San Diego City Beat 011619

2 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

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UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

The coming storm: Part 4

T

here is more rain coming. And sure, that could be taken in a literal sense, given the forecast, but I’m more referring to the coming battles between our Republican mayor and the solidly Democratic, veto-proof city council. Over the last few months, I’ve looked at a number of issues and examined possible scenarios in which the council and mayor may agree or disagree. These issues included everything from the city budget and affordable housing, to homelessness and public transit. In this column, I will discuss infrastructure.

I hope these editorials served not just as a sardonic preview of what’s to come, but that readers will keep these issues in mind— or perhaps get involved—in 2019. (hint, hint, there’s a Land Use and Housing Committee meeting on Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. that will address housing affordability and reform. It is open to the public.)

Roads and infrastructure While the council and mayor passed the largest infrastructure budget to date last year, I’m here to let you in on a little secret: when local politicians talk about repairing “infrastructure,” they’re rarely talking about roads and bridges.

Yes, I kid you not. Most of the city budget for infrastructure spending, which hit a record of $533 million last year, goes toward water and sewers/stormwater projects (over 80 percent). The rest of the infrastructure budget goes toward road repairs and other projects. That might sound shockingly low (and it is), but think of it this way: the city is way more concerned about citizen’s having safe drinking water and not wading around in poo than whether your car needs a new suspension because you hit a cratersized pothole.

Road and sidewalk repair has always been a fix-as-needed type of project. The real problem, as was reported by KPBS last year, was the City Auditor’s Office assessment that there’s a $459 million funding shortfall for stormwater infrastructure. The repairs needed on these series of tunnels and pipes are, as the article states, “greater than any other type of infrastructure in the city, including streets, streetlights, sidewalks, bridges, parks or fire stations.” If unchecked, the city not only faces flooding, property damage and lawsuits, but jeopardizes compliance with clean water regulations. Even

with over $100 million going toward these repairs, it’s just a drop in the bucket of what is needed.

Prediction: Every single councilmember currently on the nine-member board has vowed to “fix our roads” or “repair our infrastructure” at some point in their political careers, but the fact is that there just isn’t enough money to do all that is needed. And yet, if we’re to go by percentages of what is needed vs. what is actually allocated, road repair still gets the largest piece of the city pie.

Think of it this way: Stormwater projects need over $560 million, while road modifications come in at $113 million. In the last budget, stormwater only received about 19 percent of what was needed, while roads received over 52 percent. So while, stormdrains and water projects seem like a disaster waiting to happen but do get a larger piece of the overall budget pie, road repairs get more of what is needed now because politicians know they’ll get hell otherwise.

And what about the much-maligned gas tax? The San Diego region is set to get $40 million/year from the tax, but as laid out in an excellent breakdown in the U-T, only a small portion of that would go toward the $54 million shortfall the last time the mayor and the council wrestled over a budget.

And with the mayor’s hotel tax initiative to fund a convention center expansion (with a small portion of that also going toward road repairs) not due to appear on a ballot until 2020, it’s unlikely any new funds are coming. With more progressives in the council, it’s possible more attention will be paid to the underserved communities south of the 94, whose roads and sidewalks are in truly dire shape.

This issue was going to press just as Mayor Faulconer was set to give his annual state of the city address, where he is expected to lay out his vision for a new “San Diego Grand Central” transit hub that connects to the airport (see Spin Cycle on the next page). That’s certainly sexier than sewers and stormdrains, but here’s hoping that the weather outside the Balboa Theatre inspires at least a mention of these projects from the mayor.

—Seth Combs

Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com

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JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3

UP FRONT | LETTERS

LEARN FROM THE WALL

Let’s provide some historical context to the building of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent shooting of dozens attempting to flee East Berlin and the GDR by going over it [“Talib Kweli and the Berlin gall,” Sordid Tales, Jan. 9].

The Wall was built during the height of the Cold War by the German Democratic Republic with support from their Soviet allies.

It came after years of cloak and dagger activities—some deadly—engineered by both sides. The GDR was geographically on the front line of the East-West divide and vulnerable. From the GDR’s point of view, and not one I necessarily support, anyone going over that wall could have been a foreign agent taking state secrets to the Federal Republic, the USA, or another Western power.

Keep in mind those killed crossing the Wall were not the only lethal victims of the Cold War; how many Americans committed suicide during the McCarthy witch-hunt and the Hollywood Black List period? How about 60,000 dead Americans and 1.6 million dead Vietnamese during that Cold War episode?

The Wall came down when it was clear it was an anachronism. The Cold War had burned itself out by the time East Germans took hammers to the Wall.

Let’s look at the Wall in the full historical context of an unfortunate period.

Aaron De Groot, M.A.

Mission Hills

WE LIKE BIG BUT(S)

Dear Editor, Dianne Jacob and her “but(s)” [“‘Home first,’” From the Editor, Jan. 9]—I bet this word was never used once when she was the big proponent, back in 2001 (or 2002), when she proposed and her peers voted in favor of doubling the County pension fund payments to all County employees, including all already retired employees, AND herself and her peers which then caused the County pension fund to go from ‘fully funded’ to a significant deficit with that one vote. Then they voted to cover their behinds by selling over a billion dollars of Pension Obligation Bonds to bring that deficit down by only a half which bonds then put the County taxpayers directly on the hook for their greed.

Lou Cumming La Jolla

WHAT UTTER HYPOCRISY

I see it in your post, but I still can’t believe it. County Board members citing “homeless veterans” and “home first” as excuses not to help migrants seeking asylum [“‘Home first,’” From the Editor, Jan. 9]? Since when has either the country or city taken a “home first” approach with any of the homeless (veteran or otherwise)?

Just the other day, when I went to an automated water machine to refill my threegallon water bottle, there was a homeless person asleep next to the machine. Fur-

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

thermore, whenever I have to run errands in Mira Mesa, there are pan-handlers at several major intersections begging for change.

Don’t even get me started on the scenes of homelessness that I have witnessed in Balboa Park, which is supposed to be the collective living room of San Diego.

“Home first,” my eye! What utter hypocrisy, what utter hubris! I have said this before, and I will say it again: The only way anything will change on either the homeless or migrant housing issue is for the voters both at the city and county levels to make their voices heard! Enough is enough!

A.F. Kaplan via sdcitybeat.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS UP FRONT From the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Spin Cycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Backwards & In High Heels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Well, That Was Awkward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

FOOD & DRINK World Fare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Final Draught. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

THINGS TO DO The Short List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12

ARTS & CULTURE

WE WANT FEEDBACK Email letters to editor Seth Combs at seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com, or mail to 3047 University Ave., Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92104. For letters to be considered for publication, you must include your first and last name and the part of town where you reside. Note: All comments left on stories at sdcitybeat.com will also be considered for publication.

Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Feature: Staycation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-18 Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20

MUSIC Feature: Miki Vale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Notes from the Smoking Patio . . . . . . . . . 22 The Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 If I Were U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Concerts & Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-26

IN THE BACK Astrologically Unsound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 CannaBitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 COVER ILLUSTRATION BY CAROLYN RAMOS

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JOHN R. LAMB

UP FRONT | OPINION

SPIN

CYCLE

JOHN R. LAMB

Faulconer’s search for bold There’s no such thing as legacies. At least, there is a legacy, but I’ll never see it.

—George W. Bush

N

ow faced with a City Council vowing bold progress in his last two years, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer seems intent on finding that last glimmering civic bauble that will cement his legacy as a can-doer—a far cry from his current perceived status as a talker who overpromises and underperforms.

Spin suspects the latter, hypedriven attribute was on full display as Faulconer delivered his nextto-last State of the City address Tuesday night at downtown’s Balboa Theatre. (This issue of CityBeat went to bed well before the speech.)

One topic that likely reared its head at some point during the evening’s oratory was the mayor’s latest shiny object: an airport-adjacent transit hub its backers have dubbed “San Diego Grand Central.”

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News of the idea last week prompted huzzahs from the opinion mavens over at the San Diego UnionTribune, who called it “ambitious.”

“When Faulconer says, ‘We need a bold vision that is going to work for this region for decades to come,’ he’s on the money,” a Jan. 11 U-T editorial cooed. That’s light years from last August, when the mainstream paper’s editorial board issued the mayor a D- (“for disappointment”) over his bungled handling of a slew of municipal matters—from the growing homeless crisis and ensuing hepatitis A outbreak, to his failed efforts to expand the downtown convention center.

“He’s just not very good at getting the job done,” the paper lamented back then. That had to sting.

Now the mayor has turned his legacy sights on San Diego Grand Central, a concept that is indeed bold for a city whose residents, overall, are still wedded to their automobiles and the burgeoning ride-sharing industry.

With legacy opportunities fading, Mayor Kevin Faulconer is hanging on to hopes for a “grand” airport transit hub on the Navy’s old SPAWAR site.

While only at the embryonic stage, the proposal—which was hatched among regional leaders over recent months—would seek to transform the Navy’s sprawling, saw-tooth-roofed SPAWAR property and the neighboring Old Town Transit Center into a 21st Century transportation hub that links with the airport, possibly via an underground people mover under the airport runway.

In addition, preliminary plans unveiled last week include new expansive digs for SPAWAR, the Navy’s cyberwarfare branch, as well as housing, retail space and offices.

The Navy issued a “Request for Interest” in September seeking parties willing to redevelop the 70-

acre SPAWAR site off of Interstate 5, just north of the San Diego International Airport. Major developers have expressed interest, but the mayor and Hasan Ikhrata, the very pro-transit new head of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), are hoping the Navy will agree that bold is beautiful.

“It’s time to think big,” Faulconer told the Voice of San Diego last week.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity.

There’s no better definition of a truly regional project and need than this.”

The Navy has set a Friday deadline for concept submissions, so it’s anyone’s guess how this will play out. As with all of the big ideas Faulconer has latched onto over the years, there will likely be many challenges along the way, not the least of which is how to pay for it.

And if anyone thinks this will be some quick fix to a legacy void, just chat with anyone overseeing the environmental conundrum the long-time military site poses.

Kristin Schwall is the water resource control engineer overseeing cleanup efforts at the former military-plane manufacturing site for the state Department of Toxic Substances Control. She told Spin that work is far from complete.

“It’s kind of a long process sometimes,” Schwall said. “We’ll just wait and see what happens because these things take time to work out all the details.”

She said the biggest concerns at the moment are some sites where toxic solvents have contaminated the groundwater. She added that one location, known as Site 10, may be close to resolving, “but right now we need some more information.”

The upshot, it seems, is no one really knows how bad the environmental conditions are beneath the sprawling site. And before anything can be built there, a risk assessment would be required.

The problem?

“It’s hard to do a risk assessment if you don’t know what’s there,” Schwall said.

The property is listed as a Superfund site. That is, it’s been determined by the federal government to be contaminated by hazardous waste and is a candidate for cleanup, but it is not on the National Priorities List, which targets sites known to be releasing toxins or threatening to do so.

Schwall said crews have begun taking more samples at the site “to establish exactly what’s out there and how high the concentrations are.” The Navy, she added, “thought they were towards the end, but it’s not going quite the way they thought it would.”

“I can’t imagine them tearing it down right now and building something because they’re still investigating out there,” Schwall said.

Schwall said she was not aware of any target date for total cleanup, but added she understood efforts were under way to expedite the investigation. A work plan, she noted, has been approved.

All this is to say, good luck, Mr. Mayor. Everyone deserves a legacy.

Everyone is rooting for you to come up with something—anything—that will earn you the plaudits you so crave. It’s certainly been a bumpy mayoral ride for you, but much of that has been of your own making.

But you’ve certainly gained experience wading through the toxic sludge of political battles lost.

Compared to that, getting through the volatile organic compounds that lurk beneath your latest big plan should be a walk in the park.

Folks seem to be cheering on this latest endeavor, although some wonder if this will be all worth it in the age of Uber and Lyft, or whether revenue-driven airport honchos will indeed be enthralled with the plans.

Let’s see where this goes. Maybe this time, the product will match the hype. You gotta figure Faulconer’s due to get something right.

Anything.

Spin Cycle appears every other week.

Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com.

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

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UP FRONT | OPINION

AARYN BELFER

BACKWARDS & IN

In solidarity

A

HIGH HEELS

ctivists from around the world are traveling to Washington, D.C. for the first annual Indigenous Peoples March, on Jan. 18 outside the U.S. Department of the Interior’s main building. In solidarity.”

The text above was the top post on the Women’s March San Diego (WMSD) Facebook page on the morning of Jan. 11, 2019, and it had me grinding my teeth.

This Sunday will mark the third year in a row that thousands upon thousands of women—and kids and trans and non-binary folks and some men, too—will head downtown to participate in the big march. Not bad for America’s Most Apathetic City.

Good folks and thinking people will grab their artfully crafted and coy handmade protest signs, pull on their pink knit caps, and politely cram their bodies up against one another on the trolley without complaint. They will smile and kindly apologize for the jabs and accidental toe-stepping that happens as they squeeze together at each stop, making room for more riders. They will be collectively jubilant as they make their way downtown for the WMSD. Once there, they will, at least for one day, show their “allyship” and “solidarity.”

Yes, I’m putting those words in quotes because, well, here’s the thing: Taking to the streets once a year to express outrage over injustice might feel less lonely, but without action, it’s a false sense of empowerment and frankly, it’s self-serving. Showing up one day a year to high-five and atta-girl others is neither allyship or solidarity. And don’t get me started on how pathetically few white women bothered to show up for the first March for Black Women in Southeast San Diego back in March.

Since the last WMSD in January of 2018, there has been plenty to be pissed about. Right here in America’s Finest City, a slew of highly-publicized incidents of racial and social injustice presented all the opportunity needed for allies to step into action.

A mere three days before the 2018 march, for example, then-17-year-old Brianna Bell, was body slammed

by La Mesa police officers at her Helix High School campus. News of this police violence against a Black girl broke as passengers on cruise ships docked in our downtown port enjoyed a bird’s-eye-view of the thronging masses marching along Pacific Highway. A studentled community forum was held the following week; among the student organizers was a single white ally.

I couldn’t help but wonder at the time how many of the white students at that school had participated in the Women’s March.

In the spring, Earl McNeil was arrested while seeking help from the National City Police and ended up at the UCSD Medical Center with a traumatic brain injury to which he succumbed less than two weeks later. And just after Thanksgiving, the San Diego Police Depart-

“

ment arrested Aleah Jenkins in La Jolla������������� ������������ for a misdemeanor warrant. The SDPD didn’t call for emergency assistance when she became unconscious in the back of the patrol car. She, too, was eventually taken to UCSD Med Center where she, too, later died of a brain injury.

Activists, predominantly women of color, leaped into action in all of these circumstances and were relentless in keeping pressure on city officials and policy makers throughout the year. They were not joined by those in the pink hats.

Two migrant caravans of people from South America reached our border in 2018. One in May and another in November, with another soon departing from Honduras for our border. In between that began the despicable, unforgivable policy of separating children from parents and placing both in concentration camps.

Again, thousands marched against such a travesty.

But the boots-on-the-ground on June 23 marched back home and got comfy with the new normal. Today—right now—we have upwards of 14,000 kids in detention centers in our country.

We have 10,000 homeless people in our city, and have thousands in our jails who can’t afford bail because of our habit of criminalizing poverty.

And still, there was no collective rush from Women’s March attendees to step into action and get to work to change any of these situations. No letter writing or calling or actual showing up in person. There were very, very few who looked to the leaders in our Black and Brown communities and asked, “How can I be of help?”

So where do the 37,000 big-talkers about solidarity go when the bullhorns and pink hats have been packed away for another year in the garage behind the Christmas stockings? Have they been consumed with self-care and meditation exercises in order to survive the trauma of Trumpism? Were they at book club?

Happy hour? Yoga?

These are my thoughts as I read the “In solidarity” Facebook post. For it must be something dramatic to keep such passionate fighters for justice and advocates of intersectionality away from the real work.

Ladies (and I do mean to speak to my white ladies) and everyone else: It’s fine to mind your own mental wellbeing. But it is past time to step into discomfort, and to step up the effort to be part of something bigger on the other 364 days of the year that aren’t the Women’s March. Solidarity, like ally, is a verb. Like being an ally, solidarity is hard and ongoing work that requires introspection, humility and commitment.

It’s my hope that every single person who crams themselves onto the trolley this Sunday signs up for some kind of work to make a difference in the lives of the most marginalized among us.

Taking to the streets once a year to express outrage over injustice might feel less lonely, but without action, it’s a false sense of empowerment and frankly, it’s self-serving.

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Backwards & In High Heels appears every other week.

Write to aarynb@sdcitybeat.com.

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

UP FRONT | VOICES

RYAN BRADFORD

WELL THAT WAS

AWKWARD

No room for Jesus in death

M

y grandpa dies a couple days before Christmas. He was 92 years old. My mom flies my wife and me to Utah to attend the funeral. I wasn’t very close to my grandpa—at least not as I got older—but my mom has just lost her dad, and her sadness is what kills me. The night of his death, I call my mom on Facetime and she says, “It wasn’t a surprise,” and I say, “I know, but it still sucks,” and with a shaking voice she says, “yeah.”

My grandpa was Mormon. Really Mormon. He was what Mormons call “a patriarch,” an ordained position that gave him the power to bless others with a patriarchal blessing, which, in my mind, is sort of like the equivalent to religious notary.

He was active in the church until his death, and he tried a couple times to get my brothers and me to rediscover religion after our family separated from the church when I was 12.

I’ll never forget the Christmas after I turned 21, unwrapping a gift from him only to reveal a Book of Mormon.

Let me tell you, attempting to lure me back to religious righteousness after I’d become legally old enough to drink is about as easy as winning a fight on the internet.

But my grandpa was also gentle, quiet, honest and humble—characteristics that I strive to emulate more as I get older. He was a carpenter who built most of the houses he lived in. He had an understated sense of humor. He was the one who taught me the brilliance of a welltimed fart. These are the memories I want to hold onto.

His funeral is in Manti, Utah, a two-hour drive south of Salt Lake City. The town of Manti is deep red, politically, and attracts a lot of doomsday Mormons who want to be far away from the liberal bastion of Salt Lake City when the shit goes down. It’s also the former home of a cult leader who was recently sentenced to life in prison for child bigamy and sexual abuse charges. Fun. My mom warns us that if we want coffee, we should stop at the McDonalds in the next town over. There’s no coffee in Manti—prohibited by the Latter Day Saints’ Word of Wisdom and all.

My grandpa’s viewing is in the Mormon church.

I’ve been in a few Mormon churches, which pretty much means I’ve been in them all: Blandly ornate on the outside, white-painted cinder blocks on utilitarian carpet on the inside. I see cousins that I only see now when a family member dies—not all of them have remained in the church, but the ones that did have an eternally youthful glow.

My mom’s boyfriend, Gary, comes up and says, “You’re in for some real fucked-up stuff.” Gary’s ex-

Mormon, too, but he knows nearly everything there is to know about the weirder tenets of the religion, including the funeral procedures. He also hates Mormonism with more fervor than most ex-Mos I know, so it doesn’t phase him to drop the F-bomb in church— a word that, if said, seemed tantamount to murder when I was growing up.

The casket is open, and my grandpa doesn’t look like himself. Smaller, somehow. I focus on the casket, which he built himself. That was the kind of guy he was. My grandpa kept it in his basement while he was alive, and I love it because it’s a little morbid but emblematic of his sense of humor.

Family members approach his body. I stay back, but watch my mom take his hand in hers and gently squeeze.

We assemble in the chapel for the service. Unbeknownst to me—later clarified by my mom—Mormon funerals are required to dedicate half of the service to Jesus Christ’s plan for salvation. The service becomes more about Jesus than my grandpa, who is now, apparently, spreading the Lord’s teachings in the afterlife. Can’t the guy just have a break?

I think. What’s the point of spending a lifetime teaching the gospel only to have to keep doing it after death?

Every time one of my relatives ends their eulogy with “And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen,” it leeches any emotion out of the room. I’m bored. I wish we had stopped for coffee. I look over at Gary who has the “plan of salvation” Wikipedia article open on his phone. He and my mom are laughing at the janky clip art that outlines the divine plan.

We go to the house where my grandpa lived. I expect it will be my last time. His widow—whom he married two years prior (at age 90!)—still lives there and it’s my first time meeting her, but she’s big into Fox news conspiracy theories like QAnon and has pictures of Trump taped all over the refrigerator, so I doubt I’ll keep in touch.

But the house still smells like him. It’s the house he built with his bare hands. It’s the house where I spent many Thanksgivings and where I watched the entire 1996 Summer Olympics. It’s the house where my brothers and I lit a firework that flew into a neighboring field and my grandpa had to stomp it out.

Those are the memories that give me comfort and Jesus isn’t in any of them.

Amen.

Let me tell you, attempting to lure me back to religious righteousness after I’d become legally old enough to drink is about as easy as winning a fight on the internet.

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

Well, That Was Awkward appears every other week.

Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com

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UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

FARE Going and coming

W

hen word got out that Village North had closed, those who’d enjoyed its Northeastern Chinese dishes were naturally disappointed. Seeing as how those same people likely noticed they were often the only ones dining in the restaurant, the closing wasn’t all that suprising. Diners confused by the presence of Sichuanese and grilled skewered dishes, which never quite lived up to the Northeastern ones, were also less than shocked.

Undaunted, Kangxi is Coming (4428 Convoy St., Ste. 330) has moved into the space (in more than one way).

The unusual name of the restaurant is cribbed from a Taiwanese talk show with the same name. The names of the restaurant’s husband-and-wife owners, like those of the talk show hosts, sound roughly like “Kangxi,” the name of China’s longest serving Emperor. And, just as a talk show features different guests discussing various subjects, Kangxi’s food— just as it was at Village North—is all over the map.

The most successful dishes at Kangxi tend to be Hunan, reflecting that province’s love affair with the chili pepper. Hunanese dishes often use multiple chilies in different forms: fresh, dried and/or pickled. Hunan’s cuisine uses less Sichuan peppercorns resulting in food that is far more la (spicy) than ma (numbing), and they use fresh vegetables, as well as smoked or cured flavors, to balance the heat.

Take, for example, the pickled pork with dried turnip, which features smoked bacon, rehydrated daikon and chunks of jalapeño and other chilies (fresh on one trip, dried on another). The spice level was no joke. But it was beautifully balanced by the bacon’s smoky, savory richness and the daikon’s inherent sweetness.

The formula was similar with the stir-fried spicy pork kidneys, which includes multiple chilies, a protein and a vegetable (black mushrooms). Again, it worked. The bamboo lamb (with, oddly, no bamboo) was a wonderfully simple dish: thinly sliced lamb was stir-fried with jalapeño slices and little more. The lamb’s fattiness played perfectly with the chili’s heat resulting in an elegantly simple dish.

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Kangxi’s Sichuan dishes aren’t as good. The Dan Dan Noodles were neither ma nor la; savory and tasty but not much more. While the Kung Pao chicken is originally Sichuanese, Kangxi’s version had more in common with the ubiquitous Americanized commodity dish than the original. Probably the best Sichuan dish I tasted at Kangxi was the pork lungs in chile sauce, which featured a very unusual (and surprisingly meaty) cut with wonderful ma la seasoning.

MICHAEL A. GARDINER

Stir fried spicy pork kidneys The most satisfying Northern dish on the menu, perhaps, is the pickled cabbage with pork hotpot.

The light pickle on the cabbage creates both sour and sweet flavors that mingle with the pork’s savory taste. The result is a dish that almost feels like a snapshot of Polish food run through a Chinese filter.

Ultimately, Kangxi faces some challenges. First, its menu is extensive and, as is often the case with long menus, not everything is well executed. Second, is it a Hunan restaurant? A Northern one?

Sichuan? Third, the location is tough. There’s no street visibility and no sign visible from the main parking lot. These are some of the factors that likely sunk Village North.

But the Hunan dishes, in particular, are excellent. Try them while you can.

The World Fare appears weekly.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

ANATOMY OF A COCKTAIL SCENE #49: Classy and creepy at Tahona

with his brothers and Doc Holiday, got into a shoot-out with the Clanton and McLaury brothers. This left the bar to sit in Tombf my loyal readers ever find themselves stone until it was eventually purchased by spending Halloween in Old Town, and the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

And I fucking want it. just happen to stop into the CosmopolThe other reason that I go to the Cositan Hotel, they will find a sour, drunken mopolitan is because there aren’t really old gentleman staring off into oblivion. any quality places to imbibe in Old Town.

That morose-ass motherfucker is me.

That is, until now.

I’m a creature of habit and, for some If readers have not been to reason or another, I find myTahona (2414 San Diego Ave., self there year after year. Old tahonabar.com) yet, they cerTown has a certain charmtainly should. It’s a rare thing ing creepiness to it around to sit at a bar in Old Town and Halloween and its something feel as if it’s an actual bar, rather my creepy ass is drawn to. Bethan some fast-cash tourist grab sides, there is something inside bullshit (other than Old Town the Cosmopolitan that I want Saloon, but that calls for a differbadly: the War Eagle bar. ent kind of melancholy night).

Rumor has it that the stand The spirit selection is phealone, hand-carved wooden bar nomenal, the cocktail menu is was built in the middle of the Oaxacan sophisticated and intriguing, the 1800s for some Midwestern place Firing Squad staff was warm and thoughtful called the War Eagle Hotel. Unfortunately, after the hotel was erected and and the location (it is adjacent to the old the bar was installed, the place burned to cemetery) has the perfect combination of the ground. But not the bar. Later, a gentle- class and creepy.

Tahona also has a wonderful interman named Wyatt Earp was opening a bar in Tombstone, Arizona, which turned out pretation of one of my all-time favorite to be an odd-shaped building. Shortly after refreshing tequila cocktails, the Mexican purchasing the War Eagle bar, Earp, along Firing Squad. The cocktail was said to have been discovered at the La Cucaracha Bar in Mexico City in 1937, and it’s easily OAXACAN a drink that one could call timeless. The FIRING SQUAD original Firing Squad recipe contains teas prepared at Tahona quila, lime, grenadine and angostura bitters. Tahona’s version ups the stakes with 2 oz. Agave De Cortes mezcal housemade mole grenadine, mole bitters 1 oz. lime juice and mezcal, all of which come together to 1/2 oz. mole grenadine produce a rich, dimensional version of the 1/2 oz. raw agave syrup beloved cocktail. Smokey, sweet and full Three dashes of Xocolatl mole bitters of deep spice notes. The cocktail is worth taking a trip to the oldest of San Diego Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice.

Shake and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish neighborhoods. Also, it’s winter, which with a dehydrated lime wheel and a cherry. means it’s best to get as much pomegranates in before spring arrives.

To make mole grenadine: Equal parts

I

IA N WA RD

pomegranate juice and sugar, 1 tablespoon of mole rojo, 1 tablespoon of Madre mole negro and 8 ounces of pomegranate molasses.

Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene appears every other week. Write to ianw@sdcitybeat.com.

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

BY BETH DEMMON

BY IAN WARD

FINAL DRAUGHT

COURTESY OF ALESMITH BREWING CO.

AleSmith says “cheese”

N

ormally, interviews don’t end up with me covered in plastic, much less alone with a man in a windowless room. Luckily for me, my visit to CheeseSmith (9990 AleSmith Court, alesmith.com) didn’t conclude in a Dexter-style murder. Rather, Peter Zien is a creator rather than a killer, and he’s been sharpening his skills outside the brewhouse for another reason.

“This is either going to be an epic fail or something worth trying,” laughed Zien as he showed me a dark brown wheel of cheese that had been rolled in Vietnamese coffee. It’s one of the 11 batches Zien’s produced at CheeseSmith, the upcoming creamery project tucked in the back of AleSmith Brewing Company’s sprawling 109,000-square-foot facility. Almost no one else has been inside the custom-built room due to the heavy regulations the American dairy industry faces. And so it is, that we’re both clad head-to-toe in compliant attire.

The AleSmith owner, veteran brewer, Grand Master beer judge and now licensed pasteurizer considers himself “humbly, a Renaissance person.” From baking bread to painting, playing guitar and curing olives, Zien’s dabbled in a little bit of everything. But it was homebrewing that he was known for and what he most missed after becoming a professional brewer.

“There seemed to be a big void,” he explained. “I had turned a big part of my life over to homebrewing and with that gone, I was just like ‘okay, I love [AleSmith] and I’m grateful, but I also need more.”

In 2002, AleSmith’s then-small operation was giving their spent grain to a single farmer in Ramona who kept goats.

“One day she brought me raw milk,” said Zien. And just like that, his new hobby was born. He’d always loved cheese (who doesn’t?), so he looked up how to make it and created his first small batch of herb-infused chèvre at home. “[I] brought it to the brewery and everyone just gobbled it up.”

Peter Zien Fans of AleSmith can expect plenty of crossover from the long-anticipated project, scheduled to debut at the end of January. There are around 240 pounds of various cheeses currently aging to completion, including a few infused with beers such as Speedway Stout and Horny Devil.

Zien also plans to host plenty of AleSmith and CheeseSmith pairings on-site once he gets the proper licenses. AleSmith itself may expand into a full-service restaurant in the future.

Keeping things local is a big priority for CheeseSmith. Zien is working with Frank Konyn Dairy in San Pasqual Valley to swap spent grain from the brewery to be used as cow feed in return for raw milk. With this type of sustainable diversification, Zien hopes to further solidify the AleSmith empire to be able to weather any storm.

“There are only three other buildings on this whole street and I kind of dream about getting those one day—making AleSmith Court a place you can come and where there’ll be artisan crafts going on, maybe coffee roasting and bakery, my cheese…” he trails off and smiles. “We’re taking baby steps right now.”

Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com or check her out on Instagram at @thedelightedbite.

@SDCITYBEAT

EVENTS

SHORTlist

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

SAN DIEGO

COURTESY OF HOUSE OF BLUES

LET’S EAT With a new restaurant or eatery seemingly opening up every week in San Diego, it can be tough for so-called foodies to keep up. Even our own food critic, Michael Gardiner, rarely has the time to hit them all up.

Which is why we like San Diego Restaurant Week so much. The annual event not only comes at a perfect time when most locals aren’t traveling (hence, the theme of this issue), but it also affords us the opportunity to try some of these restaurants’ signature dishes at a discounted rate. Over 180(!) restaurants—from Oceanside to Chula Vista—will be offering two-course lunch specials and three-course dinner specials from Sunday, Jan. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 27.

Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo restaurant group has participated in San Diego Restaurant Week in years past. Powers says it’s been a great way to attract new customers and introduce them to new dishes.

“All four Bazaar del Mundo restaurants are participating this year,” says Powers, referring to Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, Casa de Pico in La Mesa, Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad and Casa Sol y Mar in Del Mar. “While each restaurant’s offerings are different, the menus include some of our most popular dishes. Casa Guadalajara, in particular will offer Chile Verde, Pollo en Mole Poblano, and our famous

DOWNTOWN

HDowntown at Sundown at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 1001 Kettner Blvd., Downtown. MCASD’s after-hours event offers free admission and guided tours of exhibitions at MCASD and the SDSU Downtown Gallery. This one also includes a special performance of Cornelius Cardew’s “The Great Learning: Paragraph 7” presented by the San Diego Symphony. From 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 17. Free. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org

Voodoo Shrimp at House of Blues No Fish Tacos made with fried zucchini.”

The list of participating restaurants is extensive, but we’re pretty excited about the menus being offered at Bleu Bohème (escargots and beef bourguignon? Yes, please) and our North Park neighbors at The Smoking Goat (the pan seared duck breast is unreal). Even places like the House of Blues are offering up new items such as brisket nachos and “The Yardbird” (bourbon butter-brushed fried chicken breast, served with slaw, buffalo aioli and dill pickles).

What’s best? The lunch menus start as low as $10 per person and are never more that $20, while the three-course dinners never go above $50 per person. Times vary, but diners can see full menus and prices at sandiegorestaurantweek.com.

GASLAMP

ON THE MARCH

ALL GROWN UP

If 2018 and the midterms were any indication, ladies still out here! But there’s still work to be done (see page 7 for more on that), so let’s use this year’s Women’s March San Diego as jumping off point for the best year yet for women. This year, there will be a focus on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the ongoing crisis at the border. Speakers include Councilmember Monica Montgomery, State Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher and more. Stick around Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Hwy.) after the march for live performances, food trucks and opportunities to get involved further.

The march kicks off Saturday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. and all info can be found at womensmarchsd.org.

HA Glimmer Exodus Sketchbook at gallery@calit2, First Floor, Atkinson Hall, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. Michael Trigilio weaves together over a dozen works in various media exploring speculative realizations of intergalactic travel, planetary exodus, and themes of resistance and revolution. RSVP recommended at galleryinfo@calit2.net. Opening from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17.

Free. gallery.calit2.net

Millennial comedians can’t always appeal to older audiences and older comedians sometimes have a hard time relating to youngsters. Iliza Shlesinger… well, she’s one of those stand-up comics who can appeal to both precisely because she’s somewhere in the middle.

Born in the early ’80s, the self-described “elder millennial” gets big laughs from both generations when she riffs on things such as “tale of the landline” and “Facebook stalking.” There’s a reason she’s had four Netflix specials since winning NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2008. Shlesinger stops by the Balboa Theatre (868 Fourth Ave.) on Friday, Jan. 18 for two shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Fellow up-and-comer Hunter Hill will open. Tickets are $35 at sandiegotheatres.org.

STACY KECK

San Diego RAW: Reflect at House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Enjoy over 60 hand selected artists, as well as musicians, designers and merchants.

From 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. $22.50-$30. 619-299-BLUE, rawartists.org Future Tense at La Playa Gallery, 2226 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla. Local painter Dennis Palmer and glass master Michael Panetta will present a collection of colorful paintings and glass baubles. Opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. Free.

858-454-6903, laplayagallery.com HBlack Desert at Madison Gallery Contemporary Art, 320 South Cedros Ave., Ste. 200, Solana Beach. New works from painter James Austin Murray and sculptor Mareo Rodriguez, both of whom use light in inspiring ways. RSVP recommended at info@madisongalleries.com. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. Free.

858-523-9155, madisongalleries.com Studio Door Neighborhood Preview at The Studio Door, 3867 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Take a look at how the old American Apparel space has transformed into a contemporary art gallery with artist studios. From noon to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19. Free. 619-255-2867, thestudiodoor.com Art of Chris Vannoy, Lucien Pimentel and Jonathan Dennis Williams at 4141 Garage Gallery, 4141 Alabama St., North Park. Group exhibition with works by local artists. Opening from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. Free. facebook. com/4141garagegallery HSanctuary Print Shop Activation at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 1100 Kettner Blvd., Downtown. Join others at this series of workshops from artists Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari as they transform the museum into a space for collaboration, dialogue, and to create protest posters. From noon to 1:15 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 20. Free. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org Art is Time, Time is Life at La Jolla Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla.

New works from local Jewish-Mexican painter Rafael “Fallo” Mareya, with proceeds from sales benefitting The Shriners Hospital for Children. Opening from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20. Free.

BOOKS Holly Black at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave. Ste. 100, Clairemont. The bestselling fantasy author will sign and discuss The Wicked King, the second book in her Magisterium series.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. 858-2684747, mystgalaxy.com

Women’s March San Diego @SDCITYBEAT

Iliza Shlesinger

H = CityBeat picks

HKaren Thompson at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The bestselling author of The Age of Miracles will discuss and sign her new book, The Dreamers. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Free. warwicks.com HPatricia Bossano at Young Hickory East Village, 810 13th St., East Village. The local author will read from her new book, Seven Ghostly Spins, as well as sign copies. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Free. thesecretstash.net HDavid and Nic Sheff at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla. At this Community Divided/Humanity United event, the father/son duo behind Beautiful Boy will discuss and sign their new book, High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction. From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Free. my.lfjcc.org Steven Pinker at Central Library Shop, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. The New York Times bestselling author will discuss and sign his latest book, Enlightenment Now. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. $27. libraryshopsd.org Lisa Brackmann at IDEA1 Apartments, 899 Park Blvd., Downtown. The mystery writer will sign, discuss and read excerpts from her books, which include Dragon Day and Black Swan Rising. At 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. Free. thesecretstash.net Thomas and Joe Perry at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave. Ste. 100, Clairemont. The married couple of mystery writers will sign and discuss their respective new titles, The Burglar (Thomas) and Dead is Good (Joe). At 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com

COMEDY HIliza Shlesinger at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. The self-described “elder millennial” has had four Netflix specials since winning NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2008. At 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. $35. sandiegotheatres.org HLouie Anderson at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. The creator of the cartoon series, Life with Louie, and recent co-star of the series, Baskets, stops on his current stand-up tour. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. $45. sandiegotheatres.org

DANCE Making Dance: The Future Starts Now at The Hub at IDEA1 Apartments, 899 Park Blvd., Downtown. Malashock Dance, Vanguard Culture and the San Diego Symphony team up to present this insider’s look into the creation of a new dance piece by choreographer John Malashock and music fest curator Matthew Aucoin.

At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. $20-$25. malashockdance.org Dancing in the Dark at White Box Dance Theater, 2590 Truxtun Road, Liberty Station. Roger Anderson Chorale and friends present a modern dance performance that features choreography set to songs performed by several choral singing and string groups. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. Free. rogerandersonchorale.com

FOOD HSan Diego Restaurant Week at various locations. Over 180 restaurants throughout the county will participate in this culinary tour offering prix-fixe menu options for lunch and dinner. Times vary.

Sunday, Jan. 20 through Sunday Jan. 27. $10-$50. 619-233-5008, sandiegorestaurantweek.com

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

MUSIC HAriel Quartet at UCSD Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla.

The music group from Israel, formed almost 20 years ago, will perform some of Beethoven’s most popular compositions.

At 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. $9-$54. artpower.ucsd.edu The Young Romatics at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. Conductor Michael Francis leads the San Diego Symphony through a program that includes selections from the year 1830, including Mendelssohn’s “Hebrides Overture,” Liszt’s “Piano Concerto No. 1,” and Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique.” At 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20. $20-$100. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org Carnival of the Animals at Carlsbad Dove Library Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. The North Coast Symphony Orchestra chamber music players, along with guest pianist Byron Chow, will present “Carnival of the Animals” and “Septet” for piano, trumpet and strings, both by Camille Saint-Saëns. At 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. Free. northcoastsymphony.com HCuong Vu Trio at at Athenaeum Arts & Music Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The Jazz at The Athenaeum Series begins with a special concert featuring trumpeter Vu and his trip performing a number of experimental jazz selections. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20. $23-$28. ljathenaeum.org HKris Kristofferson and The Stranglers at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. The singer/songwriter behind songs such as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “For the Good Times” stops by to

play the hits with his new band. At 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 22. $34.50. sandiegotheatres.org Mark Dresser Quintet at The Loft @ UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. The internationally acclaimed bass player, improviser and jazz composer will be performing with his quintet including Nicole Mitchell, Michael Dessen, Keir GoGwilt, and Joshua White. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22. Free-$12. theloft.ucsd.edu HBill Frisell at UCSD Price Center East Ballroom, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla.

The acclaimed guitarist will be joined by bassist Thomas Morgan, drummer Rudy Royston and singer Petra Haden in a performance recreating popular songs. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. $35-$9. artpower.ucsd.edu Young Artists in Harmony at San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Art of Elan oresents this concert performed by Art of Élan musicians and students from A Reason to Survive.

Matt Aucoin will also perform “Dual” for cello and double bass. From 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 23. $5-$10. sandiegoart.org

PERFORMANCE He Pūtōrino Mākutu at Sandbox, 325 15th St., East Village. A chamber puppet opera that combines two musical traditions from antipodes of the globe: Viennese classicism and taonga pūoro—the instrumental musical heritage of the Maori peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 and Thursday, Jan. 17. $40. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org HPageant at OB Playhouse & Theatre Company., 4944 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach. Part drag show, part cosmetic

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

beauty pageant, this theatrical performance will include six audience members serving as judges to crown a winner.

Various times. Friday, Jan. 18 through Sunday, Feb. 3. $28-$42. obtheatrecompany.com HBeyond the Score: Symphonie Fantastique at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. Conductor Michael Francis leads a performance of Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique” that combines theatre, dance and music performances. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. $20-$100. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org HHer Highness’ High Court at The Backdrop, 2611 Congress St., Old Town.

MC Flow, Billy Galewood, Rob Deez and more will perform comedy and music as attendees decorate crowns at this cannabis-themed night of performance. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. $15. facebook. com/events/337778910355289

POLITICS & COMMUNITY HWomen’s March San Diego at County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Hwy., Downtown. Join others at this family-friendly event to march for women’s rights. The march will end at Waterfront Park with music, food and live performances. At 10 a.m. Saturday, January 19. Free. sdwomensmarch.com HReverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade at County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Hwy., Downtown. Celebrate the life and work of MLK at this annual parade. This year’s theme is “Living the Dream, Let Freedom Ring.” From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 21. Free. facebook.com/SDProgressive

SPECIAL EVENTS HKids Marathon Mile at Legoland, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad. Legoland California hosts a special, one-mile fun run for kids of all ages and abilities before the doors open to the public. Registration includes admission to park and a portion of proceeds benefit Merlin’s Magic Wand.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. $25-$30. inmotionevents.com San Diego Travel and Adventure Show at San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. The annual event will showcase over 150 exhibitors representing some of the world’s most sought-after destinations and travel experiences. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 20. Free-$18. 619-5255000, travelshows.com/sandiego Tu B’shvat Festival at Coastal Root Farms, 441 Saxony Road, Encinitas. Tour a food forest, learn about the seven sacred trees involved in the holiday, plant trees and enjoy live music, food vendors and more. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20. Free. 760-479-6505.

HAll Peoples Celebration at Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. Alliance San Diego invites the public to a commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement featuring local musical and spoken word artists, multimedia presentations and visionary speakers. From 10 a.m. to noon. Monday, Jan. 21. $75.

858-581-7100, alliancesd.org

SPORTS HSuper Awesome Showdown: NeoGenesis at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St., Mission Bay. This wrestling event draws from outer space video game su-

perhero combat as well as pop culture.

From 8 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. $5-$20. superawesomeshowdown.com

TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS HWomen Marches Panel Discussion at Women’s Museum of California, 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. Discuss the impact that organized protests led by women have had on history and more with local female leaders and educators. From 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. $15. 619-233-7963, facebook. com/events/2371420873109698 HAmerican Injustice: Mercy, Humanity and Making a Difference at Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. Bryan Stevenson, one of the country’s most visionary legal thinkers and social justice advocates, presents an account of the American criminal justice system that includes one of the largest prison populations in the world. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Free with RSVP. extension.ucsd.edu Discuss Stadium Site Plan at NewSchool of Architecture and Design, 1249 F St., Downtown. Gordon Carrier, Chairman and Design Principal of Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, will discuss the conceptual site planning design he led for San Diego State University. From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19. 619-224-8584, friendsofsdarch.com Dining out in Paris Before Restaurants at San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., East Village. Culinary historian Jim Chevallier will describe dining and food culture in early Paris and how it developed over time. From 10:30 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Jan. 19. Free. culinaryhistoriansofsandiego.com

@SDCITYBEAT

THEATER COURTESY OF THE OLD GLOBE THEATRE

Raising her voice

P

laywright Anna Ziegler is no stranger to the Old Globe Theatre’s Powers New Voices Festival. During the Globe’s sixth annual weekend of readings of new American plays, audiences will hear Ziegler’s The Great Moment, “an incredibly autobiographical play,” according to the playwright, and “a detailed story of me, my grandfather and my son.” This is the third work by Ziegler to be heard at the Powers New Voices Festival, having premiered The Last Match and the Globe-commissioned The Wanderers (originally titled The Arranged) in past years. Both productions would go on to be mounted as full stage productions at the Balboa Park theater.

“In the case of The Last Match and The Wanderers, it was the first time I’d ever heard those plays out loud,” Ziegler recalled. “In both cases, it was terrifying and also as instructive as can be. When you’ve got a first draft and you are learning about it in real time with an audience, that is so wonderful. It invests you and the theater together in the development of the play. It becomes a collaboration.”

In addition to The Great Moment, this year’s festival will also include readings of new plays by three other playwrights: Welcome to Matteson by Inda Craig-Galván, Faceless by Selina Fillinger, and The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa Fast-

@SDCITYBEAT

OPENING: Becoming Dr. Ruth: The story of the world’s most famous sexologist is told in this one-woman show from playwright Mark St. Germain. It opens Jan. 17 at the Broadway Theater in Vista. broadwayvista.biz Guys and Dolls: The classic Broadway musical about a degenerate gambler who falls in love with a missionary he’s been tasked to take to Havana.

Directed by Justin Allen Slagle, it opens Jan. 18 at the Coronado Playhouse. coronadoplayhouse.com Powers New Play Festival: The annual three-day fest features readings of new plays from up-andcoming playwrights. It happens Jan. 18 through Jan. 20 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org

The Powers New Voices Festival Horse. Preceding these readings, which will happen on Saturday or Sunday (see full schedule at theoldglobe.org), Friday night is devoted to “Celebrating Community Voices.” That program features readings of works by San Diegans as part of the Globe’s Community Voices and coLAB play-development initiatives (see this week’s music feature on page 21 for one such voice).

Ziegler says she began writing The Great Moment, which will be directed by Tyne Rafaeli, when her grandfather was 98 and her first child just two years old.

“It’s sort of a way of looking at life through the eyes of someone who’s near the end of his life and someone who’s just

starting their life, and the way they think of life and time,” she explained. “It’s also a character study of a woman in her 30s who’s just become a mother and what that means to her sense of place and time.”

The Powers New Voices Festival runs Friday through Sunday (Jan. 18-20) at the Old Globe Theatre. A staged reading of Anna Ziegler’s The Great Moment will be Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free but advance reservations are required by calling 619-234-5623 beginning at noon Friday.

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

Marie and Rosetta: George Brant’s musical play about Rosetta Tharpe, a singer, songwriter and guitarist who influenced countless rock legends, but who never received the attention she deserved. Presented by Cygnet Theatre, it opens Jan. 19 at the Old Town Theatre. cygnettheatre.com Herland: In this new play, a septuagenarian and her friends plan a utopic retirement inside a garage with help from a teenage intern. Written by Grace McLeod, it opens in previews Jan. 20 at the MOXIE Theatre in Rolando. moxietheatre.com Roe: A staged reading of Lisa Loomer’s drama that examines the lives of the main players behind the fateful Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. Presented by Amigos del Rep, it happens Jan. 21 at the Lyceum Theatre in the Gaslamp. sdrep.org

For complete theater listings, visit sdcitybeat.com

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

PHOTOS BY JULIA DIXON EVANS

CULTURE

wish you were home

R

Why even leave when it’s all right here?

elatives come to visit us and whenever we visit them, there comes a point when we remember why we moved away in the first place. Sure, for those who moved here from somewhere else, home will always be home.

And yeah, Paris is nice and Rio sure has some pretty people, but when it all comes down to it, it’s a wonder we leave San Diego at all.

THE EDGE OF TWO WORLDS

An iconic trail, ecotones and a mountain cabin getaway in Mt. Laguna

By Julia Dixon Evans “I bet if I fell down there, I’d end up dead,” my third grade daughter says. “And you’d be sad.”

She’s a mere step from one of the most dramatic “ecotones” in the region. Ecotones are the boundaries or transitions between two biological communities, biomes or ecosystems, and San Diego County is chock full of them. According to SDSU’s Wildfire Education Project, San Diego has more varieties of everything—ecosystems, communities, species, etc.—than anywhere else in North America.

Between the alpine forests and chaparral, and the desert

Climbing the Garnet Peak summit 14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

But we’re all guilty of getting stuck in a rut and want—nay, need—to escape every now and again. And with paid vacation time from our jobs becoming more and more of a rarity, a holiday closer to home might be the only option. Not to mention the post-holiday bank account situation.

That’s what we had in mind when we started our annual “Staycation” issue. To offer readers some close-

to-home options that are not only unique, but won’t break the bank as well. The five stories here should be proof that our county is invariably diverse when it comes to local activities. Even if a trip to the Valle or the casino aren’t in the cards (no pun intended), we hope these stories at least inspire readers to get out there, get out of their comfort zone and explore all the amazingness San Diego has to offer.

Garnet Peak floor below, the eastern edge of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area follows such a boundary. It’s a dizzying drop, though more gradual than it seems when peering down. My daughter would probably be fine, right?

Even in the summer, the approach to Mt. Laguna’s Garnet Peak is not crowded. But today, cold and wintry, it’s practically empty (maybe this should’ve been a sign).

There are two options to climb it: a quick way, and a longer way along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). For the more direct route, park at the barely-marked turn-off (near mile marker 27.8) just beyond the Penny Pines parking lot, and start the roughly 2.5 mile round trip along the Garnet Peak Trail. Approximately a mile up, the trail crosses the PCT. The alternative, longer trek begins at the Penny Pines lot and heads north for several, single-track miles along the PCT. This option means more time meandering around the ecotone’s stunning border; it’s perfect for runners or hikers wanting to add some non-technical distance. Turn right at the Garnet Peak Trail junction for the remainder of the ascent.

Either Garnet Peak option has probably the best bang-foryour-buck quotient of any other trail in San Diego. It’s where I take out-of-towners, just as it’s where I go for a quick escape.

Cresting the jagged, rocky summit makes my breath catch: Panoramic views of the Laguna Observatory, the Cuyamacas, Anza Borrego Desert and, on a clear day, the Salton Sea and beyond (but not today). My children race each other as they scramble to the top, fighting over who’ll get the best “shelter,” ignorant of me shout-asking them not to fall and die. I’m irritated, sure, but I also feel like if I’ve done nothing else right as a mother, at least there’s this moment where my children have favorite nooks on top of a mountain.

With snow predicted for early evening, I’d hoped to be back at sea level when it started, but as soon as we leave the summit, the wind and mixed rain and snow whip horizontally at our faces. My kids ask, terrified, if they’ll blow away.

Laguna ecotone I imagine someone finding our frozen corpses and saying, “What a bad mother.” But we make it. Nobody falls off the edge. “That was so fun, mama,” they say.

And while the Lagunas are right in our backyard—an hour’s drive from central San Diego—this trailhead is just minutes from the rustic Laguna Mountain Lodge (10678 Sunrise Hwy, lagunamountain.com). The lodge’s general store sells the required Adventure Passes ($5/day, $30/annual, fs.usda.gov; check out their Facebook page for some helpful resources. Seriously, don’t head up to the mountains without checking their weather cam and road updates. Each weekend, they post vacancies, in case you want to spontaneously toss an overnight bag in your car before heading up. Rates start at $70.

In the warmer months (or if you’re one of those “snow camping” types), the lovely, meadowy Laguna Campground (Sunrise Hwy., recreation.gov) is a very short drive from the trailhead, or an excuse for a longer trek along the PCT. Just don’t fall and die.

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COME SAIL AWAY

THE STAYCATION ISSUE

An ocean-fearing landlubber finally sets sail

E

By Ryan Bradford xtreme Herman Melville voice: Call me Ryan.

Some time ago—never mind how long precisely—I decide to sail about and see the watery part of San Diego. This decision does not come easy. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m anti-ocean, but I fear it in the same way that prehistoric peoples feared vengeful gods. But for some reason, I love boats. The notion of raising anchor and submitting to the wills of the great blue vastness feels both bold and romantic to me.

But I don’t know the first thing about sailing, much less chartering a sailing trip.

However, when I reach out to Sail San Diego (2646 Shelter Island Dr., sailsandiego. com), marketing director Chaluim Muir is eager to help me realize my boat dreams and invites me to join a whale watching group tour.

Accompanied by former CityBeat music editor Peter Holslin, we arrive at Sail San Diego just a little after noon on a Friday. It’s a warm, sunny day. A perfect day for sailing, I think, as if I know anything about perfect sailing weather.

Muir greets us and shows us around Sail San Diego’s private marina and gives a little history of the company.

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“Eighty percent of our business comes from tourists,” he says. And while tourists keep Sail San Diego very busy, the company would surely like more San Diegans to know that there’s some world-class sailing right in their backyard—er... backwater?

While we wait for the other members in our group, Holslin and I grab a beer next door at the idyllic Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten (2817 Dickens St., eppigbrewing.com), which overlooks the harbor.

RYAN BRADFORD

Captain Shon Kitchen We board a boat named “Bree Zen.” There are six passengers on the tour: Peter and me, a young couple who have just moved from D.C. and a Midwestern father

with his teen daughter. We get a tour of the surprisingly roomy cabin and a short safety briefing: “If you get seasick,” Muir says, “puke with the wind, not against it.” I write that down. “Enjoy, and remember, this is your experience.”

The man driving our boat is Captain Shon Kitchen, who seems clipped right out of Boy’s Life magazine or a superhero comic.

Captain Shon is a 20-plus year Navy vet with a solid build and chin that could chisel wood. He’s also spent time in Kenya teaching Kenyans how to defend themselves against pirates, NBD. If that didn’t qualify as an instant crush, he’s also funny as hell.

“I’ve [sailed with] about fifty bachelor and bachelorette parties,” he says. “And they make Kenya look easy.”

Captain Shon fires up a ’70s rock playlist.

“I used to have a yacht rock playlist, until I realized it sucked.” Clapton’s “Cocaine” soundtracks our smooth course past Point Loma’s nuclear subs and into the Pacific Ocean. Peter and I help ourselves to the beer and snacks. The music, the beers, the scenery—it all feels badass. I suddenly can’t imagine the benefits of a landlocked life.

We see spouts from two gray whales who exhale three times before they dive again.

Their tails breach, like a giant prehistoric hand waving goodbye. It’s breathtaking.

We see another whale ship in the distance, huge and lumbering—not at all sleek like our “Bree Zen.” “Must be some wack-ass cruise ship,” Pe-

PETER HOLSLIN

Ryan Bradford on the high seas ter says. We are now haters of all other boats.

After a couple hours, we head back in.

The sun sets and the wind turns chilly, but it feels satisfying and adventurous in ways no landlubber could understand. Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” comes on as we ride into the harbor, and for a few moments, no one talks. Everyone, just basking in the romance of the sea.

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

THE STAYCATION ISSUE

THE HOFF EXPERIENCE

ULIZES SANCHEZ

With heated pools and smoked cocktails, Harrah’s makes for a “funner” winter getaway

By Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

A few weeks before I head to Harrah’s Resort Southern California (777 S. Resort Drive, harrahssocal.com), I decide it might be helpful to get an insider’s view on the entire experience. Little did I know that Harrah’s PR team would put me in touch with David Hasselhoff; actor, German icon and mayor of Funner, California, where Harrah’s is located.

After chatting a bit about his career, he tells me, “I spend a lot of time at the spa and I spend a lot of time eating,” and then lets out a big laugh. He also recommends I try the lazy river. Naturally, after speaking with him, I decide I’m going to live out my staycation experience like the Hoff.

Harrah’s is located about an hour from San Diego and is surrounded by beautiful hills. My boyfriend and I arrive at the hotel and make our way to our suite. I’m temped to get into my hotel robe and fall asleep on the king size bed but it’s dinner time so we head over to the hotel’s buffet. We start with a little bit of everything from the different food sections, but for my second and third servings, I

rent and float, Mai Tai in hand. To continue my Hoff experience, I order a seafood bucket from ’Ritas Cantina by the waterfall hot tub.

The bucket includes a whole lobster, shrimp kabobs, fishsticks, fries and fried bell peppers. I practically inhaled the whole bucket on my own while my boyfriend suggests I write in my notes, “all manners went out the door.”

We sit by a fire pit to dry off and, by this point, I’m ready to take relaxation to the next level.

I leave the BF watching Cast Away in the room and head to the spa downstairs for my ANDREA LOPEZ-VILLAFAÑA

Andrea Lopez-VillaFaña on Harrah’s lazy river stick to the crab legs. So far, vacationing like the Hoff is proving to be fun, er, funner.

The next day, I mentally prepare the boyfriend for the important task of taking Instagram worthy photos of me by the pool. Surprisingly, it’s not a hard sell since he recently discovered portrait mode on his iPhone. The weather is sadly in the low 60s when we visit but that doesn’t stop me from jumping into the heated lazy river.

After struggling for 10 minutes to get the perfect picture, I surrender to the river’s cur-

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

‘Ritas Cantina seafood bucket

ANDREA LOPEZ-VILLAFAÑA

Spiked 50 minute full-body massage with Larry. I spend the rest of the time indulging in the saltwater bath, sauna, steam room and the relaxation lounge.

After a not-so-romantic dinner at Smashburger (I was too hangry to wait for a table at the other restaurants), we play the slots and grab a drink. Being a novice gambler, I lose all the money I bet, but luckily it was just $10. We head over to the bar Spiked and while my casino skills were disappointing, our bartender Matt was not. Of all the drinks he made for us, my favorite is the Campfire, a smoked marshmallow vodka-based cocktail with (bonus!) roasted marshmallows on top.

“Let stay here forever,” I tell the boyfriend, but he reminds me I have an adorable puppy and responsibilities to get back to. As we check out the next morning, I’m satisfied with my Hoff experience and my only regret is not purchasing a fluffy robe to remind me of the funner time I had.

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IN THE VALLE BELOW

Border problems are no barrier to great times in Mexico’s wine country

By Beau Lynott It’s surreal as a San Diegan to observe the hysteria of a Washington D.C.-driven “border crisis” which, as of this writing, continues to paralyze our federal government. San Diego and Tijuana are one big urban area separated by a contrived line in the sand. Historically and geographically, San Diego has more lineage with northern Baja than with Los Angeles.

The increased politicization and militarization of the border makes reaffirming that connection all the more relevant. And those of us who enjoy a fine alcoholic beverage shouldn’t neglect to visit Mexico’s premier wine-producing region, the Valle de Guadalupe.

After a 15-minute wait at a security checkpoint, I was over the border and heading west toward Playas de Tijuana.

The coastal route is a scenic drive on a well-paved toll road, but it’s just as easy to take the Otay Mesa crossing and head east, or add a few minutes to the trip on the U.S. side and cross at the little town of Tecate. From there, La Ruta de Vino heads directly south to the Valle.

Valle de Guadalupe has grown exponentially over the last decade and has developed an international reputation.

It produces 90 percent of Mexican wine at more than 200 wineries. There are big vineyards, such as the famous L.A. Cetto, as well as foodie destinations from the likes of chef Javier Plascencia. But off the beaten path, there are hidden gems of under-the-radar wineries and cool hotels.

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THE STAYCATION ISSUE Agua de Vid (facebook.com/AguadeVid.Mx) ������������������������������������� is a boutique hotel and bed and breakfast with an open-air, threestory building that houses a lobby, restaurant and nightclub. It’s a clever design that would please anyone looking for Instagram-worthy backgrounds. A short walk from the main building are guest cabanas, each a repurposed shipping container nicely appointed with HVAC and WiFi. The rooms are comfortable, with rustic, fully operable fixtures and metal-framed glass doors that only lock from the outside, a quirk they ought to fix. The setting is lovely but gringos should be aware the property is adjacent to a residential area and, like nearly every place in the Valle, can only be reached by a washboard dirt road.

Michoacán-inspired restaurant, Once Pueblos (oncepueblos.com) sits on a rocky, cactus-lined hill with a panoramic view of the valley. A seven-course meal in the bright, high-ceilinged dining room was certainly elegant, even if CRAVE IMAGERY

Agua de Vid

CRAVE IMAGERY

Finca la Carrodilla the food was merely good. The dramatic landscape is worth stopping by for a glass of wine at the very least.

The terrain of Finca la Carrodilla (fincalacarrodilla. mx) is less visually stunning but a tasting leaves no doubt that this is a serious winery. It’s the first in the Valle with an organic certification and the outdoor tasting terrace sits amidst a sprawling estate of 40,000 vine plants. I really liked the bold flavors of each wine I sampled here even if the bottles are understandably pricey.

Clos de Tres Cantos is a smaller winery with unique, pleasing architecture. The winery takes the local sourcing of materials to the next level, with rough stone pyramid structures and natural shafts of light. A short tour is mandatory and while the wines were hit or miss, they’re decent enough when combined with the peaceful surroundings.

The Valle is not Napa—which is exactly the point. It’s dusty, the roads are bumpy, the GPS might lose service (like mine did). It’s Mexico. Just relax and get a little lost.

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

GET A ROOM! From gram-worthy backdrops to pool parties, there’s a hotel for every occasion

By Jackie Bryant San Diego is undeniably a tourist town and while that can sometimes be a headache for locals, it also means the city boasts some truly excellent hotels. They range from oceanfront motels that could easily be roadside garbage in a less pretty locale, to some of the most upscale hotels anywhere in the world. Rather than hop in the car or on a SAM WELLS

The Pearl Hotel

THE STAYCATION ISSUE JACKIE BRYANT

plane, consider hunkering down at one of them for a fun, down-the-street getaway.

Change up the party routine: The oceanfront Inn at Sunset Cliffs (1370 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., innatsunsetcliffs.com) offers a special deal that especially appeals to locals: non-guests can purchase a special day pass that runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for just $10.

The pass allows access to the lower glass deck, which offers unparalleled views of the ocean, as well as the pool, barbecues, fire pits, lounge chairs and even events like movie nights.

Celebrate a bachelor party: Downtown’s Hotel Republic (421 W. B St., hotelrepublicsd.com) is ideal for a bro’s night out.

The rooms are decorated with attractive but neutral touches, while the rooftop sports a dedicated restaurant and bar. The hotel has even been designated as LGBTQ-friendly

by Gay Travel Approved. Those with extra bucks on hand can also enjoy the private Veranda Club Lounge, which grants access to a private floor with food, an outdoor lounge, evening bar service and more.

Get a poolside room and party your ass off: From experience, it seems that the Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club and Bungalows (2223 El Cajon Blvd., lafayettehotelsd.com) has a rather lax partying policy. Therefore, it’s the perfect place to get a poolside room on a sunny day and rock the fuck out. An on-site bar and restaurant can help with libations, but it can also very much be a BYO situation.

Meet young, stoned Europeans: Easily the most OB building in all of OB (which is

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

Inn at Sunset Cliffs saying something), the Ocean Beach International Hostel (4961 Newport Ave., usahostels.com), with its tie-died façade, is ground zero for young, stoned and eager-tomingle travelers. Europeans, in particular, love the congenial atmosphere of hostel lifestyle, so a stay here will give guests a touch of international flavor with an unmistakably hippie beach vibe.

Party like bachelorettes: The Gaslamp’s crown jewel hotel, the Pendry San Diego (55 J St., pendryhotels.com), is practically tailor-made for bachelorettes. With its bright and airy all-day café (Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile), a swanky restaurant (Lionfish) and its built-in nightclub (Oxford Social Club), it is all-too-easy to not even leave the premises.

Look like a pro Instagrammer: Despite

undergoing an ownership change during 2018, Point Loma’s retro-fabulous The Pearl Hotel (1410 Rosecrans St., thepearlsd.com) still maintains its Instagram-worthy look. The pool, which sits in the center of the U-shaped hotel, is nestled right next to an open-air diningroom, providing lots of opportunities for as many pictures as one can stomach.

Feel fancy AF: One of San Diego’s most upscale hotels, The US Grant (326 Broadway, marriott.com) boasts a stunning design, as well as two of the best cocktail bars in town. The Rendezvous harkens back to the day of early 20th century Parisian salons, serving decadent cocktails that recall that era. The Grant Grill changes its menu every month or so; its latest release is a Gin and Juice-themed menu inspired by Southern Californian hip hop.

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CULTURE | FILM

Slapstick dance

Stan & Ollie

John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan salvage an otherwise tedious biopic

by Glenn Heath Jr.

I

n 1953, the bowler cap-wearing comedy duo of romantic without an ambitious bone in his body, is a Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy made one last at- nice compliment to Coogan’s more vindictive turn. tempt at resurrecting their careers during a tour Baird gives both of these actors (each a master of imof live performances in Great Britain. By that point, provisation) the necessary space to play off each othboth men had become mostly estranged, having part- er. But aside from the opening long take that spans ed ways years earlier after contract negotiations with many different film sets on a Hollywood back lot, notoriously prickly Hollywood producer Hal Roach there’s little stylistic invention or narrative aspiration elsewhere in the film. went sideways.

At the heart of Stan & Ollie is the idea that friendThe long gestating tension remains palpable throughout Stan & Ollie, Jon S. Baird’s new biopic. ship can be just another profession. Paired together This doting and sincere drama commits many of the by Hollywood casting agents, the men initially feigned familiar treasons that make biopics so tedious, but it’s camaraderie and charisma to sell tickets. This busisomewhat elevated for its keen interest in exploring ness partnership eventually fostered a close-knit bond between them, but the mere fact unsung disappointments of stothat their origin was constructed ried careers rather than merely for movie magic seems to lie focusing on their glitzy sucSTAN & OLLIE heavily on their shoulders. Now, cesses.

Directed by Jon S. Baird as they face the potential end of Most of that pain lies dorStarring John C. Reilly, their careers, neither Stan nor mant inside Stan (Steve Coogan), Ollie have any idea how to attain who still resents Ollie (John C. Steve Coogan, Nina Arianda closure with one another.

Reilly) for staying loyal to the and Shirley Henderson It feels indicative of our presstudio and ensuring their creRated PG ent moment that all of this hisative separation. Both men are torical subtext about an invencordial with each other upon tive iconic team is packed into a arriving at the crummy hotel accommodations paid for by their shady booking agent. film of very little invention. While never offensive or Hopes remain high that the success of these upcoming grossly sentimental (see: My Week With Marilyn), Stan vaudevillian acts will increase the chances an English & Ollie (opening Friday, Jan. 18) just seems rooted producer will fund an ambitious Robin Hood comedy to one visual style, while, when it comes to the performances, Reilly and Coogan are up to something that would cement their official comeback.

Forced back into close confines with each other, far more dynamic. It’s as if Baird watched too much Stan and Ollie dance around their unspoken strains Drunk History reenactments, but took them literally.

Still, this safely entertaining film was made for the while trying to recapture the onscreen chemistry that vaulted them to superstardom in the 1920s and ’30s. At middlebrow crowd and not the hardcore cinephiles. first, their stage performances are poorly marketed and Take that as an endorsement or a warning dependtherefore sparsely attended, which only complicates ing on which side of the spectrum you occupy. Ultithe two men’s attempts at reconciliation. Eventually, mately it’s best seen as an actor’s showcase (and why shouldn’t it be?), and not only for Reilly and Coogan, however, they experience something of a revival.

Whatever meager successes come their way, the but for Nina Arianda and Shirley Henderson who play film recognizes that one cannot escape the past by Ida and Lucille, Laurel and Hardy’s ride-or-die signifidisappearing into a role. Stan is especially haunted cant others. Between the four of them, there’s enough by this dilemma. Coogan ably balances his character’s wit and charm to forgive an otherwise tepidly made series of passive and aggressive mood swings, which revision of classic Hollywood lore. only serve to delay the inevitable breakdown of spirit between the two men.

Film reviews run weekly.

Reilly’s performance as the lovable Ollie, a diehard Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com

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JANUARY 16, 2O19 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

CULTURE | FILM

Destroyer

Dead again

B

y the looks of Detective Bell (Nicole Kidman), whose hollowed out eyes and jaundiced skin indicate years of alcoholism and regret, playing “cops and robbers,” as one character puts it, has taken quite the toll on her body.

Destroyer convincingly suggests that the woman’s soul isn’t in too good of shape either.

One of the first images in Karyn Kusama’s hardnosed crime drama holds tight on Kidman’s zombielike orbs staring intensely back at the camera. A career homicide detective who’s also spent considerable time undercover for the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department, Bell has seen a lot over the years.

Initially, her traumatic origins remain shrouded in the hazy details of a mysterious bank robbery case that went badly 15 years ago.

While investigating the possible reemergence of a sadistic criminal named Silas (Toby Kebbell), Bell’s memories of time spent undercover with an F.B.I. agent (Sebastian Stan) begin flooding her subconscious.

Employing stiff camera moves and foreboding music cues, Kusama surrounds her humorless lead with an equally serious aesthetic canvas. For the first hour of Destroyer, this oppressive style succeeds in complicating Kidman’s grouchily lobotomized performance.

But the revenge narrative becomes too convoluted after Bell finally encounters her nemesis during a brazen heist sequence.

The effective scene begins with the film’s greatest line (“This is a fucking gunfight”), but ends far too quickly to make a lasting impact.

As Destroyer (which opens Friday, Jan. 18) tries to humanize Bell’s plight, it conversely becomes more false, culminating with an ending so dire and obvious that one tends to forget it’s a Mementosized rip off of better material.

20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2O19

Kidman goes all in on a griefstricken, morally compromised cop character trying to make things right with her rebellious teenage daughter. While their parallel trajectories become cautionary tales about the consequences of emotional manipulation, Destroyer frames the duality through its own contrived engineering of redemption.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

OPENING Destroyer: In Karyn Kusama’s gritty crime drama, Nicole Kidman plays an alcoholic homicide detective whose investigation of an old case brings up dark and traumatic memories that have been simmering for years. Opens Friday, Jan. 18, in wide release.

Glass: M. Might Shyamalan pits Bruce Willis’ everyman that’s impervious to pain against James McAvoy’s multiple personality monster and Samuel L. Jackson’s fragile but conniving super villain. Opens in wide release Friday, Jan. 18.

Hale County This Morning, This Evening: In this highly immersive and experimental documentary, filmmaker RaMell Ross photographs and films the everyday lives of rural black Alabamans. Opens Friday, Jan. 18, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Shoplifters: Hirokazu Kore-eda’s wise drama follows a collective of criminals who live happily off the grid until their temporary harmony is threatened by society’s contradictory rules. Opens Friday, Jan. 18, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Stan and Ollie: John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan play the iconic comedic duo Laurel and Hardy in this biopic that takes place years after their star personas had begun to decline. Opens Friday, Jan. 18, at the Angelika Film Centers— Carmel Mountain and Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas.

For complete movie listings, visit Film at sdcitybeat.com.

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CHRISTINE LANDOR

MUSIC

Miki Vale aying that local hip hop artist Miki Vale stumbled upon playwriting wouldn’t be completely accurate. Her first encounter with the medium cannot be pinned to a calendar. Rather, her move into playwriting can be split into a series of serendipitous, happy and not-sohappy accidents. It belongs on a timeline of events that, built upon each other, brought her to where she is today.

For example, in 2016 she accepted a position to be the sound designer and DJ for the annual Globe for All program at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. Vale didn’t expect to fall in love with theater. Above all, she didn’t know theater had so much love to give back.

“I have seen a lot of theater as a fan,” Vale says. “But I didn’t grow up reading plays or even considering writing plays.”

Yet, like many other musicians, Vale had certainly experimented with non-musical writing in her life.

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“For me, writing is this kind of a second nature,” she says. “It comes easy to me. It comes pretty quickly. I started out by writing poetry and short stories.”

It was poetry that led her to hip hop, she explains, and hip hop eventually became her unique way of telling stories. At some point, around 2014, she even experimented with words that took the form of a play. She tried writing a play again in 2017, but it wasn’t until last year that a future in playwriting started to materialize right before her eyes. In the summer of 2018, she attended the Community Voices workshop at the Old Globe for the third time. This time, she says, she was more determined than ever to complete what she had left unfinished the year before. She finally succeeded.

“I started it [the play] in the summer of 2017 because I was in the Old Globe advanced workshop program,” Vale says of her

new, second play, The Ex Games. “I started it then, but because of life happening, I didn’t finish it during the first workshop. I was invited for another workshop in the summer of 2018, and I finished it then. Once I sat down and focused on it, it didn’t take long [to finish] at all, but it took a while to focus on it.”

During that period of literary silence, Vale says she had some healing to do. She had recently gotten out of a relationship, and the wound in her heart was still quite fresh. The first, incomplete version of the play—the one she began to write in 2017— served the purpose of getting her on the track to recovery. The second version cemented the belief that she had, once and for all, overcome that lingering heartache.

“I had had a whole year to get over that breakup situation,” Vale says. “When I first started [the play], I was hurt, and I needed an outlet to let it out, but I wasn’t really

hurt a year later. I guess you can say I wrote it last summer because I changed it completely when I re-started it.”

Once she was well enough to get back to her newly discovered craft, Vale knew she had to switch the mood of her work, and The Ex Games turned into a comedy.

“I was no longer in the same mental space,” Vale says. “So, it was difficult for me to get back in that space until I decided to make it something light-hearted, and basically a comedy, so that made it easier to write since I was no longer in that same mental, emotional state.”

Her own breakup was the main inspiration for the plot of The Ex Games, which will be part of the Old Globe’s Powers New Voices Festival beginning on Jan. 18. Just as Vale did in real life, the play’s main characters attend a therapy session to survive their respective breakups. In this way, they represent the several steps of Vale’s own path toward recovery and embody the varying emotions that flooded the playwright along the way. Like Vale, the characters come out of their personal nightmares stronger and empowered.

“The three women who are in the counseling group… each one of them has a different personality type that reflects what I was going through,” Vale says. “One of them feels a lot of guilt, that’s what her main thing is in the group. Another is angry, and then there’s one who’s regretful.”

While exploring their own emotions, the three women manage to incorporate songs into the mix. Every now and then, they even drop a musical reference, a testament to the fact that Vale hasn’t forgotten her musical background, nor does she intend to. If anything, she wants to narrow the gap between music and playwriting.

“They all kinda go together. It’s all writing, wording and telling stories,” she says.

“I have a lot of different ideas, and I want to experiment with different things and include music more.”

“This is a 10-minute play, which is common in theater,” Vale adds. “[But] I want to do more and have full productions in the near future.”

The trick is continuing to give herself room to grow. That is, to pursue self-enrichment while leaving nothing behind—not the good, nor the bad.

“I don’t close doors,” Vale says. “I try to keep everything connected.”

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

MUSIC

THE

NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO LOCALS ONLY

S

am Lopez has long been one of the most prolific musicians and curators in the scene. From running a cassette label and organizing the Stay Strange series of concerts, it’s a wonder he has time for anything else, much less a ukulele-based occult solo project lovingly dubbed The Sorcerer Family (staystrange. com/the-sorcerer-family).

“Although I still consider myself a noise artist, I feel that The Sorcerer Family is folk music and music that speaks for the earth,” says Lopez, who first picked up the ukulele in 2010 and experimented with amplifying it in one of his previous noise-rocks bands. “I call it occult because I hide my true self behind a mask and my emotions are not evidently visible. Plus, I love the use of symbolism in my art. I communicate through the instrument. Like a beacon or altar to an eldritch and crippled god.”

Lopez goes on to say that he hasn’t yet run into any artists experimenting with the ukulele as he does. Over the years, he’s experimented with alternate tunings, added a low G string and developed a unique tuning and finger-picking method. The result, while completely improvisational, is both bizarre

ALBUM REVIEW Via Satellite A Thousand Mountains (Vinyl Junkies)

L

istening to “Seeing Things”—one of the many standout tracks on Via Satellite’s fourth LP, A Thousand Mountains— it’s hard not to over-analyze. Over a steady, perfectly melancholic mix of guitars, drums and piano, Scott Mercado delivers what could be the overall theme of the entire record: “There’s only now/It’s beautiful/The only time that’s left to tell my story.”

Recorded just before the death of drummer Tim Reece of a rare form of glandular cancer, the album could be seen as both a lamenting farewell and a eulogistic celebration of Reese, although it’s doubtful he’d want it to be seen as either. Rather, it’s a collection of beautifully constructed indie rock songs from a recently reunited band who never really broke up, never stopped being friends and never really got the attention they deserved while active in the early ’00s.

The 10 songs on A Thousand Mountains were originally conceived over a decade ago, but still speak to the heavy circum-

22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

SPOTLIGHT DOT PIERSON

and hypnotic, often resembling a cross between Indian sitar playing, a Western movie soundtrack and guitar-based Saharan bands such as Tinariwen.

“I think my extreme-music background allowed me a peculiar interpretation of how this instrument should sound,” says Lopez, who uses a small set-up that includes a cube amp, delay pedal and an equalizer. “I’ve had purists tell me that although they find what I’m doing interesting, the music itself is too unconventional. In addition to the ukulele, I incorporate short blasts of sampled sounds into my performance. My goal with The Sorcerer Family is to create a relationship between folk, world and noise music.”

The next Sorcerer Family performance will be in February at the Slow Death IV music and arts festival. Those looking for a taste of the live show should check out the 2018 YouTube video of Lopez performing alone and in the Sam Lopez dark at the Emanuel Vigeland Mausoleum in Oslo, Norway.

“In my previous project, I preferred performing with the lights on,” says Lopez. “In The Sorcerer Family, I don’t mind lurking in the dark.”

—Seth Combs

stances surrounding the band at the time they were recording.

There’s also a touch of sardonic commentary that’s always been an understated element of the band’s music and lyrics. That sense of Radiohead-esque alienation is evident in songs such as “White Ruins,” “Bitter SOS” and especially “Talk It Up With God.” “Everybody’s gone plastic/Wrapped in bleach and cellophane/ They don’t care at all, do they?” frontman Drew Andrews sings on the latter song, practically begging the listener to look into some kind of black mirror of self-reflection.

While I’d still argue that 2005’s Cities Are Temples is still Via Satellite’s best album, the new one comes pretty close. “And you’ve been running away all this time/But one day we’ll embrace our goodbyes,” Andrews sings on the album’s closer, “Black Lights On,” before casually referencing the band’s previous records. A Thousand Mountains is a last will and testament; a celebration of the group’s unwavering love for one another. We’ve just been lucky enough to hear it after all these years.

A Thousand Mountains will be available at a record release show on Jan. 22 at The Casbah, along with an accompanying book that includes artwork, writings poetry and lyrics. Proceeds from the record will be donated to School of Rock Denver, where Reese worked before passing away.

—Seth Combs

The Posies

D

on’t let anyone ever tell you that music doesn’t save lives.

Like many teenagers, there was a point when I was young where I was severely depressed and even contemplated suicide.

And when we’re young, an affirming song is sometimes all we have to let us know we’re not alone.

Such was the case with The Posies’ song, “Coming Right Along.” Originally released on the band’s 1993 album, Frosting on the Beater, I didn’t hear the song until it appeared on the soundtrack to the 1995 film, The Basketball Diaries, a biopic about poet and punk musician Jim Carroll and his struggles with drugs and his sexuality as a teenager.

I don’t really remember any of the other songs from that soundtrack aside from “Coming Right Along,” with it’s brooding chorus of “Please be strong/You don’t know it, but you’re coming right along.” Something about it just hit me and probably gave me the strength at the time to get through another tough day. I did like a few of their other songs (“Dream All Day” likely being their most popular single), but they were just one of those fantastic power-pop bands that got lost in the grunge shuffle of the ’90s and didn’t receive the attention they deserved.

Still, The Posies have a devoted following and the core duo (Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow) are doing an acoustic tour in celebration of the group’s 30th anniversary. Such an intimate show would be a perfect way to hear that beautiful anthem of my youth and be happy that I came right along after all.

—Seth Combs

The Posies play Monday, Jan. 21 at Soda Bar.

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

IF I WERE U

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

Our picks for the week’s top shows

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16

PLAN A: Dark Black, Body Heat, Band Argument @ San Diego Content Partners.

Mojave Desert band Dark Black fancy themselves a post-punk band, but they almost have a Brit-pop sound. Either way, we dig it. Same goes for the Florida duo Body Heat, but they incorporate some shoegaze and dream-pop elements as well. Also, to attend this show, you’ll need to DM the organizers on social media to get the address, but the lineup is worth a little detective work.

BACKUP PLAN: Howlin Rain, Monarch, Garcia Peoples @ The Casbah.

THURSDAY, JAN. 17

PLAN A: The Donkeys, The Blank Tapes, Bitchin’ Summer @ The Casbah. We could argue that indie-rockers The Donkeys have produced two of the greatest local songs ever (“Lower the Heavens” and “I Like the Way You Walk”), and yet they remain one of those bands that you need to see live to get the full experience. So, yeah, do it. PLAN B: Miss New Buddha, Dark Black, Body Heat, Hawk Auburn @ Moustache Bar. If you missed Dark Black and Body Heat on Wednesday, head down to TJ on this night where they’ll be playing with local mathpunks Miss New Buddha, who always put on a blistering live performance.

FRIDAY, JAN. 18

PLAN A: Sumac, Divide + Dissolve, Tashi Dorji @ Brick By Brick. Canadian postmetallers Sumac are that type of band who will appeal to true metalheads and the indie math-rock crowd as well. Their latest, Love in Shadow, is filled with grinding, intricate songs that all extend beyond 12 minutes.

You may need to wear a neck brace the next day. PLAN B: The Penetrators, The Schizophonics, The Dinettes @ The Casbah. Local punk legends The Penetrators are back together for the Casbah’s 30th anniversary. We did a cover story on them the last time they reunited back in 2011, but their brand of obnoxious punk, which is sprinkled with some surf-guitar, is timeless.

BACKUP PLAN: Dent May, Battery Point @ Soda Bar.

SATURDAY, JAN. 19

PLAN A: Nao, Xavier Omar @ The Observatory North Park. British singer Neo Jessica Joshua, who goes by the name Nao, released one of the more underrated R&B albums of 2018 with Saturn. The title track alone is a seriously smooth baby-making jam.

Bring a date to this one. PLAN B: Mae, Matthew Thiessen, Krigarè @ The Irenic. Fans of early ’00s emo and bands like Death Cab for Cutie are surely already familiar with Mae,

@SDCITYBEAT

who’ve been crafting heartfelt sing-alongs since 2001. Singer Dave Elkins’ high voice has held up well so expect a lot of teary-eyed fist pumping once those choruses hit.

SUNDAY, JAN. 20

PLAN A: Reverend Horton Heat, Big Sandy, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Delta Bombers @ The Observatory North Park. Since 1985, Reverend Horton Heat have been producing solid psychobilly jams for people who like to grease their hair back or wear it up in a bouffant. Plus, the show is only $5 so you can’t really go wrong here. BACKUP PLAN: Marbled Eye, Shitgiver @ Whistle Stop.

KRISTIN COFER

SRSQ

MONDAY, JAN. 21

PLAN A: Parquet Courts, Snail Mail @ Music Box. Parquet Courts’ brand of postpunk doesn’t excite us as much as when they first emerged in 2013. For this show, it’s all about the one-woman force that is Lindsey Jordan (aka Snail Mail), who released one of the best albums of 2018 (Lush). Her brand of vulnerable indie rock is worth the price of admission alone. BACKUP PLAN: The Posies, Shelbi Bennett @ Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, JAN. 22

PLAN A: Via Satellite, Goodbye Blue Monday, Dewey Defeats Truman @ The Casbah. Check out our editor’s review of the excellent new Via Satellite album, which was recorded under rather tragic circumstances.

Show up early for Goodbye Blue Monday, a recently reunited post-punk group of locals who went on to play in bands such as Lowcloudcover, KATA and Warsaw. PLAN B: Choir Boy, SRSQ, The Victoriana, DJ Jon Blaj @ Whistle Stop. Moody and sexy synth-pop to set the mood is what Choir Boy is all about. The Salt Lake City group hasn’t released much new music since 2016’s criminally overlooked Passive with Desire, so we’re looking forward to hearing some new jams. And definitely show up early for the entrancing one-woman force that is SRSQ. BACKUP PLAN: Le Saboteur, John Underwood, Chris Fox, Spike McGuire, W.P. Hawk @ Tower Bar.

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Joshua and The Holy Rollers (Soda Bar, 1/26), The Petty Saints (Soda Bar, 1/27), Emo Night (Casbah, 1/29), Tantric (Brick By Brick, 1/31), Defy The Tyrants (Brick By Brick, 2/2), The Holy Knives (Soda Bar, 2/11), Powerman 5000 (Brick

By Brick, 2/15), CANCELLED! (Soda Bar, 2/16), Thumpasaurus (HOB, 2/23), The Como La Flor Band (Music Box, 2/23), Kaleena Zanders, Friendz, SiLVA (Music Box, 2/23), The Shift (BUT, 2/23), Private Island (Soda Bar, 2/24), Crumb (Soda Bar, 2/24), Un (Brick By Brick, 2/24), Beirut (Observatory, 3/4), G. Love, Special Sauce (BUT, 3/6), Soft Kill (Soda Bar, 3/7), Griffin House (Soda Bar, 3/8), Ella Vos (BUT, 3/9), Billy Idol, Steve Stevens (BUT, 3/13), Rivers of Nihil (Brick By Brick, 3/18), Ryan Bingham (BUT, 3/23), Bad Suns (Observatory, 4/3), Anvil (Brick By Brick, 4/4), Sweet Spirit (Soda Bar, 4/6), This Wild Life, Sleep On It, crooked teeth (HOB, 4/6), Meat Puppets (Soda Bar, 4/7) Little People (Soda Bar, 4/11), The Highwayman Show (BUT, 4/12), Common Sense (BUT, 4/13), Los Straitjackets (Casbah, 4/25), Party Like Gatsby (Observatory, 5/3), Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears (Casbah, 6/9), Priests (Soda Bar, 6/26), The Who (Viejas Arena, 10/16).

GET YER TICKETS Adolescents (Casbah, 1/19), Via Satellite (Casbah, 1/22), Pinback (Casbah, 1/2324), Buck-O-Nine (Casbah, 1/26), Corro-

sion of Conformity (Brick By Brick, 1/26), Bananarama (Observatory, 1/27), No Knife (Casbah, 1/27), Cursive, Mineral (Casbah, 2/1), Gang of Four (Casbah, 2/5), MØ (Observatory, 2/5), KISS (Viejas Arena, 2/7), Louis XIV (Casbah, 2/15), Panic! At the Disco (Valley View Casino Center, 2/16), Albert Hammond Jr. (BUT, 2/24), Sharon Van Etten (Observatory, 2/28), Saves the Day (Observatory North Park, 3/2), CRSSD Festival (Waterfront Park, 3/2-3), Waxahatchee (Soda Bar, 3/3), Band of Horses (Observatory, 3/6), Hatebreed (HOB, 3/7), YG (Valley View Casino Center, 3/7), Action Bronson (HOB, 3/13), Cold Cave (BUT, 3/19), Boy Harsher (Casbah, 3/20), Mike Doughty (Soda Bar, 3/23), Matt Nathanson (Music Box, 3/24), Queensrÿche (Casbah, 3/27), Black Moth Super Rainbow (BUT, 3/31), Vince Staples (Observatory, 4/2), Anvil (Brick By Brick, 4/4), Taking Back Sunday (Observatory, 4/6-7), Meat Puppets (Soda Bar, 4/7), T-Pain (Observatory, 4/9), David Archuleta (California Center for the Arts, 4/17), Priests (Soda Bar, 6/26).

JANUARY WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16 Bayside at The Irenic. Howlin Rain at The Casbah. Anthony Green at Soda Bar. Daring Greatly at Belly Up Tavern. Sage the Gemini at Music Box.

THURSDAY, JAN. 17 The Donkeys at The Casbah. The Infamous Stringdusters at Belly Up Tavern.

Lost Kings at Music Box. Dave East at SOMA.

FRIDAY, JAN. 18 Rob Garza at Music Box. KRS-One at Observatory North Park. DSB at Belly Up Tav-

24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

ern. Dent May at Soda Bar. The Penetrators, The Schizophonics, The Dinettes at The Casbah (sold out). Ok Shore at SOMA. Judas Priestess at Brick By Brick.

SATURDAY, JAN. 19 Mae at Soda Bar. NAO at Observatory North Park. Sumac at Brick By Brick. As It Is at SOMA. Adolescents at The Casbah.

Mae at The Irenic. Brendan Kelly at Tower Bar. Tommy Castro & The Painkillers at Belly Up Tavern.

SUNDAY, JAN. 20 88 Fingers Louie at Soda Bar. Mustard Plug at The Casbah. Reagan Youth at Brick By Brick.

MONDAY, JAN. 21 Parquet Courts, Snail Mail at Music Box (sold out). The Posies at Soda Bar. Trombone Shorty at Belly Up Tavern (sold out).

The Districts at The Casbah.

TUESDAY, JAN. 22 Via Satellite at The Casbah. Kris Kristofferson and The Strangers at Balboa Theatre. Trombone Shorty at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Emily King at Music Box.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23 Trombone Shorty at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Mozes and the Firstborn at Soda Bar. Pinback at The Casbah. Jacquees at House of Blues.

THURSDAY, JAN. 24 Pinback at The Casbah. Big Head Todd & The Monsters at Belly Up Tavern. Gutter at Soda Bar. Trombone Shorty at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). No Kings at Music Box.

FRIDAY, JAN. 25 Ozomatli at Music Box. The English Beat at Belly Up Tavern. Transfer at The Casbah (sold out). Larry And His Flask at Soda Bar.

SATURDAY, JAN. 26 The English Beat at Belly Up Tavern.

Whitey Morgan at Observatory North Park. Buck-O-Nine at The Casbah. Corrosion of Conformity at Brick By Brick.

Steel Panther at House of Blues. Travis Tritt at Balboa Theatre. Johnny Clark at Music Box. Joshua and The Holy Rollers at Soda Bar.

SUNDAY, JAN. 27 Bananarama at Observatory North Park.

No Knife at The Casbah (sold out). Ana Popovic at Belly Up Tavern. The Petty Saints at Soda Bar.

MONDAY, JAN. 28 Richard Thompson Electric Trio at Belly Up Tavern. Duster at Soda Bar. Blues Traveler at House Of Blues. BAS at SOMA.

TUESDAY, JAN. 29 Elton John at Valley View Casino Center.

Sergio Mendes at Belly Up Tavern. Russian Tremors at Soda Bar. Emo Night at The Casbah.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30 Wild Child at Soda Bar. Hawthorne Heights at House Of Blues. Silverstein at House Of Blues. A$AP Rocky at Valley View Casino Center. Death Valley Girls at Music Box.

THURSDAY, JAN. 31 Current Joys at The Irenic. Three Mile Pilot at The Casbah. Turkuaz at Belly Up Tavern. Tantric at Brick By Brick.

FRIDAY, FEB. 1 Cursive, Mineral at The Casbah (sold out). Okilly Dokilly at Soda Bar. Jacob Banks at Belly Up Tavern. Poncho Sanchez at Music Box.

SATURDAY, FEB. 2 Magic City Hippies at Soda Bar. Mineral at Che Café. Drama at The Casbah. Vaud and the Villains at Belly Up Tavern. MadeinTYo at Music Box. Defy The Tyrants at Brick By Brick.

MONDAY, FEB. 4 Still Woozy at Soda Bar (sold out). The Toasters at The Casbah. Chris Shiflett at Belly Up Tavern.

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 MØ at Observatory North Park. DaniLeigh at House of Blues. Gang of Four at The Casbah. Chris Shiflett at Belly Up Tavern.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 The Quaker City Night Hawks at Soda Bar. North Mississippi Allstars at Belly Up Tavern.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7 KISS at Viejas Arena. Marc Anthony at Valley View Casino Center. Joan Osborne at Belly Up Tavern. Passafire at Music Box.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

@SDCITYBEAT

BY CHRISTIN BAILEY

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

rCLUBSr

famous Stringdusters, Midnight North. Fri: DSB, Fooz Fighters. Sat: Tommy Castro and The Painkillers, The Rhumboogies.

Mon: Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, New Breed Brass Band (sold out).

Tue: Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, New Breed Brass Band (sold out).

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: Open Mic. Thu: Karaoke.

Fri: The Cheez Whiz Band. Sat: Ital Vibes, Something Like Seduction, Sensi Trails.

Sun: Karaoke. Tue: Cappo Kelley, Introspective Culture.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’. Thu: Öona Dahl. Fri: ‘We Are Your Friends’. Sat: ‘Bump’. Sun: ‘Spectrum: Diverse Dance Party’. Mon: ‘Blue Monday’. Tue: ‘Techno Tuesday’.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘#HipHopWeds’.

Thu: DJ Edd. Fri: ‘House Music Friday’.

Sat: DJ Mike Czech. Sun: John Pabulum.

Mon: ‘Organized Grime’. Tue: ‘Kizomba Night’.

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad.

Fri: ‘Club Musae’. Sat: DJ Big Dude.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Pablo Francisco.

Fri: Pablo Francisco. Sat: Pablo Francisco. Tue: Open Mic. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Fri: Nobodys, The Sleights, D.P.I, PunchCard. Sat: The Living Deads. Mon: Trivia. Tue: Karaoke.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown.

Fri: Franklyn Watts, Steady Rock. Sat: Prok & Fitch.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Wed: Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! Thu: ‘Thirsty Thursday’. Fri: Killer Lords. Sat: ‘Neon Beat’.

Sun: Red Fox Tails. Mon: Julia Sage and the Bad Hombres, DJ Old Man Johnson.

Tue: The Garners.

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Mark Fisher. Fri: It’s Never 2L8.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: Daring Greatly, Miss Violette, Monique Benabou. Thu: The In-

@SDCITYBEAT

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Fri: Judas Priestess, Cowgirls From Hell, 2 Hot 2 Handle. Sat: Sumac, Divide and Dissolve, Tashi Dorji. Sun: Reagan Youth, Midnight Track, D.V.T., VFMS. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Wed: Howlin Rain, MONARCH!, Garcia Peoples. Thu: The Donkeys, The Blank Tapes, Bitchin’ Summer. Fri: The Penetrators, The Schizophonics, The Dinettes. Sat: Adolescents, Death Eyes, Alvino and the Dwells, Space Force. Sun: Mustard Plug, The Phenomenauts, Lexington Field. Mon: The Districts, Deeper.

Tue: Via Satellite, Goodbye Blue Monday, Dewey Defeats Truman.

Che Cafe, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla. Wed: Yipee!, Neutral Shirt, Charlie Kay, lil slush. Thu: Savanah Lyon. Sat: Remember Sports, Lomelda, dnll, Lucid Dream.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Bay Park. Sat: ‘Remembering Daniel Jackson’.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Thu: ‘Take-

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

ASTROLOGICALLY UNSOUND Weekly forecasts from the so-called universe ARIES (March 21 - April 19): This week will feel like freshly-washed bed linen and you—true to form—will continue to crawl under the covers at the end of the day with your dirty shoes still on.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): It is important to never settle for less than you deserve. You should also not settle on fewer small items than you can conceal in the interior pockets of your shoplifting jacket.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You can’t hold children responsible for melting slugs with table salt when you’re the one who told them how cool it looked in the first place.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Take the energy you expend on deceiving people in your life and redirect that energy into trying to sabotage and subvert voice and facial recognition technology.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you’re using a $50 gift card this week, you should buy a thing you want that costs $80 instead of two things that add up to $47 and are just kinda OK..

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 21): A picture is worth a thousand words so this horoscope is worth one thirty-fifth of a picture and that picture is the painting of the dogs playing poker.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Let the devastating fact that the oceans are warming and we’re all going to die in 30 years inspire you to make bold choices this week.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19): Sometimes the most fun part of the rollercoaster is reading all the warning signs and getting so scared that you’re going to die that you don’t even go on it at all. And that’s fine.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): This week you will accomplish a great feat, but it will sabotage you later when you can’t stop bragging about it and it jeopardizes your witness protection status.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Now is the perfect time to sign a contract.

Ah, you just missed it. It was like one second ago when you read that first sentence. But now? The timing couldn’t be worse!

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Let every app on your phone send notifications for every single thing this week.

It seems like it would be really annoying, but it’s what you deserve.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20): Love is in the air this week! Stay low to the ground. Roll up a towel and put it in the crack under your door. Wear a mask if possible.

Astrologically Unsound appears every week. Follow Christin Bailey on Twitter at @hexprax.

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 25

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Over Thursdays’. Fri: ‘January Birthday Orgy’. Sat: ‘ShowOut Saturdays’. Sun: Cham.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Deejay Al. Sat: DJ Bamboozle. Sun: Chief Keef.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Jaron Yancey. Thu: Patrick “BlueFrog” Ellis. Fri: Tribute to Mana y Caifanes, The Long and Winding Road.

Sat: Omar Chaparro, Te Reto a Ser Feliz.

Sun: Chad & Rosie. Tue: Robin Henkel.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Bayou Bros. Thu: Luv A Lot. Fri: Rising Star. Sat: Detroit Underground. Sun: Jessy J. Mon: Fuzzy Rankin. Tue: Backwater Blues.

The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park.

Wed: Bayside, Kayleigh Goldsworthy.

Sat: Mae, Matthew Thiessen, Krigarè.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Thu: Acid Varsity 54, LXK, Ken Cooke, Phaedrider. Fri: Westend, Matt Egbert, Fraud. Sat: Marques Wyatt, Cris Herrera, DuBeats.

Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: Open Mic. Fri: Raena Jade, Kennady Tracy, My Name is Chapel. Sat: Tommy Ragen. Mon: Open Mic. Tue: ‘Comedy Night’.

Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla.

Tue: Mark Dresser Quintet.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: The Sophisticats. Thu: Northstar. Fri: Ron’s Garage. Sat: The Stilettos. Sun: Wild Heart. Tue: Steve Brewer.

26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JANUARY 16, 2019

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Brian Justin Crum.

Thu: Brian Justin Crum. Fri: Stellita Porter, the Corvelles. Sat: Joanne Baduria, Soul Fire. Sun: Keep It on the DL. The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest.

Thu: ‘Night of Musicals’. Fri: ‘Trick’. Tue: Mess of Fun, The Haunts, Evan Diamond.

Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Thu: DJ Dub B. Tue: Trivia.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: Steelehorse Country. Fri: Bonneville 7. Sat: Jamacha Project. Mon: Open Mic. Tue: Karaoke.

Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy.

Wed: Sage the Gemini. Thu: Lost Kings, KREAM. Fri: Rob Garza, Eric Medina, Andrew Wilkinson. Sat: Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, Band of Gringos, Casual Yak. Sun: Tom Gun Live! Mon: Parquet Courts, Snail Mail. Tue: Emily King.

The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park.

Thu: ‘No Limits’. Sat: ‘After Hours’. Tue: ‘Trapped in The Office’.

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Fri: NGHTMRE. Sat: Habstrakt.

Sun: Rev Run, DJ Ruckus.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Wed: ‘The Wednesday Jam Session’. Fri: Dave Gleason. Sun: Mad Hat Hucksters.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: Konflikt. Sat: Crooked.

Pour House, 1903 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. Wed: Open Mic. Sat: ‘Oside Rocks’. Mon: Trivia. Tue: DJ Lexicon Devil.

Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wed: Charles Burton. Thu: Tomcat Courtney. Fri: The Freemonts.

Sat: Scott Mathias & The Honeycombs.

The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Thu: Trivia. Fri: ‘Finesse Fridays’. Sat: ‘Sábados En FUEGO!’.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: Paul Gregg. Sun: Clinton Davis. Tue: Trivia.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: ‘Mischief with Bianca’. Thu: ‘Bass Night’.

Fri: ‘Dirty POP!’ Sat: ‘Fuel’. Sun: ‘Stripper Circus’. Tue: ‘Mischief with Bianca’.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Thu: Deeper Shape of Soul. Fri: TheDopestMatrix. Sat: ‘Fatal Sting Preparty’. Sun: ‘PANTS Karaoke’.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’. Thu: ‘Sol-Sundy’. Fri: Black Market 111. Sat: Dave Gleason Trio. Tue: ‘Everything and Anything Jam’.

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: Chad & Rosie. Thu: Keep Your Soul. Fri: Keep Your Soul. Sat: Keep Your Soul.

Sun: Ash Foster. Mon: Chad & Rosie.

Tue: Keep Your Soul.

Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: DJ Ratty. Fri: Mayzie. Sat: Israel Maldonado Trio. Mon: ‘Jazz Jam’. Tue: Analog Lizards of Doom.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Wed: Jazz with Leonard Patton. Thu: Mercedes Moore. Fri: Funks Most Wanted. Mon: ‘Sexy Salsa and Sensual Bachata’. Tue: The Jazz Pockets.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Anthony Green (sold out).

Thu: Anthony Green (sold out). Fri: Dent May, Battery Point, Shindigs. Sat: Band Aparte, Post Tropic, Belladon. Sun: 88 Fingers Louie, Decent Criminal, The Dodges.

Mon: The Posies, Shelbi Bennett. Tue: Heir Gloom, Free Paintings, Brushed, The Fictitious Dishes.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Thu: Eteraz, All Beat Up, BOBxROSS, Missing Limbs. Fri: Slum Summer, Santa Ana Knights, The Fictitious Dishes, EIADS. Sat: Brendan Kelly, Ricky Schmidt, The Stupid Daikini. Sun: Smut, Strangers, Crime Desire, Razor Nights, New Crimes. Tue: Le Saboteur, John Underwood, Chris Fox, Spike McGuire, W.P. Hawk.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway.

Thu: Dave East, Shooter, D Jones, Errol Vibes, DJ Awall. Fri: Ok Shore, Lefties, Scatter-Brain, Strawberry Army, The Rinds. Sat: As It Is, Sharptooth, Hold Close, Point North.

U-31, 3112 University Ave., North Park.

Wed: Trivia. Thu: ‘Boom Boxx Thursdays’.

Sat: DJ Nvious. Sun: Sure Shot Rockers, Melapelus, Lexy Love. Mon: ‘#31 Flavors’.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.

Wed: Modern Love, Honey and Salt, Americas. Fri: Red City Radio, Bad Cop Bad Cop, The Bompops, Allweather. Sat: ‘Whips ‘N’ Furs’. Sun: Haunt, Idle Hands, Hellfire. Mon: ‘Altars of Madness Mondays’. Tue: Karaoke.

Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown. Fri: Green Velvet. Sat: Techniche.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park.

Sun: Marbled Eye, Shit Giver, Temple Dogs, DJ Scott Johnston. Tue: Choir Boy, SRSQ, The Victoriana, DJ Jon Blaj.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach.

Wed: Gentle Giants, Reggae Lou. Thu: Lantz Lazwell, Stone Mecca, Desert Rhythm Project. Fri: Marcus Rezak, Nathan Walsh Haines, Kyle Merrill, Eric Blumenfeld. Sat: Sandollar. Sun: Smokey Hoof. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: ‘M.A.S.S.’

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BY JACKIE BRYANT

IN THE BACK

CANNABITCH Weed for wellness

J

anuary is the worst. As I write this column, there’s a torrential downpour outside which, while good for San Diego and California in the long run, is just plain uncomfortable for me. I have a nasty cold, which is undoubtedly the result of too much holiday partying. And I’m inundated with social media wellness bullshit: Sober January, 30-day yoga challenges, Whole 30 undertakings, back-to-the-gym gains posts, intention setting, etc., ad nauseam.

It’s enough to make someone who writes about vices for a living feel a little guilty and left out. After wallowing for approximately 15 minutes, however, I remembered that cannabis is absolutely a wellness product—it just depends on how it is used.

One of the first things I did to kickstart what I’m calling “Operation New Year, Same Jackie” was to book an acupuncture and cupping appointment at my new favorite, full-service wellness studio, Saffron & Sage (2555 State St., saffronandsageliving.com) in Mission Hills. Considering the cannabidiol (CBD) craze is seeping into everything from cocktails to facials, I had a feeling CBD could be worked into my treatment.

Tiffany, my acupuncturist, asked me

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what I needed help with that particular day.

After mumbling, “Everything,” I settled on general anxiety and my menstrual cycle being a little off. She recommended I administer four drops of local company Leef (leeforganics.com) Organic’s Thrival CBD extract under my tongue. The extract utilizes sun-grown, whole flower with propanediol as a base, which helped bring down my overall anxiety for the rest of the night.

She then asked if I had any general aches and pains, to which I responded that I expected—well, hoped—my period would be coming any minute now, so cramps. She slathered some Leef Organic Revive balm on my lower back. I was game since I’ve had good experiences with topical CBD salves for pain management.

Acupuncture is a favorite treatment of mine for stress and anxiety because one needs to fully relax in order to best experience it. Twitching, tensing of the muscles or any kind of movement can cause pinching and other discomforts, so it is necessary to really let go of the body during the process. CBD helped me this time. I’ve been a ball of nerves lately, but I was able to fall asleep and enter what acupuncture enthusiasts call the “acu trance.” I also got my

a cannabis consultant on staff. Dr. Beth, as she is called, has a Ph.D. in molecular biology and biochemistry and is also a cancer survivor. Dr. Beth takes personal appointments and provides private, individualized and research-backed guidance for customers looking to use cannabis to achieve health and wellness goals.

Dr. Beth also recommended a few products designed to give the user’s day a little boost: Positivi-Tea by Kikoko combines THC and CBD with organic lemongrass, mint, and green tea (kikoko.com), and Kiva Confections’ Petra microdose mints have just 2.5 milligrams of THC and no sugar (kivaconfections.com). Those looking for a bit more product guidance can attend Torrey Holistic’s twice-weekly Cannabis 101 classes or set up a Mary Jay Party, a Petra Mints clever riff on the multi-level marketing period the very next day, which I’m attrib- home parties.

Wellness goals shouldn’t require us to uting to Tiffany’s expert needle skills. For entirely give up the things we love—all that once, my cramps weren’t that bad, either. is needed is an open mind and a little tweak Could it be CBD? Sure, why not?

I wondered how else cannabis could here and there. be incorporated into a wellness routine so I checked in with one of my favorite CannaBitch appears every other week. dispensaries, Torrey Holistics (torrey- Follow Jackie Bryant on Twitter at holistics.com). I remembered they have @jacqbryant.

JANUARY 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27