, Tip Toe Stallone, The Book of Abel, Mills & Roogah and more 8pm PuRPLE ROOM@CLuB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm

SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pmSHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SuLLIVAN’S STEAKHOuSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pmTACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12amTHREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pmVICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Carolyn Martinez 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PuB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2amWESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pmWILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm WOODY’S BuRGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6pmzELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI MAY 2929 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pmACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Nedelle Torrisi and DJ Jespeleta 10pmAGAVE LOuNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-776-1234 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 TBA 7:30pm AzuL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BART LOuNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 4pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pmBLuE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLuEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pmCAFÉ DES BEAuX- ARTS; PD; 760-346-0669 Linda Peterson 6pm CASCADE LOuNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1amCASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pmCuNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pmEuREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pmHARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 J Patron Salsa Night 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Kal David 6:30pm

HuNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pmJOSHuA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Larry James Band 8pmLAS CASuELAS TERRAzA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the nightLIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 New Breed 9pmTHE LOuNGE; AGuA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pmMELVYN’S RESTAuRANT & LOuNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOuNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15amTHE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOuSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Mark Gregg & The Horde 9pmPALM DESERT COuNTRY CLuB; PD; 760-345-0222 Doug Rojiers 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 JD McPherson 9pm PJ’S SPORTS LOuNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PuRPLE ROOM@CLuB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Bobbie Eakes 7pm, The Gand Band’s Season Finale 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Wyldsky 9pmRIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Triple Threat Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pmSCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Mighty Jack, Gutter Candy and Phantom 9pmSHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pmSHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pmSHELLY’S LOuNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pmSMOKIN’ BuRGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOuL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pmSuLLIVAN’S STEAKHOuSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted @ Night 10pm TRILuSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pmVIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pmVICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King 8pm

VILLAGE PuB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2amVuE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pmWOODY’S BuRGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm zELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT MAY 3029 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Adam Villacin noon poolside, High Life w/ DJ Day 10pmAGAVE LOuNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-776-1234 Art of Sax 8pmAJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel 7:30pm AzuL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Abe spinning funk, soul and disco 10pm BART LOuNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing open 4pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pmBLuE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 DJ PWee BLuEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOuNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pmCuNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Pato Bantonw/ Tribe-O and Higher Heights 8pm DHS SPA LOuNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOuNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pmTHE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOuNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pmHARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Alex Harrington and Alf Alpha 9pmHOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HuNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm

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Movie reviews with roBin e. siMMons screeNers No.166

laughs. And that’s okay with me and for all those already aligned with its absurdist, weirdly existential humor. If there’s a theme here, it’s that it’s never too late to start over. Or maybe it’s only a celebration of a youthful spirit. Or is it about going with the flow? When he was younger, Karlsson’s explosive skills made the world a more uncertain place, and now he’s taking a last plunge into that world we all recognize on some level. At the screening I attended, a mixed age audience laughed out loud from fade in to fade out.

Now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or. Pick of the week.

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMSWhen her beloved dog dies, Carol (Blythe

Danner) finds that the everyday activities that once gave her life structure – her weekly bridge game, gardening, a glass of wine (or two) – have lost their luster. With the support of three loyal girlfriends (June Squibb, Rhea

THE HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED

What’s not to love about the antics of an impish centenarian on the loose? Based on the international best seller by Jonas Jonasson, Felix Herngren’s irreverent Swedish comedy is the unlikely story of Allan Karlsson’s escape from a senior facility on his 100th birthday. After a long and colorful life specializing in munitions, the Spanish Civil War, the Manhattan Project and other signature events of the 20th century, his crazy escapade involves -- among other things -- dastardly criminals, a suitcase full of cash, Einstein’s idiot brother Herbert and an elephant named Sonya.

No effort is spared to earn audience

Perlman, and Mary Kay Place), Carol decides to embrace the world, embarking on an unlikely friendship with her pool maintenance man (Martin Starr), pursuing a new love interest (Sam Elliott), and reconnecting with her daughter (Malin Akerman). Brett Haley (THE NEW YEAR) directs from a screenplay by Haley and Marc Basch. This sweet and satisfying film is now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER:

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON

For rabid fans that wait to binge watch, Season Five of “Pretty Little Liars” begins in the moments following the epic season four finale, in which Ezra was shot, among other shocking acts and revelations. Alison is alive and back in Rosewood, and everyone is affected by her return — but is she the same Alison after being on the run? Hanna’s ex, Caleb, returns. But he too is changed. Plus, how does Mona fit into everything? That’s what I’d like to know. Oh, and what’s Melissa (guest star Torrey DeVitto) hiding? With more questions than ever and now with some familiar faces back in Rosewood, there are now five, count ‘em five, pretty little liars trying to piece together who has been tormenting them. It’s another season of emotion, intrigue and nail-biting suspense, with many must-see moments, including the series’ landmark 100th episode!

The set includes all 25 One-Hour Episodes, plus exclusive featurettes, deleted scenes, and the fan appreciation episode: “We Love You To Death.” Warner Bros. DVD.

HOMBREAmong director Martin Ritt’s best films,

this 1967 adaptation (by Irving Ravetch and Harriet Frank, Jr.) of Elmore Leonard’s revisionist western stars Paul Newman as an Apache-raised white man despised by his fellow stagecoach passengers, but who is then appealed to for help after a savage robbery and kidnapping leaves them in mortal danger. Great Death Valley locations beautifully shot by master cinematographer

James Wong Howe. Frederic March, Richard Boone, Martin Balsam and Diane Cilento also star in this suspenseful, clever variation on the theme of STAGECOACH.

Twilight Time Movies has been quietly licensing overlooked titles and transferring them in nice-looking Blu-ray editions. They sell-out quickly as they are limited to only 3,000 units per title. Once they are gone they are gone! Two other recent Twilight titles include director Ken Loach’s CARLA’S SONG (1996), about a bus driver who falls in love with a Nicaraguan refugee and ends up helping her find her former lover in the chaos of that country’s civil war and AMERICAN BUFFALO.

AMERCIAN BUFFALO (1996)David Mamet’s acclaimed play about a

small-time heist by a trio of all-American losers still compels. Mamet’s trademark staccato dialogue abounds, as do observations about the soul of America. Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Franz and Sean Nelson star. You can find more info regarding limited edition Twilight Time titles at screenarchives.com Blu-ray

SERENAMade after the completion of SILVER

LININGS PLAYBOOK, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence reunited in this strangely convoluted tale set in the Smokey Mountains circa 1929. But the charismatic stars are not enough to save this poorly written story that never allows the audience to root or even care for the leads in the plight of their increasingly troubled circumstances. Cooper is a lumber magnate and Lawrence is his new bride. He had a child by a local woman he met before he married. But when his new wife has a miscarriage and can no longer bare children, she becomes unsettled and perhaps more than a little mad and their marriage unravels. Shot in the Czech Republic, the production values are striking – even though it all looked like a set that was not dirtied nor really lived in. The cinematography is beautiful and the actors do their best with the material at hand. Cooper and Lawrence are great together and have convincing love scenes, there’s murder and bloody accidents, but none of it can save this odd movie. That’s why it sat on the shelf since 2012 and is only now released for home video. Usually precise in her direction, Susanne Bier has a lot to say in the bonus material, but she clearly did not have a sure grasp of the story trajectory. This is not a bad movie, it just doesn’t come together with a satisfying emotional pay off. Magnolia. Blu-ray.

[email protected]

nEVER TOO OlD By heidi siMMonsBook reView

For common, everyday, good, and decent people, evil is difficult to comprehend. It is so irrational

that when we hear about it, we find it unbelievable. They become campfire or slumber party staples. In John Sandford’s Gathering Prey (Putnam, 416 pages), horrendous nightmares are chased down and confronted.

Detective Lucas Davenport works for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. His position allows him to

travel across the US to hunt down the most dangerous offenders. He is a seasoned professional. A little jaded perhaps and fed up with department politics, Davenport is not intimidated by bad guys and bureaucrats.

When Davenport’s daughter, Letty, a freshman at Stanford University, befriends Travelers -- Skye and Henry -- in San Francisco, she is intrigued by their vagabond lifestyle. Harmless, the two earn money by busking and pan-handling as they move

across the country. After Letty buys Skye and Henry burgers

and gives them some cash, they share brief intimacies about their difficult childhoods. Now with some common ground and mutual respect, Letty gives them her cell number after they confide travel plans that include passing through Letty’s home state of Minnesota over the summer.

But most disturbing to Letty is the story of Pilate who Skye calls the devil. Pilate has a cult following in California and Skye thinks they are not just dangerous but deadly. Henry is enamored with Pilot because he believes Pilate can get him into the film business. Skye hopes to never cross paths with Pilate and his disciples again.

As Travelers, Skye and Henry hitch across the country camping and attending music festivals. They join with a subculture of Juggalos who gather in rural fields, paint their faces and party. When Henry goes missing, Skye calls Letty.

Confiding in her detective father, Letty shares some of the stories Skye has told her about Pilate. Davenport knows Travelers can’t be believed. But when he meets Skye, as crazy as it all sounds, he knows there is truth to her story.

With Letty’s help, Davenport discovers that Pilate and his disciples are insatiable serial killers. Pursuing the cult in Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Michigan and Minnesota, Letty and Davenport get closer than they ever thought possible to the face of evil.

Sandford’s 25th Prey novel is my first experience with Detective Davenport and his Prey series. Without any previous knowledge of the detective, I liked him and his daughter Letty right away. They’re smart, brave, arrogant and a little crazy; but, that’s what makes them fascinating and fun.

Author Sandford clearly has a handle on the ins-and-outs of Davenport ‘s life. Dropping him into chaos is how the character loves to roll. Sandfords’s writing style is easy and uncomplicated. Well-defined voices are broken up with lots of space and quick chapters. Police procedures don’t bog down the storytelling but enhance it.

Testosterone burns hard and fast as local law enforcement in the rural community steps up to form a posse. Donavan is renewed when he sees the competence of the brave and capable folks in a shoot-out with the bad guys.

I was most intrigue by Letty’s past. Adopted by Davenport after her own family failed her, she has more than a father in Davenport – they are kindred spirits. This complicates the story. When Letty gets into serious trouble with Pilate, Davenport is now not only detective, but a concerned and enraged father. Their partnership in crisis ups the stakes.

I liked the father-daughter duo. But after a beating, Letty mostly leaves the action. The finale includes an exciting car chase with Letty driving her father’s Porche with him as a passenger.

Gathering Prey tells a gruesome and graphic tale of killers who have no regard for human life. They prey on the lost. Pain and suffering is their elixir. They have a leader who is an idiot, a coward and a liar. But still, Pilot’s disciples believe his nonsensical cultish bullshit. I admit though, I enjoyed dropping in on this despicable group.

Throughout the story, there is a subtle but powerful debate about the taking of human life. Good and bad characters share what it feels like to kill another human being -- even Letty has a confession.

Evil is closer than we think. I’d like to know more about Donavan’s past. I’m sure going back into the series would reveal quite a bit about the man. Mostly, I look forward to what Letty and her father do next. Can Donavan really retire? We shall see. I hope not.

Congratulations to John Sandford on the silver anniversary of the #1 New York Times bestselling Prey series.

A ShOOT OuT WITh EVIlGatherinG Prey

By JohN saNFord

FictioN


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SUN MAY 3129 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Dean Spunt noon poolside, Slacker Sunday w/ Jeniluv 10pmAJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch 11:30am AzuL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pmBART LOuNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown, R&B and Funk 4pm-2am BLuEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOuNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pmCASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOuNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pmEL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHuA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pmLAS CASuELAS TERRAzA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the nightMELVYN’S RESTAuRANT & LOuNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pmNEIL’S LOuNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pmTHE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAuRANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pmPALM CANYON ROADHOuSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pmPAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Hot Fudge Sunday Band 7pmPLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PuRPLE ROOM@CLuB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.231 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pmSAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SuLLIVAN’S STEAKHOuSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 4pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Luck Be a Lady w/ Francesca Amari and Darci Daniels 6:30pmVICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John

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MON JUNE 129 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm BART LOuNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood Deep House Lounge 4pm-2am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASuELAS TERRAzA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOuNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15amTHE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pmPALM CANYON ROADHOuSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Kevin Quinn 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Trivia Night Hosted by Chelsea Sugarbritches 7pm SuLLIVAN’S STEAKHOuSE; PD; 760-341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PuB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2amVuE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pmWILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Family Karaoke hosted by Joleene 6pm WOODY’S BuRGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Barney McClure Jazz 6pm

TUE JUNE 229 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AzuL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pmBART LOuNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Rock & Roll 4pm-2am BLuEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pmCASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm

CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pmCuNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOuNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOuNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HuNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pmINDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHuA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pmLAS CASuELAS TERRAzA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOuNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15amTHE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pmPALM CANYON ROADHOuSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Acoustic Guitar Jam 8pm PuRPLE ROOM@CLuB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Darci Daniels 6:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 9pm SuLLIVAN’S STEAKHOuSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co.TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm VILLAGE PuB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainmentVuE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pmWOODY’S BuRGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar 6pm

WED JUNE 329 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pmACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AzuL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pmBART LOuNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Beer Pong Contest 4pm-2am BLuEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm

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governing whether evidence (information) in a civil or criminal case is admissible. Not all evidence is admissible and it is hard for a client to understand why a lawyer will not be able to submit certain evidence in the trial.

Witness: Is the person who comes to court and swears under oath to give truthful evidence as to his knowledge of the facts in issue between either party in a case.

Sentencing: If a defendant pleads guilty or goes to trial and is found guilty, then the judge decides the penalty (sentence) to be imposed. This could include jail time, probation and or a fine.

Dale Gribow“TOP LAWYER” PALM SPRINGS LIFE 2011-

2016; PERFECT AVVO 10.0 Peer Rating; “PREEMINENT” Martindale Hubbell Rue’s, “BEST ATTORNEYS” OF AMERICA

(TOP 100/STATE)2015 Client Appreciation & Client

Distinction AwardsMan of the Year 7x’sDale Gribow Day 4x’sDON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI

OR UBER………IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME!

If you have any questions or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow at 760 837 7500 or [email protected]

committed and the defendant is “connected” with the crime. It is not the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt standard…yet.

Pre Trial Hearing: This is the misdemeanor proceeding after an arraignment where the DA and the defense attorney get a chance to talk to see if there is a basis of a plea to something. If so then this is the DA’s proposed sentence he would recommend to the judge. Sometimes the DA is so jammed with trials that they “give away the court house”….but this does not happen often. In addition each DA has their own set of rules for reductions.

Probable Cause (PC): A police officer must have PC… which is a reasonable belief that the person has committed a crime. For instance, when an officer sees a car speeding, making an unsafe lane change or with a broken tail light, he now has probable (reasonable) cause to stop the car. If the officer then smells alcohol, sees a bag of drugs or a gun on the front seat, he can further investigate for a possible DUI, possession or sales of drugs or possession of a loaded firearm etc.

Prosecutor: Is the lawyer (DA) representing the county who prosecutes the case

Public Defender: Is the attorney appointed by the judge to represent an indigent defendant.

Reasonable Doubt: Generally in a criminal case a defendant is entitled to a not guilty verdict if in the minds of the judge or jury, guilt has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rules of Evidence: These are the standards

from the arrestee.Misdemeanor: A crime for which the

punishment is usually a fine and/or up to a YEAR in the county jail. Sometimes a crime that is a misdemeanor for the first offense becomes a felony for repeated offenses.

Any crime not a misdemeanor is a Felony which carries over a year in PRISON… instead of jail. This is what is called hard time.

Nolo Contendere: The Indio Court does not accept a NOLO plea which is the NO CONTEST we see on TV. Thus our local defendants have to enter a plea of guilty instead of Nolo. It has the same effect as a plea of guilty as far as a criminal sentence is concerned. However it may not be considered as an admission of guilt for any other purpose such as a related civil case. In other words, on a DUI with injuries the lawyer handling the civil accident case for the victim cannot refer to the guilty plea and must still prove liability (guilt).

Plea Bargain: Is a negotiated agreement between the defense and the DA in a criminal case. Typically the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a specified charge in exchange for an oral promise of a lower sentence. However the Indio DA’s are not very eager to enter into a plea bargain. They have a lot of young lawyers that want to put a notch on their belt by trying more cases so they can get advanced out of the misdemeanor courts.

Preliminary Hearing: Is also called a Preliminary Examination. It is a legal proceeding used with a felony whereby the DA has to show that a crime has been

If you got arrested or were in an auto accident over the Memorial Day weekend you have found yourself in a

jungle. A jungle that is more dangerous than any other in which you could have gotten lost. You do not know what to do. Should you talk to the insurance company adjuster or the police? Who do you call for information…the lawyer on TV with all the same numbers? What do all these legal terms you are hearing really mean in laymen’s language?

This week we will navigate the criminal terms and next week we will look at the accident language.

The Criminal Terms Definitions are: Criminal Act: Is an act committed by a

person, against the public, that violates a California law and which is punishable by the government.

Arraignment: Is the first court appearance for both a misdemeanor and felony where the defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. The date is listed on the bottom of the citation you received.

Miranda Warning: Is the statement of rights the police recite when you are taken into custody. They include your right to remain silent and to have an attorney etc. One of the most common concerns I get from new clients is “but they did not read me my Miranda rights”. I explain that these rights ONLY have to be administered IF law enforcement is going to question you. With many cases police can make a case without asking any questions and obtaining any info

pAlm DESERT lAWyER ExpOSES ThE CIVIl AnD CRImInAl JunglEdale griBow oN the law

haddoN liBBy

CAnARy In A COAl mInECleveland cop Michael Brelo jumps

on the hood of Cleveland couple Timothy and Malissa Russell and

fires fifteen shots at close distance at this unarmed couple. The couple had led the police on a high speed chase that at one point had sixty police cars and 100 officers chasing them. Clearly, the couple should have stopped but should the police have shown such over-the-top use of force?

Probably not but Cleveland is a mess. Nearly two in five residents live in poverty; up from one in three 10 years ago yet the official unemployment rate is only 8.3%. 1.4% of all children born in Cleveland will die before the age of five because of largely preventable health matters - a level of infant mortality is on par with war-ravaged Syria!

in donations. Ample evidence suggests that some of those payments were made with the expectation of political favors. Big surprise there!

We have our own example right now with Mayor Pougnet in Palm Springs. Pougnet’s foibles started when he received a $150,000 a year job from the film festival while the city gave hundreds of thousands to the film festival. We didn’t hear too much about that. Could it be because The Desert Sun representatives sit on the board of the film festival and the paper sells a lot of ads to the film festival and its board members? What Pougnet did was no different than what Ginny Foat had done earlier in getting a job from the Mizell Senior Center after the city gave money to them. Both were unrelated coincidences, right? Nothing to look at here.

So next, Pougnet “friends” get money to start a restaurant and buy land at special prices and Pougnet gets paid.

Don’t stop at criticizing Pougnet only - where were the city’s checks and balances? Where were the rest of the city council when he was enriching himself with taxpayer money? Did the city attorney or city manager voice their concerns to the rest of the city council? Maybe this is all just business as usual and not the type of behavior that concerns any of them.

Whether in Cleveland, Baltimore or Indio, the rising level of abuse of force cases with the police is a canary in a coal mine. If you are unfamiliar with the phrase, once upon a time coal miners would bring canaries into mine shafts to test for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and methane. If the bird died, they knew that they were at risk too. These abuse of force cases are a warning sign, or result, of other inequities growing throughout society.

Large banks like Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo pay tens of BILLIONS in fines for illegal activities against customers like you and me yet not one person goes to jail.

The leading candidate for President of the United States, Hillary Clinton, has a non-profit foundation with her former President husband that receives hundreds of millions

Given that Pougnet ran for Congress, maybe he was taking his lead from them.

Sadly, we have become a society where those in power use their positions to enrich themselves in ways that at minimum are unethical and definitely not in the best interests of their electorate.

If you dislike where all of this is going - guess what - you can help fix things. Get involved and be heard in local politics. When getting involved, do not do it alone. By yourself, you may get steamrolled by those not wanting your involvement. Their hope is that you will throw up your hands and walk away. By teaming up with others who want to make difference, you will find that things will begin to change.

Things will not change if you sit at home watching television and/or playing video games.

There will be more Michael Brelo’s and Steve Pougnet’s unless you step up and get involved.

Haddon Libby is Managing Partner of Winslow Drake, an investment advisory practice and co-founder of ShareKitchen.

He can be reached at [email protected].


22 23

FREE WIll ASTROlOgyWeek of May 28

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keith Moon played drums for the rock band the Who. He was once voted the second-greatest drummer in history. But his erratic behavior, often provoked by drugs or alcohol, sometimes interfered with his abilities. In 1973, the Who was doing a live concert near San Francisco when the horse tranquilizer that Moon had taken earlier caused him to pass out. The band appealed to the audience for help. “Can anybody play the drums?” asked guitarist Pete Townshend. “I mean somebody good?” A 19-year-old amateur drummer named Scot Halpin volunteered. He played well enough to finish the show. I suspect that sometime soon, Aries, you may also get an unexpected opportunity to play the role of a substitute. Be ready!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The weta is a very large insect whose habitat is New Zealand. It looks like a robotic grasshopper, with giant black eyes on a long red face, enlarged hind legs bearing spikes, and floppy, oversized antennae. The native Maori people call it “the god of the ugly things.” Please note that this is a term of respect. The weta’s title is not “the most monstrous of the ugly things,” or “the worst” or “the scariest” or “the most worthless of the ugly things.” Rather, the Maori say it’s the god -- the highest, the best, the most glorious. I suspect that in the coming days, Taurus, you will have a close encounter with your own version of a “god of ugly things.” Doesn’t it deserve your love and welcome?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You have successfully made the transition from brooding caterpillar to social butterfly. Soon you will be in your full, fluttery glory, never lingering too long with one thought, one friend, or one identity. Some heavy-duty, level-headed stalwarts might wish you would be more earthy and anchored, but I don’t share their concern. At least for now, having a long attention span is overrated. You have entered the fidgety, inquisitive part of your cycle, when flitting and flirting and flickering make perfect sense.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Only one fear is worthy of you. Only one fear is real enough and important enough to awaken and activate the numb part of your intelligence. So for now, I suggest that you retire all lesser fears. Stuff them in a garbage bag and hide them in a closet. Then put on your brave champion face, gather the allies and resources you need, and go forth into glorious battle. Wrestle with your one fear. Reason with it. If necessary, use guile and trickery to gain an advantage. Call on divine inspiration and be a wickedly good truth-teller. And this is crucial: Use your fear to awaken and activate the numb part of your intelligence.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the coming nights, try to see your shadow as it’s cast on the ground by the moon. Not by the sun, mind you. Look for the shadow that’s made by the light of the moon. It might sound farfetched, but I suspect this experience will have a potent impact on your subconscious mind. It may jostle loose secrets that you have been hiding from yourself. I bet it will give you access to emotions and intuitions you have been repressing. It could also help you realize that some of the deep, dark stuff you wrestle with is not bad and scary, but rather fertile and fascinating.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The ancient Greek statesman Demosthenes was regarded as a supremely skilled orator. His speeches were so powerful that he was compared to a “blazing thunderbolt.” And yet as a youngster he spoke awkwardly. His voice was weak and his enunciation weird. To transform himself, he took drastic measures. He put pebbles in his mouth to force himself to formulate his words with great care. He recited poems as he ran up and down hills. At the beach, he learned to outshout the pounding surf. Take inspiration from him, Virgo. Now would be an excellent time for you to plan and launch strenuous efforts that will enable you to eventually accomplish one of your long-range goals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Long-distance flirtations may soon be just around the corner or

across the street. Remote possibilities are taking short cuts as they head your way. I swear the far horizon and the lucky stars seem closer than usual. Is it all a mirage? Some of it may be, but at least a part of it is very real. If you want to be ready to seize the surprising opportunities that show up in your vicinity, I suggest you make yourself as innocent and expansive as possible. Drop any jaded attitudes you may be harboring. Let the future know that you are prepared to receive a flood of beauty, truth, and help.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suspect that marriages of convenience will begin to wither away unless they evolve into bonds of affection. Connections that have been fed primarily on fun and games must acquire more ballast. In fact, I recommend that you re-evaluate all your contracts and agreements. How are they working for you? Do they still serve the purpose you want them to? Is it time to acknowledge that they have transformed and need to be reconfigured? As you take inventory, be both tough-minded and compassionate.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Petrarch was an influential 14th-century Italian poet whose main work was Song Book. It’s a collection of 366 poems, most of which are dedicated to Laura, the woman he loved. For 40 years he churned out testaments of longing and appreciation for her, despite the fact that he and she never spent time together. She was married to another man, and was wrapped up in raising her eleven children. Should we judge Petrarch harshly for choosing a muse who was so unavailable? I don’t. Muse-choosing is a mysterious and sacred process that transcends logic. I’m bringing the subject to your attention because you’re entering a new phase in your relationship with muses. It’s either time to choose a new one (or two?) or else adjust your bonds with your current muses.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “The soul moves in circles,” said the ancient Greek philosopher Plotinus. Modern psychologist James Hillmans agreed, and added this thought: “Hence our lives are not moving straight ahead; instead, hovering, wavering, returning, renewing, repeating.” I bring this to your attention, Capricorn, because you’re now in an extra-intense phase of winding and rambling. This is a good thing! You are spiraling back to get another look at interesting teachings you didn’t master the first time around. You are building on past efforts that weren’t strong enough. Your words of power are crooked, gyrate, curvy, labyrinthine, and corkscrew.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s no coincidence that your libido and your mojo are booming at the same time. Your libido is in the midst of a deep, hearty awakening, which is generating a surplus of potent, super-fine mojo. And your surplus of potent, super-fine mojo is in turn inciting your libido’s even deeper, heartier awakening. There may be times in the coming week when you feel like you are living with a wild animal. As long as you keep the creature well-fed and well-stroked, it should provide you with lots of vigorous, even boisterous fun.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early,” quipped 19th-century English author Charles Lamb. I invite you to adopt that breezy, lazy attitude in the coming weeks. It’s high time for you to slip into a very comfortable, laidback mood... to give yourself a lot of slack, explore the mysteries of dreamy indolence, and quiet down the chirpy voices in your head. Even if you can’t literally call in sick to your job and spend a few days wandering free, do everything you can to claim as much low-pressure, unhurried spaciousness as possible.

Homework: Your Future Self comes to you and says, “You must get rid of two beliefs that are holding you back.” What are they? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will [email protected]

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

By julie Buehlersports sceNe

countless NFL accolades be insecure?” Because, my friend, that’s what success

breeds: insecurity. But not in the sense that you or I

understand insecurity. In a much bigger, much more suffocating

manifestation. It’s a sinking feeling that once successful

you’re not good enough to remain successful. That once the pressure to perform is ratcheted even higher than previous, unforeseen highs, you’ll succumb and be merely mortal.

It’s a pulsating suspicion that you’ll be discovered as average and it’s a deep conviction that unless extraordinary means are exacted, whether that be rigorous physical training, relentless study, difficult personal sacrifice or the like, your best will cease to be enough.

Insecurity is what made Jerry Rice run mile upon mile up the steep inclines in the San Francisco hills and use Stickum to catch extra balls.

It shortened Bill Walsh’s Hall of Fame coaching career. Causing him to retire after one Super Bowl victory and a season before the team he built won another.

Insecurity took a sure-fire Hall of Fame hitter and turned him into a caricature with an inflated head and homerun numbers.

A lot has been said about Tom Brady in wake of the “DeflateGate” scandal. His illustrious legacy

tarnished in the eyes of many, his numerous NFL records in question in the minds of others.

He’s been called a cheat, a liar, a villain, petty, disingenuous and a thesaurus full of adjectives that may or may not be accurate depending on your perspective.

But one thing he hasn’t been called that is clearly evident: insecure.

Oh sure, the immediate reaction is to scoff at such a notion: “Come on Buehler, how can a man who’s married to a super model sporting 4 Super Bowl rings and

achieve the perceived unachievable, seek unethical means with which to do so, all the while mistaking their cheating for the “extraordinary means” they recognize are necessary to remain successful.

It’s a difficult concept for most fans to realize: that some of the biggest names in sports, the Tom Bradys and Barry Bonds and even Jerry Rice, who espouse such confidence and supreme ability, are so fragile mentally that they could be convinced that cheating is their only way to succeed.

But much like insecurity can convince a beautiful girl to look in the mirror and see an unattractive, distorted face, it can also cause a hall-of-fame player to look at the rules and see a distorted way to ensure success.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 2-4 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station. She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners. Tune in M-F 2-4 pst at www.team1010.com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

Insecurity is a seething sensation that when channeled effectively, in proper perspective and dosage, can turn a good coach, player or professional into a juggernaut of motivation for success. But when left unchecked, morphs into a steady justification for jumping on that slippery slope of subjective ethics.

A.K.A. It takes a talented person and convinces them they need to cheat.

It’s easy for us onlookers to scoff and mock those caught cheating, seeing how the insecurities of the general population stem around big noses, spare tires and cellulite.

But there’s a darker side to the insecurities beset on those at the highest level of sport. Once at the top of the mountain, the expectations to remain at that level, or achieve the same level of attention as the previous year creates this brooding cauldron of emotional instability that even the most talented players will seek to cool by taking as many variables into their control as possible.

All the while the stark reality of Father Time’s undefeated record makes that quest to remain steadfast atop the mountain impossible. The few and rare individuals that give Father Time a run for his money only make the expectations for others that much less achievable.

So rather than succumb to reality and recognize the boundaries of fair play, those insecure individuals, in order to

ThE OnE ThIng EVERy AThlETE IS BuT FEW OF ThEm WIll ADmIT

you and your family can seek cover in each room of your home.

During an earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On. Get down low to avoid falling, find a sturdy desk or table to seek cover under and hold onto it while covering your head with your other arm. If there are no tables, find an interior wall that is not near any heavy furniture or near glass picture frames, windows or under light fixtures, scoot down and cover your head. If outside, find an open area away from buildings, trees, or overhead utility wires, sit down and cover your head.

After the quake, check your home for potential hazards. If you smell gas, turn it off at the valve.

For more information visit: www.ready.gov/earthquakesFire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

By Fire chieF saM diGiovanna

There’s been a lot of shak’in going on lately both far and near. With 57 members from Task Force 2 of the

Los Angeles County Fire Dept returning home and sadly 6 members of the U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton losing their lives to assist with rescue efforts both in Nepal, make a good reminder that earthquakes can strike at anytime and anywhere says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Many of our fault lines are ready to move. Are you? I didn’t think so, now let’s shake it out!

Before a quake strikes, check home for potential hazards – things that can topple over and cause injury. Secure televisions, bookshelves and other heavy furniture to the wall. Use special hooks to secure photos and art to walls. Plan and rehearse where

Studies show that people who skip breakfast have a harder time with weight control as they tend to snack

on high calorie foods to ward off hunger. For children, breakfast is critical as their

bodies and brains are growing and need more meals and snacks than adults. Studies show that children who skip breakfast have a harder time maintaining concentration levels throughout the day.

Some basic things that we all need in our diet each morning are foods high in antioxidants, vitamin C, protein, calcium, potassium and fiber. Antioxidants are critical to protecting us from disease while vitamin C helps the body in making collagen which is important to the growth and repair of things such as skin, cartilage, tendons and blood vessels. Protein is one of the key building blocks that keeps the body healthy while calcium supports proper cell function and bone density. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important to muscle functions as the heart. Without enough potassium, people are more likely to suffer from insomnia and depression while tiring more easily. Fiber is important in cleansing the body and helping to maintain cholesterol levels.

So what are some of the healthiest things that we can eat to start the day?

ShAK’In All OVER... BREAKFAST IS FOR ChAmpIOnS...WE lIKE BREAKFASTEggs are a good choice as they contain

thirteen essential nutrients and enough protein to prevent mid-morning hunger pangs.

Black coffee or tea, provide us with lots of antioxidants. Additionally, research has shown that coffee can have heart benefits, may slow cognitive decline that comes with age, prevent some basal cell carcinomas and even protect against type 2 diabetes.

Bananas are an easy and fast breakfast food that has vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Grapefruit are another great source of potassium as well as vitamin C. Yogurt is a top source for protein and calcium while oatmeal provides us with the fiber we need to keep cholesterol levels under control.

sharekitcheNsaFety tips

http://www.team1010.com

http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes


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liFe&career coachBy sunny siMon

Yesterday a mystery package arrived at my door via UPS. Not celebrating anything in particular I wondered

about the timing of this gift box. My excitement mounted as I dove into the package. Tucked inside, along with an array of gifts, was a note from my friend Jennifer explaining the contents.

One item was something she meant to give me during my last visit to Michigan, but was somehow misplaced for the past two years. Another part of the mystery box was in celebration of my birthday 10 months ago and the third item, a Christmas ornament, was intended as a gift for last year or perhaps Christmas, 2015? She left that to my discretion.

I smiled as I thought of my dear friend. Although highly talented in numerous ways, Jennifer has been known to misplace things and easily lose track of time. I think when the late Dr. Suess penned the line, “How did it get so late so soon?” he probably had my friend in mind.

Like many other individuals, Jennifer has some organizational and time management issues. Actually, much of my coaching practice is composed of people who want to raise the bar and sharpen these skills. Granted it is not always easy. David Allen, productivity guru and author of the international best seller, “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity,”

admits to losing his focus sometimes just like Jennifer and the rest of us. Why? Because even a finely tuned, time management focused day can go south when the schedule suffers unexpected interruption. We all get derailed, but those who possess solid productivity practices do bounce back quicker.

Time management and organizational skills are kissing cousins in my mind. Highly organized people not only work smarter, they save precious hours and dedicate that time to accomplishing even more. What is the key to being orderly and getting things done? Many experts will tell you the secret is designing routines and systems. To that, I add three key elements: Deal with all items each day in one manner or another. Either act on it, table it for another day or take it right off your “to do” list. Number two, pay attention and work in sync with your body clock. If you are a morning person, work on the most difficult tasks in the early AM. Lastly employ technology. Find the organizational tools that work for you and use them.

I hope these suggestions work for you but secretly I hope Jennifer never changes. After all, who doesn’t like Christmas in July?

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

SuggESTIOnS FOR yOuR ORgAnIzATIOnAl TOOlBOx

Are you living courageously? While you may think you are doing so, perhaps not? Living with courage

translates into coming face-to-face with your fears. Facing our fears is daunting. We may have to work through what we have dusted under the rug. It may be that you have deferred this for days, weeks, months, and likely years. If we confront our fears we may believe we will lose a sense of personal security. Simultaneously facing our fears can set us free.

You may have gone or are going through life with the attitude of not bucking the system, not willing to rock the boat. We are hopeful that life will pull us in the right direction. Perhaps, it doesn’t? Remember, you are in the driver’s seat. You need to take the bull by the horns and express your fears and live them out. Write down your fears and number them from one to ten. Ask yourself, how many of these fears. What would your life look like if you lived fearlessly? Possibly you can find comfort in your fears? You will not know until you go there.

Each of us has the little voice inside our heads that reminds us of our trepidations. This annoying roommate in our heads can paralyze us from moving forward with expressing our true self. Often we enable our own fears by not confronting them face-to-face. Conquering your anxieties will propel you to escape bondage. This bondage is the wrestling match you continue to experience with self.

Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; i.e. bravery. Research tells us that courage is an acquired skill, not an emotional one. Which also means the thinking, neocortex part of the brain overrides the emotional limbic impulses. Build your courage slowly. You do not have to take drastic measures. Do not contemplate there is an exact process to building your courage. Simply be present and conscious of what you are doing. Take your time and allow your courage to blossom organically.

Embrace discovering your courage. You will develop your true purpose. At first you may sense uneasiness. It will not be easy to overcome a world that you have feared for so long. Continue to envision your new sense of liberation.

As you embark on the journey of embracing your newfound courage you may experience failure or rejection. Remember these are the true stepping-stones leading you to your victorious outcome. When you arrive at the top of the mountain, your true strength will resonate insurmountable strength.

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” You must do the thing you think you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt

By Bronwyn ison

MiNd, Body & spirit

lIVIng COuRAgEOuSly

http://www.raisethebarhigh.com


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Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Rebecca Diaz

760-325-3400

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

Feline Veterinary ServiceEvery aspect of our clinic is designed with the special needs of cats in mind. From the quiet serene waiting room to the relaxing exam rooms and cat-friendly cages for hospitalized patients, our goal is to promote a peaceful, stress-free environment for your cats.

• Routine Care• Geriatic Care• Spay/Neuter

• Digital Radiology• Laboratory Services• New Kitten Care

• Vaccinations• General Surgery• Dentistry

Services include:

67870 Vista Chino Cathedral City, CA 92234www.catcitycat.com

May 28 to June 3, 2015 www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

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coachella valley weekly - may 28 to june 3, 2015 vol. 4 no. 10

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