Gay San Diego, Vol. 10, Issue 6 by Lgbtqsdnews

Volume 10 Issue 6

2019

March 15-28, 2019

Voting now open for Best of Gay San Diego, Page 16

Partner sentenced in domestic violence murder

FILM

By Neal Putnam

Best in Latino LGBT films

7 COMMUNITY VOICES Updated artist rendering of the proposed Normal Street Promenade (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)

Normal Street Promenade receives Uptown Planners support Honoring legendary drag queens

Sara Butler Contributing Editor

is a proposed community space in Hillcrest located along Normal Street between University Avenue and Washington Street. The project will create a “public promenade and pedestrian throughway” by closing traffic lanes, eliminating parking spaces, and incorporating bike lanes. Once constructed, it will host the weekly Hillcrest Farmers Market every Sunday, as well as many other community, art and entertainment events yet

to be determined. Though community outreach, including public meetings, began in 2015, the project was conceived back in 1988. So far, the project has received letters of support from many organizations and city representatives including Hillcrest Business Association, Uptown Community Parking District, Hillcrest Town Council, among others.

Dining around town

The Uptown community had a pretty late night on Tuesday, March 5. Following the Uptown Planners board election from 6–8 p.m., community and city representatives presented the plans for the anticipated Normal Street Promenade to seek approval for the project from the Uptown Planners board. Normal Street Promenade

The Hillcrest Farmers Market expands

DINING

THEATER

see Promenade, pg 2

New vendors bring added character to the Sunday event By Frank Sabatini Jr.

“Once upon a time…”

Index Opinion ................................... 6 Classifieds............................ 11 Calendar ............................... 12 Puzzle ................................... 12

It’s a typical Sunday morning along Normal Street. The scent of char-grilled chicken dusted in fragrant African spices wafts down a central corridor lined with farmers and merchants selling their goods from tents. Within minutes, the aromas of Korean barbecue, handmade tamales and other international foods also begin permeating the air while waves of caffeinated consumers gawk at the offerings.

One stall flaunts shockingly large grapefruits, a hybrid known as oroblanco. Another displays succulent dates. Nearby, a fisherman sells frozen fillets of wild-caught Alaskan salmon, some of which he’s turned into jerky. Fresh berries glisten in the sunlight while gorgeous loaves of French-style breads stacked in wicker baskets flirt seductively with passersby. In no time at all, the sights and smells of the Hillcrest

see Farmers Market, pg 3

(l to r) Marketing managers Mark Larson and his brother David (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Advertising 619-961-1951 david@sdcnn.com

www.sdcnn.com San Diego Community News Network

see Court, pg 13 Always Dependable, Always There for You, Always Prepared

Editorial/Letters 619-961-1960 albert@sdcnn.com

A gay man who stabbed his longtime partner to death in 2015 in Escondido was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison. The case against Ehren Lee Dragt, 39, and his partner, Michael Leon Campbell, 44, had been together for more than 15 years before a domestic violence incident on April 25, 2015, ended with Campbell dead. Dragt called someone in Oregon and talked about his partner being dead. That person contacted Escondido Police and asked for a welfare check at the home in the 2000 block of Lee Avenue. Officers found a despondent Dragt sitting on the steps outside and Campbell was dead from three stab wounds inside. Dragt was taken to a hospital for dehydration before being booked for murder. “I want to apologize for anyone I have wronged,” wrote Dragt on his Facebook account at 2:27 a.m. on April 25 before police arrived. Escondido Police said they had showed up several times previously at the couple's apartment. A deputy medical examiner for San Diego County testified that Campbell died from a wound that penetrated his heart. He was also stabbed in the clavicle area and had a small neck wound. Dragt pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Vista Superior Court Judge K. Michael Kirkman imposed a sentence of 15 years to life plus one year for the use of a knife. Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Barlow filed an unrelated case against Dragt that involved molesting a teenager some

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NEWS

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

FROM PAGE 1

PROMENADE The decision of Uptown Planners drew a large crowd of residents, business owners and media to the Joyce Beers Community Center for its March meeting, which was kicked off by District 3 Council member Chris Ward. “We have an opportunity to create an asset for this community — two acres of an asset — a place to allow people to come together and build a sense of community that is Uptown,” Ward said, contributing the effort to coordination and cooperation between the effort of the city, SANDAG and community partners.

“This opportunity is a strike of lightning,” he continued. “It’s not going to hit in the same place a second time.” Previously, the city asked SANDAG to incorporate the Normal Street Promenade into its Eastern Hillcrest Bikeway plans. Project manager and SANDAG representative Chris Romano discussed this collaboration and provided a comprehensive overview of the project, including an outreach timeline and recent changes based on community input. Benjamin Nicholls, executive director of Hillcrest Business Association, addressed one of the biggest challenges on the space: security. For the former, Nicholls said they are seeking to create a Maintenance Assessment District (MAD),

which entails the property owners within the MAD zone of East Hillcrest would pay a fee — an average of $1,000 — on property taxes to be spent on security. Potentially this would include a full-time security guard stationed on the premises, weekly landscaping and trash removal, and monthly pressure washing on the space. “I know there are some property owners in the room that have concerns,” Nicholls said. “The phase where we are with this Maintenance Assessment District is the place where property owners can look at the plan and tweak it and say, ‘This does not work for me’ or ‘This does work for me.’ So it’s still in a draft phase. It’s been developed enough so you can tweak it and make it work.”

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Project manager and SANDAG representative Chris Romano presents at the March 5 Uptown Planners meeting. (Photo by Sara Butler) If the MAD does not pass, he added that the HBA will work with the Hillcrest Farmers Market to try to cut the security and maintenance costs. Following the presentation, the audience had a chance to voice their opinions. Many business owners in the affected area pointed out the negative impact the project will cause to their establishments, especially the closing of the street and nearby parking spaces. In its current design, the project would reduce the parking spots on Normal Street between University Avenue and Harvey Milk Street. To offset these losses, angled spots will be added on all three blocks within the project footprint, providing a potential net gain of 37 to 63 spaces in the surrounding area. Business owner Antoine Chahine, who has owned Salon Antoine on 3917 Normal Street for 20 years, said that the project would drive him out of business. Christopher Michael and David Snider, who both own businesses in that strip mall, echoed these concerns and said they were not solicited until recently. Dr. Darren Farnessi, who operates a medical facility in the area, noted his frustration of not being a part of the conversation as an impacted community member. “We want to work with you to collaborate with you to make this project go forward, but I feel we haven’t really been at the design table,” Farnessi said. “I’d like a chance to make my concerns part of the design … I haven’t seen a plan to protect my business during these events.” “It’s not quite cooked yet,” business owner Lou Railing added. “I know that timing matters, but it doesn’t have to be tonight.” Brittany Bailey, Chris Ward’s council representative, assured business owners that support from Uptown Planners would not cease the discussion of the plan. She vowed to continue to work with them prior to construction to find ways to mitigate any problems they anticipated. However, Bailey said she did not think moving the spaces up the street would cause a major negative impact or decrease business, adding that the project currently has the most parking out of all of the others she is working on with the city. Many other attendees expressed their support for the project and urged the

Uptown Planners to do the same. Supporters included residential homeowner Chris Olsen; Hillcrest Community Development Board member Sharon Gayle; Uptown Bicycles store owner Curtis Allen; and Paul Jamason and Patrick Santana of BikeSD. “It’s an alignment of the stars. You may not see all the pieces that come together to make this possible come together [again] for quite some time,” Santana said. “I would consider it a great loss if we fail to seize this opportunity. This is not the time to put a kibosh on the project just because a few people aren’t happy with the design.” Matt Ligeras of Hillcrest acknowledged the concerns of business owners but argued that the project may actually help these stores. “I’ve done a little research on understanding foot traffic and bike traffic versus parking spaces — and we create such a more vibrant business community by having that foot traffic and that bike traffic frequenting the front of your businesses and stores,” Ligeras said. “This [project] is providing that. We should see situations of a huge business uptick from this type of a project.” After public comment, the board offered their thoughts and posed a few questions before the final vote. Multiple board members, including Kyle Shertzing and Soheil Nakshab, said they think it is important to support the project now to avoid any additional delays. They encouraged concerned residents and business owners to continue the dialogue with the project representatives to work through any problems before construction begins. William Smith Jr. of University Heights added that he did not feel that the outrage from business owners should hold up the project which benefits the overall community. “I’m pro-business but have little sympathy for someone who buys property along an under-utilized boulevard in a fast-growing city, and is surprised by change,” Smith Jr. said. “Furthermore, you have benefitted from low-cost, nearby public parking for years, which allowed you to devote less of your property to parking and more to revenue generation, as well as choose tenants who sell to out-of-area customers.”

see Promenade, pg 7

NEWS

gay-sd.com

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

FROM PAGE 1

FARMERS MARKET Farmers Market render even the most conservative eaters and spenders defenseless. Food samples abound. And nearly everyone who visits nibbles and buys. Held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday, the market has grown steadily and significantly since it was launched 22 years ago by the Hillcrest Business Association (HBA), which still produces the weekly event. It began with 27 vendors. Yet as of this month, it embodies approximately 172 diversified sellers, thanks to a slate of newcomers who snagged 20 additional vendor slots that were recently approved by the city. At the core of the lineup are a few dozen certified farmers from San Diego County, the Central Valley and other California regions. Grocery items, hot foods, body products and crafts began entering into the mix about 15 years ago. So did live musicians. Yet despite the market’s festival atmosphere, which occurs under the towering gaze of the Hillcrest Pride Flag, organizers haven’t lost sight of the event’s original purpose, which is to provide a pipeline of farm-fresh goods to the neighborhood. “It was an instant success,” Ann Garwood recalls. Garwood is a community activist and longtime board member of HBA who advocated for the market in conjunction with restaurateur and fellow board member, David Cohn, and the late HBA executive director, Warren Simon. “It was the only farmers market in Uptown at the time, and it gave people a reason to get out on a Sunday morning and socialize — and it still does,” she added. Shortly before the project materialized in 1997, the HBA hired David Larson to recruit

Ashlie Pesic of Da-Le-Ranch sells a wide range of meats raised humanely in Riverside County.

New arrivals Qin Chen and husband, Roger Cao, of Stone Monkey make vegan Chinese sauces and pickled vegetables. (Photos by Frank Sabatini Jr.) vendors. He had managed farmers markets in Chula Vista and Hawaii, helping the Hillcrest market get off the ground. His brother, Mark, came on board several years ago as the front-line vendor manager — and he remains equally vigilant in ensuring that fruits, vegetables and livestock originate from either local or California farms. “There are severe fines if they don’t,” Mark pointed out, citing that 75 percent of the produce sold at the market is grown within San Diego County. The brothers are also tasked with balancing the tenant lineup, particularly among the farmers since there are only so many varieties of seasonal produce. Redundancies are more easily avoided, they noted, within the categories of hot foods, groceries and arts and crafts. “Mark and David do a great job at bringing in the right mix of vendors and making sure they make money,” said HBA executive director Benjamin Nicholls, adding that the market’s weekly gross sales average about $120,000 a week. With an estimated attendance of nearly 10,000 people every Sunday, Nicholls said the market is generally promoted through social media and some print advertising, “although it kind of sells itself.” Also, in the past few weeks, a series of billboard ads went up in North Park and Bankers Hill to coincide with the market’s latest expansion. Because of its strong, established foundation, Mark Larson said there are vendors who have been tenants since day one. They include Gina’s Tropical Fruit; Farmer Steve, a seller of citrus and avocados; Maldonado’s Flower Farms; and J.R. Rodriguez Organics. From the latter, family member Michael Clark said the company has stuck around “because it’s one of our top three markets for gross sales in the city.” Among the crop of new vendors that arrived with unique products in the past month, some may or may not find success on the mass market like Bitchin’ Sauce did after debuting here a decade ago. The company, famous for its

almond-based dips, recently relinquished its booth to Maqi Salmon to better manage their busy operations. Roger Cao and his wife Qin Chen of Stone Monkey are hopeful. They waited three months to finally secure a slot to sell their jarred Chinese mushroom sauce and pickled vegetables. As the public begins discovering their products, they anticipate the high exposure could result in retail opportunities. Other newbies include Honeymoon Homestead, which sells tangor jelly, breads and handmade laundry soap containing goat milk. Co-owner Sven Merten said he wanted “in” on the market because “it’s one of the best and oldest in San Diego.” As of late there is also a new caramel apple vendor named Simply Dimples; a producer of small-batch hot sauces called Baby Clydesdale; leather goods by Daluca Leather Works; and more. Aside from robust attendance and a colorful variety of products, the market has become a social hub for Hillcrest and its surrounding neighborhoods. “Compared to other farmers markets, people here actually talk to each other in the lines,” noted Ashlie Pesic of Da-Le-Ranch, a purveyor of beef, poultry, game birds and rabbit. Nicholls concurs. “There’s a genuineness to this market,” he said. It’s a gathering space for the community. And I’m proud that the rainbow flag flies over it and broadcasts everything it stands for to all the people who come.” The Hillcrest Farmers Market operates on Normal Street between University Avenue and Lincoln Street. Free parking is available in the Department of Motor Vehicles parking lot (3690 Normal St.) and at the San Diego Unified School District lot (located at Washington Street and Campus Avenue). For more information, visit hillcrestfarmersmarket.com. —Frank Sabatini Jr. is the author of ‘Secret San Diego’ (ECW Press) and began his local writing career more than two decades ago as a staffer for the former San Diego Tribune. Reach him at fsabatini@san.rr.com.t

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FILM

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

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26 years of Latino cinema

2019 San Diego Film Festival offers LGBT movies and shorts Albert H. Fulcher | Editor With its origins as a student film festival 26 years ago, the San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) is now one of the largest and most highly regarded Latino film festivals in the world. In its history, more than 325,000 people have attended 3,880 films and videos from Latin America, Mexico, Spain and the U.S. This year’s fest promises an 11-day celebration of Latino cinema, art and culture. Presented and produced by Media Arts Center San Diego, it takes place March 14-24 at AMC Fashion Valley 18 and Digital Gym Cinema in North Park, showcasing more than 170 movies, documentaries, shorts and special events. Following a jam-packed opening night featuring a press conference, party, concerts and a pre-screening mixer with filmmakers and actors, the SDLFF hits full swing with a diverse selection of films. For the film enthusiast there are full festival passes and also individual tickets on

sale from $9-$12 per film. On March 16, the SDLFF presents the Sabor Latino – Food Beer & Wine Festival at the River Plaza Stage in Fashion Valley Mall, pairing the best of Latin cuisine in San Diego with breweries and wineries in both San Diego and Baja California (tickets $20-$50). During the festival’s 11-day run, it will hold Sonido Latino Concerts from 6-9 p.m. at the River Plaza Stage in Fashion Valley Mall, then conclude with a Closing Night Awards Ceremony & Concert at the Music Box in Downtown from 5:30-7:30 p.m., followed by an after-party and live concert from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (tickets $20-$180). There is much to choose from with this year’s showcase. Featured selections will provide entertainment, education, and insight into lives, music, love, sports, television, and more — all told in a variety of ways through the eye of the Latino filmmakers. This year’s ¡Somos! Cine LGBTQ+ films include a wide

variety of movies that cover many aspects of the LGBT community. From Guatemala, “José” follows a 19-year-old in one of the world’s most dangerous, impoverished, religious and socially conservative countries. He lives his life resigning himself to his own life circumstances until he meets a migrant from rural Caribbean coast, which leads to an unexpectedly passionate and self-reflective period of his life. This is a compelling film that shows the daily struggles of gay men in Guatemala. José spends his days working and trying to hook up with men through dating apps. He finds love, but with both of their lives more dictated by the local religious culture and poverty, it is difficult for them to retain the relationship. The cinemaphotography is very well done, as well as the acting of the leading and supporting characters. There are several sex scenes throughout the movie, but they fit in well giving the film a truly natural feel to the

“José” follows a young gay man’s daily life in struggling to be a gay man in the impoverished and religious culture in Guatemala. (Courtey of José Film Productions)

reality of their lives. This is a film that should be on the “to be seen” list. “Bixa Travesty,” from Brazil, is a documentary of transgender singer Linn da Quebrada, who uses the female trans body as a means of political expression and deconstructs how alpha males conceive themselves. “Las Chuntá” is about a small town in Mexico where men transform into women and become the Chuntá once a year. The story follows two gender-bending gangs of dancers as they face off in a struggle between queer identity and powerful traditions. From Chile, a documentary

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follows the discrimination that a trans Chilean midwife faces throughout her life in order to live her identity in “Claudia Tocada por la Luna.” Columbia brings “Eva + Candela,” the story of two women that meet and over time evolves into a conventional relationship, something neither ever wanted. “Las Herederas” follows Chela and Chiquita, both from wealthy families and together for 30 years. Their lives change when Chiquita is imprisoned, which sends Chela on a different path that unlocks the barriers of her past and opens new possibilities for her future. “Retablo,” from Peru, follows a 14-year-old boy who sees his father in a state that shatters his entire world. Trapped in a chauvinistic environment, he has to deal with trauma in silence with all that is happening to him. Brazil brings another film, “Tinta Bruta,” about a socially repressed young male that only comes out during chatroom performances where he strips and smears neon paint on his body. ¡Somos! Cine LGBTQ+ Shorts is a collection of seven short films about love, horror, occupations, sexual exploration, the struggle against traditional culture and violence against the LGBT community. The lineup of films in this festival is nothing less than phenomenal, with several films coming from filmmakers in San Diego. Many films will give audiences the opportunity to meet the producers, filmmakers and stars of the movies, making this festival an interactive experience for film lovers of all types. With a large selection of showcase films, each creates a unique view that features certain countries, genres and themes — many of them highlighting what is happening in countries around the world today. From fact to fiction, the films cover all facets of life, love, politics, news, human rights and more, seen from the eyes of experienced, up-and-coming and student filmmakers. SDLFF strives to provide films to the Latino community and beyond by using innovation, original and thought-provoking works that are about, by and for the Latino community. For a full lineup of films, descriptions, show times and special events, visit 2019.sdlatinofilm.com. —Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com.t

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COMMUNITY VOICES / NEWS

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

‘Shoving each other towards wholeness’ Life Beyond Therapy Michael Kimmel

elationships are humbling. All relationships. Whether it’s with your partner, your child, your parent or your best friend … all relationships are humbling because they show us our flaws, fears and weaknesses. And yet, they are also the best path to wholeness. My grandma used to say, “You can’t get to heaven by yourself.” I interpret that as: “You discover who you really are by being in relationships; you can’t do it alone.” We won’t learn who we are by sitting at home, isolated and obsessed with our phones. Nope, we’ve got to go out into the world and be around people. This doesn’t invalidate quiet, alone time. We need to find a balance between being with people and being on our own. But, for many of us, this balance is skewed. We spend far too much time on our phones and on social media in “virtual” relationships and not enough time with “real-life” in-person relationships. There’s not much wholeness there… The title of this column, “Shoving each other towards wholeness,” came from a client, who used those words to describe his challenging but rewarding relationship with his boyfriend. It’s a great image. Two people lovingly shoving each other in a direction that benefits them both. And relationships

do involve a lot of “shoving,” don’t they? Not physical shoving (I hope), but mental, emotional and psychological shoving. We think we know what would make us or the other person happy and so we push in that direction. We want them to change and they want us to change and neither of us really wants to change. Therein lies the dilemma. Two years ago, I wrote a book, “The Gay Man’s Guide to Open and Monogamous Marriage.” Initially, the book I wanted to write was about relationships for all of us: gay/ straight, married/single, male/ female. But, since my agent couldn’t sell a book like that, she suggested that I write a book about gay marriage. She was right. She sold that manuscript to a publisher and they published it in 2017. My next book will probably be a book about relationships – straight, gay and/or bisexual – based on my years of working with couples of all ages, races and sexual orientations. On Saturday, March 30, at 1 p.m., at the brand-new Hillcrest/Mission Hills Library, I am offering a free 90-minute workshop on “shoving each other towards wholeness” – the give-and-takes, tugs-of-war and power struggles that arise from loving someone and being loved in return. I imagine that it’s what happens in fairy tales after the “and they lived happily ever after” part of the story. I always wondered: how did they do that? What did he do when the excitement of their sex life wore off? How did she respond when her partner became too

controlling or too passive? How did they turn that into “happily ever after?” That’s what this workshop is about. Now that we’ve defined what I mean by “shoving,” here’s my definition of “wholeness.” Being free of wounds or injuries with nothing missing and everything complete, perfect and unbroken; free of any mistake or impairment. That’s a pretty lofty goal, right? And this is where our loving relationships can (potentially) take us: to this really amazing place … or, they can put us in a living hell. We have the choice which direction we “shove” towards. The workshop/author talk will be experiential, it’s not a 90-minute lecture. I’ll give you questions to consider and you’ll be talking about them individually with a few other people and then in a group. You’ll get to meet new people in an easy way (which is good for you shy folks). And, I’ll talk a bit about the book too. The Mission Hills-Hillcrest Library is located at 215 West Washington St. The community room is on your left side of the main entrance of the library. I hope to see you there! Any questions? Call me at 619955-3311 or email me at beyondtherapy@cox.net. —Michael Kimmel is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in helping LGBT clients achieve their goals and deal with anxiety, depression, grief, sexually addictive behavior, coming out, relationship challenges and homophobia. Contact him at 619-955-3311 or visit lifebeyondtherapy.com.t

An Easter event for children in need Imperial Court to hold 17th annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt On March 10, the Imperial Court de San Diego held the “Bunny Show,” its first fundraiser of the year at Redwing Bar and Grill for its upcoming 17th annual Easter Egg Hunt. Cash and Easter basket donations were accepted at the Bunny Show in preparation for the annual event that contributes to disadvantaged children in the community. The Imperial Court is expecting 600 or more children at the annual egg hunt this year, so empty Easter baskets are at the top of the list for the East egg hunt. Also needed are 600 toy-filled baskets, 7,000 plastic eggs, 21,000 jelly beans, 25 cases of snack-sized

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San Diego’s LGBT News source Volume 9 Issue 6 March 16-29, 2018

gay-sd.com

Vote for your favorites Page 16

2 NEWS

Candidate Malbrough speaks, Nordstrom drops out

BEATING THE ODDS

Dockless bikes in Hillcrest

q INTERVIEW

Albert H. Fulcher | Editor

By William E. Kelly Editor’s Note: This is the second in a three-part series. Read the first in the series online at bit.ly/2tGWqD9.

Liz Carmouche, a 125-pound bantamweigh t women's MMA fighter, is ranked No. (Courtesy of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu) 6 in the world.

Former Christian rocker comes out

First openly lesbian fighter makes Albert H. Fulcher | Editor In 2010, when Liz Carmouche decided she wanted to compete in the MMA (mixed martial arts) professionally, she did so with a “head on” approach. She was

THEATER

her way to the top of MMA rankings

told it would take a year or more of training before she ever saw the ring. But the veteran Marine Corps aviation electrician beat the odds, getting her first chance to fight professionally within four months of starting her training.

Now after 11 wins and six losses, Carmouche is currently the No. 6 ranked 125-pound bantamweight women’s MMA fighter in the world.

see MMA, pg 11

Homelessness in the LGBTQ comm unity

Mayor brings interfaith discussion Albert H. Fulcher | Editor

OnStage Playhouse's "Spike Heels"

(www.canstockphoto.com)

juices for the kids, seven cases of water, popcorn and snow cone machines, canopies and generators. The 17th annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt takes place on April 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Trolley Barn Park on the corner of Florida Street and Adams Avenue. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be plenty of activities for kids including a bike raffle, the Easter

Bunny and performing DJs. People unable to donate supplies for the event are encouraged to make cash donations. To donate, contact Richard Poole at 619-288-1183.

DINING

Magic with cast iron

Index Opinion

(Photo by www.CanStockPhoto.com)t

Classifieds

Calendar

Puzzle

The Interfaith Shelter Network (ISN) has been an effective program for the homeless throughout San Diego County, so far helping 8,000 homeless individuals gain access to resources and services to get their lives back on track. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer joined the (ISN) in asking LGBT-friendly congregations to join the network and open their doors to homeless individuals at the ISN Summit on March 5 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. “We know there are a number of LGBTQ individuals experiencing homelessness and they need our help. That’s why we are asking LGBTQ-friendly congregations, who understand their needs, to join our care network and provide a temporary place for them to begin turning their lives around,” said Faulconer in a press release.

to LGBT–affirming congregations

On June 5, San Diego County will hold primary elections for the following seats: county board of supervisors; county assessor/ recorder/county clerk; county treasurer/tax collector; district attorney; county sheriff; county board of education members; community college district members; and superior court judges. In the first of this series, I spoke to Omar Passons and Lori Saldana, two of the six candidates I interviewed who wish to represent District 4 on the San Diego County board of supervisors . Each candidate I spoke to agreed to focus on the challenges facing seniors, and was offered the opportunity to state their priorities, objectives, goals and plans to address and achieve those priorities, as well as share their experience and qualifications. Following are the highlights of responses by candidates Ken Malbrough and Marcia Nordstrom.

Candidate Ken Malbrough

(l to r) ISN Summit panelists, The Very Rev. Penny Bridges, Trisha Brereton, Fernando Lopez, Gary Owen, and Jonathan Herrera (Photo by Albert H. Fulcher)

The ISN Summit discussion addressing the summit. “This panel consisted of The Very is a network that works and Rev. Penny Bridges, dean, with your help and participaSt. Paul’s Cathedral; Trisha tion, I think you will see the Brereton, ISN executive dibenefits in so many ways. That rector; Fernando Lopez, San is why I am optimistic about Diego LGBT Pride executive our opportunities to begin makdirector; Gary Owen, ISN voling a real difference.” unteer; and Jonathan Herrera, Faulconer said that combatsenior advisor on homelessne ss ting homelessness is about crecoordination for the city of San ating that safe space for those Diego. in need, regardless of someone’s “You all represent the fabrace, color, religion, gender, sexric of our city for wanting to ual orientation, national origin, do the right thing and helpage or disabilities. ing people get back on their feet,” Faulconer said when see ISN,

● Opening statement “The county has $2 billion in reserve tax dollars just floating in a cloud of unknown use by county supervisors,” Malbrough said. He said he pledges to “seek community input” on how these reserve tax dollars can best be utilized and would like to see them invested in “chronically neglected or underfunded areas,” such as housing and public safety in underserved communities. “My priority is reducing our homelessness epidemic and addressing this issue region-wide,” he said. “Providing access to health and human services is the primary and more affordable method to avoid the pathway to homelessness and incarceration.”

pg 15

Editorial/Letters

see Candidates, pg 5

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—Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com.

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OPINION

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

gay-sd.com

Guest Editorial

Hillcrest deserves a rainbow sidewalk By Chris Ward, Fernando Lopez and Chloe Janda

Hate crimes: One lie, many truths Gray Ndiaye Jussie Smollett, a popular actor and singer-songwriter, was recently arrested and charged with filing a false police report. Smollett alleged that he was attacked in late January by two white men who spewed racist and homophobic slurs as they assaulted him. A standout detail was his claim that the assailants said, “This is MAGA country.” Smollett has been very critical of the Trump administration and said he believed this was some sort of retaliation. Originally viewed as the victim, Smollett is now accused of orchestrating his own attack. This has created an uproar. Smollett’s attack was a major news story, and a plethora of public figures expressed support for him. The public isn’t only shocked but also outraged by the latest accusations — especially survivors of hate crimes. This situation hits close to home. Though I was never physically assaulted, I’ve been targeted for harassment due to my sexuality. It’s been a challenging journey navigating between two crucial factors of my identity; I am both black and gay. In the spring of 2015, a fake advertisement was posted on a college social app. The advertisement listed my college apartment EDITOR Albert H. Fulcher (619) 961-1960 albert@sdcnn.om CONTRIBUTING EDITORS (619) 519-7775 Sara Butler, x118 Jeff Clemetson, x119 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cloe Janda Michael Kimmel Fernando Lopez Jean Lowerison Gray Ndiaye Neal Putnam Nicole Murray Ramirez Frank Sabatini Jr. Chris Ward CONTRIBUTOR www.canstockphoto.com WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA Sara Butler Cassidy Klein web@sdcnn.com

number and was advertising for men to come over. It was written as if it were a woman. I was gone at the time, but men began coming to my apartment looking for sex. My classmate who lived in my complex saw the ad and let me know. It was embarrassing because other students had seen the ad. I contacted both campus security and the police. Nothing happened. I still have no closure on this incident. In the fall of 2015, I was leaving class with a friend. A car followed us while its passengers yelled homophobic slurs at me, chasing me into a corner. This was caught on tape by security cameras. I alerted campus security, and although they saw the clear visuals on the tape, nothing happened. Since it was a verbal bashing, they didn’t think it was a real threat (never mind my being chased by a car). It was a Christian university. Since then, I’ve always wondered what they would do if I were a straight, white male who was verbally bashed and chased with evidence on tape. Though both of these events left an impact, I’m lucky that it was no worse. Due to the current divisive state of our country, hate crimes have been on the rise across most categories. In particular, there’s been a spike in hate crimes regarding race, religion, sexual

orientation, and gender identity. The Human Rights Campaign reported that in 2017, 29 transgender individuals were brutally killed. This is the highest ever recorded — though the 26 transgender individuals murdered last year comes close. In fact, hate crimes have been on the rise for three consecutive years, according to the FBI. As a black man and a gay man — a member of two marginalized groups often targeted — this is a source of constant fear and anxiety. Unlike Smollett’s case, which was an extremely rare case of possible false reporting, rights groups estimate that far more real incidents go unreported. Hatred is still prevalent. Whether verbal or physical, these attacks are very real and can carry fatal outcomes. The Jussie Smollett episode shouldn’t distract us from this. One man may have lied, but the real story is how many lives are still threatened. Please don’t stop supporting victims of hate crimes or advocating for justice. —Gray Ndiaye is a modern-day Griot who resides in Southern California. He’s on Twitter and Instagram at @graythegriot. Distributed by OtherWords.org.t

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Decorative crosswalks have been used throughout California and the country to explore the unique cultural and historical identity of communities. Over the last six years there have been long-standing, community-driven efforts to install a rainbow crosswalk in Hillcrest and deliver a visual demonstration of the LGBTQIA+ movement’s legacy of inclusivity, influence, and activism here in San Diego. With the introduction of San Diego’s new Creative Crosswalks Pilot Program, every neighborhood now has the opportunity to celebrate their uniqueness by utilizing crosswalks as an expression of community pride, sense of place and neighborhood history. Rainbow crosswalks have become an empowering artistic avenue for LGBTQIA+ peoples in recent years for their ability to combine creativity and celebrate unique cultural and historical identities within communities. Rainbow crosswalks have been installed — in both temporary and permanent capacities — in West Hollywood, San Francisco, Seattle, New Jersey, Arizona and even Paris, France. Now, it’s San Diego’s turn. This year is the 50th anniversary of the New York City Stonewall Riots. The Hillcrest community and surrounding areas are eager to celebrate, and installation of rainbow crosswalks has quickly risen to the top of locals’ hearts and minds. The most commonly suggested area to paint is the intersection of University Avenue and Normal Street because it is where the annual San Diego Pride Festival entrance is and is a widely known area within the community. Over the last six years, there’s been a long-standing, community-driven effort to install a rainbow crosswalk in Hillcrest, but momentum for the project has been stagnant. In 2012, then-Councilmember Todd Gloria lobbied for and successfully implemented infrastructure improvements in District 3, including street resurfacing and adding bikes lanes and parking spaces. When the photos gained attention on social media, it kickstarted the conversation about adding rainbow sidewalks.

Since the infrastructure changes had already been made and approved, rainbow paint, unfortunately, wasn’t a quick and easy addition due to permits and regulations. Since then, we have been working together to find a solution that meets federal standards and is feasible both economically and practically. In January, the city of San Diego presented a pilot program at City Council that would address concerns from the Federal Highway Administration and allow the use of solid hues on crosswalks. With this program, every district and neighborhood of San Diego would be able to celebrate unique aspects of their communities by utilizing crosswalks as an expression of community pride, sense of place and neighborhood history. It isn’t all about rainbows — it’s about celebrating uniqueness and acknowledging communities. Thanks to the pilot program, council offices will be able to sponsor applicants who wish to color their crosswalks — upon approval — but these parties will have to commit to funding the project's installation and maintenance. The Hillcrest Rainbow Crosswalk is close to becoming a reality and completed in time for San Diego Pride 2019 in July; the next step is to fundraise for installation and guarantee that this community project will last for generations. We have a goal of raising $25,000 to cover the costs of installation, but to meet that goal we need support from not just the Hillcrest community but from all San Diego County residents who believe in this project and the meaning behind it. We humbly ask for donations for the goal of contributing to San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ legacy, creating a visual marker that will forever celebrate inclusivity and diversity. Donations can be made at sdpride.org/rainbow. It is time for San Diego to rally together and support one another. We hope you will join us. —Chris Ward is a member of the San Diego City Council, representing the Third Council District. Fernando Lopez is Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Chloe Janda is the volunteer Public Relations Manager of San Diego Pride.t

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GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

9 San Diego legendary drag queens Conversations with Nicole Nicole Murray Ramirez

he prestigious San Diego History Center in Balboa Park will commemorate and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots with an exhibit of nine of San Diego's LGBT community’s legendary drag queens from June 15-Sept. 8. Drag queens are acknowledged as playing a major role in the 13-day riots at the infamous gay bar in New York City, later made a historic national landmark by President Barack Obama. Infamous New York drag queens Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson are now LGBT icons because

Glitz Glam

FROM PAGE 2

PROMENADE Dennis Seisun of Hillcrest noted that he was initially against the project, but that the presentation changed his mind. Though Seisun wished it included a grassy park, a view also shared by other board members, he hoped the topic could be revisited later and did not want that alone to get in the way of creating a public space for the community. “This could be a case of perfection getting in the way of good … yes, it should be a park, it should be a park space, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Let’s face reality,” Seisun said. “To me it’s very simple — there is more good than bad, so I support the project,” Tim Gahagan concluded. Though the majority of the board was in favor of the project, Mat Wahlstorm of Hillcrest was strongly against it. Wahlstorm presented a letter to the audience that he sent to public officials, which urged a request for delay and reconsideration of the project. “It is an improper and arguably illegal effort to divert a public right of way designed for a City park to the private benefit of a City contractor [the HBA],” he wrote, adding that involved agencies might be furthering their own agendas through the project. (Read the full letter at rescuehillcrest.com.)

of their involvement in the Stonewall riots with books and documentary films made about their legendary lives. Rivera, a Puerto Rican, and Johnson, an AfricanAmerican, were especially proud that they were drag queens of color and “street queens.” I first met Rivera in New York in the late 1970s and the last time we talked was in 1994 when I was elected national co-chair of the Stonewall 25 Celebration in New York City. Our very own Susan Jester was a national executive director of the global celebration. Sylvia started later in her life on some pre-operative transsexual treatment, mostly hormones and embraced both the drag and transsexual communities. The drag queen community indeed played a historic

Paris Sukomi Max

In the end, Uptown Planners made a motion to support the project, which was supported in a 10-2 vote, with Walstrom opposing and William Ellig abstaining. With the final letter of support in hand, construction for Normal Street Promenade is slated for 2020, with a projected completion date of 2021 or 2022. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TvGbVd. —Reach Sara Butler at sara@sdcnn.com. [Editor’s note: Visit our website at sduptownnews.com for additional photos and artist renderings of the project.] t Marina District Elegant Condo

role in the building of not only the LGBT civil rights movement but in building LGBT communities across the country with countless benefits and fundraisers through drag shows in bars across the land. In San Diego in the 1960s and ’70s, drag queen shows in gay bars helped provide the “seed money” for almost all of our LGBT organizations — from our San Diego LGBT Community Center to San Diego Pride. A majority of these drag shows were produced by the Imperial Court de San Diego and its 47 emperors and empresses. The Imperial Court de San Diego will be co-sponsoring this historic exhibit of drag queens, which will include personal items, outfits, wigs, biographies and more of all eight of the local drag queens under the supervision of world acclaimed scholar, historian and the author of 12 books, Dr. Lillian Faderman. Our city's popular first lady of San Diego, Katherine Stuart Faulconer, has agreed to be the honorary chair of this historic exhibit. And the eight San Diego legendary drag queens are: Chad Michaels, Babette Schwartz, Norma, Fraceska, Nicole, Paris Sukomi Max, Lala Too, Tootie and Glitz Glam. San Diego is also the proud birthplace of the No. 1

Babette Schwartz is one of nine San Diego drag queen performers to be commemorated at an exhibit at the San Diego History Center in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots. (Courtesy photos) legendary drag queen of the world, RuPaul, who will be spotlighted in the exhibit. —Nicole Murray Ramirez has been writing a column since 1973. He has been a Latino/gay activist for almost half a century and has advised and served the last seven mayors of San Diego. Named the ‘Honorary Mayor of Hillcrest’ by a city proclamation, he has received many media awards including from the prestigious San Diego Press Club. Reach

Chad Michaels Nicole at Nicolemrsd1@ gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Nmrsd2. Editor’s Note: The opinions written in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the staff and/or publisher of Gay San Diego and/or its parent company, San Diego Community News Network (SDCNN). The newspaper and its staff should be held harmless of liability or damages.t

events @ThECEnTER

Wed, March 20

Friday, April 5

7-8:30 pm, The Center

6-9 pm, The Center

Bi Coming Out Group

Transgender Day of Empowerment

Join The Center’s discussion group on bisexuality on the third Wednesday of every month. It’s a welcoming space to share your experiences, ask questions, discuss community issues and meet like-minded people. This group is open to all persons who are sexually and/or emotionally attracted to more than one gender. For more information, contact Sarah Merk-Benitez at smerkbenitez@thecentersd.org.

Thursday, March 21

LGBT Military Support Group

Join us in celebrating the rich diversity of San Diego’s transgender community. As always, this year’s program will include transgender speakers, entertainment, refreshments, community awards, and the announcement of the 5th Annual Tracie Jada O’Brien Transgender Student Scholarship recipients! This event is FREE and open to all. Visit Facebook for more information.

nEW DATE Thursday, May 2 13th Annual Dining Out for Life® San Diego

6-7:30 pm, The Center

2BR 2 BA, $644,500

This MUST SEE exquisite condo boasts quiet elegance galore. 1,282 SF, split floor plan, beautiful kitchen & Carrera marble mosaic baths! Master bedroom features spacious his & her closets. 2nd bedroom is a combination guest room, library w/ built in office nook. This stunning condo contains solid Oak hardwood floors, crown molding, arched doorways, new HVAC and plumbing & electrical, gas fireplace, plus multiple designer features that call out “This is Home.”

Katie Herrick (619) 865-2085

kherrick@ascentrealestate.net Lic # 01800357

Fleet and Family Support Services and AMPA’s LGBT Military Support Group is open to all LGBT Active Duty Service Members and their families. Third Thursdays of the month. For more information, contact Elisa Ruben at 619.988.2057 or elisa.d.ruben@navy.mil.

www.thecentersd.org The San Diego LGBT Community Center 3909 Centre Street • 619-692-2077 Twitter: @LGBTCenter

facebook.com/At.The.Center

We are excited to announce a new look and new date for this year’s Dining Out For Life® San Diego. Each year, Dining Out For Life® San Diego draws thousands of participants who dine out with family and friends for breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or drinks at the event’s participating locations. Those locations – some of San Diego’s most generous restaurants, bars, coffee and ice cream shops – agree to donate 25% or more of their food and liquor sales from that day to support HIV services and prevention programs at The San Diego LGBT Community Center. Visit events.thecentersd. org/dofl for all things #DOFLSD.

DINING

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

Where’s the broth? Restaurant Review Frank Sabatini Jr.

e arrived with a maniacal hankering for xiao long bao dumplings, but they became a footnote compared to everything else we ate at Shanghai Bun. Billed as a Chinese tapas restaurant, and located way down Rosecrans Street in a quaint section of Point Loma once known as Roseville, the place feels more like a neighborhood tavern where you might loll over beers and burgers rather than slurp on dumplings that squirt little pops of broth into your mouth when biting into them. Soft-core Asian accents flow throughout the full bar and dining area on one end of the space, and into a modest semi-private dining room on the other side. Wherever you sit, you’re pretty much in eyeshot of flat-screen televisions. (Eight of them were tuned to different channels during our visit — and thankfully their sound was muted.) With about seven parking slots in the back and reasonable opportunities to park on the surrounding streets, you’re afforded a refreshing break from the dining hustle of the gayborhood and its surrounding Uptown areas. Prices are noticeably cheaper, too, especially

if you hit daily happy hour as we did on a recent Sunday afternoon. Xiao long bao, known otherwise as Shanghai dumplings, are incredibly orgasmic when made right. Here, we discovered, they’re hit and miss. In some online reviews I read, customers effused over the dumplings, claiming they offered comforting broth and flavorful pork meat inside. Others reported the “liquid gold” was zapped out of them. A foursome of the dumplings hubby and I ordered ($4 during happy hour) contained barely a few drops of the broth. One was completely depleted of any moisture due to a torn bottom. The pork meatball inside each, however, was relatively juicy. But that ultimately derives its flavor from gelatinous fat that liquefies during steaming. As for the dumpling casings, they were properly pleated and crimped. Those design details allow you to grab the stuffed dough purses with your chopsticks. Yet for this clumsy-handed diner, dumplings are slippery specimens that can only be restrained with fingers or a fork. The menu is dominated by about two dozen tapas, allowing you to enjoy a veritable dim sum experience if you stay within that category. Among them are excellent pot stickers filled generously with pork and Napa cabbage. Douse them in the sweet and tangy

house-made dumpling sauce sitting on your table, along with a dab of Chinese mustard, and you’ll feel transported into some old-school Chinese restaurant. A pair of pork buns (char siu bao) was less thrilling, despite how well the honey-roasted meat took to its sweetish barbecue sauce. The problem was that there wasn’t enough of the saucy pork to saturate the white spongy buns beyond their small craniums. Our waitress, who oddly wasn’t aware that Shanghai dumplings contain broth, highly recommended we try the crispy tofu after I expressed disappointment in the dumplings and to a lesser degree, the pork buns. We didn’t see it on the happy hour or regular menus, but we took her suggestion and ended up paying only $5.99 for three skewers of the cubed matter. The texture was luxuriously soft, like cheesecake. Bedding the dish was “teriyaki sauce,” as we were told. But it was really more like the aforementioned house admixture of soy sauce, vinegar and sugar designated for the dumplings. It paired terrifically to the sesame-stuffed tofu — better in fact than anything else on our table. After also polishing off a bowl of peppery hot-and-sour soup, which carried more depth of flavor compared to most, and an order of standard cream cheese wontons (hubby’s go-to), the star of our lunch emerged: two pork belly sliders. They’re available only on the regular

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Shanghai Bun 1029 Rosecrans St. (Point Loma) 619-795-1700 shanghaibunsd.com Prices: Tapas, $3.99 to $10.00 Appetizers, soups and salads, $3.99 to $10.99 Rice and noodle dishes, $6.99 to $14.99 Wok classics and house specialties, $10.99 to $23.99 tapas menu for $5.99, and well worth the price. Served within the same bao buns as the barbecue pork, these tender slabs of belly meat combined with liberal smears of hoisin sauce delivered admirable oomph to the fluffy, steamed buns. We washed them down with a couple of $5 happy-hour beers — a “perky blonde” ale from Resident Brewing and a “Cali-squeeze” blood orange hefeweizen by SLO Brewing. Both were served ice-cold. Daily happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. In order to qualify for the food and drink bargains, you must make a minimum $5 purchase of any beverage. You then qualify for a dozen different tapas starting at $3 apiece. With such alluringly low price points, we easily skipped over the classic regular-priced entrees, which include various proteins combined with a choice of sauces such as kung pao, honey walnut, and spicy Szechuan. There are also rice

Barbecue pork buns

A place that’s off the beaten track for drinks, dim sum and other Chinese far (Photos by Frank Sabatini Jr.) and noodle dishes, as well as ginger-scallion fish, eggplant in garlic sauce, and salmon in black bean sauce. For consumers with extra-hearty appetites, the restaurant offers a tempting brunch deal from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Shell out $30, and you get to wash down all the dim sum your stomach can hold with a variety of bottomless mimosas. Now there’s an offer I’ll take any day over those all-youcan-eat spaghetti and pancake deals that would bore me after a second serving. —Frank Sabatini Jr. is the author of “Secret San Diego” (ECW Press) and began his local writing career more than two decades ago as a staffer for the former San Diego Tribune. You can reach him at fsabatini@san.rr.com.t

Xiao long bao dumplings

Pork and Napa cabbage pot stickers

A healthier future. Let’s pass it on together. UC San Diego Health is a part of the All of Us Research Program, from the National Institutes of Health. The goal of All of Us is to help researchers understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy. For more information or to enroll: Call: (858) 265-1711 Email: allofus@ucsd.edu

AllofUsUCSD.org | #JoinAllofUs

A Member of All of Us California

Crispy tofu in a soy-based sauce

You will receive a $25 gift card after you complete your visit. All of Us and the All of Us logo are service marks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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2/20/19 5:31 PM

DINING

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Savory alligator cheesecake with crawfish cream sauce at the new Louisiana Purchase (Courtesy of Alternative Strategies)

North Park welcomed the grand opening of Louisiana Purchase on March 14 to the tune of Southern barbecue shrimp, savory alligator cheesecake and andouille-fried red beans and rice. The menu is replete with modern interpretations of classic New Orleans fare executed by Louisiana transplant Quinnton “Q” Austin, whose cooking

carries big, bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. Anchored on the ground floor of The Louisiana building, the restaurant features a stylish blend of indoor and outdoor spaces using wood, marble, velvet and live greenery. Classic Southern cocktails with creative twists are also in the offing. The restaurant is the latest project by San Diego-based Grind & Prosper Hospitality, which also operates Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach, Whiphand American Brasserie in East Village, and Park 101 in Carlsbad. It is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Sunday. Weekend brunch will launch in early April. 2305 University Ave., 619-228-9990, louisianapurchasesd.com.

Chemistry PR)

Get them while they last. In honor of Trust Restaurant’s third anniversary, pastry chef Jeremy Harville is resurrecting a small hit parade of favored desserts since Trust first launched. Available for a limited time only, the sweet dishes include carrot cake accented with nuts, carrot-ginger puree and a unique cream cheese ice cream. There’s also profiteroles with banana crème and caramel, plus an artistically designed peanut butter cheesecake with Cap’n Crunch ice cream and berry meringue. 3752 Park Blvd., 619-795-6901, trustrestaurantsd.com.

The Wine Lover kicks off its first sit-down tasting of the season with “A Walk Through France,” from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 30. The event will feature pours of specially selected wines from multiple French regions, accompanied by French cheeses. Kyle Knox of JJ Knox Wines will be on hand to

discuss the wines. The cost is $45, or $40 for wine club members. The annual series was started by Wine Lover owner Serge Chable seven years ago. It continues through late October, usually on the last Saturday of each month. 3968 Fifth Ave., 619-2949200, thewineloversd.com.

Handmade corn and flour tortillas give rise to mulitas, tacos, burritos and other casual fare common to Mexicali at the new Mexicali Street Tacos in North Park. With less than 10 stools set along counter seating, the small

eatery greets with an organic feel featuring reclaimed wood and wall planters. Protein choices range from soy chorizo and carne asada to shrimp, al pastor and chicken. 3383 El Cajon Blvd., 619-280-5452.

The labor-intensive peanut butter cheesecake with berry meringue makes a comeback at popular Hillcrest restaurant (Courtesy of

Madison’s lauded interior is the place for jazz brunches this month. (Photo by Andy McRory)

Saturday brunch at Madison in University Heights will be accompanied by a side of live jazz every

week through March 30, as students from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts fill the space with their musical talents. Madison will donate 10 percent of proceeds from the jazz brunches to the school’s jazz department as the students raise funds to travel to New York City for the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition at Lincoln Center. The brunch performances run from 10 a.m. to noon. 4622 Park Blvd., 619-269-6566, madisononpark.com.

High-craft cocktails are coming to Sycuan Casino’s new luxury lounge and chophouse. (Courtesy of Clique Hospitality)

As part of a $260 million expansion, Sycuan Casino Resort is gearing up to open two culinary components on the property in late March: Bull and Bourbon, a traditional fine-dining steakhouse, and Elicit Bar & Lounge, where beer, wine and artisan cocktails will complement an array of bar fare such as fresh oysters, sushi, and kobe beef sliders. In addition, a pool area with cabanas is being implemented. It will offer a poolside menu and full bar. The renovations are the result of a partnership with Las Vegas-based Clique Hospitality, which has helped develop restaurant and nightclub experiences for San Diego’s Pendry Hotel, MGM Resorts International, Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and other properties. 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 619-4456002, sycuan.com.

North Park bids fond adieu to an acclaimed restaurant. A revered dining destination in North Park has unexpectedly closed. Urban Solace at 3823 30th St. served its last meals on March 13 after chef-owner Matt Gordon announced on Facebook that the 12-year-old restaurant and its Encinitas offshoot, Solace and the Moonlight Lounge, had run their courses. In a statement Gordon said, “It has been an uphill battle for quite some time now, and it’s just time to move on.” He continued by thanking his patrons and the community for their long-term support. Known for a number of dishes customers came to love, such as cheddar-chive biscuits, chicken and dumplings, and “duckaroni,” Gordon is credited with bringing comfort food to the dining scene before it became trendy. He confirmed that he will continue catering from his Sorrento Valley headquarters. Menus and contact info can be found at urbansolacecatering.com.

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019 The seventh annual Bankers Hill Art & Craft Beer Festival will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., March 22 throughout the two levels of The Abbey on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest (2823 Fifth Ave.). More than a dozen local craft breweries will pour their brews amid pop-up galleries showcasing local artists as well as Bankers Hill restaurants doling out sweet and savory bites. Among the beer makers taking part are Hillcrest Brewing Company, Burning Beard, 3 Punk

Ales, Thorn Brewing Co., and more. They’ll be joined by Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant, Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe, Parc Bistro-Brasserie, Cucina Urbana, Wetstone Wine Bar and others. The event serves as a social fundraiser organized by the Bankers Hill Business Group. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 at the door. Admission includes unlimited 2-ounce beer pours and food samples. For more information, visit bankershillbusinessgroup.com.

A larger, sleeker version of Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill in Mission Hills is up and running in Ocean Beach — and to shorter lines (for now) compared to its flagship kitchen. Known for its seafood cocktails, and large variety of grilled fish available in plates, sandwiches, salads or tacos — the menu is exactly the same, although the decor features warm woods and contemporary A busy seafood eatery in Mission Hills brings its shrimp-crab cocktails and many accents. other seafood dishes to Ocean Beach. (Photo Other hot sellers — by Frank Sabatini Jr.) as discovered by Food Network’s Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-Ins and fresh fish from a chilled deDives” —include oyster li case. 5083 Santa Monica shooters and classic cioppino Ave., 619-255-8497, soup loaded with a variety of sdbluewater.com. seafood. Perched across the street from the beach below —Frank Sabatini Jr. Wonderland Ocean Pub, can be reached at the new location also sells fsabatini@san.rr.com.t

THEATER

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

gay-sd.com

Not a happily-ever-after tale An operatic view of the life of Princess Diana “Diana”

Theater Review Jean Lowerison

DiPietro wrote the book; David Bryan the music. Both share creativity for the lyrics. Diana didn’t really fit in with the stuffy British royal family, a fact she realized and accepted early on. Unlike them, she was pretty and friendly, and quickly became a media darling, even putting up PHOTO: JULIETA CERVANTES

“Once upon a time” seldom works out in real life, but everybody loves the fantasy and keeps hoping. That may partially explain the crowd that jammed London streets to see the wedding procession of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. But Diana’s fairy tale ended long before her death in 1997. It started to wilt shortly after the wedding, when 20-year-old Diana realized that she was in a three-way relationship: her 32-year-old prince was married to her but in love with the already-married Camilla Parker Bowles. La Jolla Playhouse presents “Diana” through April 14 at the Mandell Weiss Theatre. Though billed as a new musical, “Diana” is really an opera with minimal dialogue. Joe

Plays through April 7 La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Theatre 2910 La Jolla Village Drive (UCSD campus) Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets: 858-550-1010 lajollaplayhouse.org

Love is a gypsy child

CARMEN

Georges Bizet

March 30–April 7, 2019 San Diego Civic Theatre

sdopera.org/sdcnn | (619) 533-7000

Financial support is provided by the City of San Diego.

with that annoyance gracefully (well portrayed in the song “Snap, Click”). She also did as expected, producing two royal heirs. But her relationship with Charles brought mostly heartbreak. “Diana” portrays all of this, but focuses on how she reinvented herself by committing her time to charitable causes, thus bypassing the royal connection and coming into her own as an international force for good before that horrifying 1997 crash in Paris. She was one of few people who visited AIDS victims early in that crisis, even hugging and shaking hands with them barehanded. To this, Charles sniffed “People are talking about your excessive devotion to ghoulish causes” – which only made Diana all the more determined. The play skips around rather more than seems necessary, and even includes romance novelist (and Diana favorite) Barbara Cartland for no apparent reason, though she is played with amusing relish by Judy Kaye, all fluffy in pink. Kaye is also excellent as the more matter-of-fact Queen Elizabeth, exuding all due sniffiness and lack of charm. The show has a Broadway look, with lots of set changes and bright lighting that shines out into the audience. Ian Eisendrath’s nine-member orchestra acquits itself well on

Princess Diana played by Jeanna de Waal (Photos courtesy of La Jolla Playhouse)

(top to bottom) Prince Charles, played by Roe Hartrampf and Jeanna de Wall as the Princess of Wales the ’80s-inspired songs, and choreographer Kelly Devine provides energy galore with

some athletic dance numbers for a large ensemble. Natasha Katz’s lighting and Gareth Owen’s sound design shine especially in these numbers. Jeanna de Waal is terrific as Diana – beautiful, charming, and as warm and personable as Charles (an excellent Roe Hartrampf) is cold and distant. Erin Davie plays the unattractive role of Camilla with as much style as can be managed (especially in the ultimate boxing match face-off scene with Diana to the song “The Show”). William Ivey Long’s costumes are marvelous, especially the sexy one late in the show when Diana sings “The Dress.” Here, she has finally abandoned royalty and come into her own, symbolized by the words “f-xxx-it” inserted between the title words. DiPietro and Bryan, who won Tonys for the music of “Memphis,” have given “Diana” a mostly jaunty, upbeat, ’80s-inflected score that serves the choreography well but is less effective for the narrative. The lyrics of the fast songs (and that’s at least 80 percent of the score) are often unintelligible, and many of them sound alike. Perhaps they’d be better understood as dialogue. “Diana” is a certified draw, attested by the fact that this show has been extended twice and it’s only in its first week. With a few tweaks in the music, this committed cast can give this show a long life. —Jean Lowerison is a long-standing member of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle and can be reached at infodame@cox.net.t

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GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

Ongoing Events

‘Quiet No More’ – The San Diego Women’s Chorus (SDWC) invites you to attend our monumental 2019 spring concert “Quiet No More: A Choral Celebration of Stonewall.” This inspiring event will take place May 18 and 19 and will honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. SDWC will present the San Diego premiere of its brand new, unique work that will commemorate and convey the impact and legacy of Stonewall. At this time, SDWC is the only treble chorus that will be performing this multi-movement work as a stand-alone ensemble. You won’t want to miss this powerful concert! May 18-19. $18$30. Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave. bit.ly/2EUXXZK 2019 San Diego Pride – San Diego Pride is July 12-14. For a limited time, early-bird tickets are on sale for the festival with a $50 savings on VIP tickets and $10 savings on general admission. $15-$150. bit.ly/2CfGwRg ‘Struggles and Triumphs’ – The San Diego History Center, in partnership with the Lambda Archives of San Diego, brings the first-ever exhibition in Balboa Park focused on the history of our local LGBTQ+ community. Visitors will experience and learn about the struggles to overcome persecution, the battle with AIDS, bullying and intolerance, the power of the community, and the tremendous strides taken in the fight for equal rights. The exhibit curator is noted author and historian Lillian Faderman. Runs through January 2020. 1649 El Prado, Suite 3. bit.ly/2o5PrxG Leading with Love Gala – The North County LGBTQ Resource Center (NCRC) has announced ticket sales for its 2019 Leading with Love gala. The signature fundraising event helps the Center keep its doors open and programs running for those in need. Gala will be on June 9 from 2-7 p.m. $125. bit.ly/2FV9tGc ‘Angels in America’ – A look at America in the mid1980s. In the midst of the

gay-sd.com AIDS crisis and a conservative Reagan administration, New Yorkers grapple with life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell. Alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, it was awarded two Tony Awards for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Part One: “Angels in America: Millennium Approaches” and Part Two: “Angels in America: Perestroika” run through April 20 at the Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Each performance is 3.5 hours with two 15-minute intermissions. $35. 4040 Twiggs St. bit.ly/2HfnXSa ‘Defining Place/ Space: Contemporary Photography from Australia’ – The Museum of Photographic Arts will open a global conversation about the impact of pictures. “Defining Place/Space: Contemporary Photography from Australia” showcases the diverse scope of artwork by photographers from Australia. Many pieces are coming to the U.S. for the first time. Iranian-Australian artist Hoda Afshar is among the photographers with her collection “Behold,” which was photographed in Iran in a town that permits men to be homosexual, on the condition that they conduct that part of their lives in secret. On display through Sept. 22. Free admission but contributions welcomed. 1649 El Prado. bit.ly/2Sv4yO7 Taste of Hillcrest 2019 – Hillcrest's vibrant walking feast is back on April 13 from noon-4 p.m. With over 40 different types of cuisine, Fabulous Hillcrest offers an international tour of exciting new concepts and comfort food favorites. Savor small bites from some of Hillcrest’s most recognized and award-winning restaurants while you discover and explore an eclectic mix of shops and boutiques. Tickets: presale $30, $35 day of event. A free shuttle is provided for all participants with two starting locations. bit.ly/2tU9aDs Out at the Park – Join San Diego Pride as it teams up with the Padres for Out at the Park on April 19 at Petco Park. Grab your friends, family and rainbows as we prepare to enjoy an exciting evening

of entertainment and baseball when the Padres take on the Reds at 7:10 p.m. Arrive early and enjoy the pre-game “Tailgate Party” happy hour event in our VIP space from 4:30-7 p.m. in Park at the Park — in conjunction with CocktailFest presented by Southwest Airlines. Then, take your seat with the group as we watch the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego Women’s Chorus, San Diego Pride and Padres staff perform the National Anthem together on the field. Your ticket purchase includes a seat in our Out at the Park section, a commemorative Out at the Park Padres hat, $5 donation to San Diego Pride and access to the pre-game VIP space in Park at the Park. Padres.com/pride

Friday, March 15

26th San Diego Latino Film Festival – March 14-24. Tickets on sale now. Featuring more than 160 films from Latin America, the U.S. and Spain. Film selection includes innovated, original and thought-provoking works that are by, about or for the Latino community. Prices and venues vary. 2019.sdlatinofilm.com

Saturday, March 23

‘Makers of San Diego History’ – The San Diego History Center has announced its 2019 “Makers of San Diego History,” recognizing those in the San Diego region who are making history in their own time. The honorees are California Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and former California Senator Christine Kehoe. These leaders have made and continue to make a positive, lasting impact on our region. The San Diego History Center’s celebratory event, “Makers of San Diego History” is set for March 23. A hosted Champagne reception will be held at the prestigious San Diego History Center in the heart of Balboa Park followed by dinner and program at The Prado. This event will recognize San Diego's LGBTQ+ community for its struggles and triumphs. The proceeds from this event support the mission of The San Diego History Center with a focus on education and community impact. Tickets to the reception and dinner are $275. bit.ly/2XsS5yb

San Diego Leather Pride 2019 – San Diego Leather Pride 2019 is taking place March 13-17. Events include Tiger’s Pictionary Leather/ Fetish Night at #1 Fifth Avenue on March 13; Leather Pride Flag Raising at Pride Plaza; Meet & Greet with the judges and contestants on March 15; Opening Ceremonies, San Diego Bootblack and Leather 2019 contest on March 16; and the Victory Brunch with a keynote speaker and Vendor Faire on March 17 — all held at the World Beat Cultural Center. sdleatherpride.org

Saturday, March 16

The Royale Show – Join Prince Royale Steven Blocker and Princess Royale Jessica D’Nalga for the last fundraiser of their reign at Flicks. Be entertained by past royales and crown princes and princess of the Imperial Court de San Diego, emceed by Empress 47 Gigi Masters. $7 suggested donation. 5-8 p.m. 1017 University Ave. bit.ly/2TDRwm0

‘Fantastic Music and Where to Find It” – The Hillcrest Wind Ensemble presents “Fantastic Music And Where To Find It” featuring outstanding music and composers from the last 100 years, including thrilling music from recent hit movies. Four movements from Copland’s “Rodeo” will be featured as well as works from Holst, Stravinsky and Saint Saens. The ensemble will perform concerts in two different venues. The first concert will be on March 23, 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The Windsmith, located at 3875 Granada Ave. in North Park, online at hwesd.brownpapertickets.com, or at the door. The second concert will be on March 31, 4 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Chula Vista. A freewill offering will be accepted. The 45-piece Hillcrest Wind Ensemble is in its 32nd year of performing and is a program of the LGBT Center acting as a musical ambassador to the community as a whole. For more information: 619-6922077 x814. hillcrestwindensemble.com

Thursday, March 28

Professional Development Fair – Join the San Diego LGBT Community Center for an empowering and supportive afternoon of growing professionally, specifically crafted for our community. From building a resume and perfecting a cover letter, to nailing that interview, to being “out” at work, the Center is there to support you all the way. Workshops: Resume and Cover Letter Writing: 1-1:50 p.m. Managing your Professional Development: 2-2:50 p.m. Out in the Workplace: 3-3:50 p.m. Free. 3909 Centre St. bit.ly/2HgZZFj

Saturday, March 30

‘Shoving Each Other Towards Wholeness’ – Join Gay San Diego columnist Michael Kimmel for a workshop/author talk on “Shoving Each Other Toward Wholeness” at the brandnew Mission Hills-Hillcrest Library in its spacious and light-filled community room. The workshop/author talk will be experiential, it’s not a 90-minute lecture. Michael will give attendees questions to consider and you’ll be talking about them individually with a few other people and then in a group. You’ll get to meet new people in an easy way (which is good for you shy folks). And, he’ll talk a bit about his book “The Gay Man’s Guide to Open and Monogamous Marriage,” too. Free. 1-2:30 p.m. 215 West Washington St. —Send calendar events to albert@sdcnn.comt

QSyndicate.com

Q Q PUZZLE PUZZLE

GAY THINGS THAT STRAIGHT ATHLETES DO

solution on page 11

DOWN

ACROSS

1 “Alone ___ Drive-in Movie” (“Grease”) 4 Canning tomatoes 9 Visit Barneys, e.g. 13 Ballet supporters? 15 Pass, as a law 16 Site of desirable stones 17 Prot. denomination 18 ___ music (do Britten’s job) 19 Book after Joel 20 One who doubts there’s a Divine Miss M? 22 Julia’s pal in “My Best Friend's Wedding” 24 Shoulder warmers 25 Rubs the right way 27 Doesn't dine at the Rubicon, e.g. 29 Say “Bottoms up!” 33 Begin to wake up 36 Holds title to 37 When actors should come

Wednesday, March 27

Exploring Family Building Options for LGBTQ Individuals and Couples – This seminar will feature an informative discussion of fertility options, legal implications and important steps to consider when looking to start a family. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A, giving ample opportunity to have your specific questions answered by our team of experts. Free. Reproductive Sciences Medical Center. 6-7:30 p.m. RSVP. fertile.com

38 Navel fetish accessory? 39 Knights’ attendants 41 Pronoun for King James 42 Shaft in a straight simile 44 “Honky ___ Woman” 45 Pianist Dame Myra 46 Consider carefully 47 Matter 49 George Cukor’s “Dinner at ___” 51 Out in the open 55 Street in San Francisco 58 LGBT History Month, in the UK 60 Nevada neighbor 61 Drag queen Mann 63 Some Feds 64 Brought forth fruit 65 Kind of dish 66 Keep an eye on 67 Hit boxers 68 Stand next to Eakins 69 “Vox populi, vox ___”

1 Son of Uranus 2 Hard to swallow, perhaps 3 Allstate rival 4 Where drivers get off 5 “That’s ___ haven't heard” 6 Before the game they put on... 7 ___ UP 8 Seattle’s WNBA team 9 During the game they exchange... 10 Chauffeur's order 11 Lysol target 12 Pain in the derriere 14 After the game they... 21 P. Hearst’s kidnappers 23 Engaged in 26 Still waiting to go out 28 Cloth sample 30 BenGay target 31 Takes to court 32 Patty Sheehan’s supporters 33 Side dish with fish

34 Rubber on a rim 35 Letters over Mary’s son 40 Abscond after posting a surety 43 Spin like a top 48 Contemptible one 50 Pop one’s cork 52 Unable to walk like a man 53 Cara of “Fame” 54 “She Bop” singer Lauper 55 Young bears 56 Lying on 57 Gilbert of “The Talk” 59 Verb of Verlaine 62 R. Mapplethorpe supporter

NEWS / CLASSIFIEDS

gay-sd.com

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

‘Makers of San Diego History’ announced

FROM PAGE 1

COURT

San Diego History Center to honor Toni Atkins and Christine Kehoe Albert H. Fulcher | Editor The San Diego History Center has announced its 2019 “Makers of San Diego History,” recognizing those in the San Diego region who are making history in their own time. The honorees are California Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and former California Senator Christine Kehoe. These leaders have made and continue to make a positive, lasting impact on our region. “San Diego is a culturally diverse and vibrant community,” said Bill Lawrence, San Diego History Center’s executive director and CEO. “As we look forward to what we want our community to look like in the future, we are honoring the struggles and triumphs of San Diego's LGBT community along with two of our civic leaders who have made history in their own time by furthering inclusion and diversity. The San Diego History Center is more than a museum, it is a forum to discover, discuss, and determine why history matters today.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins Elected to the state Senate in 2016 after serving as speaker of the California state

FROM PAGE 11

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Assembly, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins was the first openly gay Senate leader in state history. She represents the 39th District and served on the San Diego City Council from 2000-2008 and the state Assembly from 2010-2016. A leading voice for affordable housing, she is a powerful advocate for women, the LGBTQ community, military veterans, and people experiencing homelessness.

Christine Kehoe (Courtesy photos) Christine Kehoe became San Diego County’s first openly LGBT elected official when elected to the San Diego City Council in 1993. She served as a Council member for District 3 until 2000 when she was elected to the California state Assembly and to the California state Senate in 2004. During her time in the state Legislature, she served as the California state Assembly speaker pro tempore — only the second woman to hold that title. She is also the founding chair of the LGBT Legislative Caucus. Kehoe said that the San Diego History Center Makers Award is a wonderful recognition of her public service. “To me, it marks my winning the 1993 San Diego City Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-877-338-2315

WANTED TO BUY Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rath-

Council race becoming the first openly LGBTQ person elected to public office in the county,” Kehoe said. “I’m very honored to be sharing the Makers Award with my good friend Senator Toni Atkins, who is also an LGBTQ trailblazer. Senator Atkins currently serves as leader of the state Senate — a historic accomplishment.” Kehoe added that she has worked together with Atkins since the early 1990s. “She was instrumental in my ’93 campaign for office,” Kehoe continued. “Toni worked in the City Council office from day one. Toni then ran for and won the District 3 Council seat in 2000 setting the course for Assembly member [Todd] Gloria and Councilmember Chris Ward to follow. It’s a legacy I am very proud of. In addition, we now have Council President Georgette Gomez and Councilmember Jennifer Campbell on our roster of outstanding LGBTQ Council members.” Kehoe had some advice for young LGBT politicians and voters. “For anyone contemplating running for public office, I would say, ‘Go for it!’” Kehoe said. “There is no one recipe for success. If you have the desire to serve the public and protect the public trust, then you should run for office. There is no perfect time. As the recent elections have shown, you can run for office in your 20s, your 30s, your 70s! Are you committed to working seven days a week to win? Do you know what matters to your community? Then do it. “To any voter I would say, ‘Never vote against your own civil rights,’” Kehoe continued. “If your candidate is squishy on

any aspect of full LGBTQ equality, then find another candidate. All other issues rest on our full equal rights.” The 2019 Makers of San Diego History event is set for March 23. A hosted Champagne reception will be held at the prestigious San Diego History Center in the heart of Balboa Park, followed by dinner and a program at The Prado. This event will recognize San Diego's LGBT community for their struggles and triumphs. The proceeds from this event support the mission of The San Diego History Center with a focus on education and community impact. Tickets to the reception and dinner are $275. Learn more at sandiegohistory.org/event/ makers-2019.

years earlier. Dragt also pleaded guilty to two counts of a lewd act with a minor, and the judge added three years and eight months to the sentence consecutively. On March 6, Barlow said the total sentence is 19 years and eight months to life. Dragt received credits of nearly three years in jail which will be taken from the total term. Dragt agreed to serve the total term of 19 years and eight months as part of the plea agreement, said Barlow. Dragt and Campbell met in 1999. Campbell is the former owner of Campbell's Pool and Patio and Dragt had worked as a store manager at a Goodwill Industries store in La Mesa. Dragt had a number of attorneys on his case over the years, but none of them could be reached for comment. A neighbor of both men said at the time she would be taking care of the couple's cat.

—Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com.t

—Neal Putnam is a local freelance writer. Reach him at nealputnam@gmail.com.t

“THE FINEST DRAMA OF OUR TIME” - New York Observer.

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GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

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Clothing optional resort a destination for gay men CCBC Resort Hotel gears up for Cathedral City LGBT Days March 29-31 Albert H. Fulcher | Editor CCBC Resort Hotel in Cathedral City is the largest clothing optional resort for gay men in the United States. With 3.5 acres and 43 rooms, it caters to many groups. A destination hot-spot for 18 years and older, CCBC offers different events throughout the year, drawing in thousands of men with the ability to house 2,000 people on any given day. Now, with a newly dedicated restaurant on site, The Runway, CCBC is now a one-stop location, but still only a few

minutes from downtown Palm Springs and the gay bars and businesses in both Cathedral City and Palm Springs. “It’s a gay man’s fantasy world,” said CCBC owner Richard Altman. “We just had a big porn star convention here last weekend where we had all of the leading porn stars from the western United States at the facility, around 65 of them. It was a great weekend. We have many stars coming to this place that come here to relax and enjoy themselves.” The Runway restaurant is a concept Altman’s been working

on for many years with the city, which was completed and opened this past November. Altman said it is the first building in Cathedral City to be built from the ground up in 15 years and that people who come can’t believe what the resort has become with the new additions and events. “The Runway is built like a runway at an airport would be,” Altman said. “The bar is custom made like a wing. Everybody that comes into the place says it is fantastic. Our stage comes out from the ceiling, so we bring it down for

CCBC Resort Hotel owner Richard Altman at the custom-made bar in the shape of an airplane wing at the resort’s new restaurant the Runway. (Photo courtesy of CCBC)

shows. And the food is terrific. It is just getting started, but we have a lot of people coming in and they cannot believe the food and the ambiance of the restaurant.” There is a large patio at the Runway so people can sit outside and enjoy the weather. It is equipped with a large canopy that covers the entire patio in rainbow colors, representing the Pride flag. Altman said it is also a place to sit outside and bring your dog, as CCBC is pet friendly. Altman said that before the opening of the restaurant, it only was able to provide a small continental breakfast for guests. The Runway is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. to midnight or later depending on the group. Whether visiting with a day pass or for a weekend, Altman said that CCBC has everything that anyone needs for a quick getaway or an extended stay. “We have a suite that has

two bedrooms, two beds, and two showers,” Altman said. “We have single rooms, rooms for two people. We have a bunkhouse room that has bunk beds that sleeps 10 people. It goes from one extreme to any other extreme that you would like to have. We also have tent spaces outside where a lot of people bring their own tents and camp out. Basically we are all grass, so people can come and enjoy the nature of the desert. It’s like Vegas. We have many different events from Gay Days to private events throughout the year, each and every week.” CCBC is equipped with one large pool, a waterfall, two jacuzzi bars, four playrooms and a Military Compound. Rooms are equipped with Direct TV with four adult channels available, complimentary Wi-Fi, RV accommodations, free parking and only five minutes away from any shopping that needs to be done.

Don’t miss Rusty Waters!

Performing at The Runway on Friday and Saturday evenings during Cathedral City Gay Days Weekend!

see CCBC, pg 15

TRAVEL

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The Runway offers a variety of food items and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

The entrance to CCBC Resort Hotel and its new restaurant the Runway. (Photos Courtesy of CCBC)

FROM PAGE 14

CCBC

Altman is also the founder of Gay Days [Cathedral City LGBT Days], which he started five years ago and is the first Pride event in the nation. CCBC is the main sponsor for Gay Days, which brings in 3,000 to 5,000 people each year and growing. “It is not as big as Palm Springs Pride, but we have a lot of people coming in, many locals, people from San Diego and Los Angeles,” Altman said. “We have a bed race in front of City Hall. This year we’ll have about 25 participants bringing in their beds. We have the police department, the fire department and everybody brings a bed and they race for fun and enjoyment and decorations.” Cathedral City LGBT Days runs March 29-31 and takes place at Civic Center Plaza and several other locations in the city including The Barracks, Trunks Bar, AMP Sports Lounge and the Roost Lounge. CCBC has many events to coincide with the three-day celebration. On Friday, March 29, from 7–9 p.m., the Runway Meet & Greet features leading adult entertainer Rocco Steele

Runway outside patio comes complete with a rainbow-colored canopy with a VIP UPCLOSE and Personal experience. Saturday, March 30 features a large pool party at the hotel with entertainment, featuring Steele and DJ Dominic Pacifico from 10 am.–4 p.m. Another pool party will be held on Sunday, March 31 — with a surprise guest DJ — from noon to 4 p.m., followed by a Beer Bust at the Runway until 8 p.m. For more information about Cathedral City LGBT Days, entertainment line-up, participating partners and schedule, visit cathedralcitylgbtdays.com. For more information about CCBC Resort Hotel, visit ccbcresorthotel.com.

An evening view of the resorts large pool T h e 5 T H A N N UA L

Presented By:

C A L I F O R N I A’ S F I R S T P R I D E O F T H E Y E A R

BEDRACE SATURDAY, MARCH 30 11AM - NOON

––Albert can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com.t

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GAY SAN DIEGO March 15-28, 2019

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