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JULY 2014 // INDEPENDENCE ISSUE
10 Things You Should Do in San Diego FAREWELL MR. PADRE
Tony Gwynn THE AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHY OF
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volume 2 * issue 5 * juLY 2014
Publisher/Editor Chris Lapham Director of sales/Senior Editor Steve Kang
Growing up with a family in the newspaper business was an interesting experience. I can vividly remember as a little kid being so impressed and overwhelmed at the sheer size of the printing presses, plate making equipment and overall buzz that is associated with being in a pressroom.
Senior Managing Editor Cory Waterhouse
I used to follow my Dad and Grandpa around like a dog on a leash trying to soak up everything I could. By the age of ten, I was working after school and on weekends. Unfortunately for me, child labor laws didn’t apply to family back then. I’m still busting my dad’s chops about it til this day. Still, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn.
Director of Marketing Pete Rocky Creative Consultant/Photo Editor John Schnack
One of my favorite memories was learning about photography. Trying to navigate my way around in a dark room. The smell of the chemicals as film and prints were being processed, I found it all fascinating. My grandfather and dad both had pretty impressive photographic skills. I spent many hours with my grandpa learning about cameras, shutter speeds, films speeds, focusing...you name it. Things were different back then. They didn’t have all the automation and technology. You actually had to manually focus your camera, and have a thorough understanding of film speed and lighting conditions. Today we live in a different world. State of the art digital cameras that are incredibly fast with brilliant auto focus and light metering. You can download straight to a laptop and do in a few minutes what used to take a week. Go Pro’s? Don’t even get me started.
Online Editor Jeran Fraser Assistant to the Assistant senior Editor matt fairbanks CONTRIBUTORS Meghan Balser, Mike “Mikey Beats” Beltran, Dale Hersey, Erik Martin, Lara Miller, Michelle Lyn, Brady Phelps, Miles Roberson, Holly Sheets, Brian Shire, Jason Stewart, Max Wettstein, Steve Woods photographers Lauren Fraser, Andi Pianalto, John Schnack
You may be asking yourself why all the reminiscing? It’s simple; we had the opportunity to get an exclusive interview with Clark Little and I’m a huge fan. If I were a betting man, I would say most of you have heard of him. Just last weekend, Clark topped one million Instagram followers. No, that’s not a typo.
Just eight years ago, he didn’t even have a camera. His fame started in the most unconventional way; his wife brought home a photo of a wave and he thought he could do it better. The rest is history. If you get a moment check out Clark’s website and Instagram and be prepared to have your mind blown. I would be remiss if I didn’t touch on Comic-Con. Yes; it’s that time of year again. Be prepared for craziness in the Gaslamp and some of the best people watching known to man. I might just post up at barleymash and not leave until it’s all over. Just be careful, you can’t “unsee” some things. I still have that original Zeiss lens my grandfather gave me. I think I might go home tonight and bust it out; it’s still as sharp as anything you can buy today. Now, if my old eyes can only focus it. Cheers!
LOVE
Every now and then somebody finds a new genre. For Clark, that’s capturing some of the most amazing and unique barrel images ever seen. To accomplish this, he puts his life in harms way, literally standing in the barrels of the Waimea Bay Shorebreak, getting thousands of gallons of water slammed on his head.
Account Representatives Andrea Batlle, Marisa Goodbody, Teresa Strom
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contents
FEATURES
Features JULY 2014
CLARK LITTLE TONY GWYNN
10 THINGS
20 30 34
Photographer Extraordinaire
6 4L magazine | JULY 2014
Farewell Mr. Padre
You Should Do in San Diego
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JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 7
CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS
Gambling 70 Tips: Blackjack Soft 18 vs. Ace
ON PAR 72 review: Lomas Santa Fe Executive Golf Course 76 golf Tips: Short Iron — Choosing the Right Club
Fitness 10 defense: Breaking a Board 12 Fast Break: Coach Pop Knows... 14 w/max wettstein:
Muscle Soreness and Recovery
food/drink 42 chef’s table: San Diego Meat Masters 44 BEATS & EATS: Feasting with 22 Kings 50 Restaurant Review: Lumberyard Tavern 52 uncorked: Summer’s Best Sips 54 CRAFTY: The Cat Eye Club 56 IMBIBING: Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey 58 Happiest Hour: Sandbar Sports Grill 60 Beer me: Culture Brewing Co. 62 Tender: Haley Hoagland 64 dish: Grilled Chicken Kebabs w/Couscous and Chickpea Salad
relationships 78 dating: Romantic Getaways 80 Musings: When it’s More Than Just a Round of Golf
stunning san diego
82 Emmi Rosales
travel 84 weekender: Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
rhythm
92 hot wire: Concert and Show Dates
around town 96 JULY events: Local happenings and things to do
88 All Hands on Tech: Lust-worthy gadgets that will truly make your life more enjoyable 8 4L magazine | JULY 2014
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Service Industry Workers of America
Rules of the 4X4 Challenge: Four 1/2 lb. patties, four slices of cheese, four pieces of bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onions and pickles, topped with a fried egg, on a pretzel roll, surrounded by 1 lb. of fries.
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fitness
defense
Maneuver:
breaking a board by Joe Lytch
This practice helps a person become more efficient and powerful with their strikes. Some martial arts schools use these types of demonstrations to attract new students, and they would also use the ability to break boards or bricks to promote the student to the next level. Whatever the purpose, it just looks pretty cool.
choosing your board - Pick a light material such as pine wood so that you don’t injure yourself. - A 12x12-inch board is optimal as it is easy to hold and has a sweet spot. - Use a board that is one-inch thick so it presents a challenge but doesn’t increase the risk of injury. - Make sure the board does not have a lot of knots because those can cause injuries.
The Holder 01 Fingers should be tucked with the board braced on the heel of the palms, on either side away from the strike. 02 The board should be held with the lines (grain) of the board going from top to bottom, not side to side.
the two pieces will be pulled outward away from their body. 04 Have the head turned to the side with eyes closed to protect from possible flying debris as well as keeping the board steady. 05 Don’t anticipate the strike.
03 Pressure should be applied as if pulling apart the board from side to side so, when the board is broken,
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06 Have a sturdy stance so not to fall down after the strike.
The Strike Palm Strike: This method utilizes the heel of your hand with your fingers extended as far back toward you as possible. This method is easier and hurts less, so it’s usually preferred for beginners. Fist Strike: You keep your thumb tucked underneath your fingers with a straight wrist. You should use your index finger knuckle and your middle finger knuckle for the strike. If you use your ring finger knuckle and your pinky finger knuckle, you have a good chance of breaking your hand, commonly known as a “boxer’s fracture.” When you hit the board, you want to punch through it. Imagine that your fist is going to go an additional four inches past the board. If you are just thinking of hitting the board only, you will end up tapping it without breaking it.
Warning: Breaking a board can be dangerous. It can cause serious injury or permanent damage. This is informational and for entertainment purposes only. If you are not a trained expert, please do not attempt.
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Del Mar can get a little hot this time of year. Visit DelMarScene.com
thur, july 17 - sept 3
FITNESS
FAST BREAK
Coach Pop Know but Coach Spoe Don’t Know By Jason Stewart
If you watched the 2014 NBA Finals, you saw the San Antonio Spurs dominate the Miami Heat. The Spurs performed like a brilliant orchestra without any unbalanced solos but plenty of moments of recognition for every player. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat had the “Sexy Sax Man” trying to play all the parts to every song while his teammates struggled to find moments to fit in to a tune that they had become familiar with during the last two series of the Finals. It’s not fair for Miami Heat players to suffer verbal abuse at the hands of the basketball media analyst. Players like Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole and Shane Battier should not have to endure belittling comments from outside crowds for something that has been brewing for a while.
Team Building Have you ever played on a team with someone who wanted the ball ALL the time for every possession, every game, only so they could shoot? It’s one of the most annoying things of all time. Sure, LeBron James is the greatest basketball player on planet Earth at this time. There is no denying that. However, what Coach Gregg Popovich, Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach know that Erik Spoelstra doesn’t is that you have to put your superstar in his place. That’s right. I said it. Auerbach, Jackson and Popovich all regulate how many times each player touches the ball by having an offensive system in place that requires more movement and touches for everyone. Sure, Jordan, Kobe and Ginobili have more room to be creative than others on their team. You must allow some room for more talented players. Yet, at the same time, you must not allow so much room that it hinders the ability of the other players and harms the chemistry on the floor.
What Stats Can’t Show You Your star player will always tell you that he wants the ball in his hands. Yet, as a coach, you have got to understand that if you bend to this all the time, it emasculates the other players on the team.
But Coach, We are Winning Can you win games by letting one person do all the work? Yes, you can.
Every player is on the court because they want to compete, not just contribute by passing the ball. It’s hard to play when you are thinking in the back of your mind that every decision you make that doesn’t include the star player will be criticized. Who wants to play on a team where everyone’s role is to pass to the star and get out of his way? I know that LeBron has an amazing assist stat line during the regular season and the first half of the playoffs. However, I wonder what that stat line looked like in the last series. At the end of it all, it’s not LeBron’s or his teammates’ fault.
Why? Eventually, the role players will get tired of that role, and opposing coaches will draft strategies to stop your star player and you will need a developed team including bench players. If you don’t have those things, you will find that when the star faces an immovable defense, he will get frustrated and force plays or worse, blame his teammates.
My point is that coaches must earn enough respect so they’re able to put a star player in his place using several methods without embarrassing his player or disrespecting his talent. We’ve seen countless times where Popovich is fussing and criticizing Duncan, Parker and Ginobili in front of the whole arena, yet his players respond with respect and a coachable attitude. I’m not in the huddles, so I can’t say that Spoelstra is not doing it, but what I will say is I recognize players who have lost their identity due to superstar teammates.
Is that all that matters? No, it is not.
How to Coach a Team with Superstars First, establish an offensive system that allows for everyone to touch the ball and make decisions with free will. Second, build close relationships with all your players without choosing favorites. Third, put specific plays in the playbook that highlight every position on the floor. Finally, understand that everyone on the team knows who the best player is. When the coach calls a play for that player in a critical moment, everyone will be OK with it because up until that point everyone has had the liberty to compete.
Coach Stewart has basketball summer camps.
This year camps run June 30-July 3 and Aug. 11-15 at the Encinitas Recreation Center on Encinitas Boulevard and Balour. Register for Coach Stewart’s Wildcat Camps at EncinitasParksAndRec.com. You can email Jason at Coach@ProUniversity.net 12 4L magazine | JULY 2014
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VERANT
FITNESS
with Max Wettstein
and recovery Sore? Just an intense workout or perhaps an overuse injury? Do you know the difference? “What is D.O.M.S. and what exactly is lactic-acid ‘burn’? Can taking ibuprofen or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) really limit my muscle growth? … No pain, no gain, right?!” Though usually not an issue for most of our overweight, American society, it’s important enough to take a moment to discuss exercise recovery, because that is actually when muscle growth and tissue repair take place after all. Most folks don’t need to worry about overtraining because they are barely incorporating any intense activity into their daily routine. But overtraining can be a problem,
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especially as we age into our 30s, 40s and beyond, where recovery times can triple! For the most part how long your recovery period should be between workouts is common sense: If a body part or certain muscle group is still sore, then don’t exercise it just yet because it is still undergoing repair. You can, however, certainly cross train with another exercise, or train a different muscle group. And, of course, there are times when we have an illness or have just competed in a race or perhaps just returned from a ski trip, for example, where we need to build in extra rest days. All of the above is also predicated on what kind of quality night of sleep we have been getting as well, as that is when most of our growth hormone is secreted
and when most tissue repair actually takes place. For the most part exercising is invigorating, stress-relieving and reviving—but not always, so listen to your body. The more you consistently train, the more recoveryawareness you will acquire. Too much of anything can have negative consequences and exercising too much can result in suppressed immune system, lower hormone levels and greater risk of chronic inflammatory injuries, ESPECIALLY if you are not getting that cornerstone, good night of sleep, which I cannot over-emphasize, more so than any recoverysmoothie, supplement or NSAID!
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FITNESS
with Max Wettstein
The Physiology of Muscle Soreness
There are three types of muscle-fatigue and muscle-soreness: 01 A ccumulation of lactic acid within the muscles during intense exercise above your “lactate threshold.” This feels like a “burning” sensation (the good type of burn), and as soon as intensity is decreased below your lactate threshold heart rate, your body will quickly remove and recycle the lactic acid; within 30 minutes of finishing exercising all lactic acid is gone from your muscles. 02 I ntense anaerobic exercise can cause acidosis within the muscles due to large amounts of ATP consumption. This acute fatigue can last in the muscles for several hours after very intense exercise and leaves you feeling lethargic for three to 12 hours post-exercise, such as an after an intense mountain-bike ride or a day of downhill skiing, for example. 03 Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) sets into the muscles 24 to 36 hours after heavy anaerobic exercise, especially weight lifting with heavy eccentric contractions. This is caused by tiny tears and micro-trauma in the muscle fibers and the resulting inflammation. It’s exactly what those seeking to build muscle mass are after. This micro-tear, muscle-fiber damage—along with follow-on, inflammatory-response, prostaglandins and induced growth hormone secretion—is what is responsible for triggering follow-on muscle-hypertrophy (growth), when the body repairs the muscle fibers to be stronger than they previously were.
So if you feel pain after exercise, first you need to determine if it is the “good” type of pain, such as DOMS, which means you met your goal of stimulating growth and pushed your limits. (If you’re not sore to some degree, then you may not have pushed hard enough to build muscle.) The “bad” type of pain may be a symptom of an actual injury such as a strain or pull. Incidentally, all forms of intense, anaerobic exercise trigger follow-on growth hormone secretion. Longer duration, endurance-type, aerobic exercise generally does not trigger GH. Just moving about will help ease the pain of DOMS or workout fatigue in general, so AVOID the ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, if at all possible, as they will eliminate the very prostaglandins and mild inflammation that is inducing the growth and repair! Value this “good soreness!”
DISCLAIMER Not medical advice. Opinion only
If you do suspect you have overdone it and have a strain, sprain or pull, or otherwise debilitating soreness, then remember the RICE treatment formula for acute injury: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation for the first 48 hours. Afterwards it may help to cycle ice, heat, ice, heat, and, in the case of injury, ibuprofen and NSAIDs will help control inflammation and reduce pain. Massage, foam-rolling and trigger-point work can do wonders to loosen up tight spots and ease stiffness. If the pain is intense, by all means go to urgent care and see a doctor!
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NUTRITION with Max Wettstein
DISCLAIMER Not medical advice. Opinion only
Low-Carb Diets
Understanding carbohydrates and insulin
I hate diets. There are so many low-carb diets these days, spanning from the original Atkins Diet to today’s Paleo Diet. Even going “gluten-free” can be classified as a low-carb strategy. While I’m no advocate of fad or trend diets, or food-group elimination in general, there’s no doubt that, at the very least, incorporating carb-awareness into our daily diet is a good thing, for both weight-control and lowering risk of inflammatory disease.
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NUTRITION with Max Wettstein
ketosis when there is no glucose left for brain fuel. We’ll examine ketosis more, but this “emergency” condition occurs during a state of energy crisis, preventing the brain from shutting down and going into coma. Ketosis is like our back-up generator, kicking online when our regular power plant shuts down. Ketosis has many negative effects, including headaches, memory lapses, nausea, dehydration, lethargy, kidney stress/stones and bad breath. So while there is a healthy place for a low-carb diet, a no-carb should be avoided and is not recommended by any doctor, nutritionist or trainer who has any sense.
Most of us have tried one or more of these diets or have adopted our own low-carb version. With the mainstream medical community coming on board with verification studies of the positive health benefits, it looks as if the low-carb craze is no doubt more than just a passing trend and the reality is most of us do eat way too many carbs. Of course, not all carbohydrates are created equal, depending on their insulin-response, or where they fall on the glycemic index. Along with controlling bloodsugar and insulin levels, most low-carb “diets” tend to control portions and calories as well, and recommend exercise, equally contributing to their huge success. Generally speaking (and not taking into account glutensensitivities or other food allergies which are beyond the scope of this article), carbohydrates do not necessarily deserve the bum rap they are being handed, and if eaten in moderation of the complex-type, they can be beneficial. But that wouldn’t make for a very marketable fad diet to sell folks, would it?! In fact, a carbohydrate in its digested form of glucose (blood sugar) is the primary fuel for our brains and allows us to mentally function at our optimum. Carbohydrates are also the preferred energy source for highintensity exercise, in their stored form of glycogen. Reducing carbs to an extreme level can be very unhealthy, causing our body to enter into a state of
It is worth noting before we continue that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not yet recognize, define or regulate the term “low carb.” In fact, it is illegal for food companies to market products using this phrase. So you may instead see descriptions such as “carb sense,” “carb select,” “reduced carb,” etc. Furthermore, when you see such products on store shelves, the actual content of carbohydrates contained in them is unregulated as well.
Generally speaking, we primarily talk about two forms of carbohydrate: complex and simple. Complex carbs digest and assimilate slower, have a lower glycemic index and are also known as starches. Simple carbs are sugars and digest and absorb almost immediately. Sugar comes in many forms including sucrose, fructose, lactose, corn syrup, molasses, honey and others. Sugar is what the athlete, the low-carb dieter, the diabetic and you alike need to be concerned with the most, because sugar in all of its forms has a very high glycemic index, meaning it triggers a large insulin response when digested. Sugar can be beneficial for kickstarting recovery following an intense workout. The large insulin secretion that sugar induces helps speed nutrients to damaged and depleted muscles. Sugar rapidly replaces spent glycogen stores. Other than post-workout meals, it is better to avoid sugar altogether. Sugar consumption by itself causes rapid rises in your blood-sugar levels, followed by rapid insulin spikes, followed by rapid drops in blood sugar. This cycle can cause significant energy and mood swings and even hypoglycemic symptoms.
You need to be able to read the product label and decide for yourself if it really is “low carb.” As a future reference, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) proposes that a lowcarb food should have no more than six grams of carbohydrates per serving (24 calories). Along these same lines, the term “net carbs” is not defined by the FDA either but is calculated by subtracting the fiber-carbs and the sugar-alcohols, which have negligible insulin impact, from the total carbs contained in the product.
Insulin, if you’ll remember, is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that shuttles glucose from the bloodstream to all cells in the body with glucose receptors. Your muscles, liver and fat cells alike have the potential to uptake glucose from your bloodstream. In fact, in a normal, healthy person, the liver and muscle cells will uptake glucose in first priority and store it in the form of glycogen for energy. (Glycogen is simply stored glucose.) Only once the liver and muscle glycogen stores have been replenished will any remaining excess glucose, not required for immediate fuel, be stored in the fat cells.
If you are an athlete or physically train at moderate to intense levels, then you already know that carbohydrates are essential for energy to train as well as post-training muscle recovery. Carbohydrates are without a doubt the body’s preferred energy source for moderate to intense levels of physical activity and the recovery period following. What’s more to consider, eliminating carbohydrates from your diet completely and you have just eliminated a myriad of food and nutrition choices, including grains, cereals, pastas, breads, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Clearly, we have to make room for some carbs and invite them back in to our diets where appropriate.
An average liver can store up to about 400 calories worth of glycogen (100 grams) and our muscles up to 1,500 calories worth. So our liver and muscles are huge energy reservoirs, full of glycogen. Glycogen is released in the form of glucose back into the bloodstream when needed for energy, as well as converted into ATP for muscle-cellular energy required for every single contraction. And this is good news because it clearly means that when we eat carbohydrates the first order of business is immediate energy for our brains, second is to replenish glycogen stores in the liver and muscles, and only after these two processes are accomplished will any remaining, unneeded glucose be converted
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NUTRITION with Max Wettstein
to fat stores and glucose build-up in the bloodstream. Eventually the pancreas tries to compensate for the excess blood sugar by overproducing insulin and, over time, may stop insulin production altogether. The body has no choice but to pass glucose out through the kidneys to help alleviate the resulting state of hyperglycemia, which causes many adverse health effects. A downward spiral of poor carbohydrate metabolism and increased obesity is set in motion, with chronic hyperglycemia reeking havoc on overall health.
to fat stores. Again, insulin is the shuttle for getting all of this glucose to the right cells at the right time. Although insulin does not directly promote fat storage, it does prevent fat burning for fuel when it is circulating in the blood stream, and chronic elevated blood-insulin levels cause systemic inflammation, linked to shorter life-span, linked to central obesity (belly fat), and many other inflammatory diseases. Incidentally, it should be noted the carbohydrates are not the only macronutrient that triggers insulin secretion. Protein does as well. Yes, our beloved protein. However, protein does not have nearly the large effect on insulin release that carbs do, and so for most low-carb diets, protein is considered to have a negligible effect on insulin levels. Fat is the only macronutrient that has absolutely no effect on insulin. Insulin, unlike what some hardcore, low-carb fanatics would have you believe, is very essential to our health. For athletes, insulin is responsible for muscle growth and recovery and glycogen replenishment. In fact, without insulin, our bodies have no access to glucose, and therefore no energy. Ketosis can help provide an emergency source of temporary brain fuel by breaking down fatty acids and amino acids into ketones for energy, saving our brain from slipping into coma,
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but ultimately we need our primary energy source of glucose and its transport hormone, insulin, to survive. Type 1 diabetics are individuals who do not produce insulin at all, and when they consume carbohydrates their bloodstream gets overloaded with glucose—a dangerous condition known as hyperglycemia— because it has no means of transport to the cells of the body. This type of diabetic has to inject his or herself with insulin for their entire life and closely monitor their blood-sugar levels throughout the day, especially after meals. Type 2 diabetes, also known as “adult-onset diabetes,” is much more common and, although it can be hereditary, in most cases it can be prevented or cured through diet and exercise. A type 2 diabetic produces insulin but for various reasons, usually due to obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic, excess sugar consumption, has acquired intolerance to glucose, meaning their liver and muscle cells uptake glucose very poorly, if at all. This state of poor glucose uptake is also termed as “insulin resistance.” But the problem is not with the pancreas or insulin production as is the case with type 1 diabetes but rather with the body’s cells not absorbing the glucose properly. The end result is low energy, excessive conversion of glucose
Okay, so why all that talk about diabetes? Because the whole premise behind every low-carb diet stems from medical research of type 2 diabetes, and the goal to control blood-sugar and insulin levels through diet and exercise is the same. If you’re a normal, healthy person who eats reasonably and is moderately active, you probably metabolize carbohydrates just fine, as Mother Nature intended. However, if you are a sedentary individual who does not exercise and are overweight, you may be already heading down the road of glucose intolerance, overproduction of insulin, and eventually type 2 diabetes. Age is a factor as well, because the older we get, not only do we tend to become more sedentary, but our insulin-glucose process can become dysfunctional more quickly. Considering that 65 percent of our country is now considered overweight, it is no wonder that so many are following some version of a low-carb diet. Exercise needs to be quickly addressed, because the physiological benefits go way beyond the immediate calorie expenditure and metabolism boost. Exercise literally restores/enhances your body’s glucose uptake ability, almost immediately. Athletes, for example, metabolize carbohydrates efficiently, and their livers and muscles soak up blood-sugar like huge sponges, with very little insulin required. There is no glucose left over to be stored as fat, and their insulin serves as an anabolic, nutrient-rich shuttle to the cells. This is what happens physiologically over time to all of us, if we stay on a realistic but consistent exercise program. We will metabolize, uptake and utilize the carbohydrates we eat to provide abundant, sustaining energy rather than convert and store them as fat. So as long as you’re exercising consistently, you can give in to that sweet tooth, within reason, and not worry too much about your weight or your health.
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“The unquestioned leader of surf image social media, Clark not only creates amazing images, he has created an entirely new photographic sport of barrel shooting! “ -Peter King 22 4L magazine | JULY 2014
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by Pete Rocky
“What Clark does is amazing. He puts himself in places that most humans would never want to be. ... And he generates the most incredible images because of it.” -Rob Machado It’s 5:30 a.m. on a perfectly cool spring morning on the North Shore of Oahu. Clark Little is up and tinkering with his camera equipment as light begins to pour across his gorgeous Pupukea home and property. He has several acres perched a few hundred feet above a handful of the best shore-break waves in the world. On this particular day, Clark drove down the hill to a shaded palm tree, parked and darted down to his favorite shore-break wave. Sitting on the beach, he reflects back to eight years ago, before he was a world-famous photographer, when his wife Sandy brought home a photo she’d purchased of an empty wave. Clark couldn’t believe she spent money on something so extravagant, a photo he believed he could capture on his own. “She’s the one who got me into photography, you know, coming home with a picture that she purchased,” Clark says. “I said, ‘What the hell are you doing buying a wave photo? I’ll go out there and I’ll shoot one.’ I mean, literally, that’s how I picked up a camera. I got a little housing to get in the frickin’ shore-break. Because she came home. Honestly, I wouldn’t be doing it otherwise.” The very next day he went out and put together a $150 housing to protect a rinky-dink camera, and the rest as they say is history. In those eight years, Clark, or “Turbo” as his friends refer him to, has garnered the attention of a massive wideeyed audience. His photographs have won various awards and graced the cover of countless magazines. They have been included in a two-page spread in National Geographic, an exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., where Clark also received an award, and led an appearance on Good Morning America. With all the success, Turbo is still a humble, stoked-on-life guy. He’s 45 going on 16. His peers refer to him as the luckiest guy on earth, while his two kids still occasionally refer to him as a dork. He puts it all into perspective and agrees that he’s been very fortunate but admits it’s been far from an easy road. The word “charge” is often thrown around loosely in the world of surfing. Few people on the planet have the stones that Clark Little does. Whether it’s big wave surfing, riding the shore break at Waimea Bay or putting his life in harm’s way to capture amazing images, Clark Little is the epitome of a guy who charges. He and his older brother Brock were born in Napa. Soon after, their dad got a job teaching photography at the distinguished private school known as Punahou Prep in Honolulu. (Yes, the same school the president of the United States attended). The boys made the entire campus their playground and were able to attend the school tuition free, living on campus in faculty housing with their parents for several years. The family kept making trips to the North Shore and eventually moved up to the countryside. From the day they moved in, surfing and the beach became their entire way of life. They ended up attending their final high school years away from Punahou because a three-hour-daily bus commute was becoming too hectic. They settled instead at Waialua High School near their home. They developed life-long friendships during those high school years and grew closer to the ocean each day. I asked Clark who mentored he and Brock, aside from their parents during that time. “Kerry Terukina and Marvin Foster looked over my brother and I. They taught us the ropes with surfing Haleiwa and protected us always.” Terukina was a longtime friend of fellow Hawaiian waterman Foster, who died in 2010.
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Clark looks back on those days as the path that shaped he and his brother’s life. Brock went on to become one of the most famous big wave surfers of his time, while Clark quietly charged massive shore-break barrels at Waimea Bay and began to devise a plan to become a successful grower of orchids and plumerias. Aside from his father’s career as a photography teacher, he was also a plumeria hybridizer. Clark grew fond of the process and adapted his dad’s methods of planting, propagating and crossing different plumeria breeds. This led to Clark starting up a successful eBay business. I asked him to explain what it took to get that up and running. “I spent 17 years working in Wahiawa as a horticulturalist supervisor. One thing led to another and I began to use a point and shoot camera to list these special hybrid plumeria cuttings on eBay and would sometimes get more than $500 per cutting for the rare breeds. I was literally able to build my house up in Pupukea with that plumeria money.”
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Clark is one of the most humble guys you could ever meet so hearing that story of success led me down another path, asking how he met his beautiful future wife Sandy. “I spent a lot of time down at Papailoa Road at the Hill House. Ronald Hill and I would surf and sometimes play beach volleyball. I met Sandy down there and we became inseparable. I’d go surf and she’d sit on the beach and watch. I definitely knew she was the one I wanted to be with for the rest of my life and a year and a half later, I asked her to marry me.” Clark and Sandy have two awesome and talented kids, Dane and Allie. Both have their parents love for the ocean and are gifted athletes. With the success of Clark’s photography came a ton of travel. He was constantly on the go heading off to Asia, Tahiti, Brazil and all over the United States. Clark tries to take the family whenever he can, and they’ve had some pretty amazing trips together.
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Clark’s mom was also a schoolteacher and spent 30 years teaching speech, so he has photography in his blood from his dad and the gift of being able to speak to large audiences from his mom. Clark has been able to thrive. Whether it’s at one of his two book tour signings or sitting and articulating his life’s success during numerous television interviews, he comes from a strong foundational background for his profession and lifestyle. All this running around takes a high-energy person, and Turbo isn’t afraid to admit his strongest vice is a good strong cup of coffee. He loves driving down Pupukea hill and hitting the coffee shop in front of Foodland. He sees friends and swaps stories while sipping his cup of Joe. I asked how he officially received the nickname Turbo. “My buddy David Liu and I were driving back from the Turtle Bay where we were lifeguarding and I kept overtaking slower-moving cars. One car was really lagging and I made a beeline to get around him. Liu clenched the edge of the seat and yelled out “Turbo Little” as we passed the guy. Ever since it’s stuck. And I have to admit, the name fits because I’m a pretty hyper guy.”
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I’ve known Clark since I was a grom and I’ve always known him to have an incredibly strong positive energy. I asked him to explain when and where the success of his photography first started to pay off. “It’s funny because when I first started getting into the shore break to take photos, people were wondering what in the hell I was doing. People saw me floundering around wondering to themselves if I needed help. “Slowly I was beginning to capture some pretty cool images. I started to share them with my brother and wife and a few other people and I kept hearing them say they thought I had something. I started shooting with an SD 500 and a housing I bought off Amazon for $150. At that point I was about four or five bills in. The set up was on delay so I’d have to shoot early to capture what I wanted about a second or two later. They didn’t have these GoPros back then that took 30 shots per second. You really had to be in the right spot at the right time. Anyway, the shots were starting to turn out and the next thing I know, I’m doing a little gallery show in China Town called China Town Boardroom. It was the first time I had my photos on canvas. A bunch of people came out to support me. I felt really stoked, proud and happy. It was this tiny little place but I was so stoked to have my first exhibit there. One thing led to another and my next show was in Kailua, which led to a bunch more local shows.” I asked about what it’s like to receive all the recognition and how he’s been able to deal with the fame that still continues to gain momentum. “I get blown away with how cool it is to have these kids coming up to me with their GoPros talking about how much they love doing it and how I’ve inspired them. It’s pretty crazy to be down in Mexico and have people come up to our table and say, ‘Hey, aren’t you the photographer Clark Little?’ I enjoy it and embrace it. “Another thing that stokes me is seeing all these kids that have their $299 GoPros out in the water floundering around just like I was. They’re getting ocean awareness. They’re learning about camera equipment. Some of these kids are already selling their prints online so they’re learning about business. With Instagram and technology the business side of photography is becoming more and more limitless. It’s all there with just a single push of a button.” Clark’s continued online growth has actually been in large part due to two particular mouse clicks. At press time, he currently has over one million followers on Instagram. A video of him that began to circulate on Facebook has gone viral and after three days, has a total viewership of over 2 million. In addition to the videos and Instagram, Jack Johnson and Kelly Slater also wrote forwards for his latest book, The Shorebreak Art of Clark Little. It’s seems as though the world is quite literally his oyster. The coolest part about seeing all this success come to Clark is the maintenance of his downto-earth demeanor. He still tries to answer questions regarding equipment. He still makes time for an eager fan with a question. And he made time for me on a moment’s notice, treating me to a front row seat and view into his world. Clark’s major success, as he puts it, is simply traced back to his wife bringing home a picture she bought of an empty wave. Eight years later, he’s reaping huge rewards from that moment. A set wave smashes onto the beach. There’s now more than a dozen groms flapping around in the water with GoPros attached to their arms. They’re all trying to capture a photo similar to what Clark has become famous for. What is it in your life that’s right there ready for the taking? For me it’s appreciating every opportunity I have with friends and family. Clark has been an inspiration for greater success, to follow your passion and dreams, no matter where they may lead. I was honored to spend a couple of days with Turbo, learning the ins and outs of photography and what truly makes him tick. I guess we should all be thanking Sandy for making that purchase.
SHOREBREAK Award-winning shorebreak wave photographer Clark Little’s second book entitled Shorebreak. The 160-page,10”x10” coffee table book features over 100 wave and ocean photographs, including 65 two-page spreads, from beaches near Clark’s home along the famed North Shore of Oahu, as well as pictures taken over the last four years during Clark’s travels to Japan, French Polynesia, California and the neighbor islands of Hawaii including Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. Anyone, who appreciates and enjoys a one-of-a-kind ocean vista with a close-up clarity and perspective seldom seen even by the most experienced surfer, will delight in this unique collection of photographs. Available through website ClarkLittle.com, Clark Little Gallery Haleiwa (Hawaii) and other galleries and stores. A special Collector’s Edition Book (500 edition) was released on February 21, 2014. Each Collector’s Edition book is signed and numbered, and includes a leather cover, clamshell case, and a limited edition 8”x8” aluminum print only available with the Collector’s Edition. Price: $250. For more information on the Clark’s new book Shorebreak visit ClarkLittle.com
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By Brady Phelps
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The story goes young Anthony Keith Gwynn prepare young Anthony Keith Gwynn prepared for a scolding. His manager at Triple-A Hawaii had called him into the office and Tony just knew that it was because of his base-running blunder the night before. He had been drafted by the Padres out of San Diego State just 14 months earlier. His manager told Tony he couldn’t play in the game later that night. What Tony didn’t realize was that this wasn’t his punishment, rather, he’d been called up to The Show. That’s right, The Murph awaited. It was July 19, 1982, and in his fourth at-bat for the San Diego Padres, Tony Gwynn got his first major league hit ... a double. Trailing him to backup the throw was the Phillies first baseman, a fella by the name of Pete Rose.
Who among us is worthy to write a tribute to the great Tony Gwynn? I’m certainly not. I’m not worthy. I’m not worthy of a man who was idolized by an entire generation of San Diegans. If you grew up in San Diego in the ‘80s or ‘90s, your sports hero was Tony Gwynn. Period. His presence on your TV, the radio, the newspaper and your community was matched by none. He was larger than life on and off the field. If you were lucky enough to ever be in his presence, his laughter would fill the room while it filled your heart. He wasn’t perfect. He’d be the first to admit it. He first starting chewing tobacco in rookie ball in Walla Walla, Washington. He needed something to take the edge off because he was so worried about failing on the field. Sure, he tried seeds, bubble gum, synthetic chews, but alas, he admitted, “I’m a tobacco junkie.” (Tom Friend, ESPN)
“First big league hit, huh?” said Rose. “Yes, Mr. Rose,” answered Gwynn. Then came the handshake. “Shaking Pete Rose’s hand is what sticks out for me,” said Gwynn. “It was an era when veteran guys didn’t say a whole lot to young guys. He didn’t have to do that but he did. That always resonated with me.”
All that changed when he was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland in 2010. After a fight, we all thought he’d beat it ... but it came back.
As Rose jogged back to first base, he stopped, turned back and said, “Congratulations, kid. Don’t catch me in one night.” Little did the Hit King know that he was speaking to a future member of the elite 3,000 hit club. (Kirk Kenney, U-T San Diego)
When I heard that Tony Gwynn had passed at the age of 54 after his bout with cancer, I was speechless. It couldn’t be true. My eyes welled, and my heart turned violently inside of my chest. It wasn’t fair. San Diego’s greatest sports icon
was gone. The memories, however, will never leave us. The statistics this man produced are staggering. After that first hit, Gwynn went on to gather 3,140 more ... good for 19th all-time. He played in 15 All-Star Games in 20 years. He wasn’t a natural in the outfield ... he worked at it, and earned himself five Gold Gloves. Before he turned into the lovable, pudgy Tony Gwynn this city came to love, the SDSU point guard in him once stole 56 bases in a single season. His .394 batting average in the 1994 season is the highest since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941. Everybody remembers this because the season was cut short by a strike. Tony believed he would’ve topped the .400 mark if he could’ve finished the season. He was in the zone. The month prior, his average was a cool .475—he was getting better. He finished his career with a .338 average, which ranks 18th all-time. That’s a misleading statistic because all 17 players ranked ahead of him? They started their careers prior to 1939. Now you know why Gwynn is considered the best pure-hitter in this generation. Sure, average isn’t everything, but it means a lot.
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In Tom Molito’s book, Double Dating With Mickey Mantle, The Mick said, “My biggest regret was letting my lifetime average drop below .300. I always felt I was a .300 hitter and if I could change one thing that would be it.” In 1998, Gwynn shocked the baseball world with the first 0 for 15 slump of his career. While calling the game, Dodgers broadcaster Ross Porter did some quick calculations and figured out that Tony could extend that streak to 0 for 1,109 and still have a career average of .300— incredible. (Keith Olbermann, ESPN) In an era where he could’ve tested free agency, and got paid ... he chose not to. Tony Gwynn played his entire career with the San Diego Padres and, to be honest, the Padres never really deserved him. Sure, the runs they took in 1984, 1996 and 1998 were memorable and special. But as a whole, the Padres have been a difficult franchise to cheer for. Prior to Tony, the Padres had the San Diego Chicken to be excited about ... that’s about it. He could’ve followed the money like countless other big league ballplayers did, but he didn’t. He remained loyal to San Diego, and San Diego remained loyal to Tony Gwynn.
He wasn’t just great at the game he played. He was a pioneer. It has become common knowledge that Tony Gwynn revolutionized the art of breaking down game film. He’d spend countless hours pouring over videotape of his at-bats ... lugging equipment around from city to city ... other players thought he was nuts. Now? Every player watches video of just about every one of their at-bats ... thanks to Tony Gwynn. He was an absolute joy to watch on the field but that’s not where he made his biggest impact. Despite his obsession with the game, Tony’s first priority was family. How to be the best brother, husband and father he could be. He loved them and taught them what it meant to give back. He’d worked as hard at giving back to the community as he did in the film room. I’ve heard countless stories about fans coming early to The Murph to get an autograph or staying late at the player parking lot. You just don’t ever hear the stories ending with Tony saying no ... you hear stories of him staying longer than everybody else.
It was as if he was a living, breathing superhero. No matter how bad the Padres were at times, San Diego had Tony Gwynn. There was nothing he couldn’t do. He was even doing things we had no idea about. Did you know he was an informant for the FBI? No joke, official FBI reports called it “Operation Bullpen,” stating, “The San Diego Office of the FBI also sought and received the assistance of professional baseball players Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres and Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals. Both athletes assisted the FBI by identifying forgeries of their 2014 Topps Tribute autographs and thus provided investigators significant leads regarding the identities of individuals involved in this illegal activity.” Tony taking down the bad guys! There was nothing the man couldn’t do. Except, in the end, defeat cancer. There is no 5.5 hole in cancer. Because of the 1994 run Tony took at .400, he’ll always be linked to Ted Williams, whose fitting nickname was “The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived.” In 1997, Tony Gwynn and Ted Williams got together to talk baseball. Two of the best hitters to ever play the game. They spoke of seeing pitches and their approach at the plate. Tony asked Ted, “Did you guess a lot?” Ted immediately responded ... “I guessed all the time.” Tony responded with a coy smile, “I don’t guess.” Thank you Tony, you are and always will be, San Diego’s Mr. Baseball ...
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10 THINGS
You Should Do In San Diego By Sam Greenwich
Living in perpetual vacationland means that a few of us have the tendency to take San Diego for granted from time to time. It helps to have friends or family visit on occasion, which forces us to revisit all the fantastic adventures this town has to offer. What if your family lives here and you have no friends? Well, not sure what to tell you then. Kinda, sad actually. Not the family part, more the you-have-no-friends part … but let’s move on and not dwell. Luckily, we here at 4L Magazine have you covered like Eric Weddle, and we’re itching to send a few ideas your way so that you can truly begin to reacquaint yourself with America’s Finest City.
Hiking trail in Point Loma near Cabrillo National Monument
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go fish San Diego is home to the largest long range fishing fleet in the world. Jump on a half-, three-quarter- or overnight trip from one of the local landings. There are also several excellent private charter boats available if a big crowd isn’t your thing. (Or if you want to
target a specific species.)
Although good fishing is available year round, summer is our favorite time of year for the swabbies at 4L Magazine. During July through October, yellowtail, dorado, tuna and marlin are available to catch in the deep sea, but there is also excellent inshore fishing. Anglers believe we may be in store for an El Niño, which in the past has created epic fishing seasons. But, let’s be honest, fishing is not just about catching Flipper. It’s about being out on the open sea, salt air and sea spray in your face and an ice-cold one in your holster. It’s about the camaraderie that comes from hanging out with friends and family. And it’s about the shit talking and bragging rights that come along with catching the biggest fish of the trip. Yep, fishing is one of the best ways to spend a day with the fellas or your family, and there is no better place to do it in than San Diego. Or the waters right off it, if you want to be technical. Most boats in the San Diego fleet have refrigerated fish holds, excellent food, comfortable accommodations and top-notch crews. In Point Loma, you’ll find Fisherman’s Landing, H&M Landing and Point Loma Sportfishing. Over at Mission Bay, it’s Seaforth Sportfishing and Islandia Sportfishing, and in Oceanside check out Helgren’s Landing. All are excellent choices. JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 35
go KAYAK No, not the search engine. Get off your backside and head down to the water. Kayaking is an excellent way to spend a morning or afternoon. One of the fantastic facts about kayaking is that you can do it alone, with family, with a group of friends or even on a date. A sunset kayak tour in La Jolla is pretty romantic, at least that’s what they tell me. Kayaks are portable, which means you can hit the beach, the bay or any of the local lakes. They are great for camping trips as well. All you need is roof rack and you’re set. We use ours to fish, surf, cruise or even see a concert. (See Humphrey’s.)
Kayaking by the Coronado Bay Bridge
Kayaking is also an excellent workout for your arms, shoulders, back and core. While you’re fishing, cruising or on that special date, you’re also burning some calories and building some muscle. That’s good, because we like to multi-task. It’s also good because the crew at 4L can always stand to drop a couple lbs. There are two basic types of kayaks, one that you pedal with your feet or ones that you paddle. You can rent or purchase a high quality vessel at several different spots throughout the county. If you’ve never tried it before, we recommend renting first to test it out. Try both styles, and if you get all wet, don’t worry, so did we.
Listen Live You can see a show any time of year, right? Why is summer so special? In case you haven’t noticed, the days are longer and the sun is warmer. We’re not talking about an every-day show; we’re talking about an outdoor show. San Diego is home to several excellent outdoor venues. The Fair, Humphrey’s and the Del Mar race track, just to name a few. Who doesn’t love watching the ponies then wrapping it up by seeing an amazing band without having to move? I know I do ... Although you won’t catch me in a giant hat.. (Well, not in public ...) 36 4L magazine | JULY 2014
One of our favorite places to hit an outdoor concert is Humphrey’s. If you’ve ever been, you know what I’m talking about. Seeing a show at that venue is as much about the experience as it is the music. Let me tell you why: You can watch the show from the water; all you need is something that will float you. In all our years of seeing concerts there, we’ve seen it all. From surfboards to kayaks, rafts to dinghies, and some vessels that flat out just should not be on the water. Ever. But that’s what make is so special and unique. One big floating raft up, or should I say party. There is no shortage of good times at Humphrey’s. Please check our “Hotwire” section in the back of the magazine each month for a full listing of upcoming shows. And remember, rock on!
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go padres Unless you are fortunate enough to live near Petco Park, one of the great traditions is to join the Friar Faithful and take the Coaster downtown to watch the Padres. I know that some of you folks are terrified about the prospect of not having constant and immediate access to your car. Alas, there is ample proof that San Diego has public transportation on any given night or day. Take a breath and hold my hand … I’ll help you through this. Pricing varies from $11 for your Park at the Park experience up to $105 for the premier Field Box VIP seats, with various fantastic seating in between. I think going to a baseball game during the summer is just a rite of passage for most people, young and old and regardless of gender. I can very vividly recall my parents packing my brother and I into the Suburban and heading out on the 8 West to Jack Murphy Stadium. My brother Chris and I would get about two innings under our belt before we’d get restless and have to sprint, full speed, down the spiral walkway, which is never recommended on a belly full of nachos and ballpark hot dogs. Bring your family or your buddies down and make an entire day of baseball, beers, and the Ballpark Experience.
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backyard bashing Having friends and family over for a barbecue is just a summer tradition. Whether it’s actual family, the work pals or the neighbors who have become like family over the years, a day spent in front of the grill with an adult libation is never a wasted day. (Pun intended.) I’ve always believed the important first step in hosting a successful backyard soiree is always buying the finest products to throw on the grill. Buy finer cuts of meat, put it on the grill and then leave it alone. Overdoing it with complicated marinades is just a recipe for disaster. Don’t overcook it and when it gets pink in the middle, take it off and leave it alone. Let it sit for a little while and then enjoy it. If a certain person asks for it well done, escort them out. That being said, you absolutely cannot forget about those who have forgone animal goodness. Always have some fresh veggies and guacamole to go along with the more carnivorous fare. Grazers are becoming ever popular and we can all dine with omnivore peace. It almost goes without saying that a BBQ would be remiss without suds and cocktails. Since most of us aren’t rocking red solo cups anymore, and our days of lugging kegs have whispered a long goodbye, you might want to offer a variety of beer and cocktails for your guests. There’s no hard and fast rule and I can very vividly remember enjoying anything from Guinness to Coronas and was a huge fan of made-to-order margaritas with a nice smokey reposado to enjoy when we’re sitting in the backyard, soaking up the sun and ever lengthening tall tales.
get festive San Diego is a fantastic place to explore, evidenced by U.S. News & World Report naming it the No. 6 most popular tourist destination in the United States. While most people think of the beaches, San Diego Zoo and Petco Park, you can’t dismiss the social attractions and festivals as well. The Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival is always a fun environment and fantastic for people watching. If you can stop by, I highly recommend it. The Festival of Sail on San Diego Bay is a ripping way to enjoy the tall ships in San Diego Bay and appreciate just how much nautical majesty San Diego has to offer. There’s plenty of food and drink from restaurant booths and even a petting zoo for the kids. You’ll enjoy dozens of vendors as well. 38 4L magazine | JULY 2014
Being connoisseurs of the fine beer that San Diego has to offer, and with our little coastal hamlet being loosely known as the Mecca for Craft Brewing (keep your angry emails to yourself), makes attending the Annual San Diego Festival of Beer an obvious choice. More than 75 breweries offer tasters of their finest brews (bring your I.D.) with music and food served as well. CityFest is another great event for people watching that’s hosted in Hillcrest. Enjoy music, art, food and beer. Bring your carabiner key ring, steampunk top hat, jean shorts and combat boots because otherwise you might stand out. The Summersun Fest in Oceanside is a fun mix of reggae, DJ’s and probably a bunch of people with guitars slung over their backs and more than a few dreadlocks swaying in the ocean breeze. I’m guessing you’ll also see some engaging art pieces and you’ll get an opportunity to thank and shake hands with a few of our local Marines. 4lmagazine.com
coaster crawl No, this is not a reference to your mode of transportation after sampling too many of San Diego’s craft beers and cocktails. It’s our commuter train that allows riders to sit back and relax while others suffer road rage. An all day pass on the coaster costs $12 dollars which includes the Coaster, Sprinter, Breeze, Flex (except Flex 372), Trolley & Regular & Premium Express Bus. You can bring your own booze and drink on the way down, but be careful: It’s going to be a long day and you don’t want to be wasted before anything even starts! Avoid Padre game days so it’s easier to get a four person table facing one another. Bring a deck of cards or download a drinking game on your cell phone because WiFi is free. Pack a Departure Arrival few light beers so that you can have a couple sessionable drinks while having fun on the way down. 11:07 a.m. Carlsbad Village (Coaster) 12:10 p.m. Santa Fe Depot
ash barleym ter p Quar Gaslam
Senior Grubby ’s Carlsba d Villag e
12:17 p.m. Santa Fe Depot (Trolley)
12:24 p.m. Gaslamp Quarter
2:53 p.m. Gaslamp Quarter (Trolley)
2:59 p.m. Santa Fe Depot
3:18 p.m. Santa Fe Depot (Coaster)
3:25 p.m. Old Town
5:06 p.m. Old Town (Coaster)
5:37 p.m. Solana Beach
7:46 p.m. Solana Beach (Coaster)
7:53 p.m. Encinitas
9:48 p.m. Encinitas (Coaster)
9:58 p.m. Carlsbad Village
Gaslamp Quarter Searsucker barleymash The Union
611 5th Ave. 600 5th Ave. 333 5th Ave.
Made famous by Brian Malarkey Gaslamp’s best bar by far One of the newer, hipper spots
Old Town Rockin’ Baja El Agave Old Town Saloon
3890 Twiggs St. 2304 San Diego Ave. 2495 San Diego Ave.
Just like Mexico Thousands of bottles of tequila Old school neighborhood bar
Solana Beach Tide Water Pizza Port Saddle Bar
221 N. Coast Hwy. 101 135 N. Coast Hwy. 101 123 W. Plaza St.
Newly remodeled but casual Famous SD pizza and beer joint Clint Eastwood’s son is an investor
Encinitas Lumberyard Tavern 1st Street D Street
967 S. Coast Hwy. 101 656 S. Coast Hwy. 101 485 S. Coast Hwy. 101
Good food, good drinks, good times Great staff and happy hour prices Great vibe and atmosphere
Carlsbad Village Hennessey’s The Compass Senior Grubby’s
2777 Roosevelt St. 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. 377 Carlsbad Village Dr.
The staff will make you want to stay Hip atmosphere and unique food Best late night eatery
If you’re going to drink on your way down, consider going to two places in each city. Otherwise you might end up having way too many drinks! Last train to Carlsbad arrives at 12:09 a.m., so keep that in mind when you’re having all of your fun! JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 39
surfing San Diego arguably has one of the best breaks in all of the continental United States. It rarely rains, so it seems as if it’s always sunny and warm. The water only gets cold enough for a full suit a couple of months out of the year. We have world famous surf spots like Swami’s and Black’s Beach. There are point breaks, beach breaks and plenty of reefs. In short, a surfers paradise. No wonder it seems as if everyone surfs here. If you don’t surf, get yourself a larger board so that it’s easier for you to paddle and get acclimated. Also, go to un-crowded areas. Don’t sit in the lineup getting in everyone’s way. There is no such thing as pride when you’re learning so if you don’t know how to surf yet, there is no need to try and get the best waves. Go with a friend who is also a beginner or someone who wants to teach you and doesn’t mind going to less popular areas. Lastly, do yourself a favor and look up surfing etiquette, it will go a long way. Surfing at Oceanside Pier
skateboarding Although we live in a surfing town, it still does go flat. What do you do then? How about grabbing a skateboard and working on your balance? There are all different shapes and sizes, just as there is with surfboards. Also just like surfboards, the longer skateboards are easier to ride. Harder wheels go faster and softer wheels grip more. The standard smaller “popsicle” board is made to do tricks. There is nothing wrong with just cruising around; not everyone has to look cool by doing a 360 kickflip. There are several free skate parks all over San Diego with everything from ditch-like transitions to bowls 15 feet deep. Just as in surfing, find out the etiquette as well as what times the parks are less crowded. Lastly, don’t be embarrassed by wearing safety gear. You may not look cool, but it’s better than spending time in the hospital.
40 4L magazine | JULY 2014
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pony up When does the surf meet the turf? On July 17! Opening day at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is one of the most anticipated days in all of San Diego. It’s filled with pretty ladies wearing floppy hats and sexy outfits to match. Don’t miss this event, especially if you’ve never been. It’s the most crowded day for the races, so be prepared with transportation to and from the event. Either get there super early or plan on taking one of the multiple busses or shuttles. If you miss this day, don’t worry: There are plenty of other race days available. If you buy a ticket to get into the races, it also transfers over to the concert at night, so you should plan an entire day of it. Nothing like betting on the ponies, having cocktails, listening to a great live music and maybe meeting the girl of your dreams. Gotta love those fillies! These are only a smattering of the fantastic events and options that San Diego has to offer. Make it a point every month to venture out and explore ... I promise you will love what you discover about yourself and the city you call home. JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 41
food/drink
CHEF’S TABLE
SAN DIEGO’S
MEAT MASTERS On July 16, hundreds of sausage enthusiasts gather atop Hotel Solamar to see top chefs compete in a “best of the wurst” showdown at San Diego’s Sausage Fest (2014SausageFest.bpt.me). Nearly a dozen chefs enter and prepare their favorite sausage recipes, from the traditional to the obscure, and present to the public for a winning vote. We checked in with three of the city’s best meat pros to see what makes them masters of their craft. by Brett Martin
42 4L magazine | JULY 2014
4lmagazine.com
A cut above the rest
One Hare of a Time!
What’s Your Beef?
In Hog Heaven
Christian Graves, Jsix
Victor Jimenez, Cowboy Star
Hanis Cavin, Carnitas’ Snack Shack
As the guy behind Sausage Fest, chef Christian Graves has a knack for the unusual. His menu at Jsix frequently features unique meats and cuts, like rabbit, goat and even sweetbreads.
As one of San Diego’s choice restaurants, Cowboy Star has gained quite the reputation for their steaks. Hand cut in their adjoining butcher shop, Cowboy Star provides guests with an unparalleled selection of quality and taste.
With one booming location in North Park, and another coming to Del Mar, Carnitas’ Snack Shack has remained a top destination for pork lovers since they opened their doors.
4L: Why do you love cooking with unique meats? CG: I like to cook with ingredients that aren’t readily available at your average grocery store. It adds to the experience of dining out.
4L: Where does Cowboy Star get their beef? VJ: We partner with suppliers that follow humane, sustainable practices, like Aspen Ridge Beef, Open Space Meats, Snake River Farms and Monsoon Ranch.
4L: Where do you source your prized hogs? HC: We source from farms that provide the best nutrition, cleanest environment and most humane treatment of their hogs that we can find. This results in natural, pastured pork with unsurpassed quality.
Tell us about your dry-aged beef. Dry-aging helps with tenderizing the meat in a slow process. At Cowboy Star, we utilize the aging process for center cuts with a thick fat cap for protection.
What is your favorite cut of pork? My favorite cut of pork is the cheeks. They are great for making rillettes and pairing with potatoes to create a tasty hash.
What are some of your fave cuts that don’t get enough credit? I like cheek/jowl and neck. It’s almost always the best spot to go for non-primal cuts. They usually have great marbling and are tucked into the bone that gives off great flavor. From halibut to hog, it’s usually my play. How can the average Joe get some of these cuts and unique meats? Most cuts are easy to get once you know your butcher; it just takes a little planning ahead. They might not be something your butcher carries regularly, but something they can get.
How many cuts of beef do you have on Cowboy Star’s menu at any given time? We have at least 15 to 18 different cuts of meat at any given time.
Visit JsixRestaurant.com
Mosey over to TheCowboyStar.com
What dish is Carnitas’ most known for? Our triple threat pork sandwich is our most photographed and sold item. What’s the Snack Shack’s secret sauce? Our commitment to the experience. We also use lots of salt and love. Oh yeah, and pig. Pork out at CarnitasSnackShack.com
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 43
food/drink
BEATS & EATS
BEATS&EATS What’s RAD about
Beats & Eats? The food and the music!
by mikey beats
WOODY’S
BURGERS & BREAKFAST 44 4L magazine | JULY 2014
In this installment of Beats and Eats, I take my favorite acoustic duet, 22 Kings, out for a meal on the Pacific Beach boardwalk at Woody’s Breakfast and Burgers, hoping to have a good time and not get sunburnt. 4lmagazine.com
WOODY’S BURGERS & BREAKFAST 4111 Ocean Blvd., San Diego » Neighborhood: Mission Beach » 858.273.WOOD » TheWoodGroupSD.com/Woodys
Mikey Beats: Hey kids! Let’s start with the basics. Who are you?
That’s an excellent music foundation. Sam, you had a solo career?
Sam Bybee: My name is Sam Bybee of 22 Kings. I was born in Utah, [resided] there until 11 and then here in San Diego from 11 until I spent four years in Hollywood. Now I am here.
Sam: I did, yeah. I released three albums under Sam Bybee: 8 A.M., Sweetzer Ave. and I Hate Pretty Girls.
Sandi King: I’m Sandi King, I’m also with 22 Kings. I was born in Texas, my parents moved here when I was 3. I grew up in San Diego until I was about 19 or 20 then I moved around a little bit; Vegas, Orange County, San Francisco for five years, then I moved down to LA. Now I am also here. Mikey: When did you two start making music together? Sandi: When I lived in SF, Sam flew me down to LA to sing on his album. By the time I moved there, he was pushing that album, so we started doing shows to promote that album. I was singing harmonies for him and that’s where we realized that we were alive on stage together. Mikey: Before you linked up and started 22 Kings, were you two playing in acts? Sandi: I had been singing my whole life. My dad has played trumpet here in San Diego in the local jazz scene since I was born. He’s in Jazz Cats and plays with Whitney Shay, a vocalist. I used to go to his rehearsals all the time and would sing along, so when I was 10 or 11, I started singing with that big band.
Mikey: Were you playing anything prior to the solo career? Sam: I’ve been in maybe three bands my entire life, kinda professionally. The first band was The Gooses. The second band was when I tried to do The Sam Bybee Band, which was a lot of the members of The Gooses plus a cello player. My step dad, Boyd Gardiner, played on the drums for my band. Mikey: Do tell that story, please. Sam: His name is Boyd Gardiner. He’s been playing drums for over 50 years. He’s played with Bill Magee in the Bill Magee Blues Band. He has traveled the country and the world just playing music. He got me started into really what music is for me today. With the Sam Bybee Band, we were playing music, doing a lot of wineries, doing big venue shows like Belly Up. I got a very good offer to go up to LA from my brother to live basically rent free in the heart of Hollywood and do music. I was like, “Well, if not now, then when?” I moved up there and at the time, I must have had five or six venues where I was playing weekly. I was really into that scene.
Sandi: Which really helped us jump start when we came back. I lived there for a year and by the time I was done, I was like, “Sam, I gotta get out of here! We gotta leave, I can’t do this!” The emphasis is on the wrong thing up there. Instead of fostering the art form and who you are as a musician or an artist, it’s more about your look and how you present yourself, which is a part of it, but shouldn’t be the main focus. Sam: The difference between LA and San Diego, for me, was that I find that in San Diego the artist community is just that, it’s a community. It’s people who love art and like to play music. There is some competition because people are just like that inherently, but for the most part, people are just happy to be part of an artist community. Whereas in LA, people come from around the world and it’s way more competitive. That’s what I’ve learned. The caliber of musicianship down here far exceeds what I saw in LA in the four years of playing non-stop shows. Up there, everyone looks like Lady Gaga, but nobody sounds like Lady Gaga. If you’re going to move to LA for intentions of doing music, you’re better off building an audience where you are and then going to LA to play a show or two. That’s the way you break into the LA scene. Do not, I repeat, do not move to LA to be like, “Oh, I’ll just start playing shows there.” You are just a drop in the bucket. Unless you have ties, there is no way you’re going to make it like that. There’s just no way.
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 45
food/drink
BEATS & EATS
Mikey: Amen. That’s some good advice for the kids out there.
Sam: These pecans, they’re so good. I love a good nut, a good candied nut.
[The food mini-tsunami comes out delivered by Sean Thompson, a solid dude who I have known for about a decade. He is one of the main men that the owner Aaron Phillips keeps around to make sure his many establishments, including Beachwood, Avenue and Truckstop, stay open and serve quality products. I call Aaron Phillips “Papa Bear” because he once hosted an industry wedding for my wife and I at Beachwood that was one of the greatest nights of my life. When Sean lays down the food, all our eyes are immediately drawn toward the French toast.]
[Pause and a moment of silence with awkward but forgiving stares at Sam. We get over it and I reach for the yogurt bowl.] Mikey: Let me have a dip into that. Greek nonfat vanilla yogurt, topped with crunchy granola, fresh blueberries and strawberries. This is the perfect after-workout breakfast to have while hanging out on the boardwalk and people watching.
from them said something loud and clear.] Mikey: Tough crowd. Sandi: What about me? I would make that a seven pack of fun! Mikey: Sorry Sandi, I will include you next time. Sam: I’ll kick into that parfait if I may. I thought I was going to lose weight on the tour, that didn’t happen. Sandi: Being stationary in a car for 10 hours a day doesn’t really help the workout routine.
Sandi: Holy French toast!
Mikey: By the way, I have a bad case of boardwalk Tourette Syndrome. If I see something out there that I like, I have to holler.
Mikey: Bananas, candied pecans, syrup, oh my. The hair is going up, it’s time to get serious.
[Almost on cue, four girls walk by.]
Sam: It had to be 30-plus.
Hey girls, four of you, two of us, six pack of fun?!
Mikey: Wow! I was expecting to hear 15 or 20 cities, not over 30. You did this without a booking agent nor a manager?
[I tie my hair up and then it’s a mad fork dash to the French toast, with all of using tying for first place.]
46 4L Magazine | JULY 2014
[Silence from the girls but the unappreciative look
Mikey: How many cities did you hit?
4lmagazine.com
22 Kings
doing their thing on stage!
Sandi: We’re our own manager. We do all our own bookings. Mikey: I don’t want to give out your entire playbook here, but what would you tell another acoustic act ready to hit the road? Sandi: Planning is the number one thing. Really be on top of all the information you can be on top of, before you leave. Mikey: The logistics. With so many gigs, how do you find these venues in these different cities, in these different states, across the U.S.? Sandi: My major tool I used was Indie on the Move. Sam: Reverbnation came through a couple times. Friends of friends came through.
Sandi: We did try to plan about half the dates to be paid. Since we’ve never been to these cities, we’re not going to get venues where other bands want to play with us because we don’t have a draw. We do know we’ll get paid enough for gas money to get to the next city. The number one revenue on the road is merchandise. Sell anything and everything. People are happy to support you and don’t want to just buy a CD, but they’ll buy a t-shirt or some buttons you made. Mikey: So what kind of car did you drive across the U.S.? Sam: His name was Gramps, a Toyota Camry that had been meticulously taken care of. I made sure I fixed it up. I used money from local gigs to make sure that car got us through the tour. Sandi booked the tour and I made sure we got there.
Sean Thompson: That’s the Buddha Burger: one pound of sacred beef piled high, with sugar spice bacon, grilled onions, avocado and American cheese. It comes with wedge fries. These are Ono Tacos topped with lettuce, cheese, jalapeño white sauce and a house made mango salsa accompanied by black beans. Mikey: This column is why I’m fat. Well, I’ve only had this column for a year and I was fat before that.
[Sandi jumps on the fish tacos while Sam stays far away.] Sandi: This is really good! I’m digging the tacos. That mango salsa is the jam!
Sandi: No, but right before we left for our tour …
Mikey: Yes, that mango salsa is epic. I like sweet with my food. The fish tacos are on point with great quality fish. The black beans are delicious, I’m feeling them, they are Mikey approved.
Sam: … we were high-fiving, saying, “”ere we go!” and when we turned the ignition, nothing happened. The battery had died. It was a minor oversight, but at least better at home than in Birmingham.
Sam: I’m legitimately afraid of this hamburger, it’s huge! The beef has got some spice to it, a seasoning on this sacred beef. Not sure what it is, but it’s really good. Here, try the burger Mikey.
Mikey: How many miles did you travel?
Mikey: Yeah, slip the burger over here. I’ll be completely honest: I’ll only take a couple bites. Beef and I don’t get along, it’s like concrete in my bowels. I won’t poop for like a week. If I eat a whole burger, I will start making diamonds in my large intestine.
Sandi: I Googled what cities have the best live music scenes in America. I searched online and did a lot of research about where the best music scene is, where the local bands like to play in those cities and then just did the research on how to contact those venues. For every city we wanted to play, I sent out 40-50 e-mails. It’s pure volume because you’re only going to get a couple people booking you, especially if you’ve never been there. You have to be able to handle not being responded too.
Mikey: Any tire blowouts?
Mikey: Immerse yourself in the booking process. Did the gigs cover your expenses?
Sandi: Close to 14,000.
[Sean lays down a burger and fish tacos.]
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 47
food/drink
BEATS & EATS
[Laughter all around.]
Mikey: That is good meat. I love Woody meat.
Sandi: … and a foot!
Sam: That’s an appetizing story. I think they found that much beef in John Wayne’s colon after he died.
[Out of nowhere, I shout out to the boardwalk.]
Mikey: Which was something visually exciting that I saw. You were literally kicking it while playing live.
[More laughter with a couple of “Ewws.” I dive teeth first into the burger.]
[The response is equal to crickets on a summer night.]
Mikey: Sean, that burger patty is outstanding. That’s some flavor!
Mikey: OK … Moving on …Where did the 22 come from in 22 Kings?
[Sean perks up, proud of the burger as a man is proud of his son hitting a home run.]
Sandi: My birthday is on the 22nd of September and Sam’s is the 22nd of May. My dad’s birthday is the 22nd of January. My nephew’s birthday is the 22nd of October. He’s got some 22nd birthdays in his family. It was just a number for both of us that we didn’t realize was significant until we were looking for band names.
Sean: Aaron spent a good month playing with recipes. I think he nailed it. Sam: It’s really good. Something happens to your happiness when you see melted cheese on any meat. My midsection is starting to look more and more like E.T. Sandi: Yeah, that vest is looking pretty tight Sam.
[Me, pointing at my Hawaiian shirt:] These buttons are screaming.
[Laughter all around.] Sandi: Do you grind your meat here? Sean: We get it fresh, not frozen. And we add to it.
48 4L magazine | JULY 2014
Good job, ladies, keep it up! Yeah, you!
Mikey: You’re a duo, an exciting duo to watch. There’s some uniqueness to your duo. What is the set up you use live? Sam: Guitar and vocals for me. Sandi: I sing and I am also the percussionist in the band. I have shakers, a kick-ass tambourine and I play the kick drum as well. Sometimes I’m doing all those things at once. Sometimes I clap. I do whatever percussion needs to be done within my abilities of having two hands. Mikey: And a foot!
Sam: She looks super impressive. She belts it out better than anyone I know and she does the kick drum and shakers, so she’s pissing you off on three levels. You know what I mean? She’s keeping time and singing while making it look easy. We get done playing a show, and people are like, “Hi, who is that?” Every time. She’s like a magic trick.
[Laughter all around.] Mikey: You two are very pleasant on the eyes, a guy and girl acoustic duo. As a fanboy of the band, I really get excited when you do your harmonies. It just blows my mind. My eyes water and I get emotional; I think it’s a natural human reaction when hearing others harmonize. Sandi: We definitely feel it when we’re singing, too. Mikey: You get the tingles, right? Sam: Yeah, it’s cool. Mikey: You two are cool, thank you for your time.
[We finish everything laid out before us, shake hands with Sean and go our separate ways. Please, do yourself a favor and check these kids out at 22-kings.com.]
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food/drink
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Lumberyard TAVERN 967 S Coast Highway Encinitas (760) 479-1657 Lumberyard101.com
type of cuisine:
American / Traditional
LUMBERYARD TA
V
ERN
Lumberyard Tavern owner/operator Lisa Belasco made an indelible impression on me when we met a year ago. She has a snarky dry sense of humor that makes you want to hang out with her all day long. She’s translated this great quality into the atmosphere and the staff at her restaurant. Just like every good business owner, she has changed and evolved with the times. She has modified the menu with new tasty items and kept some classics. Additionally, the beer selection keeps rotating to, ahem, tap into the ever-evolving SD scene, managing even to introduce notable brews. Once you walk in, you too will want to just hang out all day long. 50 4L magazine | JULY 2014
4lmagazine.com
What We Ate: 01 Kale and Shrimp
(Shrimp, chopped kale, cucumber, mango pico de gallo, toasted almonds, spicy lime tahini vinaigrette) The shrimp here is so good. They cook it perfectly and it’s no different on this salad. Kale is the new hip thing because it’s so healthy. It has a slight bitter taste like arugula, but the sweet mango pico de gallo balances it out nicely. I feel like I’m actually losing weight with each delicious bite.
kale and shrimp
02 House Roasted Turkey
(Herb Roasted Turkey, Havarti, Honeycrisp Apples, Sprout Salad, Spicy Honey Mustard, Rosemary Sage Sourdough) Holy crap! There is definitely a difference in pre-bought, pre-sliced turkey and how they do it here. They roast an entire turkey in house then make tender slices to your delight. This is the staff’s favorite and mine … you have to get this!
HOUSE ROASTED TURKEY
03 Lamb Burger
(Ground lamb, feta, arugula, tomato, pickled onion, tzatziki sauce) What’s great about this is the lamb. Finally, a different burger: It’s juicy and the lamb taste hits you at the end. The feta cheese just adds to the uniqueness to this burger. The fresh yogurt of the tzatziki sauce evens it all out. It comes with super crunchy onion rings.
LAMB BURGER
the joint
What We drank:
This is one of our favorite places ever. We come here often to eat, drink, watch games and chat with the friendly staff. Managers Chris and Joey will always make you feel at home. They just know how to brighten your day. … I guess their delicious cocktails don’t hurt either.
Sculpin IPA This is a Ballast Point classic. It may quite arguably be the IPA standard in San Diego. We like IPAs and if nothing seems interesting this is definitely our go-to beer.
Spicy Margarita They make this spicy by muddling jalapeños and with a bit of simple syrup. It’s hot, it’s cold, it’s sinfully refreshing.
Old Fashion They use Bulleit Rye so it makes it just that much better. Call us old fashioned, but we like drinking an Old Fashioned.
The Lumberyard Tavern also has a great patio where dogs are welcome, and the bar sits plenty so you can just saddle up if you’re solo. If you want to bring your entire gang, they have a long community table as well as several booths and tables. Come on by and have a good time!
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 51
food/drink
UNCORKED
Summer’s Best Sips By Michelle Lyn
Summertime is upon us, which means a whole lot of day drinking and celebrating our independence. Wine doesn’t always have to be a serious affair, so here are our suggestions for some playtime pairings.
Poolside Sippers
01 Masi Masianco ($15): Shows attractive, tropical fruit aromas. Fresh and charming palate flavors blend fruitiness and traces of honey. A dry finish has a citrus twist.
01
02 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($28): Zesty lime and grapefruit aromas along with nectarine and lemongrass tones. The palate is fresh and focused with ripe citrus, stone fruit, fennel and mineral notes lingering on the persistent finish. It’s a delicious partner to a tomato and goat curd salad with fresh basil oil. 02
03 Oberon Sauvignon Blanc ($18): Lemongrass and tart apple with a layer of richness and expressive aromatics. Fresh flavors with citrus notes and underlying pineapple that develops into orange blossom.
4th of July Sparklers
01 Brewer-Clifton 3D Sparkling Chardonnay ($68): This “Blanc de Blanc” style sparkling wine is the second vintage of at Brewer-Clifton’s sparkling wine made in the traditional méthode champenoise and hand disgorged on site at the winery.
02
02 JP Chenet Ice Edition ($20): Zesty lime and grapefruit aromas along with nectarine and lemongrass tones. The palate is fresh and focused with ripe citrus, stone fruit, fennel and mineral notes lingering on the persistent finish. It’s a delicious partner to a tomato and goat curd salad with fresh basil oil.
52 4L magazine | JULY 2014
4lmagazine.com
02
01
Fireside Favorites
01 Matchbook Tempranillo ($15): Everyone needs a good libation when sitting around a campfire, and no one knows fire better than Matchbook wine owner John Giguiere, who used to be a full-fledged pyromaniac, thus the Matchbook name. The 2010 Matchbook Tempranillo is made to pair with anything roasted over an open fire with earthy, spicy notes. 02 Tormaresca Fichimori ($16): A vivid ruby red color with deep purple highlights, this wine has aromas of Marasca cherry, pomegranate and rose floral notes, typical of the Negroamaro grape. On the palate, the wine is soft, fresh and fruity with excellent acidity and a long, persistent finish.
BBQ Buddies
01
01 Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Torrontes ($18): Very expressive with notes of wild apple and passion fruit rounded out by a spicy character with intriguing ginger notes. It features a lovely floral bouquet with herbal aromas and an excellent acidity that enhances the sensation of freshness. 02 Stainless Pinot Noir from Chamisal Vineyards ($24): Made from the grapes of several vineyards on the Central Coast, this wine blends the high tone red fruit flavors from vineyards in northern San Luis Obispo County with the denser, more structured characteristics of the Edna Valley. Reminiscent of a Cru Beaujolais, this wine bursts with aromas of bright cherry, candy apple and rose petal.
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 53
food/drink
CRAFTY
01
02
the
cat eye club
03
by Miles Roberson
Don Draper meets Don Ho is probably a good way to describe the Cat Eye Club in Downtown San Diego. The classy midcentury cocktail lounge throwback puts an emphasis on the tiki drink. The Cat Eye has been my ideal place to drink hand-crafted cocktails in an intimate setting. But the cocktail menu was slightly tweaked recently to put a heavier focus on tiki. Drinking trends come and go but tiki will always be with us. It keeps returning every few years or so, just like the mustache or leopard print. Tiki drinks have been around since 1934, when Don the Beachcomber opened in
Los Angeles, followed shortly thereafter by Trader Vic’s in Oakland. The two together created a nationwide sensation that peaked in the late 1950s and early ’60s. Back in the day, tiki was a highbrow phenomenon. Luckily for us, Cat Eye Club is both highbrow and full of tiki greatness. But there’s another reason for the tiki resurgence. Tiki cocktails, it turns out, are very tasty. The drinks were bound to be rediscovered and Cat Eye Club did just that. What they did is take the classics and evolve them into their signatures. I met up with the beautiful and gracious Amber behind the bar a recent Saturday evening and this is what she made me ...
04
Mixology Minute Navy Rum = Traditional, dark, full-bodied rums associated with the British Royal Navy.
the cat eye club | 370 7th Ave., San Diego | Neighborhood: East Village | (619) 330-9509 | CatEyeClubSD.com 54 4L magazine | JULY 2014
4lmagazine.com
01
The Cradle of Life
• 1 and ¾ oz. Black Magic Rum • ¼ fresh lemon juice • ¼ fresh lime juice • ¼ fresh OJ • ¼ Giffard Orgeat • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
02
Rum, citrus and orgeat sound a little like a Mai Tai, right? Close but a Mai Tai usually has pineapple juice plus dark and light rums and no bitters. This one’s served in a coupe with a shallowed-out, rum-filled half lime on fire. Tip: Make sure you put it out
before imbibing unless your nose hairs need a good trim. The result was tiki goodness. The perfect balance of rum and citrus.
The Ghost of Black Beach
• 1 oz. Appleton Silver Rum • 1 oz. Benedictine liquer • ¾ fresh lemon juice • ½ oz. falernum syrup
Served in a skull mug and garnished with cherries and a pineapple slice, the herbal notes from the Benedictine cut through the silver rum and finishes with the sweet hints of almond and ginger from the falernum. I felt like I was chillin’ on Gilligan’s Island with Thurston Howell III.
SPORTS // CULTURE // MEDIA 03
The Tourmaline Typhoon
I had no idea what a tourmaline was, so I looked it up. • 1 oz. Ballast Point Three Sheets white rum It’s a gemstone or mineral of • 2 oz. guava puree some kind so I’m baffled by the name of this drink but do • 1 oz. fresh lemon juice I really care? No, because it • ½ oz. house made simple syrup was strong as hell and they limit two per customer … so I had 2. Yes 4 oz. of rum is right. Since this is a rum-forward drink, they used a quality rum in Ballast Point. Slightly balanced with the remaining ingredients, you’ll be able to tell from the first drink that it’s potent. Drink two of these and Lovey will start to look like Mary Ann! • 3 oz. Ballast Point Three Sheets aged rum
04
// SAN DIEGO
if you lob it up, we'll take a shot at it..
www.lobshots.com
The Baja Pipeline
Who said tiki drinks needed to be made with rum? Not me! Tequila fans want to get tiki with it too, so Cat Eye created • ½ oz. Chambord the Baja Pipeline. The smoky, woody taste of the mescal breaks through the • ½ oz. fresh lime juice sweetness and the blackberryness of • Topped off with ginger beer the Chambord. The snap of the ginger beer and tartness of the lime is a perfect compliment to the blanco tequila. Served over dry ice, this is a mysterious drink. Think Mexican pirate! • 1 oz. La Puritita Verda Mezcal • 1 oz. Espolon Tequila Blanco
In addition to the above, Cat Eye serves Mai Tai’s on tap, scorpion bowls and punches for groups. This throwback in time is located a coconut’s toss from Petco Park, next to the Blind Burro at 370 7th Ave. Hours are 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and until 2 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Sitting at Cat Eye, sipping on tiki drinks, I enjoyed the nostalgia. I found myself pining to be on a South Pacific island. Yet, more than that, I found myself wistful for a mid-century America where one could slip away, for a moment, by going back in time. Now grab your wing tips, gentlemen, and get over to Cat Eye Club. JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 55
food/drink
IMBIBING
Iowa’s Golden Spirit Cedar Ridge Vineyards and Distillery
By Meghan Balser
Cedar Ridge Vineyards and Distillery makes bourbon that comes straight from the heart of corn country. The Midwestern micro-distillery located in Swisher, Iowa, was founded by Jeff Quint in 2005 and initially focused on wine. They began producing their whiskey in 2008 and the maiden release of Cedar Ridge Bourbon debuted two years later. All distillation and aging is done on the premises in small batches at the first licensed distillery in
56 4L magazine | JULY 2014
the state of Iowa since Prohibition. They produce roughly 200 liters of whiskey per day and distribute to only 10 states in the United States.
Kolin Brighton, lead distiller, and his team had six barrels of juice for the guys to taste. After some sampling and careful consideration, they unanimously decided on a barrel to bottle exclusively for Seven Grand. You can try the Seven Grand selection of Cedar Ridge at both locations. Coming this fall, another bottle from the distillery will be on the shelves at the whiskey-lined bar in North Park and downtown LA, but it’s a secret (for now) as to what expression it will be.
Bartenders at Seven Grand became fans of the spirit, so much so that Jay Stapleton from San Diego’s whiskey bar joined bartenders from their Los Angeles location in April to make their way to Iowa. The goal: search for and hand select a delicious barrel of Cedar Ridge whiskey for purchase.
Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon Whiskey is built on a base of corn whiskey, barley and rye. The craft spirit made of 75 percent corn is a quality distillate despite only being two years old. It has a light, bright flavor profile and at 80 proof is a smooth, sippable bourbon that can stand up to most of what Kentucky has to offer.
On the nose: Grains, dried fruit The palate: Sweet corn, cornbread, baking spice Finish: Long finish, sweet and well-rounded How to enjoy McCarthy’s: Neat or on the rocks, although it also makes a great Old Fashioned. Whiskey index: Barrel Aging: process of bringing a young spirit into maturation by the use of wood barrels, changing the character and flavor of the spirit. that have been dried.
4lmagazine.com
food/drink
HAPPIEST HOUR
sandbar
718 Ventura Pl., San Diego » Neighborhood: Mission Beach
(858) 488-1274 » SandbarSportsGrill.com
The It’s lo Joint : cate
d catc h a b right b yt u you shou zz and ju he Miss io ld casu m al be do it th p on th n Beach a e e arou nd s ch bar w other w roller co coaster, o s a i and a you’ you can th great y aroun ster … e o you ca d l d n r l c catc h so see a lar atch yo rinks, gr . The pla rrr … ma me r u e ays wge patio r favori at food ce is a co ybe t an w o e hile stari ith a ful game. G d TVs a l, l bar ng a l o t the so th upstair l Paci s a fic O t you ca cean n .
58 4L magazine | JULY 2014
happy hour (4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday)
$6 specialty cocktails $6 22-oz. drafts $4 fish tacos $2 off appetizers *Holidays and special events excluded
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what we ate & drank: 01 Carne Asada Tots
01
(Carne asada, Tater Tots, mixed cheese, green onions, chipotle aioli)
It’s easy to do carne asada by chopping it up to death. They use large, very tender chunks, so you know they’re either using top pieces of meat, have a magical secret or both! When you throw a bunch of steak with cheese on classic Tater Tots, you can’t go wrong with this appetizer! Paired with Belching Beaver Milk Stout Carne Asada Tots scream for beer, so what better than a local treat? It’s creamy and tasty, just like having a milkshake as a kid but this bad boy includes one of my favorite things inside: alcohol! 02 Mission Nachos
(Tortilla chips mixed cheese, black beans, salsa fresca, chorizo-cheese dip, sour cream, jalapenos, guacamole and you can add chicken or carne asada)
02
This thing is gigantic and obviously meant to be shared. But if you’re actually a giant, you MIGHT be able to take this one down in one sitting. Today, they specialized it for me with carnitas that were done to perfection. It’s loaded with meat and all the fixins with a side of jalapenos and salsa to add a bit more kick. It’s definitely a classic nacho dish, but it’s a notch above others because they are not skimping on anything. Chow down! Paired with a Cadillac margarita This margarita is made better with a floater of Grand Marnier. Makes me feel like a sophisticated gentleman. 03 Chilean Black Mussels
03
(Mussels, roasted tomatoes, garlic confit, chipotle cream sauce, toasted baguette)
The bartender Stephanie told me that this dish was dank but I was skeptical. I have had a lot of mussels in my life so bring it on! Okay, it is dank. Dank you very much. Paired with Modern Day Moonshine It’s got Hendricks, it’s got St. Germaine, it’s got peach moonshine, it’s got ginger ale, it’s got my vote for best summer drink. I’m going to make sure that my date has one of these because it made my mussels look a lot bigger.
04
Fish Taco
05
(local white fish grilled or Baja style) Voted best in San Diego. Sandbar Style: Shredded cabbage, chipotle aioli, salsa fresca, mixed cheeses, soft flour tortilla. TKO Style: Cotija-crusted flour tortilla, chipotle aioli, beer-brined escabeche slaw, lime crema, spicy guacamole, tobacco onions, fried cilantro. Taco 01 Veggie I was thinking ewwww, until I bit into it. They fry a piece of avocado instead of a piece of meat. The black beans make this veggie delight very hearty.
Taco 02 Grilled Sandbar Style As soon as I took my first bite, I immediately noticed the savory fish. Then all of his friends
(cheese, salsa and lettuce) came to say,
“Let me slow down your taste buds before your head explodes.”
Taco 03 Grilled TKO Style I came, I slaw and I conquered. I can’t get enough of the escabeche slaw that they use. It’s spicy and tart and brings out all of the flavors of the fish. YUM.
04 Paired with My Tai It’s not your Tai, it’s My Tai! What makes it special is that they use Ballast Point’s all natural mai tai mix and three types of rum!
They brought out one more dish than typical, so my belly was about to burst. All of a sudden they brought out dessert. I love my job (but I hate my job) because everybody wants to fatten me up. … Oh, well, anything for 4L Magazine (or 400 lb.). Bring on the churros! 05 Happy Endings Mini churros
(served warm with agave nectar dipping sauce) Paired with the Walk of Fame
(Raspberry vodka, organic lemon juice, simple syrup, fresh raspberries, and champagne) Please take away my man card. It’s a nice ending to a fantastic day at the Sandbar!
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 59
food/drink
BEER ME
culture brewing Solana Beach with Steve Ragan by Dale Hersey
So I’ve driven or walked past this hiding-in-plainsight gem several times on my way to see shows at the Belly Up. Even before the Culture Brewing Co. signage went up I could see the brew equipment inside as I passed after shows and last calls, telling myself that I would have to come back and check it out during normal hours. I’m mad at myself for not checking it out sooner. Nevertheless, this month 4L Magazine made it in just in time to quench our thirsts.
later. The Culture Brewing Co. goal is to create a minimal atmosphere with a focus on beer and community. Artists are showcased every month and given an entire side of the brewery to hang their talents. Events are held monthly to benefit nonprofit organizations or charities. In case you’re wondering, they are booked about a year out, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. This is how Culture Brewing stays consistent but fresh.
Culture Brewing Co. opened in February 2013 with only a few beers on tap, very quietly and without any flashing lights or big hoopla. Just a quiet confidence and the culmination of an over-capacity garage brewing system—plus three friends with an idea that maybe a hobby could be become something more.
The reason for an easily accessible location is to bring the brewery to the people. Located in the Cedros Design District, Culture Brewing provides quality brews for the everyman (and woman). Many breweries are found in industrial parks, where even navigation systems don’t always work; the icon indicating where you are indicates the middle of a large gray mass. Cross your fingers and hope that it may get you close enough to find some sort of sign.
Fast-forward about a year and a half down the road and you’ll find owner/brewer/local Steve Ragan now has over 28 different styles of brew with more being created all the time. This is nothing new to him. Steve has been pumping out massive home brews for some time. Areas of interest include killer IPAs and awesome stouts, but we’ll touch on that
What about the rest of us? What about the friends we have who haven’t yet gotten to the beer-expedition status? Stop by before a show at the Belly Up. Drop in while taking the Coaster down to Padres game. Grab a rad little thing called the “Beer Pouch” (think an adult Capri Sun). It’s a plastic bladder that holds a decent amount of beer—around a growler’s worth that’s disposable (after
60 4L magazine | JULY 2014
depositing what was inside into your insides, of course). Take it on the train or maybe to the alcohol-legal beach, the sky is the limit. In addition to being accessible, Culture Brewing is also very approachable. One foot inside the door and the education starts. Upon the wall you’ll find a chart that gives information about the beers on tap—everything from styles and alcohol by volume (ABV) to international business units (IBU) and standard reference method (SRM). The reason for being so informative is that not everyone knows what he or she likes or wants. If they do know what they like, fewer will be able to coherently describe why, hence the chart. Maybe you didn’t realize that you like bitter finishes in beer, something indicated by IBUs. Perhaps it’s amber ales you love, something you can figure out by the SRM section of the chart that shows numbers the brewers use to indicate the color and opacity of beer. The idea at Culture Brewing is to teach the people what they are asking for, make them Cultured, so to speak. More people are asking for the Culture’s beer on a daily basis, a fact you can attribute to the quality of their everyday pours.
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Sure they have the solid standards like IPAs, blonds and stouts, but have you had an IPA brewed with roasted grapefruit peel? How about a blond with black current? Are you a coffee lover? The coffee stout is straight up one of the best we’ve ever had, both national and abroad! The coffee beans come locally from Revolution Roasters and then are ground fresh in house. This amazing stout has a distinctive flavor with minimal coffee acidity in the finish and makes you wonder if you should drink it or just appreciate the aroma. If you can wait long enough for it to get closer to room temp, it smells and tastes like a chocolate-covered espresso bean. In fact, there’s been a collaboration of sorts in the making of MC Barley Wine. Local port wine barrels were used from the winery down the street by local brewers who wanted to brew hands-on while on their days off from Stone Brewing. The MC moniker originated to commemorate the life of Matt Courtright, who passed in August 2013. The special release will be pouring again soon from Culture Brewing’s 12tap system. By the time this magazine lands in your hands, they will have tart cherry and red table grape ale fresh from the barrel.
tasting notes Belgian Saison 5.6% ABV Very refreshing with a little bitterness in the finish when cold. It mellows out when it gets closer to room temp with a nice spiced nose and a slight malt finish. (Remember the SRM? It’s 3.)
Hefeweizen 5.9% ABV This features a bready nose that is fresh and grainy (almost like Cheerios) with a very pleasant mild citrus taste without being sweet. Then comes a nice, crisp, refreshing finish.
Brown Ale 5.6% ABV Brown Ale, 5.6% ABV - The chocolaty English malt gives an easydrinking sweetness to the beer without being sugary. A slight toffee and caramel scent eases the way for a smooth finish. Try it on nitro, too! It gets even smoother.
Mosaic 6.6% ABV Named for the type of hops used in this IPA, there is a killer hop nose to this one. It’s so green that it’s almost savory, with a super mellow finish you don’t expect from an IPA. It makes your tongue happy. Check back soon for the Keyhole version with the addition of roasted grapefruit peel.
Coffee Stout 5.8% ABV As mentioned before, this is one of the best coffee-flavored stouts out there (so good we had to go back and get another taster). It smells like a handful of coffee beans and tastes like iced coffee fresh off of the tap. Resist the urge to chug it, however; it’s better to let it sit until it gets close to room temperature. The reward is chocolate covered espresso beans. This beer is freakin’ awesome! (The SRM on this one is 80!)
111 South Cedros Ave., Suite 200 Neighborhood: Solana Beach (858) 345-1144 CultureBrewingCo.com JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 61
food/drink
TENDER
the g spot tender
(Also known as The Grand Avenue Bar & Grill)
Haley Hoagland CREDENTIALS: My first job was at the Four Seasons Aviara at the pool. This is where my drink mixing all started. I also worked at the Crazy Burro in La Costa but they are no longer around. I’ve been at the G Spot for the past five years and I also work at the Saddle Bar in Solana Beach. I also do the promo stuff for Venom Vodka, which is a local company owned by two firemen. SHIFTS: Monday, Thursday and Friday from noon to six. SIGNATURE DRINK: I drink vodka soda or vodka water every single time because it’s low in calories and it sure gets the job done. WORDS OF WISDOM: Life is short. Be kind, be genuine, say what you mean, mean what you say and live every day like it’s your last. DRINKS MADE TODAY: Bloody Mary: Each one is made by hand and made to order and always in a pint glass. We never pre-make it even on the busy weekends. It has a nice little kick and if you want it a bit kickier, no problemo, Haley knows how to heat things up. Sculpin IPA by Ballast Point: It is one of their biggest sellers; after all, we live in San Diego, the beer mecca of California and possibly the entire United States. It’s bitter, it’s smooth, it’s delicious. Haley’s Summer Cooler: Vodka, fresh lemon juice, water, splash of simple syrup and strawberry lemonade. It’s cool, it’s refreshing, it’s a great way to get a buzz on a hot summer day. It may look girlie in your hand but it packs a punch. history: I was born and raised in San Diego. I could never live more than five miles from the beach. I grew up in Vista. I’ve had the same best friend since I was six. I guess you can say that I’m loyal to a fault. I love working out. I go to the gym five to six days a week to lift weights. I like feeling good mentally and looking good physically. I love my dog Daisy and she is Whippet Chihuahua.
The Joint
At first I didn’t think the G Spot existed. Every time I looked for it, I could never find it. I was convinced that the G Spot was just a myth. Then one day somebody told me it was in Carlsbad Village and now I can find it every time and it makes me feel like a man! This neighborhood bar is famous for its casual atmosphere with strong and reasonably priced drinks. The thing that makes it even better is that they serve food and the staff is fun and attractive. Take it from me, you’ve got to go see Haley!
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FIVE QUESTIONS 01 You’ve got buff biceps, how did you get those guns? I do 15 pounds on the free-weight curls and do 50 pounds on the machine. I’m toning them up, so I do supersets until they’re done 02 What is the best/worst pickup line you ever heard? Best: The only thing I would change about you is your last name. Worst: What are you doing when you get off … me? 03 What would you consider the perfect first date for you? He could surprise me or we can just plan it out together. We would do something active outdoors like going to the beach or going on a hike. We should be close enough to civilization so we can go to a nice little restaurant to eat and drink. After that, if we click, I would love to go out for more drinks then call it a night. I love gentlemen so if he were to pick me up, have good manners, be respectful, and drop me off, it would be very nice. 04 What was your worst drunken moment? Two years ago we took a G Spot trip to the race track by taking the train. I drank so much I had to leave after just the second race. 05 What do you love about the G Spot? I’ve been here for five years because of the people. The owners, the staff, the customers, they’re all like my family. It has such a neighborhood feel that you really get to know the regulars.
the g spot
752 Grand Ave., Carlsbad // Carlsbad Neighborhood: North County Coastal (760) 729-4449
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JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 63
food/drink
DISH
Grilled Chicken Kebabs and Couscous and Chickpea Salad
by lara miller
Growing up, some of my greatest memories include all the summertime outdoor barbecues we would have in the backyard with my family. Take a little walk with me down memory lane, would ya? Picture this: The warm summer breeze blowing in the backyard, my brother and sister and I setting the table outside (well, let’s be honest, my brother was probably busy watching some sports game on TV), my dad sipping on his scotch on the rocks, and my Mom making her delicious magic happen in the kitchen. All the while that fly/bug/mosquito zapper thingy that everyone had back in the day just kept zapping away in the background. You know the one. That little black cage with the bright blue neon light inside of it that whispers to the unsuspecting insects, “Come into the light!” And then, just like that, ZAP, ZAPZAPZAP, ZZZAAAAPPPP! Dead. Well, better that than in our food, right?
64 4L magazine | JULY 2014
My mom is one amazing cook and she would always have something delicious for us to put on the grill.
One of the best things about them is the very many ways you can dress them up.
One of the main things I remember her making, especially in the summer months, was shish kebabs.
You can marinate them well in advance and each little skewer is already like a pre-portioned size per person.
Shish kebabs are a very Middle Eastern dish, and considering the fact that I’m Lebanese, you can imagine I had that a lot growing up. Beef, chicken, seafood, veggie … my mom didn’t discriminate.
The beauty of kebabs is that whether you are making beef, chicken, seafood or veggie, you can fire up your grill and pretty much get everything done at the same time.
Whenever I think of kebabs, I think of my mom’s home cooking and it takes me back to the good ol’ days.
So for me, there is no better way to honor the summer season than by impaling some meats and veggies!
Helping her skewer all those meats and veggies in the kitchen, having people over, all those delicious smells coming off of the grill in the backyard ...
I know that chicken is a staple in most everyone’s household, but it is also a pretty bland meat all on its own. Well, get ready to have your bobby socks knocked right off of your feet, people, because this recipe is anything but bland. I’ve used really big flavors like garlic and allspice in this marinade to really bump up the flavor profile and take your chicken to a little place called Flavor Town. Perhaps you’ve been there before.
Those memories are the epitome of my childhood summers. So for me, kebabs always seem to be the quintessential summertime BBQ food.
This recipe is essentially my mom’s with just a few tweaks made by yours truly. It’s a very classic way she made these chicken skewers for us growing up and continues to make them today. She uses this marinade of yogurt and the secret ingredient here is a little touch of vinegar. But don’t tell anyone, I mean, considering it’s a “secret” ingredient and all. I wouldn’t want any irate phone calls from her wondering why I’m handing out important family secrets to those who are not, in fact, part of our family. But I would venture to say that we are family by now, no? Even though I’m not a huge fan of white vinegar, it is a really important ingredient in this marinade because it tenderizes the meat along with the yogurt beyond belief and keeps the chicken super moist. And since chicken tends to dry out really easily, especially when it’s grilled, this here is the real deal Holyfield way to shish your kebab. Have fun and get to grillin’!
4lmagazine.com
servings
this recipe
feeds 4-6 happy grillin’! for the
chicken: 2 1/2 - 3 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch chunks 1 1/4 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt 1 tablespoon white vinegar 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 onion, sliced thin 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon allspice 1 tablespoon dried mint 2 teaspoons paprika 1 tablespoon kosher salt Fresh cracked pepper
01
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, vinegar, garlic, onion, cumin, allspice, dried mint, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix it together well and add your cubed chicken.
You can either put this mixture into a plastic freezer bag to marinate, or put some plastic wrap over the bowl (which is what I do). Either way, put it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer you can marinate it, the better!
02 03
When you’re ready for it, grab your skewers and get these babies on!
I like to put in pieces of onion in between each skewer. This adds lots of flavor and the bonus is you get a nice grilled piece of onion to accompany your chicken. Winner winner. TIP: If you are using wooden skewers, make sure you soak them in water for at least 30
minutes before skewering the meat. This will help to ensure that they won’t burn when you put them on the grill.
I like to grill these on an outdoor BBQ, but you can always use an indoor grill if you prefer.
04
Get your coals nice and toasty, get your grill nice and oiled up and throw these bad boys on to cook.
05
Make sure you don’t move them around too much. You want to create that nice sear on the chicken skewers that the grill gives us.
Turn them occasionally, and they should be good to go after about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and place on a dish with a side of the couscous and chickpea salad.
(Recipe on the next page)
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 65
food/drink
DISH
Here’s the recipe for that delightful side ...
for the
Couscous and Chickpea Salad: 1 - 10 oz. box couscous 1 - 15 oz. can chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed 1 pint fresh summer baby tomatoes, like heirloom or grape, halved 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin 2-3 Persian cucumbers, cut into half moons 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1/2 bunch flat leaf Italian parsley, chopped Zest of one lemon 2-3 fresh squeezed lemons, depending on how lemony you like it 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
66 4L magazine | JULY 2014
4lmagazine.com
Here’s how I make my couscous: Put the dried couscous into a giant bowl. Boil water and season it with a little salt and olive oil. When it comes to a boil, measure out just under what the package directions say and pour it over the couscous.
All the flavors work so beautifully together, and this salad is such a great compliment to the soft and tender chicken kebabs.
TIP: Always add just a little less water than the package says. So if it asks for one cup of
It’s really like a burst of sunshine in your mouth.
01
water, put in just over 3/4 cup. This way the couscous can absorb the rest of the liquid to be added to it, like the lemon and olive oil, and it will really absorb all that delicious flavor.
Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and let it stand for about 10 minutes so it can absorb all that hot liquid and cook the couscous. When it’s done, uncover it and fluff the couscous with a fork, never a spoon!
02
Couscous is a very small pasta, not a grain, and it can mush and stick really easily so make sure to fluff it with a fork.
03
While it’s still warm, zest the lemon right on top of it, pour the lemon juice and olive oil in and and toss it around to coat.
04
Add in the rest of the ingredients to the prepared couscous and season to taste with salt and pepper.
05
Toss everything together and give it a taste.
This is a fun outdoor dish that’s super easy to make and has very minimal work involved. It’s definitely one great recipe to keep in your BBQ arsenal. It’s fast, fresh and furiously delicious!
My name is Lara Miller and I am a wife to a pretty cool San Diego dude and mama to three handsome little boys. Yes, I am a lone ranger in a pad full of testosterone. Here is my thing... I love to cook. I’m not a chef, but cooking is what makes the world turn for me. It’s like my therapy, and believe me… dealing with three boys on the daily requires some serious therapy!
Instagram: ChickpeaKitchen lstarglam@yahoo.com
Something for Everyone!
Sauced and Tossed in your choice of 10 Wing Flavors!
Boneless Wings
Phone Ahead!
Regular Wings
Gliders
Boneless Strips
760-434-WING (9464)
2508 El Camino Real, C1 Carlsbad, CA In the Vons/CVS Shopping Plaza, across from the mall
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 67
BUSINESS
advice
savings strategy It may take several years to save up the required amount, and if that is too long to wait then a lower priced home purchase should be considered. At the end of the day, if a family doesn’t have the capital to put down for a more expensive home purchase, then they are setting themselves up for trouble if one of them loses their job or they have an unexpected financial emergency. The cost of a higher payment can wreak havoc on the family’s budget when unforeseen expenses appear. When considering funding your retirement plan a few things should be evaluated. If your company offers a 401(k) solution (or similar qualified pre-tax option) and matches their employees, then a true understanding of your match should be identified and implemented in your retirement strategy.
MoneyTalk
How to Focus on Your Financial Responsibilities
By Brian Shire It’s important today to prioritize your financial goals. Many families and individuals alike wonder whether they should pay off their credit cards, save for a house or put money into retirement plans. The reality is that most investors will struggle with these questions during the course of their lifetimes. The good news is there is a solution to all of the above. With today’s credit-card rates, it might be a wise choice to see if consolidating current debt from existing credit cards onto one lender with a lower interest rate is an option. If this is possible, it would be a strong solution. If not, focus on paying down the higher interest payment instead of the higher balance until you’ve erased that balance and then start on the next credit card balance.
68 4L magazine | JULY 2014
(Important to note: You still want to continue to
pay the minimum amount on all cards so as to avoid any late charges or credit issues.)
In regards to a home purchase, beginning home buyers typically want to have at least 20 percent down so they can avoid P.M.I. (or Property Mortgage Insurance). Leveraging the mortgage debt is one option (paying little to nothing down, and financing the rest), but this is only a safe solution if the buyers have existing capital working for them to offset the higher payments. If they’re like most homebuyers, they want to keep the payments lower, which will require a down payment. This should be saved up over time in safe vehicles with little to no volatility to ensure the savings foundation is intact.
At this point, I caution investors “not to contribute more” than the match, as most plans don’t offer any true guidance, are not guaranteed against loss, and all the money will be taxed when taken out in the future. Other areas such as liquidity and limited plan options, as well as RMDs (required minimum distributions) should be considered when funding a company plan. Investors should also consider funding a “post-tax” solution like a Roth IRA or getting educated on other vehicles that will grow tax free for future retirement income needs. A conservative savings strategy should be implemented to pay down debt, save for a home purchase and put aside money for your retirement needs. Because you may be trying to achieve all three, then certain areas should be considered. How long you have until you want to retire could help you decide if retirement is the smaller percentage of your savings design. Are you a one income family or two? Additional factors should be observed when trying to create a savings plan, but if your retirement years are more than 30 years or beyond, then paying down debt and saving for a home may trump putting away money into your retirement. If you’re more advanced in years, then padding your retirement may be more important as it is closer and should be considered because you have less years to plan. Independent Finance Group (619) 534-4240 Brian@WealthAlli.com
In the next article, I will help investors explore these options in more detail and provide different options they can review and consider as they tackle getting in front of their finances!
4lmagazine.com
Communication a Key Element to Success by jeran fraser I
love ideas, niches and the occasional pitch deck. I enjoy tenacious people who contact me to review an idea or to simply brainstorm. But I have a pet peeve and that is I can’t stand poor communication.
tors—or if you’re simply looking for someone to give you feedback—make sure you understand their time is just as valuable as yours. They’re not waiting for you to contact them and like most other entrepreneurs they are probably spread just as thin as you are.
There are several components to a successful entrepreneur, but you may want to start by learning that your idea is only as good as your ability to execute. Poor communication is planned failure, that’s a fact. When you send someone an email looking for assistance or to review an idea as a potential investor and you happen to get a reply back, do yourself a favor and either email back in 24 hours or don’t bother emailing back at all.
Make an effort to learn how to email back in a timely manner. If someone offers you time in their calendar, take advantage immediately. And if for some reason you think your time is more valuable than the person on the other side of the computer, it may be time for a reality check. If you’re making calls and happen to get a reply on your voicemail, don’t play hard to get.
If you left school with any sort of entitlement issues, leave those behind because it’s a dogeat-dog world out there and if you can’t solve the first part of the entrepreneurial equation, which is simple communication, it’s time to start rethinking your resume. Some people think that’s harsh, but as a person who enjoys helping others, it’s frustrating to see how many entrepreneurs simply lack an ability to communicate. There are troves of successful business people who enjoy helping other entrepreneurs, but in the same breath you only get one shot at making a first impression. So next time you lay out your strategy of communicating with potential inves-
In the game of life, you’ll find plenty of people looking to help you, but that number diminishes quickly when you lose focus of the goal. Communication is a great way to solve problems but also build relationships. I surround myself with those who work efficiently and communicate promptly, and it’s important that you understand the short term and long term value of communication and how it impacts your business. The term “fail fast” is often used in the realm of start-ups and if that’s something you want to do, poor communication would be a great start. Don’t be complacent when you are trying to take your idea to the next level. Go get it!
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 69
gambling
tips
SOFT 18 VS. ACE
blackjack gambling tips Brought to you by Sycuan Casino
A nine-part series to play the odds in your favor
To win at Blackjack, a player must have a better hand than the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. If the player or dealer goes over 21, it is considered a “bust” and is automatically out of the hand. The player must finalize their hand before the dealer so they have the first chance to bust and thereby an advantage. What is the book? When a person says that they play by the book, they mean they play by the odds listed by blackjack instruction manuals. There are several books out there on how to increase your odds of winning. There are slight variations here and there and depending on the situation but there are certain rules in situations that every “book” is in agreement in making the same move. rule #4
What does Soft 18 vs. Ace mean?
It means that you have an ace and a 7, thereby it can either be a total of 8 or a total of 18. The dealer is showing an ace with a card in the hole (upside down). The reason why this is a hard decision is that a lot of “books” out there say that you should always assume that the card in the hole with the dealer is a 10 or 10 equivalent and assume that every following card is a 10 or a 10 equivalent because there are 16 cards of 10 value in a deck, more than any other. Furthermore, if the dealer doesn’t have a 10 or 10 equivalent, the dealer can also beat you with an 8 or a 9 so the dealer has eight more cards in his favor. Lastly, if the dealer doesn’t have one of the 24 winner cards, the dealer also has a “soft” hand so the dealer will continue to hit until he gets at least 18. In this situation, the dealer will offer you insurance. This means that you can insure your bet that the dealer has Blackjack. In the long run, if you accept insurance every single time, you will lose more than you win since only about one-third of the deck is a winning card. If you get past this point, it means that the dealer does not have Blackjack so what do you do? Since 18 is not a reasonably strong hand against an ace, the only way the player can win in this situation is if the dealer ends up with a 17 or busts.
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A) Chances the dealer busts is 36 percent. B) Chances the dealer will end with 19, 20 or 21 is 46 percent. C) Chances that there is a push is 19 percent. D) A player will roughly lose 10 percent more by staying vs. hitting. So if you are in this situation, you should hit a soft 18.
When you arrive at Sycuan to play Blackjack, find yourself a nice table that you’re comfortable with, especially the limits. If you ever wonder what you’re supposed to do, the dealer will always be nice enough to tell you what the “book” says. Remember, most people play the “book” so if you decide to go against it and it causes the players at the table to lose, people may get upset with you. It’s always awesome when the whole table wins but it’s never fun when you are the cause to the house winning. Be respectful of the dealer and the other players but never forget to always have fun!
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North County recommendations
Señor grubby’s
headline here
Señor Grubby’s was started by a group of local guys looking to put a twist on the local Mexican fair. After numerous trips south of the border and not so great American breakfast spots, they noticed missing elements that they wanted to highlight and put their own creative twist on. They called this new fusion of flavor “California Grub”. So now you know how Grubby’s got its name, but we bet that you didn’t know is that they have a great variety of local and craft beer!
377 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad 760.729.0903 • EatGrubbys.com
wrench and rodent
barrel harbor brewing Barrel Harbor is passionate about making beer. There are always 12 precisely crafted beers on tap including: 4 IPA’s, a classic Pilsner, Nitro Stout, and their multi-award winning English Brown Ale. With a lineup like that Barrel Harbor will satisfy every craft beer lover’s palette. Their tasting room is open 7 days a week and is family and pet friendly. Plus, Barrel Harbor offers weekend food vendors, a big screen TV, and provide discounts to Military, Fire Dept. and Police Dept. members. So sail in today for some awesome beers.
2575 Pioneer Ave. #104, Vista 760.734.3949 • BarrelHarborBrewing.com
Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub is headed by executive chef Davin Waite, founder of The Fish Joint and Café Japengo veteran. He continually conjures up a menu relying on the highest quality, chefselected fish and produce. Ingredients are carefully chosen, grown, or made from scratch. Offerings include Loch Duart and Mt. Cook salmon with a caper tapenade, a ceviche flight that changes daily, and the freshest, most exciting specialty items from local fishermen and divers, and specialty produce from local growers.
1815 S. Coast Highway • Oceanside 760.445.6846 • SeaBasstroPub.com
cantina mas fina
encinitas ale house
hooked on sushi
Encinitas Ale House has laid claim to bombass burgers and a helluvalot of specialty ales. It’s tough (but entirely fun) to choose from their rotating 32 taps of not only local but many hard to find craft, import and microbrews. To add to the bliss, they throw in a selection of over 350 bottled beers. A good idea may be to move within walking distance (or crawling) distance of this mecca. They boast to have meats that are humanely raised: beef, bison, goose, alligator, venison, lamb, duck, rabbit, wild boar and of course... ostrich!
Seemingly hard to find, but once you do you will be back for sure! Yes, Hooked on Sushi is a fitting name for this ever popular raw fish locale. Through the years, Hooked on Sushi has remained committed to serving not only the freshest but the tastiest sushi in town. Your head will spin and your taste buds will be tantalized, as you try to pick which could be your favorite roll. Is it the Mexican’s Gone Wild, El Fuego or the Zombie? Hmmm...it’s a good thing they have big to-go boxes here.
With some of the cheapest and strongest drinks in town, plenty of flat screens, great food and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that this place routinely has a packed house. Throw in a diverse menu that is not just filled with Mexican favorites, but American ones as well. The gamut is fully covered, from ridiculously addicting pizzas to crab enchiladas. If you are in the mood to just eat, drink and “hang” with a fun crowd, then mark “The Cantina” on your hit list.
1044 S. Coast Highway 101 • Encinitas 760.943.7180 • EncinitasAleHouse.com
2508 El Camino Real, Carlsbad 760.434.8811 • HookedOnSushiSD.com
2780 State St., Carlsbad 760.434.3497 • MasFinaCantina.com
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 71
on par
GOLF COURSE REVIEW
Lomas Santa Fe executive golf course
1580 Sun Valley Road, Solana Beach | LomasSantaFeGC.com | Tee Times / Pro Shop: 858.755.0195 by steve kang
Blue Tees
Green fees Rates (walking) Mon. - Thurs. Weekend / Holidays
Course rating: 53.6 Slope rating: 0
18 holes
$22
$29
Twilight (after 3 p.m.)
$19
$24
Distance:
2,404 yards
Super twilight (after 5 p.m.)
$16
$19
Designer:
William Bell (1970)
Senior (60 and over)
$19
$26
Greens:
Poa
Juniors under 18 (before noon) $18
$26
Fairways:
Bermuda
Juniors under 18 (before noon) $18
$18
Dress code:
Collared shirt
Early bird (before 7 a.m.)
$17
$24
Walking replay
$10
$12
Riding replay
$16
$18
*Power carts are available for $10 per rider
Voted one of the “Top Short Courses” by Golf Range Magazine for the last two years, Lomas Santa Fe Executive Golf Course is also one of the home courses hosting the Junior Worlds since 2007. Come play the short course with great conditions and nice greens. With smaller that average multi-tiered greens, 29 deep bunkers and two water hazards, this course is not as easy as the yardage suggests. Lomas Santa Fe Executive Golf Course is a great place for beginners and for the more advance players to work on their short games.
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Amenities:
· Cart rental · Pro shop · Pull cart · Putting green(s) · Rental clubs · Snack bar · Swimming pool
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4L Magazine Playing the course:
There is a time and place for everything. What do you do if you want to play 18 holes but don’t have four to five hours to burn? You play an executive golf course. The one I just played, Lomas Santa Fe, has two holes that are par fours, one of which you can pull out a driver since it’s 257 yards long. The rest are par threes. The course layout is done nicely with varying elevations. The par three holes are as short as 90 yards to as long as 169 yards from the blue tee box.
Hole No. 1 (par 3): I’ve played this course at least seven times but for some reason, I can never get on the first green in one. It’s not a difficult hole; it’s a slightly elevated tee box and only 152 yards. Visually, it looks as if it’s angling to the right because there’s a hill to your left where the lake sits. There is a tree and a bunker guarding the left-hand side of the green. On a day like every other day I’ve played the course, I hit my ball fat and only advanced it half way. Although I was playing alone with nobody behind me, I was still embarrassed. I hit my second shot and missed the green again. … Good thing the flag was in the front and I was just off it by three feet. I hit a great chip within a foot and tapped in for bogey. That was ugly.
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 73
on par
GOLF COURSE REVIEW
lo m a s s a n ta f e e x e c u t i v e g o l f c o u r s e
Hole No. 5 (par 3): I bogeyed the first and second holes but all of a sudden I fall apart. I wound up double bogeying No. 3 and triple bogeying No. 6. My head was firmly placed in my arse. I decided to relax and just try to enjoy myself. I turned on Pandora on my cell phone and a Mötley Crüe song came on and gave me a bit of a spark. By then I was talking to myself, telling myself to keep my head down and strike down at the ball. Up until this point, it was difficult because I was playing alone and I wanted to immediately see where my ball went. I decided to just trust myself and it worked. The ball felt good coming of my club and I landed 10 feet away from the hole. My first birdie opportunity missed by an inch to the left. Oh well, a tap-in par was still a good confidence booster. I ended up with a par on one more hole and bogeyed three more to finish the front at 10 over.
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Hole No. 14 (par 4): This is the only hole where you can use a driver. I pulled it out and wondered how well I would hit it since I hadn’t swung it all day. It’s only 257 yards with a lake to the left of the hole. It’s a wide fairway, so a nice and easy swing is the way to go—or you can grab your three wood. I took a rip and hit it perfectly down the middle, just 15 yards away from the front of the green. The father and kid playing in front of me were surprised by my accuracy. I walked up as if I tried to hit it right there, but I knew inside that it was a good amount of luck. I grabbed my sand wedge and chipped it perfectly to the flag, but then the ball went straight left, off the green, toward the water. A bit disappointed, I decided this next chip needed to be close so I could still par.
Boom! I played the back nine relatively well with five pars, two bogeys but also two double bogeys to finish six over with a total score of 16 over. On No. 17, I dropped a 35-yard putt to save bogey, but I finished with a fizzle, double bogeying the last hole. Oh well, I played a bit better than bogey golf, so I’m not too disappointed. My best day here was a total score of seven over. That day, everything was clicking, I got on almost every green in regulation. Today was a bit of a scramble. This is the perfect kind of course to play by yourself, work on your short game, walk the course for some exercise and spend some quiet alone time to relieve life’s daily stress.
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waterproof weatherproof sweatproof sound. secure fit design for athletes. Powered by H2O Audio’s patented waterproof technology, the Surge ear buds come with 5 ear tip sizes, guaranteeing a comfortable and secure fit for running, biking and swimming. Add the Amphibx Fit waterproof armband for your device or the Interval system for swimming to bring your training soundtrack to any climate or terrain. Breaking the Barriers of sound at X-1.com JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 75
on par
GOLF TIPS
The Crossings at Carlsbad Presents
TIPS FROM TEE TO GREEN An eight-part series to improve your game By Steve Vaughan, Director of Instruction
which club?
choose the right club
Part 5: Short Iron - Choosing the Right Club You walk up to your ball and you realize that you have 139 yards to the center of the green and the pin is located in the back. Which club do you choose? 7 Iron — When you hit this well, it goes 160 yards 8 Iron — When you hit this well, it goes 150 yards 9 Iron — When you hit this well, it goes 140 yards It seems like an easy shot because you’re so close. You have to calculate that to get to the pin it’s approximately 149 yards since the pin is placed in the back. A) You pick a 7 iron because you may not hit it perfectly so you want to give yourself some distance just in case. B) You pick an 8 iron because it’s the right club for the length. C) You pick a 9 iron because it’s an easier club for you to hit so you think you can muscle it up there. Answer: You should pick an 8 iron because if you hit it perfectly, it will be at the right spot. If you miss-hit it, it will land short of the hole. Anytime you miss-hit a ball, you want to be short of the hole so that you have an easier uphill putt.
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right choice
There are also a lot of other conditions that a golfer needs to take into account to calculate the right club. A) You need to add yardage if it’s uphill or subtract yardage if it’s downhill. B) You need to add yardage if the wind is in your face or subtract yardage if the wind is to your back. C) You need to add yardage for soft greens or subtract yardage for hard greens. If you are in between clubs (‘tweeners), you can club down and s wing harder or club up and swing easier or choke up. This is all personal preference and what makes you feel more comfortable. Take at least two clubs with you to the tee box. If you’ve never played it before, take three. Take a nice look at the hole and calculate all the factors before choosing your club. Remember, just because somebody hits a 7 iron before you doesn’t mean that you should also hit a 7 iron.
If you’re serious about getting your mechanics down, contact Steve Vaughan and he will take professional video analysis that will break everything down for you. Email him at sdgolfpro65@gmail.com. Schedule a lesson at zdtusa.com/svaughan.
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The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Dining Corporate Weddings
Enjoy the Views
Experience the Golf 5800 The Crossings Drive, Carlsbad | 760.444.1800 Book tee times and restaurant reservations online
RELATIONSHIPS
DATING
summer says
No Better Time For a
Romantic Getaway
Whether you have been with your lady for ages and need a break to reconnect or it is your first weekend away together, when you plan a romantic getaway you must remember that it requires some research, effort and enthusiasm. Arranging a trip for just you and your girl can be a relaxing respite from your daily lives, it can help you spend some quality time with your partner and it can even make your post-vacation relationship better. That is, if you pull it off properly, which is why you need to carefully plan a romantic getaway. Here is what you need to know about how to plan a romantic getaway. Set a Budget When planning a romantic getaway, you must set a budget in terms of money and time. You will need to take into consideration how long both of you can be away from work and other life responsibilities. Keep in mind travel time. You don’t need to spend two weeks in Fiji, a weekend getaway to wine country or a relaxing bead and breakfast (B&B) can be remarkably romantic. In regards to your financial budget, there’s no need to spend a fortune to have a successful romantic getaway. However, if you do have some extra money, using it to create a memorable escape for you and your girl is a great idea!
Choose Your Location The location for your getaway will depend largely on your budget. If you only have a weekend to devote to your trip, you are obviously not going to travel very far from home. There are so many amazing options along the Southern California coastline. Finding a quaint B&B is always a reliable choice that is designed for privacy and romance that you may not get at a chain hotel. Although, we do have our fair share of high-end chains that won’t disappoint. Once you’ve selected your destination, do some research on restaurants and attractions in the area. Don’t be afraid of the clichéd romantic destinations like Napa Valley for a wine tour, but look into out-of-the-way places, too.
Incorporate Extra Touches It’s the little things you plan for your romantic getaway that your girl will really notice and appreciate. Book a couple’s massage, or if that digs too deep in your budget, simply pack massage oils to bring and treat her to a romantic massage yourself. It is all about setting the mood. When making dinner reservations, ask for the table with the best view or perhaps the most private. Bring a bottle of wine to dinner that has a sentimental meaning (you can call ahead to inquire about the corkage fee). Bringing something sentimental will be a reminder of your history together.
Final Thoughts Romance may not be on the top of a man’s priority list when it comes to taking a vacation, however a girlfriend/wife definitely appreciates the effort you put into making the trip special. Since you will be miles away from everyone you know, you can risk getting a little mushy with her without worrying about being embarrassed or shy. Don’t be afraid to try out the cheesy stuff. You may think the romantic clichés have been done to death, but there is a reason they are old standbys: They are classic and women pretty much always appreciate them.
DON’T BE SHY! Feel free to contact me for questions (embarrassing or not!), advice or topics around relationships you would like for me to address at Summer@FourELmagazine.com. 78 4L magazine | JULY 2014
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Summer’s SoCal top picks for a romantic weekend getaway: CATALINA 01 Newport Beach is just 90 miles from San Diego. There is bound to be romance spending the day down at the Balboa Peninsula. You can cruise the Newport Bay in a rented Duffy boat. Dock the boat at one of a number of fine dining establishments along the water. Even more romantic, you can go on a romantic gondola ride through Newport Beach’s canals, a perfect sunset date. 02 Catalina offers as a great weekend getaway. Some hotels even offer romance packages that include round trip boat transportation, breakfast served to your room, wine and hors d’oeuvres each evening and a bottle of chilled Champagne or wine upon arrival. The island offers both adventures and relaxation, which together make for a perfect getaway. 03 Santa Barbara’s aphrodisiac credentials are tried and true, offering a potent mixture of Mediterranean architecture, 100 miles of sparkling coastline and 300+ days of sunshine a year. Add countless sensory indulgences like world-class wine and farm-to-table cuisine, and you have recipes for a perfect romantic getaway.
SANTA BARBARA WINERY
VENICE CANALS
04 Los Angeles is the home to many romantic getaway spots. Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice canals and Naples Island are all beautiful. Or simply play tourist in one of the top tourist cities in the world by renting a convertible, cruising the beaches and don’t forget about Mulholland Drive. Dining … you can’t possibly go wrong as there are so many options in LA proper as well as every surrounding city/neighborhood! All a short road trip (or boat ride) away with plenty of romantic things to do!
BALBOA ISLAND
LEARN
4L
LOVE
LIVE
Magazine LAUGH
FULLY CULTURED YET UNSHAVEN
THE 4L’S OF SUCCESSFUL ADVERTISING LATITUDE Where our readers live, work and play LONGEVITY Your ads make lasting impressions LOYALTY Our readers come back for more LIMITLESS Your return on investment FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 760.744.0911 OR STEVE@FOURELMAGAZINE.COM JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 79
RELATIONSHIPS
MUSINGS
musings
When It’s More Than Just a Round of Golf By Stacy Cafagna Pollard
My husband Craig is a Hodgkin’s disease survivor. Conquering this cancer of the lymph nodes twice by the time he was 20 inspired him to give back to the cancer community, so he launched Cancer for College, a charity that provides scholarships to young cancer survivors. Throughout the past 21 years, we have planned golf tournaments in all shapes and sizes to support our fundraising efforts. Our first event was 24 friends and family for golf and a barbeque dinner afterwards in our backyard. We raised $500 and gave it all away with our first scholarship. Fast forward to this spring, when our annual golf event was part of “The Desert Showdown,” a three-day fundraiser in Palm Desert that also included a pro-celebrity tennis exhibition and a concert. The events raised nearly $1 million for Cancer for College. And next month, we team up with 4L Magazine for the inaugural Classy Golf Classic. Come join us all in Coronado on Aug. 29.
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Golf tournaments for a good cause are nothing new. But I want to tell you a story of when a round of golf was much more than just playing 18 holes. February 1, 2006, dawned without any distinction or fanfare. Just an ordinary Wednesday for our family of two young sons and a newborn daughter. It started as a regular work day for Craig, but shortly after arriving to his office he felt the sudden chill of a flu coming on. He came home. And pretty rapidly, what we thought was just a cold became a life-threatening bloodstream infection. You see, battling cancer twice had compromised his immune system. His 105-degree fever prompted us to call 911, and he was taken by ambulance to the emergency room. Later that evening, with Craig in the ICU, doctors told me his organs were shutting down and that I should prepare for the possibility that he may not make it through the night.
But Craig’s pretty feisty. And after two months in critical care, he survived. But in the trade-off of life versus limb, the medication which saved his life strangled his extremities. Amputation of both feet was required. We welcomed him home in April, but months of recovery stretched out in front of our family. (Please see
CancerForCollege.org for details on Craig’s story).
This was a hectic and uncertain time for us. A critical illness and a two-month hospital stay; a newborn daughter and her active brothers, ages 9 and 6. It was a new normal for all of us but mostly for Craig, who was not yet 40, loved coaching and playing sports of all kinds and was now learning to walk the path of his life on two prosthetic feet. It was also tournament time for our charity. While Craig was hospitalized, our dedicated committee secured details, knowing he would want the event to go forward. Once home, Craig
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was determined to actually play in his tournament. From my vantage point, it seemed a lofty goal, maybe even impossible. But Craig was dedicated and in just a matter of weeks, he went from wheelchair to walker to shiny new “robot” legs, as our boys called them. True to character, he chose to find the positive in his situation. Just six months after losing his feet, Craig played golf in his prosthetics and, walking effortlessly to the stage at the dinner afterward, awarded our first scholarship to an amputee. It was clear to all of us present that we were witness to something special. Sure, a man played golf in his charity tournament, same as he’d done every year for the past 13 years. But what he really did was reclaim the life nearly stolen from him. He refused to be sidelined. I’m convinced that his will to play those 18 holes—surrounded by friends, family and our scholarship recipients—coaxed him out of his wheelchair and back into his life much faster than anyone expected. For people facing a massive, life-changing obstacle, sometimes it’s a simple goal that can keep them going when all seems lost. It’s about survival, and resilience. It’s about returning to one’s life as planned, before a devastating interruption. Whether it takes the form of a round of golf, a
hard-earned college degree or whatever you hold dear, having a goal waiting on recovery’s other side can help pull a person forward on their path to becoming whole again. This year Craig marks eight years as a double amputee, and our charity turns 21. We feel extremely humbled and honored to be a part of so many survivors’ lives. To date we have granted nearly $2 million to more than 1,000 cancer survivors. Survivors who see college as that ray of hope makes overcoming a disease like cancer feel possible in even the darkest moments.
Stacy Cafagna Pollard, a San Diego native, is a graduate of the University of Southern California and holds a teaching credential from UC San Diego. She is currently working on a book detailing Craig’s story.
WE MAKE THE BEST EYEWEAR BETTER.
w w w. S P O R T R X . c o m CALL AND SPEAK TO AN OPTICIAN
1.888.831.5817
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 81
stunning san diego
82 4L magazine | JULY 2014
Emmi Rosales
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stunning
san diego Emmi Rosales
San Diego Connection: I lived in Vegas for 14 years, Los Angeles for another 14 but I moved to San Diego to attend SDSU. Zodiac Sign: Aries Profession: I am a full time geology student at SDSU, a bartender at the House of Blues and manager at Pacific Coast Skydiving. Outdoor activities: Rock climbing, surfing, snowboarding, skydiving and camping in remote locations. I’m an outdoors enthusiast; I could live my whole life without ever stepping in a building again and I’m a huge adrenaline junkie! Hobbies: I collect rocks but geology is my major, so I’m passionate about rocks. I also enjoy working on my car because my grandpa taught me how to maintain a vehicle. I recently competed on American Ninja Warrior and came in second on Alpha Warrior San Diego (obstacle course) last year. Favorite libation: A nice Anejo Tequila or a great glass of red wine
Growing up: I was raised by a hard working single mother. I am the oldest of four children, two younger brothers and a younger sister. My sister is only a year younger than me. She and I would spend days in the Las Vegas desert scorpion and snake hunting. We were always making our own little adventures. I was a competitive gymnast my entire life. I was a soccer player but I discovered that I had a talent for walking on my hands. So instead of playing defense, I was upside down. I was naturally a gymnast, so I was drawn to other activities that require strength and balance. I always loved a challenge.
Career: I had a blast being a stunt double in a sci-fi movie, so after I graduate I’d like to do more stunt work in L.A. However, my ultimate goal is to be a geologist for a company that responds to natural disasters. They basically go in and assess the situation after a natural disaster occurs. I want to help save lives.
Passion: I don’t think you should ever take life too seriously; if you do, you will never truly be happy and may even be miserable. I know it sounds cliché, but I believe you have to live every day like it’s your last. If you compare your life to the existence of the planet, it is only a fraction of a nanosecond long. I want to inspire people to live this free-spirited lifestyle. My faith in God has also driven me to be the best person that I can be. I want to see the world but not the typical tourist traps. I want to take the path less traveled and see things that most people haven’t experienced or seen. I want my entire life to be an adventure.
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 83
travel
weekender
Shutters on the beach Santa Monica, CA
BY michelle lyn
COASTAL SOCAL An Iconic Luxury Santa Monica Hotel
t
he westernmost point of Los Angeles’ hustle and bustle lies in swanky Santa Monica, just neighboring hipster Venice. Shutters on the Beach is the iconic oceanfront property with Cape Cod-style shuttered windows (hence the name) that proffers the best view of the Pacific in town. Cozy up in the living room bar and plan out the perfect weekend on LA’s westside.
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Malibu
01
01 02
02
MORNINGS Start with complimentary classes in02 meditation and yoga, or grab a coffee and go for a walk on the boardwalk. Shutters on the Beach sits perfectly on the sand of Santa Monica Bay near the historic Santa Monica Pier, the perfect place to watch the sunrise. Head back to the hotel for breakfast at Coast Beach Café & Bar, taking full advantage of views of the ocean and the open kitchen. A self-heating floor provides warmth on cooler days, and two plasma screens are above the long, inviting bar with a lively communal table. Coast is situated directly on the bicycle path, so you can indulge in people watching while you eat. If you want to try somewhere off property, Huckleberry Bakery & Café is a cozy spot that offers homemade artisan breads, pastries, breakfast items, flatbreads, soups, salads, sandwiches, rotisserie chickens and desserts. Produce comes from the local farmer’s market, and they only use free range hormone- and antibiotic-free meat, poultry and dairy.
03
03 AFTERNOONs
Shutters is near famed Montana Avenue (for shopping), Third Street Promenade (for people watching) and Venice’s Abbot Kinney (for hipster shopping and watching). The beaches of Venice and Malibu are within 20 minutes, so take a ride on a beach cruiser, have your fortune read on Venice Beach, ride on the Ferris wheel, build a sandcastle, take a surfing lesson or go for a hike. The options are practically limitless and if you dream it, the Shutters team is happy to make it happen. If you’re kind of a foodie and looking for a unique experience, M.A.K.E. is a living foods restaurant featuring cutting edge plant-based cuisine. The menu is executed under the guidance of raw food chef and author Matthew Kenney, whose adjacent Matthew Kenney Culinary is a state-of-the-art raw food chef school that draws students from all over the globe. The restaurant’s menu features innovative ideas inspired by seasonal, local produce as
04 01 Coast Beach Café & Bar entrance
well as many of Kenney’s classic raw food dishes. His dining area 02 Huckleberry has three compoBakery & Café 03 Third Street Promenade nents: a communal omakase-style bar 04 M.A.K.E. where guests have a fresh juice or cocktail while watching chefs prepare a tasting menu; an airy dining room accented with natural woods and fabrics; and a full service outdoor patio to take advantage of the near-perfect Santa 06 Monica weather.
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travel
weekender
03
planning ahead
When to Go Santa Monica enjoys moderate-to-warm temperatures year round averaging in the 70s and 80s most of the year. 01
Rates They begin at $625 per night, and suites are available from $1,295 to $6,500 per night (subject to change) Book It Shutters on the Beach, One Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, California 90405 (310) 458-0030; ShuttersOnTheBeach.com
02
01 The pool with evenings ocean view Transition into darkness by relaxing at ONE the Spa at Shutters, where they 02 Oceanview Room combine organic and indulgent body treatments, facials, massages, tropical
rain showers, manicures and pedicures. The interior is clean, crisp and shipshape, recalling the romantic era of the 1930s yachting scene and blending 04 Santa Monica Pier succinctly with Shutters on the Beach. Natural woods and stone combined with subtle tones of sand and sea evoke the healing powers of the Pacific. 03 Seaside Deck
A seat in Living Room at Shutters is one of the most sought-after spots in LA for a cocktail at sunset. Offering drinks and light meals, Living Room is a wonderful respite from the sun or daytime routine. Just a few steps from your room, One Pico has a market-fresh menu that is perfect for a romantic seaside dinner. A couple other great options are BOA Steakhouse, a dark and sexy restaurant, and Tar & Roses, a great little spot 03for unique dishes to share.
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4lmagazine.com
R E A L E S TAT E
Donna Wettstein. Homes & Estates
North County Specialist.
AN EXCEPTIONAL REALTOR® FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD.
“
My commitment to all of you is to work SMART and DILIGENTLY, paying special attention to YOUR individual desires and needs, and to make it a fun journey... YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!
“
“
I have told Donna many times that I will NEVER use another realtor as long as I live-because I mean it. She is the best. My wife and I are totally comfortable with her process, her manner, and her expertise in real estate. We can not recommend her highly enough.
“
Mike and Marie 4/25/13
C: 619.884.1884 DonnaWettstein@yahoo.com donnasellsrealestate.com encinitasdreamhomes.com CALBRE: 01380900
JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 87
GADGETS & GEAR
REVIEWS
TECH all hands on
By Cory Waterhouse
The Summer of Beer and Whiskey Price: $17
Chris von der Ahe knew next to nothing about baseball when he risked his life’s savings to found the franchise that would become the St. Louis Cardinals. Yet the German-born beer garden proprietor would become one of the most important—and funniest—figures in the game’s history. Von der Ahe picked up the team for one reason—to sell more beer. Then he helped gather a group of ragtag professional clubs together to create a maverick new league that would fight the haughty National League, reinventing big-league baseball to attract Americans of all classes. Sneered at as ‘The Beer and Whiskey Circuit’ because it was backed by brewers, distillers and saloon owners, their American Association brought Americans back to enjoying baseball by offering Sunday games, beer at the ballpark, and a dirt-cheap ticket price of 25 cents. Baseball and beer go hand in hand and I miss the days when players were slovenly bearded guys who’d drink before the game, during the game … and then just take greenies (see: amphetamines) so they’d be functional enough to jog onto the diamond until October. We miss you, John Kruk, you bearded, fat-tastic bastard.
EdwardAchorn.com
FlipOut TV Wall Mount Price: $900
The Extended FlipOut is designed to fit most LED, LCD and plasma TVs with a screen size up to 32 inches (see TV dimension chart). This mount extends your TV far enough that you can watch TV comfortably while lying down or sitting up in bed. Closing flat against the wall your television will be completely hidden. The arms of the mount are designed to conceal the cables that connect to your TV. You can easily install these cables yourself. When you’re not watching TV simply close the mount to completely hide your TV behind the attached picture frame. This is the honed,
sweet perfection that just defines ‘Murica. You simply flip your TV out from the wall … and indulge in an instant marathon of The Wire without having to get up … or really move at all. Next you get a catheter and a feeding tube and then THE ILLUMINATI HAVE WON. HVTVMounts.com
Lamborghini Egoista
Need for
speed
Price: $TBA
This futuristic single-seater is the only one of its kind in the world. Powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine that churns out 600 horsepower, it takes the attributes that are in the DNA of every Lamborghini to the next, extreme level. Since I never
received an official response from Lamborghini regarding if they’re even going to mass produce this car (I actually never called them), I’m not positive about the cost but I’m sure it’ll be the price of a house in Durango, Colorado. This car should come with a superhero outfit and a secret hideaway cave where you plot the destruction of various criminal masterminds and their organizations, where you then save the world but still must live in the shadows to protect the innocent. Uh … I think right about now might be a good time to wean myself off Netflix ... Lamborghini.com
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4lmagazine.com
The Original Batmobile Price: Auction
There are only a few items in life that are able to capture the soul of an era. Not many people can say they own a pinnacle point in history that revolutionized a particular genre and an entire industry that followed in its footsteps. Maybe it was the catchy theme song that played in the beginning or the comedic/action-packed acting that was followed by ‘POW’/’BANG’ in this TV show, but then there are the real fans that will strongly advocate, till this day, that coming home to watch the Batmobile soar out of the bat cave in the Batman TV series defines a lot of their first childhood loves to hit the television screens. The 1966 Batmobile by George Barris is the most recognized and popular piece of entertainment history, worldwide, that has become an icon, an icon that has been carried from generation to generation of Batmobiles to follow. Is this a little
over the top? Yes, absolutely. ... But can you imagine the parental street cred you’d get by picking up your kids in the BATMOBILE? But leave the ‘60s era Adam West mask at home. I think that’s closer to S&M than it is to PTA. SalonCollection.com
Hylete Cross Training Short and Hoodie Price: $70 and $60
So begins the evolution of your favorite hybrid training short. The same quality engineering and thoughtful attributes of the 1.0 model are included in the 2.0 with a few new tweaks making it a lighter, more comfortable and better performing crosstraining short. Hylete.com
LawnBott SpyderEvo Price: $1,725
Lawn-mowing season is upon us, and if you’d rather not spend your free time this summer keeping your yard in check, let the LawnBott SpyderEvo do it for you. This semi-automatic mower uses perimeter wire and internal sensors to handle pretty much any yard up to 10,000 square feet, automatically recharges itself using the optional docking station, offers four-wheel drive to manage slopes up to 27 degrees, is virtually silent, and runs up to 3.5 hours at a time on a single charge of its Liion battery. I wonder if it has the same impact if I watch this little lawn robot beast while I sit in a lounge chair with black socks and sandals … yelling at neighbor kids. Maybe if I attach a squirt gun to the top, I can douse those little turds when they try and climb the tree in my front yard. Just a thought … LawnBott.com
If you’d like to have your product reviewed by 4L Magazine, e-mail cory@fourelmagazine.com JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 89
GADGETS & GEAR
REVIEWS
TECH all hands on
Road Shower Price: $300
It is like adding as needed plumbing to your vehicle. ... A green solution using renewable energy. With the Road Shower you can have pressurized water wherever you go. It will heat the water while you drive and will be ready to give you a high pressure hot shower at the end of the day. Hot or cold, the Road Shower has many uses from the camp hose for dishes, gear, pets or for extra drinking water. This
sounds like a good idea for anyone that has an active lifestyle and consistently needs to hose off. Like … surfers, people with dogs and axe murderers. RoadShower.com
Mavericks Expedition Tent Price: $6,800
The multi-purpose tent Mavericks is especially designed for extreme conditions. It can be used as base camp or group tent, for example. It offers an internal height of two meters and more than 13 square meters of space. Mavericks also uses the IDG (Inflatable Diamond Grid) technology and the patented Multi Chamber Safety System: after inflation the inflatable structure can be separated in 10 individual air chambers to ensure an emergency stability in case of a defect. The whole tent is pre-assembled and can be set up by one single person in no time. Its special geodesic structure of the tent Mavericks is developed to withstand high wind speeds up to 180km/h. So, by extreme conditions do
you mean my front yard during the summer with my kids? Because that’s about as extreme as I get when it comes to camping. Sleeping on dirt and peeing on trees sounds great if you’re a peasant, but now that I think of it, this tent might come in handy for the impending financial meltdown and eventual collapse of society (so says the onslaught of emails I get from crazy people around San Diego). HeimPlanet.com
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4lmagazine.com
Death Wish Coffee Price: $20/11-pound bag
Every day Mike Brown would drag himself out of bed to open his small coffee shop, Saratoga Coffee Traders, in Saratoga Springs, NY. He would always offer the darkest roast he had but knew that this may not be the most caffeinated coffee because dark roast coffee contains less caffeine than their lighter roasted counterparts. After countless weeks of late nights, early mornings, cupping, testing and tasting, he finally discovered the perfect blend of beans. DEATH WISH COFFEE ‘The World’s Strongest Coffee.’ When Starbucks has 20.6 mg/fl. oz. and Death Wish has 54.2 mg/fl. oz., I think the choice is clear. You might never sleep again and your hands will be shaking like you have the DT’s, but GODDAMN I love coffee. DeathWishCoffee.com
Earth Cooler from eCool Price: $349
The Earth Cooler is 113 cm in height, 22-30 cm in diameter and weighs 12 kg. It holds 24 cans and can stay installed the whole year. It’s advised to use a garden drill but can be installed with a shovel as well. The Earth Cooler’s top is very well insulated and maintains about the same cooled temperature throughout the whole container.
So apparently I can dig a hole, fill it with this wondrous contraption and then I’ll have a never ending train of canned beer being excavated from the cool, crisp earth.*
*Disapproving neighbors, bleary-eyed alcoholism and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome not included. Eng.ecool.dk
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7/26/13 11:40:49 AM
7/09:
MUSIC LISTINGS
HOT WIRE
chevelle House of Blues
concert dates
rhythm
7/11:
switchfoot bro-am Moonlight Beach , Encinitas
7/11:
cloud nothings Soda Bar
7/08 Magic Man with Night Terrors of 1927, The Casbah Magic Man is a fairly recent up-and-coming group from Providence, Rhode Island. The band originally formed in 2009 with Alex Caplow and Sam Lee, then gained three more members. The new folks provide an indie-rock influence to the previous synth-pop roots. The Night Terrors of 1927 are a Los Angeles-based band that has a similar synth-pop/indie rock sound ...with an odd name that kinda gives me the creeps.
7/11 Okapi Sun, The Casbah The okapi is an animal that contains traits of both a giraffe and a zebra that resides in the Congo Forest. I believe it’s no coincidence that the intended message sent by both the band’s title and the music is one that contains the essence of acceptance and of unity amongst all inhabitants of the earth. That just got super green and spiritual.
7/09 Chevelle, House of Blues Chevelle is an alternative metal band consisting of brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler and their brother-in-law Dean Bernardini. They found massive success with their second album Wonder What’s Next, which went platinum after making an appearance on the U.S. albums chart.
7/10 Quiet Riot, House of Blues The band name was derived from a conversation with Rick Parfitt from a British band called Status Quo, where he stated that he wanted to name a band “Quite Right” but his strong English accent made it sound like “Quiet Riot.” They are most well known for their songs “Mental Health” and “Cum On Feel The Noize.”
7/11 Switchfoot Bro-Am, Moonlight Beach, Encinitas This 10th annual free charity event hosts live music from Switchfoot along with several other amazing bands. The event ends with a screening of the new Switchfoot documentary Fading West. 7/11 The Growlers, The North Park Theatre The Growlers are a band from Dana Point that produces a very interesting sound mixture that melds garage rock with psychedelic rock into what they refer to as Beach Goth. There is usually a hefty amount of theatrics involved in their performances, including wigs, women’s dresses, lots of makeup and a variety of other props.
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7/11 Cloud Nothings, Soda Bar Lead singer and guitarist Dylan Baldi recorded music in his parents’ home using Garageband and released his work on websites such as Myspace under several fake band names, one of which was Cloud Nothings. Baldi’s music grabbed the notice of Bridgetown Records and underground rock promoter Todd Patrick. Baldi realized the potential of the fake band that he had created and dropped out of college to pursue a career in music.
4lmagazine.com
7/12:
7/20:
House of Blues
Belly Up
la roux
X
6/27:
jimmy cliff Belly Up
7/12 La Roux, House of Blues La Roux is currently a one-woman act consisting of singer, keyboardist, writer and producer Elly Jackson. The name references a French term meaning “red-haired one.” Her music inherits the essence of sharp songwriting, expressive vocals and an overall enjoyably familiar derivative from the ‘80s synth-pop genre. 7/19 Summersun Fest, Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre This premiere festival features the Wailers, Upfull Rising, several other musical acts and an art show. 7/20 X, Belly Up X is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles that is known to be part of the first wave back in 1977. In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked X’s first two studio albums, Los Angeles and Wild Gift, as two of the top 200 albums of all time. Fast forward to the recent UC Santa Barbara shootings, which X singer-songwriter Exene Cervenka tweeted were a hoax. So there’s that. 7/22 The Crookes, House of Blues This indie rock band arose in 2008 from Sheffield, England. They seem to be greatly influenced by The Smiths and present a striking resemblance to another indie rock band within the current era called Two Door Cinema Club. Check out one of their more popular songs “Afterglow.” 7/22 The Neighbourhood,
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
The NBHD (Neighbourhood) formed in 2011 and came to prominence in 2013 with their first full-length album I Love You, which ranked No. 39 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
7/23 Jimmy Cliff, Belly Up He is currently the only living musician to hold the Order of Merit, which is the highest honor that can be given by the Jamaican government for arts and sciences. Check out the song “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” which applies to all walks of life. 7/24 The Aquabats, House of Blues I just want to start off by informing you that the Aquabats’ guitarist goes by the name of Eagle “Bones” Falconhawk. If that does not qualify as one of the top 10 most badass names that has ever been given, then my faith in humanity has been lost. The music is a cross between synth-pop and ska. 7/24 OK Go, Belly Up This band has some of the most entertaining music video performances that I have ever seen. I’m serious, check out “Here It Goes” and “Needing/Getting,” you’ll see what I’m talking about. “Here It Goes” won a Grammy for best music video in 2007.
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rhythm
MUSIC LISTINGS
8/03:
tom petty and the heartbreakers Viejas Arena at SDSU
7/26:
slightly stoopid Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/11:
arctic monkeys 7/25 The Cult, Del Mar Racetrack This British ‘80s rock band ironically gained a loyal following (because they are called The Cult … that’s why it’s ironic but loses a touch of said irony when I have to explain it) in the U.K. before breaking mainstream in America with hit singles such as “Love Removal Machine” and “Fire Woman.” If Led Zeppelin and The Doors had a baby that went heavy metal, then it would be named The Cult. And she could kick your ass. 7/26 Slightly Stoopid, SleepTrain Amphitheatre I’ve always loved this reggae rock band’s music along with the irony of stupid being misspelled. The band currently has 10 albums released, having originally been signed to Skunk Records while still in high school by Sublime’s late frontman Bradley Nowell. 7/26 Say Anything, House of Blues The band was sidelined in 2005 due to the health and drug issues of frontman Max Bemis. After recovering, the band went on to tour with Saves the Day in 2006 and Hello Goodbye in 2007. 7/30 Mötley Crüe, SleepTrain Amphitheatre Mötley Crüe were just some heavy metal gods of the late 1980s, no big deal. Their hedonistic lifestyle and vice-loving personas are what kept their fans amused and loyal. And, of course, the music is pretty cool. They are currently known to be one of the best selling groups of all time, selling more than 75 million records worldwide. Mötley Crüe is on a tour through 2015 they claim will be their last. Of course, The Who once said that also. 7/31 Hold Steady with Cheap Girls, Belly Up Hold Steady is a Brooklyn-based band that gained a reputation after the release of their third studio album Boys and Girls in America. The band is most notable for their narrative constructing lyrics that usually cover themes such as drug addiction, religion and redemption. 8/1 Neon Trees, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club The Neon Trees found their spot in the limelight after opening for The Killers on a nationwide tour. The name Neon Trees was created by lead vocalist Tyler Glenn when he noticed trees with lights on them at an In-N-Out Burger. It was later discovered that (bassist) Brandon Campbell’s father helped design the neon lights that inspired the band name. 94 4L magazine | JULY 2014
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
8/01-02 English Beat, Belly Up The English Beat, formerly known as The Beat, had to change their name due to confusion with Paul Collins’ band of the same name. Their message usually consists of socio-political topics piled on to a pleasant sound mixture of ska, reggae and pop rock. 8/02 Weezer, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Weezer is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles. They have a bit of an indie rock extension to their sound that is reminiscent of The Pixies in a sense. Weezer was also part of the reinvention of emo rock in the early ‘90s. 8/03 Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Viejas Arena at SDSU Tom Petty took part in leading the heartland rock movement in the ‘70s/80s along with several other noteworthy musicians including Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger. The movement spilled over into the ‘90, when Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers kept hold of their popularity and continued to produce music. 8/05 Arcade Fire, SleepTrain Amphitheatre Arcade Fire, based in Montreal, Canada, is predominantly referred to as indie rock but have an ‘80s influence in addition to an experimental rock voice to their instrumentals. 8/06 Arctic Monkeys, Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
The Arctic Monkeys’ debut album was one of the fastest-selling albums in British history, and they were one of the first groups to gain a following through fan-based sites on the Internet. Although they are originally rooted in garage rock/post punk revival, and referred to as indie rock, their style changes with every album.
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July 25:
LOCAL EVENTS
happenings
Summer Pops: Danny Elfman’s Music
around town
around town
Price: $25-$90 Venue: San Diego Symphony Locale: Embarcadero Marina Park South
According to presenters: “This brand new orchestra event features Danny Elfman’s famous film scores brought to life on stage by an orchestra and enhanced by visuals on the big screen of Tim Burton’s original film sketches, drawings and storyboards.” 4L Magazine’s take: From what I can surmise,
Danny Elfman is the only person who’s scoring films in Hollywood besides that guy who does the Batman flicks. (Quick Google search ...) Hans Zimmer. Yeah, that’s the other guy. Hans. Anyway, Danny Elfman led the ‘80s band Oingo Boingo and is adept at writing kooky, creepy soundtracks like those for the films The Nightmare Before Christmas and Tales From the Crypt. Which is why he’s buddies with (kooky, creepy) Tim Burton. Danny Elfman tidbit: He wrote the iconic theme song to The Simpsons.
July 17-Sept. 3:
Del Mar Racing Season Price: Stretch Run: $6 (Opening Day $10); Clubhouse: $10; (Opening Day $20) Venue: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Locale: Del Mar
According to presenters: “San Diego horse racing takes place where the ‘turf meets the surf’ at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season.” 4L Magazine’s take: Fancy
hats and pinkies up at this event, folks. You’re gonna have to leave your mesh tank top at home because this is a storied event where aerodynamically designed little folks ride mega pricey ponies around in a circle, and people gamble their children’s college funds in the hopes they know which four-legged beast will cross a line first.
July 12-20:
2014 Annual Over The Line Tourney Price: Free Locale: Fiesta Island
According to presenters: “San Diego’s original beach softball event played by men and women into their 80s. It’s one of the last pure Southern California traditions.” 4L Magazine’s take: OTL
has a fine tradition of barely dressed, fiercely competitive folks from around San Diego with a penchant for wonderfully distasteful innuendos. I’d love to include them in this magazine but my daughter can read fairly well now and I don’t want to spend three days explaining the names. 96 4L magazine | JULY 2014
July 18-Aug. 30:
Del Mar Summer Concert Series Price: General track admission $6; entering after the last race $20 Venue: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Locale: Duh … Del Mar
According to presenters: “The Del Mar Summer Concert Series [shows] are free for fans attending the races and open to all ages, featuring bands such as The B-52s, Fitz And The Tantrums, Sammy Hagar & The Wabos, Iration, Pinback, Steel Pulse, Weezer, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Ziggy Marley.” 4L Magazine’s take:
For some reason, there tends to be a lot of reggae at these shows. Which I guess is a good vibe to send out to folks trying to enjoy their day in the sun. “Mom, why does the Honda Odyssey smell like weed?” “Cause I was at the REGGAE show, MON!” “Did you steal my stash? Again?” “Yeah MON! Now let’s go to Filiberto’s. … Mommy has the munchies.”
July 30:
SummerFest: Free Outdoor Concert Price: Free Venue: La Jolla Music Society Locale: La Jolla
According to presenters: “Enjoy a free concert featuring Music Director Cho-Liang Lin, SummerFest artists and special guests, the San Diego Youth Symphony’s International Youth Symphony.” 4L Magazine’s take: Can’t hurt to throw some
classical in your ears after hearing all the same blathering shit that’s on the radio nowadays. I’m pretty sure they have the same six songs on replay. I believe I speak for most everyone on the planet when I say Frozen and its soundtrack needs to go away. Far, far away. No, Anna … I most definitely DO NOT want to build a snowman. It’s San Diego, dammit.
Through July 6:
2014 San Diego County Fair Price: Adults $14*; seniors age 62+ $8; children 6-12 $8; children 5 and under free. *Discount admission available at Albertson’s/Sav-On Venue: Del Mar Fairgrounds Locale: Del Mar
According to presenters: “San Diego’s annual county fair is the largest fair in California, offering a variety of food, entertainment, exhibits, rides and games throughout the beautiful and historical Del Mar Fairgrounds in the oceanfront village of Del Mar.” 4L Magazine’s take: This is the glorious carney festival where I ride large, creaking metal beasts and eat food that is pretty close to edible heart disease. Then again, that’s why it’s only once a year. And just how badly can your arteries be damaged by a few dozen deep-fried Heart GrenadesTM smothered in chocolaty diabetes? July 24:
Summer Pops: Video Games Live Price: $25-$90 Venue: San Diego Symphony Locale: Embarcadero Marina Park South
According to presenters: “After a five-year absence from Summer Pops, Video Games Live returns. Popular game music themes get the full symphonic treatment. This visual and action-packed sensory extravaganza combines memorable video game music with synchronized lighting!” 4L Magazine’s
take: Since I grew up with a Pong-era Atari, Nintendo and Playstation, I imagine I’d know most of these songs. My brother Chris and I would only get about 20 minutes of video game time in before we’d start beating the hell out of each other and my mom would boot us out of house. We’d go play Wiffleball in the front yard … and continue to beat the crap out of each other. Oh, summer …build a snowman. It’s San Diego, dammit.
July 4:
July 5:
Price: $35 per passenger vehicle Venue: Cabrillo National Monument Locale: Point Loma
Price: $22-$85 Venue: Del Mar Fairgrounds Locale: Del Mar
According to presenters: “Come for the sunset, stay for the Fourth of July fireworks viewing party at Cabrillo National Monument, where six different fireworks displays are on view.” 4L Magazine’s take: I know how
According to presenters: “Big Bite Bacon Fest is a fun-filled tasting event featuring creative bacon dishes from the best chefs and competitive cooks in San Diego. Indulge in unlimited bacon-y deliciousness ranging from appetizers to desserts to everything in between.” 4L Magazine’s take: I guess
Fourth of July at Cabrillo National Monument
much the hippies and enviro-crats love the fireworks displays in San Diego but I personally still like explosions and colors at night. I’m very simian like that. A simian is a monkey.
Big Bite Bacon Fest
I’m a purist when it comes to bacon. I like it on a plate, preferably heaping, and enough to make me sick and angry at myself when I’m done. That’s why I love breakfast buffets. They make me ecstatic and depressed at the same time. JULY 2014 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L magazine 97
around town
LOCAL EVENTS
July 14:
Film in the Garden: Blood and Sand Price: Free Venue: San Diego Museum of Art Locale: Downtown
According to presenters: “Grab a picnic, a blanket, and a few friends for a film series under the stars. This summer during Film in the Garden, the San Diego Museum of Art presents four Monday Night films in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.”4L Magazine’s take: Picnic and a flick at the SDMOA. Blood and Sand sounds like my brother and I playing golf.
Through Aug. 31:
Boomers - The Music Revue of a Generation July 11-Aug. 22:
TGIF Concerts in the Park Price: Free Locale: Various parks around Carlsbad
According to presenters: “Carlsbad’s TGIF Concerts in the Parks offers great music, great dancing and great fun for everyone!” 4L Magazine’s take: I live in Carlsbad, right down the street from Calavera Park, and I’ve still never gone to one of these. They sound great from my house, after I’ve dropped my family off.
Price: $29-$68 Venue: Lamb’s Players Locale: Horton Grand Theatre
According to presenters: “Seven multi-talented performers & San Diego’s hottest band take you on an unforgettable ride through the biggest hits & the most memorable events of the Baby Boom Decades. Featuring great music from the ‘60 & ‘70s.” 4L Magazine’s take: Nothing cooler than listening to the music your parents had on vinyl when they were creating you. (This is when you cringe.)
July 4:
Red, White and BOOM! Rocks Legoland Price: Included with admission Venue: Legoland California Resort Locale: Carlsbad
According to presenters: “Legoland California kicks off summer with a starspangled Fourth of July celebration of awe-inspiring fireworks and throughout the day.” 4L Magazine’s take: Red, White and BOOM? With that title, I’m quite
sure I can work in PR and media relations. Carlsbad flower fields? Red, White and BLOOM! Patriotic horror film? Red, White and DOOM! Daffy dumb rom-com about a soldier and her noncommittal boyfriend? Red, White and GROOM! See … I can rhyme too. July 16:
Green Flash Concert: Steve Poltz Price: General $31; members $28; day of $36; season pass for members $110; non-members $130 Venue: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Locale: La Jolla
According to presenters: “Enjoy live music, great food and drinks, and amazing sunset views from the aquarium’s Tide-Pool Plaza with Steve Poltz. The acclaimed concert series is now in its eighth year.” 4L Magazine’s take:
You’d think this would be a great opportunity for Green Flash Brewery to hop all over this. HOPS … get it?! I think I laugh at this stuff … and the rest of you just shake your head and roll your eyes.
Through July 27:
Othello
Price: TBD Venue: The Old Globe Locale: Downtown
According to presenters: “Despite the prejudices in Venice, the brilliant general Othello excels both on the battlefield and in the halls of state. But when he marries Desdemona, his envious lieutenant Iago sets in motion a diabolical plan to destroy him.” 4L Magazine’s take: Iago isn’t just the
parrot from Aladdin, you heathen scum. Just kidding, I’ve never seen or read Othello either.
July 23 :
Hop-Con 2.0 - The w00tstout Launch Festival Price: $25-$89 Venue: Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens Locale: Liberty Station
According to presenters: “Last year’s celebration of nth degree beer geekery is back for round two. Thespian and renaissance man Wil Wheaton, online news guru Drew Curtis and multi-talented actress and comedian Aisha Tyler collaborated on Stone w00tstout 2.0.” 4L Magazine’s take: Geeks and comedians, this sounds like my kinda crowd. Pocket protectors and rubber chickens and nerdish residue sold separately.
98 4L magazine | JULY 2014
Ongoing:
Dichotomy: Kenneth Capps Price: Included with admission Venue: Oceanside Museum of Art Locale: Oceanside
According to presenters: “This exhibition traces Kenneth Capps’ extraordinary body of work from the early ‘70s ink on paper and steel cut-out drawings suggesting three-dimensional space to his more recent work that physically releases the line and form into three-dimensional space.” 4L Magazine’s take: All this looks really cool to me and anytime you can go to the museum is a positive experience. Bring some friends and absorb some culture.
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CANCE E G E L R FOR COL BENEFITING
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29TH Coronado Golf Course Check-in: 10:30 a.m. BBQ Lunch: 11:00 p.m. Tee Time: 12:30 p.m. Post Round Party & Awards: 5:30 p.m. Go to CancerforCollege.org for more info and to sign up