San Diego CityBeat • July 30, 2014

justice Lorne "Hammer" Jones

got more than seven years for smuggling drugs and people into the U.S., but mysterious events are raising questions about the government’s case

by A ndrew G umbel

P. 6

Abuse P.4 & 8 Oceanside P.20 Guardians P.24 Barnett P.27

2 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

Stop the pepper-spray abuse In May 2012, CityBeat’s Dave Maass obtained public documents that revealed staff at San Diego County’s juvenile-detention facilities were using pepper spray on youth at an alarming rate. Only five states allow juvenile-detention officers to carry pepper spray, and facilities using it with comparable frequency have faced serious legal consequences. Officials from the county Probation Department, which operates the facilities, were defiant in response to our findings. Pepper spray was being used when it was needed, they argued, and no changes to policy would be made.

Maass’ reporting caught the attention of the San Francisco-based legal-advocacy nonprofit Youth Law Center and numerous other civil-rights groups, a coalition that launched its own investigation and met with probation officials to discuss the matter.

As is detailed on Pages 8 through 10 in this issue, the coalition’s probe, which netted far more documents than we were given, revealed the problem to be far more severe than we could have imagined.

As a result, the groups announced this week that they’ve filed a formal civil-rights complaint against the San Diego County Probation Department with the U.S. Department of Justice and requested an official investigation.

The number of pepper-spray incidents in youth facilities has actually declined from 461 in 2011—1.26 incidents per day, on average—to 320 in 2013. The reduction could be partially explained by a decrease in the facilities’ population, but the decline is more than offset by the brutal and counterproductive nature of the chemical’s use.

Some 70 percent of youth-detention facilities bar the use of pepper spray entirely. Fourteen states allow its use, but most of them limit it to emergencies such as riots. The reason is because it’s considered unnecessary force and counterproductive to the mission of juvenile corrections, which is to rehabilitate kids who’ve run afoul of society.

Judging from its own reports of incidents, the Probation Department doesn’t see things that way.

Far from limiting pepper spray to life-and-death emergencies, or even to protect staff or other detainees from a violent outburst, the Probation Department uses it as a behavior-management tool and a form of intimidation. It’s used on minors who are simply disobedient—for example, when they refuse to leave their cells. It’s used on kids with respi-

ratory, cardiovascular and skin problems and who are being treated with psychotropic medication.

It’s used on children as young as 12 years old. The Youth Law Center’s investigation turned up 147 detainees who were exposed to pepper spray just because they were too close to whomever was the primary target and were doing nothing wrong.

In the most egregious cases, it’s used on detainees who’ve been deemed to be at risk of suicide, as well as girls who refused to submit to a strip search in the presence of male staff. At worst, the Probation Department’s behavior is borderline sadistic, and, particularly when it involves girls who won’t strip in front of male guards, torturous.

This is serious business. Not only are detainees’ civil rights likely being violated; the climate being created in these facilities is hardening these youthful transgressors even more, making it much more likely that they’ll be in and out of jails and prisons for the rest of their lives.

If you don’t care about them getting sprayed in the face and eyes with burning-hot chemicals because they refuse to comply with orders, maybe you can care about the increased long-term cost to society.

Maybe now that other media are finally picking up on the story, the county Board of Supervisors will begin to give a damn. At least two members— Dave Roberts and Dianne Jacob—now Mack Jenkins say they welcome a federal investigation. Obviously, we do, too. And we appreciate state Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez immediately expressing interest in addressing the problem through statewide legislation.

But we’ve seen enough to call for supervisors to act now, by relieving Chief Probation Officer Mack Jenkins of his job as head of the department. There are indications that the use of pepper spray against minors in custody has continued to decline in 2014, but only after it was obvious the heat was coming down—nearly all of the incidents detailed in the Youth Law Center’s complaint occurred after our story ran in 2012.

And civil-rights advocates were less than confident during their meetings with department officials that they understand their mission.

A change now would allow the department to dramatically alter the culture of youth corrections in San Diego County.

What do you think? Write to editor@sdcitybeat.com.

This issue of CityBeat was going to get it away with it, too, if it weren’t for you meddling kids!

Volume 12 • Issue 51

Cover photo by David Rolland

Arts Editor Kinsee Morlan

Contributors Ian Cheesman, David L. Coddon, Seth Combs, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Nina Sachdev Hoffmann, Peter Holslin, Dave Maass, Scott McDonald, Jenny Montgomery, Susan Myrland, Mina Riazi, Jim Ruland, Ben Salmon, Jen Van Tieghem

Staff Writer Joshua Emerson Smith

Intern Natalie Eisen

Web Editor Ryan Bradford

Production Manager Tristan Whitehouse

Art director Lindsey Voltoline

Production artist Rees Withrow

Columnists Aaryn Belfer, Edwin Decker, John R. Lamb, Alex Zaragoza

Vice President of Operations David Comden

MultiMedia Advertising Director Paulina Porter-Tapia

Publisher Kevin Hellman

Editor David Rolland Associate Editor Kelly Davis Music Editor Jeff Terich

Senior account executive Jason Noble Account Executives F. Scott Berman, Beau Odom, Kimberly Wallace Circulation / Office Assistant Giovanna Tricoli Accounting Alysia Chavez, Linda Lam, Monica MacCree Human Resources Andrea Baker

Advertising inquiries Interested in advertising?

Call 619-281-7526 or e-mail advertising@sdcitybeat.com. The advertising deadline is 5 p.m. every Friday for the following week’s issue.

Editorial and Advertising Office 3047 University Ave., Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92104 Phone: 619-281-7526 Fax: 619-281-5273 www.sdcitybeat.com

Vice President of Finance Michael Nagami

San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Southland Publishing Inc., free of charge but limited to one per reader. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and the author. Contents copyright 2014.

4 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

I used to frequent a frozen-yogurt shop in Point Loma that always had copies of CityBeat and The Military Press and enjoyed reading both, although they clearly expressed opposing political views. Unfortunately, the shop went out of business. Recently, I had the opportunity to go to Bogart Yogurt in Pacific Beach, and, lo and behold, there was a copy of the June 11 issue of CityBeat, so I opened to the editorial.

In fairness, I am usually in the other camp politically, but I enjoy the rabid nature of your prose. I fully believe in the freedom of speech and freedom of the press. I also like the other freedoms, including the ones granted under the Second Amendment.

While I agree that the killing of innocent people is awful, I just don’t believe you can legislate away violence. For the most part, anti-gun legislation impacts the law-abiding citizens. Crazy people and criminals will not be stopped by gun registration, outlawing AR15s or limiting magazine size to 10 rounds.

Keep up the good work. I’ll enjoy your editorials when I have the chance.

witnessed a noticeable amount of debris in the water and on the shores. At first, we thought that they were some kind of coconut shells.

After awhile, we realized that the debris were the papier-mache projectiles the fireworks are made from. We also noticed a significant decrease of sea life in the water. We used to see many crabs, schools of fish and even goodsized fish. We are convinced it was due to the pollutants that SeaWorld’s fireworks produce.

About 10 years ago, I wrote to SeaWorld and expressed my concerns and hoped that maybe they would allow me to show them the debris. I received a letter from their legal department that basically scolded me and, in a very condescending tone, assured me that my concerns were unfounded and that there was nothing wrong with the fireworks. They also told me that they were perfectly legal and that no laws were being broken.

I have not ever been back to SeaWorld since then. I also will do everything I can to discourage our out-of-town visitors from going to SeaWorld. Money talks—people should boycott SeaWorld until it gets in line with reality.

Don Rood, Ocean Beach

Richard Quinonez, University City

Can’t legislate away violence

Boycott Seaworld

Dumanis and the boys

My wife and I have regularly walked our dogs on Fiesta Island for many years. Several years ago after SeaWorld started its nightly fireworks shows [“Sordid Tales,” June 25], we

Your July 2 editorial about District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis was spot-on. She’s been the darling of the Kolender, Landsdowne, Gore, Goldsmith old-boys network, causing her to

think that she’s an untouchable. She’s paid an egregious salary to boot.

She, along with hundreds of others in the county and city governments who make in excess of $100,000 a year are taking us taxpayers to the cleaners, both in pay and with their pensions. Maybe that’s another article worth digging into—who are these people and what do they do?

Lou Cumming, La Jolla

behind the bars I just wanted to thank you for your continued reporting on the ongoing corruption taking place in our local jails. I’m not diminishing any of the crimes or offenses inmates may have committed. However, we must remember that every human being, whether incarcerated or free, has the right to live a dignified life free of abuse, suffering and injustice.

I think we often forget about those left behind bars—out of sight, out of mind. It’s clear that we need more transparency as well as more serious and heavy consequences for those found guilty of misconduct and mistreatment of our inmates. The corrections structure is flawed, and, sadly, the public is either unaware or apathetic about the mismanagement and negligence in our justice system.

Thank you for your continued motivation and investigation.

Natasha Nace, Chula Vista

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 5

David Rolland

justice Former customs agent Lorne "Hammer" Jones got more than seven years for smuggling drugs and people into the U.S., but mysterious events are raising questions about the federal government’s case

by A ndrew Gumbel

S

omething peculiar has happened in the prosecution of Lorne Leslie Jones, the former border inspector, nicknamed “Hammer,” who was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison earlier this year after a San Diego jury found him guilty of helping smuggle marijuana and undocumented immigrants into the United States.

The case, the culmination of almost 15 years of on-again, off-again investigation by members of the Border Corruption Task Force, was hailed as a textbook piece of official sleuthing—“a reminder,” in the words of San Diego’s U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy, “that we will not allow rogue officers to compromise national security and the public trust.”

Since then, however, the case has disappeared into a mystifying black hole. In March, it appeared to be entirely resolved— not least because Jones had waived his right to appeal. But there are now multiple indications it may have been reexamined or even reopened and that, far from being a textbook prosecution, it’s riddled with problems that raise questions about the U.S. Attorney’s office and federal investigators as much as the defendant. A cloud of official secrecy has descended, and nobody directly involved will say what is going on.

What we do know is this: Jones, a decorated former Marine who served 17 years with the U.S. Customs service, most of them as a dog handler, was ordered at sentencing to report to federal prison on May 2. But that date came and went, and he remained a free man. The U.S. Attorney’s office won’t say why—only that a new surrender date has now been set for Aug. 22.

One of the witnesses in the case, a convicted Mexican drug trafficker named Raul Cortez who was brought into the United States for the specific purpose of testifying against Jones, has learned that his deporta-

6 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

tion back to Mexico has been delayed. Cortez’s lawyer, Steve Hoffman, expected him to have been sent back by now, but Hoffman was told in late April or early May that Cortez’s permission to stay was being extended at least until a new status hearing at the end of August.

CityBeat has learned, meanwhile, that Jones met with his court-appointed attorney, Ward Clay, at the beginning of this month and presented what he believed to be compelling evidence of his innocence— evidence the jury either did not hear or did not have explained to them the way Jones would have liked.

The very existence of this meeting is at odds with what Clay told this reporter in March—that his involvement in the case was over. Melissa Mecija, a reporter at 10 News, meanwhile, said she was told by a Customs and Border Protection source that a new hearing in the case had been scheduled for July 11—a hearing that ultimately didn’t appear on the docket, either because it didn’t happen or because it was kept secret.

When CityBeat asked Jones if there had been a new hearing, he replied: “I can’t talk about it.” Asked why he couldn’t talk when he’d previously discussed every aspect of the case in great detail, he said again: “I can’t talk about it.”

All this becomes more intriguing when one considers that the government’s case, despite a slick and superficially convincing presentation, looks much more fragile on close examination. Already at trial, it was clear the prosecution was relying on the testimony of unreliable, if colorful, selfconfessed criminals who were offered immunity and other concessions to help the government nail their man.

U.S. District Judge Marilyn Huff rebuked the government several times, most

memorably at sentencing, when she called the 11 most questionable witnesses “Pinocchios” and said she had trouble believing much of the evidence linking Jones to drug smuggling. The jury had trouble, too, struggling to find that Jones had done anything wrong within the statute of limitations—the five years preceding his arrest in 2010. They convicted him of conspiracy only after peppering the court with questions about legal technicalities. Intriguingly, they acquitted him on a second charge of bribery, raising a logical conundrum: If they didn’t think he was being paid to help smuggle people and drugs into the country, what reason would he have had to do it at all?

Andy Schopler, the government’s lead attorney, was forced to make excuses for the witnesses at least twice, telling the court it was the defendant who’d chosen his associates, not the government. But the witnesses were not the only problem. The government’s own documentation and the federal employees who testified against Jones suffered from significant credibility problems of their own, some of which became clear toward the end of the trial and no doubt influenced the jury.

Others came to light only later.

A months-long investigation by CityBeat suggests that a more effective defense lawyer could have destroyed much of the government’s case that Jones was involved in smuggling after 2005, or that he ever traveled to Mexico, as the government contended, to set up the criminal conspiracy for which he was convicted.

What Jones did or did not do before 2005 is less clear-cut. In 2003, a driver for a drugsmuggling gang brought a minivan through Jones’ inspection lane (he was working overtime without his dog) twice in a row, at different border crossings—a confluence of time and place and people that Schopler

said was like lightning striking. A trio of witnesses who certainly knew Jones well—his ex-wife, a fellow border inspector who was convicted of corruption charges in 2004 and Jones’ former financial adviser—all testified that he was involved in people-smuggling in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Schopler and his co-counsel, Mark Conover, appeared to think this evidence was strong enough to justify the shaky case for Jones’ continuing activity after 2005—which they needed to show, given the statute of limitations, to press the case at all. Judge Huff apparently agreed. She could’ve impeached a number of the witnesses—most notably the drug gang’s improbable ring leader, Beto Sanchez-Diaz, a jittery man with a bad stutter and a fondness for argyle sweaters, who lied on the stand about his cocaine habit and finally admitted he’d violated the terms of his parole into the United States and committed a felony by snorting coke the weekend before his appearance. But the judge let all the evidence stand, telling Jones that government employees hold a special position of trust.

“It is a sad day when an officer for the U.S. government is convicted of conspiracy,” she said at sentencing.

CityBeat’s investigation has revealed problems with more than just the testimony of the Mexican gangsters, however. The financial adviser, Jim Whitener, testified— under a grant of immunity that enabled him to hold on to his professional license— that he paid Jones to wave him through the border on an overtime shift in 2001 so he could smuggle in his undocumented Salvadoran fiancée and her children. But the government never produced the licenseplate records and work-schedule data to demonstrate that Whitener had passed through Jones’ lane—even though licenseplate numbers are always recorded and

those records are kept indefinitely, according to the government’s own evidence.

Jones said his lawyer specifically asked for these records but received no response.

“If the records showed that Whitener crossed in my lane,” Jones charged, “you can be sure the government would have produced them.” The U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment.

What the prosecution believed would be a compelling tale of official corruption—in which Jones supposedly held secret meetings in Mexico with gangsters nicknamed Cookie Boy and Fish Taco, took deliveries of wads of cash in suburban parking lots and blew his money on fine dinners, champagne, a boat and a private plane—has thus turned into an altogether more troubling portrait of justice at work, in which corners have been cut and cracks in the case papered over wherever necessary. It may be, in fact, that Hammer, a man whose forbidding prizefighter physique conceals a surprisingly gentle, easy-going personality, does not belong in prison at all.

J

ones was first accused of immigrantsmuggling in the mid-1990s by a vengeful ex-wife who told Internal Affairs: “I want you to do something about him.”

The complaint went nowhere—according to Jones, his ex refused to give her phone number and hung up after she was warned it was a felony to make a false report—but it did highlight his propensity to get himself in woman trouble. He was married and divorced three times before age 35, struggling first with the instability and frequent foreign assignments of life in the Marines and then with the challenges of a son with severe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

“I was foolish,” he said in an interview shortly after sentencing. “I kept trying to be married, and it wouldn’t work. I wanted to give my son a life and a family.”

Never was he more foolish than when he met Leonor Calderon, known familiarly as Noni, a Mexican beauty-salon worker whom he first knew as the girlfriend of fellow border inspector and fellow former Marine Michael Taylor. Noni, as was later confirmed in court, had corrupted Taylor into taking money to wave carloads of immigrants across his inspection lane. But Taylor broke up with her—at least temporarily—so he could start a new relationship with her salon boss, who was offering him more money in a separate immigrant-smuggling racket.

Jones married Noni in 1999 after she told him, falsely, that she was pregnant, even though he suspected, correctly, that she was still involved with Taylor. In June 2000, he learned she was also having an affair with Jim Whitener and tried to divorce her, only to discover that she was still legally married to a Mexican ex-husband. Extraordinarily, he took Noni back after she gave him proof that she had quashed her previous marriage. In 2001, he went through a second wedding ceremony with her, only to learn days later that she’d invited her exhusband to have sex with her on the floor of her beauty salon as a thank-you for signing the divorce papers. Somehow, they stayed together another two-and-a-half years Their bizarre relationship is at the heart of the criminal case. Jones says that he fell

for Noni because he was genuinely fond of her four children and felt they could provide a stable environment for his troubled son. Noni, meanwhile, used him as cover for her smuggling activities, about which he knew nothing. Or so he says. According to the government, Noni recruited him in exactly the same way she recruited Taylor, and they worked together as a team.

A more serious Internal Affairs complaint was lodged in 2000 by one of Noni’s friends from beauty school, Irma Curiel, who was dating another Customs officer and told him she’d heard Noni was smuggling immigrants with her boyfriend, assumed to be Jones. (Jones emphasized several times that he was Noni’s husband at this point, not her boyfriend, and suspected Noni’s partner-incrime was still Taylor.) An investigation led nowhere, but Jones was now on the government’s radar—as was Taylor, who abruptly quit the border service and fled to France in 2001 after another of his many girlfriends, Daphiney Caganap, assistant San Diego area port director for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, warned him that the heat was coming down on him.

In 2002, Jones again came under suspicion after a record load of marijuana was found stuffed into a white van coming through his inspection lane at San Ysidro. The load was sent through by a gang associated with an-

But they didn’t need to have worked with Jones to know about him: SanchezDiaz was in a long-term relationship with Lorena Aguilar, who years earlier had sneaked a wedding photograph of Jones and Noni out of Noni’s salon. The government has never adequately explained why she’d have done that; Jones believes she also took one of the business cards he left lying around the salon to advertise his side-business as a DJ (it included his cellphone number) and figured that it could all be used as a bargaining chip if she and Sanchez-Diaz ever got in serious trouble.

And so a case was built. The cell number and the picture were used to build SanchezDiaz’s bona fides and gain him entry into the United States. Aguilar was granted immunity. Deals were cut with Aguilar’s brothers, Cookie Boy and Fish Taco, although only Fish Taco, aka Rafael Aguilar Figueroa, ended up testifying. (The government had Cookie Boy, aka Fernando Vasquez, on the witness list but wouldn’t say what happened to him.)

Noni Calderon was arrested crossing the border in September 2010 and promptly cut a deal—without the help of a lawyer, according to legal sources who’ve seen the paperwork—to testify against Jones without being prosecuted herself. She led the government to Whitener, who was also given immunity and encouraged to testify that he helped

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other of Noni’s friends from beauty school, Lorena Aguilar. Again there was an investigation, and again it led nowhere—in part because several officers, including Jones, were vying for credit for the seizure and their accounts contradicted each other.

Nothing more happened until 2009, when Beto Sanchez-Diaz angered the Arrellano Felix cartel in Tijuana by losing a load of marijuana. He then mishandled the situation so badly that one of his associates was left chopped to pieces in a Tijuana parking lot, with a note for Sanchez-Diaz that read: “Here is your fucking compadre and now I’m coming for you and all of your loved ones.”

Sanchez-Diaz went into hiding for months before getting the idea that he could secure safe passage into the United States by offering to testify against a corrupt border officer. He later told federal investigators his gang had been using Jones for years to wave marijuana loads through the border. Sanchez-Diaz’s brother Raul described Jones as their “golden ticket”— the man who guaranteed their goods’ safe passage to the U.S. market.

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launder Jones’ ill-gotten gains—something he backed away from at trial because there was no evidence of it. The government never found any evidence, in fact, of a money trail leading to Jones. The only signs of high living it could point to were some dinners at the Westgate Hotel, a single bottle of Cristal given to Whitener as a gift, some hours logged in a small plane when Jones, a trained pilot, was taking advanced flight lessons and Jones’ Chargers season tickets, on which he usually broke even because he sold tickets to games he did not attend.

The government’s willingness to cut multiple deals with known criminals to pursue a single prosecution raised eyebrows in the San Diego legal community and led to some private criticism of Ed Weiner, the assistant U.S. attorney who mounted the case then retired shortly afterward. Noni Calderon was clearly in the smuggling business up to her neck, but she received both full immunity and encouragement to apply for U.S. citizenship, which she received in 2012 even though, as emerged at trial, she lied on her application form about her criminal history.

The part of the case intended to demonstrate Jones’ corruption after 2005 was in trouble from the start. Neither the government nor the witnesses could decide, at first, whether they thought Jones had manned an inspection lane at Otay Mesa cargo or if, as a dog handler, he had a way of clearing any truck that was referred for secondary inspection. They ultimately chose the latter, describing Jones as the gang’s “insurance policy” even if he didn’t actually do anything.

The original criminal complaint claimed that a single driver employed by SanchezDiaz’s gang made 35 tractor-trailer crossings at the Otay Mesa cargo facility in 2006 and ’07, and that “on all these occasions” Jones was there working with his dog. The worksheets entered into evidence, however, indicated that Jones was on duty at Otay Mesa cargo no more than three times out of 35 and, given that he spent the first hour or so of each shift picking up his dog at the kennels, may not have been there on any occasion except the one time in May 2007 when the marijuana load was caught.

These inconvenient facts were artfully concealed from the jury until the last day of trial, when Ward Clay got the government to admit in writing that Jones had not been present at the cargo port between February and June 2006, missing three of the tractor-trailer crossings, because he was away training a new dog. Still, the jury was not told—although official records exist and have been seen by CityBeat—that from the time of Jones’ return to the border until September 2006, he was on disability and limited to light office duties away from the entry lanes. That took him out of the picture for another 19 tractor-trailer crossings.

Monica Williams, who works as an FBI liaison at Customs and Border Protection, was the key witness on Jones’ schedule, and she tried to explain away the numerous occasions when he was marked as being somewhere other than Otay Mesa cargo as a costcode issue, for internal budgeting purposes with no bearing on his actual whereabouts.

But, of course, that undermined the reliability of the three times he was marked as being at Otay Mesa cargo. If the K9 CO designation (for canine, cargo) was just a cost code, who’s to say he was actually there? It’s not a point his lawyer thought to raise.

Arguably the biggest bombshell came in another written stipulation negotiated between the two sides on the final day. It was a summary of evidence from a U.S. government informant inside Sanchez-Diaz’s gang who didn’t want to risk a court appearance.

The informant said he’d heard SanchezDiaz talking on the phone with his corrupt inspector—his “golden ticket”—and the inspector spoke Spanish with a Puerto Rican accent. Jones does not speak Spanish at all.

Was the “golden ticket” someone completely different? CityBeat was told by a law-enforcement source that the informant operation was not directed at Jones but at another suspect inspector, possibly a Cuban American. (Cubans and Puerto Ricans speak very similar Spanish.) Interestingly, SanchezDiaz and his brother Raul Cortez said on the stand that the private nickname they had for

Hammer CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 7

County under scrutiny Complaint filed with feds over rampant pepper-spray use in juvenile lockups

by Dave Maass and Kelly Davis The girl sat on the bunk in her cell in one of San Diego County’s female juvenile-detention units as staff members explained that she was being placed on suicide watch.

They told her she had to strip naked in front of them—including in front of a male staff member.

She refused, twice. So they sprayed her in the face with pepper spray, then shut the door to her cell. Two minutes later, they asked if she was going to cooperate. She refused, and they sprayed her a second time and again shut the door. Minutes later, they opened the door and sprayed her again. She vomited. They then sprayed her yet once more.

After the fourth blast of pepper spray, the girl finally submitted. Probation staff ordered her to crawl out of the cell, where they handcuffed her, forcibly removed her clothing, cut off her shirt and bra, strip-searched her, put her in a gown and placed her in solitary confinement for 48 hours.

This account is one of dozens of

8 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

abuses of pepper spray by the San Diego County Probation Department at its East Mesa and Kearny Mesa juvenile facilities revealed this week by the Youth Law Center (YLC), a San Francisco nonprofit.

In a 34-page formal complaint, YLC asked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to investigate the Probation Department and order it to end the use of pepper spray and other practices that YLC says violate youths’ constitutional rights. Nine groups cosigned the complaint, including El Grupo, the San Diego branch of the NAACP, Latinos Organizing for Action, Alliance San Diego, American Friends Service Committee San Diego and the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association.

According to the complaint, YLC and El Grupo initiated an investigation of pepper-spray use in San Diego County juvenile facilities in 2012 after CityBeat, in collaboration with TheCrimeReport. org, reported that pepper spray, also known as oleoresin capsicum,

or OC spray, had been used on juveniles 461 times in 2011. Only a handful of states allow juveniledetention staff to carry pepper spray, and more than 70 percent of facilities nationwide ban its use entirely. Many jurisdictions, including Los Angeles County, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Division of Juvenile Justice and the Texas Youth Commission have been forced to reduce pepper-spray usage after legal pressure from civil rights groups and youth advocates.

In San Diego juvenile facilities, probation officers have wide discretion to use pepper spray, whether it’s the small bottles they carry or the large canisters, nicknamed “Big Berthas,” designed to quell riots. Before deploying pepper spray, officers call out the “Cover” command; every youth within earshot is required to assume a crouch position, with hands clasped over their head to avoid getting sprayed.

In April 2013, YLC attorneys and Victor Torres from El Grupo, a Latino civil-rights organization, met with county probation officials to discuss reports of excessive pepper-spray use. YLC staff attorney Sue Burrell says they followed

up with a formal records marized in the complaint request to find out if probadepict how often pepper tion officials were sincere spray is used on youths in their claim that pepper who pose no immediate spray was used only when threat. The suicidal girl there were no alternatives. who was sprayed four “The county’s consistimes “did not display any tent public position was physically aggressive bethat it was a shame the havior.” One detainee who youth fight so much, so “had her fists clenched staff are forced to resort to by her shoulders” was pepper spray,” Burrell says. sprayed in the face by “The vast majority of juvethree staff members at the nile facilities in the United same time. Minors were States do not use pepper Signs posted at San Diego County juvenile- sprayed for using profanspray at all, and the San Didetention facilities show detainees ity or for not responding ego kids are not any more how to take the “cover” position. to commands fast enough. violent or sophisticated Neither does the departthan the kids in those places.”

“My office goes into facilities ment’s stated reason for using The documents released to all over the country, and we have pepper spray—to keep staff and YLC, which the Probation De- seen some pretty terrible things, detainees safe—hold up to scrupartment previously denied to but these incident reports stand tiny. The complaint documents CityBeat, revealed that probation out in the field of troubling condi- a number of incidents where OC staff were using pepper spray tions” YLC’s Burrell says. “They spray failed to end a fight, forcing routinely and indiscriminately as do cell extractions like you would staff to physically intervene. a first resort to gain compliance find in a maximum-security adult The complaint notes that rather than only as a last resort prison—if you don’t come out of sometimes detainees were pepfor stopping fights. your cell when they call you, you per-sprayed with no warning. In YLC identified dozens of cases get pepper-sprayed. If you don’t at least three cases, there was no of improper use of pepper spray. follow staff instructions, you get initial “Cover” command, and in Probation staff sprayed youth at pepper-sprayed. Even in the fight other instances, it wasn’t clear risk of suicide; youth who simply situations, there was no attempt whether staff gave detainees were disobedient; youth with re- to de-escalate the situation. They enough time to comply with the spiratory, cardiovascular and skin would just yell the pepper-spray command before deploying the problems; and youth being treat- command and then spray. It was spray. Such action, the complaint ed with psychotropic medication. so mean and so dehumanizing.” says, “deviates radically from acThey used it to gas-out detaincepted professional standards” ees who refused to leave their cells. he juvenile-justice system ex- and is, in fact, counterproducThey sprayed detainees as young ists, the complaint notes, not tive when it comes to the goals of as 12 years old. They sprayed mul- to punish youth, but to rehabilitate safety and rehabilitation. tiple girls who refused to strip at them. Children and teens lack the “Everything we know about the request of male staff. maturity of adults, and many who how to produce success with YLC documented evidence of wind up in the system are there youth involves working with them 147 youths who weren’t doing any- due to trauma, mental illness or as caring adults and helping them thing wrong but were nonetheless difficult situations at home. to develop internal controls and exposed to pepper spray because Instances in which pepper good judgment,” Burrell says. staff had used too much on other spray is used for punishment “Use of pepper spray substitutes detainees. In five separate inci- violate young detainees’ consti- external brute force that serves to dents, staff used at least a pound of tutional rights, the complaint ar- make youth mistrustful and afraid pepper spray. Torres says he was gues. The Probation Department, of staff. Having staff wearing belts stunned by the brutality exhibited it says, “routinely uses OC spray in with pepper spray and handcuffs in the incident reports. situations in which there is no im- does not create the ‘safe and sup“My jaw dropped,” he says. “I minent and serious threat to phys- portive homelike environment’ was reading these things thinking ical safety and without engaging in called for in California law.” to myself, Holy moly, are these for prior attempts at de-escalation.” real? It was astounding, the level Spray CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 The incident reports sumof callousness and lack of understanding. How do you rehabilitate people when you cage them like animals and treat them like dogs?”

When CityBeat first reported on the issue in 2012, Chief Probation Officer Mack Jenkins downplayed concerns, with his spokesperson claiming that CityBeat’s reporting was “inaccurate” and “not very balanced” in its portrayal of the department’s use of pepper spray.

The department insisted that “OC spray is used only after directions and/or counseling attempts have not stopped the threat.” YLC’s investigation confirmed nearly all of the allegations that appeared in CityBeat’s stories.

T

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 9

Hammer CONTINUED from PAGE 7 their corrupt inspector was not “Hammer” but “El Gusano.” That’s Spanish for “worm,” but it’s also the word Cuban exiles use to insult suspected Castro sympathizers.

Many other aspects of the case look less solid on closer scrutiny. The gang witnesses claimed that Jones crossed into Mexico many times in 2002 and ’03 to set up the smuggling arrangement, but the government never produced records proving a single border crossing by Jones. Jones himself said he’d never been to Mexico—too dangerous, because he’d caught smugglers and intercepted many drug loads in his years as a customs officer. His green van crossed several times, but he said it was Noni who drove it over. Many times, he was at work, and the worksheets confirmed that.

Another example: Lorena Aguilar testified that she and Jones talked on the phone regularly to discuss money drops, but Aguilar

Spray CONTINUED from PAGE 9 “These kids are traumatized so many times in their lives,” Torres says, “and you’re just piling on more trauma.”

It’s not just the use of pepper spray that YLC attorneys found troubling. The Prison Rape Elimination Act says that detention facility staffing must be at a level that ensures female detainees aren’t subjected to strip searches in front of male staff, but incident reports show this happening repeatedly. The complaint also raises questions about the use of restraint chairs and solitary confinement, a practice that’s increasingly drawing criticism.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has publicly opposed solitary confinement for juveniles, and as part of its Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, the Annie E. Casey Foundation has recommended that confinement should be limited to four hours and never used as a disciplinary measure.

In San Diego County facilities, the complaint reveals, pepper spray and solitary confinement often go hand-in-hand, with minors being placed in a locked room for

10 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

speaks no English and Jones no Spanish. The phone records entered into evidence by the government don’t show a single phone call made by Jones to Aguilar’s number. Aguilar’s phone records were not presented at all.

What this indicates is not just that the witnesses were unreliable, but that the government knew it and let them go ahead and testify anyway. That was plainly upsetting to Judge Huff and downright infuriating to Jones, who didn’t say a word during the trial—he was not called to testify—but was itching to let loose once it was all over.

“This is a dirty case, and it’s been a dirty case since day one,” he thundered. “There’s no such thing as justice. The only thing that’s accepted are bartered deals with the government, and they hold all the cards. As long as they get a conviction, they are willing to do anything.”

L

awyers with knowledge of the federal courts offer two scenarios of what may have happened since Jones was sentenced. One is that Jones has been cooperatup to three days. If they need to leave their rooms, their arms and legs are shackled, even during shower time. And, the report notes, there’s no requirement that they receive any sort of educational instruction while confined and it’s not clear whether segregated detainees receive mentalhealth services.

What is clear is the impact confinement has on troubled kids. According to one account, a nurse found a suicidal girl who’d been confined to her room for 72 hours and placed in administrative segregation for two days “rocking back and forth with her arms folded and crying.”

S

o far, the two main agencies tasked with overseeing San Diego County’s juvenile halls have failed to conduct deep probes into the pepper-spray practices.

As CityBeat previously reported, in 2012, the county’s Juvenile Justice Commission agreed to “add questions relating to the use of OC” to the questionnaires that guide facilities inspections, but then failed to do so. The San Diego County Grand Jury, which is charged with inspecting all county detention facilities, said in its most recent report that it “found no incidents of excessive use of OC... and no violations

ing with the government and earned himself some time. That would explain the secrecy, but not Raul Cortez’s postponed return to Mexico or the government’s reluctance to say whether the case is over. It also seems unlikely that Jones would have granted hours of interview time to a reporter and repeatedly attacked the government if in fact he had made a secret deal with them.

The second scenario is that something has come to light about one of the witnesses—something that has undermined his or her credibility in a way that could have made a material difference to the jury. Since the “Pinocchios” were already discredited at trial and plainly disbelieved, we are most likely talking about a government witness. Perhaps Jones and his lawyer found definitive proof that one of them was lying; perhaps one of them is now under criminal investigation.

What would be the upshot of that? One possibility, the lawyers suggested, is a renewed negotiation over the length of Jones’ sentence. Another is dismissal of the case, with or without the option of a retrial. Since

a new surrender date has been set, the former seems more likely. But it remains to be seen if Jones reports to federal prison any more punctually this time around.

Whatever happens, Jones has good reason to feel bitter. Taylor served just three years in prison after agreeing to tell the government everything he knew, and Noni and Jim Whitener have escaped unscathed.

Jones, though, is not a bitter man. He knows he was a fool for marrying Noni Calderon, and an even bigger fool for marrying her twice. Whatever misadventures she led him into or concealed from him, he understands that the original decision is on him.

“I’m not innocent; I’m guilty by association,” he said. “With Taylor, with Noni, with Whitener. I let corruption into my own house, and I take responsibility for that.

“Hell,” he laughed, “if the government had only given me seven-and-a-half years for marrying Leonor, I’d do my time with no complaints at all!”

of existing policies”—this after CityBeat’s reports and after Sue Quinn—former head of the county’s Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board—filed a complaint with the Grand Jury, seeking a formal investigation.

County supervisors have also downplayed concerns over the use of pepper spray. Three supervisors who were asked to respond to CityBeat’s initial reporting expressed confidence in Jenkins. Supervisor Dianne Jacob said she was “satisfied that the county’s current practices are responsible and reasonable measures to protect the safety of detention staff and juveniles in custody.” Supervisor Greg Cox praised Jenkins as someone who “continuously evaluates new ways of serving the public better.”

And Supervisor Ron Roberts said in a statement that the policies governing the use of pepper spray seemed “proper.”

“It reduces the risk of physical injury to both the youth and members of the staff,” Roberts said. “Many of those incarcerated are users of crystal methamphetamine, which is known to cause brittle bones.”

In contrast, the YLC investigation identifies numerous occasions where staff acknowledged that the use of pepper spray may have been inappropriate. In one such case, staff used pepper spray on a juvenile

for moving too slowly. In other cases, staff sprayed a girl who was already lying on the ground and a boy who was sitting down and posing no threat.

The complaint notes that use of pepper spray has declined in local juvenile facilities from 461 incidents in 2011 to 320 in 2013.

But, the complaint also notes the average daily population in those facilities has declined, as well.

The complaint also notes that no reports were filed involving room extractions in 2013. However, it states there have been no related changes to policy. “Accordingly,” the complaint says, “there is a well-founded concern that OC spray will be used in future room extractions.”

CityBeat asked Torres if it’s possible that in the year since he and YLC attorneys met with probation officials, things have changed. No, he says. The incident reports reveal a lack of training and supervision that runs deep—a “spray first, write a report later” culture, as the complaint puts it.

“Their position is, ‘We’re not doing anything wrong. We’re following our policy,’” Torres says. “I just can’t agree with them.”

Write to editor@sdcitybeat.com.

Write to davem@sdcitybeat.com and kellyd@sdcitybeat.com.

by michael a. gardiner Michael A. Gardiner

are cooked in round, oiled steel pans up to 3 inches deep with a thin crust pulled up around the edges to just below the pan top.

Whereas thin-crust pizzas get sauce, then cheese, then toppings, the deep dish is filled with a generous layer of cheese, and then toppings, before the chunky tomato sauce is applied.

The best of Chicago Brothers’ deep-dish offerings is the meat lovers’ pizza, featuring pepperoni, sausage and ham.

The richness of the meats and the mozzarella cheese is perfectly balanced by the acidity Chicago Brothers’ meat lovers’ pizza of the marinara sauce. Chicago Brothers’ crust is thin, almost buttery, and slightly crumbly, with a crisp exterior and light, almost airy interior—it’s a pleasure in and of itself. The “Masterpiece” (pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, onions, green peppers and black olives) is another good deep-dish choice, and the sausage and Going deep mushroom is an off-menu delight.

Chicago Brothers also offers “thin crust” pizzas On Feb. 14, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin in the relatively thick, doughy San Diego style— Scalia ruled that Chicago-style deep-dish pizza think Filippi’s or O’s American Kitchen (formerly “shouldn’t be called pizza.” Perhaps aware of the Pat & Oscar’s). There are better examples of this potentially volatile reaction to his declaration, style in town. It’s not half as good as the deep-dish Scalia later sought to dial it back a bit, saying, pies (though the spinach and feta is tasty). A better “It’s very tasty, but it’s not pizza.” non-deep-dish offering is the calzone. Think of it I’m sure Chicagoans appreciated his effort. It as a rolled thin-crust or a cross between a pizza may be tempting to view Scalia’s decision as an and an oversized empanada. The cheese version extension of his well-documented “strict con(mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan) is simple but structionist” and “original intent” doctrines of good, especially with the accompanying marinara judicial interpretation. Or maybe, the Queenssauce. The veggie calzone brings mushrooms, onraised Scalia’s ruling is an extension of his alsoions, green peppers and black olives to the party. well-documented tendency to favor his own inI’d have preferred if the olives stayed home. terests, be they pecuniary or emotional.

In the end, though, what Chicago Brothers is These may be points that Lucy Montgomery, a about is Chicago-style pizza. There’s none better recovering lawyer, would appreciate. Montgomin San Diego. Perhaps if Jon Stewart had sampled ery and her husband, Mike Welch, purchased it, he’d have known better than to go on his epic Chicago Brothers Pizzeria (10423 San Diego anti-Chicago rant (“Let me explain something: Mission Road in Mission Valley, chicagobros Deep-dish pizza is not only not better than New pizzeria.com) from its founders earlier this year.

York pizza; it’s not pizza. It’s a f***ing casseIf anything, the quality of the signature deep-dish role”). Perhaps his first clue should’ve been that pizza has improved under their helm. he was agreeing with Scalia for the first time in recorded history.

The leading characteristic of deep-dish pizza is—as the name would suggest—its thickness.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com Deep-dish pizza more closely resembles a pie or and editor@sdcitybeat.com. casserole rather than a flatbread. Chicago-style pies

the world

fare

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 11

By Jen Van Tieghem

bottle

Rocket Lots to love

An ideal trip to the wine bar includes good companions, tasty eats and a wine menu that balances the familiar with the uncommon. While I can’t speak for the company you keep, I can attest to Café Bleu’s mastering of the other required elements.

The Mission Hills bistro and wine bar (807 W. Washington St., cafebleusd.com) is on the small side, which is actually ideal, as it never gets too loud or rowdy. Different nights of the week bring varying specials.

My girlfriends and I chose a midweek night for wine flights (served Tuesday through Thursday, with beer flights also available). For less than $15, you can choose a flight of three tasters. Since there were three of us, and three flights to choose from, we each chose a different option.

I was mostly pleased with my European white flight with its greatly varying tastes. A Greek wine that I’ve never encountered before—the 2012 Malagouzia by Porto Carras—turned out

12 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

to be my favorite. It held a wildly intoxicating scent of honeysuckle, and though I feared the sweet aroma would make for an overpowering flavor, I instead was treated to refreshing apple and apricot notes.

The other two weren’t quite as appealing. The 2004 Vollrads Rheingau Riesling from Germany was too syrupy, and the 2010 Chartrons Trebuchet Chablis from Burgundy had too much oak.

But with my partners-in-wine at my table, it was easy to find lots that we liked, trading sips and picking our follow-up glasses accordingly.

The 2010 Il Trullo Primitivo from Puglia, Italy, Jen Van Tieghem won a particularly positive verdict from all of us.

With so much wine to sample, we also had to nibble. Everything on the French-inspired menu looked delicious, but we settled on appetizers, including an artisan-cheese plate. We selected five cheeses from a menu of about 10 and were not disappointed. Spanish Manchego was one of our favorites, with or without the wine.

In addition to the interesting selections of food and wine, the attentive staff meets your needs without breathing down your neck, allowing you to leisurely explore for an hour or five.

Write to jenv@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

by jenny montgomery Jenny montgomery

pretentious food writer, I really don’t need to try another version of loaded macaroni and cheese with bacon / duck / lobster / antelope / baby seal. We get it. Mac and cheese is delicious. But get over it, people. It’s not that difficult or creative a meal to make, serve and overload with crazy, meaty nonsense. (Peer pressure made me order it, I swear!)

All that griping and grousing out of the way, I did enjoy the spicy bacon and duck sausage that topped the cheesy ramekin of pasta. It was lean yet rich and enjoyable alone or with a mouthful of noodles.

Since management at Company is British, I had to go for Company’s bangers and mash the bangers and mash, another humble, no-frills dish that always pleases. The sausages, roasted tomatoes and smooth, buttery potatoes were all delicious and well-cooked and -plated. My gravy had the look of being under a heat lamp for a while, but I found myself so delighted by eating bangers and mash in Poway that I looked In good company past what was, hopefully, just a lapse in service.

I assumed that Company’s links came from Poway is that semi-rural, upper-middle-class, Bisher’s Meats, literally right next door in the athlete enclave in San Diego County that has a same shopping center. Nope, not at all. The duck friendly, rustic charm but very little in the way of sausage does come from a local purveyor, but the restaurants with a wow factor. Company Pub & “bangers” come from Cisco Foods. They were Kitchen is trying to bring the humble-yet-sophistasty, and I certainly can’t speak to how or why ticated feel that defines a gastropub to this corner a restaurant makes the food alliances they make, of the county, and it gets points for coming close. but I found it baffling that Company sits right There’s a British vibe to things, but with next door to one of the better butchers in all of enough of an American sports-bar twist that you San Diego County yet doesn’t highlight its meat won’t be looking for a snug to hunker down in as part of the menu. with a pint. Company (13670 Poway Road, comp I find myself cheering on small, neighborhood anypubandkitchen.com) is open, bright and establishments like Company Pub & Kitchen like friendly, with a large patio and a staff with big, a mother cheering on her child who clearly isn’t welcoming smiles. the best at sports. “Look at you! You caught a ball Definitely start with the Company Chips—fat, with your hands instead of your face! Ice cream for thick-cut fries perfect for dipping in curry sauce everyone!” Call me Pollyanna, but I’m rooting for or plain old damn-it-I’m-American ketchup. everyone, and I grade on a curve. Company Pub & These chips, made in-house, are basic, solid and Kitchen might not be perfect, but when in Poway, just plain tasty. it’s still where I want to hang out and eat chips.

I tucked into two dishes that had sausage as Write to jennym@sdcitybeat.com the star. Our table decided to start with the Quack and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

Mac ’n Cheese, and at the risk of sounding like a

north

fork

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 13

[T echnology ] no life

offline

by dave maass

What I brought back from Comic-Con 2014 My first San Diego Comic-Con was in 2010, and I had exactly one thing on my bounty list: Find something related to audio theater. For years, I’ve been obsessed with radio plays and dramatizations, particularly those generated by the BBC, which regularly casts toptier actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Brian Cox in voice roles. I’d been told that there’s something for everyone on the convention-hall floor and, sure enough, I found one thing. It was so unimpressive that I’ve now forgotten its name, but I vaguely recall it was just some dramatization of a star-fighter video game.

Spin forward to 2014 and the folks from “The Thrilling Adventure Hour,” Nerdist Network’s acted podcast spoofing old-time radio serials, had panels both at the con itself and at Nerd HQ’s Conversations for a Cause. With hanged-head, I have to confess I did not go, opting instead for sleep and food.

My, how my priorities have changed. Here’s what I took home from San Diego Comic-Con instead: Assassin’s Creed V: Unity: I know, I’ve talked about this a dozen times in this column, but for those of you just tuning in: Last year, I bought a Playstation 4 after Ubisoft entranced me with the preview of its hacker video game, Watch Dogs.

Ubisoft ended up pushing back the release date, so I went for one of their other titles, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and my fiancée and I fell instantly in love with the pirate game. The next installment, due this fall, is set during the French Revolution and, sacre bleu, is it gorgeous.

Your character maneuvers through Paris in tumult: riots in the streets, public beheadings and the most detailed filth ever to be represented in pixel form. Having been burned once with a pre-order, I didn’t plunk my credit card down, but I did get a free shave from the 18th-century-style barbers (with anachronistic Schick razors) they hired for their installation across the street from the convention center. I swear he was a dude, even though they subbed in a busty model for a photo op when my eyes were closed.

Unshelved T-shirt: I always look for the perfect T-shirt to bring home. This year, the librarian-themed comic Unshelved caught my eye with its “Intellectual Freedom Fighter” T-shirt, because, you know, that’s what I think I am and everyone else should become. Behind that slogan, there’s a printed G.I. Joe-style star, but if you look closely, it’s composed of a long list of banned books in fine print.

A heightened fascination with AI: Throughout the con, ankiDrive was demonstrating its new racecar game at Nerd HQ. For the first three days, I thought it was just a normal remote-control

14 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

T. Loper

A clean shave, courtesy of Ubisoft and Schick racetrack, the same kind of thing I played with as a kid, but instead of wired remote controls, players used iPhone apps. On the fourth day, I looked a little closer and realized that the little yellow car that was blasting the heck out of the other players with virtual machine guns was controlled by a sophisticated AI, like a Cylon. I’m not going to buy one of the sets, because I’m not a 10year-old, but from here on out, I am going to drop this anecdote every time I hear someone bring up Google’s self-driving cars.

More Topatoco shit: The best shirt I found last year was Topatoco’s shark-high-fiving-agorilla-in-front-of-an-explosion, which led me to discover Christopher Hastings’ surreal comic book Dr. Ninja. When I came back to the booth this year, I bought an old-fashioned sci-fi-style poster with the motto “Futurism: Building a fake future in hopes that the real future will show up Dave Maass and mate with it.” That’s going on the wall of my office so that it shows up in the background the next time (Warning: Ego ahead) I do a Skype interview with Glenn Beck. A coworker also asked for something “cool” from The Fantastic Four, so I also bought Brandon Bird’s fridge magnet that asks what An AI racecar if Frazier joined the team. The answer: He’d spring into action with his catchphrase, “Watch out, evil… I’m listening.”

All I want: At Comic-Con’s sister Alternative Press Expo, I found something that expressed better than anything what lies at the core of my being: Nation of Amanda’s image of a bunch of cartoon canines, surrounded by the text, “All I want is to pet all of the dogs.” I bought a sticker for my laptop and a T-shirt from the Silver Sprocket punk-rock bicycle club. This year, I came home with even more stickers, a button, plus the cat version—“I want all of the cats to love me the best”—for friends. I don’t really give a shit what cats think of me.

Write to davem@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

the

SHORTlist

1

SAN DIEGO ON SCREEN

The young folks who run The 1to1 Movement, a sustainability-education nonprofit, won’t be hitting anyone over the head with hard-edged environmental and conservation themes at their upcoming, annual film festival.

“We don’t want to make people sit and watch videos of slaughterhouses or dying polar bears,” laughs 1to1 Executive Director Jonathan Zaidman. “We want to focus on the positive things San Diego already has going for us.”

Ranging in topics from surfing and local food to craft beer and biographies, the lineup of 25 short films showing in The 1to1 Movement’s America’s Fin-

2

AMBULATORY AMUSEMENT

Every first Friday, Liberty Station puts on Friday Night Liberty, an art-walk-type event to highlight the businesses that make up the Point Loma arts-and-culture district. This month’s FNL, happening Friday, Aug. 1, is shaping up to be pretty rad. Highlights include Make it Pop, an art (curated by Thumbprint Gallery) / music / pop-up shop and fashion show happening from 7 to 11 p.m. at 2853 Perry Road. Over at the San Diego Watercolor Society (2825 Dewey Road), Opera Neo will be performing. And, if you didn’t get your fill at “La Reina” by Comic-Con, from 6 to 10 Juan Gastelum, on view p.m. at the Barracks 17 at La Onda Arte Latino event center, check out a group art exhibition paying homage to Star Wars.

See the full lineup of events at ntclibertystation.com.

ART

COORDINATED BY KINSEE MORLAN

est Film Festival—happening from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2, at Irwin C. Jacobs Hall at Qualcomm (5535 Morehouse Drive in Sorrento Mesa)—includes works by both unknown and established filmmakers. Cy Kuckenbaker, the current artist-in-residence at Balboa Park’s Museum of Photographic Arts, whom CityBeat profiled earlier this year for his fascinating short films created as part of his “San Diego Studies” series, will have two films in the showcase.

The common thread of all the films is that they’re San Diego-centric. Every one was either created here, is specifically about San Diego or was shot in the city.

“It’s a San Diego love fest,” Zaidman says.

The rationale behind the cinematic ode to San Diego is that the more intensely locals love their city and all of its diverse offerings, the better chance they’ll care about issues like keeping the ocean clean.

“It’s about trying to engage people to take more ownership of their communities,” Zaidman explains.

The event’s also about having a good time. The $14 ticket ($18 at the door) includes entry to the film fest and access to the Makers Market local craft fair, which attendees can peruse after the 5 p.m. screenings or before the 8 p.m. screenings. The 6:30 p.m. intermission also includes a reception featuring craft beer, cocktails and local food for purchase. 1to1movement.org/filmfest

3

ARTISAN DRINK FEST

Slam some Pedialyte, string up a pretzel necklace and grab a pair of plastic neon sunglasses, because on Saturday, Aug. 2, the San Diego Craft Beer + Cocktail Showcase comes gushing Downtown. Featuring DJs and gourmet-food trucks, the event will spill out of El Dorado Cocktail Lounge (1030 Broadway) into an outdoor drink fest starting at 4 p.m. The showcase features six craft-cocktail bars and 12 craft brewers, such as AleSmith, Stone, North Coast, Green Flash, Saint Archer, Oskar Blues, Hillcrest, Helm’s, Fat Cat and Culture. The $35 ticket fetches 10 beer tastings and two cocktails. The event ends at 8 p.m., giving party people just enough time to sneak in a power nap. Get tickets at sd-showcase.com. (Full disclosure: CityBeat is a co-sponsor.)

HSummer Night Art Social at Disconnected Salon, 3830 30th St., North Park.

Launch party for TAE Magazine. Expect drinks, a DJ and art from Keemowerks, Mimi Yoon, Eric Wixon and Lauren Turton. From 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 31. theart elephant.com Glyphics at The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Live art from spray-paint artists to portraiture. There will also be music, fashion shows and drink specials.

From 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 31. facebook.com/events/806014029431385 Quilt National at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. See contemporary art quilts created around the world and submitted to this juried traveling exhibition. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1. $5-$8. oma-online.org H23rd Annual Juried Exhibition at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Forty-three local artists’ work will be on display, including Margaret Noble, Portia Krichman and Amanda Rouse. On view through Aug. 30. Opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. ljathenaeum.org

materials to create assemblages, crosses, santos, nacimientos and paintings. Opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6.

NewVillageArts.org/art-foundry

BOOKS HAnthony Doerr at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The award-winning author will be in conversation with The Book Catapult’s Seth Marko about his10-years-in-the-making WWII novel, All The Light We Cannot See. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. 858-4540347, warwicks.indiebound.com Susan Spann at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. The author stops by to sign and discuss, Blade of the Samurai, which takes place in 16th-century Japan and is the sequel to her debut, Claws of the Cat. At 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. mystgalaxy.com HChris Ahrens at D.G. Wills Books, 7461 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The author will discuss his new novel, Twilight in the City of Angels, a comi-tragic account of the massive changes that took place in L.A. in the middle of the 20th century. At 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2. dgwillsbooks.com

HOceanside Art Walk at Downtown Oceanside, Pier View Way and Tremont Street. Oceanside shows off its vibrant arts community with live performances, music, poetry, hands-on art, culinary and pop-up art galleries. From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. oceansideartwalk.org

Henry Herz and Nancy Holder at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. The two local authors stop by to sign and discuss the new fantasy young adult anthology, Beyond the Pale. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com

Color the Word and More at The Daily Scoop, 3004 Juniper St., South Park. See a one-night-only photography exhibit of works by Kjose Elliott. Opening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. 619-624-0920

Edward Grant Ries at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Ries will sign and discuss his two historical fiction novels, Legacy of Honor and Trial of Honor. At noon Sunday, Aug. 3. 858-4540347, warwicks.indiebound.com

HElena Lozano and Heather Tiegs at Graffiti Beach, 2220 Fern St., South Park.

The local pop surrealists will show off new works at the South Park boutique. From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. 858-433-0950 HFoundations at Chicano Art Gallery, 2117 Logan Ave. #1, Logan Heights. A group show curated by Frank Paredes featuring artists who inspire him, like Eric Lee Villanueva, Rigo Huezo, Victor Villa and more. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. 619-792-2815 6 Degrees of Separation at La Bodega Studios and Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan. Art by locals Espana Garcia and Waistknot Wantnot. Garcia’s inspired by street art, realism and surrealism. Wantnot makes art out of forgotten, discarded and unloved objects. Opening from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2.

Light Tree at 067 Eatery, 16235 San Dieguito R��������������������������������� oad, Rancho Santa Fe. A photography show featuring the work of local artist Allen Davis, who specializes in pictures illuminated from the inside and developed with a special print process. Proceeds benefit Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. 858-832-8150, 067eatery.com HHats Off at Africa and Beyond, 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla. An exhibit featuring an array of African, Asian, Oceanic and Native American hats and headdresses.

Opening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. africaandbeyond.com

HScott Turow at Qualcomm Headquarters, 5775 Morehouse Drive, Sorrento Valley. Turow will discuss his new thriller, Identical, in a conversation with Qualcomm’s Don Rosenberg. Ticket price includes a copy of the book. At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. $17.28. warwicks.indiebound.com HFriends of the Library Open House at North Park Branch Library, 3795 31st St., North Park. A book sale fundraiser for the library. There will also be items for sale from the Library Shop, a performance by musician Adrienne Nims and refreshments. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. northparklibrary.com Spencer Quinn at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. Quinn stops by to sign his seventh Chet and Bernie mystery novel, Paw and Order. Save, Foster & Adopt-a-Pet Program will be on hand with some fourlegged furry friends to play with. At 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 6. mystgalaxy.com HColleen Hoover and Ryan Winfield at WineSellar, 9550 Waples St., Mira Mesa.

A book discussion and signing followed by wine and light appetizers. Hoover and Winfield will be promoting their respective novels, Ugly Love and Jane’s Harmony.

At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. $35. adventuresbythebook.com

COMEDY

Outside In at Basic, 410 10th Ave., Downtown. Artists TV Tommy Vision and Allen Sidwell combine for a two-man show. Vision paints primarily on found materials such as wood, metal and masonite while Sidwell does portraits on glass. From 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. 619-865-6210

HGreg Santos at Comedy Palace, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. Fresh from the RIOT LA Alt Comedy Festival, Santos is part of the sketch duo, Tunguska Yacht Club, and has been featured by Funny or Die and Nerdist.com. At 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31. $15. thecomedypalace.com

De Los Manos at New Village Arts, The Foundry, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. Walt Hambly’s work will be on display during August. He uses acrylics, wood and found

HThe Adam Carolla Show at American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Down-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 15

Much ado in North County theaters Of all of Shakespeare’s lovers, Much Ado About Nothing’s Benedick and Beatrice may be the most fun to watch. They verbally joust, jest, spar and, Much Ado being a comedy, end up happily, romantically coupled at the end.

This play, even with its Claudio-wrongingthe-fair-Hero subplot, should be fun from start to finish.

It absolutely is in the hands of Intrepid Shakespeare Company, and Sean Yael-Cox and Shana Wride make a delightful Benedick DAREN SCOTT

THEATER

and Beatrice. An outstanding supporting cast that includes Ruff Yeager (as Leonato), Matt Thompson (Don Pedro), Charles Evans Jr. (Claudio) and Tom Stephenson (hapless sheriff Dogberry) justifies all of the Bard’s intended ado. Director Richard Baird thoughtfully employs both recorded and live music during the proceedings, set in Sicily in 1931, and has guided a large cast with aplomb on the small theater-in-the-round at Encinitas’ Performing Arts Center at San Dieguito Academy. You’re so close to the actors that you feel directly involved in the action. You almost expect Leonato to offer you a glass of wine. Alas, he doesn’t.

Much Ado About Nothing runs through Aug. 17. $25-$35. intrepidshakespeare.com

•••

There’s much ado about guys stripping down to barely nada in The Full Monty, but then you knew that. This likable musical, which debuted 14 years ago at The Old Globe Theatre, can be enjoyed multiple times, and it’s a snap to find folks who’ve done just that.

Currently, The Full Monty’s at the New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad, under the Shana Wride (left) and Amanda Schaar direction of Manny Fernandes. This Monty in Much Ado About Nothing gyrates to the choreography of Michael

cos, Stuffed, Ka Pow and Brazil on Wheels, There will also be fashion vendors, live music, craft beer and cocktails, with sales benefiting charity. From 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1. makersquarter.com

Mizerany, while an ensemble distinguished

by Grant Rosen as hard-luck dad Jerry and Rovin Jay as surprisingly spry Horse revels in Terrence McNally and David Yazbek’s story and songs—about half a dozen unlikely dance-and-strip boys. “Big Black Man,” “Michael Jordan’s Ball” and the duds-doffing finale “Let it Go” have the show’s female characters howling—and more than a few in the audience, as well. Some of the cultural references are dated, and The Full Monty’s ballads lean toward sappy, but there’s no denying the PG-13 appeal.

It runs through Sept. 7. $24-$46. newvill agearts.org

HFarm to Bay Food and Wine Classic at Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista. Sample eats and drink from dozens of San Diego’s top restaurants, farms, breweries, wineries and more. Proceeds benefit the Discovery Center’s programs.

From 4 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. $75. 619-409-5900, thelivingcoast.org

—David L. Coddon

HSan Diego Craft Beer & Cocktail Showcase at El Dorado Bar, 1030 Broadway, Downtown. The fourth annual tasting event features craft brewers, cocktail bars, gourmet food trucks and a celebrity dunk tank. Ticket price includes 10 beer tasters and two craft cocktails. From 4 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2. $35. sd-showcase.com

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

OPENING The Odd Couple: The Neil Simon comedy that launched the wildly successful TV series, about a stuffy clean-freak who moves in with a slobby friend. Presented by Broadway Theatre, it opens Aug. 1 at Welk Resorts Theatre in Escondido. broadwayvista.com

For full listings,

please visit “T heater ” at sdcit ybeat.com

Crown the Town: Summer Cocktail Edition at 111 W. Harbor Drive. A unique event series where participants taste a selection of drinks or food at handpicked locations and then vote on their favorite at the final location, helping crown the best once and for all. See website for details.

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. $25. 800-936-3126, nightout.com

MUSIC

town. The former host of The Man Show and Loveline records an episode of his popular podcast. At 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 6. $35. 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com

SantanaWays at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. The Carlos Santana tribute band performs as part of the Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts series. At 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. balboapark.org

DANCE

HSummerfest Under the Stars at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove, La Jolla.

A free concert to kick off the annual music festival featuring LJMS music director Cho-Liang Lin, SummerFest artists and the San Diego Youth Symphony’s International Youth Symphony. At 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 30. ljms.org

HTravelogue at Performing Arts Center, Point Loma High School, 2335 Chatsworth Blvd., Point Loma. A special performance featuring the choreography of Jeanne Travers, who’ll bring USF alumni together with Visionary Dance Theatre. At 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1-2. $13-$18.

619-758-8112, visionarydancetheatre.org Swing Dance Under the Dome at New Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., East Village. San Diego Swing Dancing will host a basic instruction class followed by an hour of swing dancing. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 4. sandiegolibrary.org

FASHION HGoing from Designer to Manufacturer at San Diego History Center, Balboa Park. Local brands Fables by Barrie, FiveLoaves TwoFish and Rufskin will discuss why some “make it” in fashion. From 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. 619-2326203, facebook.com/fgisandiego

FOOD & DRINK HPedal the Cause Fundraiser at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Enjoy food and drink specials with proceeds supporting Pedal The Cause, an annual bike ride raising money to benefit cancer research. From 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 31. 858-459-0474, beaumontseatery.com Food Truck Fridays at SILO in Makers Quarter, 753 15th St., East Village. Enjoy eats-for-purchase from Casanova Fish Ta-

16 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

HA Taste of the Past at Old Town Historic Park, 2454 Heritage Park Row, Old Town. The tasting event focuses on the foods of San Diego during the mid-1800s and how they reflected the cultural influences of the time. Demonstrations of various historical food preparations will take place in the plaza. From noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2. $15. 619-491-0099, oldtownsandiegoguide.com

Sunset Poolside Jazz Series at Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., Downtown. Groove to the sounds of the Danny Green Brazilian Trio. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31. $20. 619-2381818, westgatehotel.com HSan Diego Summer Choral Festival at St. Andrews by the Sea, 1050 Thomas Ave., Pacific Beach and St. Paul��������� ’�������� s Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., Hillcrest. The choral festival features works from the classical canon to unknown gems and new compositions will be performed. See website for schedule. Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 3. sdscf.instantencore.com HRay Charles, Motown and Beyond at Embarcadero Marina Park South, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Pianist and singer Ellis Hall, a former protégé of Ray Charles, pays a Summer Pops tribute to the master. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2. $27-$84. 619-2350804, sandiegosymphony.org HSan Diego Pro Arte Voices at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., Downtown. The season premiere concert for the San Diego Pro Arte Voices, the choirin-residence for the San Diego Summer Choral Festival. They’ll perform alone and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 17

with the Festival Faculty. At 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. $15 suggested donation. 609937-6619, sdproartevoices.com HSummerfest Opening Night: Four Seasons at Sherwood Auditorium, 700 Prospect St, La Jolla. The La Jolla Music Society performs a selection of classical favorites including Beethoven’s “Clarinet Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 11,” Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and more. At 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. $50-$75. 858-454-3541, ljms.org HCalifornia Guitar Trio at Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad. Bert Lams, Hideyo Moriya and Paul Richards present an evening of music that crisscrosses the universes of rock, jazz, world, surf, and classical music. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. $15-$20. 760438-5996, museumofmakingmusic.org

Homage to Tchaikovsky at Sherwood Auditorium, 700 Prospect St, La Jolla. The La Jolla Music Society performs a tribute to the famous Russian composer that features selections from Rachmaninoff, Arensky, Shostakovich and, of course, Tchaikovsky. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. $45-$65. 858-454-3541, ljms.org HNathan Pacheco at Embarcadero Marina Park South, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. An audience favorite at last year’s Summer Pops, Pacheco was first discovered by Yanni and straddles two divergent worlds of pop and opera. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. $22-$79. 619-2350804, sandiegosymphony.org HSummer Jazz Concert in the Garden at San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. The timeless sounds of Glen Miller, Benny Goodman,

18 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and more, performed by the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame Orchestra. From 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. $10-$25. sdbgarden.org Billy Hawkins and His High Society Band at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3598 Talbot St., Point Loma. The local band will play in the Huntington Amphitheatre on the three-acre park property. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner and enjoy music under the stars. At 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 4. westminstersd.org HBridge to the Next 100 Years at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park.

San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams is joined by longtime president of the American Guild of Organists Frederick Swann, and student organist/rising star Thomas Mellan. At 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4. spreckelsorgan.org

San Diego Concert Band at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. The local ensemble will perform everything from classical to pops, Sousa to the Beatles as part of the Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts series. At 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. balboapark.org An Evening with Alison Balsom at St. James by-the-Sea, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. The English trumpet soloist performs a special Summerfest concert featuring selections from Bach, Jehan Alain, Falla, Kern and more. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. $50-$75. 858-459-3421, ljms.org

PERFORMANCE HCircustantial Evidence: A Circus Noir Murder Mystery at Glashaus, 1815-

B Main St., Barrio Logan. Inspired by film noir, the production features aerial acts as well as ground acrobatics, contortion, juggling and balancing acts. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2. $20. 892-4280, circuscollectivesd.com Ladies Night: Fantasy at Queen Bee’s, 3925 Ohio St., North Park. Merging visual and performing genres, this night of male burlesque will feature local and international dancers all in the style of nouveau burlesque. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. $40-$60. 619-255-5147 HCabaret at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Opera NEO presents an evening of light opera, musical theater and cabaret in the Library Concert Hall. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. $20-$30. opera neo.com

POETRY & SPOKEN WORD HPoetry Ruckus: Stacy Dyson at Ducky Waddle’s Emporium, 414 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas. Dyson, lead poet for Page to Stage: Women’s Words will be reading selections from her latest album (Love Me) San Diego Style and her upcoming project Follow Me On This. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. ruthlesshippies.org VAMP: Hair at Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, South Park. Live storytelling in a highly-produced multimedia reading series, VAMP (Visual / Audio Monologue Performance) writers share tales about hair, any kind, anywhere. At 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31. $5 suggested donation. 619887-2856, sosayweallonline.com HVermin on the Mount 10th Anniversary at 3rdSpace, 4610 Park Blvd., University Heights. Jim Ruland’s irreverent reading series will feature local readers Lizz Huerta, Justin Hudnall and more. Plus, Ruland will read from his debut novel Forest of Fortune that draws from his experience working at a local Indian casino. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. 619-255-3609, verminonthemount.com HNon-Standard Lit: A Reading Series at Gym Standard, 2903 El Cajon Blvd. #2, North Park. Eryn Green, author of Eruv and the recipient of the 2013 Yale Series of Younger Poets prize, and Hanna Andrews, the co-founder of the feminist press Switchback Books and the author of Slope Move read their work. From 5 to 7 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 3. gymstandard.com HSummertime and the Living is... at Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3015 Juniper St, South Park. Join storytellers like Patti Christensen, Mary Holma, Jim Dieckmann and more as they celebrate summer via traditional folktales, personal stories, and literary tales. From 7 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. storytellersofsandiego.org

POLITICS & COMMUNITY Catfish Club Luncheon at San Diego Hall of Champions, 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park. D.A. Bonnie Dumanis discusses her vision for the District Attorney’s office. From noon to 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1. $20 includes lunch. 619234-2544, catfishclub.net

SPECIAL EVENTS HSurf’s Up Shopping Event at Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park. A surf-inspired evening of refreshments and shopping. Check out the pop-up shop

by Aloha Sunday Supply Co., handmade jewelry by Maru Lopez and other local art-

“Rest Stop” by TV Tommy Vision is on view in Outside In, a show opening from 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Basic (410 10th Ave., Downtown). ists. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31. 619-239-0003, mingei.org

showings at 6:30 p.m. $14. 858-587-1121, 1to1movement.org/filmfest

Brews & BBQ Zipcar San Diego Anniversary at Zipcar, 1055 F St., East Village. Zipcar SD’s turning a year old and they’re celebrating with free brews, Phil’s BBQ, Pubcakes and more. Demonstrations from The Home Brewer. Must RSVP. From 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 31. 619546-9654, zipcar.com

Bead Bazaar at Scottish Rite Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South, Mission Valley. This 15th annual event features vendors offering artistic and contemporary beads and handcrafted items. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. $5. 619293-4888, sdbeadsociety.org

Oz Con International/Winkie Con 50 at Third & Orange avenues, Coronado.

Coronado celebrates The Wizard of Oz with seven days of theater, dance, film, and concerts. See website for event schedule. Friday, Aug. 1, through Aug. 10. Free-$25. coronadoarts.com

HChula Vista Lemon Festival on Third Avenue from E to G streets, Lemon Grove. The 18th annual fest will have live music on two stages, a lemon pie eating contest, a largest lemon contest and more. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. thirdavenuevillage.com

HLatin American Festival and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market at Bazaar del Mundo, 4133 Taylor St., Old Town. The annual festival presents extensive collections of authentic Mexican folk art, clothing, textiles and jewelry, plus entertainment and Mexican cuisine. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1-2, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. 619-2963161, bazaardelmundo.com

Sea Chantey Fest at Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Hear sea chanteys and traditional folk music. The Star of India crew will demonstrate various shipboard skills traditionally accompanied by sea chanteys. From 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. $8-$16. sdmaritime.org

Bikes Del Pueblo Alleycat/Bicycle Scavenger Race and Raffle at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2�������������������� 004 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. Meet for the Alleycat race at 5 p.m. in front of the Centro and then party at Park Blvd Gallery (4325 Park Blvd.) with drinks, music, Hummingbird Huddle sandwiches and more. Party starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. $5 for race. See website for race details. bikesdelpue������������ blosd.blogspot.com HAmerica’s Finest Film Fest at Qualcomm Hall, 5775 Morehouse Drive, Sorrento Valley. View 20 short films that highlight San Diego. There will also be craft beers, cocktails and food vendors and a Maker’s Fair showing off handcrafted wares. Screenings at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, with a reception for both

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS National Security and Our Economy at Petco Park auditorium, Park Avenue & Imperial Street, Downtown. Don Czechowicz, project leader at General Atomics, discusses the company’s importance to national security and the local economy.

Price includes a ticket to the Padres game and $10 in Friars Funds. At 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. $25. NU.edu/SOBM-Events

For full listings,

please visit “E vents” at sdcit yb eat.com

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 19

Kinsee Morlan

The

philosopher

k i n g marches on Oceanside museum director left, then came back, and is ready to keep pursuing his big ideas by

Kinsee Morlan

A

small portrait of Daniel Foster sits on a windowsill in his office. The painting depicts the current executive director of the Oceanside Museum of Art during what he describes as his “bohemian hermit artist” years, with a 16-inch goatee jutting down from his chin. In the portrait, the very tip of Foster’s facial hair is on fire, but he doesn’t notice because he’s intensely focused on a floating egglike object in front of him.

“My interpretation is that the artist was showing how my head is often up in this ethereal, philosophical space,” Foster says. He’s a man who wears his theories on his sleeve and likes to hand out a doublesided sheet titled, “What is Art?: Philosophies and Values by Daniel Foster” along with a scholarly article about the realworld success of a group of nonprofits that abandoned their individual agendas in favor of a collective approach.

Foster says his head is so regularly up in the clouds, pondering possibilities and big ideas—notions that he ends up realizing more often than not—that he’s sometimes unable to smell the smoke or see the fire burning right under his nose. It helps make him the type of person who gets things done with little regard for the huge amount of effort a task might require.

The metaphor helps explain Foster’s June announcement that he’d be leaving the museum (OMA) after less than two years at the helm and his second announcement, two weeks later, that he was withdrawing his resignation. In this case, the fire that started burning Foster’s chin is his 3-yearold son. The divorced, 57-year-old father

20 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

found himself working seven days a week, and he says he suddenly realized he’d let his passion for his career get in the way of being a good dad. He found what he thought was a simple solution, a job that would require less time. So, he announced his resignation, but he immediately felt a deep regret.

“Life sometimes just is not simple and sweet and easy,” Foster says. “It’s hard, and that’s the way it is, and it doesn’t mean you jump. You just—you endure and you fight…. I realized I can’t walk away from this. I’ve got to figure this out.”

W

hen Foster joined OMA in 2012, he laid out an ambitious plan for the museum’s future, which included taking a more scholarly approach to programming by putting together a topnotch curatorial team. The team is charged with helping piece together a clearer picture of the region’s art history.

On a quick tour through one of the museum’s current exhibitions, Spitting in the Wind—midcentury works by Richard Allen Morris, John Baldessari, Bob Matheny and Russell Baldwin—Foster says he thinks the show is one of the most important the museum has ever done. That’s partly because it demonstrates the significant impact of Morris, Matheny and Baldwin— three artists who never got the credit they deserved for helping spearhead the contemporary and conceptual-art movements in San Diego, he says. Dave Hampton, the show’s curator, is now officially part of OMA’s curatorial team. Longtime San Diego art critic Robert L. Pincus is also on the team, as is well-known art critic and

professor Peter Frank and local artist and urbanist James Enos.

Foster says that in the last two years, OMA membership has risen 35 percent and revenues are up 55 percent. He attributes the institution’s success partly to his collaborative approach. One of the first things he did as executive director was to reach out to Oceanside’s community and business leaders by creating the Oceanside Cultural Consortium, a group that meets monthly to discuss a vision for the future of Oceanside, especially the city’s downtown redevelopment. One idea that emerged was a monthly firstFriday art walk (oceansideartwalk.org), which kicks off from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. So far, 18 venues, including the museum, are participating.

“This is an important time of development for Oceanside,” Foster says. “And why can’t an art museum act as a catalytic visionary agent for the future of a community? That’s at the top of my list of what impassions me is the power of art and artists and art institutions to create transformative changes in communities and individual lives.”

Foster’s also been reaching out to the broader North County arts community.

The new group of leaders has met twice so far and, apart from just getting to know each other, they’re talking about banding together to pursue funding opportunities.

They’re interested in a joint marketing effort to brand themselves as a burgeoning arts scene.

“Historically, it’s a group that’s never come together and talked to each other,”

Foster says. “But it’s happening.”

Part of Foster’s outreach includes his initiative to set up satellites galleries. He’s established one so far—a gallery inside a mixed-use project in Del Mar—and he’s looking into other prospects. The edgy and interesting “Exploring Engagement Artistin-Residence” series, an initiative funded by the James Irvine Foundation that asks the museum to engage audiences in new ways, is another of Foster’s pet projects to help OMA reach more people and further connect the North County community.

“I actually feel like I wear three hats in my day,” Foster explains. “It’s running a regional arts museum. It’s helping catalyze a transformation of downtown Oceanside into an arts hub. And it’s being a team member helping to convene our North County arts community for the first time.”

It’s wearing those all those hats that got Foster into trouble. But he says his resignation and withdrawal helped him learn to set firmer boundaries between life and work and ask for help.

“I’m notoriously a ‘yes’ person,” Foster admits. “So, maybe I’ve just got to be more judicious about what I say ‘yes’ to and give some soft ‘no’s or a ‘maybe three months from now’ kind-of-thing…. Mostly, I have to learn how to ask for help…. We know our vision is greater than we have capacity to achieve right now, so, actually, quite honestly, I am looking at our community and saying, ‘If you like what we’re doing, step up and get onboard and help us.’”

Write to kinseem@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 21

Kinsee Morlan

Seen Local Scott White goes private Longtime art dealer and gallerist Scott White has shuttered his La Jolla gallery and will move his operation to the former Jett Gallery location in Little Italy (989 W. Kalmia St.) and make the majority of his business private.

“I’ve been considering this for the last 15 years as our business model has changed significantly,” White says. “After 35 years of being an art dealer, we are so involved with representing significant private collections that buy and sell blue-chip work primarily that the gallery portion of having exhibit after exhibit every six to eight weeks really hinders our ability to cater to and maintain our clients’ collections.”

White will transform the Little Italy building into a private office, storage and gallery space mainly open by appointment only. A few times a year, White says, he and his team will put together public exhibitions, but the new space should definitely not be considered a public gallery.

“Frankly, here in San Diego, 90 percent of our business is outside of the city,” White adds. “It’s a very, very small market here.”

When we last talked to White in 2011, he was in the process of moving his gallery from Little Italy to La Jolla. He told CityBeat he wanted to be right in the middle of a bigger concentration of collectors and top-notch galleries like Quint Contemporary Art and R.B. Stevenson Gallery. He also said the move would be his last.

“This is my final space, I swear,” White said at the time. “This is my swan song. This is it, no more moves. After this, I retire.”

Kinsee morlan

Constance White (right) and airport staffer Jeffrey Lindeman

Constance White disembarks

Scott White unpacks his new Little Italy location.

Yet, even though White experienced recordbreaking sales at shows in his La Jolla space (the lauded David Adey residency and solo exhibition was one of a handful of shows that either sold out or came close), he says the lack of walk-in traffic and the small percentage of purchases by local collectors made it impossible for him to justify keeping the public gallery open.

“I think the gallery model is changing,” White says. “If you think about it, art galleries are really more of a service to the city and the public.”

The majority of art sales are done behind closed doors, White explains, and most of those purchases are made by international collectors who are already clients. White says that part of the changing gallery model is participating in more national and international art fairs, which he’ll be doing. He’s also reduced the number of artists he represents and is focusing on mostly higher-end works.

“Collectors go to New York, London or auctions to buy art,” White says. “I’m willing to bet we’ll see a closure of at least 20 galleries in the country due to Christie’s Auctions and the Internet.”

—Kinsee Morlan job and you all immensely.”

With White at the helm, SDIA has given local and international artists interesting opportunities. Sheryl Oring’s residency at the airport culminated in a public performance inviting passersby to share their travel stories via vintage typewriters. Jim Campbell’s 700-foot-long LED-light installation works to counter travel anxiety by lighting the form of birds gracefully flying overhead. Norie Sato’s recently completed “Reflection Room” installation is a peaceful, artful sanctuary for those wanting to escape the hustle-bustle. Miki Iwasaki’s two sculptural installations are sophisticated examples of some of the best work being created in San Diego. And that’s just a small sampling—the recently completed expansion of the airport’s Terminal 2 saw the addition of more than 10 pieces of public art, which White oversaw.

“She’s irreplaceable in regard to her ability to navigate so many different levels and strata of art politics,” Iwasaki said of White’s impact. “The administration, artists’ personalities—the whole thing—I haven’t seen anybody navigate the process as well as she has.”

White says she’s confident that the caliber of public art at the airport will be maintained.

“I just wrote an interim plan for eight projects,” she said. “We have another $5 million worth of projects, so it certainly can continue in the same vein.”

Constance White, art program manager for the San Diego International Airport (SDIA) has helped transform the busy local terminals into unexpected places for really cool art.

Since taking the position in 2006, White’s been responsible for the airport’s temporary and rotating exhibits, an ongoing performance-art series and both large- and small-scale public-art installations.

On Aug. 8, she’ll leave the airport. At the start of September, she’ll assume her new role as vice president for public art at the Arts & Science Council, where she’ll lead public-art programs for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mecklenburg County.

—Kinsee Morlan “It’s just a life-changing opportunity,” White said, talking about the new gig at a small goodbye-gather- Write to kinseem@sdcitybeat.com ing with coworkers at the airport. “I’ve enjoyed the and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

22 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 23

Band of outsiders Marvel’s space misfits take center stage

by Glenn Heath Jr. The most interesting superheroes are rough around the edges. They have the potential to be monsters, imperfect beasts constantly warring with their own impulses and urges. In essence, they aren’t that special or honorable until the situation demands it.

Multiple angry parties eventually converge on the Many of the recent comic-book adaptations that orb’s location, introducing Peter to a gaggle of reluchave infected America’s silver screens aren’t interested tant compatriots. There’s green-hued assassin Gamoin such complicated protagonists. Pandering silliness ra (Zoe Saldana), whose childhood was stripped nearly always wins the day. When things do get dark away by the evil warlord Thanos (sure to make a (like Christopher Nolan’s seriously serious Batman tril- more substantial appearance in the sequel). Rocket ogy), the dramatic volume gets raised to deafening lev- (Bradley Cooper), a surly and trigger-happy raccoon els. Isn’t there some happy medium in between? who walks upright thanks to a scientific experiment James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy dares to gone wrong, makes an immediate impression. His orsay yes. Based on the 2008 Marvel comic series that ganic partner Groot (Vin Diesel), a massive tree trunk was inspired by the original 1969 edition, the film that can extend branches like tentacles, illuminates is humorous and nasty, smart and savage, a proper dark spaces by producing fireflies. Finally, hulking counterpoint to the rash of paint-by-numbers block- Drax the Destroyer joins Peter’s band of outsiders busters that evaporate under the weight of their own for revenge against the film’s arch-villain, Ronan (Lee marketing campaign. Death and deformation (both Pace), a fundamentalist nut-job with black blood physical and emotional) ripple through every glori- streaming from the eyes who’s decimating the interously detailed frame, informing the script’s strong galactic frontier one township at a time. thematic center.

That’s a lot of plot detail, but That’s evident the first time understanding the heroes’ backwe see Peter Quill, a young boy stories helps define Guardians Guardians of who watches his mother beof the Galaxy as a film obsessed the Galaxy ing eaten alive by cancer. As the with the way guilt contorts idenDirected by James Gunn stricken woman takes her last tity. “I didn’t ask to be made,” Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, breath, she reaches for his hand. screams Rocket during a tense Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel The scared young lad flinches negotiation scene. In a way, all Rated PG-13 with fear and tears out of the of the characters in Gunn’s film hospital. Mortality represents a have been ripped apart. Finding breach in the universe that chileach other during this wacky dren can never understand. Seconds later, he gets space opera affords them the opportunity to express beamed up by an errant spaceship, forever whisked the pent-up rage that complicates their roles as profrom Earth to a world of science fiction and menace tectors of the innocent. far, far away.

Strange variations of camaraderie have fascinated Flash forward a few decades and Peter (now Gunn before; both Super and Slither offer vile explayed by Chris Pratt) has developed into a brash, plorations of violence as a product of warped comarrogant “ravager” on the hunt for a mysterious orb munity. But what makes Guardians of the Galaxy so that seems to be the most popular target for every moving is its ability to meld rage with tenderness psycho within a three-galaxy radius. Gunn properly and heartache in a mainstream, entertaining packinforms the audience of the film’s sense of humor age chock-full of aerial battles, sword fights and epic when his hero jams out to Blue Suede’s “Hooked on a explosions, not to mention a killer soundtrack that Feeling” while rummaging through a rubble-strewn functions as a mirror into a forlorn past. Hanging out site. He even uses a space lizard as a microphone in space hasn’t been this fun since Galaxy Quest. while lip-syncing the lyrics. Pratt’s blend of Midwest charm and endearing sleaziness are perfect prereq- Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com. uisites for Gunn’s absurdist styling.

Yuletide doodle

Happy Christmas

24 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

Joe Swanberg made his mark on the independent-film scene, crafting super-low-budget melodramas about young people experimenting with sex and moral ineptitude. In 2013, Drinking Buddies catapulted him into the mainstream; this deceptively bleak film breezily riffed on romantic-comedy tropes while

occasionally flirting with darker territory. It was also the first time Swanberg worked with legitimate movie stars like Olivia Wilde and Anna Kendrick.

Happy Christmas—which opens Friday, Aug. 1, and screens through Aug. 7 at the Ken Cinema—finds the filmmaker once again dabbling in millennial malaise. This time Kendrick plays Jenny, a recently heartbroken

20-something who moves in with her brother Jeff (Swanberg) and his wife Kelly (Melanie Lynskey), who are in the midst of raising a rambunctious toddler. Their Chicago home has a tiki-themed basement that’s perfect for a young woman already indulging in a midlife crisis.

As Jenny proves herself a hot mess time and again, inspiring the occasional irresponsible behavior in Jeff, Kelly’s torn between her own career impulses and duties as a mother. Outbursts of anxiety and doubt become a common occurrence in the film, which quickly establishes itself as a cyclical and sometimes masochistic examination of laziness.

From a performance perspective, much of the problems lie with Kendrick, who doubles down on her snotty grimacing schtick previously honed in the charming Pitch Perfect. If too much time is dedicated to the cloying Jenny, Lynskey’s Kelly feels underdeveloped and shortchanged.

Swanberg the auteur seems to be on autopilot; his handheld camera lazily hangs around the actors, casually dropping in on conversations that go absolutely nowhere.

The seasonal setting makes very little sense in relation to the overall narrative. Then again, Happy Christmas never feels like a fully formed film to begin with; it’s nothing more than a yuletide doodle.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

Opening Borgman: In this enigmatic, magicalrealist horror film, a mysterious vagrant starts tormenting an upper-class family for his own sadistic urges and needs.

Screens through Aug. 6 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Get on Up: The James Brown biopic we’ve all been waiting for from the director of The Help.

Guardians of the Galaxy: American pilot Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his rowdy alien crew become objects of a manhunt after stealing a valuable orb that belongs to a diabolical space villain. See our review on Page 24.

Happy Christmas: When heartbroken Jenny (Anna Kendrick) moves in with her brother (Joe Swanberg), his novelist wife (Melanie Lynskey) and their 2-yearold baby, things get weird fast. Screens through Aug. 7 at the Ken Cinema. See our review on Page 24.

Lucky Them: Toni Collette plays a rock journalist assigned to track down her musician ex-husband. Screens through Aug. 7 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Magic in the Moonlight: Woody Allen’s latest cinematic confection follows an English debunker (Colin Firth) brought in to unmask a possible swindle involving a wacky astrologist (Emma Stone).

Oceanside International Film Festival: It’s cinema time by the surf. More than 70 films will be screened during this eightday festival running from Sunday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 10. For more information visit ocaf.info/oceanside-inter national-film-festival/.

One Time Only

Ex (Many Kisses Later): Apparently, this romantic comedy from Italian maestro Fausto Brizzi lives up to its title. There are plenty of smooches. Screens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park.

Back to the Future: Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) goes back in time to save his family’s future. Screens at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Arclight La Jolla.

In a Lonely Place: Humphrey Bogart stars as a screenwriter who’s accused of murder and charms his neighbor into giving him an alibi. By master director Nicholas Ray. Screens at 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 31 and Aug. 1, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

Pulp Fiction: Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead. Screens at midnight on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Ken Cinema.

1to1 Movement’s America’s Finest Film Festival: Along with showcasing 20 new short films, the one-day event will also have beer tastings. Screens at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Irwin Jacobs Center in Sorrento Mesa. See Page 15 for details.

Sixteen Candles: John Hughes’ classic 1980s film follows Molly Ringwald around as she gets continuously humiliated on her 16th birthday. Screens at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2 and 3, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

Feminist Stories from Women’s Liberation: Documentary about the famous feminist group that fought for women’s rights in the 1970s. Screens at 4 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Women’s Museum in Point Loma’s Liberty Station.

Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja: Miami’s 1970s pot-smuggling scene gets a rowdy and loving portrait by

filmmaker Billy Corben. Screens at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at the San Diego Public Library in East Village.

10 Years: A group of high-school friends gets together the night before their 10year reunion, only to realize that not much has changed. It stars Channing Tatum and Rosario Dawson. Screens at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Point Loma / Hervey Branch Library.

Impossible Light: Watch renowned artist Leo Villareal and his team install 25,000 LED lights on San Francisco’s Bay Bridge for an abstract-art sculpture. Screens at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park.

Jaws: Chomp chomp. Screens at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 6, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

Un Difetto di Famiglia (A Family Flaw): Small-town Italian life turns batty in this rambunctious farce about a series of misadventures involving a runaway coffin.

Screens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Ultrastar Mission Valley Cinemas.

Now Playing A Most Wanted Man: Director Anton Corbijn (The American) adapts John le Carré’s famous novel about a web of spies operating in the shadowy confines of Hamburg, Germany.

And So it Goes: Michael Douglas plays a grumpy real-estate agent whose life is suddenly uprooted when he’s forced to care for his estranged granddaughter. It co-stars Diane Keaton.

Code Black: Director Ryan McGarry’s documentary takes viewers inside a notorious trauma bay in an inner-city emer-

gency room that’s known as the “hurt locker of medicine.”

The Empty Hours: When a teenager takes over his uncle’s small and cozy hotel on the coast of Vera Cruz, he meets a seductive older woman who changes his life forever. Screens through July 31 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Hercules: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson dons the sword, sandals and skimpy underwear to play the half-god at odds with his immortal brethren.

I Origins: A molecular biologist (Michael Pitt) makes a discovery that could change the world, all while romancing his lab assistant. It’s directed by Mike Cahill (Another Earth) and co-stars Brit Marling and Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead).

Land Ho!: Two old friends take a road trip through Iceland, hoping to find a new lease on life, in Aaron Katz and Martha Stephens’ quirky dramedy.

Lucy: Thanks to a drug-smuggling operation gone bad, Scarlet Johansson miraculously begins to use 100 percent of her brain and seeks revenge against the bad guys who put her on the spot.

Mood Indigo: The sprightly world of Michel Gondry produces yet another fanciful and visually textured romance about a wealthy bachelor (Romain Duras) who tries to find a cure for his lover’s (Audrey Tautou) unusual disease. Ends July 31 at the Ken Cinema.

For a complete listing of movies, please see “F ilm S creenings” at sdcit yb eat.com under the “E vents” tab.

The Graduate: Mrs. Robinson, still seducing after all these years. Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

ryan

Well, That was awkward

Bradford A ‘real’ Mormon’s reaction to The Book of Mormon They were wearing white shirts and black ties. I recThe effect of “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” ognized them immediately: Mormon missionaries. stuck with me long after the play was over. MemoI put a hand to my face, breathed against it and ries I’d shined over broke through that candy coatsmelled the remnants of a cocktail from lunch. ing and emerged uncanny—recognizable, hilarious, Paranoia seeped in; it was familiar. My past is ridsad and shameful. dled with hiding sins while in the company of the My family stopped going to church when I was righteous. about 12 years old. For my mom, who was raised in But something was off: These weren’t the acnethe church, it was as dramatic as a fall from faith riddled kids who stand on your doorstep, killing could be, fraught with heartbreaking repercussions you with kindness—not those child-soldiers of a from family and the community. holy army, their auras so bright and untarnished But for me, it meant a newfound freedom to that even God is, like, “Damn.” sleep over at friends’ houses on Saturday night and These missionaries stood in line for concesgo skiing on Sundays, and that was about all I resions. It was intermission during the matinée permembered until “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” formance of the musical The Book of Mormon at the triggered a wave of memories, bullet-pointed like San Diego Civic Theatre. the holes in my angel wings.

At the front of the line, they ordered beer.

• The first time I saw the word “cunt” was A week prior, Kinsee Morlan, CityBeat’s arts ediduring a Mormon church service. Out of all my tor, had seen the musical and said something along memories, this is the most vivid. I was reading a the lines of, “It would be interesting to see it with a Stephen King book (Cujo, I believe) during the real Mormon.” sermon. I knew that, in terms of A real Mormon. It shined in swear words, that one was a biggie. bright contrast against these fakI slammed the book quickly, afraid It felt like ers in their costumes, guzzling beer that my mom or dad would look over, I was secretly and behaving un-Latter Day Saintly. but kept the tip of my finger on the mainlining sin. page, marking the spot. It felt like I These men were playing tourists in was secretly mainlining sin. the religion that I’ve spent my life • Former Utah Jazz player trying to distance myself from yet Mark Eaton was in our ward, and everyone was still feel obligated to defend against so many jarvery proud of that. Even during the sermon, the ring misconceptions. bishop would give accolades to Eaton’s perforA real Mormon. The term seared in the part of mance—an insinuation of Jesus’ interest in sports, my brain that hasn’t been contaminated by vices, as well as His patience with mediocrity (Eaton the section that will persevere no matter how much wasn’t very good). Eaton also lived in my neighnudity, booze and horror I cram in there, because, borhood, and, one day, my brother and I knocked for all intents and purposes, I once was that real, on his door to ask for money so we could buy canhonest-to-gosh, baptized Mormon. Even typing dy. He gave us some. I’d like to think that he did it that feels overdramatic and Pinocchio-esque, as if, out of the Christian goodness in his heart rather instead of Jiminy Cricket on my shoulder to guide than the jarring sight of a middle-class 6-year-old me toward my realized agency, it’s a tiny Jesus panhandling.

Christ and—holy shit look at those initials!

• After the sermon, children under 12 were It’s always been apparent that The Book of Morsent to Primary, where we learned songs and mormon’s cowriter Trey Parker knows his shit when it al lessons. One time, our Primary teacher asked comes to Mormonism. There have been countless the class something along the lines of, “Where do references strewn throughout South Park, not to you want to serve your mission?” This being the mention an entire episode devoted to the religion’s early ’90s, during a barrage of media exposure to founder, Joseph Smith. Orgazmo, Parker’s second the civil war in Somalia—a situation I didn’t unfeature film, centered on a missionary-turned-porn derstand—I said, “Somalia.” The teacher erupted star / superhero. He’s done his homework. in laughter and then caught herself. For years afYet, The Book of Mormon is broad. Funny, yes, terward, I considered this my ultimate punch line, but one doesn’t have to know anything about Moroften whispering it to myself as a reminder of my monism further than pop-culture stereotypes to joke prowess. Somalia. enjoy the jokes.

• I remember feeling repulsed at the feeling In fact, the only part that resonated was a song of water flooding into my pants during my baptism. called “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream”—a dream When my dad dunked me, I got water up my nose sequence in which the main character gets sent and choked on my salvation. I peed a little, too. to Hell, represented by dancing skeletons and garI can’t imagine how many Mormons have been ish, Meat Loaf-style rock theatrics. It’s the perfect baptized in my urine, but that, strangely, brings me distillation of the religion’s ability to coat grave ismore peace than religion ever could. sues and deep-seated fear with a shiny veneer and amusement-park whimsy. Certainly, burning in Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com Hell is not preferable to Heaven, but, hey, at least it and editor@sdcitybeat.com. could be as fun as an Oingo Boingo concert.

26 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

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Infectious breakout Courtney Barnett pairs catchy melodies with peculiar anecdotes • by AnnaMaria Stephens

ourtney Barnett shuffles onto stage as if she hopes nobody will notice until she’s already playing. Not a chance; at Seattle’s Neptune Theatre, where Barnett is opening for Sharon Van Etten, the venue is already packed, and the crowd rouses and cheers when the Australian singer-guitarist appears with her band. This is no ordinary act.

Seattle’s taste-making public-radio station, KEXP, has devoted a lot of airtime to the 26-year-old Barnett, especially her breakout single “Avant Gardener.” The catchy rambler, about a severe allergic reaction Barnett suffered in the garden, had music critics falling over themselves, as well. Pitchfork even named it a “Best New Track” of 2013.

“I think it’s hilarious,” Barnett says of the song’s popularity. “It seems to me that ‘Avant Gardener’ is the most un-radio song.”

Barnett, speaking over Skype from Melbourne, where she’s returned for a break before the next leg of her first lengthy U.S. tour, adds that she wasn’t sure anyone would even give her a shot when she first started writing music. So, in 2012, she launched her own label, Milk! Records, and released two consecutive EPs. “I didn’t think finding a label was a possibility,” she says. “Plus I like to be involved in that part of the process. It’s fun to be in charge of that stuff and do whatever I want to do.”

Barnett’s first EP, I’ve Got a Friend Called Emily Ferris, put her name out there, but the follow-up, How to Carve a Carrot into a Rose—which includes “Avant Gardener” and the infectious “History Eraser”—landed her international acclaim. She’s since re-released both as The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas on U.S. label Mom + Pop. “Back in Australia, the local community stations were really supportive,” Barnett says. “They’re the equivalent of your college stations—volunteer broadcasters and stuff. They got behind us a lot.”

Another early advocate proved particu- snippets of conversation. Her ambling galarly crucial. Barnett received a coveted rage rock has hints of folk and country janartist’s grant from the Australian govern- gle and a serious penchant for psychedelic ment to help cover the costs of recording. harmonies and feedback.

“It makes such a huge difference,” she In fact, when I tell Barnett that her Sesays. “I feel so lucky that we can do that. I attle show reminded me of my ’90s shoemean, it’s not like there’s gaze days, she sounded tons of money just lying genuinely pleased. “Sick!” around to record songs she exclaims. Perhaps with. Every dollar counts. she’s just relieved not to be I remember the first time I compared to Bob Dylan, as Aug. 7 went to America and it came happens so frequently. up in conversation. They “The Dylan compariThe Casbah were amazed that such a sons can be frustrating,” courtneybarnett.com.au thing exists—and jealous!” she says. “I love Dylan, Barnett writes songs obviously, but it feels like a that feel like road trips, with scenery that lazy comparison when people do it. They passes by swiftly but is transfixing even basically see anyone with a guitar, and, you when it’s mundane. She’s a master of dead- know, songs: Oh, it’s the electronic Bob Dypan delivery, with clever lyrics that range lan! Oh, it’s the goth Bob Dylan!” from dreamlike to stolen-and-reassembled Barnett, who first picked up a guitar

CourtnEy BaRNetT

Leslie Kirchhoff

when she was 10, says she grew up listening to whatever her older brother did: Guns N’ Roses, Silverchair, Nirvana. Kurt Cobain is another comparison she gets a lot—Rolling Stone suggested that Barnett was the creative offspring of the late singer and the Moldy Peaches’ Kimya Dawson. Barnett, who’s slight and tomboyish, with shaggy hair and a tour uniform of a striped tee, jeans and Chelsea boots, shares a certain je ne sais quoi with Cobain. She has a knack for pop music but more of a punk attitude.

She can bend a turn of phrase around a melody like nobody’s business.

“Sometimes they’re just observational,” she explains of her lyrics, “not really a story, just more of what I see around me. It doesn’t always have a narrative.

“Everyone has influences, and they creep in a bit,” she adds. “Nobody is 100percent original. You just have to take those little pieces and make your own thing.”

Barnett’s wrapping up her first fulllength album and has been testing a few new songs on the road.

“It’s in a similar vein to our other songs, but musically might be a bit stronger,” she says. “We’ve been touring together for a year as a band, and we’re a lot tighter now.

The last album probably had 25 musicians on it, friends who dropped by to help out.

This one was recorded with a solid four.”

She’s also overcome her early stage fright.

“I used to be a nervous wreck, but after this tour, I’ve become more comfortable,” she says. “I finally feel natural up there.”

Barnett’s touring band—which includes bass player Bones Sloane and drummer Dave Mudie—may be only three strong, but they bring a big sound. Everyone at the Neptune stood rapt and nodding as Barnett wailed, shaking her lowered head and cracking an occasional impenetrable smile.

When the band finished, at least a third of the room cleared out. At that moment, it felt like nobody could follow an act like that.

Write to editor@sdcitybeat.com.

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 27

notes from the smoking patio Tristan Loper

From left: Philip Kufek, Matthew Franco, Lindsay Matheson and Dagart Allison

Locals Only Indie-rock quartet Flaggs have announced plans to release their first full-length album this fall. After taking a break last year when original bassist Leslie Schulze left the group to pursue a career in air-traffic control, the group has expanded to a quartet and been working on wrapping up the debut.

The nine-song album is titled God Hates Flaggs, and guitarist / vocalist Lindsay Matheson says that it’s tentatively set to be released in September or October.

“We want to make sure it comes out in the best way possible, so we’re taking our time with it,” she tells CityBeat.

Last year, Flaggs released a self-titled, four-song EP, showcasing their penchant for catchy melodies and fun, surf-inspired hooks. But they’re a considerably different band now; bass player Philip Kufek and guitarist / keyboardist Dagart Allison have joined Matheson and drummer Matthew Charles Franco. They’re a bigger and more fleshed-out group, and Matheson says

Tag It and Bag It If you search for albums tagged “San Diego” on Bandcamp, you’ll find some interesting stuff.

In this semi-regular column, we sift through recent postings and report on our findings.

By All Means…, United Front: In addition

28 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

listeners can expect something a bit different than their first release.

“The EP felt more like a demo,” she says.

“We did the whole thing in two days. This is going to show how much hard work we put into it. It’s a lot more polished and shows how much growth there has been in the band.”

So, about that name—the provocative but amusing God Hates Flaggs was born from riffing on puns and coming up with memorable T-shirt slogans, Matheson says.

But it also doubles as a humorous sneer against homophobia and intolerance, turning a hateful attack into a cheeky rhyme.

Take that, Westboro Baptist Church.

“The origin of the name God Hates Flaggs is definitely meant to be taken as a statement against the OG proclamation, in terms of a defiant ‘Fuck you,’” Matheson says in a follow-up email.

Flaggs will play at Soda Bar on Monday, Aug. 25, and at the Adams Avenue Street Fair on Sept. 27.

—Jeff Terich to being tagged with “San Diego,” this release is also tagged with “death,” “industrial” and “hip-hop,” and that might be a little misleading. Well, not the “death” part—this is dark, noisy and basically terrifying power electronics that pretty much seeks to alienate. There’s definitely something intrigu-

ing about it, but it feels a bit nihilistic for my tastes. Approach with caution.

A.D.S.R. (Attack Decay Sustain Release), Throwback Zack: Yeah, now this is some funky shit! Throwback Zack specializes in Roger and Zapp-style g-funk, heavy on vocoder and ’80s-era analog synth sounds.

Add in some Prince-style drum machines and a little bit of sexy robot atmosphere and you’ve got the makings of an instant house party. I could jam to this all day.

Cloud-Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown, Michael Zaneski: This is an interesting release, and an eclectic one, jumping around from Steve Reich-inspired mini-

malist sounds to Brian Eno-like ambience, some pop instrumentals and the occasional flourish of jazz fusion. It gets dangerously close to new age at times but never grows overly cheesy. Intriguing stuff.

Plagve, Dizma: I was initially expecting this record to be some raw hardcore or metal, perhaps because of the skull, ominous typeface and pentagram on the cover.

But it’s actually some aggressive, lo-fi hiphop with intensity to spare. It’s also pretty bleak; one of the tracks on the album is called “Seriously… Fuck Dreams,” so don’t expect any inspirational verse here. That said, it bumps.

Fink Plamingos, Fink Plamingos: The cute spoonerism in Fink Plamingos’ name is entirely appropriate for their style of homespun bossa nova. The duo plays jazzy pop that incorporates Brazilian rhythms and some lovely vocal harmonies. They’ve clearly spent a lot of time with Getz / Gilberto, but that’s not at all a bad thing. They know their way around a good melody, and the two tracks here show a lot of promise.

—Jeff Terich Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 29

if i were u

BY Jeff Terich

Wednesday, July 30 PLAN A: Idlehands, Icarus the Owl, Throne @ Soda Bar. We’ve entered a new age of earnestness in music, it seems, and local quartet Idlehands are a prime example of what happens when you pair melodic indie-rock arrangements with, you know, feelings. OK, now I’m having a moment.

Thursday, July 31

shebang, you pretty much can’t lose. BACKUP PLAN: Blu, MED @ The Casbah.

Friday, Aug. 1 PLAN A: “San Diego Freakout” w/ SISU, Wild Wild Wets, Wax Children, DJ Mario Orduno @ The Hideout. Whenever the San Diego Freakout goes down, it almost always gets a Plan A, simply because that’s where you’re likely to find a pretty badass lineup of (mostly local) bands. This installment is headlined by the trippy SISU, helmed by Dum Dum Girls’ Sandra Vu. But you should absolutely get there early enough to see the Wets and Los Angeles psych-rockers Wax Children. PLAN B: Egyptian Lover, XL Middleton and Monique, Brian Ellis’ Reflection @ Til-Two Club. Electro / hiphop legend Egyptian Lover rose to prominence in the ’80s, thanks to Kraftwerk-ian jams like “Egypt Egypt” and weirder, sexually charged anthems like “Freak-a-holic.”

But he’s been going strong for more than 30 years, and he’ll absolutely bring some electro-funk to El Cajon Boulevard. BACKUP PLAN: Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects, Gletscher, Octagrape, Die Mißbildungen Die Menschen @ The Casbah.

PLAN A: The Hold Steady, Cheap Girls @ Belly Up Tavern. I’ve seen The Hold Steady a couple of times, and each show has been an ideal of what a live rock ’n’ roll event should be. Their songs are catchy, they rock hard and the good times never stop. If only every group of dudes with guitars slung from their shoulders could pull it off with such ease. PLAN B: Stalins of Sound, Way to Go Genius, Talk Sick Brats, Poontang Clam @ Tower Bar. Sometimes I’m tempted to recommend a show on the basis of the bands’ names alone—like, for instance, Way to Go Genius Saturday, Aug. 2 and Poontang Clam. They just happen to PLAN A: The Budos Band, Schitzophonics, both be super-fun punk bands, though, and DJ Claire @ The Casbah. The Budos Band with Stalins of Sound headlining the whole make some of the sweetest, most righteous

30 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

contemporary funk around, and after four years, they’re finally releasing a new album called Burnt Offering. It’s about time! So make sure your ass is good and ready to move at this one. PLAN B: Xeno & Oaklander, Flaamingos, Permanence @ The Hideout.

Brooklyn duo Xeno & Oaklander (not their real names) are one of a few contemporary groups that keep the coldwave flame alive and burning. Their synth-driven melodies are minimal, but memorable. And though their arrangements are sparse, they’re quite stunning in a sad-robot kind of way. BACKUP PLAN: The English Beat, Aloha Radio @ Belly Up Tavern.

Sunday, Aug. 3 PLAN A: David Kilgour and the Heavy Eights, The Shifting Sands @ Soda Bar. In the 1980s, David Kilgour fronted New Zealand indiepop band The Clean, who became underground favorites on the strength of singles like “Tally Ho!” With his current band, The Heavy Eights, he continues to crank out gorgeously accessible jangle-pop tunes that prove that classic melodies are alive and well. PLAN B: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Steve Winwood @ Viejas Arena. When it comes to earnest rock ’n’ roll, I’ll take Springsteen over Tom Petty. But that

doesn’t mean the dude doesn’t have some serious tunes. “American Girl,” “Runnin’ Down a Dream”—the list goes on. BACKUP PLAN: Shannon and the Clams, Colleen Green, Ruby Pins @ The Casbah.

Monday, Aug. 4 PLAN A: Bonnie Montgomery, Erika Davies @ Soda Bar. Monday’s a good night to take a break from pummeling your ears with noisy, snotty punk bands. So, instead, check out Bonnie Montgomery, an Arkansas singer / songwriter who sometimes sounds a bit like Patsy Cline fronting a twangier Crazy Horse. That’s more or less a perfect formula for country rock, if you ask me.

Tuesday, Aug. 5 PLAN A: Arcade Fire, Spoon, Dan Deacon @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

Arcade Fire were destined for bigger things pretty much since the beginning. Way Tom Petty back in 2004, they sold out The Casbah in a ridiculously short amount of time and filled up Spreckels Theatre just a few years later. Now they’re headlining one of the biggest arenas in the county, so I think it’s safe to call them rock stars. They’ve earned it.

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HOT! NEW! FRESH! Jacuzzi Boys (Casbah, 8/25), Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra (North Park Theatre, 8/27), The Baseball Project (Soda Bar, 9/4), Fat Tony (Soda Bar, 9/25), Unwritten Law (Porter’s Pub, 9/26), Gortuary (Brick by Brick, 9/27), Said the Whale (Soda Bar, 10/2), Brother Ali (Porter’s Pub, 10/5), Beach Fossils (Irenic, 10/7), PUP (Casbah, 10/20), Big Freedia (Casbah, 10/25), Phish (Sleep Train Amphitheatre, 10/25), Children of Bodom (HOB, 11/2), Carla Morrison (North Park Theatre, 11/2), Iceage (Casbah, 11/3), Jerrod Niemann (HOB, 11/20), Horse Feathers (Casbah, 12/6), Frankie Ballard (HOB, 12/11), Brian Setzer Orchestra (BUT, 12/16), Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (BUT, 12/30).

GET YER TICKETS The Fresh and Onlys (Casbah, 8/18), The Zombies (HOB, 8/20), Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden (Sleep Train Amphitheatre, 8/21), Built To Spill (The Irenic, 8/23), The Murder City Devils (The Irenic, 8/25), Buzzcocks (HOB, 9/18), Andrew Bird (Humphreys, 9/19), Lykke Li (North Park Theatre, 9/22), Temples (BUT, 9/27), The Gaslight Anthem, Against Me! (HOB, 9/30), DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist (HOB, 10/1), Pinback (HOB, 10/4), Chromeo (SOMA, 10/8), Twin Shadow (BUT, 10/9), The Horrors (BUT, 10/13), Washed Out (North Park Theatre, 10/16), Perfume Genius (Soda Bar, 10/17), The New Pornographers (BUT, 10/18), Metronomy (BUT, 10/19), Charli XCX (HOB, 10/21), Tinariwen

32 · San Diego CityBeat · July 30, 2014

(BUT, 10/21), Daryl Hall and John Oates (Open Air Theatre, 10/25), New Politics (HOB, 10/30), Rhye (North Park Theatre, 11/6), The Black Keys (Viejas Arena, 11/9), Death From Above 1979 (HOB, 11/12), Blonde Redhead (HOB, 11/15), The Misfits (HOB, 11/16), Psychedelic Furs, The Lemonheads (BUT, 11/17).

July Wednesday, July 30 John Hiatt at Belly Up Tavern. Kidz Bop Kids at House of Blues.

Thursday, July 31 The Hold Steady at Belly Up Tavern. Blu at The Casbah.

August Friday, Aug. 1 Devin the Dude at Porter’s Pub. Neon Trees at Del Mar Racetrack. Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects at The Casbah.

The Coathangers at Soda Bar.

Saturday, Aug. 2 Miniature Tigers at Soda Bar. Xeno & Oaklander at The Hideout. Weezer at Del Mar Racetrack. The Budos Band at The Casbah.

Sunday, Aug. 3 Prince Royce at House of Blues. Josh Abbott Band at Belly Up Tavern. Shannon and the Clams at The Casbah.

Tuesday, Aug. 5 Arcade Fire at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

Wednesday, Aug. 6 Arctic Monkeys at Open Air Theatre. ExCult at Til-Two Club.

Thursday, Aug. 7 Lynyrd Skynyrd at Humphreys.

Friday, Aug. 8 Steel Pulse at Del Mar Racetrack.

Saturday, Aug. 9 Counting Crows at Del Mar Racetrack.

The Good Life at The Casbah. Sara Bareilles at Open Air Theatre. Toad the Wet Sprocket at Belly Up Tavern.

Sunday, Aug. 10 Crocodiles at The Casbah. Rx Bandits at House of Blues. Those Darlins at Soda Bar.

Monday, Aug. 11 The Head and the Heart at North Park Theatre. Steve Gunn at Soda Bar.

Tuesday, Aug. 12 Imelda May at Belly Up Tavern.

Wednesday, Aug. 13 Foxygen at Belly Up Tavern.

Thursday, Aug. 14 Black Kids at The Casbah.

Friday, Aug. 15 The Helio Sequence at The Casbah.

Chrome at Tower Bar.

Saturday, Aug. 16 Sonics at The Irenic. The Angry Samoans at Brick by Brick.

Sunday, Aug. 17 Grouplove at Open Air Theatre. Hawthorne Heights at Open Air Theatre.

Rascal Flatts at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 Lila Downs at House of Blues. Quilt at The Casbah. The Fresh and Onlys at The Casbah.

Thursday, Aug. 20 The Naked and Famous at North Park Theatre. Sylvan Esso at The Casbah.

The Zombies at House of Blues.

Friday, Aug. 21 Mad Caddies at Soda Bar. Jason Mraz at Civic Theatre. Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

Saturday, Aug. 22 Lake Street Dive at North Park Theatre.

Benjamin Booker at Soda Bar. Future Islands at The Irenic.

Sunday, Aug. 23 John Legend at Open Air Theatre. Whitey Morgan and the 78s at Soda Bar. Jason Mraz at San Diego Civic Theatre.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 Keyshia Cole at House of Blues. The

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July 30, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 33

Murder City Devils at The Irenic. Jacuzzi Boys at The Casbah.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 Corrosion of Conformity at Brick by Brick.

Thursday, Aug. 27 BB King at Humphreys by the Bay. Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra at The North Park Theatre.

Friday, Aug. 28 Dropdead at Che Café. Nik Turner’s Hawkwind at The Casbah. Men Without Hats at Belly Up Tavern. ‘Awesome Fest’ at Soda Bar.

Saturday, Aug. 29 ‘Awesome Fest’ at Soda Bar. Marc Anthony at Sleep Train Amphitheatre. Steve Aoki at Del Mar Racetrack.

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach. 710bc.com. Wed: Open mic, open jam. Thu: Live band karaoke. Fri: The Oneders, Black Pearl Reggae, Township Rebellion. Sat: The Wiley Ones, 3 by Design, The One and Onlys. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Battle of the bands. Tue: EDM Night.

Wed: ‘Let’s Get Indie’ w/ DJs Prettyhowtown, Dough Deka Heidren, Memo. Thu: DJs ALA, Mikeytown. Fri: DJ Junior the Disco Punk. Mike Czech. Sun: ‘Undercurrent’.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave, Downtown. americancomedyco. com. Wed: TJ Miller, Cash Levy. Thu: Rex Navarrete. Thu-Sun: Rex Navarette. Tue: Open mic.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St, Downtown. facebook.com/BangBangSanDiego.

Wed: Tommy Lee, DJ Aero. Fri: Hobo, Lee K. Sat: Zen Freeman.

Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla. brocktonvilla.com/beaumonts.html.

Wed: Kayla Hope. Thu: Pedal the Cause Fundraiser. Thu: Adam Block Duo. Fri: John Stanley King. Sat: Imperial Sails.

Sun: Sando.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach. bellyup.com. Wed: John Hiatt and The Combo. Thu: The Hold Steady, Cheap Girls. Fri: The English Beat, The Routine. Sat: The English Beat, Aloha Radio. Sun: Josh Abbott Band, Nancarrow. Tue: Third World, Stranger, DJ Carlos Culture.

Bluefoot Bar & Lounge, 3404 30th St, North Park. bluefootsd.com. Wed: ‘Wax Wednesday’ w/ Donger. Thu: ‘Thursday Groove’ w/ DJ Peso.

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave, Carlsbad. boarcrossn.net. Thu: Sprung Monkey.

98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd. Ste. 110, Little Italy. 98bottlessd.com. Thu: Dream of Life: A Tribute to Carmen McRae. Thu: Karin Carson. Fri: Fred Benedetti and George Svoboda. Sat: Trio De Janeiro.

Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave, Hillcrest. thebrassrailsd.com. Thu: ‘Muscle’. Fri: ‘Deeply Rooted’. Sat: ‘Sabado en Fuego’ w/ DJs XP, KA. Sat: ‘WINOS’. Mon: DJs Junior the Disco Punk, XP.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St, Normal Heights. airconditionedbar.com.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave, Bay Park. brickbybrick.com. Thu: Fuel, Royal

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Bliss, The Cavalry, Born to Rise. Sat: Sonic Clouds.

Cafe Sevilla, 353 Fifth Ave, Downtown. cafesevilla.com. Wed: Aro Di Santi. Thu: Malamana. Fri: Joeff and Co. Sat-Sun: Oscar Aragon.

Comedy Palace, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Clairemont. thecomedypalace.com.

Thu: Greg Santos. Fri-Sat: Feraz Ozel.

Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St, La Jolla. lajolla.thecomedystore.com. Thu: SuperDestroyed. Fri-Sat: Vargus Mason.

Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave., #100, Bankers Hill. crocesparkwest.com.

Wed: Terrence Partridge. Thu: Gilbert Castellanos and the Park West Ensemble.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. dizzyssandiego.com. Fri: Andy Waddell.

Elbow Room, 5225 Kearny Villa Road, Kearny Mesa. elbowroomsd.com. Thu: The Rhumboogies. Fri: Nemesis. Sat: Little Kings.

Epicentre, 8450 Mira Mesa Blvd, Mira Mesa. epicentreconcerts.org. Fri: Chin Chin Optometrist, Butt Candy, Fight My Tractor, Sean Headsick. Sat: Flying Minus Machines, Charlotte Hill, The Tramps, Indie Anne. Sun: Mike Stud.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave, Downtown. fluxxsd.com. Thu: Paris Blohm. Fri: A$AP Ferg. Sat: ‘Bionic’ w/ DJ Karma. Mon: Pusha T. Gallagher’s, 5040 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach. 619-222-5303. Wed: Space Shag, Play Fight. Thu: Jam Kwest, TRC Soundsystem.

Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave, Downtown. hardrockhotelsd.com. Fri: ‘Flash

Friday’ w/ Earwaxx, Kayden Kastle. Sat: ‘Sleeping Giant Music 10-year anniversary party’. Sun: ‘Intervention’ w/ Tritonal.

Henry’s Pub, 618 Fifth Ave, Downtown. henryspub.com. Wed: Johnny Tarr, DJ Christopher London. Thu: Mark Fisher, DJ Yodah. Fri: ‘Good Times’. Sat: DJs E, Yodah. Mon: ‘Kinetic Soul’. Tue: Big City Dawgs.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave, Downtown. houseofblues.com/sandiego. Wed: Kidz Bop Kids. Thu: Jerry ‘Hot Rod’ Demink. Fri: New Year’s Day. Sun: Prince Royce, Sofia Reyes.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd, Midtown. kavalounge.com. Thu: Ursula Rucker, Wendal Patrick. Fri: ‘Dancing Moon Goddess’. Sat: ‘Ascension’. Tue: Dark Time Sunshine.

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave, Kensington. 619-284-2848. Thu: Sugar Stems, Terman Shanks, Bat Lords, Bad Tats, Telling Lies. Fri: ‘Therapy’.

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave, Hillcrest. martinisabovefourth.com.

Thu: Dana Goldberg.

Patricks Gaslamp, 428 F St, Downtown. patricksii.com. Wed: Trey Tosh. Thu: Myron and the Kyniptionz.

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave, North Park. sevengrandbars.com/sd. Wed: Gilbert Castellanos Jazz Jam. Thu: Comedy night.

Shakedown Bar, 3048 Midway Drive, Point Loma. theshakedownsd.com. Wed: Aim for the Engine, Decompression, Surly Bonds, Digital Lizards of Doom. Sat: Markland.

Side Bar, 536 Market St, Downtown. sidebarsd.com. Wed: The Roster. Thu: ‘Divino Thursday’.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. sodabarmusic.com. Wed: Idlehands, Icarus the Owl, Throne. Thu: Joyce, Sleeping Ghost, The Swift Beats.

Fri: The Coathangers, White Fang, The Natives. Sat: Miniature Tigers, The Griswolds, Finish Ticket. Sun: David Kilgour and the Heavy Eights, The Shifting Sands.

Mon: Bonnie Montgomery, Erika Davies.

Tue: Weatherbox, Dikembe, Nicely.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd, Midway. somasandiego.com. Fri: Lobster Party, Charlotte Hill, Outlook, The Makos, Hit Me Harold. Sat: I See Stars, The Acacia Strain, Like Moths to Flames, Slaves, Mutrix, Betraying the Martyrs, Palisades.

Porter’s Pub, 9500 Gilman Dr., UCSD campus, La Jolla. porterspub.net. Fri: Devin the Dude. Sat: Koncept and J57.

Stage Bar & Grill, 762 Fifth Ave, Downtown. stagesaloon.com. Wed: Royal Blues Machine, Terry Rice. Thu: Superbad. Fri: Disco Pimps, Timothy H. Sat: Hott Mess, DJ Miss Dust.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave, Hillcrest. richssandiego.com. Wed: DJ Marcel.

Thu: DJ Moody Rudy. Fri: ‘Dirty Pop’.

Sat: ‘Voltage’. Sun: DJ Kid Madonny.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., San Diego, Normal Heights. sycamoreden.com. Thu: Recycled Dolphin, Mike Hayden, Andrew Farwell.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave, La Mesa. rivierasupperclub.com.

Thu: Bob Wade. Fri: Homesick Hitchers.

Sat: Baja Bugs.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Rd, Spring Valley. 619-469-2337. Thu: Rip Carson.

Sat: Cedar Fire, Zombie Barbie. Sun: Sakrificer, Infernal Damnation, Imbal-

anced, Idols Plague.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd, Midtown. casbahmusic.com. Wed: The Books, Stripes and Lines, Troubador Parade. Thu: Blu, Med. Fri: Mr. Tube. Sat: The Budos Band, Schitzophonics, DJ Claire. Sun: Shannon and the Clams, Colleen Green, Ruby Pins. Mon: Midnight Clergy, Sound Lupus, The Slashes, Scruffles.

The Che Cafe, UCSD campus, La Jolla. thechecafe.blogspot.com. Wed: Cryptic Languages, Number 1 Lincoln, Burnt, Doomzo Minions. Thu: TOM GRRRL, Girl Pool, Heathers, Little Bear, Plastic City Pariah, DxZx. Tue: Cult Leader, Oathbreaker, Colombian Necktie, Snaggletooth, Bread Club.

The Hideout, 3519 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. thehideoutsd.com. Fri: ‘San Diego Freakout’ w/ SISU, Wild Wild Wets, Wax Children, DJ Mario Orduno. Sat: Xeno and Oaklander, Flaamingos, Permanence.

Mon: Mother, Lures, Buddy Banter.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave, Hillcrest. theMerrow.com. Thu: Glyphics.

Sat: Ana Sia, Mikey Lion, Dink.

The Office, 3936 30th St, North Park. officebarinc.com. Wed: ‘Dub Dynamite’ w/ DJs Rashi, Eddie Turbo. Thu: DJ Myson King. Fri: DJs Beatnick, Kaos. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Kanye Asada.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. tiltwoclub.com. Wed: Pine Hill Haints. Thu: The Night Owl Massacre, Blackjackits, Squarecrow, Misadventure, Castoff. Fri: Egyptian Lover, XL Middleton and Monique, Brian Ellis. Sat: Gortuary, Memory, Shattered Eyes, Squirrely Arts, Mortus Terror. Sun: Open mic comedy.

Mon: Karaoke.

Tin Can Ale House, 1863 Fifth Ave, Bankers Hill. thetincan1.wordpress.com.

Wed: Trent Hancock, Jefferson Washington, Blaze Eisner. Thu: Wicked Tongues, Dead Broke Down, Boxcar Chief. Fri: The Flowerthief, Schitzophonics, St. Cloud Sleepers. Sat: Grizzly Business, Idyll Wild, Requiem for the Rockets. Mon: ‘Tin Can Country Club’ w/ Gary Hankins.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St, Bay Park. tioleos.com. Thu: Chet and the Committee.

Fri: Karaoke. Sat: Cheapest Trick, Fat Sabbath. Tue: Michele Lundeen.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave, City Heights. thetowerbar.com. Thu: Stalins of Sound, Way to Go Genius, Talk Sick Brats, Poontang Clam. Fri: ‘Hip Hop vs. Punk’.

Sat: Buried at Birth, Diatribe, Idols Plague, California Bleeding. Sun: M.O.T.O. Turquoise, 873 Turquoise St, Pacific Beach. theturquoise.com/wordpress. Wed: Tomcat Courtney (7 p.m.). Thu: Talia (4 p.m.); The Jade Visions Jazz Trio (7 p.m.). Fri: Gabriela Aparicio (4 p.m.); Tomcat Courtney (7 p.m.); Afro Jazziacs (9 p.m.). Sat: Vera Cruz Blues (4 p.m.); Tomcat Courtney (7 p.m.); Vera Cruz Blues (9 p.m.). Sun: Sounds Like Four (4 p.m.); Bviolin Mystic Groove (7:30 p.m.).

Mon: David Hermsen (4 p.m.); Stefanie Schmitz (7 p.m.). Tue: Stefanie Schmitz (4 p.m.); Grupo Global (7 p.m.).

Ux31, 3112 University Ave, North Park. u31bar.com. Wed: The Dark Side, Prayers, PRGRM, Mystery Cave. Thu: Sharooz, Mike Delgado, Jimbo James.

West Coast Tavern, 2895 University Ave, North Park. westcoatstavern.com. Wed: DJ Fish Fonics. Thu: DJ Wil Hernandez.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, South Park. whistlestopbar.com. Wed: ‘Kiss and Make Up’ w/ DJ Jon Blaj. Thu: VAMP: Hair.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St, Ocean Beach. winstonsob.com. Wed: Open mic. Thu: Toothless George, DPI, Casket Life, Nic Bone and the Big Scene. Fri: Electric Waste Band. Sat: Noise Makerz, Sandollar, TRC SoundSystem, DJ Green T. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band.

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