Sacalt October 2014 by SacAlt Magazine

october 2014 PRICELESS

FREE

ALTBREWS:

Beer Tour on 2 Wheels

Budtender of the Month

ALTMUSIC: Graveshadow

ALTFILM:

Sac Horror Film Fest

ALTSPORTS: Tristen Moss

SacAlternative | October 2014

STAFF Publication Editor Lovelle Harris Contributors & Photographers Josh Burke, Emile G. Janicot, Megan Lee, Ron Mullins, Steph Rodriguez, Sri (MFKN) Sherrell Design & Layout Kory & Steph whiskey&sour design info@whiskeyandsour.com SacAlternative 916.800.5884 www.SacAlt.com info@sacalternative.com

october 2014

CONTENTS 04

Upcoming Events

26 Alt&About:

07 AltBrews

Aftershock

11 PatientProfile

29 AltHealth

13 Budtender

30 AltSports:

16 AltMusic:

Graveshadow

33 AltNews:

22 AltFilm

25 CCC

39 Directory

Tristen Moss The CCIA

We appreciate your feedback. Letters to the editor may be edited for length and clarity. Email us at letters@sacalt.com For advertising contact: Josh Burke 916.800.5884 Ext 503 josh@sacalternative.com

Mission Statement SacAlternative is a monthly news and arts magazine with a mission to inform, report and provide quality content to all individuals living in the Sacramento area. Our writers, editors and staff aim to present a variety of social and political topics, balanced with interest to the alternative arts, grassroots movements and green lifestyle representing the region. Advertising Information All advertising is subject to final approval from the advertiser. The advertiser provides SacAlternative with digital files when available. The advertiser, and not SacAlternative, accepts all responsibility for the content of the advertising. The advertiser accepts responsibility for concept, design, photography layout and content of the advertisement, not SacAlternative. Disclaimer You may not use, copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit, distribute, or modify the Marks in any way, including in advertising or publicity pertaining to distribution of materials in this Magazine or on accompanying Website, without SacAlternative prior written consent. The views expressed by the authors and writers in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of SacAlternative. Comments on this publication are the sole responsibility of their writers and the writer will take full responsibility, liability, and blame for any libel or litigation those results from something written in or as a direct result of something written in SacAlternative. The accuracy, completeness, veracity, honesty, exactitude, factuality and politeness of comments are not guaranteed.

SacAlternative | October 2014

ALTNOTE by Lovelle Harris During a recent SacAlt editorial meeting, Downtown James Brown came strolling up to us as we planned the next issue at The Plum Cafe. While he was just as upbeat and charming as he always is, there was no clapping of the hands or stomping of the feet—he didn’t break out into a hip-shaking, sweat-induced JBinspired act. I was in shock—I mean this guy made a name for himself on the streets of Sacto with his campy impersonations of the Godfather of Soul. Crowds would gather in approval, tossing whatever extra change they had hanging out in their pockets his way as he went about the business of entertaining his audience. But on this particular evening there were no romantic renditions of “Sex Machine” or lively performances of “Hot Pants.” He simply asked if any of us could spare him some coin to help him get through the night, which my publisher quickly hooked him up with, then wished us well and went on his way. This got me thinking about all of the people who make Sacramento what it

October Events: Thrills, Chills and Squeals October 10 – 12 The Sacramento Horror Film Festival Three days of gore: films, workshops and events all based on things that go bump in the night. Colonial Theater, 3522 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820; $25 each day. October 12 Sacramento Freethought Day Set your mind free at the 13th annual event celebrating atheism education and activism. California State Capitol, Donations accepted. October 11 – November 1 Dia de los Muertos: Souls of the City The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation will partners with Sol Collective to provide a month of free programs and activities in celebration of Dia de los Muertos: Pop up art classes, lectures, culminating in a large-scale Dia De Los Muertos celebration in front of the Sacramento History Museum. 101 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Pop ups, Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Lecture, Thursday, October 23, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Celebration, Saturday, November 1, 6 p.m. – midnight. October 18 The Hideaway Four-Year Anniversary Party With a new Tiki bar on the back patio, all-ages welcome until 8 p.m., a car and motorcycle show, free barbequed grub and DJ Ferngully on the ones and twos, Mariah York-Carr is going all out for her bar’s fourth year in business. 2565 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, Free. 4

is—the hometown heroes. From the soulful street performances of Downtown JB, to the tireless efforts of former attorney Fred Delmer who is campaigning for the worldwide legalization of cannabis (page 11), not to mention the sheer talent of skateboard wizard, Tristen Moss of the Blood Wizard skate team (page 30)— yes, pun intended—and the vocal prowess of Heather Smith, the lead singer of the metal band Graveshadow (page 16), we’re surrounded by talented and courageous people. They groove next to us at Concerts in the Park and shows at Old Ironsides. They ollie in front of our paths as we walk down the street and we marvel at their ability to not bust their asses on the pavement. They lobby for the rights of our friends and neighbors near and far and we admire their perseverance. And it’s our pleasure to introduce you to some of them. So, get up, get into it, and get involved in this month’s issue of some of our favorite Sacramentans.

October 19 Howlin’ on the Parkway Dogs, put on your costumes, grab your humans and leash up for a 2.2 mile stroll along the American River Parkway. Proceeds from the event will go to support the American River Parkway Foundation’s equestrian and hiking trail maintenance fund. William B. Pond Recreational Area, 5700 Arden Way, Carmichael, CA 95608; Tickets $25 in advance, $40 at the door. October 23 The BBBR Presents: Devilish Dames: A Night of Gothic Glam The Bodacious Bombshells Burlesque Revue embraces the season with a night inspired by All Hallows’ Eve. DJ Jetrock will be spinning dark ’80s, gothic rock, post-punk, and Halloween tunes to set the macabre mood. Witch Room, 1815 19th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; 8 p.m.; Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door. October 24 Forbidden Sexy Halloween Bash NSFW: full bar, adult adventure rooms, “Eden’s Garden” featuring a hot tub with towel service, a topless Darcie Dolce and three dance areas with “stimulating visuals.” Whew! Is it hot in here or is it just me? The Palms Event Center, 12351 E. Stockton Blvd., Galt, CA 95632; 8 p.m.; Tickets $17 - $20. October 31 Amber’s Sweets present The Rocky Horror Picture Show Yep, you guessed it. This is a full-on interactive performance of the cult classic film so grab your fishnets, corsets and high heels and let’s do the time warp again. Colonial Theater, 3522 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820; 10 p.m.; $10. November 2 Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead Celebration (Gallery 1855) The Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum in collaboration with Ethnic Studies Faculty at Woodland Community College host a free Day of the Dead Celebration in the Davis Cemetery: an alter viewing, poetry and music. Gallery 1855 at the Davis Cemetery and Arboretum, 820 Pole Line Rd., Davis, CA 95618; Free. SacAlternative | October 2014

SacAlternative | October 2014

ALTBREWS Touring the Sacramento Brew Scene on Two Wheels by Megan Lee

Sacramento is made for bicycling. And with virtually no hills, plenty of bike lanes, and tree-lined streets, downtown is one of the best places to discover the many breweries, beer history, beer purveyors, and bottle shops on two wheels. It’s finally that time of year when the horrid heat mellows out and you can venture out on an afternoon to taste some of the frothy wares that are being poured at local spots all over town. An opportunity I—and my beerloving comrades—recently parlayed into a beer-inspired tour. We begin our biking adventure at Pangaea Bier Cafe where we grab some brunch and plan our route. The owner, Rob Archie, suggests a Belgium Witbier mimosa—made with Blanche De Bruxelles, it’s a delicious way to begin this beer tour. We all order something different from the menu so we can share and get a sampling of each of the brunch dishes. My personal favorite: Eggs Benevento. Luckily, it was what I had ordered. From Pangaea we cruise down scenic 2nd Avenue. It boasts a wide bike lane and slow-moving cars. This comes in handy since our full bellies are slowing down our roll. We regroup at Curtis Park Market and ogle the amazing selection of single bottled beers they stock, and we also pick up a few for our next stop: City Cemetery. Making our way back down 2nd Avenue, we head west, riding past the charming, old homes...but wait, someone in the group wants to stop at New Helvetia Brewing Company. Yes, an extra stop, but a slight detour never hurt anyone, especially considering they have beer. We share a flight of beer, then resume our route down 2nd Avenue to the City Cemetery. Second (Avenue) dead ends on 11th, right at one of the entryway gates SacAlternative | October 2014

leading into City Cemetery. Of course, I neglect to bring the information that I printed out from the cemetery’s website— smart phones to the rescue! I recommend printing a copy of the information, as it isn’t the easiest thing to navigate on a tiny screen.

Once in, you navigate a stairway that leads down to a basement that has been transformed into a beer speakeasy. What the owners have done with the space is great—and being underground, there just isn’t a better escape from the heat of midday Sacramento.

We take our bicycles to the front gate, lock up and begin the tour. The information that the cemetery provides gives you a who’s who of the early Sacramento brewers buried there. It’s about a mile walk around the beautifully maintained graveyard and there are plenty of places to sit, rest, and share a beer or two with friends and in the company of those whom are no longer with us. Finding the graves proved to be a little tough. We take pleasure in looking at all of the different tombstones while we track down those of the brewers. It begins to get a little too warm outside, so I suggest the perfect reprieve from the heat: Ruhstaller Beer.

After cooling down and sharing another flight of local beer (as well as getting some great information about hops and history at their small museum), we mount our trusty two-wheeled steeds and head to Rubicon Brewing Company. Down The Kay, the route is straightforward: hang a right onto 15th Street and take the left onto Capitol, Rubicon is just a hop, skip—and, in our case, a near crash—and a jump away. Rubicon has been around since 1987, preceding the current interest in craft beer.

We head out of the cemetery gates and roll down 10th Street to K Street (or The Kay, if you please), to our next destination, Ruhstaller. The brewery’s namesake, Captain Frank Ruhstaller, just so happened to be our second stop in the cemetery. The brewery’s location is interesting—it’s located in the basement of what once was the Downtown Plaza (RIP), but don’t you worry, it’s not being destroyed, that I know. The Ruhstaller tasting room can be found atop a darkened doorway with a small doorbell off to the right side behind the bus stop. A few of my friends raise serious concerns regarding my directional skills, but once the “Ring bell for beer” sign was spotted my navigational skills were no longer a point of scrutiny. The crew at Ruhstaller is gracious enough to allow us to park our bicycles in their entrance, as leaving one’s bike unattended on this block—much less a group of them—isn’t a smart idea.

Rubicon’s patio is welcoming and the food always delivers, especially after a day of visiting breweries via bicycle. Dogs and their humans are welcome and the people-watching is pretty darn good. Oh, did I mention the great food and beer? After a long day of peddling and drinking, our little group decides to call it a day and part ways at Rubicon. But that doesn’t mean that your group has to. There are plenty of other places to bike to and enjoy a cold one. LowBrau, BierGarten, and Burgers and Brew are just a few. If you’re feeling especially frisky, a trip out to Track 7 Brewing Co. near Curtis Park is a great ride. Not to mention there is a light rail stop at City College for those of you who might not feel like channeling Lance Armstrong anymore.

Check out the route here: http://tinyurl.com/SacAltBeerTour

SacAlternative | October 2014

PATIENTPROFILE by Ron Mullins Photos by Ron Mullins

I’ve been itching to feature a patient who has been treating their ailments with concentrated hash oil—like Rick Simpson Oil, Phoenix Tears, Hope Oil—for some time. After I watched the documentary “Race From The Cure,” I saw firsthand how it eliminated a woman’s skin cancer on her nose. When I met Fred Delmer at a recent Sacramento NORML general meeting and heard some of his story, I knew I’d found the perfect patient to profile. For Delmer, 68, who currently lives with his family in Placerville—by way of Santa Monica, Venice and Berkeley— cannabis was part of his early social life. After obtaining his law degree from UC Berkeley, Delmer founded the Sierra Legal Clinic in 1979 and practiced law for 25 years. After he was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 1996, approximately 25 years after exposure, he used Ritalin, Wellbutrin, and other pharmaceuticals to cope with the disease. But soon Delmer wanted to be done with the harsh drugs. He researched cannabis and discovered that while he enjoyed it recreationally, it was also an anti-inflammatory and could also help with his ADHD, dyslexia and bipolar disorder. It was during this research he first learned about the concentrated oils and how they were helping people with cancer, strokes, seizures, and other ailments. Ultimately, he was forced to retire because of the health problems caused by Hepatitis C. “In 2012, my vision and energy started diminishing, [it turned out] I [had] an eye disease called uveitis,” Delmer explains. “They put me in a drug trial that required injections of an experimental drug. I had cataract surgery and a vitrectomy with some vision improvement, but it gave SacAlternative | October 2014

me glaucoma. I stopped all medications except for cannabis, which I just smoked. A few months later I started getting dizzy and losing my balance. My wife—on a doctor’s recommendation—took me to UCSF emergency where they diagnosed me with primary CNS lymphoma and ocular lymphoma—in other words, eye and brain cancer.” Delmer had access to a medical garden so he was able to exchange the cannabis he had access to for 200 grams of finished cannabis oil—an exchange that would prove invaluable in his cancer treatment program. “I asked my very experienced oncologist about medical cannabis,” Delmer says. “The general consensus was that there was no science [proving its effectiveness], so I treated myself with about a gram a day [and vaporized] the oil during and between chemo treatments.” Delmer consumed the cannabis oil and underwent chemotherapy from August until December 2013. The cancer disappeared. His eye cancer is also gone, and he now has normal vision. His liver tests are all normal with no fibrosis. While undergoing “cannabis chemo,” Delmer learned all he could about how cannabis cures cancer and decided to start a medical marijuana business, Motherload Medicinals, where he grew a garden to make juices and concentrates. That is, until the cops showed up. A family friend had housesat for Delmer in exchange for 10 pounds of low-grade medicine. Unaware that his friend didn’t have a Doctor’s recommendation for

medical cannabis, Delmer let him drive off with the cannabis. He was pulled over with the meds and arrested. His phone led the cops to Delmer’s collective. “The El Dorado sheriffs and Homeland Security came unannounced on August 7th, 2013, cut our gate and—with guns drawn—rounded up my family and arrested me and my uninvolved neighbor who’s been my friend and neighbor for 30 years,” Delmer says. The cops took all of his plants—fewer than he had a recommendation for—his oils, phones and computers. Delmer was arrested and released. He and other members of his family were later charged with the standard cultivation and manufacturing charges. “My lawyers are now working on my compassionate use defense,” he says. Since the incident, Delmer and his collective have been working on a legalize hemp campaign. “I read the book ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes,’ and I realized hemp was banned worldwide by the United Nations,” Delmer says. “I want to legalize hemp farming and completely decriminalize cannabis. I want to use my bust as the test case. I am offering my GoFundMe campaign, which has no money in it yet, to the constitutional lawyer with the best brief. I need a team of lawyers to do this.” Delmer now continues his fight to spread information about the healing properties of cannabis oils and for full legalization. If you want to get involved, contact him or donate to the GoFundMe by going to www.motherloadmedicinals.com. 11

SacAlternative | October 2014

BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH by Josh Burke Photos by Josh Burke

I sat down with Brad Hodges at Golden Health & Wellness for our October Budtender of the Month feature—he’s a young guy, friendly and outgoing, and only recently got involved in the cannabis industry. While we enjoy talking to people who’ve been in this business a long time and have amassed a wealth of knowledge, sometimes it’s nice to get a fresh, youthful perspective on things. And with Brad’s positive outlook, we’re sure he’s got a bright future ahead of him.

also the Korova brand, just because they’re very reputable, and they also make a variety of products.

How long have you been working as a budtender? It actually hasn’t been a year yet, I’ve been here seven months.

What sets Golden Health & Wellness apart from other cannabis dispensaries? Is there anything you guys do differently as far as products you carry, or a way you approach the business? I feel the hospitality behind it all [sets us apart]. Because we’re a smaller dispensary, we have time to bond with the patients more and get to know them more.

How did you get into the business? I had a friend who got a job over at a different collective, and he was working there about six months...and I was kind of like hey, maybe I can get into this line of work. So I asked him, “[Are] there any clubs you know of that might have an opening for me?” And there just happened to be a spot [at Golden Health &Wellness] that worked out perfectly. What medical benefit do you get from using cannabis? Well, it helps with my appetite mostly, because sometimes I have trouble eating in the morning. And also at night: I have lower and middle-back pain, and it helps sedate me, [so I can] sleep, and stay asleep through the night.

Are there any challenges to working as a budtender? It gets hectic. I guess that’s the word. Sometimes there will be...five people out in the waiting room, [while] we have three people we’re currently budtending. It just gets really hectic, and you’ve got to be able to observe it all and make sure everything is going right.

What do you enjoy most about working in the cannabis industry? I just enjoy being around cannabis in general, just because it’s so natural. And we’re around the time period where it’s going to be legalized—it’s [going to be] great [being] a part of that [movement].

Do you have a favorite strain? I’d have to go with the OGs in general—that great sour, heavy power OG. It [has] great flavor, and [produces] great highs (and medicinal qualities) in general.

Do you have regular customers, people who come back to see you again and again? [Yeah], of course! We have people that come by every day and pick up the same thing every day. They just keep coming back because we’re so nice to them, you know? And we feel like that kind of environment alone [makes Golden] a great place to be. And of course we have great cannabis products at great prices!

Do you use any edibles, topical applications, or other types of cannabis products? [I] usually [use] edibles. I stick to the Heavenly Sweet brand, and

What are the hottest products right now at Golden Health & Wellness? I have to say flowers always stick out as [our most popular] products. Edible-wise, I think the

SacAlternative | October 2014

top-shelf products—the brownies and the cookie sandwiches—[sell] the most here. Do you see any trends in the industry right now? I’ve been hearing that concentrates are really big. I think I’ve seen more people stick to flower, actually. They’ve been coming off of the concentrates...just because the concentrates do build your tolerance very fast. And more people do just enjoy the flowers. I do myself. Do you prefer vaporizing, or smoking the old fashioned way? Smoking, of course. And also just rolling up [a joint]. A ‘“J” at the end of the day, you know? It works out well. So I take it you’re pro legalization? [Yeah], I think it would be a great thing... for the state. It would generate a lot of tax dollars, which is really needed at this time. If one of our readers out there wants to become a budtender, what should they do? I think they should just get involved with a dispensary, and just try to befriend the people [there]. Because that’s what they look for—just friendly people in general. So if you’re a really friendly person [with a medical cannabis recommendation], you can definitely get into this sort of business! We’d like to thank Brad and Golden Health & Wellness for taking time to talk to SacAlt this month. And, I want to go ahead and fulfill one last request: that we give a shout out to their security guard Primo! So here it is: what’s up, Primo! Take care and, until next month, be good to each other.

SacAlternative | October 2014

ALTMUSIC

by Josh Burke

Graveshadow Has Arisen

I recently sat down with Sacramento’s symphonic/gothic metal sextet, Graveshadow. Full disclosure: I’m the lead singer/guitarist of In the Silence, we’ve done a number of shows with these guys, and I’m a big fan. Now that’s out of the way, October seemed the perfect month to talk to a band that sings about werewolves, vampires and things that go bump in the night. They’ve just released their first EP, have been winning over fans throughout the Sac metal scene, and have even attracted the interest of the legendary Century Media Records. Fronted by Heather Smith, a young woman whose diminutive size and bubbly personality (she’s going to kill me for saying that) belie her energetic stage presence—not to mention that she sings in both a powerful soprano and demonic growls—the band’s lineup also includes guitarists Matt Mitchell and William Walker, and bassist Benjamin Armstrong. The three originally played together in Courtesy of Grenades, a band that according to Mitchell and Walker “never did anything, but we sure had a lot of rehearsals!” SacAlternative | October 2014

After they pulled the pin on that project, they started Graveshadow— just under two years ago—originally with a different singer. But, they wanted something different. Through the power of Craigslist, they managed to put together a six-piece band with great chemistry and rapport, completed by the addition of Smith, Valerie Hudak on keyboards, and Roman Anderson on drums. Just getting that many musicians to rehearse regularly and keep up with a busy show schedule is no small accomplishment. To do that—and get along with one another—is an even bigger feat. Hudek explains: “It was really strange that we kind of instantly connected...pretty much the moment everyone came in and met,” she says. “We were like, ‘OK, this is good!’” Smith adds arguing has been minimal to non-existent. “There’s the occasional tiny spat here and there,” Hudak continues. “It’s just like bickering within a family, it gets resolved pretty quickly.” So what about the music? I wanted to know who the big influences are, and, while each member has their favorites—Anderson loves doom/melancholy bands like H.I.M, Type O Negative, and Swallow the Sun. Mitchell is a big Metallica and Black Sabbath Fan. Walker prefers Iron Maiden, Iced Earth and Amon Amarth—they pretty much all shouted out simultaneously “Kamelot!” when I asked this question. Symphonic metal is the muse that unites them. A Nightwish poster hangs on the wall of their practice studio; a Tarja Turunen poster on another. As for Smith, she seemed a bit shy about this line of questioning, so I dug deeper. Was she always into metal? Who are her favorite singers? She says that symphonic metal, and metal in general, is a more recent interest for her “way back when, my favorite singers were, like, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera...N’ Sync was my shit! And, yeah, I totally came from a pop background and ’80s butt-rock like Def Leppard, Van Halen.” I knew it! So where did she find the inspiration to get up there and howl at the moon? Did something happen to bring out her inner metal-goddess? “It’s totally just fun,” she laughs. “I guess it all started when I read my first vampire book and I saw my first vampire movie, which was ‘Queen of the Damned.’ And that’s where I kind of heard my first rock/metal music. And then I was really into nu-metal for a while, and then I got introduced to Kamelot and it was just, like, hearing music for the first time.” Kamelot, by the way, is not a female fronted metal band. So I wondered whether she even looks up to or tries to emulate any other female metal vocalists, or if she’s just doing her own thing. “I’m mostly a fan of the vocalists themselves I find. I really like Floor Jansen, I think she’s phenomenal, but I don’t necessarily like After Forever,” she confides. “I think Simone Simmons is wonderful... I really like the chick who was the singer of Arch Enemy [Angela Gossow].” Seeing Smith perform with Graveshadow, one might marvel at the way she goes seamlessly between her two styles—one moment emitting a delectable melody, the next growling like a banshee—and wonder, is it difficult to pull this off? Many bands need two singers to do this. “No, it’s not really a challenge...it’s more, I feel, my skills definitely need to be honed. Because although it’s not hard going back and SacAlternative | | September 2014 2014 SacAlternative July / August

17 17

forth, there is the occasional show where I might go too hard...and I realize...oh crap, I messed up my voice. I wasn’t singing correctly,” she admits. “So, it doesn’t feel difficult, it’s more [that] I just need to [use proper technique].” I asked about her warm up routine, if she has any special tricks she uses to get ready for this kind of vocal Jekyl and Hyde routine. “My warm up is kind of fast, I do a couple ‘sirens’ (vocalizing from the bottom of her range to the top in one breath—like a slide on a guitar—and back down again),” she explains. “And I do jumping jacks while counting to ten screaming!” So that’s the secret, kids. And you learned it in gym class! Jumping jacks and screaming. Or maybe she’s just talented. I wanted to know about the song-writing process. Is there one person driving the direction of the band, or is it more collaborative? “It’s usually...really collaborative,” Walker says. “But like the song we’re working on right now is entirely written by (Valerie).” Hudak says that while she may be the primary songwriter, the music-making process is a combined effort. “There are two songs that I wrote on my own and brought to the band,” she says. “But

in general...Will and Roman will jam out some stuff, Roman will write a riff...Roman actually knows how to play guitar...they both write some riffs together, and I’ll come in, listen to it, organize it...put some keys on top of it. Matt comes in usually after that, collaborates with Will, learns some harmonies, writes the solos...every single solo is written by him. And Heather usually comes in at the end, after listening to it and working it out in her head for a while, writing her own vocal melodies, and for the most part, most of the lyrics.” Heather humbly adds, “For the new stuff, yeah. There was already a lot of material [lyrically] to work with, but there was rewriting on that stuff.” On their eponymous EP—which is now available on iTunes and Bandcamp.com— there are several fantasy/horror themed songs. “Blood and Fire,” a song inspired by the “Game of Thrones” character Daenerys Targaryen, is the first song the group wrote collaboratively. “Lycan Lust” is a song about a werewolf. I wanted to know if fantasy and horror were a constant theme for the band, or just an occasional indulgence, and whether any of the songs have a more personal meaning. It turns out the songs Hudak has written are taken from her life experience. Laughing, she says “I have a lot of angst!” But overall, dark, fantasy-inspired storytelling seems to be the way the band prefers to communicate to their audience.

“It’s basically that [we’re] trying to get across a point in terms of fantasy,” Mitchell explains. “I don’t find a lot of artistic inspiration from personal stuff,” Smith adds. “Weirdly enough, it seems like all the things that have made me feel the most over the years, are stories. Like fantasy stories, vampires, [and] werewolves. Those have always made my imagination spark the most. I feel like that’s gonna be a constant source of inspiration. I’m a huge fan of storytelling.” So if you’re ready to rock out and have your imagination spurred by tales from the dark side, get yourself a copy of the Graveshadow EP—it’s only five bucks—and head out to one of their upcoming shows! They’ll be performing at Scream Park California on October 10th, and Fright Planet at Cal Expo on October 18th and 25th. A complete list of shows, links to buy the album and more are available at:

www.graveshadow.com www.facebook.com/Graveshadow www.reverbnation.com/graveshadow www.twitter.com/Graveshadowband

2-for-1 Tuesdays! 2-for-1 admission and 2-for-1 VIP dances Retro Wednesday! Hiring Entertainers! Call for more info!

SacAlternative | October 2014

ALTFILM Fright Nights: Sac Horror Film Fest's Tim Meunier Speaks by Josh Burke

The eighth annual Sacramento Horror Film Festival runs from October 10 - 12 and promises to be a ghoulish affair with over 50 short and feature-length screenings, a musical performance by The Zoopy Monsters, a makeup and special effects workshop with Collin Riley, and more. SacAlt recently chatted with the festival’s founder, Tim Meunier, to get a preview of this year’s festivities. What’s new with this year’s festival, and what are you most excited about? I’m genuinely excited across the board with what’s new to SHFF this year, such as our horror host competition winners Jamie DeWolf and Sidney Sin [serving] as hosts, the first ever shadow-casted screening of the notorious, “so bad it’s good” cult classic “Troll 2,” the inaugural Zombie, Creature, and Monster Character and Makeup competition, and a brand new panel discussion by Hollywood character concept designer and master sculptor Jordu Schell concerning the state of the horror film, and where we are headed with the genre. Obviously, you have a great love for the horror genre. What film or films got you hooked? “The Entity,” “The Evil Dead,” “TerrorVision,” and the “Tales from the Crypt” HBO series. Your festival is a great opportunity for local filmmakers to showcase their work and break into the genre. In the last eight years, have any of the filmmakers you’ve showcased gone on to bigger things in Hollywood or otherwise? 22

SHFF alum Stephanie Hyden is working in LA on various TV projects and is involved behind the scenes with “The Devil’s Carnival 2.” [He’s] not a local, but Mike Flanagan, whose feature “Absentia” won Best of Show in 2011, directed “Oculus” which was out in the Megaplex Theatres in 2013.

What’s on your playlist right now, and do you prefer vinyl, CDs, or digital (iTunes// Spotify, and the like)?

What local film-makers are you most excited about? Is there anyone you think has some real talent and potential right now?

If you could meet any writer, director, or actor from the horror genre—living or dead—who would it be and why?

This season has such a wide array of talent that it’s difficult to single any one out since all the films [are] as outstanding as they are different from one another. Out of 468 entries, the ones you’ll see at the festival this year [are] the best of the best. Each director has the “it” factor needed to engage an audience. Some of our readers might be curious about the real Tim Meunier so to speak, who is the guy behind all the horror. What’s your favorite color? Electric blue and purple What is your favorite food, and do you have a favorite local restaurant? Dad’s sandwich shop is outstanding! Do you keep any members of the animal kingdom as familiars in your abode of darkness? I have three German shepherds at present time: Raimi, Jack, and Audrey.

La Roux, ohGr, I:Scintilla, DJ Dan, and Missy Elliott. I love vinyl. I get angry when I see deejays use laptops!

Alive: Wes Craven. His interviews mesmerize me. Dead: [It’s a] tie between Vampira and Vincent Price. I’m a huge fanboy for both! Other than horror, what turns you on in life? Any hobbies? Passion and dedication turn me [on] in life. I don’t relate well to people without drive. I have a passion for cemeteries, dramatic writing, and Argentine tango. What would you like to see for the future of the Sac Horror Film Festival? A haunted house and horror film festival hybrid, for one. For our theatre troupe, Amber’s Sweets, to branch out and do original theatrical horror genre related performances respective to the anthology format.

You can learn more about the Sacramento Horror Film Festival here: www.sachorrorfilmfest.com

SacAlternative | October 2014

CANNABIS COMMUNITYCORNER Medical Marijuana in the Mainstream Media by Ron Mullins Photo by Brett Levin

Since the production of “Tell Your Children,”

Since the fall TV season is upon us, it seemed

edibles to treat pain and other symptoms. The

better known as “Reefer Madness,” the

the perfect time to explore the handful of

two enjoy their gummy edibles until husband

entertainment industry has unleashed a

cannabis-consuming characters coming out

Bruce Jenner storms in and declares a “No

deluge of films and TV programs that base its

this season.

drugs” policy in the house. In the end, one

who use cannabis as low-functioning, comical

Last year’s returning favorite is former Police

of the Kardashian girls endorses its use. I didn’t check back to see if the subject matter

fools (who use alcohol and other hard drugs).

Chief Unser, played by Dayton Callie, on

characters on propaganda—depicting those

The functional cannabis user, whose life is not

“Sons of Anarchy.” Unser is an ousted police

ruined by using it, is a relatively new character

chief and cancer patient who has survived

to hit the screen.

six seasons of the show—quite a feat on a program that offs main characters as much as

In the 1980s, Nancy Reagan and the “Just

“Game of Thrones.” Unser is far from a couch-

Say No” bunch made a public campaign of

locked, low-IQ stoner. He used cannabis while

fighting her husband’s war on drugs. Mrs.

a cop, managed to keep the motorcycle gang

Reagan appeared in several commercials—and

from overrunning the town, and survived

even in an episode of the popular TV show

being beaten shot and stabbed. Hopefully he

“Diff’rent Strokes.” Shows like “The Facts of

survives this final season! “Sons of Anarchy”

Life” aired episodes like “Tootie’s Bong” where

is not completely free of cannabis shame

Mrs. Garrett rails on how drugs (ambiguously)

and inaccurate portrayal of getting “stoned,”

destroy lives. I admit scenes like these kept me

however. In the fifth season, matron badass

from ever trying cannabis until I was 26.

Gemma Teller Morrow smoked a doob with Unser and was so messed up she wrecked

The medical cannabis cause has helped to

her SUV with her grandkids on board—a bit of

change this attitude by giving writers a way to

an exaggeration that one joint would impact

present cannabis in a legal and useful context.

a regular cannabis user in such a way. The

Shows like “Law and Order,” “Brothers and

final season of “Sons of Anarchy” airs on FX

Sisters,” ”Parenthood,” “The Simpsons,”

Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

warranted further airtime—one episode was all that I could handle. If you can stomach it, check it out online at E! Entertainment, Hulu and On Demand. “Glee” (minus the musical outbreaks) meets “ER” in the new series “Red Band Society” on FOX, where a group of hospitalized children with chronic illnesses explore the world of medicinal marijuana. There are three cannabis users featured: two sick young men—one with cancer the other with cystic fibrosis—and a rich eccentric benefactor. Three minutes in you see the two guys in a supply closet smoking a joint. Octavia Spencer plays the classic hardboiled nurse, catches them and lets them off with a minor scolding. I found it fascinating that both boys were portrayed as fully functioning after smoking the joint. I am going to keep watching this show—it’s endearing and there is no singing. “Red Band Society” airs on Fox Wednesdays at 9 p.m.

“South Park,” and “The Boondocks” have delved into the pros and cons of medical

I’m not a big fan of “celeb-reality,” where

We have a long way to go before realistic

cannabis. Many depict it as a joke, showcasing

cameras follow people who are famous, so

cannabis use makes it on to the small screen,

the more outlandish strain names. Some have

I’d never watched “Keeping up with the

but I am confident we are well on our way. Just

touched on the real value of cannabis as

Kardashians,” until a friend told me they

10 years ago, depiction of LGBT folks was non-

medicine—shows like “Weed Wars,” “Weed

aired an episode on medical marijuana. I

existent. Now you can’t have an ensemble cast

Country,” and “Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s Weed”—

have to admit, I was happy to see them do

without at least one gay character. Cannabis

where the virtues of using cannabis as

this episode. Kris Jenner (mother of the

is slowly reaching that point of normalcy in

medicine are extolled.

Kardashian brood) and MJ (grandmother) try

mainstream media, so stay tuned.

SacAlternative | October 2014

ALT&ABOUT Aftershock Music Festival Photos by Sri (MFKN) Sherrell, www.srimfknsherrell.blogspot.com

Tim McIlrath from Rise Against getting up close and personal with fans.

Five Finger Death Punchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zoltan Bathory.

Adrian Patrick from Otherwise serenading his fans.

Christina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil. Photo by Josh Burke.

Matty Mullins from Memphis May Fire basking in Sactown love.

Crowd surfers during Atreyu performance.

Atreyu lead singer Alex Varkatzas.

Tyler from Theory of a Deadman performing.

SacAlternative | October 2014

ALTHEALTH Metal Clarity, One Guitarist’s Transformation Through Meditation by Steph Rodriguez

For many, the absence of thought seems like a peaceful, well, thought. For Mike Stout, a metal guitarist for the band Murderlicious, with members of longtime hardcore group Hoods, the concept of clarity changed his life and he credits meditation. Last September, a close friend introduced Stout to the Clarity Academy of Spiritual Arts and since, he’s become a certified meditation instructor. As a selfproclaimed atheist, Stout says he was drawn to the overall vibe C.A.S.A emits, “Be your own god and a shining light for others.” He also enjoyed the diversity of religions and people who attend the Sunday service—where every sect from Hinduism to Judaism, Christianity to Buddhism are welcome. SacAlt sits down with Stout to ask tips about meditation, its misconceptions and how it overall affects his daily well-being. Tell me about Clarity Academy. It’s basically a bunch of hippies that shower and don’t do drugs. [Laughs] There’s always a speaker and they touch on every religion possible with a little bit of quantum physics, too. It’s a very different kind of place. I’m an atheist and I go there. What inspires an atheist to find peace and spirituality? I was just kind of stuck in life and this friend of mine suggested I come to this place with her. I ended up really liking it. I started going last September and I meditated every week. I didn’t really get meditation until March [2014]. Have you taught others to meditate? I have taught a few people to meditate since then, for free. I don’t want to charge anyone. It’s something that I gladly teach freely. I know a lot of people who can benefit from it. A lot of people that I know SacAlternative | October 2014

drink a lot and smoke a lot of weed. I’ve had so many private messages from people about it—all the time.

meditate, the air and extra oxygen really flows through you and really feel it a lot more physically.

Describe your first deep meditation experience.

Is it hard to balance a life of metal and hardcore music with a new spiritual undertaking?

I went in all pissed off one morning and I was angry enough to breathe that hard to leave my thoughts behind and actually feel a physical difference. After the first time I got it, I stopped smoking weed in two days because I didn’t need it anymore. The meditation took smoking out of the equation of being me. That desire just left. So, is meditation a new vice? I could just get a more pure version of that for free and have more focus in my life. There was one day that I meditated before I went to Concerts in the Park and I had people come up to me and say, ‘You look so high.’ And, all I did was meditate. It was totally free. I paid nothing for this look on my face. What’s the sensation comparable to? It’s like when your blood pumps alcohol or weed through your system and you feel a definite splash where you know you’re drunk or high. That’s exactly what happens when you meditate. When you do it right and get all that thick air all the way through you and back to your heart, you feel that same splash, like ‘ahhh’. What are some helpful steps for meditation success? When you stretch and go for a walk, come back and stretch again and then meditate. It makes a huge difference. Personally, walking is half of it. When I walk, especially with a friend, I loosen up so much. Then, I stretch again after the walk and really let the blood flow. So, when you

All of the Murderlicious lyrics are about positive things. I have a song about how revenge makes you just as bad as the person that you want to get back at. All the songs are positive and a lot of those lyrics are from studying Hinduism. It’s just heavy, aggressive music. I’m so used to hard music that I don’t think it sounds angry one bit. I can write lyrics to it that are completely forward thinking and peaceful. What are some misconceptions about meditation? It doesn’t matter where you are and you don’t have to sit Indian-style. You do not have to touch your thumb and your index finger together. Just make yourself comfortable. You don’t necessarily have to do it like monks do on television. [Laughs] How does meditation impact your overall life? If I wake up and meditate I calm down and I don’t over think. A lot of people would define meditation as the absence of thought. When you do that to yourself, you feel fresh and you don’t have all those negative thoughts screwing with you. I can face the day a lot better because I don’t have bad judgments about myself or others because I’ve cleared them out. Clarity Academy of Spiritual Arts 10265 Old Placerville Rd., Unit B1 Sacramento, CA 95827 www.clarityspiritualacademy.org 29

ALTSPORTS Hometown Hero: Tristen Moss AKA T-Bone by Emile G. Janicot Photos by Josh Burke

Age: 22 Hometown: Sacramento, California Sponsors: Blood Wizard, Lurk Hard, Goodtimes Boardstore, Spitfire Wheels, Thunder Trucks. Day Job: Bike builder at College Cyclery Tristen Moss has been on a serious skate mission this year— racking up loads of mileage on the touring circuit and snapping up titles all over the Western states. The dude looks poised for greatness—he bested some of the top skaters by winning the Hangtown Massacre skate contest in 2013 and the Transworld Skateboarding Magazine TWS Come Up Tour event at the B Street Skate Park. He also made it to the top 10 in Tactic Boardshop’s Northwest Jam in Eugene, Oregon and was recently featured in a full-page interview in Transworld Skateboarding Magazine’s September 2014 issue. It’s safe to say that T-Bone has arrived. His style, grace, and power—both on and off his skateboard— have been recognizable for many years, and he’s been courted by several of the top-notch sponsors in the action sports industry. T-Bone’s skating speaks for itself: A seemingly effortless style that combines bold, creative lines with expertly-executed tricks—but don’t let the smooth style fool you, T-Bone logs in mad hours grinding out maneuver after maneuver in search of perfection. By day he works at College Cyclery in Land Park, building and repairing bikes. His work ethic isn’t just on display at the skate park, at College he works tirelessly, striving for perfection in every bike that he builds. His current schedule has him traveling every week to a different location as he films both the new Lurk Hard and Blood Wizard promotional videos. But an insanely hectic schedule doesn’t stop T-Bone from working on his skate game—you can find him most weeknights at the Power Inn or Mather Field skate parks in Sacramento after a long day of working on bikes. I caught 30

up with Tristen during a break from his busy schedule to find out what this hometown hero has to say about the Sacto skate scene. You have been traveling a lot this year, what’s the most memorable place you have been, and who was with you? The Blood Wizard team went on a trip through Nevada and to Las Vegas. We had such a great time filming and skating and camping. I was with Chris Gregson, Jerry Gurney, Drew Dezort, Jack Given, and the Blood Wizard team. It was a super fun trip! How long have you worked at College Cyclery, and how many bikes do you think you have built? Have you built any bikes for any Sacramento Celebrities? I’ve worked at College Cyclery for five years. Wow, I don’t know, I lost track a few years ago…hundreds of bikes at least, I’m not really sure anymore [laughs]. I fixed Mayor Kevin Johnson’s bike before, he was a really cool guy. Tell me a few of your favorite things about living/skating in Sacramento? Sacto has the B Street skate park which is my favorite. Growing up skating downtown for so many years, Sacto has a lot to offer. It’s just a great city. It’s always going be home for me. Who you would like to thank, and what are your future plans? Blood Wizard team, JV, Toad, Salmon, Maso, [and the] Lurk Hard team. Anybody who has ever helped me out with skate gear, taken me skating, or let me stay with them on tour. I’m just on the constant search for new street spots in Sacramento, and I will be for years to come. SacAlternative | October 2014

SacAlternative | October 2014

ALTNEWS The California Cannabis Industry Association Mixer Story & Photos by Josh Burke

SacAlt recently attended The California Cannabis Industry Association’s Industry Network Mixer. Brian Scrip, from the California Bankers Association, was the guest speaker. Banking, of course, has been a huge challenge for the cannabis industry in California, with no clear regulation allowing for banks to work with cannabis collectives and other cannabis businesses. Many dispensary operators have had to change banks repeatedly and flat out not tell the banks that their “wellness” business is actually a cannabis dispensary. Add to that the challenge of dealing in large amounts of cash—where banks will not allow cash deposits beyond a certain amount without having to notify federal authorities—and the whole thing becomes a giant mess. The real problem has been that, at the federal level, cannabis remains a schedule I narcotic; considered to have no medical use. Since even local and state banks are under federal regulation, doing business with a cannabis collective could land them in hot water. SacAlternative | October 2014

While the soon-to-be retired Attorney General Eric Holder’s Justice Department issued new guidelines in February stating that banks “may not be prosecuted” for accepting deposits from cannabis businesses, as long as said businesses aren’t violating eight specific priorities, the fact that cannabis remains illegal under federal law still leaves a bit of grey area where many banking institutions still aren’t sure if it’s worth the risk. This is where CCIA comes in—the association is a nonprofit organization working at the local, state, and federal levels to lobby for better regulation of the cannabis industry. The organization is also calling for re-scheduling and/or legalization of cannabis at the federal level. Nate Bradley, the CCIA executive director, is a former city police officer, deputy sheriff, and criminal investigator, and has served as a spokesman and advisor to the Yes on Prop 19 Campaign. He was also public policy advisor to the Committee for Safe

Patient Access to Regulated Cannabis in Sacramento County. Having witnessed the injustice of criminalizing cannabis first-hand, he is passionate about defending patients’ rights and pursuing sensible regulations and legislation for the industry. But he needs your help. The more members CCIA has, the more work they can do on behalf of California’s cannabis industry. Memberships range from the associate level at $150 a month to the annual executive membership, which is $10,000 yearly. At the business membership level, members receive direct insight into the regulatory process currently underway, invitations to association events, representation, eligibility to sit on committees, participation in strategy conference calls, and a sponsoring membership with the National Cannabis Industry Association. To join or to find out more, visit: www.cacannabisindustry.org 33

SacAlternative | October 2014

ALTDIRECTORY Dispensaries and Evaluations 420 Med Evaluations 2015 Q Street Sacramento, CA 95811 916.476.6142 Abatin Wellness 2100 29th Street Sacramento, CA, 95817 916.822.5699 www.abatinsacramento.com info@abatinsacramento.com Canna Care 320 Harris Ave., Suite G Sacramento, CA 95838 916.925.1199 www.cannacare.net CC101 6435 Florin Perkins Rd. Sacramento, CA 95828 916.387.6233 www.cc101sac.com Cloud 9 5711 Florin Perkins Rd. Sacramento, CA 95828 916.387.8605 Doctor’s Orders 1704 Main Avenue Sacramento, CA 95838 916.564.2112 www.DoctorsOrdersRX.com

Florin Wellness Center 7047 Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95831 916.706.0563 www.florin-wellness-center.com

420 MD 2100 Watt Ave, Unit 190 Sacramento, CA 95825 916.480.9000 www.420MD.org

Golden Health and Wellness 1030 Joellis Way Sacramento, CA 95815 916.646.6340

Take Care 420 721 N. B Street Sacramento, CA 95811 916.572.5215

Green Solutions 1404 28th St. Sacramento, CA 916.469.9182 www.greensolutionssac.com

THC 6666 Fruitridge Rd. Sacramento, CA 95820 916.476.4431 www.916thc.com

Horizon Non-Profit Collective 3600 Power Inn Rd. Sacramento, CA 95826 916.455.1931

A Therapeutic Alternative 3015 H Street Sacramento, CA 95816 916.822.4717

House of Organics 8848 Fruitridge Rd. Sacramento, CA 95826 916-381-3769 sachouseoforganics.com

Two Rivers Wellness 315 North 10th Street Sacramento, CA 95811 916.804.8975 www.tworiverssac.com

Mendos Meds Deliveries Only 916-800-4204

Valley Health Options 1421 Auburn Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95815 916.779.0715

RCP 1508 East El Camino Avenue Sacramento, CA 95815 916.925.5696 www.RCPSacramento.org

Smoke Shops Blow ‘n’ Tell 4552 Auburn Blvd. Sacramento, CA 916.485.5205

Jacob’s Smoke Shop 2017 I Street Sacramento, CA 95811 916.440.0331

Illusion Smoke Shop 5514 Pacific St., Suite 160 Rocklin, CA 916.415.1750

1914 Fulton Ave. Sacramento, CA 95825 916.485.5205

Smoke City 6745 Watt Ave., Ste. B North Highlands, CA 95660 916.334.2067 www.smokecityshop.com

4809 Laguna Blvd. Elk Grove, CA 916.395.8610

Habits Cigars and Smoke Shop 8391 Folsom Blvd., Ste. #7 Sacramento, CA 95826 916.383.1185

Not in the directory?

Send an email to SacAlt at info@sacalternative.com to get listed. SacAlternative | October 2014

SacAlternative | October 2014